After breakfast, Nhal and Slaan leave the wayhouse beneath a clear morning sky. The keeper remains behind with her tea and brazier, while the ridge path descends toward Morning Star’s lower terraces.
the wayhouse keeper
Follow the violet cloth between the terraces. The market steward will want to greet you properly, and she knows how to make useful welcomes.
Slaan walks beside Nhal, her green hair bright in the sun. Below, residents pause over baskets, awnings, and claywork to watch the purple shadow woman with open, unhidden curiosity.
At the market’s entrance, a middle-aged woman steps from beneath a striped canopy. She has warm brown skin, a sturdy build, dark hair threaded with gray, and a violet sash over her work clothes.
the market steward
Welcome to the lower terraces. I am Tessa, the market steward. No ceremony is required, but I would like to offer you something practical.
the market steward
Two shared stalls are disputing their morning space again. Help me find an arrangement both makers can accept, if you are willing.
the market steward
And tell me this first: how do you prefer visitors to approach you? Slowly, directly, with questions, or some other way?
✓ Quest Accepted
Help the disputing makers accept a shared arrangement
“" as any other mortal does when they meet a new person" I say with a smile”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +2)
Nhal
As any other mortal does when meeting someone new. I say hello, answer questions, and offer a smile.
Nhal’s smile answers Tessa’s question plainly. The market’s curiosity softens into ordinary attention, and a few residents return to arranging baskets beneath the violet cloth.
the market steward
Then directly and without ceremony, it is. Thank you for telling me, Nhal.
Tessa inclines her head, treating the purple shadow woman neither as a marvel nor a warning. Behind her, two stallholders gesture sharply over a shared awning and a stack of painted bowls.
Slaan
That sounds like a welcome Morning Star would recognize. Shall we hear both sides before the bowls become ammunition?
A broad-shouldered potter and a slight charm-maker approach from opposite stalls, each carrying a different length of violet cloth. Tessa gestures them toward the open space.
the market steward
Good. We will begin with what each of you needs, then find an arrangement that leaves both stalls standing.
“I listen to both makers, with interest”
SUCCESS (Great Perception, rolled -1)
Nhal turns her attention from one stall to the other, her violet eyes following each gesture, cloth measure, and carefully guarded stack of bowls. She listens without interrupting.
the broad-shouldered potter
My kiln fires before sunrise. I need this side clear for cooling racks, or the morning heat cracks half my work.
the charm maker
And I need the awning’s shade after midday. The sun weakens my wax charms, but her racks spread across the whole passage.
The potter lowers his cloth, while the charm-maker gathers three painted charms against her chest. Their sharpness eases as Nhal’s patient attention gives each concern equal weight.
Nhal
The dispute is about changing needs, not ownership.
the market steward
You have heard both needs clearly. The cooling racks claim the early hours, and the charms require shade later. That gives us something workable.
the broad-shouldered potter
If the cloth marks the change, I can move the racks once the kiln cools.
the charm maker
And I can keep the passage clear while you work. I accept that.
Quest Complete
Help the disputing makers accept a shared arrangement
New Gift: Reads Conflicting Aims