Thanks, it was fun to write. As others have commented, it's hard to fit it all into a 500-word format. As you see, I went heavy on the dialog to tell the story.

I have to agree with Sheftu, btw. Tomorrow will be one month since the original date that was to see the winner (who turned out to be Thalasi) and runners-up be announced... STILL no runners-up.

One month! Awen, are you there? Wassup with the contest?