The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon and the sky was stained purple by the half glow. Aria was dressed in his finest, a long sleeved cream shirt with lace around the cuffs and a powder blue waistcoat. He was anxious, he knew that this evening he would catch the first glimpse of his beloved husband in over a year. He tried to hide the anxiety, he didn't want Damon to ask questions - he'd find out later, of course, but Aria felt it would be best not to bring it up yet in case Damon took him back home.
People gathered in the streets, drinking ale from tankards, laughing, dancing. A band played upbeat music on drums and tamborines and excitable fiddles, and banners and flags hung from every window and doorway. Aria looked around and couldn't help but smile, the mood was electric.