The snow persisted even after they finished eating. Rather than attempt to brave the storm any longer on the streets, they both made their way back to a viewing platform in the royal palace.
It was a different view from her personal balcony, but it still afforded a beautiful vista of the splendor of the festival from above.
Tieya was quick to bring out extra hot cider once she determined they weren't about to go inside immediately, despite the snow.
They huddled together with mugs of spiced cider in hand and gazed out over the city.
The view was breathtaking, with thousands of lanterns scattered throughout the streets creating a dazzling display of colored light that spread across the entire length and width of the city.
Snow began to fall more heavily, in fat, lazy flakes. They drifted slowly downward from the darkened sky above, landing softly on rooftops and roads alike and adding to the white blanket already coating the ground below.
