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Vixen (waxing nostalgic): Their chase imperiled the very wheel of destiny.

Vixen: Prey and predator, hunted and hunter. Round they charged, without victory, without respite, mortals in an immortal contest. The material world cannot bear such suspense. Events must devolve. Uncertainty must collapse. 

Vixen: The wide world reeled at the chaos of that game. Heaven suffered to know destiny’s wheel at risk. And we, hunter and hunted, we suffered. (shuts her eyes, grimaces) Locked into concurrent states of win and lose, live and die. How we hurt! We were reduced to little more than animated bones.

Clever (distressed at the fox’s anguish; tries for cheerfulness): But here you are today, lord and lady of a happy place. Beyond a simple footbridge. How nicely it ended.

Vixen (quiet disdain): None but the innocent and the mad cross by that bridge.

Clever (distracted again from the story; oblivious, boastful): Innocent? Me, a beggar girl? You will find me quite wicked.

Vixen (dismissive): Indeed. You are a pickpocket and a slut. The simple boy knows more than you can dream of knowing.

Clever (hurt to the quick):

Vixen (resumes her narrative): All heaven looked down to observe the hunt. Its turbulence vexed the angels. But pity moved the heart of our Virgin Mother — She who showers compassion upon the fallen world.