# XXX: Now They Meet Again explained — The Wood Beyond the World

> Chapter companion for The Wood Beyond the World by William Morris.

## What happens

Walter and the Maid reunite in a beautiful mountain dale. They share a meal of trout, discuss their fears and desires, and decide to continue their journey toward a distant city, with the Maid urging that they preserve her maidenhood to retain her wisdom and power.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

The reunion of Walter and the Maid is marked by deep affection and mutual longing, yet tempered by the Maid's fear of her former mistress and the need to preserve her maidenhood.

### Journey and Transformation

The lovers decide to continue their journey toward the city, symbolizing a transition from the wilderness to civilization and the challenges that lie ahead.

### Sacrifice and Redemption

The Maid's insistence on remaining a virgin to retain her wisdom and power represents a personal sacrifice for the sake of their future safety and success.

## Character check-ins

### Golden Walter

Reunites with the Maid, expresses hunger and longing, fears the city but agrees to continue the journey.

### The Maid

Prepares breakfast, confesses she watched Walter sleep, urges they remain unmarried to preserve her wisdom and power, longs for the safety of the city.

## Key lines

> not that aught of me had such beauty as thou didst bewail.

She was surprised and moved that he found her so beautiful.

_The Maid expresses wonder at Walter's passionate lament for her beauty._

> I went close up to thee, and stood there hidden by the bushes and the night. And amidst thy bewailing, I knew that thou wouldst soon fall asleep, and in sooth I out-waked thee.

She secretly watched him from the bushes until he fell asleep, then stayed awake longer than he did.

_The Maid confesses she observed Walter during the night._

> I must needs tell thee that I feared to go to thee in the dark night, and my heart so yearning towards thee.

She admits she was afraid to approach him in the darkness despite her longing.

_The Maid reveals her fear and desire._

> while I am a maid untouched, my wisdom, and somedeal of might, abideth with me, and only so long.

Her wisdom and power remain only as long as she remains a virgin.

_The Maid explains the condition of her magical abilities._

> O city, I bid thee hail!

She joyfully greets the distant city.

_The Maid expresses hope and excitement at the sight of civilization._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/chapters/xxx-now-they-meet-again
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/chapters