Talvern was a modest little town, tucked away on the outer fringes of the Valheim estate. It had a decent population and, for the most part, a slow, comfortable rhythm of life.
People woke with the sun, worked their farms or small trades, and retreated early to bed so they could do it all again the next day.
Normally, by this time of night, Talvern would be blanketed in quiet, doors shut, candles snuffed, streets empty but for the occasional stray cat or the distant hoot of an owl.
Tonight was nothing like that.
Instead, every street was lit up, with lanterns and torches burning bright. Music floated through the air from hastily assembled bands, laughter spilled out from taverns, and a crowd had taken over the cobbled lanes in a joyous, unrestrained celebration.
Men and women danced in the streets, arms around one another, mugs of ale in hand.
