Moist Is Her Eye

You're awake, says Gaius. Good. Get out of the plum box.

The snakes slither out.

Ageless moves forward with the pasta wheels, and starts to tinker.

We must go hunting, says the old bandy bandy.

As long as it's humid, says the new one.

A few questions first, says Gaius. Now where is my pencil?

There are two in our plum box, says the new bandy bandy.

Those are axles, says Gaius. They must stay.

What are the questions? asks the old bandy bandy.

How do you feel about moving? asks Gaius.

Reluctant. I don't trust those pasta wheels, says the old one.

Which snake are you? asks Gaius.

The common one, says the old one.

You needn't move, says Gaius. Only your companion, the vermicella parscauda.

Why do I have to move? asks the vermicella parscauda. I don't trust the pasta wheels either.

Fear not, says Gaius. The pasta wheels are for Kobo and Pinky, whom Ageless is assisting to fulfil their dream of fast travel.

Good luck to them, says the vermicella parscauda. Next question!

Wait, says Gaius. You will be moving. It's merely a question of where.

Nanum, says the vermicella parscauda. I hear it's nice there.

This is Nanum, says the old common bandy bandy. And you're welcome.

Not an option, says Gaius Your two species are geographically distant. And should remain so.

Why are you in charge? asks the old one. Third question!

Why do you cross roads on humid nights? asks Gaius, desperate to get at least one informative answer.

That's a riddle, right? says the old one.

I like riddles, says the vermicella parscauda. Moist is her eye. That's my favourite.

That's not a riddle, says the old one.

No, it's the last line. That's how I remember it, says the vermicella parscauda. The answer's a needle.

Gaius gives up on finding a pencil.