The woman stopped laughing and turned her head. Madoc and Osmund also looked back, their expressions one of mild intrigue. Only Finn remained still, his gaze fixed on the plain sword in the woman's hands.
A girl stepped forward into Finn's peripheral vision. She was young, with sharp, intelligent eyes and a posture that radiated an inherent nobility. As she drew closer, the woman's eyes widened, and she immediately bowed her head low. She held a fist tightly against her chest in a gesture of profound respect. Even the surrounding stalls went silent as the crowd noticed the newcomer, and the atmosphere immediately became solemn and heavy.
"Noble Xiph Nova," the woman whispered, her voice full of awe.
The girl waved her hand dismissively. "Just call me Nova. There is no need for such formality in a marketplace."
