Run: 2026-02-22-01KJ381M05BT6DG110E3CWPJ0Z

The market square was alive with a hundred voices as I pushed through the crowd, my satchel tight against my chest. I knew the merchant wouldn't tolerate tardiness — he never did, especially not from someone like me, an outsider from the outer ring. "You're late," Gregor grumbled, not even glancing up from his ledger. He ran his thick finger down the figures and scowled. Placing the package on the counter, I explained, "The bridge was out. I had to take a longer route." "Not my concern." Without wasting a moment, he unwrapped the parcel and held up the crystal to the sunlight. The rays danced through it, casting miniature rainbows across the stall's canvas roof. Gregor's frown intensified. "This isn't what I requested." I was prepared for his scrutiny; he always found something to grumble about, whether the items were flawless or not. I stood my ground, crossing my arms. "It's precisely what you asked for," I insisted. "Blue quartz, untouched, from the northern mines. I witnessed its extraction myself." Gregor slowly rotated the crystal, inspecting each angle, bringing it close to his eye before extending his arm. He reminded me of a jeweler assessing a precious diamond, though his dealings weren't limited to mere jewelry. Setting the crystal down, he sighed. "Fine, but next time, ensure it's properly wrapped. The edges are unprotected." He reached under the counter and produced a leather pouch, sliding it toward me with a faint clinking sound from the coins within. I eagerly took the pouch, feeling its weight in my palm. Light as it was, I opened the drawstring to count the contents: a mere eight silver crowns. We had agreed on ten. "We agreed on ten," I said, my voice void of emotion. "That was before the bridge fee increased," Gregor replied, offering a thin smile that never reached his eyes, a smile he'd practiced countless times. "Your choice." I chose to accept it. The outer ring rarely provided alternatives, and Gregor knew I had few options. Exiting the market, I ventured into the narrow lanes beyond. The sinking sun cast long shadows across the cobblestones, stretching from rooftop to ground. Safely slipping the pouch into my satchel, I quickened my stride. If I hurried, I'd make it to the bridge before darkness fell.