The wine fell into the ice, it sunk, too cold to retrieve. Darkness had already fallen, buildings were crumbling. The decay was magnificent and dangerous. Child in arms, we climbed the stairs. Her beauty shone through it all. With dark hair and striking eyes, her intelligence and curiosity gave us hope. We climbed the stairs, the metal simply perishing under our touch. We sat with women of ancient myths. Ancient stories and ancient beliefs. I refused their judgements. I refused their condemnation. They enticed me, but fear crept up as I realised their poisoned ideals. I woke still surrounded by darkness.