Interlude 1
"They're perceptive, those children."
"Of course they are, Agwe. Children often have more wisdom than adults."
"The way they see us...I do find it interesting."
"As do we all. I don't like that boy, though."
"I didn't know Love was capable of dislike."
"Well, what would your reaction be if someone said you had no compassion and only did what you did for your own amusement?"
"I would correct them on the compassion area, but the other part is true for me. I enjoy sending rain and storms."
"It's different for me, Agwe. I'm the one the women love. I'm the favorite goddess of most people. To have someone, especially a teenage peasant, specifically speak against me is...is..."
"Unusual?"
"Unheard of is more like it."
"Maybe you should teach him a lesson."
"Wouldn't that just prove his point?"
"Perhaps, but does one boy really matter?"
"You would have me use him? Like we did to Ti Moune? We promised never to do that again!"
"No, you promised. Asaka said she'd try not to. Papa Ge didn't say anything. I just agreed. I never promised. And besides, for the sake of keeping your name..."
"That is important, but...he's just one person. The entire island doesn't hate me."
"He could influence them. Having even one person on your bad side is dangerous in any case. Remember?"
"'Should hatred befall you, then fall you shall.'"
"Exactly."
"But that's just a saying, Agwe."
"You of all gods should believe the truth in sayings."
"Why are you being so persistent about this?"
"Because I care about you, Erzulie. You're like my sister, and I would hate it if you did 'fall,' as the saying puts it."
"Nor do I. But even so, I don't want to hurt anyone else. Even that boy."
"Who says you would have to hurt him?"
"...What?"
"Who says you would have to hurt him?"
"Do you mean at all, or just at the end?"
"Oh, at the end. These things don't have to end unhappily."
"It will if Papa Ge gets involved. And don't try to tell me that he won't. He always wants in on these things."
"Well, let's just see how things turn out, hm?"
"So I don't really have a choice in the matter now? Did you really do this for my sake, or was I just a ruse for you to be able to play with humans again, Agwe?"
"Would I ever do such a thing?"
"Oh, hush. Now, who do we involve in this? I was thinking that boy and-"
"You seem eager to get started, Erzulie."
"If I have no say, I may as well embrace this."
"Fair point. But no decisions yet."
"What? Why?"
"We need to tell Asaka and Papa Ge before we decide anything. They may have some input."
"But-"
"I thought you didn't want to do this, Erzulie..."
"Agwe, you can shut up. And don't give me that innocent grin of yours!"
"Come on, Erzulie. Let's go tell the others. This storm has ended."
"And another is brewing."