2 1/2 Years Later...

Sneaky early morning sun rays peaked through light brown wooden boards that made a wall and a cut out window. Sun wasn't the only thing sneaking through as green and yellow vines peaked through cracks and holes positively brightening up the room.

Wesley closed the journal on the desk and set down the pencil in his hand with a content sigh. He looked at her still asleep, as beautiful as the light that caressed the soft smile on her face.

He watched her for awhile until the sunlight turned from blue to misty yellow.

Her eyes opened slowly as she stretched. She immediately felt the missing body next to her as she sat up looking around. Their eyes met immediately as they both chuckled.

"Up early?", she asked.

He nodded. "I was so tired last night I didn't get to write down the day.".

"Where's Aloe?", she asked looking around.

Wesley pointed to the floor with a small laugh.

The small year and a half old boy slept in a ball under the patch of sunlight that the window let in. It was just big enough to cover his whole form and warm him up nicely. He would get up every morning and go back to sleep in that spot, a habit they didn't attempt to break.

Hearing their voices he rubbed his tired eyes as they opened in the most adorable way possible.

"Hungry?", said Wesley to Aloe sweetly.

He nodded with an almost too cute smile as he stood up on wobbly legs.

"How about a walk to the river to gather some water and grab some Euca fruit.", suggested Veredian.

"Sounds good to us I think.", he said grabbing Aloe's small hand.

Veredian got up and quickly changed into a simple white dress. Wesley wore a dark green long sleeve shirt, the wrap that covered the scars from the fire peaked out of the sleeve and neck line. He was cleanly shaven though his hair was just a tad longer and a little shaggier. He was due for a trim Veredian noted.

She grabbed Aloe's other hand as they walked toward the door. The little pitter patter of his unsteady feet never ceased to make his parents smile.

"Don't forget your shoes.", she said pointing to little boots Wesley had made from leather and hardened tar from a pit near by. The leather was part of many of the supplies sent down by The Enterprise the day they left.

After he put them on and quickly ran back to get his jar for bugs and things, they walked down the built stairs that wound around the very thick tree trunk that sat about one hundred feet wide. The tree house like home was sturdy and just the right size for the three of them. With the endless amount of wood and vine in the rain forest, it was easy to find the needed material. Once he found a good sized tree with flat strong branches, he used the tools he had to slowly but surely build them a home in the tree tops. Over time it really became theirs, broken in by makeshift furniture, decorations of leaves and ivy of Veredians design, trinkets here and there and putting to use everything sent down to make the house a home.

The walk to the river was always beautiful. The sun permeated the leaves that canopied the forest as the morning birds flew overhead and through the branches. It was like walking through a dimly lit dream.

The river was the only thing not totally covered by trees as it gave them a haven from the shade. It was a place to take a freeing deep breath in the unfiltered sunshine and pick the fruit near it's crystal clear water.

Wesley lifted Aloe on his shoulders so he could reach the plump mint green fruit.

As each piece of fruit was picked it grew back almost immediately. It was a beautiful gift to them of course because they'd never grow hungry, but to The Sage it was the reason they had to build their homes in the trees. As soon as they cut down a tree or so much as pluck a leaf from a branch, another would quickly take it's place. The alien world never stopped surprising Wesley with it's magic like quirks. He found most of them very beautiful.

As Wesley and Aloe filled a basket with the Euca fruit, Veredian dipped a large vase into the river filling it with water. Oddly enough the planet had almost no sea creatures or under water life at all. Most if not all of the water was drinkable right from it's rivers and streams.

Once both the basket and vase were full, the three of them sat together as they ate their fruit for breakfast until they were full and drank heartily from the refreshing river.

Aloe was done quickly as he tried to catch Fir bugs that flew by the river. He was somewhat quiet, mostly because he was too busy being curious and he didn't quite have the hang of full sentences yet. Everything seemed to fascinate him and he had a very calm and gentle spirit.

They made their way back to the tree house, taking their time talking and letting Aloe explore a bit. When they got back Veredian and Aloe sat on the stairs watching Wesley continue working on a wall/fence he'd been building. They just played a little as he appreciated their company.

After a few hours Wesley decided he'd done enough for the day and it was time to check the garden. The land more than took to the seeds they'd planted and it often attracted some cute little creatures from the forest. They were more than welcome too because of course everything would grow right back and most of them were pretty cute.

The garden sat at the base of the tree and it seemed to grow every day. There were many vegetables and fruits and even grains. Veredian was the plant expert of course and she never stopped impressing and amazing him. Wesley had no doubt that all the seeds would take in the mystical soil and of course he was right. Of course Aloe loved it finding all the different plants and bugs and things. Every creature that made daily visits he would give a name to and greet when he saw them.

"How are your Gua Gua's?", Veredian asked Aloe.

Gua Gua's were these cute little caterpillar type bugs that were bioluminescent. They were purple and when they went through metamorphosis much like the butterflies Wesley new of, they emerged beautifully. They did look butterfly like except they were covered in small multicolored feathers. There was no way to tell what color they would be before they hatched which made it quite fun.

Aloe checked on them lifting up a few large leaves that they sat underneath.

"White!", he said excitedly. When the cocoons turned white it meant they were close to emerging.

"Oh they're almost ready!", said Veredian sweetly to Aloe.

Wesley picked many things from the garden deciding to make an extra special lunch today. They went up the stairs and inside as Wesley and Veredian started cooking. Aloe sat in the middle of the floor with the jar of bugs he'd caught by the river and a few new leaves he'd discovered.

Aloe stood up cupping something in his hand as he tugged on Wesley's pants. "Daddy.".

He looked down with a chuckle. "What have you got there let me see.", he said lifting up Aloe onto the table under his arms.

Aloe smiled adorably as he opened his hand. It was a little black bug disguised to look like a leaf by nature. Wesley genuinely found it fascinating which made Aloe beam happily.

Lunch was freshly picked potatoes, asparagus, and lemonade.

They made just enough to fill their stomachs nicely and effectively make a well fed Aloe very sleepy. He fell asleep where he sat making his parents giggle quietly. Wesley carefully picked him up putting him on the bed soaked in soft sun. Veredian kissed his little cheek leaving him to sleep.

As he slept the two of them pulled out large notebooks, a few pencils and some hand drawn maps. Whenever Aloe was napping or occupied with his little projects, they charted land and stars. During the day they drew more and more detailed maps and pictures of the planet. It started as just charting the plants and animals of the rain forest. Then they went on to it's landscape and after that it just kept growing. At night they charted stars and planets off of what they saw and what Wesley knew. The finished work sat on the walls scattered and beautiful. Though they loved Aloe of course with all their hearts, they both cherished the time they had alone together. The love and connection they had together never once wavered, if anything it only grew.

A few hours passed before Aloe woke up from his nap. The sun was starting to droop in the sky as they sat on the platform at the top of the stairs. Veredian told a story of the ancient Sage that both Wesley and Aloe were captivated by while they all watched the sunset melt into the tree line.

Just as the orangey golden sun dripped down the mossy branches there was a crack below in the forest.

Veredian looked at Wesley a little worried. "It's a little early for it to be up. You don't think...".

"I don't know sweetheart stay here okay.", said Wesley going inside as he lifted a spear he kept above the doorway.

"Be careful.", said Veredian nervously as Wesley went down the stairs with caution. She wrapped an arm around Aloe protectively, never taking her eyes off Wesley.

His eyes scanned the trees looking for the slightest movement or imperfection. His heart beat as he heard brushed leaves and disturbed earth. His other hand gripped the end of the spear as he walked slowly forward in a defensive threatening stance.

Suddenly something red peaked through the bush as Wesley was ready to defend, his adrenaline soaring. It only took a second for a face to emerge.

Wesleys shoulders dropped as the spear fell to his side. "Captain Picard! Riker Deanna Data you're here!", said Wesley happily surprised.

Veredian released the breath she held as she smiled widely.

"Wesley my boy so good to see you!", said Picard overjoyed.

"Yes you have no idea how much you've been missed!", said Deanna.

"It took us a little while to find you from the coordinates we had from the transporter records and without having tricorders or any technology to fi--", started Data before Wesley interrupted.

"I'd love to hear the rest of that story Data but we should really get inside.", said Wesley with urgencey as he studied the golden sun turn red behind the trees.

They trustingly followed his hurried lead when suddenly he stopped. He turned around looking at the still brush.

"What is it Wes?", asked Riker.

"Keep going.", he replied keeping his eyes on the forest, his spear once again lifted.

Suddenly out of a tree lept a large cat like animal. It looked like a tiger panther hybrid though it's fur was green with a pattern of leaves painting it's camoflauging pelt. There was malice in it's eyes and hunger in the drool that dripped down it's fangs.

Everyone but Wesley gasped with surprised terror. Veredian could barely get her fear stricken hands to pick up Aloe facing him away from the scene as he looked over her shoulder. The team stood on the stairs wracking their brains on what to do or say.

"Come come!", said Veredian quickly gesturing toward herself. They did what she said.

The animal circled him slowly, emitting a low growl. It's shoulder blades spiked up following the lead of it's footsteps. Wesley turned never breaking eye contact with the beast.

It's mouth opened viciously as it lunged towards it's target. Wesley lifted the spear straight up as it landed in it's jaws. It hissed with frustration as Wesley grunted at it's strength.

He pushed his hands forward knocking the now very angry creature on it's back. Before Wesley could throw the spear the animal quickly got it's feet beneath it as it jumped forward with it's claws leading the way.

Wesley swiftly stepped back not without recieving four crimson rips through his shirt. He muffled a yell through his teeth thanking adrenaline for it's ability to postpone pain.

Everyone watching was horrified, stuck where they stood.

It tried lunging again but Wesley was too quick, able to anticipate it's moves. He tried the spear a few times but the creature was also quick of course. Now it was a game of strategy.

Wesley was about to try aiming for it again when it quickly circled around jumping at his back. He turned around without time to move as they both went down to the ground. There was struggle on the forest floor making it hard to tell who was winning.

Very suddenly the struggle ceased, red stained the green foliage. You could hear a leaf fall from the other end of the forest.

"Wesley!", Veredian yelled.

The tiger like creature was pushed off and away with a grunt as Wesley slowly sat up. He found his feet beneath him as he pulled the spear out of the animal. He walked toward the shocked group as he wiped the blood dripping blade on what was left of his shirt. The scar covering wrap he wore like a sleeve was ripped and frayed beneath his shirt. The red sinking sun glistened across his eyes and through his ruffled hair. As they watched him walk toward the stairs over the forest floor they didn't know whether to cheer or wait for Wesley to say something. His hands were steady as he breathed heavily from the fight.

Veredian handed Aloe to Data as she ran down the stairs to him. She kissed his cheek wishing she could embrace him if not for his wounds.

The officers were honestly at a loss for words.

"Let's go into the house.", said Wesley to the group with a soft smile as him and Veredian walked up the stairs.

The officers went in first as Wesley sat on the edge of the bed while Veredian grabbed their med kit.

He carefully took off his shirt with a hiss revealing the effect of the laborious life they led and the always shining sun.

Veredian carefully started to treat the scratches as Aloe sat on Data's knee curiously feeling his cold metal face.

"Wesley I-I mean if only we'd had our phasers I didn't-", started Picard.

"Don't worry about it in fact I'd rather fight that thing again than risk a visit from The Seethe. I'm fine really. Veredian will make sure of it.", he said running his hand over her cheek with a kiss. She responded with a sweet humble smile.

"What was that creature?", asked Deanna.

"They're called Thorns. They're nocturnal. The only reason he hasn't been a problem before is because we have Verde vine growing around the trunk of our tree. The smell of it is almost lethal to them.", replied Wesley.

"My people have used the vine for years to defend against them. It's worked quite well so far.", said Veredian.

The information was interesting sure, but they were still stuck on the violent scene that they just witnessed.

Veredian was quickly finished as she applied the last bandage over his beaten skin. She then moved to the damaged wrap that covered the ghost of the fire. She removed it slowly starting from his wrist going all the way up to his shoulder blade with tender fingers, slowly folding the white fabric around her hand. His skin mimicked a birds eye view of a mountain range or heatwaves above a warm horizon. It was a contrasting feature among his otherwise smooth tan skin. Veredian took a fresh strip from the kit as she wrapped it around gently. As she finished he gave her a loving smile and a grateful kiss. "Thank you princess.", he said with a sweet smirk. She blushed as he often still made her do.

He stood up going over to the sort of dresser. He pulled out a creaky drawer that smelled of the flowers that crept through every open space in the treehouse among their ivy. Carefully he slipped on an olive green t shirt over his sore chest.

"Well now that that's settled welcome to our home. I see you've met our wonderful son Aloe.", said Wesley. Aloe tottered over as Wesley ruffled his hair and picked him up making him giggle.

"It's so beautiful. And he is very adorable!", said Deanna gushing at the cuteness.

"I can't believe you built all this. I mean I know we sent tools but this is incredible Wes.", said Riker as he sat next to Deanna. A sense of pride sat in his chest.

"It felt like yesterday when I carried Aloe watching Wesley work days and nights to build it. I tried to help but he wouldn't let me. I was only a few months when it was finished.", said Veredian with a chuckle.

"We were all so worried. We honestly didn't know what to expect coming here. It seems I was right to believe in you mister Crusher.", said Picard.

"It really worked out okay. I knew it would as long as we had each other. It hasn't always been perfect of course. Everyone and everything we've missed. The occasional rainstorm and the dangers of the jungle. But it's been a beautiful, peaceful two and a half years. I'm so glad to see you all again. But somehow I have a feeling this isn't just a friendly visit...what's going on?", asked Wesley. Meanwhile Aloe wiggled down to the floor trotting back to Data. The action confused the android to no end giving the others amusement.

"After you left we discovered Griege had been working directly under The Seethe's Sultan. He sparked the original uprising against The Sage and seemed as relentless as he was old. Well about a month ago The Sultan finally died and with him went the vengeful grudge toward The Sage. It turns out most of their people wanted to take The Sage up on their offer to share the water supply. The only real grudge was through their bitter leader. The only reason we don't have any technology with us is because of leftover effects from an electro magnetic pulse The Sultan had ordered before he died to halt any plans they thought The Sage were up to. Any technology for the next few weeks will be useless across the east side. Unfortunately though before he died he ordered many attacks on the rain forest. With every day that passed his anger grew and he took it out on The Sage people. Luckily not many lives were lost but many homes and shelters were destroyed. On a brighter note though The Sultans son Crimson was next in line to lead. He seems to be a very wise young man not much different than you Wesley. His main goal is peace between both sides of the planet and a thriving ecosystem of trade and partnership. He wants to meet with you both to discuss a treaty and trade negotiations.", finished Picard.

"We can come home?", asked Veredian looking from them to Wesley.

The two hugged tighter than ever at the news. They looked into each other's eyes like the first time they met. He was forever mesmerized, her heart forever taken.

"Gua Gua's!", said Aloe suddenly very excited as he pointed out the door. The feathered butterfly like bugs flew slowly up from the garden passed their doorway. About a hundred of them glowed against the night sky with their neon luminescence.

"They hatched!", said Veredian.

Wesley smiled happily going over to the doorway, putting his son on his shoulders as the family stood outside watching them fly upwards.

Wesley turned his head looking at the team still inside, he waved them out with a smile.

The reflection of their colorful light reflected in Aloe's wonderous eyes. As the last of them floated up and away a thick peace had settled on the night.

"Captain would it be okay if we stayed here for tonight? Just one more night to say goodbye to the home we became a family in.", said Wesley. Picard nodded with a smile.

"Would you all like to stay for dinner?", asked Veredian.

They all responded with a hungry yes.

The officers sat by comfortably as Wesley and Veredian cooked. They looked like they were having such a good time together. It's was almost envious. At one point the couple burst out in a laugh that came from the gut, the kind so strong it was silent. It was contagious as the officers couldn't help but giggle even if they hadn't heard the joke. Meanwhile Aloe was sitting on the floor continuing to organize his bugs and leaves and things. Once in a while he'd show the group something that they ooed and awed at. His returning smile was incredibly rewarding.

They had a beautiful dinner with great talk and laughter. Every heart in the room was filled to the brim.

As the moons got very high in the sky Aloe's eyes got more and more sleepy. His cute little yawn didn't escape Wesley as he went over and picked him up, putting him on the bed.

Aloe was clearly very tired but somewhat restless as children can often be. He rubbed his eyes as frustrated tears quickly threatened to fall. Veredian made her way over as she ran her hand through his hair sweetly.

"Why don't you try a song?", asked Wesley. She read his eyes that said 'would you also sing for me my love?'. He loved her voice and she loved giving it to him whenever he asked.

From her lips came a quiet melody lulling the air to sleep. If moonlight could sing it wouldn't be as beautiful. There was never a waver or a wrong note. Perhaps it was a gift all Sage had, or perhaps it was merely a representation of her inability to be imperfect. But to him it was like a thousand kisses to his ears. He wondered if she knew how much he loved her. Even if he did say it every day and show it in a hundred different ways.

Of course Aloe was soon asleep just as the song had ended. The room was in a drowsy trance. Her voice kissed the moonlight that flooded the room and the warm breeze that swept through the doorway. No moment had ever been so tranquil. The next few hours were a blurry dream as they all ended up in a bed drifting happily off in the still of the night.