Snippet #2453669

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It was quiet in the small village, as usual, but that wasn't what was bothering Ettana as she and her brothers were rushed outside by their parents. No, it wasn't just 'quiet' in Bregar, it was silent. Aside from the distant sounds of the few children who weren't being supervised, not a soul in the village was daring to speak.
The bell had rung five minutes ago, giving the families just enough time to finish their morning routines before the second bell rung, and by then the people were expected to already be in the village square ready to listen.
The Ravich family, just like every Choosing, was one of the last few to arrive.
"Ettana, stand beside Simon." Etta's mother said quietly, pushing the girl to where she was supposed to go. "Don't make that face, Adam, and Bradly, why didn't you change your shirt?"
"No one is going to care." Etta sighed, folding her arms over her chest, "Hardly anyone from our family ever gets picked, anyway."
"Be quiet, Ettana." Her father hushed.
Etta scowled, but didn't say another word.

In the middle of the square, two elderly woman stood side-by-side. Their hair was a grey/white colour and pulled back tightly into buns, their skin drooped from their bodies, and on their faces was what appeared to be an everlasting frown. Despite their strict hair, hanging skin, and the disapproving glances they casted, it was their eyes that was the most unwelcoming thing about them. They were light, like the clouds, but one look was a sharp was a sword.
"Welcome!" The first woman called out, though she barely had to raise her voice in order to be heard, "Four years have passed since our last great event, and in that time we have unfortunately lost three of four valuable lives of the people who were sent out on their Journey. They left our village with high hopes and strong hearts, but in the end it appears they were not what we had expected them to be."
When the first finished speaking, the second woman raised her head, "Let us take a moment to remember them. To the families of Eka, Jonas, and Edwin, we are sorry for your loss."
Through the crowd a few muffled sobs could be heard, but other than that the village remained relatively quiet.
"They wouldn't have died if you hadn't sent them out!" Someone shouted, breaking the silence that had fallen upon the square, "Neither of you are sorry, you killed them!"
The two elderly woman each gave a small nod, and in seconds three of the village Protectors pushed their way through the crowd to carry the challenger out.
"You're trying to silence us!" A lady screamed, her voice cracking at the effort, "See what they're doing?! They kill us off and pretend it's okay, but it's not! Edwin was my son!"
Another two nods were given by the elders and once again the Protectors marched in and carried her way.