Thread: The Burning Times ((Vivid and Dark_Times))

There was a chill to the night air and smoke rose to greet people as they passed by one of the many small fires on the street. The moon hung in the sky but through the cloud of pollution and the lights from the city below no one who looked up could see it. Police men with their laser guns and shiny metal armor roamed the streets and those who even looked at them strangely were cuffed or beaten. The stench of rot filled the blocks of the lower half of the city. That is where the dregs of the town lived. That is where those without hope stayed. It was a place for those in hiding. Those who were deemed Witches. Moira never understood why a witch would be hunted down and treated in such a manner. She was born after the war between the Witches and technology. The world had been that way for as long as she could remember she lived outside of the city in a small cabin with her grandmother. No one bothered them but as time drove on and technology overcame nature, the natural resources around their home diminished. It was the reason that the young woman was in the city that night. The two of them were running out of food and her grandmother had become sick. Very sick. Moiras medicinal skills were limited so she had decided, despite her grandmothers warnings, to venture out. Against the grime of the city she felt out of place. Her clothes were twenty years out of date having belonged to her grandmother before the wars had started, and not made from the sleek plastics, nylon, and other material used in modern fashion. Strange looks followed her as she walked. In her hands was an old map that was not providing her any help. Oh, if she could only get into the mind of one of these people But her grandmother strictly forbade use of any magic unless the circumstances were dire. There were men, apparently, that hunted people like her. Witchcraft was outlawed and a crime punishable by death. Many people were afraid of magic because they could not do it themselves and did not understand it. Those in charge deemed it evil and a threat to their order. Moira had only heard of spell work being used to help, even though they did have abilities to cause great damage. So did normal humans. It was obvious that was the case by looking at the current state of things. She bit her lip as she passed a group of derelicts. This place made her sad. Hey there, pretty lady, what is someone like you in this part of town? someone asked. Moira turned to look at the person. He was short with matted hair that was dyed a bright blue. There were two other men with him, just as ragged and distressed looking as he. Im just looking for a store, she replied back. It never occurred to her that those men would cause her harm and they had approached her. Perhaps she could ask for help from them. They knew the city much better than she did. But I dont understand this map that Grandma gave me and I need a little assistance Without any warning the blue haired man pulled the piece of paper out of her hand and, without looking at it, tossed it over his shoulder. Moira did not understand what was happening. Why would he do such a thing? You aint going to need that, sweetheart. Now why dont you come with us. I am sure we could show you something a lot more interesting. Oh no, I just want to get to the store to get some food and then go home to my grandmother. She is very ill an- One of the others grabbed her wrist. She gasped and tried to pull away. Other people on the street simply passed by as if nothing were happening. Everyone was used to this sort of behavior except for Moira. She cried out as he started to drag her back in to the alleyway with the other two laughing behind them. Moira did not have time to think as she was shoved against a wall. She needed to get away from this! Words formed on her lips which caused the men to reel back. Before they could utter a word though, they were on the ground, completely passed out. She pushed herself from the wall and started to run. They would wake soon and who knows what attention she would get now. Her honey colored curls bounced behind her as she dashed through the streets. Gods, she hoped that no hunters were around!