#dreaming

Earl sighs

Squeeky has already picked one up again... but tries to hide the feline behind his back

"Oh god, it's like when I was 'in charge' of August and Hirim all over again" He sighs "FIne, they can come with us to the islands, but they are not returning with us to our home" End of story. That's that. He has spoken.

"Mmhmm."

And so they go to the Islands... well, actually, they go to the docks that lead to the islands

Zara flitters, excited - she can't give voice to it, but it shows.

And they see a boatman, no Charon he, the fellow is dressed in a plain black outfit, but over his heart are the symbols of a summer sun, an Autumn Leaf, a Spring Flower, and a Snowflake. "Wheel welcome you, strangers."

A bow of greeting.

"Sir. " Earl bows too.

Squeeky follows suit

"Now...most come talk to me just to get to an island. That be what ye want?"

"Well, actually," Squeeky says "Are.. are you the wise man of the seasons? Because, I htink you're how I came to see"

The boatman's surprise is evident "Could be I know a thing or two.. aye. And what of you two?" A glance to Earl and Zara

She offers out a golden leaf, gathered from passing through Fall.

"Ah, the Autumn island it is then"

"And you, sir?" A look to Earl

"Where she goes, I would like to follow." he says

"Young Cyclops, ..."

The boatman starts to say.

"Squeeky, sir" Squeeky informs

"Oh you poor boy" The boatman says , then clears his throat "Squeeky, let me drop this lass and her fellow off.. and I'll be back to you to give you advice... may charge for it. Now.. this leaf will be payment for the passage to the AUtumn Isle for you and your sir" Back to Zara "But I do not know what price maybe asked by the Autumn Lady"

A little shrug. She will see!

And onto the boat he leads them... or starts to "I'll not be carting cats."

Earl gives an 'ah ha! I get to be right' look...and ALMOST hides it

Zara shrug. Boatman can TRY to stop the cats.

When the cats try to follow into the boat, the boat man puts his staff into the water.. the lake sputters a mist at the felines... and , with annoyed 'how dare you' looks, they do back off. Earl offers Zara a step in first

"Good luck" Squeeky says 'Hope you get what you want"

A sigh. But in she goes.

And they cross... a tune blows in the wind as they get closer, leaves sounding like violins as they flutter.. Vivaldi? of course, the Autumn Piece

As they close, they can see the trees are colorful and brilliant, and yet tremulous and terrifying.... beauty in loss

Zara flourishes, in her glory.

oh! The island seems almost covered with crackling leaves... and as the boat stops, the boatman says "I shall return when it is time for you to go. Be well with you. Step as lightly as you can and you may enjoy the effect"

A gesture of thanks, and the sluagh lightly disembarks.

And as she steps lightly, Earl follows and falls through.. not far.. but Zara is litterally walking on top of the blanket of leaves. Earl? He dropped a foot before hitting ground. At his height he towers over

A hand over her mouth, covering a smile.

Like Legolas, she prances atop the fallen foliage while her love needs to wade.

Earl rolls his eyes, then chuckles "Love you- Enjoy"

...and before he departs, a little four-footed fluffball hops from the ferryman's boat to the island, sure as you please.

'How did..." Earl stares...

and then the CAT walks ontop of the leaves

"Insult to injury" Earl sighs and trudges

Zara just smiles.

The music never gets too loud, and with it, the gives soft moans and whispers... a nip of a chill... just a nip

A pleasant one!

She sees ghosts , well, chimera like them drift along... a horseman headless bows his torso to her and points further in the island

And so they wander, cat in tow.

Is it in tow? Or is it stalking them? mmmm

Is there a difference?

finally they come to the center of the Island, a woman with hair of orange and reds and yellows stands in a gown almost akin to a shroud.... but greecian in style

Zara sweeps low, acknowledging the Autumn Lady.