#tho it's so much worse in LA so i can't really complain i guess

[laviexenrose]

“Yes, we do.” She glanced over at him in time to catch the incredulous look on Ben’s face. Isabelle nearly laughed. The idea that one could be fined for moving only 12 miles per hour was risible, but she reminded herself where he had come from was a far different time, and any traffic law, whether it was of the past or present, were meant to keep the general public safe. “I- I don’t know. I haven’t seen any Troopers since we’ve been on this road.” 

It was always came as a bit of a shock when Ben couldn't understand what she was trying to say, even if they were speaking the same language. “Oh, it’s when you... never mind. I can explain once we’re not in the car anymore.” Isabelle would have reached out for his hand, if she thought he wouldn’t panic at her steering with one hand, which was easier now that she had more experience behind the wheel. “You’ll be fine. You’ll survive,” she offered, flashing him what she hoped would be a reassuring smile. 

“Satellites,” answered Isabelle simply, looking up from the device to Ben for a brief moment before her gaze rested on the road ahead. She knew her answer would inspire more questions rather than quell his curiosity. “Well… it’s- it's more complicated than I could tell you, but nonetheless fascinating.” At least, Isabelle thought so. Despite her childhood being so far behind her, the immense desire to learn as much about the world as possible had carried over well into adulthood. Much like Ben in this century, she was constantly learning new things about life and the world as it was today, or more recently, about history and the countless stories of the past. She’d be lying if that wasn’t slightly influenced by having met Ben. 

There was a sheepish expression sprawled on her face as she glanced at him. “Before you, I didn’t even know Setauket existed.” It was a bit strange to think about what her life was like without Ben. While Isabelle couldn’t say she’d been truly unhappy -- there was always something to smile about -- she also couldn’t say she’d been as happy as she was now, with him at her side. “That would be a good starting point, and maybe... if you’re feeling up for it, we visit your father’s home afterwards. We should try any place you’re closely associated with.” 

“You have driving laws as well?” Ben asked, flashing her a disbelieving look. “They certainly do not behave as though there are penalties in effect…in the city, if you surpass 11 miles per hour via carriage, you will get penalized with a fine. Where is the constable to fine these ruffians?”

Throw up?

Head swimming, Ben stammered, “I, um…I-I don’t know what that means…throw what up?” Exhaling, long and slow, he gripped more tightly at the grab handle and squirmed. “I’m all right,” he said after a moment. “A little shaken, perhaps, but I’ve certainly had worse.”

He most certainly had not. Or at least, nothing that could compare to this alarming venture.

While Isabelle checked the magical box that gave directions, Ben found himself fascinated by the strange-looking map. “How does it move?” he asked. “Your map…it dances.” The strange markings twisted left and right, hypnotic and fluctuating as they drove.

Twenty minutes wasn’t so bad – in his experience, travel took far, far longer – and clearing his throat, Ben shifted in his seat and winced when the restrictive harness kept him from properly moving. “I was thinking we could go to my father’s home,” he said, “but…perhaps that would be too much. Maybe we should start in the heart of town first, where everyone would always gather.” Reluctant, he pressed, “Has it changed terribly much? Or have you never been?”