"Avalon Moon" By Samantha Petersen

TITLE: Avalon Moon

RATING: NC-17- sex

DISCLAIMER: All characters and property of SG-1 belong to MGM, Gekko Film Corp., and Double Secret Productions. This fan fiction was written soley for entertainment purposes and no money was made from it. I own only the story and its plotline. Also, no copyright or trademark infringements were or are intended. The descriptions of Beltane in the story are modeled after those found in Marion Zimmer Bradley's book "The Mists of Avalon," (pp. 173-181)

FEEDBACK: For this story in particular, it is highly appreciated and wanted. Flames will be ignored.

SUMMARY: SG-1 meets Camelot of sorts. The team arrives on a medieval planet in time to celebrate Beltane.

WARNINGS: Just sex.

I'm posting this as I'm writing, so I apologize in advance for any delays between parts. But I was informed after I started writing this that night was Beltane.... soo the impatient little wench that I am... This shouldn't be too long a story, and chances are there will be a sequel. The story of The Goddess and the Stag can be found in "The Mists of Avalon," and Starhawk's "The Spiral Dance." I'll admit I've taken some liberties with the tales to fit it into the story and the SG-1 universe. This is my first attempt at a Stargate story, but I'll also freely admit, I'm having WAY too much fun with it)

(Author's note: As most Renn Faire's here in the states, the "Medieval times" I'm describing here encompass as much as 800 years of pre-rennaisance history in Europe. This being another planet, allows for a little artistic license in that regard. Items in * are thoughts. Can't think of any other disclaimers I forgot in my synopsis)

(Special thanks to Miki who's stepped in to help with Beta reading. Thanks, Miki! Having fun with this one.)

I'm taking a few liberties with the stories surrounding Beltane, adding some of my own stuff to it here. But once again, this being a different planted allows for a little creative license.

Enjoy! Sam

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Avalon Moon By Samantha Petersen

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

When in the sprintime of the year,
When the trees are crowned with leaves,
when the ash and oak and the birch and yew,
are dressed in ribbons fair.

When owls call the breathless moon,
in the blue of veil of the night, the shadows of the trees appear,
admidst the lantern light.

-Mummer's Dance
-Loreena McKennit, "Book of Secrets"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

SG-1 stumbled down the ramp from the gate. They looked around trying to gain their bearings. The MALP images they'd received had shown the gate was located in a temple of sorts. The foreign technology had caused an obvious stir among the locals, just as the newly arrived team was.

Daniel Jackson looked down towards the people bowing towards them at the base of the gate entrance, taking in their costumes. "Medieval..." he muttered. "Knights, fair maidens... the whole nine yards."

"Welcome to Camelot," Colonel Jack O'Neill said in his usual sarcastic tone, as he stepped closer to Jackson. Captain Samantha Carter and their fourth companion Teal'C joined him.

A priest dressed in blue robes tentatively stepped forward from the bowing people. He greeted them a in language that to three out of the four of them, sounded like something they should recognize. Daniel excitedly started talking back with the priest, in the man's own language. Once again, several words sounded familiar, yet remained foreign to the others.

"Daniel," Jack tried to catch the excited anthropologist's attention, tapping the younger man on the shoulder.

Jackson turned towards him. "Sorry, Jack... it's Old English, you weren't too far off on your Camelot remark. A pre-Christian, English civilization... it appears we've shown up in the midst of their spring time celebrations." The words flowed out, as the younger man grew more and more excited. "Tonight is a feast followed by music and dancing, tomorrow if they follow the rituals as we know them on earth is the bonfires and the coming together of the Stag and the Goddess..."

"Whoa!" Jack held up his hands, stopping the torrent of words from the younger man. Trying to listen to Jackson's words and watch his hands flying as fast as his mouth moved could make anyone dizzy. An excited Jackson was not always a good thing. "You got all that from your brief conversation?"

Sam grinned, watching the two of them. This same scenario played out on every planet they visited. Teal'C stood behind her, silently watching, his head slightly cocked to one side, the stone mask in place.

Daniel smiled sheepishly. "I used to date a girl from England who was into the pagan rituals. The Druids, Wiccans, she blended them all together. Made for some interesting solstices... will never forget that summer solstice at Salisbury…" He started to blush as he realized he was giving out way too much information.

O'Neill chuckled and Daniel's blush grew deeper. "So you're familiar with the culture and the language. And it seems we've arrived in time for a party."

Carter was chuckling as well, trying to hide it by turning away slightly. The only response from Teal'C was a slight raise of one eyebrow.

The priest stepped forward again, talking to Daniel. After another brief conversation, he motioned that the SG-1 team should follow him.

"We're to go with him. They'd be honored if we'd stay with them and celebrate the spring," Daniel ran a hand through his hair as he translated as they followed the older man.

Jack recognized the motion, it usually meant Daniel was either nervous or excited, and giving where they were, O'Neill was inclined to chalk it up to excitement.

A younger woman joined them as they left the temple. A massive fortress, similar to medieval English keeps sat on a hill a short distance from the temple. The area around the keep and temple was dotted with farmland. Entering the gate of the keep, they saw a market place. Produce of all sorts was available for sale; freshly butchered meat hung in front of a butcher's shop. In one corner a blacksmith was shoeing a horse. On the opposite side of the grounds, men could be seeing working out. The clank of swords echoed throughout the yard.

The woman started talking with the priest as they walked. Jackson listened in intently, then once again translated for the group, "Sam, it seems you can't stay with us tonight. Marin, here will show you to the women's quarters where you can rest until the time of the feast tonight, at which time you will be allowed rejoin us."

A foreboding sense of déjà vu settled over her. "Great and how am I supposed to communicate with them? They may be speaking English, but it may as well be Greek." Carter jerked her head toward the priest and Marin.

Daniel paused in his steps, bringing everyone to a halt. He thought for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration. His face lit up as a possible solution came to mind. Daniel started speaking with the priest and woman in a different language to see if they understood. A language Sam finally recognized... a language not used since high school.

The priest and woman grinned and nodded, understanding him. Looking very pleased with him self; Daniel looked back at her with a similar grin. "How's your Latin, Sam?"

"Oh great," she muttered with a shake of her head. "The one class I actually had trouble passing. It's rusty, but I was able to understand what you just asked them."

"Now wait just one moment, this team is NOT being split up." Jack stepped in between them. His jaw stubbornly set. "Explain that to them, Daniel, we are staying together."

Jackson turned with a sigh and tried to explain Jack's position to their hosts. Both the priest and Marin shook their heads adamantly. "Sorry, Jack, they won't let Captain Carter stay with us. It has something to do with their celebrations. All the women are separated from the men, married or single except for meals and worship until tomorrow night."

With an inward sigh, Sam realized the futility of the situation. "Colonel, I'll be okay, and if anything were to come up, we do have our radios. At least here, women seem to be on equal status with the men, so no one should be tempted to kidnap me and try and sell me..."

Jack inwardly snorted at the memory her words brought back. *That dress* he thought to himself. "All right, Captain." He agreed with a nod. He continued, his voice holding a warning, "Stay on your guard, I don't want anything happening to anyone while we're here."

Sam nodded and followed the woman, Marin, in an opposite direction from her teammates. They headed to a building towards the back of the keep. As they reached the women's quarters, an old woman stepped out of the shadows, she was dressed in a light blue robe, a blue crescent moon was tattooed on her forehead. She made her way to Sam and Marin. Stopping them, she studied Sam for a long moment. She reached out and laid her hand over Carter's stomach. A toothless grin crossed her seamed face as if knowing a secret that she would not or could not reveal. She then patted Sam on the arm, the smile still in place before disappearing back into the shadows.

"Who was that?" Carter asked Marin in English, confused at what had just happened. She'd felt warmth radiating from the old woman's hand, the places she'd touched, still felt warm. Realizing her mistake, she repeated the question in Latin.

"That was Ena, the old one. She is the High Priestess of the Goddess. It is to the Goddess that we celebrate the bonfires tomorrow. After tonight's feast, there will be fasting throughout the day tomorrow until the celebration at the bonfires. Come, I will show you to your room."

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

We've been rambling all the night,
and some time of this day, now returning back again,
we bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves,
and summon the shadows there,
and tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms.
In the springtime of the year.

-Mummer's Dance
-Loreena McKennit, "Book of Secrets"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

Just as the sun was setting, Marin came back into Sam's room. She carried a dress similar in style to her own. "So that you may fit in at the celebration feast tonight."

Sam warily looked over the deep blue dress. With a sigh, she took it and quickly slipped out of her fatigues and into the dress. The style was definitely medieval. The bodice and arms fit snugly, like a second skin, the skirt flowed out, widening slightly at her hips, flowing straight down from there, nearly brushing the floor.

"The color compliments you," Marin told her, looking at her approvingly. "Come, the feast is about to begin, you may rejoin your companions for the meal."

The two women made their way to the dining hall. Long tables filled the massive room. Food was already piled on all of them. At the far end of the room, on a raised dais, sat an ornately decorated table, as heavily loaded with food as the others.

"The King and Queen's table. The high priest and priestess will be there as well." Marin filled Sam in, giving the blonde more details on her culture.

Before Sam could respond, the male members of SG-1 joined them, led once again by the priest. They too were dressed in traditional costumes. Jack and Daniel both paused as they caught sight of Sam in the dress, jaws dropping open, openly staring at her. They so rarely saw her in anything but fatigues, and almost never saw her in a dress.

"Did I suddenly grow two heads?" She asked them with a small smile, noticing the stares.

"What?" They both asked at the same time. Daniel suddenly found something else in the room fascinating. Jack just raised his gaze, meeting Sam's eyes.

"The dress is very flattering, Captain." He smiled softly at her.

"Thank you, Colonel. I see you're fitting in here nicely yourself..." Her smile grew softer as their gazes remained locked for several more moments.

Trumpets sounded in the hall, startling both of them. Marin rejoined the team. "It is time to be seated. The royal entourage is about to enter. Let me show you to your table." She moved towards one of the tables at the front of the great hall. As the team moved to follow her, Jack held out an arm for Carter. "M'lady." He flashed a smile at her.

"Gentleman to the core aren't we," she teased, returning the smile.

Like Jackson's excitement over seeing new cultures, the light, fun flirtation between Colonel and Captain were nothing new. Sometimes, it just relieved the monotony of a situation, other times it was semiserious.

"The food smells delicious... do we really want to know what we'll be eating?" Sam asked, as the made their way to the table.

"They definitely had cattle out there, I did notice that. There does look like there's enough food in here to feed a small army for a week, or a small nation for a year."

"Both," Daniel told them as they came closer. "The entire population of the keep is invited here tonight to take part in the celebration. Plus the knights here do equal to a small army, in service to the local Lord of the Keep, and also in service to the King of the Land. There's not much difference here to the feudal system that had been in place in England. You really weren't far off on the Camelot remark, Jack. This is approximately to what Camelot probably looked like."

Sam laughed at the expression on Daniel's face as he talked. "You look like the proverbial kid in a candy shop, Daniel."

He took his glasses off, played with them for a moment, then put them back on before looking at her. "I'm living every anthropologist's dream. I'm not only studying the cultures. But with our travels, I'm experiencing them... even living among them for a short time. Cultures which on earth are in some instances extinct." The excited expression still on his face.

The team sat down at their table. There were at least twenty other people with them at the table. "There must be a couple hundred people in here," Jack observed. "Reminds me a little of boot camp," he joked.

"No, the manners here are a little better, Sir," Sam joked back, catching his eyes. Laughing blue ones caught his deep brown ones. Each held the other's gaze until another blast of trumpets filled the hall once again.

"I have a feeling the local royalty is about to grace us with their presence," O'Neill muttered under his breath.

A procession entered the hall through a door behind the dais. Two priests in blue robes led the way, followed by what was obviously the King and Queen, next came the Lord of the Keep and his wife, then the High Priest and Priestess of the temple. More priests and priestesses brought up the rear. Both the priest and priestesses wore similar blue robes; the women's were a lighter shade than the men's were. Each of the women also had a blue crescent moon tattooed on their foreheads.

Sam leaned in towards Marin. "What is the significance of the moon?"

"It is the mark of the Goddess. The priestesses with the tattoo are publicly announcing that they have chose a life of serving the Goddess."

Overhearing the conversation, Daniel joined in. "According to the myths of King Arthur and Avalon, the priestesses of Avalon had a similar mark."

The royal entourage was finally seated; The High Priest stood and blessed the meal. He sat down again; signaling that the night's feast could begin. The people at the tables began digging into their food with gusto. The noise in the hall increased as the night wore on and the wine flowed more freely.

Towards midnight, a large thud filled the hall, stopping all conversation. The Head Priest stood up and gave another blessing over the meal they'd just eaten and blessing the coming day's celebrations. Marin stood and walked over to Sam. "It is time for us to return to our quarters. We must rest, then prepare for tomorrow. The men will continue to celebrate tonight, many of them will fall asleep here in the great hall."

"Guess this is good night until tomorrow then." Sam stood. "Colonel, Daniel, Teal'C, don't do anything I wouldn't," she teased before following Marin and the other women out of the hall.

*****

The sun was just barely peaking over the horizon when Marin and two other women came into her room to wake Sam up. "It is time to prepare for tonight's celebration. We have a long day ahead of us," Marin told her as Carter quickly awoke.

Ena waited outside the door for them as they exited the room. The old priestess briefly spoke with Marin, who then turned and translated what had been said to Sam. "Ena wishes to over see your preparations today. As a visitor, she wishes to ensure everything is done correctly for you."

"Just what exactly are the celebrations tonight?" Carter asked as they walked down the long hallway.

"Tonight we will be giving thanks to the Goddess for bringing us through another winter, and to gain her blessing over the spring planting. Tonight is the night the Goddess comes together with her consort, the Stag. It is a celebration of rebirth, the end of winter and the beginning of spring," Marin explained as they entered a large chamber. Inside were several hot spring baths.

"Now that looks like heaven." Sam smiled softly. "It's not often I get a hot bath while on a mission."

"Bath and massage, the first steps in cleansing ourselves for renewal before the celebration."

"Massage too? This isn't a mission, this is a resort..." Sam noticed the other women were giving her strange looks. *Must have slipped into English again.* she thought to herself. Out loud, she went back into Latin. "Bath and massage, I think I can handle that."

The other women smiled and nodded. Marin and Ena helped Sam off with her dress. They led her to a tub, still dressed themselves. The two women scrubbed her clean with a homemade herbal soap. Every inch was scrubbed starting from the top of her head and working down.

Carter started to protest, but was quickly hushed by the elderly priestess. One of the other women brought over a glass and handed it to Sam.

"Ritual wine, the only thing other than water we are allowed to drink until tonight," Marin filled her in. "Drink, it will relax you."

"Thank you." Sam took the offered drink. Under Ena's and Marin's watchful eyes, she tasted it. It had been warmed and it felt good going down. With in minutes, a languid warmth filled her from the inside out, relaxing her further as they motioned for her to stand up. A large cloth wrapped around her from behind. A small voice inside Sam's head wondered why she was receiving this treatment, but it was quickly quieted as she was led to a low table. They indicated that she should lie down on her stomach. Without question, she did as she was instructed.

Unseen hands removed the cloth. A sweet herbal smell filled the room. Warm hands started massaging her feet, slowly working their way up her legs. The sweet smell came from the massage oil they expertly rubbed into her skin. Underneath the expert hands, she felt herself relaxing completely, almost falling asleep during the massage. Not one inch was left untouched again. If she were a cat, Sam most definitely would have been purring at that point. When another glass of the wine was brought to her, she hadn't even realized she'd finished the first.

All too soon, the massage was over as well. They took her down to another room where they dressed her in a gown; similar in construction to the one she'd worn the night before, but more elaborate this time. Gold trim lined the bodice and cuffs on the sleeves. Intricate embroidery decorated the entire length of the dress. "How beautiful," Sam whispered, eyes wide as she lightly touched the finery.

She slipped the gown on with the help of the other women. They then led her to a chair and sat her down. One of the women brought forward cosmetics. She and another of the women quickly applied them to Sam. They talked in knowing tones to one another in their own language as they worked. Once they were done, they faded back. Two more women stepped forward. One of them held a garland of spring flowers, the other an ornate mother of pearl comb. A third woman slipped forward, handing Sam another glass of wine. They quickly settled into their work, styling Sam's short hair and positioning the garland into it's place.

Sam was unaware of how much time had passed as Ena finally declared her ready for the first part of the night's celebration. She once again followed Ena and Marin from the room. As they passed a window, Carter saw that is was already near dusk.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The songs of birds seem to fill the wood,
that when the fiddler plays,
all their voices can be heard, long past their woodland days.

And so they linked their hands and danced,
round in circles and in rows,
and so the journey of the night descends,
when all the shades are gone.

-Mummer's Dance
-Loreena McKennit, "Book of Secrets"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Darkness had fallen, signaling the start of the festivities. Daniel gazed around the meadow, noting the decorations, which had been put in place. The main bonfire pyre had already been lit in the center of the clearing, and the trees were decorated with colorful banners and ribbons. Lit lanterns hung from the trees' lower branches. He heard that a band was already playing music as the early arrivals waited for everyone's arrival at the bonfire. Jackson moved away from his teammates and started talking with one of the locals.

Jack and Teal'C silently stood to one side also taking in the scene in front of them, alert for the first sign of danger. O'Neill noticed that so far only a few of the women had arrived. Movement on the hill caught his eye. He turned his head to see a procession winding towards the meadow. The

women were on their way. He recognized the High Priestess and Marin towards

the front of the group, a third woman walked closely next to them. He watched her, wondering who she was until they moved closer. Seeing whom it was he did a quick double take.

"No way..." For the second time in as many days, his jaw dropped open.

Daniel turned around at O'Neill's softly exclaimed words, Teal'C was already following the Colonel's line of gaze. Jackson looked in the same direction as well.

"Wow..." he whispered, eyes going wide. "Is that OUR Sam?"

"Unless we've found another planet with cloning capabilities, it has to be... who would have known." Jack still hadn't blinked.

As the women neared the bonfire, Ena laid a hand on Sam's arm. She smiled, and nodded, then stepped away to join the other priestesses. Free to join her companions, Sam walked over to where they waited.

"Wow..." Daniel whispered again as she came to stand next to him. His eyes ran up and down her length, taking in the full picture.

"Thank you, Daniel... I think." She smiled at him. She then looked at the others to see their reactions. Teal'C nodded at her, giving his sign of approval. That left Jack.

She turned her head to meet his gaze, what she saw there momentarily startled her. "Colonel," she asked, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice, the intensity of his gaze sent shock waves through her, shaking her to the core.

His eyes raised, locking on hers. Desire and passion raged unchecked in the dark brown pools that met hers. Sam took in a shuddering breath; unable or unwilling to break his gaze. To do so would break the spell that seemed to have settled over them. Time ceased to exist outside their small circle. The only thing that made it through to them was the haunting, erotic beat of the drums. Around them, the dance was starting.

Daniel and Teal'C exchanged glances, the air around their companions almost visiblly crackled with electricity. They were used to the flirtation, but this was way beyond that.

Behind them, unnoticed by all four team members, Ena stood smiling. All was proceeding as the Goddess had promised. She removed her gaze from the couple and caught Marin's eyes and nodded. With an answering nod, the younger woman walked over to the team, breaking the spell between Colonel and Captain.

"It is time for the dance." She smiled at the team. "We will show you how it is done. The feasting will commence later tonight."

Soon the entire celebrating population was dancing in the meadow around the bonfire. A couple of smaller fires joined the first at the edges of the meadow, bathing the entire area in a red glow. The dancers snaked around the meadow as they danced, alternating between long lines and tight circles. The full moon set high in the sky when Ena and Marin approached Sam again.

Eyes bright, Sam turned to face them. "It is time to prepare for the second part of tonight's celebration. Come with us, please."

Carter paused, turning to look at Jack. "It's all right, Captain. They probably just need help in the kitchen," he playfully teased.

"In that case, they really don't want my help then," she teased back.

The toothless grin on Ena's face grew as she watched the interaction between them. She looked passed them into the darkness, nodding at an unseen person there.

Sam soon followed Ena and Marin out of the meadow, but instead of heading towards the keep, they took her to another meadow where a smaller fire had been lit. A small table stood next to the fire and several priestesses worked about it. On the table, Sam could see a large garland, a couple of small bowls of blue paint in different shades, and a highly decorated robe of animal skins.

"Whoa..." Sam turned to look at her companions. "What is this?"

"You have been chosen for the honor of representing the Goddess. She will bless our people through you. This is all as the signs predicted."

"What do I have to do?" Sam was still wary about this, about what these people expected from her.

"The Goddess will speak through you, she will give her blessing through you for the planting. It is not dangerous. Ena herself was a vessel for the Goddess once. As you can see she was unharmed. It is an honor to be chosen by the Goddess for this. No one has ever refused."

Sam still looked uncertain about what they were asking of him. The caution showed on her face and in her body language. A vessel, that sounded too much like becoming a host for a Goa'uld.

Ena stepped in front of Sam and placed a wrinkled hand on the younger woman's forehead. A feeling of serenity and safety flowed through Carter. "Thank you," she whispered to the elderly priestess. "I would be honored..." she told them.

She was handed a goblet of wine as Ena and Marin moved her closer to the fire.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Bonfires dot the rolling hillsides,
Firgures dance around and around,
To drums that pulse out echoes of darkness,
Moving to the pagan sound.

Somewhere in a hidden memory,
Images float before my eyes,
Of fragrants nights or straw and bonfires,
And dancing till the next sunrise.

-All Souls Night
-Loreena McKennit, "The Visit"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

After Sam had been taken away, the men of SG-1 turned their attention back to the celebrations in the meadow. Two young women soon approached them, one led Daniel off to join the dancers, the other led Teal'C into the swarm of bodies. Alone now, Jack headed to the edge of the meadow, content to watch the celebration for the time being.

A hand on his arm startled O'Neill. He turned his head to find a young priest at his side. The younger man held out a goblet of wine to him. "Thank you." He smiled as he took the offered drink. A sweet odor wafted up from the goblet as he took a drink. The cool sweet liquid tasted good after a day of fasting.

He turned back to watch the dancers as he drank the wine, the young priest still standing next to him. When he had finished the drink the priest drew his attention again. He motioned that O'Neill was to follow him. Uncharacteristically, without question, Jack followed the priest into the darkness of the woods.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

"A garland gay we bring you here
and at your door we stand.
It is a sprout well budded out.
The work of our Lord's hand."

-Mummer's Dance
-Loreena McKennit, "Book of Secrets"

On either side of the river lie
Long fields of barley and rye,
That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
And thro' the field the road run by
To many-towered Camelot;

-Lady of Shalott
-Loreena McKennit,"The Visit"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Someone tossed something onto the fire as Sam, Ena, and Marin approached. Within moments, the sweet scent of sage filled the area. Sam closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The fresh scent and the wine she'd been given earlier now had her relaxing again.

Marin and Ena quickly removed Sam's dress. In the light from the fire, her skin glowed red. One of the younger novice priestess came forward. She held a small bottle of oil. Together, she and Marin rubbed it into Sam's skin, making it glow more.

A priestess picked up the smaller of the pots of paint from the table. She approached Carter and painted a blue crescent moon on the taller woman's forehead.

"The mark of the Goddess," Marin told Sam, repeating her words from the previous night.

As the priestess stepped back, another one took her place. She held the larger pot of paint. Ena came to stand in front of Sam. She took the paintbrush and proceeded to paint a full moon on Sam's abdomen. The paint was cool and the brush tickled against her skin, but the sober atmosphere held her in its embrace.

Satisfied with her work, Ena placed the brush back in the pot and took a small step back. She reached up and gently touched Sam on the forehead, just above the newly painted crescent moon. She started a low chant. It sounded like a mixture of languages, possibly Latin, Gaelic, and Old English. Her hand dropped back to her side as she finished. The elderly priestess then turned and disappeared into the darkness.

"The full moon represents the fertility of the land. The chant was a prayer for the Goddess's favor." It was obvious that Marin's job was to keep Sam informed.

A fourth priestess picked up the garland from the table and approached the nearly prepared Sam.

"It is the Girdle of the Goddess," Marin explained. "The Flowers represent fertility and the rebirth of spring. Please, lift your arms."

Caught up in the spell of the night, Sam automatically did as was requested of her. Together the priestess and Marin placed the garland on Carter. It rested on her hips, the front resting low, covering her, but not covering her.

A rustling in the woods drew the women's attention. Ena reappeared followed by a priest. The man carried a plate. Sam caught a glimpse of something gleaming laying on it.

The priestesses around her started chanting as the priest stepped up to Sam. Marin moved in close again. "The offering from the hunt. A stag's liver. It is time for you to break fast."

Sam scrunched up her nose a little. "Liver?" She blanched when the priest stopped in front of her and she saw the liver was raw.

The priest and priestesses expectantly waited for Sam to accept the offering. Carter looked up, looking at the group. She could see them waiting; they wanted her to eat raw liver. The priest moved the plate towards her a little more, a quiet subtle demand. "Ewwwwwww..." Sam muttered as she picked up the bloody liver. "This is so disgusting... the things I do in the name of exploration..." Closing her eyes, she nibbled off a small part of it, she had to force herself not to gag. After swallowing the small piece, Sam opened her eyes when a goblet was placed in her hands. She lifted the drinking container and quickly downed the contents in an attempt to get the taste out of her mouth. It wasn't the same wine from before. A fire burned down her esophagus to her stomach.

The fire quickly diminished, leaving her warm, her muscles started to feel weightless. Ena stepped forward, a small brush in hand. She dipped the tip into the blood on the plate holding the remainder of the liver. She stepped in front of Sam. Using the blood, she painted Sam's nipples, then stepped back. All was ready.

The priest faded back into the shadows, his job was done. Two of the priestess draped the skin robe over Sam's shoulders. Lead by Ena, the small group followed a path up the near by hill to a small cave. A fire burned towards the back, next to a pile of furs. The priestess led Sam to the furs and settled her down. They then turned around and left the cave, only Ena remained. The elderly woman turned to follow. She paused at the entrance and offered up one last blessing. She then stepped out of the cave and into the darkness. TBC- Comments Welcomed and Appreciated.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

"This is the Horned One, this the God,
this the Consort of the Virgin Huntress."

"Now the power of winter is broken
and the new life of spring shall go with you
and bring you to victory...
Life of the Goddess, Life of the world
Blood of the earth our Mother, shed for her people..."

-"The Mists of Avalon"
-Marion Zimmer Bradley

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Alone in the cave, Sam ran her eyes over the chamber, taking in the details. The fire lit the back of the small cave, leaving the front shrouded in darkness. Hand painted blue moons and antlered stags decorated the walls and ceiling. She reached out to touch one of the closer moons and pulled her hand back in surprise. The wall was warm and almost seemed to pulsate slightly in time with the beat of the distant drums she could still hear. The cave grew darker as the wood in the fire burned down to more embers than flames, it had obviously been started some time before they'd brought her up here.

A rustling sound from the front of the cave drew her attention, breath catching in her throat as she tensed, ready to defend herself if necessary. A tall figure soon appeared in the entrance, hidden in shadows. The dim light tried to reach out to embrace him in its warmth, but the darkness kept it at bay. In the warm light, Sam could see his skin glistening with sweat. The only adornments on him were a set of antlers atop his head and a garland similar to hers. The garland did little to hide his obvious erection. The Stag had come. Her pulse quickened as her eyes continued to take in his dark form. He was muscular, that he kept in shape was obvious. Muscles rippled as he reached up and removed the antlers.

Desire ripped through her core as he moved deeper into the cave towards her. She could hear him breathing heavily, whether from the exertion of coming up to the cave or from his own desire, she did not know. Her own breathing quickened in anticipation of what was to come.

As if on a dimmer switch, the fire dimmed further the more he moved towards her. It kept him shrouded in shadows, keeping her from seeing who he was. Soon he was standing over the small bed of furs and she instinctively moved over slightly in invitation.

She was no longer Captain Samantha Carter, she was now the Goddess. Her consort, the Stag, stood before her in all his majesty. She wanted him. She needed him.

He knelt in front of her on his knees, then leaned forward and captured her lips with his. She hungrily returned the kiss, fiercely pulling him down atop her. His hardness pressed into her inner thigh, further fueling the fire which burned deep with in her. Their tongues dueled as their bodies moved against each other. He grabbed her arms, holding them above her head as his lips left hers to move down her jaw to her throat, kissing, sucking, and biting a path downwards. She let out a low moan, hips arching upwards into his, letting him know exactly what she wanted.

His mouth briefly latched onto one breast before he pulled back. Sam whimpered softly as she felt him leaving, only to cry out as he suddenly thrust himself deeply inside her, stretching and filling her to the core. She broke her arms from his now loose grasp, wrapping her arms around him as they moved in a frantic dance. His lips crushed against hers again as he sped up the movement of his thrusts. Her nails dug into his back and shoulders as the first violent tremors coursed through her. Her head fell back, her cries filling the cave, echoing off the walls. She pulled him into his own release, his cries mingling with hers as his own body spasmed above her.

As she drew in ragged breaths, trying to regain control of her own body, she was aware of him still buried deep inside her. His weight pleasantly pressed her into the furs. Her entire body moved with each breath and she could feel him already reacting again. She brought her hands up, cupping his face with them, pulling him down into a deep kiss. The frantic need of before had been replaced. She wanted to move slower this time, get to know the body and perhaps the person she was with.

He seemed to read her silent cues. Rolling onto his side, he pulled her with him. Gentle kisses covered her face, then moved downward. She felt his tongue flick out, tasting the sweat covered skin of her neck. A shudder of pure pleasure ran through her, accompanied by a soft moan. Her fingers tangled in his short hair encouraging him in his trek. He slowly tasted every inch of her, setting nerve endings on fire. Expert hands and mouth soon had her writhing beneath him.

"Please..." she whispered, her legs wrapping around him, holding him into place. The Goddess was gone, Sam was back, and even though she didn't know who this was with her, she wanted more of him.

He didn't need further encouragement. He began a slow, agonizing penetration, taking his time. He paused when she tried to bring her hips towards his, impatient to have him inside her again. A frustrated whimper escaped her again. He started moving again when he felt small tremors running down the length of her body.

Slowly, patiently, he made love to her, with none of the frantic desire of their first coupling. Hands slowly traveled over each other's bodies, exploring, arousing, teasing. Soft moans and cries and whispers filled the small cave. Two voices mingled as one as they once again found release together, clinging tightly to one another. Sated, two bodies remained entwined as they both drifted off to sleep.

Outside a lone figure paused in its stealthy approach in the darkness. Hearing the sounds emanating from the cave, they smiled, then turned and disappeared back down the hill.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

A bow-shot from her bower eaves,
He rode between the barley sheaves,
The sun came dazzling thro' the leaves,
And flamed upon the brazen greaves
Of bold Sir Lancelot.
A red-cross Knight for ever kneel'd
To a lady in his shield.

-Lady of Shalott
-Loreena McKennit, "The Visit"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The sun slowly filtered to the back of the cave, warming the two occupants towards waking. Sam stirred a little, legs moving against the ones entwined with hers. Her cheek was nestled against something slightly scratchy and it tickled her half awake. Eyes slowly blinked open.

"Mmmmmmmm..." she mumbled, fighting to stay awake. She was warm and comfortable, all too soon someone would be coming in to wake her. She snuggled her head further into her pillow. Eyes flew open. She sat up right, looking down at what had scratched her face. "Oh my god..." She scrambled backwards as she recognized her sleeping companion. Memories of the previous night flooded back as well as the realization she was completely naked.

She frantically looked around for something, anything to put on before he woke up. There was nothing in the cave save the skins they'd been sleeping on. "Oh my god..." she muttered over and over. "My career's over..." Her eyes once again landed on the still form of her commanding officer.

How had they gotten him up here? Had he known it would be she in the cave? Had he come willingly, or had they drugged him with the wine? So many questions and Sam was sure she didn't want most of them answered. All she wanted to do was escape before he woke up, but she also wasn't about to go running down the hillside buck-naked.

Attempting to get up and search the front of the cave, hoping that someone had left some clothes there, Sam accidentally knocked over the partially burned wood from the fire. The noise startled Jack awake.

Sam stopped stark still as he bolted up from the bed, ready to protect himself. His eyes landed on her naked form, eyes widening. "Carter?"

"Sir." She desperately looked for something else to look at other than his well-formed and equally naked physique. Awkwardness suddenly filled the small area.

Jack closed his eyes as images from the night before assaulted him. He reopened his eyes to find Sam intently studying the wall nearest her. "Last night wasn't a dream..."

"No, Sir, it was all very real..." she responded, still not looking at him.

"Did you know?" There was a small hint of accusation in his voice.

"Know what? What was going to happen, or that it was going to be you?" Sam briefly met his eyes, studiously avoiding the rest of him.

"Both."

"I had no idea what they really meant I was to do as the 'vessel of the Goddess'. And I certainly had no idea that you or anyone else was coming up to here," She said defensively. The tension in the small cave nearly crackled around them. Sam was certain her career was over the moment they got back to SGC.

Jack audibly sighed. He paced around slightly. This was getting them no where. Granted the night before never should have happened, but he couldn't honestly say he'd never though about doing what they'd done. Most of the men at the base had the same fantasy about Captain Carter. Besides one brief engagement, she'd kept most of the men at arm's lengths, allowing only friendships.

"Was it good for you?" Jack smiled, trying to soften the mood in the room.

Sam coughed as she tried not to laugh, still feeling rather uncomfortable, but if Jack could relax, then so could she. He wasn't the only one who'd had a few fantasies filled the night before. And the real thing was much better than any fantasy.

"Told you before, no giggling, doesn't do much for a man's ego..."

"Sorry, Sir..." A smile still twitched at her mouth.

"That's better, but you never answered my question." He stepped over and lifted her chin to look into her eyes. "Was it good for you?" Deep brown eyes locked onto hers.

"Amazing," she whispered. "We both know it can't happen again." Her eyes dropped from his. "There are no secrets at SGC."

He leaned in and gently kissed her. "Then we hold on to the memories until we can let it happen again," he sighed softly. "Right now though we have a problem..."

"How to get back to the keep with no clothes?" she asked with a small smile.

"That too..." he softly teased.

Sam's reply was cut off as two priestesses enter the cave. One carried a pile of clothing, the other a tray of food. Ena was right behind them. "Eat, dress, then we will take you back," she ordered then disappeared from the cave.

"The queen has given her orders." Jack stepped back from Sam. "Clothes or food first?"

"Clothes please... It's times like these I'm glad we haven't found a planet of nudists yet..."

O'Neill chuckled at that thought. "Now there would be a planet. Daniel would be beet red the entire time we're there and you'd be in hiding right?"

"You wouldn't get me out of the gate..."

"I'll have to ask Teal'C if he's heard of such a place... that just might be too interesting a sight to turn down." He teased with a grin as he handed her the dress that had been brought for her. He pulled it just out of her grasp as she reached for it, a playful smile on his lips.

"Sir..." she tried to admonish him, her smile belaying her tone.

He finally let her take the dress, purposely taking her hand in his for a brief moment before they each turned to get dressed. Sam finished first, having only the one item to slip on. She headed over to the tray of food as her body reminded her she hadn't eaten the day before. Settling down, she started in on the fresh fruits and breads on the small tray.

"Hungry?" Jack watched her devour the food with an amused smile.

"Ravenous. I never got to eat yesterday. Actually I take that back. I could have had all the raw liver I wanted. I hate it cooked, it's even less appetizing raw." She grimaced at the memory.

"I hope I don't have to find that out for myself." Jack settled down next to her, reaching for something to eat for himself. A serious expression crossed his features. "Any regrets?"

Sam looked up, meeting his eyes. "None. Well, maybe one... that we can't do that again. They'd break the team up and court martial both of us if anyone found out." Regret towards their situation was now obvious in her eyes. "We both love our careers too much for us to give them up."

"So we go back to the way we were, the speculation on base running rampant about are we or aren't we... and we know the truth." He took a bite out of the bread he'd picked up.

"I've always had the world's worst timing when it came to relationships. That and usually the world's worst luck with choosing the right man. Usually end up with the ones with the a God Complex."

"Come now."

Both Sam and Jack spun around at the command. Neither of them had heard Ena's approach. "It is time to bathe." Ena turned to leave, allowing no room for arguments.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

"Who is this? And what is here?
And in the lighted palace near
Died the sound of royal cheer;
And they crossed themselves in fear,
All the knights at Camelot;
But Lancelot mused a little space
He said, 'she has a lovely face;
God in his mercy lend her grace,"

-Lady of Shalott
-Loreena McKennit, "The Visit"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Sam and Jack were separated from one another once they got back to the keep. Ena ushered Sam towards the bath were the ever-present priestesses waited. Sam smiled with a sigh as she saw the wondrous warm waters again. The floor of the cave had not been the most comfortable thing to lie on. And she felt grungy from the oils they'd used on her, not to mention the sweat...

*Mind away from there, Carter* she mentally chastised herself. The other women soon had her disrobed and soaking in the steamy water. Sam sighed as the heat seeped into her bones. She leaned back into the water, eyes closing.

She briefly opened them when she felt a cloth rub across her body. Two of the priestesses were next to the tub. *So the pampering continues.* She relaxed back, once again enjoying it. *Who needs a spa when you've got Camelot* A soft smile flitted across her lips.

All too soon, the bath was complete. Sam stood up and they wrapped her in a huge sheet, leading her to the chair again. She frowned as she caught sight of herself in the highly polished bronze in front of her. The blue crescent moon was still on her forehead. They'd washed her face, why was it still there. She turned to look at Ena, questions in her eyes.

Ena clapped with joy, a huge smile on her face as she saw the moon. "The Goddess is most pleased. We shall have a wonderful spring and harvest. The ground is most fertile indeed."

Carter looked at her in confusion. "The Goddess shows her pleasure of our worship through the vessel." Marin's voice came from the doorway. "If she is pleased with the events of Beltane, the crescent moon remains on the vessel for three days. If she was not pleased, the moon will wash off the next morning. She is most pleased indeed. She will bless the land for this planting and harvest. We thank you." Marin, Ena, and the priestesses present bowed to her.

"You're welcome... I think..." Carter was still confused, uncertain about what had taken place the night before. "So this moon isn't permanent, it will wash off eventually?"

"Yes, in three days it will have faded completely. The Goddess has also blessed you. She is most pleased in you; the moon is most bright. She has not shown this level of pleasure in the vessel in many years."

"So what does that mean for me?" Sam relaxed back, still eyeing her image in the polished metal before her.

"You have the Goddess's pleasure for life. You and your friends will be welcome here anytime you wish to come. Your presence here will be most adventitious to us any time you come. Your deepest wishes will be fulfilled. The Goddess will bestow many gifts on you."

"Even if I'm not on this planet?" Fingers lightly ran over the moon now.

"The Goddess knows you. She told us of your coming long before your arrival. Do not people on your planet worship Her?"

"According to Daniel, yes. She's one of the pagan religions from our past. From what he said, people today do still worship her."

"You have been blessed. Remember, you will find fulfillment in whatever you choose. She chose you; we merely followed her wishes. The Stag has also been blessed through her blessing of you. Come, it is time to for lunch. Your friends are waiting. And the final day of feasting is to commence now that the Goddess has shown her pleasure, we have much to celebrate."

"Food does sounds good. The fresh fruit this morning was good, but I'm definitely needing more." Sam stood up, following the women out. "I still have to try to figure out how to explain this moon to everyone..." she muttered to herself.

A few minutes later, she rejoined the team in the main hall. The tables were once again overflowing with food, the people there were already eating. The room had briefly fallen silent at her entrance, everyone taking note of the moon still visible on her forehead.

"The Goddess has proclaimed her blessing," the head priest announced. A cheering had erupted in the hall and the celebrating began in earnest.

Daniel stared at her as she sat down across from him, taking the empty seat next to Jack. "Just how drunk did you get last night, Sam?" he asked, pointing to the blue moon. Teal'C raised an eyebrow at her in question as well.

"Not that drunk," she smiled back. "They assure me the dye will fade in a couple of days."

"Can't wait to hear your explanation of that in the debriefing. As soon as we've all eaten and changed back into our own clothes, it's time to head home, kids." Jack's face was a mask, betraying no emotion to Sam. The soldier was in place, the emotion of earlier locked away again.

Sam tried to catch his eyes, to see what he was feeling, but to no avail. With a small shake of her head, she dug into the feast before them, ravenous again. Daniel and Teal'C watched the two of them, wondering what was going on. They could feel a tension between the other two team members that hadn't been there the day before.

The meal continued on, with the four team members eating in silence compared to the rest of the room. Filled, they all sat back at nearly the same time. "All right, let's get our gear, say our good-byes and head for home. As much as I like the hospitality, I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight." The command given, Jack stood up and left the hall, leaving the others to follow.

Thirty minutes later, they were gathered at the Stargate. Ena, Marin, the Head Priest and a small gathering of priests and priestesses were there to see them off. "Dial us home, Captain." Jack ordered.

With a slight nod, Sam dialed the address for home, the gate opened with it's familiar whoosh.

Teal'C and Daniel went through first. Jack stopped just short of going through, waiting for Sam. Carter had paused, nodding good-bye to their hosts for the past two days before stepping up to join him. "Sir," she said as she came to stand by his side.

"We'll talk later, Carter," he promised before they both entered the wormhole.

The End?

Hope you all enjoyed the ride while it lasted. Sam.