#elsewhere

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Earl stares at the new art work. He's painted Autumn scenes before, but rarely with script in it... script he didn't even realize he was doing. The words are formed by the spaces between colorful and falling leaves, and by the reflection on the slow water below.

"Why did I do that?"

'Loss is the greatest teacher' is spaced between the falling leaves

Zara leans against him. "It rings true."

"It does, but I'm no prophet... and this seems familiar. Past life?" He asks her

Zara is sure he picked it up in the Dreaming. She herself knows that code as few do

'Fear is the core of honor' might be seen in the roots.

'Gather what feeds you' floats in the brook if you look just right

Earl gives her a squeeze "it's your time" as if the whole season, to his mind, is her home, her domain, and the rest merely guests

Zara nods. "It's Autumn. We found it, aye?"

"And we are being gifted with remembrance."

"For me, the rememberance seems more a matter of my art. " a smile though "But then where else would it be for me?"

"Aye." She nods as her head rests on his shoulder.

"And you? The new books in French Sir Bachdion got your libary?"

"He is a thoughtful old goat." With fondness.

"He's got a certain elegance.. and he did help me learn mastery of Wayfare. mazing how much he can do with it"

A nod.

"Reweaving will take some time, I think. Far too easy to err, to misplace a rune in a ruinous manner."

"Practice could be dangerous" Earl says "I would be lying if i didn't say I was ..a bit worried, love"

"Worried?"

"You're good... but you know better than I about how even the most cunning witch can have a true name tampering slip just a bit" A kiss on her "You'll master it, I know. I just ..fret" Sheepsish

"Precisely - I have not been capricious with Naming. Though I suspect some here suspect."

"Like soothsay, it is a magic to be careful with. Emmitt would not have taken me as a student if he thought me hasty or cavalier."

"Uncle Emmit says you're the best student he's had in ten years..." Earl says "Not while you were there... but he did say it."

"Only in ten years?" Mock indignant.

"He probably knew I would tell you he said so and took precautions" A wink

"Well, alright then."

"Speaking of which...Clem is hoping we visit for a holiday.She's not fussy on which one. "

"Well, we could go there for Pennons..."

"And my fast starts at sunset... mm... how is it already Yom Kippur?"

"Oh yes, " he nods "I'll fast with you. I know, I know, I need not, but it doesn't feel right leaving you to it alone"

"Oh, my ardent partner."

He kisses her as form of agreement, then parts "Besides, we both know one visit to Hannah after and I'll get it all back"

A soft chuff. "Oh, thou knowest Mama has stocked the fridge till it is nigh bursting."

"She's likely had Aaron busy with a honey dew list a mile long"

Fondly

"Oh, aye! And he never complains, he just has this look..."

"I think he enjoys to be put upon, a'times."

"A martyr for a cause" Respectful

"Aye. And the cause is romance. You wouldn't guess it, would you?"

"Oh, now that I know them better, I am not surprised" His eyes sparkle "His words are few, but his actions are a ballad to her"

Zara nods.

"That doesn't seem such a bad thing to want, does it? What Mama and Papa have?"

"Not at all" he says "it's.. something to aspire for I think"

A look at her and he smiles thoughtfully.

She laces her fingers with his, content.

And he returns that with a soft squeeze "though.. i think you will always want a few words spoken, my hind"

"I like thy words. Thy poetry. Even if it seems I fall short and fumble at telling thee of mine own heart."

"You tell me much. I wake up and see you staring at me. It tells me whole sonnets"