“Oh ancient ones
My mild plea will not
Make you feel guilty
My intent is loving
Not that I think
You should care much…”

“You had best let be”
I heard from a monstrous
Throated voice
“There is no maid that
I could ascertain would
Ever go with you willingly”

Anguished with guilt
I cringed
And prepared to incur
Yet more guilt

Benumbed with despair
Marianne stirred
The aging coals in the fire
And brushed her soft curls
Out if her large limpid eyes
As the villain and
The ancient ones
Bargained for her fate