By way of response Alec holds out a hand and a root begins to extend from it. It turns into a tree, a beautiful flowering tree in miniature. Staring at it, he pulls it from his palm with a shrug and plants it in the ground.

"...I needed to hear about that fear." He exhales oxygen and nods, "Being a part of the green means swimming in it. It's a part of me, I couldn't outrun it. These powers. Having friends like this is...what I needed. People who I can lean on so that I can swim in it and remember why I need to not dive deep."

Not yet at any rate. One day he will pass into the green. The thought terrifies him, joining the parliament, rooting.

"Yes. Come back. Bring books and I'll gather histories. It'll be a good excuse to get to know the people involved in all of this."

He spreads his hands wide to embrace the green world at large.

"also know this Jacob Stone. Doing this for me...If you find yourself struggling here or in danger, come to any woods or forest and it will defend you."

His motivation is partially selfish. This man is offering him companionship and friendship. He is offering him books and humanity. That can't be taken away. The other half is genuine. He can't do much by way of repaying him beyond knocking on doors in the green and hoping for stories worth sharing.

'It doesn't involve you doing anything." he gestured, "No magic. They simply...see you as a friend. As do I."

"...Thank you."