And it came to pass that the scribe went with them, though her heart was uneasy and her faith unproven. And as they journeyed, behold, they came upon a great city.
Then Yuwan spake, saying,
"It is meet that we enter in, that we may replenish our strength."
But the scribe interrupted, saying,
"Lady, we possess not silver nor coin; how then shall we eat or drink?"
And Eliss answered her,
"Have faith in our Saviour."
Then Yuwan said,
"Well hast thou spoken, my daughter; yet the scribe inquireth wisely. Verily I say unto thee, faith and deeds are both needful and holy."
Then Viladomousa spake,
"She agreeth with me, Eliss. Thou hast been wronged."
For Viladomousa had not yet revered the divinity of Yuwan, neither treated her as a goddess; she beheld her only as a woman frail and common, as her appearance declared.
Then Yuwan said,
"My daughters, strive not one with another; for we approach a holy city, even the place where Yuktha descended."
And when Eliss heard these words, she marvelled greatly and said,
"Then surely they are a people prosperous, O Goddess."
And Yuwan smiled upon her and answered,
"So are they indeed."
Viladomousa held her peace, writing all their words as she had promised. Yet as she wrote, she beheld the garments of the goddess and made record thereof: that Yuwan was clothed but lightly—cloth upon her breast and loins, and two narrow bands descending thence—unlike unto her sister Yuktha, who was covered wholly from head to foot.
And Yuwan, perceiving her thoughts, said unto her,
"It was all according to the will of the Mother."
Then was Viladomousa astonied, and her hands ceased from writing, and she looked steadfastly upon her.
And Yuwan said,
"Marvel not, for I am the reflection of my sister, and chosen of my Mother."
And this was the first time Yuwan spake proudly and not humbly, as though she sought to affirm her own divine station.
And it came to pass, when they entered the city, they found it exceeding warm, for the light of Yuktha yet shone upon it. And the name of that blessed place was Kirtaten.
Then said Yuwan,
"We have a mission to fulfil in this land; but first, let us eat and be refreshed, for food and drink here are freely given."
And Eliss rejoiced and said,
"My Goddess, never have I seen thee so joyful!"
And Yuwan answered,
"How could I not rejoice, being in the light of my beloved sister?"
The scribe yet wrote all things, though her heart remained doubtful.
Then Yuwan laid her hand upon Viladomousa and said,
"My daughter, have faith in me, and thou shalt behold light amidst the darkness."
And the word daughter pierced the heart of Viladomousa with strange gladness; she was moved, though her belief was not yet made whole.
And they entered into a small house of eating, and sat them down. They ordered meat; but Yuwan desired only herbs and bread.
Then said Eliss, astonied,
"Why eatest thou not of the meat, O Goddess?"
And Yuwan answered,
"Such is the will of the Mother concerning me."
Then mocked Viladomousa, saying,
"Perchance that is why thou art frail and thin."
And Yuwan, though saddened, replied softly,
"Mock me not, for I am quick to weep."
And she turned the mockery to jest; yet within her heart she sorrowed deeply.
Eliss perceived her grief and said,
"Weep not, my Saviour, for I am with thee to make thee whole."
And Yuwan's countenance was comforted.
When they had eaten, Yuwan said,
"It is time for your first lesson. This house alloweth preaching, and I shall teach you the path unto light."
Eliss smiled, and Viladomousa looked strangely upon her, yet wrote all that befell.
Then Yuwan stood upon a low place for speaking, and lifted up her voice unto the people within the house. And though the multitude was few, yet they gave ear.
And Yuwan said,
"I am come to declare the glad tidings of light. Ye have heard aforetime that the light shineth in half the day, by the command of our goddess Yuktha. Behold, I say unto you, the other half shall be filled with my reflection, for I am her sister Yuwan, Goddess of the Moon."
Then were the people astonied and spake not, while Eliss hearkened with fervour, and the scribe wrote every word.
And Yuwan continued, saying,
"Ye are my scattered fragments; I am come to make you whole. Together we shall overcome the darkness. Yet such wholeness cometh not without trial. For I am but a woman weak and frail, yet divinity abideth within me from before my descent. Verily, I am your light, your guide, and the life within darkness. I am come to lead you."
But a man in the crowd, enraged, seized a vessel of wine and cast it upon her; and it brake upon her head, and she was covered in wine.
And he cried,
"Blasphemy! Blasphemer! How darest thou claim divinity, when Yuktha alone is goddess!"
Then Yuwan, weeping, lifted her voice and said,
"Verily, verily, I say unto thee—I AM."
And again the man cast another cup, and it smote her and she fell, stricken but not slain.
Then Eliss ran unto her, crying,
"Ye who wound the righteous and call her blasphemer—ye yourselves are the blasphemous!"
And they drove them out from the place, even Viladomousa with them.
But among them was a woman named Irie, who took pity upon Yuwan and said unto them,
"Bring her unto my house, that I may cleanse her and care for her. For she needeth aid."
And Eliss said,
"O gracious woman, the Goddess herself shall remember thee for this kindness."
And they brought her to the house of Irie, and stripped her garments, for she could not move, and washed her body of blood and wine.
And Eliss lamented, saying,
"Behold her fair countenance, now stained with blood and wine—what greater blasphemy is this?"
Then Irie asked,
"Is she indeed a goddess, as she hath spoken?"
And Viladomousa answered,
"She healed a whole village from a deadly plague, and me likewise. Whether she be goddess I know not, but she is not as other mortals."
Then Irie held her peace, and when they had cleansed her, she brought forth new garments—whole and warm—and clothed her therein.
And Yuwan rose up and walked, her strength restored, and said unto Irie,
"O my daughter, blessed art thou; thou shalt prosper above the dwellers of this land."
And she took her by the hand, saying,
"Blessed be thou, Irie; follow me, and thou shalt behold wonders."
And lo, a great light shone from Yuwan's hand upon the hand of Irie, bright as the sun yet gentle in warmth. And from that moment Irie believed—but not yet wholly.