Tristan found his Father still asleep; his Aunt Viviane curled in his arms, asleep as well. From the look of things, they had used most of their energies dream walking with the travelers and would as yet need rest.

'It is of no great consequence,' he thought. 'It is early and the Council meeting is not until midday; time enough to wake them and share all that we have learned.'

As he went along to prepare the Council chamber for the meeting, he wondered if it would be required of him, to unveil his influence, into the mind of the lovely healer, Janet. Perhaps his Father would be content with the explanation that she had no useful knowledge or history. He would prefer to keep this most enjoyable experience to himself. He'd been a child when the events, which had shaped his people's future, had occurred. Thus, he had no memories of intermingling with anyone other than those of the Faer Folk. And he supposed it was this fact, which lent such novelty, to his attraction, to the lovely woman now.

***

Viviane woke with a start, finding herself alone. Gazing out the open window, she surmised it would soon be midday. She bathed and dressed in a fresh robe, with haste. Making her way to the Council chamber, finding the four other members of the pentagram already assembled.

Oberon sitting at the head of the Council table and speaking to Tristan, noted his Sister's entrance.

"Ah, I was just about to send someone to wake you." He said with a smile. "I have already informed the Councilors of the fruits of our dream walking and we agree that you shall speak for us Viviane."

"Then I will be given a free hand in this?" She asked them. Once they acceded to her wishes, she would be free to proceed as she saw fit. It was urgent that she be able to enlist the cooperation and aide of the O'Neill and the young one called Dean.

After her dream walks with him, she had found that in his many lifetimes O'Neill nee Taliesin had become even stronger of will, if that was possible, than when she had last known him. If all were not handled in the proper manner, he would refuse to help and leave, taking the others with him; his first loyalty would be to those whom he commanded and traveled with. Thus, it would be several more lifetimes, or perhaps not at all, that her peoples ultimate goal would be achieved.

"Yes." Oberon informed her, rising. "We shall leave you now. He will find it less threatening I think."

"You have only to summon my Father and we shall be here at once." Tristan told her.

"After meeting the man, discovering his cunning and listening to my Father's revelations of the past hour, I fear for your safety should the O'Neill become angry."

"I have nothing to fear from him or his companions. Despite what you may think, he is still the just man we once knew."

Viviane told him, with a confident smile.

"His honor will dictate that he fulfill his vow made so long ago. Soon we shall have our ArtGywr returned to us."

***

At ten minutes to 1200, by his watch, a young looking woman approached the dwelling where SG-1 had been housed. Like those they had met previously, Jack noted that she was tall, blond, green eyed and ageless. Like Viviane she sported a small crescent shaped tattoo, on her right temple. Smiling in greeting, maintaining his guise of benign friendliness, he addressed her.

"Hello, I am Colonel Jack O'Neill and you are?"

The woman bowed her head slightly, then looked him directly in the eye, with blatant admiration and smiled shyly.

"I am called Esclarmonde of the Faer Folk. My heart is gladdened to see you at last Pendragon." She told him in a light voice, which reminded Jack of wind chimes on a summer day.

"I've been sent by the Merlin to lead you and your people to the Council chamber." Esclarmonde added.

Looking beyond Jack toward the rest of the team, she took notice of Daniel and frightened recognition, suddenly replaced her worshipful expression.

Daniel, oblivious to her fear, found her enchanting. Stepping forward slightly, in greeting, he smiled and offered her his hand.

Esclarmonde flinched away from his proffered hand, utter terror filling her already huge eyes, causing them to round in horror.

"No!" She whispered vehemently, as she backed away.

Jack, amazed at her response, moved past Daniel, blocking him with his body and reached out his right hand, palm up, offering it to her, while keeping his left in contact with his P-90.

Esclarmonde grasped his hand, visibly taking comfort from it. Jack, allowing her to hold onto him, felt her tremble. He turned to offer a questioning look to Daniel, arching his eyebrow with a small frown and wondering, just what the Archeologist could have done, to instill this kind of fear in the woman.

"Please Sir, do not allow the evil one to harm me!" She whispered, still clutching his hand desperately, moving to hide behind Jack and peeping over his shoulder at Daniel.

Stunned by her reaction to him, Daniel shook his head, in response to Jack's silent inquiry.

"I will not harm you." He told her calmly, in a gentle voice.

Esclarmonde, still peeping over Jack's shoulder, whispered to him in an amazed voice.

"His voice is not that of an evil one." She stated firmly. "Nor, is there any malice in his eyes."

Gazing at Jack raptly once more, reverence replaced the previous fear in her voice, as she added.

"Then it is true Pendragon. You have defeated the evil one and he is no longer possessed?"

Hearing the awe in her voice, Jack wondered just how many of these Faer Folk knew of Daniel's 'past identity,' not to mention that of Kris, Dean and his own.

Gently drawing Esclarmonde out from behind himself, Jack released her hand, patting her gently on the shoulder.

"You have nothing to fear from him. However, I think it is way past time, both your people and mine shared information." He told her, using his command voice.

Esclarmonde, nodded, unconditional trust in him, shining forth from her eyes; taking Jack once again by the hand, with a gentle smile, she made to lead him, still casting visibly wary glances toward Daniel.

Jack, both stunned by her trust and mildly amused, by her continued aversion to Danny, gestured silently for the others to follow and allowed her to guide him.

Daniel, still shocked, hung back slightly, as the others followed Jack. The bizarre dream he'd experienced last night replaying in his head.

He couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the myriad feelings and incredible revelations, of the past twenty-four hours. It was unbelievable to say the least!

Jack, admitting that he had lived before and had been Taliesin, was in itself, more than his usually nimble brain could handle!

Factor in the idea that Kris, had been his contemporary in the past and his twin, add the concept that young Dean, had been Arthur and he, Daniel Jackson, scholar, had been Mordred; and you had the stuff of science fiction and fantasy!

Gad! His mind was spinning!

Sam, accompanied by Kris, followed along behind Colonel O'Neill and his ethereal escort. She couldn't help but be slightly jealous, of the attentions the woman was bestowing on her Colonel. Although, they'd not spoken of it for years now, they'd had an understanding that each was uniquely special to the other. She'd tolerated his blossoming friendship with Kris, as it was clearly just that, a friendship.

Admittedly, she wished it were she, who'd been the one to find such a comfortable common ground, with the man she both loved and admired. But, as Sam found Kris a likeable individual, and was unable to pursue anything of such a personal nature with the Colonel, she did not begrudge their closeness.

The Colonel had endured too many losses and spent too many years that were solitary. Kris had earned his trust; her friendship had allowed him to have an outlet outside that of his immediate team, which seemed to lend him some sense of peace at last. Now, Kris's uncanny ability to get close to Jack all made sense.

But Sam couldn't shake the feeling that these Faer Folk posed a threat of some sort and they were just too enamored of her Colonel. She didn't like it, not one little bit!

Janet walked along beside, the ever sedate Teal'c. She took great comfort in the big man's calming presence. As a member of the SGC, she'd come to accept all kinds of new notions and ideas. But, the information she'd had to process in the past day was mind bending! Yet, if one gave it some thought, it all made perfect sense.

That, these Faer Folk would assume Jack O'Neill was a hero of epic proportions, was easy to understand; the entire SGC personnel, all saw him that way, even if he himself, was unaware of his own worth.

Kris was a natural foil for his many quirks, she herself was quick witted and for the most part, even tempered; possessing a sense of humor as wicked as his own. It made sense that they'd known one another before.

Young Sam "Spud" Dean, she liked to think, was very like a young Jack O'Neill, filled with all the wonder and zest of youth, which his harsh life had stripped away. He had the potential to be a great man, much like the Colonel, he so obviously admired.

From their very first encounter, a fascinated Janet, had observed Spud's complete ease, with the enigma who was Jack O'Neill. Most of the junior officers respected and feared the Colonel. Especially, when he was recovering in the infirmary and made life a living hell, for the Nurses and Corpsman. Spud clearly harbored a fondness for Jack's gruff ways, which was in part, why she'd chosen him to be on the rescue team in the first place. Additionally, he had a zeal for helping others and a natural way with those who were suffering. But, Spud as King Arthur? Thinking it over, Janet concluded that it was not that farfetched an idea after all.

Yet, the concept of Daniel as the evil Mordred was hard for the gentle Janet to take in. He would have had to be subjugated to another's power and influence, one of immense proportions; to override his natural need for fairness and good. On top of which, was the fact that the man thought way too much!

Daniel Jackson, eternal scholar, had learned to be a fine soldier, due to the influence of Jack O'Neill and his fellow team members. But, despite that fact, he obviously still hesitated to accept any threat to them, as his mind embraced the wonders of the events unfolding around him. Despite their benign façade, Janet sensed the Faer Folk were a formidable force; she couldn't help but notice that they seemed inordinately interested in Colonel O'Neill. She hoped that Daniel's assumption that they did not represent a threat was an accurate one.

Glancing at Teal'c, she caught his silent gaze. He nodded, a half smile on his generous lips, raising an eyebrow, in silent communication that he too shared her concerns; yet he was confident that all would be well.

Hoping that the confident Jaffa was once again correct, Janet raised her own brow, nodding her acceptance of the notion.

Glancing behind her, she caught sight of young Spud Dean, as he hung back, matching his stride with that of the pensive Daniel Jackson.

Tall and slender, with an abundance of thick dark blonde hair, Spud's deep green eyes reflected a wealth of intelligence. He seemed to know that Daniel was having a rough time accepting the bizarre idea, of his having played a pivotal role, in one of his beloved myths. 'Yes,' she thought once again; she could easily accept that the kid had a wise old soul, and had lived before.

Spud walked along beside the preoccupied Daniel Jackson, trying to find the right words to open a conversation. It would be hard for anyone, to accept, the fantastic information they'd all been exposed to. But, it seemed to have robbed the normally ebullient Jackson of speech, an irony even he, as the least experienced among them, could grasp. However, Spud was eager to share his own knowledge and ideas, with someone who had a similar knowledge base.

"My Mum would have been in her element here. My Da always said she was a fairy disguised as a mere mortal woman." Spud said quietly, casting a sidelong glance at Jackson, in order to gage his reaction.

"Sounds like you've been immersed in the ways of fairies and the like. What do you make of all this?" Daniel asked him, his tone implying that he had a healthy respect for any theories, which the younger man may have.

Spud, hearing only the respect one offers a colleague in Jackson's tone, answered readily.

"Well, if the dreams we've had are based on truth and not an illusion, or mass hallucination, then we still have a lot of information yet to uncover. I've been trying to recall all the vast sums of information my Da pounded into my head over the years, in the hopes of helping the Colonel. Each new bit of information seems to heighten my feeling that the answer is right in front of our noses. We've only to accept it."

Cocking his head thoughtfully to one side, he ventured a question.

"Do you believe in destiny or fate Dr. Jackson?"

"Call me Daniel Spud, after all, if any of this is true, I should really call you Dad." Daniel said wryly.

"You sound like the Colonel!" Spud responded with a grin.

"Don't insult me!" Daniel said in mock outrage.

"Jack, in his own sarcastic way, would normally say we make our own destiny. But ironically, it seems, he is buying into all this and that, has me a bit off center." He demurred.

"I'm usually the open minded member of SG-1. I guess finding out I may well have been a sinister character in the Arthur saga, has put me in a negative frame of mind." Daniel admitted, chagrined.

"I think the Colonel would call it a funk!" Spud countered. "And he'd order you to get over it!"

"Gad! You sound just like him!" Daniel moaned.

"I'll take that as a compliment, I'd like nothing more than to be favorably compared with the Colonel." Spud told him seriously.

"Seems to me, we should take our lead from him and try to get a handle on all this."

Daniel, realizing that the kid was right, nodded.

"Agreed. So putting my own discomfort aside. I think we seriously need to worry about just what, these Faer Folk have in mind for both you and Jack." Daniel conceded.

"I've got a suspicion we are not going to like it!"

***

Esclarmonde silently led them to the Council chambers. The Merlin had admonished her not to chatter, or reveal anything to the O'Neill, should he ask. But, he kept his own council, as she gently pulled him along. That he allowed her to continue to lead him and hold his hand, gave her a thrill of pleasure, as she understood him to be a cautious soul. Thus, his easy acceptance of her brought her joy. Perhaps, he would help them without too much hesitation.

Jack hardly noticed the feather light touch of the Faer lady's hand. He was too busy scouting the city for possible escape routes. He had no qualms about the fact that these people wanted something from him, wanted it very badly and would do anything, to attain their goal.

If his dream was true, and he knew that it was, then he had a promise to fulfill. Hopefully, he'd remember just how; and exactly what that promise entailed. He had an uncomfortable feeling that it was going to cost him. The tingling feeling at the back of his neck, assured him of that, as did a still elusive memory.

Kris's memories had served to augment his own, as had both those of Daniel and the kid. But, they all still had a few holes in their collective memory that needed filling. So, he followed the woman silently, watching and planning strategies as he went.

They traversed the length of the City briskly, and entered a large marble edifice, toped, as were all the buildings, by foliage and trees. Esclarmonde guided them down a long corridor, to a chamber that was lit by large windows, cut high in the walls. The afternoon sun, cast a gleaming, almost halo-like light over the woman, who stood awaiting them, at the head of a large oval table.

Viviane met them alone. Bowing her head slightly, in a gracious gesture, she dismissed Esclarmonde with a wave. After the woman had disappeared out the door, Viviane looked directly into Jack's eyes and addressed him.

"So Taliesin, you have many questions and I sense that you are very angry with me." She told him pointedly. "But, I am certain that once you've allowed me to tell you a tale, your anger will leave you."

"Jack. My name is Colonel Jack O'Neill." He said flatly.

"While a fairy tale may be appealing under different circumstances, I'd prefer the unvarnished truth." He added, his voice heavily laced with harsh sarcasm, as he realized that she was correct; he was very angry.

Flashing a blindingly beautiful and unconcerned smile, Viviane pointed out the tapestries, which hung beneath the high windows around the room.

"Much of what you seek is revealed in the depictions in these tapestries. Much more, is inlaid in the table before me."

Lifting an eyebrow with irony, she added.

"I will not keep any truths from you further. The first of which, is that you are Taliesin reborn. But, I bid you, allow me to call you by your true names and tell you my tale."

Silently locking eyes with her, his anger simmering dangerously beneath the surface, Jack admitted to himself, at least, that he once had been this Taliesin; his memory was still cloudy and he needed Viviane to chase those clouds away.

"Jack these wall hangings are astoundingly lovely! I have never seen tapestries, of this caliber, so remarkably well preserved!" Daniel exclaimed. He had shifted into full archeology mode.

"Daniel?" Jack inquired nonplused.

"Jack?" Daniel replied mockingly. "You did say you wanted the truth."

"Oh for crying out loud!" Jack barked. Why was it Daniel always knew just how to get on his last nerve?

"May I ask that you read them for us Viviane?" He added excitedly, dismissing Jack's exasperated look.

"I shall do so with great pleasure." Viviane replied warmly.

Jack bit back an expletive, forcing himself, to once again, don his mask of benign friendliness.

"Yes, do go on." He said dryly.

Viviane, once again amused to find that her Taliesin had changed little in temperament, continued.

"We were not always known as the Faer Folk. Our people originated far from the Isle you call Britain. We arrived on that Isle after many generations of wandering. Our place of origin had become uninhabitable and many perished due to a pestilence. The survivors divided into small groups and set out for other lands, in order to rebuild."

As she spoke, Viviane pointed out a tapestry, which had been richly embroidered, with a large island city. This city appeared to have technologies; well in advance of those the Faer Folk had so far exhibited. In fact, it bore a remarkable resemblance to many modern cities.

"Once, we too practiced the use of technology. But, the rapid and unexpected demise of our city, changed things dramatically. We found that the other cultures of the Earth, of that period, did not posses the knowledge or resources, we needed." Viviane went on sadly.

"So, you learned to harness the energies of the elements instead." Kris added amazed at the many memories that suddenly popped into her head. Unconsciously, she had once again, connected to Jack, who was having a similar epiphany.

"Actually Nimue, we already had a gift for such things." Viviane told her, with an encouraging smile. 'Good, they were beginning to remember.' She thought happily.

"But, each person's abilities differed. Some could only harness the smallest of powers. While others, not only harnessed the power, they channeled it as well." Jack stated, dawning understanding of the impact of this revelation, clearly reflected in his tone.

"Yes and no." Viviane confirmed his statement calmly.

"Each of our people is adept in some way. But, it is only a select few, who are able to effect significant changes in the world around them."

"You Taliesin are one of the select few. In fact, yours is a power of significant greatness." Judging, that it was not yet time to venture down this particular path, she continued with her tale of history.

"We lost contact with many of our people over the millennia. Their fates, unknown to us, lay elsewhere. Some you have heard of, those who mortal men described as Gods. Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Apollo, they were of our race. Unfortunately, not all used their powers wisely."

Sam gazed at wall hanging that clearly depicted the legends of Olympus, aghast.

"Do you seriously expect us to believe that you people are Gods?"

"No, we are very far from Gods Samantha Carter. We are however, not merely human." Viviane told her sadly.

"We never were."

"Your people came from the skies did they not Viviane?" Teal'c asked her.

"You origins are from those beings we call the Ancients." He added, with conviction.

"Yes Teal'c. But, the influences of time effect change. We no longer have the vast knowledge you seek."

"Of what knowledge do you speak Viviane?" Teal'c asked flatly.

"Knowledge of the weapons, you need in your fight with the evil ones." Viviane confirmed.

"And yet, we may still posses knowledge, which may aid you."

Letting that tidbit of information hang in the air, she went on with her tale.

Moving along the many wall hangings as she spoke, Viviane stopped before one that clearly outlined the events, of the myth, known as the Trojan War.

"Those who became known as the Faer Folk are descendants of Aeneas, Son of Aphrodite and the proud Anchises. Once a Prince of Troy, he escaped the final fall of that great city, with a handful of his family and settled, on the Isle you now refer to as Britain."

Viviane paused in her litany, looking over the group, attempting to gauge each of their reactions. Centering her attention on Jack and Kris, she continued.

"Taliesin and Nimue were descended from another branch of our peoples. Their Forefather was called Joseph of Arimathea. He came to the Isle by way of Marseilles. His Son Josephe, married the daughter of King Kalafes of the Terre Foraine, their descendants, were known as the Tuatha De' Danann or Tylwyth Teg, and ruled the country of Myrddin."

As she spoke, Jack and Kris looked intently at one another, silent communication, clearly evident, in their rapt concentration.

The memories flooding their minds would have been overwhelming, if they had not been connected, the mind meld, allowing them, to bolster one another, with mutual support.

"Until, the Romans laid siege to that land and decimated the majority of its people." Jack added softy, speaking in a trance-like and distant tone.

"Fleeing the brutality of the Roman conquerors, a few survivors, traveled to the Isle of Erinn. Using their gift for healing, they inspired acceptance amongst the tribes there."

"But, Leudonus of Traprain Law, lusted after the healer Ceridwen, attacking her people in the night. Despite their powers, the majority were killed or mortally wounded, only the siblings Taliesin and Nimue, survived." Kris added, in the same dazed tone.

"Yes, it was after that slaughter that the two, the last remnants of the Tylwyth Teg, came to live amongst the Faer Folk." Viviane confirmed.

"Taliesin and ArtGywr, both leaders in their own right became fast friends, sharing a bond much like that of brothers." Spud Dean supplied, his voice reflecting growing confidence, as he spoke.

All this new information was flooding his mind, filling it with long forgotten stories and half-remembered memories.

Spud nee ArtGywr, was very clearly beginning to fully understand, just what had occurred those many long years ago. And just what Viviane and the Faer Folk wanted from Colonel O'Neill. Moreover, it was becoming clear to him that, it was not just the Colonel, who was of such importance to them.

"You are regaining your memories ArtGywr." Viviane told him, with undisguised joy.

"Soon, you shall be aware of all that we seek."

Watching the play of emotions over Viviane's face, as she addressed the kid Dean. Jack's hackles began to rise and the tingling at the back of his neck, thrummed a warning.

Kris, still connected to Jack's mind by their mutual bond, felt his growing apprehension. Fearing he was about to lose his patience, despite his benign facade, she started to caution him. But, his next thought, clearly informed her that, he would continue to reign in his protective instincts, as long as there was no overt threat to the kid; so she kept mum.

Janet had been quietly taking all this in. It was now becoming quite clear to her that, if what Viviane was saying was true, then the Colonel, as a descendant of these folk, was genetically compatible, on some level, with the Ancients. Which would explain, his brains partial acceptance of the knowledge, downloaded, much like a computer program, into his brain some years ago, when he'd inadvertently gazed into one of their legacy devices. Moreover, Kris, Daniel and Dean, would also possess some form of genetic superiority.

While that was a fascinating bit of information for later study, it did little, to shed light on just what this Healer/Merlin was up to!

"Just one minute Viviane." Janet began. "It is becoming more and more apparent that, you are the individual, who has been invading our dreams."

"And I for one, am growing impatient with the history lesson!" She added in outrage.

"Just what is it you want from us!"

Sensing that the other woman could be a formidable foe, Viviane focused her attentions on her.

She had briefly dream walked with the one called Janet. But, finding she was not one of those who'd been of the Faer Folk, she'd quickly left her and moved on. Thus, it was unlikely that the woman would have any memory of her presence and she found the woman's ire curious. Perhaps, Viviane and Oberon through her bond had not been the only ones, to dream walk with the travelers. Noting the flush of shame, which rose over the woman's features, as she studied her, Viviane surmised that this was so.

"Amongst the Faer Folk, only a handful is gifted with the ability to walk in the dreams of another. If we have caused offense, I ask your pardon. It was necessary to confirm that the O'Neill, is indeed Taliesin."

"Which brings me back to my original question. What is it you want?" Janet repeated, with a bit less heat.

"If I may be permitted to continue, all will be revealed." Viviane requested politely.

"Knowledge, much like the first blossoms of spring, should not be rushed. Nor, should the fruit be plucked before it is fully ripe." She added sagely.

Jack's cynical side caused him to catch Sam's eye and roll his own.

"Likewise, fruit left too long on the vine, becomes all too quickly, rotten." He quipped.

Laughing lightly, Viviane turned, focusing on him once again.

"As ever, you are quick witted." She told him, with delight. "And I sense, as impatient as... What is it you call her Taliesin? Ah yes, this Napoleonic Power Monger of yours." She added, indicating Janet with a wave.

Briefly stunned, by Viviane's use of the sarcastic nickname, the Colonel had for the Doctor, the group waited for her to continue.

"But, she is correct. The day grows short and we have yet, to complete my tale." Viviane added, briskly returning to her tale.

"Our artisans carefully inlaid the tale, of the twins Taliesin and Nimue, as well as that of Viviane and Oberon, into the surface of this table, fashioned from an ancient oak."

As she spoke, Viviane drew their attention, to the beautifully designed table. The many colorful polished bits of woods incorporated into its surface, depicted, much like the tapestries, the tale she told, as they followed along.

"Taliesin and ArtGywr were of similar temperaments and age. They found in each other a bond; one usually associates with close kinsmen. Nimue likewise, became my own dearest friend."

Looking up from the table's surface into the eyes of the woman, who had once been her friend, Viviane smiled almost shyly and continued.

"As time past, we became quite a formidable foursome.'

"You see, twins enhance each other's gifts, making each of their abilities more powerful, than those who's siblings have not shared the same womb. Such a close association, also enhances the ability, to share one another's thoughts."

"So, if Jack and Kris, are this Taliesin and Nimue, then they'd be telepathic?" Daniel asked thoughtfully.

"Once they have fully regained their memories and thus, their powers, yes. They are each descendants of the Tylwyth Teg of Myrddin. And from what I have gleaned, in walking in their dreams, carry the souls of that pair." Viviane told them joyfully.

Jack wasn't too thrilled with her revelation. The last thing he needed was for anyone, other than Kris, to know about their ability to mind meld with one another. Clearing his throat, he sought to contain the damage with a denial.

"Really? So you are positive that we'll, maybe one day, be like the amazing Kreskin?" He quipped sarcastically.

Puzzled, Viviane gifted him with a confused glance.

"It's a reference to this... Oh for crying out loud! My point is that you can't be sure which of these talents we'll remember, can you?" He added persuasively.

"In that you are correct. I had assumed that the ability to blend your thoughts, your most innate of abilities, would be the first one you'd regain. But, it would appear I am mistaken." She replied apologetically.

"If you would allow us, we can teach you how to regain all your gifts."

"Why?" Janet demanded.

"Why is it so very important that, the Colonel and Kris, regain any, so called, genetic talents? You people seem to have plenty of your own!"

"Indeed." Teal'c agreed.

"We are aware, of your ability to enter our dreams and to conceal yourselves and your world, in a thick mist, at will. Of what possible value, would these gifts, you've attributed to twin siblings, be to you? It is most likely that, you already share such a gift with your own sibling, Oberon."

"Again I implore you, allow me to continue my tale." Viviane told him urgently. She sensed the O'Neill's growing resistance and was perplexed, by his denial of his talents.

"As I have explained, the descendants of Joseph, the Tuatha De' Danann or Tylwyth Teg, were of a different branch of our peoples. Their blood had remained pure, as they had not intermarried with those of other races. The Faer Folk having been of smaller numbers, intermarried with the Celts, who'd originally dwelled in Dumnonia. Therefore, our powers, became somewhat diluted. Only a rare few, possessed the talents which Taliesin displayed."

"So you need Jack to remember his powers, because you need something from him, right?" Daniel asked, no longer sure these people, were as harmless as he'd first thought.

Ignoring the question, Viviane continued her tale.

"The Celts protected an ancient secret, hidden in a large cavern at the edge of the sea. They gathered there, to worship their ancient Goddess, it was their belief that it was her womb. Our people, had hidden the device there long before. Yet, we'd no knowledge of it, until my Father married their high priestess. Seeking to initiate him into the rites of her religion, she led him inside."

"It was a Stargate. The portal you call the Womb Of The Goddess." Sam stated confidently. 'This tale is beginning to make some sense,' she thought.

"That is correct Samantha." Viviane confirmed. "My Father recognized the device and he knew how to use it. However, he hesitated to do so, as we had had no word from our brethren, since long before our city had become lost to us."

"The Goa'uld were known to you. You feared they'd return to Earth, should the Womb be activated." Teal'c supplied wisely.

"Yes. Throughout their reign of terror in Egypt, our people secretly tried to regain the Stargate, but our numbers were too few. Finally, we were able to enlist the people of that land in casting out, the last of the evil ones. We sealed the portal, buried it, then buried the device which controlled it, in another location."

"That explains a great deal. Yet, your people sacrificed their hope of ever contacting the Ancients." Daniel said, awed.

"It was not so great a sacrifice, we had become content with our place on your world." Viviane said, with a dismissing shrug.

"So what idiot reactivated it?" Jack carped.

"Ah well, he was far from an idiot, if I understand the meaning of the word." Viviane said, with a bemused smile, her eyes locking with those of Daniel the scholar.

'Crap!' Jack thought. 'Of course it would be Mr. I've got to know the secret. He sure hasn't changed, not one bit!'

"Medrawt was always a curious soul, thirsting for knowledge, as most of us do for water." Viviane stated fondly.

"But, like his ancestor Pandora, his curiosity opened up a world of sorrows."

Pausing, as she remembered his fate, Viviane took a deep breath, in order to regain her composure.

"At first, he sought only, to understand the workings of the Womb and learn its history."

"ArtGywr, as leader and keeper of the history, willingly told him all that he knew. My Father, the Merlin, cautioned the Pendragon against this, but he did not listen. He trusted Medrawt, to use prudence and to place the safety of all the peoples of the Earth, before his own need to gain knowledge."

"But, he was an impetuous youth. Secretly, he opened the womb. At first, he employed a modicum of caution, venturing only to this planet. Finding it wonderfully pleasing, he returned again and again." Viviane continued, her expression clouding with pain.

"Until, my Mother, arriving in the cavern, early one morning, seeking spiritual communion with her Goddess, found him returning from one such adventure."

"Letting the feline, loose from the fabric pouch." Teal'c added, with a slight bow.

"If I understand your meaning, yes."

"ArtGywr was at first, furious. Railing against the foolishness of youth. Medrawt, ever persuasive, convinced the Council to travel to Avallo. They too, found this Isle pleasing. When nothing untoward occurred, they decide it was a safe harbor and began a colony there. ArtGywr, cautioned the Faer Folk against using the device to venture further, making it clear that, it was only safe to travel between Dumnonia and this place."

"For a span of years, my Mother, as Priestess, kept careful watch over the cavern and it's secret. Some of our people decided to dwell here on Avallo, building the beginnings of this city."

"Then one fateful day, my Mother, the Priestess, fell to her death, from the cliffs, as she descended to the cavern. My Father, in his grief, became less vigilant."

"That's when temptation overrode caution." Daniel said sadly, beginning to remember his past experiences, in greater detail.

"Unfortunately yes, Medrawt decided that, as Avallo had brought only good fortune, such vigilance had been unwarranted. He began to travel in secret, once more."

"The Goa'uld came through the womb." Janet stated flatly.

"No, Medrawt became infested by evil, while he was on one of his adventures. He was gone for a full season." Spud related, augmenting the tale.

"Then one day, the womb dilated and there he stood. Along with a large number of warriors, who worshipped him as a God."

"My Father was in the cavern at the time, as was a very young Esclarmonde. He sent her swiftly to ArtGywr and Taliesin. She alerted our people as she ran."

"Medrawt declared, in a loud and thunderous voice that, he was the God Kuk and as such, claimed the kingdom of Dumnonia as his own." Viviane, visibly distressed, paused a moment, in order to regain her composure.

"Kuk was a lesser God of Egypt, represented as frog-headed deity. He was the personification, of primordial darkness."

Daniel, once again in scholar mode, informed them.

"His consort was the snake-headed Goddess Kauket. They play a significant role, in the creation myth, of Hermopolis Magna." Daniel continued, taking comfort in his usual role.

"Eight Gods and Goddesses who, at some point, caused the eight elements they represented to interact, creating a burst of energy that allowed creation to take place." He continued excitedly.

"Daniel, that is all very interesting, but the wonderful world of Egyptian history can wait." Jack told him impatiently.

Daniel swallowed the rest of his lecture, with a sheepish grimace.

"Ah, sorry Jack. Please continue Viviane."

Unperturbed, Viviane nodded fondly.

"At first, ArtGywr tried to reason with his wayward Son, unaware of his great evil and the power he possessed. But, when Kuk tortured and killed my Father before our eyes, it became clear Medrawt was lost to us."

Reaching out a hand, she tearfully, stroked the area of the table, which depicted these events. Viviane was silent for a moment, lost in her memories.

Respecting her obvious sorrow, Jack allowed her a few minutes of silence.

When it seemed, she was never going to continue however, he prodded her in a quiet and gentle, tone.

"And then what happened?"

"We employed the Gwen of invisibility. Medrawt had never possessed that particular gift. Oberon and his Son Tristan are most adept in summoning the mists." She told them, her smile mischievous, despite her tears.

"Hiding the majority of our people, in the mist's embrace, we escaped through he Womb, to Avallo. ArtGywr, Taliesin and the most senior warriors, stayed to battle the evil Kuk and his minions."

Viviane's tone took on a distant quality, as she envisioned the past.

"Nimue, refusing to leave her Brother, also stayed behind."

"Time past slowly, as we stood watch over the Womb, hoping our leader would return."

"The moon had risen twice, when at last, the womb dilated and the body of ArtGywr, was spewed forth, along with a missive from Taliesin."

Caught up in the saga, Sam asked quietly.

"What did the message say?"

Sam's eager question, caused Viviane, to smile through her tears and her expression became hopeful.

"Ah! That is the crux of the matter."

Jack was beginning to have an inkling, of just what that message had entailed. Reaching out to Kris, by way of their mutual telepathic conduit, he sensed, she was also experiencing the same dawning recollection.

Viviane, sharing the energy between them and noting the changes in their auras, realized that, the two were close to full remembrance.

"Our artisans have inscribed the missive, into the walls of Ty Gwydr."

"Ty Gwydr? Jack, in the Arthurian legend, Ty Gwydr or the glass house, is where Merlin is supposedly imprisoned, and is reputed to be on the British Isle of Bardsey." Daniel said excitedly, searching his brain for more bits and pieces of the myth.

"Ty Gwydr is the Crystal Cavern where ArtGywr sleeps." Spud corrected, his voice resonating with calm assurance.

"And it is here on Avallo."

"Yes." Viviane began. "We must hasten there at once."

Janet was amazed; when as a group, the others made to follow the Faer woman from the Council chamber. She for one, had a few more questions, before, she was willing to follow this creature into some unknown cavern!

"Hold your horses lady! The Colonel has only just recovered from an illness, which I highly suspect, was somehow your fault. As his Physician, I am forbidding him, from going anywhere near some dank cavern, until the necessity of such a trip, is made crystal clear. Excuse the pun." She quipped, looking directly into the irritated eyes, of Colonel Jack O'Neill.

Despite the fact, he was oh so very annoyed, with her usurping his authority, Jack once again, held his tongue. Sensing that the Doc had a few more things to say, knowing how bull-headed she could be when protecting one of her patients and wondering, if his own sudden affinity for Viviane, was clouding his judgment.

As the Colonel, did nothing more than raise an irritated brow, Janet plunged on ahead.

"Am I am understanding things correctly? Were you Viviane, present, during these amazing events involving ArtGywr and Medrawt?" Janet queried, undisguised mistrust and suspicion, apparent in her scathing tone.

"I was." Viviane answered her simply.

"Then Madam that, would make you at least, what? Fifteen hundred years old!"

"By your way of reckoning the years, I am Sixteen hundred and forty years of age." Viviane told her, amused.

"Talk about well preserved!" Sam stated sarcastically.

"Botox?" Janet queried acidly.

"I am aware that you doubt my voracity." Viviane responded, meeting Janet's skeptical glare, with a small-unconcerned smile.

"Once the Faer Folk ventured here, we found that Avallo, had much more to offer than lush forests and meadows. Many of the plants, contain properties we had never before experienced. Both Nimue and I, found many remedies for ailments, which did not exhist on Earth."

"Are you telling us that, something indigenous to this planet, extends life and halts, the aging process?" Janet asked incredulous.

"I am." Viviane stated succinctly.

"Holy Hannah!" Sam gasped.

"I will be happy to explain, and share these herbs with my fellow Merlin, Janet Fraiser. However, now is not the correct time for such matters." The Faer Folk's Merlin stated firmly, bowing slightly. Clearly dismissing any further discussion of the matter.

"I have not yet, ended my tale. Please, follow me. I will lead you to Ty Gwydr. I assure you, Taliesin will come to no harm."

Jack, casting a questioning look to Janet, shrugged and followed the woman. Kris, falling in step by his side, joined him. Daniel and Spud, following in their wake, as if they were members of a synchronized swim team.

Janet, realized, this quest for answers left them little choice; they had to follow.

Sam, catching Janet's eye, indicated that, she had her finger poised on the trigger of her P-90. Preparing to help Teal'c watch they're six.

Teal'c likewise, favored Janet with a small bow, clasping his staff weapon firmly.

The three companions followed their friends protectively; concerned that, the Colonel, usually a cautious cynic, followed the Faer woman, with such trusting unconcern. Each fully prepared to give their lives, should it be required, for their friend and leader.

On to Part IV