I wrote this some time ago and thought some of you might enjoy it. Code: Young were the heart-mates, but not too young. Many miles they traveled, their steeds frothing, the rites them to perform. Began them the trial, the worm-wood eaten, their places set. A hag they discovered, entered herself into the holy place. Nursing their rage, the she-beast they fell upon and caused great pain. Into the wood now escaped her, cursed of the sun. Tainted, the holy place was then and the band retreat. The poison breath did now work in them, chased them the fog, and voices. Hostile nature assail them all around, enemy seemed the road to them. No roof they could find, no shelter would take them, so base were they. An inn they did find, seeking rest, the patrons cheer was doused, no hearth to share. Away they again went by the road until they come to some others' holy place. Finding near a spot for their own souls placation. Other realms showed through there, and continued them the rite. Not long, ambushed were they by gallantry and forced from the place. Fled them again along the road. Found it ended, turning this way and that... and again, yet lost was the way to them, swallowed by the wood. Yet the gallantry pursued them, and again made they haste away. Dark all around them it was, and fogged, and still the voices. The sky fell on them, a horrid green, and brighter it got the closer until all the world fell away, and crawled them on their bellies and escaped. Many miles they rode and found them the beginning place. Rites unfinished, souls famished, they parted ways and ill boding tides rushed. The gods unhonored went from them, and strife from all sides. Ever sought them fame, and wealth, and warmth yet found it not. Went misery with them always ever after.
