Savoir Aimer

Savoir Aimer

Chapter 1: PK6-254

As he stepped free of the event horizon and onto the dais at the other side, Cam glanced back briefly as the rest of his team followed suit before turning back to survey the lush landscape before him. Sharing a brief look with Carter on his right he turned to the others, taking a breath "let's-"

"Colonel Mitchell," Teal'c's abrupt tone cut him off and his steady stare to somewhere behind him, the same expression in some form or another on Daniel and Vala's faces he turned slowly around.

Peering out from behind the shrubs and trees were dozens of people, their piercing gaze fixating on the newcomers to their world, curiosity getting the better of many as they straightened and took tentative steps forwards.

"Hello!" Vala moved from her position behind Daniel "we're from a planet called-" a hand on her shoulder made her pause, silencing her quietly but not without rolling her eyes.

"Earth," Daniel continued "my name is Daniel Jackson," he stepped from the dais and gestured back to his team, pointing at each in turn "this is Teal'c, Colonel Cameron Mitchell, Colonel Samantha Carter and Vala,"

One particularly 'daring' woman moved further forward, coming to a halt maybe three feet from Daniel, large green eyes wide with a childlike curiosity "you come through the circle?"

"Yes," he confirmed what they had seen softly, smiling when the woman reached for his hand and held it palm against palm against her own.

She tensed when an almost unperceivable noise broke through the harmony of the songbirds that whispered in the background as Cam altered his hold on his gun. "We will not hurt you," she said staring straight at him, he almost backed up at her intense stare but instead squared his shoulders and went to stand by Daniel "good," he said raising his eyebrow as Daniel removed his hand from the woman's hold.

"My name is Amina," she beckoned her people out of hiding "come," she said, her fiery hair shimmered in the sunlight that had bronzed her skin over many years of playing and working. Her shawl slipped a little in her enthusiasm and she shifted it back.

As Daniel was tugged away in a tide of eager people, chattering amicably with each other and him as they headed towards what Cam assumed was their settlement some two miles away from the 'gate.'

"Woah there Jackson!" he called after them "wait up!" he jogged a little to catch up with the cheerful brigade, Sam, Teal'c and Vala on his heels

The town was a bustle of talk and movement, trading taking place at market stalls, children playing outside the large tents that were presumably homes, laughter buzzed and no one seemed very unnerved by the small crowd that moved swiftly through their presence.

"Haayth!" Amina called loudly "Haayth there are visitors from the great circle!"

'Haayth' was a friendly looking man, regal in his sand coloured robes, blue eyes twinkling in delight "welcome!" he declared spreading his arms wide and smiling broadly at his guests.

"Uh… hi," Cam gave him a half wave, glancing at Teal'c who simply raised his eyebrow, he cleared his throat "Jackson,"

Daniel brushed off the last of the villagers and moved back to the metaphorical 'safety' of his team. The chatter had mostly not been aimed at him although he had managed to ascertain they were a peaceful people with no intention of harming anyone. Visitors from the 'great circle' were not regular.

It also seemed that Amina held a position of great power within the community, not necessarily as a leader but more as someone whom the villagers respected and adored, and was easily able to influence with her gentle manner and fearless air.

"Looks like you got yourself a fan club there," Cam muttered and Daniel gave him a look, took a breath and turned to Haayth who addressed him almost immediately;

"Where do you travel from?" Haayth asked, stepping closer to the group, the crowds falling silent as he did so "what do you seek?"

"We're just looking to make friends," Vala piped up from behind Teal'c's bulky figure, quieting when she received no response from her company.

Cam ignored her "Earth. We're from a planet called earth,"

"How did you come to this planet?" Daniel attempted to spike conversation but Haayth avoided it, laughing slightly.

"That does not matter my friends, for now let's celebrate! will you join us?" he gestured to the lengthy table that had previously been empty but was now decorated from top to bottom with fruits and meats of all kinds, floral decorations and needlessly lit candles interspersed the plates and goblets lining the edges.