#rescuemiriam

Well, maybe a smile, too - shooting a soft glance back in Earl's direction.

Earl couldn't help it, he was already smiling at her, and his hand twines with her fingers if she allows as they walk.

Magnus tries to stay focused, but does muter "I do miss Claire," But there's a bit of smile at the thought of her.

Then he thinks on it, "it's a clue. We're going the right way Laughter in the Rain."

No warmth from her hand, but she gives his a squeeze. "Aye. A good sign."

August looks at Magnus "What?"

"Where laughter lingers, and laughter in the rain, it's both a pun and a clue," Magnus says. "I don't think we're there yet, but it's the right path."

"I'm going to smell like wet Ravens' fan" Tiffany sighs as her hair (And ears) start to get limp in the rain

Zara rasps a soft laugh, releasing Earl's hand to do a little pirouette - she's soaked, but doesn't seem to mind at all

August is trying to 'wander' while intently focused on a goal. His success might be limited.

Earl grins. They move on. The rain a sweet escort for a time, and while drenched, there's also a sense of feeling cleaned in more than just the skin. But when it parts, they hear it, laughter ahead.

"There!" Hushed, excited, on-point as much as the spaniel beside him.

"I hear it." She pauses in her dance, and looks ahead.

Tiffany wonders why August is flirting with her? There's work to do!

"Stay on target, Rogue 3." She moves on.

He looks to the pooka. "Tiffany... can I ask you again to help us?"

"Thanks........"

She slows "Need anything in spectacular?"

"The less spectacular the better."

Magnus says "Well, that'll be dull."

August gives Magnus a -look-.

Zara looks for anything out-of-place, or the shimmer of illusion.

They're entering another lush and green place, the rain has ended, but there is a light mist with rainbow hues off the light fog, and benches, and gazebos and swinging chairs.

"This is a glade for romance - what candlemaker would bide here?"

"Not just romance, I think" Earl says "CHildren could also..."

"A place one could rest. But I cannot. I seek a guide."

August looks around, acknowledges the surroundings.... and moves on.

And then a bit of laughter "Oh my Earl" A voice says "you shouldn't paint your cousin's face like that it's not..heheh oh my oh you sscamp"

Earl stops

"I know that voice I..."

She tilts her head, and seeks the speaker with her ink-dark eyes

There is no speaker, just the voice.

August pauses, looking behind at his companions.

"Who is it? I see no one, Herne..."

August hears, a laugh, and a familiar voice too, but from so long ago "So serious my boy. Remember , this is a day that the lord hath made we shall rejoice and be glad in it... there's a smile."

He stops dead. "But...."

"I don't see her, but that's my grandmther's voice, Grandma Elly. She died when... oh I was a kid. I had painted on a cousins' face while she slept...Granma Elly wanted to lecture but she kept breaking out" Earl says

"Oh... aye.."

"Sister... amen. So how shall I continue?"

Zara hears a man laugh, deep and loud, and..she's reminded of the old janitor. The one who used to help protect her from the Heathers and Ashleys back in school beffore he passed. He confessed to her that their leaving lipstick on the mirror in the bathroom was unwise, because he used toilet water to clean the mirror for the next time. "Feel free to tell them that if you like"

"Mr. Argus?"

"Oh god, Tiff, that's rich. 'I almost joined the Air Force but went Army because I wanted to work for a living, oh my god I'm gonna steal that" another laugh booms

"Sarge?" Tiff blinks

But the people aren't here, as they wander through, they instead hear the laughter and jokes and warm echoes of those who have passed before. Much of it is pleasant. But no one answers. Just echoes of joy...well, mostly joy

"Laughter lingers.... oh, Bubbe."

August is surrounded by people he invested in, loved, gave to, and received something from.....

Not all spots at this place are pleasant. SOme who passed laughed in cruelty, in mockery.

Magnus mutters at one, "Probably wrong I'm glad she's dead. "

To Tiffany, whispered "Is this where the laughter lingers?"

Zara is glad the Heathers live, for once...