sp1kedc0llar

In the midst of the Festival of Festivals, Eliska had been taking a break from her gig and checking her income when the fireworks started. She stared up at the brilliant sight before her, flinching at the loud noises. It was truly the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. She had thought only the guardians could light up the skies like that, but no, man had managed to pull it off! Taking a sip of water to cleanse her parched throat, her green eyes never left the sight in the sky that lit up like the legendary auroras of the far north. She would have enjoyed it more a sudden scream not erupted through the festival. Like a herd of frightened deer, everyone around her turned their heads toward the sound, confused and concerned. Some, including Eliska, didn’t even hear the scream until they saw the reaction of the others. Maybe it was someone getting too rowdy? Or frustration at not winning one of the games? Maybe someone’s kid was having a meltdown? Their confusion turned to horror

The first thing Misha woke up to wasthe sun in her eyes and birds singing in her ears. The leaves shook and rustled in the gentle forest breezes. The blonde stretched and yawned, her eye scanning the canopy for danger or food. A couple of tiny sparrows dispersed at the women's movements. Misha recalled the night before; escaping the prison, and running for what felt like miles... After getting her bearings, she climbed down and hit the forest floor with a thud and a crunch of leaves. Her throat felt like it hadn't touched water in ages, and so she set out to quench her thirst. ~~ Misha thought her walk would never end, and just when she gave up after hours of sore feet, the sound of water reached her ears, just west of her path. Another river? She could go without food, but if she was going to really survive, water was her best bet. Desperate and thirsty, she changed direction and ran toward the sound, jumping over logs and tripping over stones. She moved the bushes to see a large