will the circle be unbroken? (spoilers imminent!)

[recurring]

[Elizabeth wakes up in a field of grass.

It's a cushion, soft, the smell of crushed greenery waking her. The sky is grey and dark, the sounds of the city proper filtering through her senses in distorted pieces. She opens her eyes and blinks, and then sits up with a gasp.]

Booker.

[Her whole body aches from being flung around the cabin. It makes her wince belatedly, hands rubbing at her wrists. The memories come back in scraps, of Songbird and Booker yelling for her, the flip of the ship, and the bright light that followed. Did she open a Tear accidentally? She doesn't know and doesn't remember, but as she starts to get her bearings, she realizes she's not in Columbia any longer.

There are cars just beyond the field of her vision, outside of the park she's found herself in. People are walking around with dogs on leashes, their clothes strange. None of the women are wearing dresses like her. They're wearing blue pants, short skirts, fussing with odd devices in their hands and laughing. A couple on a bench nearby are pointing at her and whispering, the man excitedly pressing buttons on a small box in his hands. Elizabeth blinks in confusion and slowly stands up.

A man in shorts runs up to her.]

Miss? Miss, are you okay?

[She startles like a doe in headlights, uncertain.]

Yes, I'm... I'm fine.

[A few people are gathering, staring at her, pointing. Did you see that light? What was that? and Someone call the cops. Or an ambulance or something. Elizabeth steps away and starts to put distance between herself and them. The first man, at least, seems concerned.]

Wait, hold on!

[But she's already going, running, trying to get away.]

Don't follow me!

[Like she told Booker. And she keeps running, same as before. She hasn't a clue as to where - or when - she is, but she can't stay here. Not if they'll lock her up just like before.]

Comments

[waiting]

[ He's not usually this soft -- at least he'd like to think not -- but around girls and kids, he can't help letting his sentimental side show. Still, he flushes at the compliment, or what sounds like one, and considers blustering some more before he decides surrender is the better part of valor. ]

DeWitt...? Never heard of the guy. But New York's a big place. Is he a friend of yours?

[recurring]

[Elizabeth just smiles and doesn't badger him about it. It's nice to hear someone who's willing to be honest, someone who can let go of the hardened exterior to talk about things in such a poetic fashion. It might be embarrassing for him, but she appreciates it.]

Yeah. I met him a short while ago but he's...important to me. He was trying to bring me here. I want to be sure he's okay.

[She fusses with her pinkie as she says it, fingers twirling the small thimble.]

[waiting]

Yeah? Well a name like that's hard to miss. If he's around here somewhere, we'll find him.

[ Hopefully, anyway. But if he was trying to bring her here... How did they get separated? He bites his tongue on the question. ]

You got any idea where he might be? I can try bringing you there.

Or we could get you a bite to eat and something different to wear. [ It's a tactful way of saying she looks like she's been through a rough time. ]

[recurring]

[She brightens at the idea, visibly so.]

I don't know where he lives, exactly, but I know he's a native of New York. Someone has to know him. He said he used to work for the Pinkertons.

[Elizabeth's eyes drop to her skirt and her smile turns just a little self-deprecating. She smooths out the folds in the blue fabric.]

That...might be better. I have some coins, so I can pay you. [Sheepishly, she adds:] I can't remember the last time I ate. We've been in such a rush.

god her goddamn disney princess icons get out

[waiting]

[ The Pinkertons, huh? The name doesn't immediately ring any alarm bells, because the Pinkerton Agency still exists here, though he doesn't think they've been actually called the Pinkertons for a long time. That said, he has other concerns for not, and looking up the guy can wait. ]

Food first. [ He says, decisively. No sense in rushing around in a rush. ] And you don't need to worry about payin' me for that, it ain't gonna cost that much.

[ Despite whatever protest she may give, he opts for the most convenient option and takes them to the nearest burger joint. He's not sure what she'd like, so he orders a little of everything -- a burger, the chicken tenders, fries and a sundae -- shuffling it over to her on a tray before taking a seat across her. ]

NEVER

[recurring]

[Even if Elizabeth can stand on her own, she's grateful for someone to give direction and take charge, especially when she really needs it. She nods at the order and lets him drive. Even the silence is amenable, not strained, mostly because Elizabeth is looking out the window every few minutes and ask questions, which he indulges her with answers. The sights, even so few, are amazing. New York has an aura unlike Columbia; though it does not sparkle pristine golden, it has a charm in its concrete and in the skyscrapers, the busy people and the sounds.

She gets more than a few looks when they come into the burger shop, though most people are content to mind their own business when she goes to sit and wait for Bradbury.

He brings more food than she knows what to do with, and it shows in her wide eyes, though her smile is wide.]

Wow. Thank you. [Way too much for her to eat. But she recognizes the hamburger and it all smells delicious, so she first goes to try the chicken fingers.] Do you live around here?