"Watch where you're going!" yelled the man on the horse at two children as he swiftly rode through the crowded streets. A brother and sister tightly held on to each other as they continued their attempt to reach the market by pushing through the crowds, making slow progress. It was that time of year: the entire village was preparing for the festival honoring the village's guardian spirit. Outsiders from all around would come to get a sight of the marvelous lights, performances, and foods. The sun was low, gradually falling to night. The lanterns were already hung around every street corner lighting up the ground as the soft breeze slowly blew away the traces of the footsteps of the siblings as they ran, hand-in-hand, through the market and alleys to the place the village revolves around. The soft glow of the numerous lanterns illuminated the dark streets as they skidded to a stop on their bare, mud-covered feet. Their bright green eyes that resembled the colors of a linden tree's leaves in mid-spring reflected the source of their joy. In the center of the town square was a great statue of the guardian, a snow white dove. The brother and sister, Drake and Aspen, visited the statue every night, marveling at its beauty, but they loved it most at the time of the festival. The lanterns were hung all around the shops and homes, and the lights reflected off of the statue, making it radiate like a lantern itself.
Aspen turned and gave her brother a big smile with her dirt covered face.
"I think we should head home," Drake said to Aspen with a sad smile but continued to gaze at the dove.
"Why------, can't we stay a little longer?" Aspen whined. Drake turned to her, placed his hand on her head, and ruffled her already disheveled beige hair. They turned and strode through the alleyways where the light from the lanterns didn't reach. Drake and Aspen lived alone in an old, rundown shack on a low cliff on the outskirts of town. Not many people ever even wandered up the side of the mountain anymore, so there they were hidden from some aspects of the rest of the villagers' lives.
Drake opened the door and a shower of dust fell, causing Aspen to sneeze. The moon shone through the gaping hole in the roof, right over the small mats on the ground where they slept. They lay there gazing at the stars, finding shapes and constellations, while they tried to fall asleep.
Aspen turned to her brother. "Hey Drake, the festival's tomorrow, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
There were a few minutes of silence.
"I'm so excited," Aspen said with a small giggle. Drake agreed, and they both drifted off to sleep.
Drake awoke early the next morning, trying to quietly leave without waking his sister, to find something to eat. He hiked back down to the village, where many villagers were already up and either tending to their shops, buying food, or preparing for the festival later that night. He tried to get food for free from the shopkeepers, but his attempt was futile. He decided instead to head towards a small stream where he might catch a fish or two.
After about 30 minutes, Drake had caught a few fish and hurried home, hoping Aspen had not yet awoken. When he arrived back home, Aspen was sitting on her mat, staring at him sleepily.
"Welcome back," she mused, seemingly still half asleep. Aspen slowly stood and helped Drake to build a fire so they could cook their breakfast.