Chapter 106: Orion's Favourite Spot
The weight of the two wineskins tugged gently against Sophia's arms as she wove her way through the lingering crowd. Their rounded shapes pressed against her sides where the straps crossed, clinking softly together with each step.
The festival still hummed, though less frenzied than in the square. Here, closer to the outer gates, the celebrants were scattered, forming pockets of laughter and chatter that drifted through the cool night air. Torches and decorative lanterns lined the dirt path toward the gate, their flames snapping gently in the breeze, casting orange light that flickered across faces.
Children darted between groups, their laughter still giddy from sweetmeats and too much running. The older ones lounged near makeshift stalls, sipping drinks and debating stories of the day's games.
Sophia adjusted the wineskins, her eyes flicking to the guards posted at the edges. There were fewer of them than she remembered.
