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Appearances can be deceiving... Part 5
Wordcount of the day: 1,207
wordcount in all: 7,929
Previous parts
The prequel - War Games...
---
When Daniel could finally see again, he and Thompson were standing with their backs to a wall, a large round chamber open to them with a circular stone in the middle. What Daniel first thought was an altar turned out to be a well or fountain.
"Jackson..."
Daniel was startled. This was more or less the first time Thompson had used his name. "Yes?"
"Is this anything like the time SG-1 encountered the... Thor's Hammer?" Thompson looked around as if he expected an Unas to appear. Daniel expected he'd read more than a few of their mission reports.
"No, more like the Hall of Thor's Might... this looks a lot like a... a quest, a test of some sort." Daniel walked up to the well. "And it seems we passed the first one. It would definitely fit with Odin. He was known to enjoy riddles and tests."
Thompson still kept his distance, but he seemed more interested by the minute. "Do you have any idea of what we're gonna find?"
"Not at all." Daniel shrugged as he studied the runes on the well. They didn't seem to say anything, except... "Mimir's well..." Daniel closed his eyes for a moment. "Legend has it... that Odin gave his eye to drink from the well of Mimir... the well of knowledge and wisdom." Daniel looked into the water. "Well, at least it isn't following the legends on the idea that Mimir's head should be in the well..."
"So... what now?" Thompson chanced a quick look into the well.
"Maybe we need to drink from it?" Daniel reached out towards the water.
"Hey!" Thompson grabbed his wrist. "What if it's poisonous?"
"You got a better idea?" Daniels asked, knowing very well that he didn't.
"No... I guess not." Thompson looked ill at ease.
Cupping his hands, Daniel dipped them into the clear water, hesitating only a fraction before bringing them to his lips. The water had a mild metallic tang to it, but otherwise there was nothing...
"Who put out the light?" Daniel put his hands on the edge of the well.
"What do you mean?" Thompson asked briskly.
"Eh... I can't see anything..." Daniel turned towards where he knew the other man was.
"Jeez!" Thompson sounded severely spooked.
"What?" Daniel blinked a few times, but there was no change in the darkness.
"Your eyes are all... white... like you're..."
"I'm blind," Daniel said. Well, that wasn't fair. Odin had only given an eye, not his entire eyesight. Then again, Daniel checked under his glasses. At least it seemed he still had his eyes. He just couldn't see anything. A strange noise made Daniel take a step back. "What's happening, Thompson?"
For a moment it was as if Thompson wasn't going to answer, but then his voice, low somewhere to the left of Daniel, stated, "The water level is sinking."
"And?" Daniel tried not to sound too impatient. Typical, he'd go and lose his eyesight and he didn't feel at all wiser.
"There are... steps leading down... a winding stair..."
"That we're going down," Daniel said matter-of-factly. He waited for a moment, then continued. "Unless you have a better idea..."
Thompson grumbled something inaudible.
"Didn't think so," Daniel said as he felt for the edge of the well. A hand on his shoulder made him stop.
"You better let me go first," Thompson grumbled.
Daniel shrugged. He wished he could see the other man's face, his expression, but for now he'd just try to get along with him. Strangely enough, Daniel mused as Thompson gave him a hand to get over the edge of the well, the loss of his eyesight wasn't that bad. Of course it was annoying, but Daniel didn't feel the panic he suspected he was supposed to. But considering that this was clearly the work of the Asgard, that might explain a little of the calm Daniel was feeling. Now, he could only hope for that whatever else Odin had in store for them, he could do it without using his eyes. He wasn't entirely sure how he felt about being dependent upon Thompson. What little he had learned so far about the man, well, it wasn't exactly trust inspiring.
The winding staircase was narrow enough to allow Daniel to keep a hand on either wall. The rock was smooth and cool under his hands and help him stay calm. As long as he had a feeling of where he was it wasn't too bad and he could hear Thompson's footstep just a little in front of him and down.
They descended for a long time in silence. Daniel wasn't sure how much time had passed, but the stillness was beginning to get to him. He wouldn't object to having had Jack around, to listen to the older man's bickering and general odd comments. A moment later Daniel found himself wishing for silence.
"So, why does the SGC employ geeks for?" Thompson's voice rose up to Daniel.
"To keep you flyboys and jarheads out of trouble when we can, or get you out of it before it's too late." Daniel felt a certain glee at pointing that out to Thompson.
"Careful, fag, it's a long way down..." Thompson threatened.
"Nice of you to point that out, and what did I say about that word?" Daniel kept his voice level. Baiting people was rarely a good idea.
"Why? You are one," Thompson snorted.
"What makes you say that?" Daniel was genuinely curious. Not that no one on base hadn't commented on his sexual preferences before, but it had always been rumors more than knowledge. And to tell the truth, in the last couple of years it hadn't been too bad. Seemed that to most people he'd earned his place with SG-1. Then again, if they disagreed openly they'd have a six foot plus pissy Colonel in their face.
"Oh come on, anyone can see that," Thompson's voice drifted up to Daniel.
Daniel couldn't hold back his laugh. "And the fact that I've been married and spent several years searching for my wife means nothing in the equation?" Why couldn't people work with all the facts instead of focusing on the rumors?
"Smokescreen," came Thompson's reply.
Daniel's voice dropped a little as he answered. The anger he'd felt towards the other man earlier came back. "So you're saying I didn't love my wife?"
For once it seemed as if Thompson had picked up on the underlying tone of warning in Daniel's voice, because for a long time he didn't say anything. The stairs seemed to go on and on forever, down further than any of them had expected.
"So you don't like men?" Thompson sounded... surprised.
Daniel answered before he could stop himself. "What if I do?" 'Way to go, Daniel, couldn't just have kept yer big trap shut, could ya?'
"So you can't make up your mind?" Thompson sounded... surprised.
"I think, Major, it's far more a matter of seeing personality before gender," Daniel sighed heavily. Why was he even trying?
"We're down." Thompson was obviously relieved to have something else to concentrate on.
Daniel clenched his teeth. What he wouldn't give to have his eyesight back. Especially if they had to face yet another test.
---
wordcount in all: 7,929
Previous parts
The prequel - War Games...
---
When Daniel could finally see again, he and Thompson were standing with their backs to a wall, a large round chamber open to them with a circular stone in the middle. What Daniel first thought was an altar turned out to be a well or fountain.
"Jackson..."
Daniel was startled. This was more or less the first time Thompson had used his name. "Yes?"
"Is this anything like the time SG-1 encountered the... Thor's Hammer?" Thompson looked around as if he expected an Unas to appear. Daniel expected he'd read more than a few of their mission reports.
"No, more like the Hall of Thor's Might... this looks a lot like a... a quest, a test of some sort." Daniel walked up to the well. "And it seems we passed the first one. It would definitely fit with Odin. He was known to enjoy riddles and tests."
Thompson still kept his distance, but he seemed more interested by the minute. "Do you have any idea of what we're gonna find?"
"Not at all." Daniel shrugged as he studied the runes on the well. They didn't seem to say anything, except... "Mimir's well..." Daniel closed his eyes for a moment. "Legend has it... that Odin gave his eye to drink from the well of Mimir... the well of knowledge and wisdom." Daniel looked into the water. "Well, at least it isn't following the legends on the idea that Mimir's head should be in the well..."
"So... what now?" Thompson chanced a quick look into the well.
"Maybe we need to drink from it?" Daniel reached out towards the water.
"Hey!" Thompson grabbed his wrist. "What if it's poisonous?"
"You got a better idea?" Daniels asked, knowing very well that he didn't.
"No... I guess not." Thompson looked ill at ease.
Cupping his hands, Daniel dipped them into the clear water, hesitating only a fraction before bringing them to his lips. The water had a mild metallic tang to it, but otherwise there was nothing...
"Who put out the light?" Daniel put his hands on the edge of the well.
"What do you mean?" Thompson asked briskly.
"Eh... I can't see anything..." Daniel turned towards where he knew the other man was.
"Jeez!" Thompson sounded severely spooked.
"What?" Daniel blinked a few times, but there was no change in the darkness.
"Your eyes are all... white... like you're..."
"I'm blind," Daniel said. Well, that wasn't fair. Odin had only given an eye, not his entire eyesight. Then again, Daniel checked under his glasses. At least it seemed he still had his eyes. He just couldn't see anything. A strange noise made Daniel take a step back. "What's happening, Thompson?"
For a moment it was as if Thompson wasn't going to answer, but then his voice, low somewhere to the left of Daniel, stated, "The water level is sinking."
"And?" Daniel tried not to sound too impatient. Typical, he'd go and lose his eyesight and he didn't feel at all wiser.
"There are... steps leading down... a winding stair..."
"That we're going down," Daniel said matter-of-factly. He waited for a moment, then continued. "Unless you have a better idea..."
Thompson grumbled something inaudible.
"Didn't think so," Daniel said as he felt for the edge of the well. A hand on his shoulder made him stop.
"You better let me go first," Thompson grumbled.
Daniel shrugged. He wished he could see the other man's face, his expression, but for now he'd just try to get along with him. Strangely enough, Daniel mused as Thompson gave him a hand to get over the edge of the well, the loss of his eyesight wasn't that bad. Of course it was annoying, but Daniel didn't feel the panic he suspected he was supposed to. But considering that this was clearly the work of the Asgard, that might explain a little of the calm Daniel was feeling. Now, he could only hope for that whatever else Odin had in store for them, he could do it without using his eyes. He wasn't entirely sure how he felt about being dependent upon Thompson. What little he had learned so far about the man, well, it wasn't exactly trust inspiring.
The winding staircase was narrow enough to allow Daniel to keep a hand on either wall. The rock was smooth and cool under his hands and help him stay calm. As long as he had a feeling of where he was it wasn't too bad and he could hear Thompson's footstep just a little in front of him and down.
They descended for a long time in silence. Daniel wasn't sure how much time had passed, but the stillness was beginning to get to him. He wouldn't object to having had Jack around, to listen to the older man's bickering and general odd comments. A moment later Daniel found himself wishing for silence.
"So, why does the SGC employ geeks for?" Thompson's voice rose up to Daniel.
"To keep you flyboys and jarheads out of trouble when we can, or get you out of it before it's too late." Daniel felt a certain glee at pointing that out to Thompson.
"Careful, fag, it's a long way down..." Thompson threatened.
"Nice of you to point that out, and what did I say about that word?" Daniel kept his voice level. Baiting people was rarely a good idea.
"Why? You are one," Thompson snorted.
"What makes you say that?" Daniel was genuinely curious. Not that no one on base hadn't commented on his sexual preferences before, but it had always been rumors more than knowledge. And to tell the truth, in the last couple of years it hadn't been too bad. Seemed that to most people he'd earned his place with SG-1. Then again, if they disagreed openly they'd have a six foot plus pissy Colonel in their face.
"Oh come on, anyone can see that," Thompson's voice drifted up to Daniel.
Daniel couldn't hold back his laugh. "And the fact that I've been married and spent several years searching for my wife means nothing in the equation?" Why couldn't people work with all the facts instead of focusing on the rumors?
"Smokescreen," came Thompson's reply.
Daniel's voice dropped a little as he answered. The anger he'd felt towards the other man earlier came back. "So you're saying I didn't love my wife?"
For once it seemed as if Thompson had picked up on the underlying tone of warning in Daniel's voice, because for a long time he didn't say anything. The stairs seemed to go on and on forever, down further than any of them had expected.
"So you don't like men?" Thompson sounded... surprised.
Daniel answered before he could stop himself. "What if I do?" 'Way to go, Daniel, couldn't just have kept yer big trap shut, could ya?'
"So you can't make up your mind?" Thompson sounded... surprised.
"I think, Major, it's far more a matter of seeing personality before gender," Daniel sighed heavily. Why was he even trying?
"We're down." Thompson was obviously relieved to have something else to concentrate on.
Daniel clenched his teeth. What he wouldn't give to have his eyesight back. Especially if they had to face yet another test.
---
no subject
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you guys are SO patient ^_~
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but then we don't have a CHOICE!
no subject
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I'm getting there, I promise *g*
no subject
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it's tomorrow for me, but I'll need a bit of time to finish the next part *g*
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Oh, alright. I'm on call tonight anyway and wouldn't be able to read it until tomorrow. How's tomorrow for you? *g*
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Tomorrow, tomorrow...
::coughs::
Eh, works for me ^_~
This just keeps getting better....
I love the "tests" that you write.
I think this one is going to be one of my
favourites.
Re: This just keeps getting better....
glad you like the tests ^_^ -- I had to go an unearth a couple of my old reference books on norse mythology, but it was fun. Now, for the final one -- I'm going to completely ignore the reference books and lean upon a Danish comic book version of the myths -- just to keep the boys on their toes*evil laughter*
Kneels at the shimmering edge of the Lady's dress....
I love the hell out of You.
You, You do KNOW I never watched SG-1
until I found you through Bunnyfarm?
I had seen maybe 4 episodes....
You made me fall in love.
YOU took me to the series.
You--damn. I'm going to have to figure out a better way to illuminate my little lap-top cave.
Xim. You.
*laughing at self*
Have produced enough GORGEOUS drawings...
that I am trying to figure out how to "veil" them
next time my parents show up!
You HAVE GOT to see my space.
It is very You.
(this might sound creepy...grabs the rod and reels in the no fish that are not being caught--and assures Xim by saying that "I" have not been working for a while and my mind has had too much space.)
I'll send you a picture!
Right.
(you not only gave me SG-1...You gave me YOUR SG-1.)
I think it is kind of funny.
I knew NOTHING about slash.......
But the day I found it.
I found MINE.
(since the two of you...I really have not found any one else who has captured me with their story telling, their style). I only rolled once...And I won.
I had simply had a funny little idea in my head after watching Smallville. I hit google with some dodgy questions.
Between the two of You...
My funny little idea has gotten a GOOD back rub.
Many cups of coffee...
and a reaffirmation of human spirit.
Spa treatment...
*whoops, there's the tail!*
thank-you...*shhhhhhhh* Thank-you.
Re: Kneels at the shimmering edge of the Lady's dress....
::blushes::
And once again you floor me, woman. I swear, you're the only one who can leave me speechless...
No... thank *you*. It's part of what keeps me going when life looks less than bright. That whatever my twisted little mind cooks up, it might atleast attempt to brighten up someone else's day a bit...
Believe me. Just before christmas 2002 I read an SG1 fic. I hadn't watched the show for... years. Read the fic. Read another one. A third one. Started watching the show from ground 1, working my way through the seasons, and before I knew it, I had a fandom for which I've written more stories than any of the others combined.
See what your cheering does?
::sighs happily::
no subject
That sent a shiver down my spine!
::gets pom-poms out::
Y-A-Y!
no subject
God, I love that icon of yours...
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The image in my head...
Daniel winning a bet, Jack losing it. Price? Jack putting on a cheeleader's outfit. Short skirt and all.
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