[Video]

[coimiceoir]

[Well, someone's finally figured out that camera option.  The video whips about, smoothly, but too fast to be handled by an experienced cameraman.  And it moves in strange ways - one moment three or four feet off the ground, then shooting straight up into the branches of a tree, weaving about at dizzying speed in and out of the long leaves and vines.  Then it somersaults to mere inches above the soil and snakes through the underbrush, focusing on the glitter of a beetle, a shimmering spider's web, a moth blending into the bark of the nearest tree.  This wild, stomach-churning ride is accompanied by a soundtrack of high, girlish laughter that fades in and out depending on how fascinated the cameraman is on any particular subject.  The roller coaster finally stops at the crown of an enormous deciduous tree and pans slowly across the vista of heavily wooded mountain slopes.  An arrogant young girl's voice, with a very clear Irish accent, comes from someone off-screen.]

This is nothing like my forest.  It's younger.  And wetter.  The air's all thick with water, and there's no guardian!  Not one as good as me, anyway.  The animals were frightened of me, at first, and that's a sure sign.  Comes of letting all these people ruin the forest.  They'll learn better.  Till I can find my way home, I'll take care of this place.  It will be MINE.

[The last word comes out in an intense, sing-song whisper, and leaves a sort of odd ringing in the ears of the watcher.  The camera promptly dives straight for the ground and shuts off just before impact.]

Comments

[coimiceoir]

[Aisling considered. If she had one of these magical things, what would she see in it? Her family... Her clan... Brenden, of course. A few children over time. But compared to this extensive catalog, she had so few people. Captain looked sad, though she only sort of understood why. He was sad that they were gone, she thought, but he must make friends easily, so he shouldn't be lonely. She held the wristband out to him.]

How do you dispel it?

[chronosexual]

Ah, like this.

[Jack took the Vortex Manipulator back from Aisling and shut it, effectively hiding the holograms from view. He took a moment to buckle it back on and pull his sleeve down over it.]

You've shown me a lot of interesting things today, Aisling, and welcomed me into your beautiful home.. but I think it's time that I returned to mine. But might I come see you again?

[coimiceoir]

[Aisling smiled and turned to stalk back down the treeline toward the city. Any trees in her way just became part of the path, going up and over and around and through, but she always kept Captain in sight. This had been an interesting and productive afternoon, and... She thought she might call him a friend in future. She dropped back to the ground and opened a tiny hand to offer a fresh snowdrop.]

You can come visit my forest again, if you like. If you look for me, I'll find you.

[chronosexual]

[Jack rose to his feet, brushed himself off, and followed Aisling's path back toward where the trees thinned and marked the edge of the forest. He did jump back a little when she dropped down in front of him. He was going to have to learn to expect that sort of thing. She did, however, offer him a tiny flower, which he smiled at and gently took.]

Thank you, Aisling. It's beautiful. Is there anything that I can give you in return for your kindness?

[coimiceoir]

[She shook her head.]

Not right now. Come and visit. Maybe bring a friend with you. I'll be here.

[chronosexual]

I will. I promise.

[Jack smiled down at Aisling and bent to one knee. He gently took her hand and placed a chaste kiss upon the top of it and rose back to his feet. He opened his coat and tucked the flower on the inside pocket where it would be safe and sound.]

Take care of yourself, Aisling. I promise that I'll return someday soon.

[And with a wave, Jack walked from the forest, smiling pleasantly at Aisling and her forest as he left it behind for now.]