#earthrunes

and for a moment, glows golden!

the leaves of the tea swirl...and form a pattern... signs that seem to scream 'Someone left a door open'

What is this?

She picks up the cup.

Zara peers into the liquid, sending out tendrils of magical senses...

Something powerful happened in the Dreaming, powerful enouogh that a powerful soothsayer like her felt it

"Show me." She commands.

And she sees... golden trod.. the Yule Star breaking expanding spreading... she sees a dark hand try to crush the star's path. She feels her belly twinge. She sees the Golden Road vanish... but not before refugees scatternn down it's strands and get to the Autumn world!

A gasp!

Vali says "Honey?" A talented wizard in the making in his way, with time, but not in the sight

"Aught has happened." A hand pressed protectively against her abdomen.

"What?" Suddenly at attention

"The Yule star seems to have opened a gate..."

"Rusalka?" Seeking.

"I thought Ruslaka were only cominng back by.." He blushes "You know, in time. you're not.. I mean, we take precautions"

"I'm not."

Indeed, the seeking does not lead to within. But the resonance of a fate allows her to seek it outwardly more easily. Of all the soothsayers in the world, few can seek as well as she for this

Her river! There is one near her River!

But not awake.

Zara snags Earl's hand and drags him along.. stepping into shoes on route to the door and picking up her broom.

"Zara, shouldn't we tell..." But he follows.

"We should find OUT."

"of course, how silly of me" He follows

They move along, while not frozen, her river is chilled this time of year. Slow and easy.

Hop on the broom for haste!

And they make their way towards the river

A woman, hiking by the water, she's got a walking stick

there is a sadness upon her, a yearning. She's...perfect

And she has no idea of what's inside her now

Zara slips into shadows to watch...

Oh, she might be perfect... but... but this is HER river.

Zara's.

Earl has drawn his blade ,not to hurt the woman, but to viel

The woman bends down, and looks at the water, then splashes her face

"So...I ..lead my step dad on" She shivers

Who is she talking to?

her reflection it seems

"I don't... why am I so angry? Why do I want..." her eyes flicker for a moment "I want him to pay. I want justice. "

Zara gives Earl's arm a squeeze

Earl looks at his beloved and whispers very softly "She's hurt.. she's wronged. She's betrayed..the stories? No wonder she fits"

"Aye. But this is MY river!"

"Then let's take her to another" He says and squares his jaw "Still in the barony? " There are other river banks near Jefferson after all

"Aye. And then... there, yes."

He nods "She's probably going to pop.. so we're going with her. Right of Rescue"

"Who's there?" She turns

"Of course, aye..."

And Earl says "Your future, your past? Newness .. dye cast"

And the flicker flash carries them away

A curious ken - the mortal soul is still there?