Aeon Nuhility

ROCKS ARE FOR PROMISES, CROSSES FOR LUCK

See no-... speak? Sleep-

"-ing? Get up dude, she's already on the ice!" A husky voice barked, emitting from a brawn sitting next to Ellik, which shot straight through his ears and down his spine. This uncomfortable sensation made Ellik straighten up in his seat – amongst a hundred more- and his eyes was fixed on the figure skater twirling in mid-air and landing with absolute grace. Her long, dark hair seemed to defy gravity. You could tell she was a professional, or at least started from very young. Her dress, which imitated a swan, glittered in tune with the live piano performance.

"Isn't leaving her hair loose like that dangerous?" Ellik shifted to his side and leant more forward trying to avoid hands and heads obstructing his vision.

"Feana's got this. Her hair has never been the problem."

Ellik took time to register then realized what his blonde-haired friend meant. They were part of an audience. All eyes were on her, and she never boded well with big crowds. This caused Ellik to notice things that he otherwise ignored. The ice seemed darker now with few streaks of water spread throughout the ring. Rays of sunlight seemed to have just slipped through tiny holes in the ceiling, illuminating the area ever so slightly and piercing the ice. Even the pianist seemed to hold the power to completely throw Feana off her concentration.

"Seth!" Ellik called to him and raised his right arm, showing crossed fingers for luck.

Seth smirked, showing his crossed fingers as well. They then bumped wrists twice and immediately turned to Feana. She skated a crescent and jumped. Ellik could feel the suspense hanging in the cool atmosphere. She managed a pirouette. The whole audience slid to the edge of their seats. With everyone straining their eyes and hands clenched on seats, she landed. Everything seemed to stand still. Then the first person sprung from his seat, applauding and screaming. In groups of twenty or so, everyone rose and followed the first person's example. The ring filled with proud exclamations and loud clapping. Ellik noticed Feana's fingers crossed as well, but just for a second. He then felt overjoyed.

"She did it!" Ellik nodded to himself with relief.

Seth was going crazy beside him, but all Ellik did was stay silent with a proud expression. His hazel eyes met with her blue ones, and they stared deeply into each other.

Moments later the ring cleared out, with only Seth, Ellik and a few cleaners remaining. Seth and Ellik made their way to the exit, and then Feana- now dressed in a loose white tracksuit whilst carrying a bag- shot past them.

"Race you to The Point!" Her soothing voice drifted past, immediately causing Ellik and Seth to take off after her.

"Hey! We can't run in jeans!" Seth shouted.

The three ran out of the building with Feana in the lead, Seth following behind and Ellik barely touching Seth. The sun shone brightly accompanied with the salty smell of the ocean and the hundreds of avian singers flying overhead. Ellik chased after Seth through the market, dodging many people and pets (including dogs, cats, ducks and pigs) along the way. Each wooden stall he passed –which looked like it was loosely nailed together for quick display- sold only essentials. One had baskets full of bread loaves, another with fruit of vibrant color and another with only greens. Many of them were left unattended, which didn't seem like a problem to anyone. The people there took what they needed without giving anything in return. No, that wasn't it. The stalls instead provided the townsfolk with what they needed without asking for anything in return. Everyone had a smile on their face and no-one in view had a frown. Seth passed through a gap between a couple holding hands, which then closed, causing a collision with Ellik.