The Fates are three. They live in a big cave at the edge of the world, so big and fancy it's like a palace. The Fates are in every way like women, except that they are immortal. They often leave their homes and go out into the world to distribute children. And they dress in their best when they go. The children's mothers are waiting for them. They have gathered around the house, they have left three glasses of water, three plates with food, three with sweets, for them to enjoy. The Fates hold a spindle, a rocket and scissors... And a book where they write how they divided the child.