The Arcadia marketplace was bustling that afternoon, the voices of vendors hawking their goods mixing with laughter, children's shouts, and the aroma of spices that filled the air.
Sasha walked in front, her eyes scanning the rows of stalls. Her hand would occasionally reach out to feel the texture of vegetables, lift a piece of meat to check its color, or smell the scent of spices before deciding whether to buy.
Elizabeth followed behind at a steady pace. She wasn't particularly interested in the items being sold, but her ears were wide open. The sounds of bargaining were clear, along with snippets of gossip exchanged between shoppers.
"I heard the price of northern meat went up again…"
"Ah, that's because winter's coming early this year…"
"…and they say the noble's daughter—"
