When Greg hurried to catch up with the group, he found Rom and the others standing in front of the bustling market, all talking at once.
He went over to take a look and discovered a row of stalls specializing in all kinds of distinctive souvenirs.
From hand-carved wooden ornaments to exquisite badges bearing landmarks of the Imperial Capital, from exotic spice sachets to tiny magical trinkets, there was a dazzling assortment of everything imaginable.
With the Empire's celebration taking place that day, and the Roman Merchant Guild pouring in substantial funds, the selection was unusually rich. Many rarities seldom seen on ordinary days had appeared on the stalls as well.
Rom and Kaira huddled together, their heads bent over a pile of strange little curios as they rummaged through them.
Rom picked up a copper bookmark engraved with a griffin, turned it over a few times, then handed it to Kaira.
"What do you think of this? A friend of mine really likes griffins. This should make a nice gift to bring back for him."
Kaira took it, examined it, and nodded.
"It's all right, but I think that pen holder with the dragon-scale pattern over there looks better. Look how finely crafted it is."
She pointed at a dark green pen holder on another stall. Its lifelike dragon-scale pattern gleamed faintly under the lights.
"Good point! I'll buy both, then!" Rom slapped his thigh and generously pulled several silver coins from his wallet.
Colwin and Adele were browsing at another stall.
Colwin carefully examined an exquisite set of carved wooden tableware in front of him, then turned to ask Adele:
"Do you think this set would be suitable for my parents? My father likes collecting tableware, and my mother prefers this kind of simple, elegant style."
Adele tilted