fic recs: The Teyla Ficathon

[tielan]

My pick of the Teylaficathon.

I've read through every story in the ficathon. There are some brilliant stories in there - gen and a variety of pairings.

If you're a fan of Teyla (or even if you're not a fan of Teyla - open your mind for a little while and try a different perspective) but haven't read through all the stories in the ficathon, why not? You're missing out on some awesome fic about her. Leave your fandom politics at the door, throw your shipping preferences away, just wade in and read damn good fic about a complex, intriguing character. I did, and left a shitload of feedback while I was reading. I've never participated in a ficathon which came back with such a lot of amazing fic (and I've participated in quite a few).

Bird On The Wing by ladyjax [Teyla/Novak, femmeslash - PG-13]

I don't usually read slash, but because it was ladyjax, I did. The voices of both Teyla and Lindsay are perfect, the pacing is easy and works very well for Teyla's nature, there's a neat little underline for John&Teyla as well as Sheppard/McKay, and the poetry of the story matches the pacing. There's a gracefulness about this story that's as indicative of Teyla as anything I've ever read.


Slowly Sinking Sun by settiai [Teyla & Rodney, gen - PG-13]

I like Teyla & Rodney, both as friends and a pairing, and this story gives hints of how they'd interact, Teyla with some amusement and a little exasperation, Rodney with a mitigating of his usual arrogance - because it's 'just' Teyla. It's only a small interlude from the end of the S2 episode 'Intruder' but it's neat and clever and works.


Helpless by allisnow [Teyla/John - PG-13]

I like this story because it gives a good look into Teyla and the intensity of her emotions beneath the calm exterior we're often shown. It's not quite repression, but there's a lot more going on beneath the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. There's a good scene between Teyla and Elizabeth, discussing the question of romantic relationships in Atlantis and with the difference between policy and actual situation hanging overhead. And the interaction with John is tense with the emotions they don't usually let out - John because of their relative positions, Teyla because she's reacting to the unspoken 'rules' of Atlantis.


You're Not The Girl You Think You Are At All by saeva [Teyla & team - PG-13]

This story is edgy, with a not-quite-there component that keeps you looking around for the piece you're missing. While it wasn't inteded as a mystery, there's a strong element of mystery in the story - Teyla's unease is communicated to the reader very clearly, the sense that these people are more, but she's not quite sure exactly how much more. The realisation is intriguing, as is the look Teyla takes at herself, her Wraith genes, and what makes her her. It's well-crafted and ends on what I think is a slightly uncertain note. According to the author, there may be a sequel, which would be very interesting to read.


Odd Man's Bones by chasingkerouac

I like the Teyla in this fic, even if we don't get to see her on the show. The idea that Teyla's got a lot of knowledge and wisdom in her that the Atlantis expedition doesn't or won't see or use is a good one, and can be used both powerfully and with an element of wry humour. This story uses the latter, with a Teyla who's both about her own business, but not above making a point when the opportunity comes along. The 'Odd Man's Bones' is an unusual story, too - we hear almost nothing of the Pegasus local myths and beliefs beyond the reverence for the Ancestors.


Spoken Over Time by bantha_fodder [John & Teyla - PG-13]

This story works in disjointed segments, parts of the friendship between the two being brought to the fore over time and through games. I like the emphasis on the games and the difference of perception in what constitutes games to the Pegasus natives and what constitutes games to the personnel from Earth. While this story is light on emotion, but clearly depicts thoughts and feelings in highlighted moments. A very good story.


Songline by azarsuerte [gen - PG-13]

Another fic with a beautifully poetic look into Teyla's background. The life of the Athosians as described in the songs they sing at births, deaths, and marriages. The detail is just enough to give background, Teyla's voice comes clearly through in each section and the last line is both jubilant and heartbreaking. Poignant, bittersweet fic that explores Teyla's background through flashbacks rather than infodumping. And works brilliantly.


First Contact by liviapenn [John/Teyla - PG-13]

One of the things that is never depicted in the Stargate universe is culture-shock. It's hinted at for Teal'c, and Teyla, and Ronon, but never explicitly said - and there's no mention of any kind of culture shock for the expedition members. This story looks a little at the differences between the Athosian and Earth culture and, more importantly, shows both of them coming to terms with each other. It's beautifully written, there's a strong sense of Teyla's difference in the voice of the fic, and the relationship with John is pursued by Teyla, in ways both subtle and direct.


Far From Home by r_becca [Teyla & Carson, gen - PG-13]

We haven't seen how the Athosians view Teyla's association with Atlantis - or even really how Teyla views her association with Atlantis. There's a sense of longing for home here, of wanting to go home to Athos - something that isn't mentioned in the show. And one gets the feeling that although there's a beginning for the Athosians on the mainland, to some degree, it's an ending for Teyla. Things will never be quite the same between her and her people again.


In A Galaxy Far, Far Away by sjhw_tolerance [Teyla, Rodney, John - PG-13]

A lighthearted fic, with an amusing look for Teyla into the concept of 'sci-fi' or 'what those wacky Atlanteans thought the universe was like before they knew'. Rodney works as comical, Teyla works as serene, and John does 'lightly possessive' so very well. I laughed at the idea of Rodney making Teyla's 'first time' special, even if they did get interrupted by John.


That Howlin' Wind by celtic_sky [Teyla/Radek, but with broader dynamics]

This fic totally blows me away. Ow. Emotionally draining, a bad situation, painful, and with a hint of mystery as to what's happening, but the writing is clever enough that the scenes between her and Radek soothe, while the ones with the other characters radiate hostility and anger. Without spoiling the story, it's wonderfully brutal and Teyla's tension comes through very clearly.


Thank you so much to the people who participated! It's been wonderful reading your interpretation of Teyla, her history, and her relationships with the various Atlantis personnel.

I hope to see you in the next Teyla ficathon!

Comments

[r-becca.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the rec! I'm definitely adding this to my memories for later reading. :)

[million-moments.livejournal.com]

Ohhh a Teyla/Beckett fic, my latest 'ship...*goes off to read*

[lena-lansing.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the recs! i've been searching for some good teyla fics..

Espeacial her and john sheppard...I just love those two together.. Reminds me of the fab pairing of Ben and claude on Farscape. :)

[cherryblosomjen.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the recs. :) It was a lot of work to put together all your commentary, but it was appreciated.

As a total side point er... question, really, What do you think of Michael? For some reason I've begun to find him terribly intriguing. If you were looking for prompts I'd ask you to write one with him and Teyla, although not necessarily overtly romantic as it would hardly fit in with their current perspectives... I'm rambling, aren't I? I'll stop now.

[tielan]

I love Teyla and Michael - the interaction is tense with a capital T. If you add John in there then there's tension on his side regarding Teyla (not necessarily as lover, even just as a protective team-mate) and anger towards John from Michael.

I wrote 'Man And Wraith' after watching Michael if you haven't read it. It's somewhere on this LJ.

I seriously hope that Michael turns up again in the show.