Chapter 18: Admiring the market
The market was nothing like he had expected.
Instead of small stalls and wooden carts lining the streets, massive buildings towered over him, their smooth, polished surfaces reflecting the golden sunlight.
Each building had enormous, brightly colored signs hanging above its entrance, boldly declaring what lay within, Fruits, Vegetables, Gowns, and many more.
The words were so large that they could be read from a great distance, as if calling out to customers before they even arrived.
The market was alive but not in the chaotic way he had imagined.
Instead of loud voices haggling and merchants shouting out their prices, there was a calm, steady hum in the air.
Elves moved leisurely, their graceful steps making it seem as though they were floating rather than walking.
Some disappeared into the vast buildings, their flowing robes vanishing beyond the doorways, while others emerged carrying neatly packed goods in their arms.
A few stood in small groups, chatting in soft, melodic voices, their faces calm and unhurried.
Despite the size of the market, there was an odd sense of quietness.
There were no frantic movements, no rushing customers, no impatient shouting, just a slow, rhythmic flow of life.