THE BLUE-HAIRED GIRL (2)

Arial

Kingdom of Alan, Duchy of Arrandy, Acro City, Marketplace

1014 AF Lightmonth

Arial strolled around the city and breathed in the air.

The marketplace was crowded and filled with conversation.

Merchants displayed their wares, shouting at the endless crowds, trying to sell a variety of goods such as textiles, food and luxury items.

More people, more money, Arial mused.

In the middle of the market lay an open stage where a group of entertainers were performing "Levitia's Lament" to great applause.

All around, there was a palpable excitement that charged the air: voices overlapped, people stampeded, rushing to do business, to sell or to buy.

The unruly cacophony did not deter a bard and a minstrel from singing songs for a penny while a group of commoners danced to the sounds of the music.

Arial observed the crowd.