Ronon POV

The tavern at Tarus was filled to capacity, leaving Hector, the burly publican behind the bar struggling to keep up with demand. It seemed that most of the men – and the odd woman – on both Atlantis and Tarus had turned out to celebrate my last night as a single man.

I had not ordered a drink all evening, yet I was feeling no pain. The constant line-up of jugs on the table in front of me was testament to the generosity of those around me.

"Check it out," Erik leaned across the table and inclined his head towards the corner of the room.

I turned to see Sheppard and Lorne playing pool against Marcus and his brother. I had only met Dane Lancaster a handful of times. Although he looked a lot like his younger brother, he was a farmer with no military interest which left little reason for our paths to cross.

"Ooh," Erik winced as Sheppard sank a ball to win game. "That's got to hurt… Marcus and Dane are current Tarus champions."

"Not anymore," I watched the men shake hands with each other. Sheppard tried to downplay his win, but I could tell he was pretty pleased with the result. Having played a game with Erik earlier in the night, I struggled to understand their excitement. What was the challenge in knocking balls around a table?

"The table's free," Erik said. "How about another game? You're damn good for someone who's never played before."

I emptied my tankard and placed it back on the table. "You just want another chance to beat me," I grinned.

He returned my smile. "I admit to seeing the appeal."

Sheppard appeared beside me and I was saved from replying as he pulled out a seat and sat down. "Did you guys see that?" He grinned. "Lorne and I were on fire! Best game of pool I've had in ages."

"I saw," I leaned my elbow on the table. "Next time I get attacked by a table, you'll be the first person I call for help."

"Funny," he replied as he filled a tankard. "Anyway, after some of the things I've come across in this galaxy, getting attacked by a pool table seems kind'a normal."

The three of us turned as a sudden cheer went up from the corner of the room. Beckett was grinning and shaking his head as the man beside him held up his arms in a victory stance.

"Looks like your doctor just lost his second game of darts for the evening," Erik said.

Sheppard laughed. "I'd be the first to have the guy operate on me, but after tonight I think I'll pass on him as a darts partner." He looked around the room. "Either of you guys seen McKay?"

I pointed over Erik's shoulder to where McKay was in deep conversation with Alcide. Both were nursing full tankards and seemed more interested in conversing with each other than anything going on around them. "Like attracts like," I said.

All three of us laughed, although without malice. In truth I was pleased McKay had come. This wasn't his scene so it meant a lot to me that he had shown up.

We polished off another jug and Sheppard went to the bar for a replacement. When he didn't return, I looked up to discover he had been waylaid – by Sara's very attractive cousin, Anya. Or was it Rio? I always had trouble telling the fair-haired twins apart.

"What's keeping John?" Erik looked over his shoulder and saw him talking to his cousin. "Ahh…" he said. "Anya."

"He doesn't mean any harm," I said, worried he might not appreciate my friend talking to his cousin.

"It's not her I'm worried about," he gave me a wry smile. "Anya knows her way around men better than your guy knows his way around Atlantis."

I raised my eyebrows. "What are you saying?"

Erik shook his head. "Only that he's wasting his time. Choosey does not begin to describe Anya and Rio."

I laughed. "Better that way than…you know."

"Hell yes," he agreed. "Imagine the problems if the men here actually thought they had a chance with either of them. I have enough trouble getting them to work as a team without throwing women into the mix." He shook his head and took another mouthful of ale. "Well," he sighed, "With your buddy MIA it looks like we'll have to make our own fun…"

"Yeah?" I eyed him across the table.

He pushed the empty tankards and bottles in front of him aside and rested his right elbow on the table with his hand pointing upward. "Fancy a real challenge?" he wiggled his fingers at me in invitation.

I grinned. "Arm wrestling?"

He arched his eyebrow. "It's about the only thing I can think of that you and I haven't tried to take one another down at yet."

With a sweep of my arm, I cleared my own side of the table. "Let's do it then," I placed my elbow beside his own and took his hand.

He grinned at me and took up the strain and I adjusted myself in my chair to get comfortable. I had a feeling this was not going to be over in a hurry. We pushed back and forth for a bit to feel each other out. One moment I would have control, and the next Erik would take it back.

It didn't take long for others in the room to notice what we were doing and a small crowd began to gather around us.

"I've got the next round riding on you, buddy," Sheppard dropped his hand on my shoulder.

Beckett and McKay joined him a moment later. "No pressure, but pull this off, big guy and you'll cover what I lost at darts this evening," Beckett said.

I took my eyes off Erik for a moment and looked at McKay.

"Oh," he gave me an uncomfortable look. "I've uh… got two jelly cups. On General Thorn."

Erik laughed. "Looks like someone knows a safe bet when he sees one."

"We'll see about that," I told him, more determined now than ever to beat him.

The intensity began to build and I grit my teeth as I slowly forced Erik's hand backwards. He hung on but was not able to recover and slowly I pushed his hand down until his knuckles touched the table.

"Ha!" I released his hand and balled my fist in triumph. A cheer went up around us and Erik rubbed his bicep as a number of good-natured jibes were sent his way. Satisfied, I leaned back in my chair and folded my arms across my chest.

Erik turned in his seat and searched the crowd. "Marcus, get your arse over here…" he called. "See if you can't salvage some of my pride," he stood up and offered him his empty chair.

I caught Marcus's eye. This was the first time Erik had ever encouraged the two of us to interact – and on a competitive level too. I looked at him objectively. Sure, he was big from all of the hours he spent at the guy, but I was confident I could take him. The crowd shouted their approval as he sat down across from me.

"What are the stakes?" I asked.

There was silence for a moment and then to my surprise, Marcus smiled and pointed to Erik and I. "If I win, the two of you start weight training. I'll set you up with a programme and help you work through it." He shook his head, "You'll get a much better workout than you do poking at each other with those sticks of yours."

I raised my eyebrows. "Uh huh," I agreed. "And whenI win, I show you first-hand what those sticks can do. You practice until you can go a round with either one of us."

He laughed and nodded his head. "Fine. I accept."

Erik clapped him on the back and then as it dawned on him it was no longer in his best interests for him to win, he slipped over to my side of the table. "Sorry, brother, but pride goes out the window when it comes to me weight training."

I listened as Sheppard went double or nothing on me for the win, while Beckett – now flush from my earlier success – backed me again too. It appeared the odds were fairly even as McKay joined us.

"Place your bet. I'll win your deserts back," I told him.

He lifted his chin a little. "I happen to be very partial to jelly cups…" he looked to Sheppard and Beckett who both gave signs of agreement. "Therefore, I have gone for the safer option, and placed the fate of my future ones in favour of your opponent." He had the grace to look slightly embarrassed. "Just so you know, it was not a personal decision."

I stared at him in disbelief.

"Oh, come on," he argued. "I know you're all Conan the Barbarian, but lookat the size of the guy!" He thrust his hand towards Marcus. "Even his muscles have muscles."

I shook my head in exasperation. "Your loss," I said as I placed my elbow on the table and looked to Marcus.

He took my hand and Sheppard gave the signal to begin. Unlike Erik, my new opponent went hard right away and for a short time it was all I could do to hold my own. Maybe there was more to his physique than just looks, I was forced to admit as I struggled to hold off his power play. His initial burst of strength was thankfully short lived, and gradually he eased back so that we were on equal footing again.

I saw my opportunity and grit my teeth as I made my move, putting all of my strength into forcing his hand backwards. It budged a fraction, but then held firm. I renewed my efforts, only to be forced back again.

"Hang in there," Erik encouraged. "You've got him."

Marcus met my eyes over the table and I felt him push again. I responded in kind so that we wavered back and forth for a good few minutes. Gradually, inch by inch, he forced my hand backwards. Every muscle in my arm strained to right itself but I was forced to watch as my arm was pushed backwards and my knuckles touched against the table top.

Marcus immediately released me and held up his arm in victory, much to the delight of his supporters.

I shook my head in grudging admiration. The man was strong. I took his hand again as he offered it and gave it a brisk shake.

"Looks like I'll be seeing the two of you in the weight room then," he smiled

I groaned and Erik buried his face in his hand. "I think I need another drink."

The others around us quickly took up our idea and we kicked back as Dane and Lorne paired up for the next match. The tavern got steadily more rowdy as further patrons rolled up their sleeves to join in. Much later in the evening the majority of people began to retire and I found myself sitting quietly with Sheppard, Lorne, Erik and Marcus.

"It's been a good night," Erik said as he leaned back in his chair with his hands clasped behind his head. "Nice to get together without the distraction of the fairer sex for a change."

I gave Sheppard a pointed as I recalled him talking to Anya. "True for some of us."

"Hey," he held up his hands. "She approached me. What was I supposed to do? Turn her away?"

The rest of us laughed. "Didn't see much turning away from where I was sitting," I told him.

He brushed my words off with a shrug. "Nah, she's not for me. Too close to home… Too much potential for things to get messy."

"Well, hell," Lorne laughed. "Next time how about you introduce her to me!"

"She'll be at the wedding tomorrow, for all the good it will do you," Erik replied. He shook his head and turned to Marcus. "While we're on the subject of women, there's something I'm curious about…"

Marcus gave him a wary look. "What might that be?"

"The night you spent on Danisine in the jumper… Was it really necessary? I mean, was the gate that over-run it was impossible to get to, or did you play it up a bit so you could spend the night with the girl?"

Marcus shook his head but a smile was already pulling at the corners of his mouth. "I know what you're thinking," he said, "But actually it was too risky to approach the gate. The desert was our only option open for escape, and it wasn't until I put the jumper down that I realized we were going to be there for the night."

"The hardship," Erik lamented.

"It's a cold place to spend the night," Sheppard joined the conversation. "Must have been uncomfortable for you without a jacket… given the jumpers only have one blanket on board and all."

"Ha!" Erik grinned. "Don't play innocent with us, Lancaster."

Marcus took the jest in his stride. "I'd be lying if I didn't admit to seeing the advantages in the situation," he conceded, "But you all know what she's been through… There's nothing to tell; well, nothing any of you would find interesting."

The four of us exchanged glances. Erik and I had seen first-hand the growing trust Marissa had in him. Something had gone down between the two of them that night, something that Marcus was being very secretive about. "So who got the blanket?" I asked.

"I gave it to her. She needed it more than I did." He smiled a little under the intense scrutiny we were all giving him. "Okay," he sighed, "I'll tell you what happened… But just for the record, it was bloody cold, alright?"

I smiled, as did the others at the table.

Marcus shook his head as if he couldn't quite believe what he was about to share. "Even with the blanket wrapped around her she was still freezing – and so was I," he went on. "The only option was for us to get close enough to share body heat."

"You sly dog," Erik grinned. "How did you pull that off? No, wait. Let me guess… you let her hold your gun?"

Everyone burst into laughter. "Your firearm," Erik clarified.

Marcus smiled. "Close, actually. I gave her my hunting knife."

Everyone continued to laugh. "Wow. Spending the night at knife point, just to get close to a woman… Who would have thought?"

Marcus shook his head. "I knew you lot wouldn't understand. And before you ask anything more, that's all I'm telling."

Erik settled back in his seat. "We're only having you on," he smiled. "She seems like a nice girl and she deserves a break. You both do."

Marcus shrugged. "I guess we'll see how it goes."

The subject shifted, and before long Hector began to clean up around us in preparation for closing.

"Okay," Sheppard stood up and clapped his hands on my shoulders. "I think it's time we got you back to Atlantis. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow."

"I'm going to call it a night too," Erik said as he stood up along with Lorne and Marcus.

"I promised Teyla I'd stop by Thornby and pick her up," Sheppard told me. "You wanna come?"

I shook my head, although I was sorely tempted. "I'll wait for you outside. Sara and I agreed not to see each other until the ceremony." I pushed open the door and the five of us filed out into the night.

Sara POV (a few hours earlier)

Kadria opened another bottle of wine and turned the music up on the stereo. She, Isobel, Teyla, Marissa and I were all sitting in the living room, relaxing and enjoying ourselves without the presence of the men.

"Okay," she announced when everyone – bar Isobel – had a full glass. "I thought I'd get our nails out of the way tonight," she pulled out a large white box and flipped open the lid to reveal rows of brightly coloured varnishes. "Who wants to go first?"

As the bride to be, everyone looked at me, so I picked out a pale pearl colour and sat back while Kadria buffed my nails in preparation. This was just one of the many things she had done for me lately, and tomorrow she was going to do my hair and make-up along with Isobel's, Natara's and her own. I realized how much I owed her. Without her dedication, there was no way the wedding could have gone ahead as planned.

In record time she lacquered my nails and applied a top coat, and after giving me strict instructions not to touch anything until it was dry, she moved on to Marissa who was sitting quietly in a chair to my right.

"You next," she said as she opened the case of polishes for her to see. "What color are you wearing tomorrow?"

Marissa shifted in her seat and lowered her eyes. "I don't know," she said. "I haven't really given it much thought."

My heart sank as I realized my oversight. The clothes I had loaned Marissa were all casual wear. Not an item among them was suitable for evening attire. "I'm so sorry," I reached out to her. "I've been so busy. I didn't even think…"

"Not to worry," Kadria stood up. "I'm sure I've got something I can loan her. Let me race home for a moment to take a look."

"If it would make things easier, the rest of us can do our own nails while you are gone," Teyla suggested. "I think we can all agree it is more important Marissa has a dress for tomorrow."

"Thank you," Kadria jumped at the idea. "Everyone, just help yourself then. Marissa, I'll be right back."

"You don't have to…" Marissa tried to protest, but Kadria was already out the door and on her way.

I looked at Marissa. Her confidence seemed to have taken a hit in the presence of the other women. "Don't worry," I told her. "Kadria loves this kind of thing. I swear she has every dress she has ever worn in her wardrobe. She'll find something to suit you."

Marissa nodded shyly and for the first time I realized her figure was completely obscured by the baggy long-sleeved top and sweat pants she wore. I found myself hoping Kadria would not return with anything too revealing for her.

Across the room Isobel prepared to paint Teyla's nails bright red, so I suggested to Marissa I do hers in a neutral shade. "That way they'll go with whatever colour you end up wearing," I told her as I sat down beside her and unscrewed the bottle lid. "Okay, give me your hands."

She extended her hands towards me slowly, and as she did so her sleeves rode up to reveal her wrists and the delicate silver bracelet that hung from the one on the right. We both stared at it at once, and then she reached out and carefully pushed it back under her sleeve out of sight.

I took her hand. "That's a very pretty bracelet," I said as I began to paint.

She nodded. "Thank you."

I tried to hide my smile as I concentrated on applying a base coat. Although she was not forthcoming about it, I had no doubt the bracelet was from Marcus because I recognized it as one of those I had seen him looking at. I was pleased to learn that he had gone ahead and bought it for her – and even more pleased to see that she was wearing it, however much she tried to keep it secret.

I finished applying the top coat to her nails just as Kadria returned, out of breath with her arms full.

"Phew," she exhaled. "I'm sure it never used to be that far between our houses when we were younger."

I laughed and got up to relieve her of the dresses she carried. "Here," I passed her back her wine glass. "This will make you feel better."

She took a couple of large mouthfuls and smiled. "Much better," she agreed as she turned to the pile of clothes now draped over the back of the settee. "Now, let's take a look at what we've got…"

I sat down on the arm of the chair between Isobel and Teyla as she held the dresses up one at a time for all of us to inspect. The first was a red sheath dress, cut to just above the knee. The fabric sparkled in the light and looked like it would cling to every inch of the wearer's body.

"No," Isobel and I shook our heads in unison.

Teyla looked at the dress longingly. "At last have her try it on…"

Everyone turned to Marissa to see what she thought. "Okay," she agreed.

Kadria put the dress to one side and held up one in dark blue with a high neck line and handkerchief hem. Everyone, including Marissa shook their heads, so it was quickly discarded. Next up was a dark purple dress that draped off one shoulder. It was shaped to fit the figure and had a long side split that would reveal the wearers leg as she walked.

"I like that one," I said immediately.

"I do too," Teyla agreed.

Isobel and Kadria both nodded and turned expectantly to Marissa.

"It looks pretty," she agreed as she emptied her glass and put it aside. Her reservations seemed to be subsiding a little and she looked to the next dress with and enthusiasm similar to the rest of us.

Kadria held up a glittery little number in hot pink. It had a plunging neckline and a hem that barely reached mid-thigh.

"God, no," Isobel waved it aside with her hand. "If she wears that out in public the men will be all over her."

"I have a feeling that may be the case regardless of what she wears," Teyla smiled. She turned to Marissa. "If it would please you, I could see that either John or Rodney escort you for the evening?"

Marissa blushed prettily as all eyes in the room turned to her. "Um, thank you but that won't be necessary….Somebody else has already offered to take me."

Kadria's eyes opened wide with interest. "Have they now?" she teased. "Does this person have a name by any chance?"

"Marcus," she all but whispered.

Kadria nodded. "He's a smart man, getting in first like that…" She grinned mischievously as she picked up the two gowns we had decided upon. "…because by the time we're done with you, he's going to be the envy of every available man in the room." She beckoned for Marissa to follow her into the hallway and Teyla and I took the opportunity to refill our glasses while we waited for them to return.

A short time later Kadria reappeared with a huge smile on her face and my mouth fell open as I caught sight of Marissa behind her. She wore the deep purple dress, the colour of which complemented her olive skin and brought out the violet in her eyes. One shoulder was completely bare, emphasizing her collar bone and delicate frame, and although it was clearly a little large for her in places, there was no question it was the right dress for her.

As if reading my mind, Kadria turned and pinched the dress in at the waist a little to emphasise Marissa's figure. "It's a bit loose…and it needs to be taken up a couple of inches," she said. "But I think we have a winner."

"I am convinced," Teyla said, waving her hand to dismiss the red dress she had chosen earlier.

Isobel stood up. "Let me pin it while you have it on, then I can see to the alterations." She deftly pinched and tucked the fabric to the fit she wanted and then instructed Marissa to take it off.

The rest of us opened another bottle of wine and waited for her to reappear, and when she did she was smiling and happy as she pushed her long hair back from her face.

"I don't want to pressure you," Kadria told her, "But I'd really love to cut your hair… It would look even better taken back to just above your hip."

Kadria had not seen Marissa as I had on Danisine. Her long hair had been her shield, a thick drape that covered her exposed body from leering eyes. I doubted very much that she would be willing to part with any of it.

"Your hair is indeed very beautiful," Teyla sensed Marissa's reluctance and came to her rescue. "I would not blame you if you decide not to part with an inch of it."

"It's okay," Marissa replied. "I'll let Kadria trim it… but just a little."

Kadria practically leapt out of her chair with excitement and pulled a comb and scissors from her back as she guided Kadria over to the fire hearth.

"There's a stool in the kitchen," Isobel advised through a mouthful of pins.

Teyla left to retrieve the stool and Kadria dampened the hair down with water from her spray bottle and began to comb it through. The ends came to the tops of Marissa's thigh, so even with just a 'trim' to her hips she was still about to lose about 20cm off the length.

"So, you're actually seeing Marcus then?" Kadria asked by way of conversation.

"Not really," Marissa shook her head. "We're… just friends."

"That's a first," Kadria snorted. "I don't think Marcus has ever been just friends with a woman in his life. Especially not one that looks like you."

I laughed. "Not so long ago, I would have agreed with you. But this time's different."

"That's how it happens," Isobel stuck a pin in the arm of the chair beside her and began to thread a needle. "Look at the reputation Erik had before we met. When it comes to women, he makes Marcus look like a monk."

I laughed. "I still can't believe he went celibate for a year to win your father over."

Isobel smiled and lowered her eyes. "Actually," she said, "He lasted nine months… We were so in love with each other that I really couldn't wait for the year to be up. So, I snuck out to meet him one night while my father was off-world."

My jaw fell open. "You're kidding! Your father would have disowned you – not to mention what he would have done to Erik if he found out."

"He didn't find out," Isobel replied. "And until now, neither of us has told a soul." She smiled, "What can I say? I wanted to be sure we were compatible in all ways before I committed to spending the rest of my life to him."

Kadria nodded her approval from the hearth. "No point in being stuck with a man who's a dud in bed."

"Oh. Believe me, Erik is no dud," Isobel replied. "He's—

I stuck my hands over my ears and began to hum loudly. "Don't want to know. Don't want to know."

Everyone laughed. "Well, it's okay for you lot. It's not your brother she's talking about," I smiled. The wine was starting to take effect and I felt extremely mellow and a little light-headed.

"You proved my point, Isobel," Kadria said. "There's no harm in finding out what it is you're getting into."

I laughed. My friend had slept with Alcide the very first time they went out together. It was so out of character for her that I knew she must have really fallen for him. "Even if it happens to be on the first night?" I teased.

"Hey," she laughed. "That's a secret! And anyway, I'll have you all know that intellectual men are severely underestimated." She gave a dreamy sigh, "Let's just say they excel in everything they do."

Teyla raised her eyebrows. "If that is true, then I don't think I shall ever look at Rodney in the same way again."

The room erupted in laughter. Teyla was such a nice person. It was a shame she had not met anyone special in the time I had known her. "What about how you look at John?" the wine prompted me to ask.

She smiled. "John and I are friends, and shall remain that way. There is however someone else… one of my people who I have begun to spend time with."

"Really?" It seemed all kinds of secrets were coming out tonight.

"It is early days," she went on. "But I believe it could become serious for the both of us."

"Have you tried him yet?" Kadria called from across the room.

Everyone laughed. "I have not," Teyla smiled. "But all going well, I hope I may sometime soon."

I looked to Marissa who had been silent throughout. She was watching each of us closely, her expression confused and uncomfortable. "Don't take any notice of us," I told her. "We've all just had too much to drink."

"I've never heard a group of women talk like this before," she ventured.

I smiled. "Believe me, we don't do this kind of thing often. Sometimes it's just nice to be able to share things. We see things so much differently than men do."

"You can say that again," Kadria agreed as she ran her fingers through Marissa's hair and stood back to survey her work. "So, what do you think?"

Marissa shook her head and then glanced down. "It's… short."

"It still falls to your hip," Kadria assured her as she passed her a hand-mirror.

As Marissa positioned the hand-mirror, I realized Kadria had been right about taking off a bit of the length. Marissa's hair now hung in waves and appeared even thicker than before.

"I like it," Marissa said. "Thank you."

"Excellent," Kadria grinned. "I think we need another bottle of wine to celebrate."

She uncorked a bottle and then passed it around. "So Sara, it seems we've all shared details about our first times with you… What happened between you and Ronon then?"

"I knew you weren't going to let me pass," I grinned. "Actually, Ronon and I were different," I sobered. "We didn't exactly meet under normal circumstances."

"Which is what makes it so interesting," Isobel prompted.

"Our first time together…" I thought back to the night we spent on Sateda, when Ronon had discovered the fate of his home-world. "There was nothing romantic about it… it was more to do with comfort and need, reaching out to each other when neither of us had anything else."

Teyla sighed. "That sounds romantic to me."

I laughed. "Maybe. If you discount my total memory loss at the time."

There were a few smiles. "You knew who you were inside though," Isobel said quietly. "You slept with Ronon because you wanted to, because you were drawn to him. As he was to you."

I smiled at her perceptiveness. "Maybe," I agreed. "I had given the idea some thought before it actually happened. It was hard not to, given the way he looks and how closely we lived together."

"That's more like it," Kadria grinned and turned to Isobel. "She tried to pull the innocent routine with me too. It was only when I actually saw Ronon for myself that I knew she'd been holding out on me."

Isobel nodded. "I knew he was a contender for you the moment I met him. Erik saw it too, which is why he gave him such a hard time."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't remind me."

Isobel laughed. "When Ronon told him he was going to stay the night in your room after the banquet, I swear Erik didn't sleep a wink. Actually," she sobered, "I think he secretly wanted to find the right man for you himself, and he was put-out that you'd gone and done it without him."

"That does sound very Erik-like," I admitted. "Sometimes I really don't know how you put up with him."

"I love him," she replied simply. "As annoying as he can sometimes be, I can't imagine my life without him."

"Me neither," I sighed as I thought of Ronon.

"Nor me," Kadria added.

"I hope to one day be able to say the same thing about Kannan," Teyla said.

"Oh. So mystery man has a name then," I teased.

"He indeed does, although only in this room," Teyla replied. "We wish to keep our relationship secret until such a time as we are ready for people to know."

The room feel silent and Kadria laughed. "Look at us. We get one night away from the men and we spend half of it talking about them."

"I bet they are not talking about us," Isobel said as she snipped a final thread and shook the dress out. "They'll most likely be trying to out-do with each other with stories about hunting conquests or the like."

"Boring," Kadria rolled her eyes. "Marissa, go and try the dress on again."

"This is much more fun," I said. "I haven't had a night like this in ages."

"It's your last night as a single woman," Teyla reminded me.

"I'll drink to that," Kadria giggled.

"You'll drink to anything," I replied.

We waited for Marissa to re-appear and then assessed the alterations to her dress. It looked amazing on her, hugging her figure in a stylish way yet not appearing too suggestive.

"I remember when I had breasts like that," Isobel sighed as she looked at her. "Two children later and I can barely recognize them."

I laughed. "Well you're one up on me. I've never had breasts like that."

Self-conscious under our scrutiny, Marissa lowered her eyes and wrapped her arms around her torso.

"Don't hide yourself," Teyla told her. "You have a beautiful figure and you should be proud of it."

I nodded. "The men you will meet tomorrow are mostly harmless," I told her. "But if anyone makes you uncomfortable, then don't be afraid to speak up. I'll have Ronon deal to them for you."

She nodded, and quickly escaped to change back into her former clothes. When she returned, the conversation turned to children, and then to music, and only finished when Erik stepped into the room.

"Good evening, ladies," he grinned and strode over to where Isobel was sitting. "I hope I'm not interrupting?" Without waiting for a reply, he took Isobel's hand and pulled her to her feet in front of him. "I've come to persuade my very beautiful, very pregnant wife to come to bed with me…"

Isobel laughed. "Somebody's had too much to drink."

"Not nearly enough to stop me from making love to my wife," he murmured in her ear before turning to Teyla. "John's waiting outside to take you back to Atlantis."

Teyla nodded and stood up to leave

"Say good night to Ronon for me," I told her. "We agreed not to see each other again until tomorrow."

"I will do that," she said. "Although if he is in the same state as your brother, then I fear he may not remember."

"He's fine," Erik interrupted. "Feeling no pain, but still able to walk. Not that it helped him much at arm wrestling, mind."

"Are you saying he lost?" I asked in surprise. "Who to?"

"Your ex-boyfriend… Don't worry though, there doesn't seem to be any hard feelings between them. In fact, I'd venture to say they might have finally put their differences with each other aside."

"If I'd known all it would take was a boozy night at the tavern, I would have suggested they do it ages ago," I said.

He laughed. "I think it's more a matter of timing…" he glanced at Marissa. "Among other things."

Before I could think of a reply, he bent and picked Isobel up in his arms. "Good night," she called to everyone as he carried her from the room.

I glanced at Marissa and found her staring after them. The fingers on her left hand moved beneath the sleeve of her right and although I could not be certain, I imagined her stroking the bracelet she wore concealed there.

As Teyla and Kadria left for the night, I took a moment to sit down with her again.

"Did you have a good night?" I asked.

She smiled. "I did. It was…different. But fun."

I nodded. "I might be out of line here, but I feel like there's something I need to say…" I took a deep breath and prepared to voice something that had been on my mind for most of the evening. "I know Marcus rescued you from Danisine and that you've been spending a lot of time with him – and I think that's great. But I don't want you to feel pressured into doing anything you don't want to do. If you decide to take things further with him, make sure it's for the right reasons and not because you feel like you owe him for something."

She did not reply immediately, and for a moment I feared I had said too much. "I've been talking to a woman on Atlantis," she slowly ventured. "The one you recommended… And she told me the same thing."

"Oh," I sat back. "I didn't realize you had started counselling."

"Marcus knows a lot of what happened to me. Some of it I told him myself, other parts he guessed… He knows I don't want to rush into anything. But I do enjoy being around him. He makes me feel safe."

I nodded. "That's the way Ronon makes me feel too," I sighed. "Like he'd never let anything bad happen to me."

She was silent again. "Where I come from, the man I married would have been chosen by my father. I would not have had a say in the matter."

This did not come as a complete surprise to me. In fact, it tied together a lot of what I had learned about her. Her naivety, her inexperience… No wonder she was struggling to find her way. "We do things a little differently here," I smiled, "As you've probably guessed after tonight."

She nodded. "I think it I might like your way better… once I get used to it." She smiled and then covered her mouth to stifle a yawn. "It's late. I should let you get some sleep."

She was right. It was late, and I was definitely feeling the effects of the wine. "Do you want me to walk with you to the cottage?" I asked as she stood up.

"No. I've got a torch. Besides, I know how to take care of myself now, remember."

I grinned. "Okay then. I'll see you in the morning."

"Night," she called as she left the room.

I stood up and stretched, grateful Kadria had cleared away the empty bottles and glasses before she left. A quick check on Natara showed her to be sleeping soundly and a few minutes later I slipped beneath the covers of my own bed and fell asleep dreaming about the following day.

oOo

A/N: This chapter took a lot longer than I anticipated. I hope it was not too rambling. I'm not sure if I will finish the story in the next chapter or break it into two, so I'll see how things go. Thanks to Chesi66 for reviewing!