The buzzing of the marketplace rose ever more cheerful and anticipating on the day of the harvest feast. There were songs already, the sounds of musical instruments reaching Defi's ears. There was an odd string zither in the distance, twanging deeply as he tilted his head to listen.
Turq, nestled in his hair, adjusted to the movement almost grumpily.
Defi was browsing through several stalls, rounding off his store of winter supplies. He doubted there would be much of a dawn market tomorrow. The children's eager description of the feast expected the activities to last well into the night.
"What, you're going back now?" Jerac heaved the last of the baskets into the cart and tied them down, looking quizzical as Defi started to unfasten the boarlizard's reins from the post. "You'll miss the eel breakfast! Grilled eel, Defi! Sauce-soaked salmon in bread, venleaf juice!"
I hope for good fortune to all during the new year.
Thanks for keeping with this story! [Even through the very very very long delay...]