After breakfast as the village hunting party returned, they watched in amazement as the Apakians deserted their daily work, rushing in from the fields, leaving their looms, the clothes and blankets they were sewing forgotten, coming together at the building next to where Shelaya dried her plants to welcome their men. The women quickly set about skinning the game and preparing the hides as the meat was partially divided among the families, the rest stored in the building which turned out to be their version of a smoke house.

Uncomfortable in the silence that had settled between Jack and Daniel, Carter had wandered off to watch the process, pantomiming her offer of help. Teal'c sat with the hunters, using a crude grind stone to sharpen the stone arrow heads, always mindful to keep Carter in sight. Jack had ordered Daniel back to bed. Sure, the dark circles shadowing the sad blue eyes worried him but it was also a good excuse for not having to face the young linguist. Both men's emotions were still raw, still to close to the surface.

His back braced against the log, his legs stretched out in front of him, Jack sipped the last of his coffee and wearily rubbed the back of his neck. Damn he was tired!

'You can be a real asshole sometimes O'Neill!' Jack berated himself, the hateful things he'd said to Daniel still running rampant through his mind. Logically, Jack knew Daniel had prodded him to talk about the nightmare, not out of some sick need to pry into his past but as a release mechanism. A way for Jack to unburden himself, to let go of the memories that caused such agony and Jack had retaliated with words designed to cause as much pain as he, himself, was feeling.

"Are you unwell O'Neill?" Startled by the quiet words, Jack dropped the coffee cup and reached for his sidearm, his hand relaxing, when he realized Shelaya stood watching him. Damn! Either her feet didn't touch the ground when she walked or he was more tired than he thought. He hadn't even heard her approach.

"No. I feel fine thank you."

"Meelay has...called the gathering for tonight." She stated. "We will celebrate the hunters return and...suc-success afterwards."

"Thank you." He knew it was rude but Jack didn't invite her to sit down. He didn't particularly want to be around anyone at the moment, especially who may be able to see inside his head as easily as if his skull was made of glass. "Is there anything special we should know about the gathering? Any protocol we should follow?" The confusion in her eyes told him she didn't understand. "Is there any special order the gathering takes?" She shook her head. "The people will ask questions...you will answer."

"Well that's simple enough...I guess." Nodding, she turned to leave. He saw her hesitation and waited patiently as she struggled with a decision before making it for her.

"Is there something else Shelaya?"

"Jack O'Neill, you are a good man...a kind man." She turned to face him once again. "Daniel Jackson has forgiven you. He is your friend." Shelaya hesitated once more but this time it was while she searched for the English words to make him understand. "Daniel Jackson is a brave man with a gentle heart....He cares for you greatly...Daniel will forgive you any transgression...you have only to ask."

"You're a wise woman Shelaya." Jack was proud to hear how steady his voice sounded even as he blinked back the tears that once again blurred his vision.

"Then please hear me O'Neill and remember my words." Stepping close, she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, keeping her voice low. "Do not always believe what is before your eyes. Seek out the truth that is inside you." She hurried away leaving him to question her cryptic message.