Contest by Pouncer

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Challenge: Skirt
Title: Contest
Spoilers: vague for Duet
Rating: G
Category: Gen
Author: Pouncer
Summary: Teyla loses herself in the rhythm of the bout, her body gliding from position to position.
400 words.


Contest
by Pouncer

The swish of fabric around Teyla’s legs is reassuring, comforting. The soft sound counterpoints the furious, never-ending snap of stick versus stick, reminding her to curve and flex. Ronon must know something of solace: the hair falling into his face and eyes belies his fancy that he had eliminated everything not essential to survival.

Teyla loses herself in the rhythm of the bout, her body gliding from position to position. Attack and parry, strike and block, all without thought after so many years of practice. Ronon is a worthy opponent. She must focus and observe to find any weakness.

There is none.

* * *

The bout ends when Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard finds them. This time there is no ambush; Ronon has learned the rules of sparring. Teyla breathes deep and relishes the looseness of her muscles, the slide of sweat down her skin, the way her skirt tangles with her damp legs. She does not attempt to mark their finish in the traditional Athosian manner. Her foe is too remote for embraces.

Sheppard glances at her, asking a silent question. Always so worried that one of his own will come to harm.

“It was a good practice,” Teyla tells him, packing her weapons away. She makes sure to smile, so that he knows she means it.

Ronon nods but says nothing else. He appreciates all forms of fighting, from what she has observed.

Sheppard reminds them of a pre-mission briefing and wanders off. He has been lost since they fooled the Wraith into retreat and Ford escaped through the stargate.

Ronon stares at Teyla for several seconds, long enough that she asks, “What?”

“Those clothes.” Having managed two words, he seems to lose the thread of conversation. Teyla will not help him in this. She waits. “The loose fabric could be used against you,” he finally continues

Teyla tilts her head, considering. It is an argument she has heard before. “Yes. But it strengthens more than it harms.” He looks puzzled and she feels a moment of near pity. He’s been moving long enough that he’s forgotten how to act with other humans. So isolated and alone.

To end his confusion she smiles. “The sticks are not my weapon. My body is the weapon, bending and twisting. How shall I know this, if not reminded?” She leaves then, and feels him staring after her. He will understand soon enough, or not.

-end-


Notes: Beta by misspamela.
Disclaimer: Not mine, or Sheppard would lean all the time.

Feedback is always welcome.

Comments

[mmmchelle.livejournal.com]

I really like this. Love the idea of Teyla wearing the skirt because of how it makes her feel, how it reminds her of her own strength and grace. Wonderful.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

I got the notion because I wanted a reason for her to wear that skirt other than sex appeal *g* I'm glad it worked for you.

[mmmchelle.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think sex appeal is a perfectly good reason for her to wear that skirt. /g/

[the-moonmoth.livejournal.com]

He’s been moving long enough that he’s forgotten how to act with other humans.

Yes, I suppose that's right.

I love your Teyla in this. Nice job.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[shetiger.livejournal.com]

Oh, I liked this very much. Beautiful Teyla, and that tiny little glimpse into John was so sharp.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Poor John. I couldn't resist, and you know that Teyla understands more than she ever says outloud.

[wickedwords.livejournal.com]

I love how Teyla is in this, and I was really taken with the image of the way his hair and her skirt were both reminders of who they were to each of them.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Thank you - I'm very glad it worked for you.

[dvslj.livejournal.com]

I loved this. This is the Teyla I see, strong and self-assured.

Sheppard reminds them of a pre-mission briefing and wanders off. He has been lost since they fooled the Wraith into retreat and Ford escaped through the stargate.

I loved that part. He even seems a little adrift on the show, come to think of it. But yeah, loved the fic. Wished it was longer ;-)

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Were it longer, it would still be on my hard drive, like the *cough* three stories I started before Siege II aired in the US. Siege II! Teyla's kind of a cypher, in some ways, but this just made sense to me.

[isiscolo.livejournal.com]

Oh, I love the punchline. Teyla's line at the end. Beautiful.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[elvinborn.livejournal.com]

nicely done.
the sense imagery is ammazing. and Teyla's answer in the last paragraph is wonderful

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Thank you for noticing the imagery - I wanted to try to get the reader to feel with her.

[ship-recs.livejournal.com]

Very nice.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[ann-tara.livejournal.com]

My body is the weapon, bending and twisting. How shall I know this, if not reminded?

I love this explanation for the skirt. It's so fluid and organic, just like Teyla. :)

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I have hopes that we'll learn more about her this season. The actress seems to have finally grown into the role, and there's a lot for them to explore.

[anr]

Very nice. I really enjoyed this look at Teyla.

He has been lost since they fooled the Wraith into retreat and Ford escaped through the stargate.

Ouch. For some reason, that line hit the hardest.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Thank you - poor Shep, he just can't win. One thing after another to make him feel horrid. I love it.

[anr]

heh. Me too. :)

[latxcvi.livejournal.com]

Oh, I really like this. It's so elegant and graceful, yet straightforward. Like Teyla herself.

Lovely.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

Teyla has really gotten into my heart, although I wasn't sure about her at first. I'm glad you enjoyed this.

[flyingcarpet.livejournal.com]

I love this. Teyla always seems very self-aware, and you managed to capture that perfectly here, and that feeds into the great tension between them. Very nice.

[thepouncer.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it.