#anywhere

And now they're looking from the mountains from a completely different angle.. and forests, some that speak of mysteries hidden from the intrusive sun under their branches. Rude mannerless thing the sun.

Just so!

Earl grins and enjoys the new vision again, those great graceful queens cast shadow cloaks over whole woods to keep that sun's eyes further away and yet that same sun sparkles and adorns their peaks in reflection

The river curves along the tracks, a boon companion, fed by many creeks above. A century-old bridge spans its width, iron lace turned red with rust and its wooden planks long lost to rot. The concrete pylons wreathed in graffiti, left by bold teenagers in years gone by. Bird nests are tucked in crook and crevice.

Earl admires it, and Zara can see in his eyes that evaluation. He's always looking for a place for them. For the them of the future. He wants it to be perfect for her, and wherever she is will be perfect for him so he appraises for her sake. This wonderful place is on the list of maybes, or at the least 'we should visit again'

It's a lovely trip, but the bird says "Okay. You folks may want to get off soon... about to get stopped and cargo unloaded"

And Earl nods. Ready to fly Zara and himself off later.

And it was a good thing they did. The station inspector had a cold chill you could see just by looking at him.

Zara slinks deeper in shadow, avoiding the engineer's sight.

And Earl relies on his sword. A cheat, but no chances taken.

And they move along leaving the train yard and going into the streets..which are mostly unoccupied at this time. "Ugh, that yard, what an ugly blot on an otherwise pleasant journey" He says

"Aye, truth..."

"This town makes no sense with that painting..."

"Well, we're not at Elkins yet... but closer... "

A car shoots past.

Then another...

and then the first car is coming back?

And it slows... then a face comes out of it... a redcap

He's looking..slowing... "You assholes out here or... swore I saw..."

Earl leaves it to Zara to decide if they show themselves

Zara shakes her head.

And they hide, and he drives off.

Earl says "Shall I try flying us again?"

"How far are we?"

"About 20 miles"

Nose-wrinkle.

"Flight it is..." He says

and he takes her hand one more time, twirls her as if they were dancing..and they float up

"well, at least getting home shall be easier..."

"Yes.. and this place... isn't too bad. "

"It's pretty enough, aye."

They pass quickly over the roads, it's a very forested area, indeed, trees aplenty... Earl makes notes "Maybe we should visit some forests in other areas too... black forest of Germany some day?"

"Oh, aye... and California, with the sequoias? Something taller than thee!"

A grin , flash of wolf teeth "Pick any of my adult cousins for that"

"Feh!"

"Redwoods..." He nods agreeing to her suggestion and they fly until they get to the location they have the adress for. And ..he is surprised Dapple Pediatric Long Term Care the sign reads

Eyebrow.

"Long term..." He says...

that's when the ngihtmare Chimera rise up

nocinstia, born of children's fears...

"....ah." A nod.

And two trolls in nurse uniforms come out.... "Intrusion!" They raise their white shields with Red Cross patterns, and raise up swords with Caduceus designs on the hilt! and attack the nightmares!

"Your mommy won't even visit your grave..." One hisses...

Earl looks at Zara "Zara, I think I need to help. I know you value Chimera but..."

"But.... aye..."

And he moves in, for he is a knight.

Zara skirts around, slipping inside under cover of chaos.

And she finds the children... whispering and talking "the Coronoviral stuff is gonna kill us?" "Not me. I got the cancer... Cancer is still king" Trying ot cheer themselves,

But their fear is tangible

Fear can be delicious - she is, after all, a sluagh... but too much fear leads to despair.