6. The Wabbit and the Franciscans

The Wabbits found themselves transported to a fine basilica, where they were faced with a projection of two priests. "This is Assisi of St Frances fame," said the shadow, "and these are shadows of the priests who work here." The Wabbit began to smile. "Making wine no doubt." Lapinette chided the Wabbit. "It's not a wine making order." The Wabbit smirked. "There is a secret and holy cave where St Francis did turn water into wine. Lapinette put her paws on her hips. "That's in Narni. Totally different." The Wabbit immediately thought of Narnia but refrained from saying so. However, the Wabbit knew that St Francis was famous for his work with animals. He talked with birds and all the animals, even rabbits - although he liked shrimp pie and wolfed it down at every opportunity. "Not a vegetarian then," murmured Lapinette. "No" said the Wabbit, "He liked his pies." Lapinette looked at the figures. "Maybe they're discussing shrimp pies." The Wabbit shook his head. "They're discussing the location of the nearest bar." Lapinette inclined her head in wonder. "It's just down the road," said the Wabbit. "The Ristorante Bar, San Francesco, on Via San Francesco." Lapinette gasped. "How on earth do you know these things?" The Wabbit smiled an infuriating smile. "I study," he smirked. 

5. The Wabbit and the Stick in The Sea

The sky lightened and the beach beckoned. A hop was in order so before retiring to a bar they made their way along the shore. "There was a bar, wasn't there?" asked Lapinette. The Wabbit hopped onwards. "I saw one."  They walked further. Lapinette pouted, "Surely it was closed?" The Wabbit laughed. "We can leave money." They headed further along the beach. There was a man on the edge of the water, digging in the sea with a stick. "Isn't that the man of whom we spoke?" said the Wabbit. "I hardly think so," replied Lapinette, "that's an old legend. This isn't the beginning of the world and the sky and the earth are far apart." The Wabbit shrugged. "Maybe he's doing it for fun." Lapinette nodded and they continued their hop. "Why do you think it's called the Island of Love?" asked the Wabbit. "It's a secluded spot," responded Lapinette. "Young courting couples come here and ... well ..." She paused and smiled. "Get flirty?" The Wabbit completed her sentence for her. They giggled and hugged. On their return they found the man had made a substantial hole, but he was nowhere to be seen. Only the stick remained. It was stuck in the sand,  pointing at an angle. "What do you think?" asked Lapinette. "I guess that's the way to the bar," grinned the Wabbit.  

4. The Wabbit and the Island of Love.

The shadow reached out and touched each of them. Both the Wabbit and Lapinette found themselves on an island - but where was it? "Not much of a place for a reception," scowled the Wabbit. Lapinette nodded in agreement. Then the Voice spoke to them once more. "This is the Island of Love. People have no shadow here." The Wabbit and Lapinette looked all around. "But who are these people?" The voice seemed to smile even though it was only a voice. "They come on boats and leave their shadows behind on their vessel. When they return, they get them back." The people picked their way around the island, looking for something that they couldn't find. Some were couples, some were alone. They drifted around aimlessly. Some picked up sticks, drew messages in the sand then threw the sticks in the sea. But the sticks always floated back to join the untidy heaps of other sticks. "This practice is of great antiquity," said the Voice, "and the sticks have a symbolic function who's meaning we cannot determine." Lapinette nodded gravely. "Perhaps an old man at Creation found himself trapped between Heaven and Earth. He used the stick to push the sky away." The Wabbit put his word in. "That's how sticks became bent." The Voice was silent. Then he said, "There you have it." The Wabbit pounced. "We'll have that drink now."

Thomas (1985), Paris, Chiron.