The Water of the Wondrous Isles · Chapter
XIX: They Bid Farewell, Birdalone and the Wood-Mother explained
In May, Birdalone and the wood-mother Habundia meet at the Oak of Tryst.
What happens
In May, Birdalone and the wood-mother Habundia meet at the Oak of Tryst. They acknowledge that their time together is ending, and Birdalone plans to attempt the Sending Boat the next day. Habundia fears for her, but Birdalone trusts in her goodhap. They exchange a tress of hair as a token, and part with lamentation.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Autonomy
Birdalone decides to undertake the adventure of the Sending Boat, trusting in her own goodhap despite the witch's watchfulness.
Nature and the Wild
The meeting takes place at the Oak of Tryst in the wood, with May in bloom, emphasizing the natural setting and the bond between Birdalone and the wood-mother.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Though thou be now the wiser of us two maybe, yet have I wisdom to wot that this is the hour of our sundering, and that tomorrow thou wilt try the adventure of the Sending Boat: is it not so?”
Habundia acknowledges that Birdalone may now be wiser, but she knows that this is the moment they must part and that Birdalone will attempt the Sending Boat tomorrow.
Habundia confirms the impending departure and the plan for the Sending Boat.
“Yea, we shall meet again, howsoever it may be. Let us depart with that sweet word in the air between us.”
Habundia assures Birdalone that they will meet again, no matter what happens, and suggests they part with that hopeful promise.
The wood-mother offers a comforting prophecy of reunion.