Run: 2026-02-22-01KJ372JBGNJ1GZCESD1PN7TTG

The market square bustled with the chatter of a hundred voices. Elena navigated through the throng with her satchel pressed tightly to her chest. She was acutely aware that the merchant would not spare a moment — punctuality was not his virtue, especially when dealing with those from the outer ring, let alone a young girl. "Your tardiness is noted," Gregor stated, not bothering to glance up from his ledger. His thick finger trailed down a column of figures, and his brow furrowed. Elena placed the package on the counter, explaining, "The bridge had collapsed, forcing me to take a longer route." Without acknowledging her justification, he retorted, "That's not my concern." He unveiled the cloth, exposing the crystal to the sunlight, which created a miniature rainbow on the canvas roof of the stall. Gregor's frown intensified. "This is not the item I requested." She had anticipated this objection. Every encounter with the elderly gentleman seemed to involve some form of criticism, regardless of the item's quality. Elena stood firm, her arms crossed. "It matches your request precisely," she proclaimed. "Uncut blue quartz, freshly extracted from the northern mines. I witnessed its extraction myself." Gregor meticulously rotated the crystal, scrutinizing each angle. He brought it close, inspecting it minutely, and then extended his arm to view it from afar. Elena likened his scrutiny to that of a jeweler examining a precious diamond, yet Gregor's wares were much more peculiar than mere jewellery. Setting the crystal down, he sighed. "Acceptable, but ensure better packaging next time. Its edges are vulnerable." He reached beneath the counter, retrieving a leather pouch, and slid it toward her, its contents jingling. Elena grasped the pouch, its light weight surprising her. She loosened the drawstring and counted—a mere eight silver crowns. They had initially agreed upon ten. "Our arrangement was for ten crowns," she reminded him firmly. Gregor's smile was thin and insincere, reaching his eyes only fleetingly. "Ten crowns were before the bridge toll increased. Take it or leave it." She accepted; it was always the same. The outer ring's limited options left little room for negotiation, a fact known all too well by Gregor and herself. Elena exited the market, stepping into the constricted alleys beyond. The sun, low in the sky, cast long shadows across the cobblestones. She stashed the pouch in her satchel and picked up the pace, determined to reach the bridge before nightfall.