She clutched her hands 

And quickly shook her head. 

Her long, red hair 

Swayed back and forth, 

Tapping her pale cheeks.

“No more sadness. We told Lizzy that we wouldn't be sad anymore! We have to be strong.” she thought to herself, “Let's see…” 

Slowly,

She crawled

To the opening 

Of the tent 

And popped her head out. 

In the wide alleyway, 

There were rows

Of tents

Going up and down. 

Cursed humans

And creatures

Gathered in groups

In front of tents,

Talking amongst each other

Looking as dirty

And run down as them. 

“I should probably go get food. Lizzy will wake up soon.” she thought to herself. 

She scooched 

Through the hole, 

Catching the eyes

Of their neighbors. 

Rhiannon was tall, 

With vibrant red hair

That reached her waist 

And carried a slender figure 

With delicate hands

That hadn't seen work 

In all of her nineteen years

Of living.

“Good morning.” she bowed, receiving a few grumbled good mornings back. 

An older man with bronze skin,

White hair 

And silver eyes,

Sitting on a crate 

Across from their tented

Pointed at her, “Did ya’ll blow in last night?” 

His voice caught the attention of others; 

A tall lizardman 

With yellow eyes

And a tail that sashayed. 

A short woman

With brown hair

Rocking a baby in her arms.

And a group of men

Whose curses 

Were drawn on their 

Grungy skin. 

All looked at her with curious eyes

And closed hearts.

“We did! I hope we didnt disturb you all.” She looked into a few eyes of the onlookers.

“Where ya hailing from?” the older man gruffed. 

“Kamouraska,” she lied, just as she had been told to by Elizabeth. 

“Ah, that old town up north! Whatcha doin' here then, in the City of Chachester?” 

“A serial killer emerged. We had to get out of there! It was too nerve-racking to just sit around and wait to see if we would be next.” 

A few nods came from the 

Eavesdroppers,

Who understood her woes-

Even if it were false.

The older man nodded his head, “I moved here ten years ago fo that very reason. However, dont be surprised but we also got one of em killers here too! Been after children though so it spares us, adults, hehe.” he snapped after his short laugh. 

“Is that so…” her words trailed off, “Thanks for the heads-up. Would you happen to know which way the market is?” 

“Market around the corner. Head straight, you should run into it.” The older man pointed to the right. 

“Thank you! I’ll come back soon and we can talk more.” 

The older man nodded his head, 

Giving her the signal

That it was okay

To leave.