Skeleton Key - Chapter Two: Sìnteag
A/N: It feels so good to get this story off my hard drive! You wouldn't believe how crazy this story makes me feel. I'm actually paring down and combining about 3 stories into one compact piece. I also don't want it to be a million chapters. Generally, I dislike origin stories, but I couldn't get this one out of my head. So, yeah. Here's another chapter.
Chapter One
Chapter 2: Sìnteag (Shindig)
I’m getting married today. I can hear Gallia laughing at me right now! After 200 years of swearing off love and marriage, I’ve finally succumbed to the most charming little man. Master David has proclaimed he would marry me if his father didn’t wise up. I don’t believe I have ever laughed as much in my entire life! While I am delighted how my life has changed, I’m so very frightened. It’s going to end all too soon.
From the journals of Kaylin Sheppard, neé Caoilfhionn, O'Braion Clan. Contributed by Dr. John K. Sheppard; translated by Dr. Daniel Jackson
More than a year later, Patrick Sheppard found himself at the altar again. He paced the balcony of the church waiting for his cue.
“Dad? Are you scared?” David asked, fidgeting with his tie again.
“A little, kiddo,” Patrick smiled. The day he met Kay changed his life. He got David back, at the price of one-third of Sheppard Utilities. She had been right, of course. Nothing else mattered.
Courtship had been swift; he had never met someone who fit so completely into his life. Like he had been missing something until she held out her hand. Everything fell into place. Kay was reluctant to let Patrick woo her. In fact, it took her some time to respond to his advances, and almost a month just to get her to agree to dinner.
The object of his affection seemed surprised every time he brought her flowers, took her on long horseback rides, or just made her laugh. Patrick would do anything to rid the sorrow from her eyes. It was as if she felt she didn’t deserve happiness.
But Kay loved David. Her whole manner would change when he entered the room. They spoke for hours; Patrick thought his four-year-old son had logged more hours with his potential spouse than he himself.
Looking down at David, Patrick knew he’d made the right choice. “I have a surprise for you,” he said, resisting the urge to muss the boy’s hair.
“What?”
“After the wedding, Russell’s taking you to the ranch. Your Uncle Jack will be waiting for you.”
David grinned. “You got the horsey you wanted?”
Rounding his eyes innocently, Patrick grinned. “I guess you’ll have to find out later.” He never thought there would be a day he would own horses. The bay he bought for his son was beautiful and mild-tempered.
The music started, and David froze. Frantically, he patted his pocket. With a sigh of relief, he held the small box in his hand. “Ready, Daddy.”
“Me too, son. Me too.”
In the blink of an eye, Patrick Sheppard completed his family. He could recall only two moments in his life that made him happier: The day David was born, and the first time he brought power to a small town.
“Is it okay if I call Kay Mom?”
“She would absolutely love that.”
oOoOoOo
How on Terra did this happen? I am a Descended One, left to roam this planet as a protector and teacher… not a life-giver! This isn’t supposed to happen! How can I be with child? I’ve explained a lot about myself to Patrick, and he seems to understand. “Everything will be fine,” he says. “We’ll burn that bridge when we come to it,” he says. I have no idea what that means. But I want to believe him, in spite of the fact I can’t tell him everything.
oOoOoOo
Almost exactly three years later, my John Kieran came into this world, so quiet, so solemn. I took the liberty of naming the child, though Patrick didn't seem to mind. Eion Ciaràn Sheppard, Clan O'Braion is his formal name. Not the most prestigious, but I have a feeling he will find his way.
He is so amazing! As a Descended One, there should have been no way for us to conceive a child. At least, that is what They had said. But on that fateful day, Gallia and Cillian - of all people - appeared in my room. I was so very afraid they came to take my child that I nearly missed Cillian's cheerful smile. The Dagda finally laughed! He even bestowed a blessing of knowledge and prosperity as he held our son.
And dear Gallia. My sister in spirit, and in arms. We fought alongside one another for decades, and perhaps longer; our parents were the oldest of friends. After her Ascension, she became cold and aloof, the exact opposite of her acquired name, Sirona. No matter how much we fought, to see her smiling, to feel her arms around me on this occasion filled me with insurmountable joy. At least until she and Patrick met.
Excerpts from the journals of Kaylin Sheppard, neé Caoilfhionn, O'Braion Clan. Contributed by Dr. John K. Sheppard; translated by Dr. Daniel Jackson
Patrick paced the waiting room, occasionally glancing down the hall. His wife was having a baby, and he wasn’t at her side.
“Dad? I think she’ll be okay.”
“I know she will, Davey. But I want to be with her.” He finally sat down, motioning his son over. Pulling the five-year-old onto his lap, Patrick squeezed his son tightly. “So do you want a brother or a sister?”
“A brother, maybe. Girls ask a lot of questions.”
“Just wait ‘til you’re older, kiddo.”
oOoOoOo
“You can see your wife briefly, Mister Sheppard. After that we’ll have to talk.”
Patrick didn’t like the doctor’s tone, but the need to see Kay invoked a more powerful emotion. When he entered, two figures flanked her bed. They stared in wonder at the child in Kay’s arms, speaking in hushed tones. Patrick was sure they weren’t speaking English, as he approached his wife.
“Hello?” he said quietly. The figures glanced up, surprised by his presence. “Who are you?”
Kay smiled happily. “Patrick, this is my… sister Gallia, and brother Cillian.”
Gallia inclined her head in greeting. “We are honored to meet you, Patrick.”
“Kay’s never mentioned other family.” He looked at his wife, searching for signs of distress. For the first time in months, she was genuinely happy.
“We lost touch over the years. But we are quite happy to find Kay again.” Cillian’s smile was somewhat cold, but his blue eyes were amused.
“Well, I’m glad to meet you. This is my son David.”
“Hello,” David said quietly. Sidling up to the bed, he peeked at the sleeping baby. “Brother or sister?”
Kay grinned. “I wish for you to meet your brother John Kieran Sheppard.”
“Wow! A brother! We can play trains!”
In spite of himself, Patrick laughed. “Well, when he’s a little older.”
“I hope you don’t mind my presumptuousness, darling. The name just came to me.”
Patrick kissed the top of John’s head, then his wife’s head. “I like the name; it sounds regal.”
“We will let you rest,” Gallia said. “Until soon, my sister.”
Watching them leave, Patrick knew they were related to his wife; she had a way of floating instead of walking. As they left, he saw the doctor pacing the corridor. “Honey, I’m gonna talk to the doctor for a minute.” Thrusting out her hand, Kay squeezed his arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back.”
The doctor gestured towards his office. “Please, have a seat. I’m sorry to pull you away. Your wife had a difficult time at the beginning, but she seems fine now.”
“Yes, she’s been a little upset lately.” Rubbing sweaty palms on his pants, Patrick leaned forward. “What about the baby?”
Frowning, Doctor Halloran laced his fingers on the cluttered desk. “When… John?” He waited for Patrick’s nod, then continued. “When John was born, we didn’t hear a peep out of him. We feared he would have some brain damage, due to lack of oxygen.”
“What?”
Raising a hand, Halloran tried to calm the other man. “I’m not too worried about it now; he seems just fine. I will need to see him again in about a week. For now, I’d like to keep them both overnight for observation.”
It was Patrick’s turn to frown. “I dunno, Doc. Kay really doesn’t like hospitals -”
“Patrick!” Kay’s distressed voice cut through the hospital.
Running out of the doctor’s office, Patrick raced towards his family. Skidding to a halt, he found his wife clutching the baby against her chest with one hand, and pushing David behind her.
“What’s going on here?”
Two frowning nurses faced him. “It is time to take the baby to the nursery,” one of them said.
Sighing, Patrick rubbed his temple. “Look, it’s been a long day. The baby can stay here for now.”
“No. We are leaving now.” Kay shoved the baby into his arms, and grabbed her suitcase. “I will get dressed, and we will leave.”
“Honey-”
“I’ll not argue with you Patrick Milton Sheppard. And I will not have any part of my family taken from me.”
He pretended not to feel the heat of her words. The nurses, on the other hand, swiftly left the room.
Kay dressed in record time, ignoring her exhaustion. Cillian had warned this would happen; a child born to an Alterran would be an anomaly. Nevertheless, he was very happy to see John. The child meant hope for her people, and no one would take him away. Exiting the bathroom, she found her men waiting quietly for her.
“Russell's waiting around back. The nurses are trying to find Halloran, so we need-”
Kay couldn't resist kissing him. “I know we haven't time for this. But... thank you.”
The Sheppards left the hospital swiftly. Glancing down at the child in his arms, Patrick saw John was awake, gazing back. The dark grey eyes had an intensity that he thought only Kay possessed. Babies shouldn't be able to see your soul, he thought.
As promised, Russell waited with open doors. The family climbed inside; the driver smiled at the intrigues of the wealthy. When they were halfway home, Russell glanced in his rearview mirror. All four Sheppards were huddled in the back seat, asleep.
oOoOo
TBC
Thus ends the beginning of an epic life! There will be more journal excerpts detailing John's childhood, but now, it's time to get this party started! Stay tuned... or not. LOL
This will start appearing on other fic outlets later, maybe a little more polished... okay maybe not.
Chapter One
Chapter 2: Sìnteag (Shindig)
I’m getting married today. I can hear Gallia laughing at me right now! After 200 years of swearing off love and marriage, I’ve finally succumbed to the most charming little man. Master David has proclaimed he would marry me if his father didn’t wise up. I don’t believe I have ever laughed as much in my entire life! While I am delighted how my life has changed, I’m so very frightened. It’s going to end all too soon.
From the journals of Kaylin Sheppard, neé Caoilfhionn, O'Braion Clan. Contributed by Dr. John K. Sheppard; translated by Dr. Daniel Jackson
More than a year later, Patrick Sheppard found himself at the altar again. He paced the balcony of the church waiting for his cue.
“Dad? Are you scared?” David asked, fidgeting with his tie again.
“A little, kiddo,” Patrick smiled. The day he met Kay changed his life. He got David back, at the price of one-third of Sheppard Utilities. She had been right, of course. Nothing else mattered.
Courtship had been swift; he had never met someone who fit so completely into his life. Like he had been missing something until she held out her hand. Everything fell into place. Kay was reluctant to let Patrick woo her. In fact, it took her some time to respond to his advances, and almost a month just to get her to agree to dinner.
The object of his affection seemed surprised every time he brought her flowers, took her on long horseback rides, or just made her laugh. Patrick would do anything to rid the sorrow from her eyes. It was as if she felt she didn’t deserve happiness.
But Kay loved David. Her whole manner would change when he entered the room. They spoke for hours; Patrick thought his four-year-old son had logged more hours with his potential spouse than he himself.
Looking down at David, Patrick knew he’d made the right choice. “I have a surprise for you,” he said, resisting the urge to muss the boy’s hair.
“What?”
“After the wedding, Russell’s taking you to the ranch. Your Uncle Jack will be waiting for you.”
David grinned. “You got the horsey you wanted?”
Rounding his eyes innocently, Patrick grinned. “I guess you’ll have to find out later.” He never thought there would be a day he would own horses. The bay he bought for his son was beautiful and mild-tempered.
The music started, and David froze. Frantically, he patted his pocket. With a sigh of relief, he held the small box in his hand. “Ready, Daddy.”
“Me too, son. Me too.”
In the blink of an eye, Patrick Sheppard completed his family. He could recall only two moments in his life that made him happier: The day David was born, and the first time he brought power to a small town.
“Is it okay if I call Kay Mom?”
“She would absolutely love that.”
oOoOoOo
How on Terra did this happen? I am a Descended One, left to roam this planet as a protector and teacher… not a life-giver! This isn’t supposed to happen! How can I be with child? I’ve explained a lot about myself to Patrick, and he seems to understand. “Everything will be fine,” he says. “We’ll burn that bridge when we come to it,” he says. I have no idea what that means. But I want to believe him, in spite of the fact I can’t tell him everything.
oOoOoOo
Almost exactly three years later, my John Kieran came into this world, so quiet, so solemn. I took the liberty of naming the child, though Patrick didn't seem to mind. Eion Ciaràn Sheppard, Clan O'Braion is his formal name. Not the most prestigious, but I have a feeling he will find his way.
He is so amazing! As a Descended One, there should have been no way for us to conceive a child. At least, that is what They had said. But on that fateful day, Gallia and Cillian - of all people - appeared in my room. I was so very afraid they came to take my child that I nearly missed Cillian's cheerful smile. The Dagda finally laughed! He even bestowed a blessing of knowledge and prosperity as he held our son.
And dear Gallia. My sister in spirit, and in arms. We fought alongside one another for decades, and perhaps longer; our parents were the oldest of friends. After her Ascension, she became cold and aloof, the exact opposite of her acquired name, Sirona. No matter how much we fought, to see her smiling, to feel her arms around me on this occasion filled me with insurmountable joy. At least until she and Patrick met.
Excerpts from the journals of Kaylin Sheppard, neé Caoilfhionn, O'Braion Clan. Contributed by Dr. John K. Sheppard; translated by Dr. Daniel Jackson
Patrick paced the waiting room, occasionally glancing down the hall. His wife was having a baby, and he wasn’t at her side.
“Dad? I think she’ll be okay.”
“I know she will, Davey. But I want to be with her.” He finally sat down, motioning his son over. Pulling the five-year-old onto his lap, Patrick squeezed his son tightly. “So do you want a brother or a sister?”
“A brother, maybe. Girls ask a lot of questions.”
“Just wait ‘til you’re older, kiddo.”
oOoOoOo
“You can see your wife briefly, Mister Sheppard. After that we’ll have to talk.”
Patrick didn’t like the doctor’s tone, but the need to see Kay invoked a more powerful emotion. When he entered, two figures flanked her bed. They stared in wonder at the child in Kay’s arms, speaking in hushed tones. Patrick was sure they weren’t speaking English, as he approached his wife.
“Hello?” he said quietly. The figures glanced up, surprised by his presence. “Who are you?”
Kay smiled happily. “Patrick, this is my… sister Gallia, and brother Cillian.”
Gallia inclined her head in greeting. “We are honored to meet you, Patrick.”
“Kay’s never mentioned other family.” He looked at his wife, searching for signs of distress. For the first time in months, she was genuinely happy.
“We lost touch over the years. But we are quite happy to find Kay again.” Cillian’s smile was somewhat cold, but his blue eyes were amused.
“Well, I’m glad to meet you. This is my son David.”
“Hello,” David said quietly. Sidling up to the bed, he peeked at the sleeping baby. “Brother or sister?”
Kay grinned. “I wish for you to meet your brother John Kieran Sheppard.”
“Wow! A brother! We can play trains!”
In spite of himself, Patrick laughed. “Well, when he’s a little older.”
“I hope you don’t mind my presumptuousness, darling. The name just came to me.”
Patrick kissed the top of John’s head, then his wife’s head. “I like the name; it sounds regal.”
“We will let you rest,” Gallia said. “Until soon, my sister.”
Watching them leave, Patrick knew they were related to his wife; she had a way of floating instead of walking. As they left, he saw the doctor pacing the corridor. “Honey, I’m gonna talk to the doctor for a minute.” Thrusting out her hand, Kay squeezed his arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back.”
The doctor gestured towards his office. “Please, have a seat. I’m sorry to pull you away. Your wife had a difficult time at the beginning, but she seems fine now.”
“Yes, she’s been a little upset lately.” Rubbing sweaty palms on his pants, Patrick leaned forward. “What about the baby?”
Frowning, Doctor Halloran laced his fingers on the cluttered desk. “When… John?” He waited for Patrick’s nod, then continued. “When John was born, we didn’t hear a peep out of him. We feared he would have some brain damage, due to lack of oxygen.”
“What?”
Raising a hand, Halloran tried to calm the other man. “I’m not too worried about it now; he seems just fine. I will need to see him again in about a week. For now, I’d like to keep them both overnight for observation.”
It was Patrick’s turn to frown. “I dunno, Doc. Kay really doesn’t like hospitals -”
“Patrick!” Kay’s distressed voice cut through the hospital.
Running out of the doctor’s office, Patrick raced towards his family. Skidding to a halt, he found his wife clutching the baby against her chest with one hand, and pushing David behind her.
“What’s going on here?”
Two frowning nurses faced him. “It is time to take the baby to the nursery,” one of them said.
Sighing, Patrick rubbed his temple. “Look, it’s been a long day. The baby can stay here for now.”
“No. We are leaving now.” Kay shoved the baby into his arms, and grabbed her suitcase. “I will get dressed, and we will leave.”
“Honey-”
“I’ll not argue with you Patrick Milton Sheppard. And I will not have any part of my family taken from me.”
He pretended not to feel the heat of her words. The nurses, on the other hand, swiftly left the room.
Kay dressed in record time, ignoring her exhaustion. Cillian had warned this would happen; a child born to an Alterran would be an anomaly. Nevertheless, he was very happy to see John. The child meant hope for her people, and no one would take him away. Exiting the bathroom, she found her men waiting quietly for her.
“Russell's waiting around back. The nurses are trying to find Halloran, so we need-”
Kay couldn't resist kissing him. “I know we haven't time for this. But... thank you.”
The Sheppards left the hospital swiftly. Glancing down at the child in his arms, Patrick saw John was awake, gazing back. The dark grey eyes had an intensity that he thought only Kay possessed. Babies shouldn't be able to see your soul, he thought.
As promised, Russell waited with open doors. The family climbed inside; the driver smiled at the intrigues of the wealthy. When they were halfway home, Russell glanced in his rearview mirror. All four Sheppards were huddled in the back seat, asleep.
oOoOo
TBC
Thus ends the beginning of an epic life! There will be more journal excerpts detailing John's childhood, but now, it's time to get this party started! Stay tuned... or not. LOL
This will start appearing on other fic outlets later, maybe a little more polished... okay maybe not.