We are back down below, but the path has seen change,

With no glow on the ground, our eyes share an exchange.

"It will be dark," Thales voices, "How will we see?"

As I gaze into darkness, it looks back at me.

“Thales, my partner, down here your eyes can deceive,

Even in light, sometimes illusions we perceive,”

I share this wisdom with my companion and friend.

They huff and they stomp, but still they do not descend.

“If we are truly partners, then listen to this:

I have no desire to fall into an abyss!”

Thales proclaims to me, their tone fully irate.

I ponder how to convince, such is not our fate.

“If you are afraid, then you alone may turn back.

You flee for the surface. I’ll continue on track,”

I state this offer with an air of concession.

Their nostrils flare, and so begins our procession:

We travel into the void, no need for a guide,

At least, not when we have the other, side by side.

I voice such and Thales, they scoff as I expect,

“Just because we’re two is not enough to protect.”

I bet if asked, they’d say there’s no brightness here,

And if I named the light friendship, they’d surely sneer.

Yet perhaps that is their own charm, in Thales’ own way;

To grumble, yet never from our dungeon path sway.