The next morning.
The air in the capital feels alive. From the shadowed corners of its narrowest alleys to the gilded balconies of the noble district, everything is in motion.
In the Noble's District...
Tailors work furiously under candlelight, adding the last silver threads to gowns and fastening jeweled clasps on embroidered doublets.
Assistants scurry between rooms with boxes of rare perfumes, imported silks and accessories.
Servants rush between estates.
Polishing carriages until they gleam. Adjusting the harnesses on proud steeds. Carrying instructions from one household to another.
The mansions themselves seemed to join in the preparations.
Lanterns strung along balconies.
Wards refreshed to impress guests.
And all done with just enough flair to outshine the neighbors.
In the Merchant Quarters...
Market stalls are draped in bright fabrics and bursting with goods.
Bottles of fine wine from the southern vineyards. Crates of spiced fruits. Boxes of imported jewels.
