"!!!"
The four Elders quickly stood up as the sound of Van slapping Vanya right in the cheeks pierced their ears. It wasn't loud; as a matter of fact, it was minute-- almost like a whisper. But as soon as they heard that silent snap in the air, they could not help but take in the deepest breath they have ever taken in their garrulous lives.
One of the four Elders almost lost his life there and then, while the three others held on to their consciousness as their blood reached the highest levels it could. They felt weakened and bruised, even though they were not the recipient of Van's slap.
Oh, how they wished it was actually them that received his slap, not their Mother, who was peacefully resting in dreams long past. To think their tears were about to shed, for the fated meeting that had long been prophesied was about to pass.
But the only thing that almost passed was them.
