As Ever Like the Sun & Moon at War

3- ☼☼

When early in the morning do our two

awaken to the knock they did request

the night before, they ready for the road

and at the convent's gate they meet their hosts

in full, for all the sisterhood is here

to bid the two goodbyes atop farewells

and make for certain that they're set t'embark

across the planet's treach'rous Spine;

and when our Pilgrim and the Spouse confirm

that they're prepar'd with horses laden with                         10

supplies t'at least convey them to the next

of towns along the way do now they hear

the Oracle relay these words to them

whilst handing Pilgrim flask to tie to belt:

"The path you walk shall take its toll on ye

in more than even th'ways it hath til now,

but if adventure takes ye to a land

on which the pair of ye may start a life,

the water fresh in this is from the spring

and hopefully enough t'revitalize                            20

whatever earth twill be you occupy

as long as it's already somewhat fine,

though I do not pretend to know for sure

if th'water will retain its property

the great duration it will be contain'd."

Our Pilgrim takes this gift with gratitude

and says: "I thank ye much for what's inside

this flask, for you have granted to mine hand

a power like no other ever I

suspected I'd acquire, letting me                       30

create my paradise wherever I

should think it suitable to make a home."

The Oracle delivers courtesy

toward the thanks express'd toward her act

and carries on with speaking to our two:

"As well, if you agree I'd like to peer

into your eyes—all three—to see if I

can help in any way t'reveal what

your journey hath in store to throw at ye,

perhaps elucidating some surprise                          40

which otherwise would see undone your hopes

to make it through the mountains with your lives."

To this the two of them agree to let

the woman gaze clairvoyantly into

their eyes, and so she first to Pilgrim looks,

becoming lost in vision only she

can see and on resurfacing she says:

"There's not a single need to thank me for