He wasn't surprised to find Teal'c seated near the tent entrance as if keeping watch over his sleeping companions. Daniel quickly drank two cups of the delicious coffee the Jaffa had prepared, chasing away the lingering cobwebs woven by the previous evening's strong liquor. "One moment Daniel Jackson." Stepping inside the tent, Teal'c returned carrying Daniel's holster and sidearm. Conceding to leaving the assault weapons in the tent, Jack insisted they continue to wear their sidearms. Friendly natives or not, his people didn't walk around without a way to defend themselves. With a sigh of resignation, Daniel strapped on the gun before taking the clean shirt and moving away from the camp to find a secluded place along the lake to bath and change.

Daniel did his best thinking on his feet. Pacing the shoreline, he was lost in contemplation of the Apakian's legends. The Sun Spirit had to be Ra and the two tribes, North American natives and Egyptians but there was something...Something he could'n't quite put his finger on...Something which tickled at the back of his mind. Something said by Meelay or Bannock...it didn't matter because whatever it was he couldn't-

"Daniel Jackson may I speak with you?" He whirled at the voice to find Shelaya standing a respectful distance behind him. "Good morning." In an automatic gesture of defense, from what he didn't know...maybe just the thoughts of Shau're that leapt into his mind each time he saw the young woman, Jackson instinctively stepped back folding his arms across his chest. How had she found him? He'd purposely picked a place that offered privacy away from the eyes of others.

"I spoke your name and Warrior Teal'c pointed to the water." As if reading his thoughts, she smiled shyly sitting down under a large tree. "I do not wish to disturb you but I have need to speak with you."

Earlier seated with her back to the lake, the woven basket of leaves and roots beside her, Shelaya had patiently waited. She had seen Daniel in her mind, letting the warmth of the sun dry his body before redressing. These strangers, especially this man, intrigued her. Except for the ones left to guard the village, the local men had gone on the hunt. The chieftain wouldn't call the gathering until they return in two days. Maybe by then the spirits would let her understand their wishes.

"Is anything wrong?" There was an innate sadness about the young woman that immediately touched a cord in Daniel.

"Somehow I have offended you and wish to make amends."

"NO!...Oh God no...you haven't offended me." Without thinking Daniel joined her on the grass. "Why would you think that?" Yet he knew the answer before he asked the question.

"I saw your reaction when I removed my hood. You avoid looking at me and only a moment ago you backed away when I requested to speak with you." There was no rebuke in her voice. She was merely stating facts.

"I'm sorry Shelaya...it's just....you..." How could he explain that everytime he looked at her he thought of someone he'd loved more than life.

She hesitated then softly spoke. "I make you think of another."

"Yes." He nodded. "She...uh...she walks among the spirits now."

"Like warrior Teal'c, she did not come from the first world."

Daniel sat motionless as she studied him, with an explicit feeling that she was casually strolling through his mind, examining his memories as closely as he scrutinized a new artifact. Seeing into his very soul. He was surprised to find that her dark eyes reflected his sadness.

"She was from Abydos...the first world we visited when we...started traveling through the Spirit Stone...She was sweet, gentle and...beautiful..." Daniel studied the lake, blinking against the tears that threatened.

"You did not fail her Daniel Jackson. You cannot stop what is meant to be, but you have not lost her. She is always with you...Here." She placed a gentle hand over his heart. "You will always have the love you shared. Each time you think of her you honor that love but Shau're cannot be at peace knowing you still grief." It took every ounce of Daniel's self control, to remain seated when what he really wanted to do was jerk away demanding how she knew Shau're's name. "The spirits say you must remain strong and continue in your war against the evil that took her from you. By staying on the path you and the others have chosen you will help many people." Once again she pushed the images of her visions to the back of her mind.

Shelaya steadily returned his gaze as Daniel stared, his mind racing wildly. How? How was it possible? How was it possible she seemed to know his very thoughts, his feelings.

A naturally open person, Daniel had learned long ago to deal with unwanted thoughts and emotions pushing them to the darkest recesses of his mind. If he lost himself in his books, pretending he didn't want to play ball with the others and ignored the bullying he would manage. He could survive the hateful comments and had even imagined the foster parents loved him. There were times he'd convinced himself he was wanted, rather than a social outcast. He had taught himself to be independant and deal with the pain when no one was there to see the hurt. He had learned to forgive and tried to forget.

Then he'd discovered three people who accepted him, respected him, listened to him and most of all trusted him. Three very different people who let you know in every way that they cared about him and would do anything to protect him. Three special people who taught you that it was all right to be different. Who taught him how to be part of something bigger than himself and more importantly taught him what friendship really meant.