#anywhere

Zara has a lot to say about Nockers, from long-suffering.

It's almost cathartic. And while it's too soon to call Liz a friend, she seems a likable woman... for a dream tied to fears of snakes devouring you whole and an eavesdropper and collector of gossip. They get to the airport and yes, a cargo plane soon to head to Cusco.

And yes, it's cold as they head higher up into the mountains.

Zara cuddles against Earl. Leech.

He is used to her siphoning off his body heat when she wants to. If Cold and clammy bothered him, he wouldnt enjoy her so much. Indeed, he makes sure to put a long strong warm arm about her otherside. The plane bumps and shivers in the turbulence.

"It's not too loud is it?" he whispers near her ear

She squeezes his hand. No point in whispering.

And soon they are scootching in for a landing

A few bumps, and the plane slows down. Earl nods and when things settle, he portal passages allowing her a way out below the belly of the plane"Careful of that drop"

She drops smoothly and scuttles to safety

And Earl follows , cheating with use of his magic blade

and the two make their way out of the gassy smelly loud air field.

"So... a maze, and the dead being judged..."

Zara can claim to be no expert on Peru exactly... but her kith prides itself on knowing places of death. And Zara is far more learned than most sluagh her age.

Qenqo Temple comes to her mind.

"There's an inca temple..."

"Yes?" He says "Oh.. the clue" Earl nods and listens to her "But how do we get there from here? I.." he rolls his eyes "We could I don't know, fly without a plane. Windrunner?"

"That is a lot of glamour, Love."

Earl ponders "It is" He nods "I have a bit of dross, but flickerflashing to the next locale might rob me"

"Mayhaps another path? A taxi?"

"Well" he says "We are near an airport I guess, so there should be taxis" He looks around

It is Zara who sees the bored man in the pickup truck. He doesn't flicker with glamour, but neither does he seem too cold. A dreamer ? or at least a potential dreamer?

"Earl, how is your spanish?"

"Esta Bien" he says "My french is better, obviously. But I can get by."

"My french, too - but look, there." A nod at the gentleman.

Earl nods, then says "Pardon" "¿Tienes un momento?"

"Si" the man looks up startled.

And the rest is..frustration for Zara, as she doesn't know Spanish well enough to get more than a third of the conversation. Earl is slow, and probably sounds a bit dim, but the truck driver seems patient, and they work out a bargain. Earl apologizes for his American money.

Zara knows "Gracias!"

Soon, they're in a truck. Tight fit but Zara sits in Earl's lap, and they go on... the truck driver goes on asking Earl questions, twice, and Earl says "Estadious Unitos ' or something a lot .. the guy appears curious about the country. Earl is answering what he knows of mortal America.

Zara can pick out a few things...

Like the driver is curious, do they really serve SUPER Sized sodas? And let them refill for near free?

Earl admits they do, and hints it might contribute to the weight problem there.

The Peruvian guy laughs and seems sympathetic and pats his own belly , his words indicating he'd probably be big as a house if he got free soda refills too

It's only fifteen miles or so... and once they get clear of city traffic... the truck proves to be useful for roougher terrain. But after a bit. he stops and refuses to get closer.

Earl says "it's all on foot from here. he says weird things have been going on "

Zara pats his hand, thanking him again!

And off they walk

"He seemed nice. Boisterous."

"Oh yes, he'd be a terrible sluagh" earl says and smiles "You're going to make me tell you everything he just asked and said as we walk aren't you?" Knowing her curious nature. He takes her hand in his again and they enjoy the walk

"Well, yes."

She picks her way through the rocks and uneven ground, enjoying the grey sky.

And he answers. Her curiosity appeased with a smile.

"Was he curious about why we were here?"

"Very. I told him I was a painter and wanted to see this so I could be inspired so I could do a book cover for my brilliant writer girlfriend" A look at her "See what happens when I get too much free reign?"

Blush!

The Quechua, Qenqo comes into view and it is a wonder. Already amazing in mortal gaze, the near dreaming offers so much more... lush jungle vines wind around the even more tomb like labyrinth. One can expect Indiana Jones to race through, or see glimmers of incan mummies laid to rest with honor, it is forbodding, it is dangerous, and majestic all at once.

And there, like a teasing mark, is a lavender ribbon with one end of it 'pointing' down one passage.

"Oh, Siv..."

"She's your friend" he says "I'm merely an acquaintance to her"