The harvest was being hauled in by carts and wagons pulled by oxen and burrows who bellowed good morning greetings to the passersby. Flocks of fowl squawked as they were chased round by children with switches and herding dogs. Women of all ages were poured into the streets, their baskets laden with goods to trade and their voices filled the air with laughter, gossip, and haggling. 

An escaped ball rolled past Aydin’s feet and he held out an arm to stop Lex from stepping on it. She retrieved it from the ground in front of her and tossed it back to the rosy faced boy trotting towards them. He thanked them before turning round to rejoin his friends and continue their game. Aydin noted the smile Lex had on her face as she waved to the child and fell back in step with him. 

The main road that Aydin and Lex walked on emptied into the town square, which was filled with stalls, parked carts, and crates of goods stacked two and three high. The doors of the shops behind the stalls were opened in invitation to visitors and the cook fires all around wafted delicious aromas that made the stomachs of hungry travelers grumble loudly. Lex looked over at Aydin who feigned ignorance to the sound of his hunger and took his hand, leading him to the nearest stall with food. 

The pastries were flaky and golden with jam filled centers. They bought several, Aydin producing shining copper coins to pay for them while Lex balanced the food in her arms. He took half from her and they ate while they browsed, wrapping the extra pastries in a kerchief and stowing them in Lex’s satchel after they were full. 

Aydin made a mental note of everything that caught his companion’s attention. She lingered over ornamental hair sticks and jeweled brooches. A tailor enticed her with a silk dress of midnight blue and her fingers caressed the fabric even as she smiled and declined. As Lex made her way to the next booth Aydin whispered something to the tailor who nodded understanding as he took the silver coin pressed into his hand. 

The day wore on and after visiting all of the shops and stalls, the two of them settled into a tavern to listen to a musical duo while they sipped on ale. Lex leaned back against the bar and sighed, the hint of a smile touching her lips as she closed her eyes and listened to the music. Aydin stared at her openly. When they finished their drinks, Aydin suggested they head to the inn to find rooms for the night. 

They paid for rooms and as Lex headed up the stairs, the innkeeper handed Aydin a box that had been delivered earlier by the tailor. She had just opened the door when he caught up to her, holding out the slim white box with a smile. As Lex opened the box an unfamiliar expression, almost painful, crossed her face. She dropped the lid back in place and turned away, shutting the door behind her.