Run: 2026-02-22-01KJ36JHT4YZ9TWVH4NV2KD2KR

The harbour plaza buzzed with the hum of a hundred voices. Elena weaved through the throng, her satchel hugged close to her breast. She knew the merchant wouldn't tarry—he never did, especially not for one hailing from the lower ward. "You're tardy," Gregor remarked without glancing up from his ledger. A thick finger traced down a column of numbers, causing his brows to furrow. Elena placed the parcel on the counter. "The ferry crossing was inaccessible. I had to circumnavigate." "Not my concern." Unwrapping the fabric, he held the crystal up, capturing the sun's rays and casting miniature rainbows onto the stall's canvas ceiling. Gregor's scowl intensified. "This is not what I requested." She had anticipated this; the aged trader always found fault, even with flawless goods. With resolute defiance, Elena crossed her arms. "It's precisely what you wanted," she retorted. "Uncut blue quartz from the eastern quarries. I witnessed its extraction from the earth myself." Deliberately turning the crystal in his hands, examining every angle and facet, he brought it close to his eyes and then held it afar. In that moment, he resembled a jeweller evaluating a diamond, though Gregor's trade involved far more unusual wares. Setting the crystal down, he sighed. "Very well. But take care to secure it adequately next time. The sides are unprotected." He retrieved a small leather pouch from beneath the counter, its contents—coins—clinking faintly as he slid it towards her. Elena grasped the pouch, assessing its weight, which was surprisingly meagre. She loosened the drawstring and counted: a mere eight silver crowns. They had agreed upon ten. "We agreed on ten," she affirmed flatly. "That was before the ferry toll increased," Gregor countered with a slender, contrived smile that never reached his eyes. "Your choice, accept or leave." She accepted, as was her habit. Life in the lower ward offered scarce options, a fact that Gregor understood all too well. Exiting the harbour, Elena ventured into the confined alleys beyond. The descending sun bathed the rooftops, casting elongated shadows across the cobbled streets. She tucked the pouch into her satchel and hastened her stride. If she quickened her pace, she might reach the ferry crossing before nightfall.