Vaerik raised his cup, shouting loudly: "Let the feast begin!"
The square instantly erupted.
Corner braziers blazed brightly with crackling orange flames, their warmth pushing back the evening chill as colored lanterns of deep crimson, royal blue, and golden yellow hung high on wooden posts, swaying gently in the cool night breeze and casting dancing shadows across the cobblestones below.
Musicians positioned near the platform played shepherd's pipes with haunting melodies and violins with lively, foot-tapping rhythms, their music weaving through the air while young female servants in flowing white dresses danced gracefully to the steady, hypnotic drum beats, their bare feet moving in perfect synchronization across the worn stone.
Craft ale foamed richly, Crimson Tide smoked fish aromas filled the air, roasted lamb legs dripped oil when cut, wild mushroom venison bone soup rolled with steam in large pots.
Soldiers raised cups laughing, children chased and played...
