Secret of Kells: Brendan's Return

Abbot Cellach looked out of his window. Brendan had been home for a week, and the Abbot felt stronger than he had in years. He had seen the entire Book of Kells, and had caught up with his beloved nephew. If only the poor Abbot could've known what little time he had left.

Brendan had gone into the forest with Pangur to get some ink ingredients, at least that's what he told everyone. Brendan's true reason was to see Aisling.

Brendan missed Aisling, she saved his life during the Viking raid, and she was his best friend. Aiden and Pangur were his friends too, but Aiden was more of a mentor and Pangur was like a sibling. He made his way to the stone circle, where he last saw her. He remembered that night.

OOO

She was in wolf form, and briefly transformed into her Tuatha Dé Danann form, she looked like a preteen. Brendan knew something was odd, Aisling told him she aged slowly, she was supposed to look nine, not 12! She didn't explain this, she just giggled and left a note telling Brendan to meet her within a month.

OOO

Brendan made his way to the center rock. "Aisling?" he called.

She appeared, in wolf form. She went to his feet, and transformed into her Tuatha Dé Danann form. "Hello Brendan!" She cried in excitement, and gave him a hug, "I didn't expect to see you so soon!" Brendan smiled, and hugged back.

"And I didn't expect you to look like a 12 year old, instead of a nine year old." Brendan replied.

Aisling let go of her friend and said, "About that," she looked Brendan in the eyes, "when you battled Crom, most of my powers were drained, and turned into snowdrops. That's why I didn't transform into my current form before you, Pangur and Aiden fled, I was mode locked in my wolf form." Her eyes went slightly downcast, "I was so weak, if it weren't for Madam Rose and Madam Vanora, I'd be dead!"

Brendan was shocked. "Who are Madam Rose and Madam Vanora?" he managed to ask.

"Madam Rose is a flying fairy, and Madam Vanora is a human, both have healing powers. They rescued me from Crom while you were battling him. They were able to restore most of my powers over the years, but at the cost of my very slow aging."

Brendan didn't kno w how to react. "That happened, because of me?"

"Don't feel bad." Aisling said. "I chose to accompany you. It's partly my fault."

Brendan gave a slight smile.

"Brendan, can you still climb trees?" Aisling asked playfully, changing the subject.

"Of course!" Brendan answered. "I may age faster than you, but I'm still a good climber."

The two went deeper into the forest. Aisling transformed into her wolf form and stayed that way until they reached their favorite tree, the one they first climbed together. They spent the afternoon playing, like they used to before Brendan's battle with Crom.

The two were sitting on a tree branch. Brendan had a sack filled with some gall nuts. Brendan and Aisling looked at each other, and stared deep into each other's eyes. Their faces moved closer, and closer, until, they were kissing.

Brendan, the future Abbot of Kells, was kissing Aisling, a fairy, as if they were betrothed. The only ones who witnessed this were the creatures of the forest, and two giggling girls, Rum and Violet, the daughters of Madam Rose and Madam Vanora. "Brendan and Aisling sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Rum Sing-songed to Violet.

"First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage." Violet finished.

The girls broke into a fit of laughter. "What's a baby carriage?" Rum asked her friend.

"Not sure." Violet answered, "Had a dream about it. And this song becoming popular."

"I wonder if any one will know that we invented it?" Rum asked.

"Someone must." Violet answered.