Sunkissed

Chapter Eighteen

Hunkered down on the sofa, Margo and Lyn proceeded to study the file Benny sent them. It contained the general history of the town. Salida Del Sol a small independent island nation founded in 1948. Around four-thousand kilometers east from the Philippines. During that period, the Algonquins, and other prominent families acquired the island from the local tribes.

The island was first set out to be a resort, but with the economy still recovering from the war, the island saw, little to none businesses. Soon after, the founding families started to sell some of the land to foreigners for very cheap. Years later, the small island resort became a developed modern city, where residents allover the world came together to make a melting pot of culture, which, soon after, developed its own culture and beliefs. Governed by the founding families, the island gained its autonomy and was recognized as its own sovereign state.

“ Wow. I didn’t knew the Dean’s family went waay way back. Talk about old money.” Margo commented.

Salida Del Sol is a unique place, home to many wonderful tourist destinations, a culturally rich place and home to the world renowned Sun Festival. The two continued to read the town's history, Lyn, taking notes on what she thinks is important. Lyn’s chest sank when reading the long line of nepotism throughout the history of the island. They’re going to be hard to topple down, she thought to herself.

The festival of the Sun maiden or Sun God, depending on who you ask, is the crown jewel of the Island of Salida Del Sol. Held every ten years, which the fairest maiden on the island is to be chosen. The festival is for praying to the Sun God for the islands' continued prosperity and protection. Once a ritual done by the local islanders, it is now a world famous festival, known for its grand celebration and significance to the island.

Margo and Lyn, scanned over the part of the history of the festival and its long list of former sun maidens. One had caught Margo’s attention, the most recent one, she seemed familiar. But, she quickly brushed it off, as they were in a tight schedule.

It was raining outside, the cold weather plus having classes suspended today. It was a feat for the two not to take a nap or go binge on another series. The constant yawning and brushing of the eyes gave Margo to prepare coffee. Lyn insisted that she’d help, but did not worked on Margo. They crammed, until both were sick of reading another mention of the sun festival. And only an hour had past since they started.