The town square was alive with movement as people moved briskly between stalls, their breaths visible in the air.
Ragnar and Circe walked side by side through it all, clad in thick coats lined with fur to keep out the chill. Their shoulders brushed now and again as they passed through the narrow paths between merchant stands. He kept one gloved hand loosely behind her back, staying close to her while furtively scanning their surroundings as well.
Circe's gaze moved constantly, bouncing from one item to another. Bolts of dyed fabric. Rows of polished boots. Carved wooden boxes. Strings of colored glass beads that caught what little winter light filtered through the pale sky. She could not seem to settle on one thing for long.
The merchants noticed them as they passed. Smiles spread across weathered faces. Some dipped their heads respectfully as Ragnar approached. A few stepped forward eagerly, lifting their finest wares.
