The event lasted long into the dark hours of the night, wine flowing freely and an understanding that there would be no court business the next day making it easy to relax and not worry about the time. The tents would be open for the rest of the winter, staffed with servants and with fires stoked to make the palace a little less confining. While the largest was near the temple, most of the small gardens within the palace were similarly treated. I opted for the one in my personal quarters to remain uncovered, wishing to look out at the pond and at the animals that came to visit.
As I child the tents were my favorite part of the winter, filled with places to hide, unattended food, and open for play, they were always more interesting to me than the perfectly manicured gardens. Now I smiled
