As the night deepened, the party began to wind down.
The older couples took to the dance floor for slower, more melodic dances, while the younger generation gathered around the bonfire to share stories.
The men, stuffed beyond capacity, slumped at the tables in various states of food-induced stupor.
"Best night ever." One soldier mumbled into the table. "I can't feel my legs."
"That's because you ate three entire platters of meat." His companion replied weakly.
"Worth it."
"Absolutely worth it."
Isabelle sat in a corner, surrounded by a circle of wives who were hanging on her every word. She was telling stories about Cassius's kindness, his dedication, the little things he did that made her fall in love with him over and over again.
"And then." She was saying. "He spent an entire day learning to bake because I mentioned, just once, that I'd always wanted to try a particular pastry from my childhood."
