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weaselettTitle: Neither One Hand Nor The Hangman’s Noose - Part One
Author: Weaselett
Movie Adapted: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama
Characters/Pairings: Teal’c, Daniel, Cameron, Sam, Jack - plus numerous others
Both slash and het pairings featured.
Rating: 15
Word Count: 3, 110
Warnings: Character Death,
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended; fair use only. Not created for profit.
Author’s Notes: Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
reel_sg1
This is written in a slightly different style than I normally use so….go easy on me. It’s very close to the movie in places, very different in others.
Beta’d by![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
charlies_dragon
Many thanks go to my RE lessons (if anything’s wrong, blame my memory) and my Da who kindly spent two hours discussing the travel routes taken by the people involved in the Crusades.
Part One
“It’s a lie, he was stealing ours!”
Teal’c frowns as he turning slightly to look at the prisoner who had spoken, one of the Christians. One who obviously had no understanding of his situation and didn’t look like he would survive his punishment. Allah was indeed merciful.
“I stole the bread.” Another of the Christians speaks, interrupting the other, who is obviously his companion and giving him a warning look. “The punishment is mine to take.”
Teal’c raises an eyebrow, these Christians are indeed ignorant. Both of them will now suffer for something that they have not done. He continues to watch silently as the two Christians argue, only to be interrupted by the guard, who has no intention of sparing either of them.
“Very well, cut the other’s hand off as well.” The guard smirks as the Christians fall silent, the weaker of the two staring at him in horror. Two of the other guards releases the prisoners chains from the wall before they drag them forward, allowing the stronger to step forward and place his wrist on the bloody stone. His angry gaze fixes on the guard who sentenced them as another of the guards held his hand down. This one, Teal’c noted idly, was brave, if foolhardy.
“This is English Courage.” The man surges backwards pulling the guard holding him forward just as the sword comes down, then he uses his chains to beat down both of the guards behind him, throwing one onto the fire before grabbing the blade that came so close to taking his hand and turning it on his tormentor with an angry yell.
Teal’c watches carefully, tracking each of the remaining guards as they attempt to stop the angry Christian and his companion. “Behind you Christian!” He shouts a warning as one of the guards regains his feet, grabbing for a weapon. The Christian turns quickly, using his blade with a confidence that Teal’c had not expected. The man does not look like a warrior.
“For God’s Sake, Daniel!” The weaker Christian calls, stumbling towards the corridor and the scent of fresh air, “Come on!”
The Christian, Daniel as his companion had called him, turns away from the fallen guards and hurried to join the other man only to stop as one of the other prisoners calls out to him, begging for release.
“You can not save them Christian,” Teal’c holds out his own bound hands, meeting the Christian’s gaze steadily, “but you can save me.” The man hesitates for a moment, looking between Teal’c and the other prisoners, all begging him for help, “Christian, mine is a death sentence.”
“Why should I help you?” The Christian demands as he hesitates for a moment before turning his back on the others to study Teal’c, his expression pained and Teal’c can’t help but pity the man for the choice that he has to make.
“I can help you escape Christian.”
“Don’t listen to him Daniel! He’s a Moor, you can’t trust what he says.” The other man interrupts, dark eyes cold as they meet Teal’c’s for a moment. “We have to go now Daniel, they’re coming!”
“Set me free and I will help you.” Teal’c repeats calmly ignoring the other man.
“Why should we trust you?” The other man demands, dark eyes accusing.
Teal’c smiles slightly, “Because if you do not, we are all dead men.”
“Daniel, we have to go!”
The Christian nods his understanding, “I’m sorry.” The man’s voice breaks as he turns away from the other prisoners, meeting Teal’c’s gaze for a moment before raising the sword. “No man should die in here.” He explains softly before bringing the sword down hard, breaking Teal’c’s bindings easily.
They stare at each other for a long moment, sharing a moment of clarity.
“For God’s Sake Daniel, we have to move!” The other man’s desperate voice shatters the moment, a sharp reminder of their situation.
“This way.” Teal’c stands easily, brushing past the Christian to lead the way down the corridor, ignoring the mutterings of the weaker man.
--
It has been almost a month since Teal’c last felt a breeze upon his skin, but there is no time for him to enjoy it. Already, word of their escape will have spread. He waits patiently as the two Christians exit the tunnel, offering support when the weaker man stumbles.
“I am sorry I misjudged you.” The man’s voice is soft as he pats Teal’c on the arm, smiling at him. “Thank you.”
Teal’c bows his head, waiting until the man finds his feet once more before moving to stand beside the other. “You are very quick with a sword my friend.”
The Christian’s eyebrows rise, “Any man would be if they had waited five years to smell fresh air again.”
“Perhaps.” Teal’c’s mouth twitches. The Christian offers him a weak smile in return before turning to help his friend, just as a yell sounded out from a nearby alley, closely followed by a small hail of arrows. All three duck instinctively towards another alley, but they move too late.
“Mark!” The Christian lungs to stall his friend’s fall, careful of the arrow protruding from the man’s chest. “Mark.” He breaths the other man’s name again, expression pained.
“It’s mortal Daniel.” The dying man smiles weakly at his friend, reaching up with hand to brush the other man’s cheek. “Leave me, save yourself.”
The Christian shakes his head, lifting a shaking hand to grip his friend’s shoulder as Teal’c watches, silently, glancing nervously towards the source of the arrows, knowing that they needed to move. “Mark.” The Christian shakes his head slowly as he whispers the other’s name again.
“Daniel, give this ring to my sister.” The man’s hand shakes as he pulls a thick gold ring off his finger, placing it gently in his friend’s hand. “Promise me you’ll protect her for me.”
“You can not save him.” Teal’c offers softly.
“Swear it Daniel.”
The Christian hesitates for a moment longer before nodding brokenly, “I swear.”
“They are coming.” Teal’c starts to take a step towards a nearby alley, but holds himself back, waiting for the Christian.
“Tell my sister that I died a free Englishman.” The dying man pulls himself upright, resting a hand on his friend’s shoulder for a moment before gathering his strength and running at the guards, as he yells, “For England!”
Teal’c grabs the other man’s arm, preventing him from following, “Come my friend, do not let his sacrifice be for nothing.”
Wild blue eyes meet Teal’c’s for a moment before the man swallows, taking one last look at his friend before nodding and following Teal’c across the street and down one of the other alleyways. They start to run as soon as they are out of sight of the guards, needing to get as far away from the prison as possible. Neither of them wishes to lose their newly won freedom.
--
They have been running for some time when they finally stop; dropping down behind a low wall, close to the edge of the city, both breathing heavily.
Teal’c takes a moment to control his breathing before standing to explore the area around them, searching for anything they might be able to use, or to eat. He quickly finds a small collection of fruit, shifting through the pile carefully to find the few offerings that have survived the day’s heat well enough to still be edible before turning to hand some to his companion.
“Thank you.” The Christian smiles quickly before he attacks his food with the enthusiasm of a man who has not eaten in some time.
Teal’c watches silently for a few moments, eating his own food at a more sensible pace, before speaking. “Why did you save me Christian?”
“As I told you, no man, whatever his origins or beliefs, deserved to die in that place.” The man answers easily between mouthfuls.
“Indeed.” Teal’c watches the man for a moment longer before speaking again. “You have saved my life, for that reason I must stay with you until I have saved yours.”
The Christian frowns, hands stilling, “Thank you my friend, but I go to England.”
Teal’c inclines his head. “Then I will accompany you, it is Allah’s will.”
The man struggles for a moment, not seeming to know what to say. “I did what any other man would have done in my place; you have no obligation to me.”
Teal’c smiles faintly. “Only Allah may release me from my obligation Christian, our way lies together until then.”
“Is there nothing I can say to change your mind?”
Teal’c shakes his head. “As I have said, it is the will of Allah, it is not for us to question. I am Teal’c Edin Bashir Al Bachrim, but you may call me Teal’c.”
“Daniel of Loxley,” the Christian provides, “and it would appear, my new friend, that we have a long journey ahead of us.”
--
They spend the next day hiding in Jerusalem’s streets, waiting for night to fall before leaving the city, still wary of the guards. Neither of them have any wish to return to the prison, or the sword that no doubt would be waiting to take their heads.
Teal’c spends much of the time questioning the young Christian about their intended route to the man’s home country, committing each detail to memory and preparing himself for the journey ahead as they bide their time, waiting for the cover of darkness.
Teal’c leads the other man through the streets as darkness begins to fall, his destination clear in his mind, they will need transportation if they are to transverse the distance to the port that Daniel has spoken of and he knows where to get it.
“I have money.” Daniel argues softly as Teal’c watches the stables, making sure that the horses are unguarded. “We don’t need to steal horses.”
“I believe it would be best if we kept the money, in case we are in need of it later.” Teal’c glances at his companion, an eyebrow raised. “We have a long journey ahead of us, do we not?”
Daniel sighs, chewing his bottom lip for a moment before nodding. “Longer without horses.” He allows.
Teal’c smiles, nodding. “Indeed.”
--
They travel alone for two days, spending their nights out in the open, miles away from the next settlement, but neither of them makes any comment. They can’t afford to sleep indoors, they don’t have enough money, nor can they afford the time that it would cost them.
Daniel has been away from his homeland for far too long already.
On their third day of travel they meet up with a small group of travellers, many of them, like Daniel, are returning to their homes after a long time away at war.
Unlike Daniel none of them are whole.
--
They arrive in Acre at midday on their fourth day of travel, but bad weather means that there are no ships sailing.
They spent three days waiting for the weather to clear and finding a boat that will take them as far as Messina for a price that they can comfortably afford. They share a room in a small inn by the harbour; Daniel takes the bed while Teal’c sleeps on the floor in front of the door.
On the first night Daniel offered Teal’c the bed, but Teal’c refused. He feels more comfortable sleeping in front of the door.
The day before they leave, Teal’c trades what little he has for a prayer mat and a sword, knowing that he will need both to complete his journey. He picks a Saracen sword, he has seen too many Christian blades shatter on the battlefield to trust his life, or Daniel’s, to one.
--
It takes them six weeks to reach Messina, because few ships will travel there directly, the open sea is too dangerous. Teal’c enjoys the time with Daniel, allowing the Christian to guide him around the ports they visit, drinking in the unique qualities of each country.
Though Daniel is not as learned as Teal’c, but he has a greater knowledge of the world and Teal’c can not help but respect him for it.
The majority of their fellow travellers are making the same journey as they are, but few of them are travelling with as much urgency as Daniel, so by the time they reach the last leg of their journey only three others remain.
Three days before they reach Messina Daniel shaves and cuts his hair to a more suitable length, looking more like the nobleman he is than he has at any other point since they met, that day in the prison. Daniel’s burden hangs on a chain around his neck, a constant reminder of his promise. Teal’c considers asking the other man about his dead friend, and the woman he has sworn to protect, but he doesn’t think enough time has yet passed. The pain of the loss is still all too plain in the shadows in the Christian’s eyes.
--
They spend two nights in Messina, waiting for a ship that will take them on to their next destination. This time, when Daniel offers Teal’c the bed, he hesitates for a moment before declining once more, it is not the time.
They find passage on trading ship bound for France, offering their services rather than using the little money that they have left. They are no strangers to the workings of a ship now, so they work easily with the crew, who happily share their food with them in return.
Daniel’s hands are no longer soft like those of the nobles Teal’c grew up serving. They were always callused, the result of so much time spent holding a sword, but the months of helping aboard ships have hardened the skin even more, to the point that Teal’c doubts anyone would ever think to accuse the young Christian of being a soft rich boy.
--
Daniel buys horses once they reach France and they both welcome their return to dry land, they have seen too much of the sea.
France is greener than any other place Teal’c has ever seen, though Daniel insists that it is nothing in comparison to his home. In England, Daniel assures him, there is more life than Teal’c can even begin to imagine.
Teal’c smiles silently in reply, happy to simply enjoy the scenery as they pass though, keeping both horses at a steady pace, careful not to let them tire too quickly.
They spend many nights in the open air once more, something that Teal’c welcomes; he has always been more comfortable when he can see the night sky. His mother had told him many stories about the stars, stories that he often repeated to himself to ease himself to sleep. He mentions none of this to Daniel, who spends much of his time fussing over their supplies and planning the next day’s journey, dreaming of the home that was closer everyday.
--
They find a room in an Inn, just a few short miles from the coast, with a large bed and a huge fireplace. Daniel isn’t worrying about the cost anymore; all he’s thinking about is how close he is to home and this time. Teal’c doesn’t refuse his offer.
Daniel stares at him for a moment, stunned and Teal’c takes a moment to enjoy it, before it passes, as it always does.
Daniel recovers quickly, a rueful smile touching his lips as he picks up his bedroll and moves closer to the fire. “We’ll both have beds tomorrow, my father will see to that.” There’s a certainty in his voice that makes Teal’c smile. Few of the Christians that they have encountered during their travels have reacted well to his presence and yet his friend remains so sure that his father will welcome a Moor into his house with open arms.
Teal’c watches Daniel for a moment, enjoying the way the firelight plays on his long dark blonde hair, somehow making him look younger than he really is, before moving closer, reaching out to brush Daniel’s arm with his hand. “I believe there is room enough for us both.”
Daniel stares at him for a moment, unsure before he smiles nodding. “It is a very big bed.”
--
Daniel rests his head on Teal’c chest, idly toying with the ring on its chain, while Teal’c runs a hand gently through the length of Daniel’s fine dark blond hair.
“You are thinking of him Christian?” He asks gently, his hand continuing its rhythmic movements.
“I am.” Daniel agrees, before sighing and letting the ring drop, not even flinching when it hits his flesh. “He was very dear to me.”
Teal’c smiles gently, “I am sorry.”
Daniel turns onto his stomach slowly, meeting Teal’c dark eyes with his own, “You have said that already, on many occasions.”
“That does not make it any less sincere.”
“No, but it makes it that much less necessary.” Daniel responds as he traces a scar on Teal’c’s shoulder idly.
“Once, not so long ago Christian, you were fighting my people.” Teal’c broaches, watching the Christian carefully.
“My foolish quest.” Daniel agrees, sighing.
Teal’c smiles faintly, “Perhaps.”
Daniel frowns at him, “Not so long ago, I was killing your people.”
Teal’c nods solemnly, “Indeed you were Christian, but you were not the first, nor will you be the last.”
“You are so certain of that Teal’c.” Daniel comments.
“It has been so for many years Christian; it is hard to believe that it will simply stop.”
Daniel nods, chewing on his bottom lip, “You may very well be right my friend.”
--
Teal’c watches silently from his position on the quayside as Daniel negotiates with the master of one of the village’s fishing boats, hands moving in steady counterpoint to his words. He hadn’t questioned the other man’s decision when he had decided to take a quicker route home, he knew too little of this strange land to argue.
The Frenchman’s gaze fixes on him for a moment as Daniel continues to speak, before he nods slowly, gesturing towards one of the small boats in the harbour. Daniel smiles easily nodding before shaking the man’s hand. Teal’c frowns slightly, a suspicion building in the back of his mind as he watches the Christian walk towards him. Surely he would not be so foolish now.
“They’ll take us.” Teal’c nods; he had had no doubt that that would be the case. His friend was finally going home and he was as further from his own than any of his kin had ever been.
Part Two
-
Author: Weaselett
Movie Adapted: Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama
Characters/Pairings: Teal’c, Daniel, Cameron, Sam, Jack - plus numerous others
Both slash and het pairings featured.
Rating: 15
Word Count: 3, 110
Warnings: Character Death,
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended; fair use only. Not created for profit.
Author’s Notes: Written for
reel_sg1This is written in a slightly different style than I normally use so….go easy on me. It’s very close to the movie in places, very different in others.
Beta’d by
charlies_dragonMany thanks go to my RE lessons (if anything’s wrong, blame my memory) and my Da who kindly spent two hours discussing the travel routes taken by the people involved in the Crusades.
Part One
“It’s a lie, he was stealing ours!”
Teal’c frowns as he turning slightly to look at the prisoner who had spoken, one of the Christians. One who obviously had no understanding of his situation and didn’t look like he would survive his punishment. Allah was indeed merciful.
“I stole the bread.” Another of the Christians speaks, interrupting the other, who is obviously his companion and giving him a warning look. “The punishment is mine to take.”
Teal’c raises an eyebrow, these Christians are indeed ignorant. Both of them will now suffer for something that they have not done. He continues to watch silently as the two Christians argue, only to be interrupted by the guard, who has no intention of sparing either of them.
“Very well, cut the other’s hand off as well.” The guard smirks as the Christians fall silent, the weaker of the two staring at him in horror. Two of the other guards releases the prisoners chains from the wall before they drag them forward, allowing the stronger to step forward and place his wrist on the bloody stone. His angry gaze fixes on the guard who sentenced them as another of the guards held his hand down. This one, Teal’c noted idly, was brave, if foolhardy.
“This is English Courage.” The man surges backwards pulling the guard holding him forward just as the sword comes down, then he uses his chains to beat down both of the guards behind him, throwing one onto the fire before grabbing the blade that came so close to taking his hand and turning it on his tormentor with an angry yell.
Teal’c watches carefully, tracking each of the remaining guards as they attempt to stop the angry Christian and his companion. “Behind you Christian!” He shouts a warning as one of the guards regains his feet, grabbing for a weapon. The Christian turns quickly, using his blade with a confidence that Teal’c had not expected. The man does not look like a warrior.
“For God’s Sake, Daniel!” The weaker Christian calls, stumbling towards the corridor and the scent of fresh air, “Come on!”
The Christian, Daniel as his companion had called him, turns away from the fallen guards and hurried to join the other man only to stop as one of the other prisoners calls out to him, begging for release.
“You can not save them Christian,” Teal’c holds out his own bound hands, meeting the Christian’s gaze steadily, “but you can save me.” The man hesitates for a moment, looking between Teal’c and the other prisoners, all begging him for help, “Christian, mine is a death sentence.”
“Why should I help you?” The Christian demands as he hesitates for a moment before turning his back on the others to study Teal’c, his expression pained and Teal’c can’t help but pity the man for the choice that he has to make.
“I can help you escape Christian.”
“Don’t listen to him Daniel! He’s a Moor, you can’t trust what he says.” The other man interrupts, dark eyes cold as they meet Teal’c’s for a moment. “We have to go now Daniel, they’re coming!”
“Set me free and I will help you.” Teal’c repeats calmly ignoring the other man.
“Why should we trust you?” The other man demands, dark eyes accusing.
Teal’c smiles slightly, “Because if you do not, we are all dead men.”
“Daniel, we have to go!”
The Christian nods his understanding, “I’m sorry.” The man’s voice breaks as he turns away from the other prisoners, meeting Teal’c’s gaze for a moment before raising the sword. “No man should die in here.” He explains softly before bringing the sword down hard, breaking Teal’c’s bindings easily.
They stare at each other for a long moment, sharing a moment of clarity.
“For God’s Sake Daniel, we have to move!” The other man’s desperate voice shatters the moment, a sharp reminder of their situation.
“This way.” Teal’c stands easily, brushing past the Christian to lead the way down the corridor, ignoring the mutterings of the weaker man.
--
It has been almost a month since Teal’c last felt a breeze upon his skin, but there is no time for him to enjoy it. Already, word of their escape will have spread. He waits patiently as the two Christians exit the tunnel, offering support when the weaker man stumbles.
“I am sorry I misjudged you.” The man’s voice is soft as he pats Teal’c on the arm, smiling at him. “Thank you.”
Teal’c bows his head, waiting until the man finds his feet once more before moving to stand beside the other. “You are very quick with a sword my friend.”
The Christian’s eyebrows rise, “Any man would be if they had waited five years to smell fresh air again.”
“Perhaps.” Teal’c’s mouth twitches. The Christian offers him a weak smile in return before turning to help his friend, just as a yell sounded out from a nearby alley, closely followed by a small hail of arrows. All three duck instinctively towards another alley, but they move too late.
“Mark!” The Christian lungs to stall his friend’s fall, careful of the arrow protruding from the man’s chest. “Mark.” He breaths the other man’s name again, expression pained.
“It’s mortal Daniel.” The dying man smiles weakly at his friend, reaching up with hand to brush the other man’s cheek. “Leave me, save yourself.”
The Christian shakes his head, lifting a shaking hand to grip his friend’s shoulder as Teal’c watches, silently, glancing nervously towards the source of the arrows, knowing that they needed to move. “Mark.” The Christian shakes his head slowly as he whispers the other’s name again.
“Daniel, give this ring to my sister.” The man’s hand shakes as he pulls a thick gold ring off his finger, placing it gently in his friend’s hand. “Promise me you’ll protect her for me.”
“You can not save him.” Teal’c offers softly.
“Swear it Daniel.”
The Christian hesitates for a moment longer before nodding brokenly, “I swear.”
“They are coming.” Teal’c starts to take a step towards a nearby alley, but holds himself back, waiting for the Christian.
“Tell my sister that I died a free Englishman.” The dying man pulls himself upright, resting a hand on his friend’s shoulder for a moment before gathering his strength and running at the guards, as he yells, “For England!”
Teal’c grabs the other man’s arm, preventing him from following, “Come my friend, do not let his sacrifice be for nothing.”
Wild blue eyes meet Teal’c’s for a moment before the man swallows, taking one last look at his friend before nodding and following Teal’c across the street and down one of the other alleyways. They start to run as soon as they are out of sight of the guards, needing to get as far away from the prison as possible. Neither of them wishes to lose their newly won freedom.
--
They have been running for some time when they finally stop; dropping down behind a low wall, close to the edge of the city, both breathing heavily.
Teal’c takes a moment to control his breathing before standing to explore the area around them, searching for anything they might be able to use, or to eat. He quickly finds a small collection of fruit, shifting through the pile carefully to find the few offerings that have survived the day’s heat well enough to still be edible before turning to hand some to his companion.
“Thank you.” The Christian smiles quickly before he attacks his food with the enthusiasm of a man who has not eaten in some time.
Teal’c watches silently for a few moments, eating his own food at a more sensible pace, before speaking. “Why did you save me Christian?”
“As I told you, no man, whatever his origins or beliefs, deserved to die in that place.” The man answers easily between mouthfuls.
“Indeed.” Teal’c watches the man for a moment longer before speaking again. “You have saved my life, for that reason I must stay with you until I have saved yours.”
The Christian frowns, hands stilling, “Thank you my friend, but I go to England.”
Teal’c inclines his head. “Then I will accompany you, it is Allah’s will.”
The man struggles for a moment, not seeming to know what to say. “I did what any other man would have done in my place; you have no obligation to me.”
Teal’c smiles faintly. “Only Allah may release me from my obligation Christian, our way lies together until then.”
“Is there nothing I can say to change your mind?”
Teal’c shakes his head. “As I have said, it is the will of Allah, it is not for us to question. I am Teal’c Edin Bashir Al Bachrim, but you may call me Teal’c.”
“Daniel of Loxley,” the Christian provides, “and it would appear, my new friend, that we have a long journey ahead of us.”
--
They spend the next day hiding in Jerusalem’s streets, waiting for night to fall before leaving the city, still wary of the guards. Neither of them have any wish to return to the prison, or the sword that no doubt would be waiting to take their heads.
Teal’c spends much of the time questioning the young Christian about their intended route to the man’s home country, committing each detail to memory and preparing himself for the journey ahead as they bide their time, waiting for the cover of darkness.
Teal’c leads the other man through the streets as darkness begins to fall, his destination clear in his mind, they will need transportation if they are to transverse the distance to the port that Daniel has spoken of and he knows where to get it.
“I have money.” Daniel argues softly as Teal’c watches the stables, making sure that the horses are unguarded. “We don’t need to steal horses.”
“I believe it would be best if we kept the money, in case we are in need of it later.” Teal’c glances at his companion, an eyebrow raised. “We have a long journey ahead of us, do we not?”
Daniel sighs, chewing his bottom lip for a moment before nodding. “Longer without horses.” He allows.
Teal’c smiles, nodding. “Indeed.”
--
They travel alone for two days, spending their nights out in the open, miles away from the next settlement, but neither of them makes any comment. They can’t afford to sleep indoors, they don’t have enough money, nor can they afford the time that it would cost them.
Daniel has been away from his homeland for far too long already.
On their third day of travel they meet up with a small group of travellers, many of them, like Daniel, are returning to their homes after a long time away at war.
Unlike Daniel none of them are whole.
--
They arrive in Acre at midday on their fourth day of travel, but bad weather means that there are no ships sailing.
They spent three days waiting for the weather to clear and finding a boat that will take them as far as Messina for a price that they can comfortably afford. They share a room in a small inn by the harbour; Daniel takes the bed while Teal’c sleeps on the floor in front of the door.
On the first night Daniel offered Teal’c the bed, but Teal’c refused. He feels more comfortable sleeping in front of the door.
The day before they leave, Teal’c trades what little he has for a prayer mat and a sword, knowing that he will need both to complete his journey. He picks a Saracen sword, he has seen too many Christian blades shatter on the battlefield to trust his life, or Daniel’s, to one.
--
It takes them six weeks to reach Messina, because few ships will travel there directly, the open sea is too dangerous. Teal’c enjoys the time with Daniel, allowing the Christian to guide him around the ports they visit, drinking in the unique qualities of each country.
Though Daniel is not as learned as Teal’c, but he has a greater knowledge of the world and Teal’c can not help but respect him for it.
The majority of their fellow travellers are making the same journey as they are, but few of them are travelling with as much urgency as Daniel, so by the time they reach the last leg of their journey only three others remain.
Three days before they reach Messina Daniel shaves and cuts his hair to a more suitable length, looking more like the nobleman he is than he has at any other point since they met, that day in the prison. Daniel’s burden hangs on a chain around his neck, a constant reminder of his promise. Teal’c considers asking the other man about his dead friend, and the woman he has sworn to protect, but he doesn’t think enough time has yet passed. The pain of the loss is still all too plain in the shadows in the Christian’s eyes.
--
They spend two nights in Messina, waiting for a ship that will take them on to their next destination. This time, when Daniel offers Teal’c the bed, he hesitates for a moment before declining once more, it is not the time.
They find passage on trading ship bound for France, offering their services rather than using the little money that they have left. They are no strangers to the workings of a ship now, so they work easily with the crew, who happily share their food with them in return.
Daniel’s hands are no longer soft like those of the nobles Teal’c grew up serving. They were always callused, the result of so much time spent holding a sword, but the months of helping aboard ships have hardened the skin even more, to the point that Teal’c doubts anyone would ever think to accuse the young Christian of being a soft rich boy.
--
Daniel buys horses once they reach France and they both welcome their return to dry land, they have seen too much of the sea.
France is greener than any other place Teal’c has ever seen, though Daniel insists that it is nothing in comparison to his home. In England, Daniel assures him, there is more life than Teal’c can even begin to imagine.
Teal’c smiles silently in reply, happy to simply enjoy the scenery as they pass though, keeping both horses at a steady pace, careful not to let them tire too quickly.
They spend many nights in the open air once more, something that Teal’c welcomes; he has always been more comfortable when he can see the night sky. His mother had told him many stories about the stars, stories that he often repeated to himself to ease himself to sleep. He mentions none of this to Daniel, who spends much of his time fussing over their supplies and planning the next day’s journey, dreaming of the home that was closer everyday.
--
They find a room in an Inn, just a few short miles from the coast, with a large bed and a huge fireplace. Daniel isn’t worrying about the cost anymore; all he’s thinking about is how close he is to home and this time. Teal’c doesn’t refuse his offer.
Daniel stares at him for a moment, stunned and Teal’c takes a moment to enjoy it, before it passes, as it always does.
Daniel recovers quickly, a rueful smile touching his lips as he picks up his bedroll and moves closer to the fire. “We’ll both have beds tomorrow, my father will see to that.” There’s a certainty in his voice that makes Teal’c smile. Few of the Christians that they have encountered during their travels have reacted well to his presence and yet his friend remains so sure that his father will welcome a Moor into his house with open arms.
Teal’c watches Daniel for a moment, enjoying the way the firelight plays on his long dark blonde hair, somehow making him look younger than he really is, before moving closer, reaching out to brush Daniel’s arm with his hand. “I believe there is room enough for us both.”
Daniel stares at him for a moment, unsure before he smiles nodding. “It is a very big bed.”
--
Daniel rests his head on Teal’c chest, idly toying with the ring on its chain, while Teal’c runs a hand gently through the length of Daniel’s fine dark blond hair.
“You are thinking of him Christian?” He asks gently, his hand continuing its rhythmic movements.
“I am.” Daniel agrees, before sighing and letting the ring drop, not even flinching when it hits his flesh. “He was very dear to me.”
Teal’c smiles gently, “I am sorry.”
Daniel turns onto his stomach slowly, meeting Teal’c dark eyes with his own, “You have said that already, on many occasions.”
“That does not make it any less sincere.”
“No, but it makes it that much less necessary.” Daniel responds as he traces a scar on Teal’c’s shoulder idly.
“Once, not so long ago Christian, you were fighting my people.” Teal’c broaches, watching the Christian carefully.
“My foolish quest.” Daniel agrees, sighing.
Teal’c smiles faintly, “Perhaps.”
Daniel frowns at him, “Not so long ago, I was killing your people.”
Teal’c nods solemnly, “Indeed you were Christian, but you were not the first, nor will you be the last.”
“You are so certain of that Teal’c.” Daniel comments.
“It has been so for many years Christian; it is hard to believe that it will simply stop.”
Daniel nods, chewing on his bottom lip, “You may very well be right my friend.”
--
Teal’c watches silently from his position on the quayside as Daniel negotiates with the master of one of the village’s fishing boats, hands moving in steady counterpoint to his words. He hadn’t questioned the other man’s decision when he had decided to take a quicker route home, he knew too little of this strange land to argue.
The Frenchman’s gaze fixes on him for a moment as Daniel continues to speak, before he nods slowly, gesturing towards one of the small boats in the harbour. Daniel smiles easily nodding before shaking the man’s hand. Teal’c frowns slightly, a suspicion building in the back of his mind as he watches the Christian walk towards him. Surely he would not be so foolish now.
“They’ll take us.” Teal’c nods; he had had no doubt that that would be the case. His friend was finally going home and he was as further from his own than any of his kin had ever been.
Part Two
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