He had made a promise to himself when Vala came to an understanding about how much he loved her. He believed in their vows when Vala said she loved and cherished him, but especially the part about protecting one another. It was a vow that was sacred to him and but more sacred in honoring it. He remembered losing Shar'e and the being able to protect her. But Vala had saved him more times than he cared to count at the expense of almost losing her life. He never wanted to see Vala go through that hell again, ever.

Daniel sat outside the cabin, waiting for Mitchell and Teal'c to return. The sun was setting as he sat by the man made lake, looking out into the heavens thinking and worrying about Vala. His heart ached to hold and talk to her again. Before she was beamed away at the cabin, he could see in Vala's eyes, the hurt and pain of leaving him, and yet the onset of love and forgiveness was evident, when Eshera took hold of him as Vala watched.

As much as he was worried about Vala, he didn't really know what to say to his own daughter about what was happening to her. He didn't know what to say to her as a parent either. Having a child was still new to him and having an alien child was even more of a concern to him. He remembered before Sha're died, she was pregnant with Harsesis child; Shifu. The child was not really his, but he was considered a stepfather. It was a loss opportunity on both sides. Sha're died, having no wife to love and no child to hold. Vala became the unexpected link that made absolute sense in his life. He knew that from seeing Eshera change in so little time, was at first disturbing, but more so to Vala. She was going thru the same horrible realization that her child may be the same as Adria, and never have the opportunity to love a child as a mother should. Then the second unexpected growth to a 12 year old child was anything but settling. But now, Eshera sat inside the cabin, wanting her mother, wanting to be close to her father and he had no answers for her. He hated feeling helpless, he hated that Vala was taken from him again and being used for Ba'al's tortures amusement, and he hated not having the time to spend with his daughter as a father should.

Daniel sat silent, given his thoughts of worry and frustration. But the one thing he would not do, would give up on finding Vala and protecting Eshera.

SAM'S CABIN

Sam for the lack of few items; settled Eshera into bed, waiting on Cam and Teal'c to bring back food and hopefully transportation. Sam watched as Eshera as she had the exuberance of Vala and the steadfast patience of Daniel. Vala was her friend and seeing her daughter only propelled her more to protect her as if she was her child also.

As Sam was in deep thought, Eshera was curious. "Aunt Sam?"

"Yeah honey."

"Why am I like this; I mean growing so much?"

Sam knew this was a conversation best suited for Vala to explain, but she felt compelled to soothe the child.

"Well to tell the truth, we really don't know. But it doesn't change anything about how your father or mother feels about you. They both love you very much. We all do, and that will never change no matter how much you do."

Eshera smiled at Sam, knowing inheritently that Sam was being honest.

Eshera was looking down at her hands, wrenching them like Sam noticed Vala would do when she was upset.

"I…….I miss my mother Aunt Sam. I know something's wrong and daddy's worried about her."

"Eshera your father can explain better about, who took your mother, but what I want to know is how do you feel right now about what happened earlier with Mr. Woosley?"

"You mean the mean man that tried to take me away?"

"Yes honey. Are you worried he may try and take you away again?"

"I…….I'm not scarred as long as I'm with daddy and you guys. But I think he was afraid of me and I don't know why."

Sam wanted so much to explain the events around Vala and why Woosley wanted to lock Eshera up. But she believed it was better for Daniel or Vala to explain better.

"Well, some people fear what they don't understand. And in that fear they do more harm to that person than try and understand them or that it's a gift to be different."

"I understand; like me." Eshera eyes had shown a maturity that Sam could not fathom.

"Yes, like you, like your mother and father, like all of us. We are all unique in our own way, but we choose to be happy that we are, than rather being afraid."

"Aunt Sam, what's my mother like? I mean, am I like her or daddy?"

Sam had to laugh and smile at describing Daniel and Vala to their own daughter.

"Wellllll, your mother is one the strongest woman I know. She would give up her own life to protect you, your father, all of us. She's funny, smart, creative and fun. She can make you smile on the worst day and be there when you need her most. Your father is the same way. He can be a bit or a nerd sometimes, and don't you tell him that either."

Eshera had to smile at Sam description of her father. It made her feel safe and feel a little closer to her parents.

"Your father is passionate about his work and the people around him. He like your mother; would give his life to protect his family, friends or anyone that would harm another without provocation. He has such love for you and your mother, that it affects us all. You are our family and there is nothing that we wouldn't do for you, your mother and father in protecting you."

Eshera reached over and hugged Sam. She felt as if she had the most wonderful that anyone could ever have. Sam was a bit teary, thinking of Cassie as her own daughter, and now Eshera in the same way in Vala's absence.

Eshera pulled back and sat back, thinking.

"What's wrong Eshera?"

"I…..I don't know Aunt Sam. I…….I just feel like there's something I'm suppose to do, but I don't know what."

"Don't worry about that honey. We are here now and the most important thing is for you not to worry, and think about your mother and father. We'll do the worrying for you, ok."

"Ok." Eshera looked tired and tucked herself into bed. She only wanted to see her mother again, and hope her father could find her.

Sam gave thought to Vala and Eshera sharing the Blue Flame. She remembered what Taika had said about the Lost One and the suffering that Vala would suffer as well as the good child, versus the bad child. Sam couldn't imagine that Adria would come back or that this child would have to fight against her own sister. The bigger question in Sam's mind concerned Vala. She remembers the torture Vala went through, and how she barely survived each encounter. Her thought went out to Daniel and she wondered how her friend was handling this all over again and would Vala survive Ba'al's menacing tortures, while trying to protect Eshera.

TBC