The games weren't the only attractions to the festival. As Dominic got closer to the town square, he could hear music to go with the laughter and shouting of the crowd.
Though it was still early in the day, there was a social dance going on, and Dominic smiled when he saw the maiden's ribbons being tied to a pole in the centre of the dance floor.
"What are those for?" Alexis whispered, unfamiliar with the reason for the riot of colour.
"It's a Wavemates tradition. The ribbons will be stretched out to the edge of the circle, and unmarried young ladies of the proper age for engagement will hold one ribbon while dancing. As they dance, the ribbons twist around the dancer, pulling them into the arms of the young men dancing in the middle.
It's a good excuse to get them dancing with each other, since they tend to be shy. But it's also a good way for parents to see which ones will make a good couple, and which are the attention-seeking sorts that draw the eye of all their peers.
