“Friend,” she said, quietly, “have you travelled far today?” This was the traditional way to address one who might have come by the Antique Lands. It was sometimes a gamble; folk who knew the custom took offense at being so mistaken, and locals sometimes said it in jests of varying cruelty when one’s behaviour was at odds with Thistleford norms. Though there was only one question, there were many replies, and the egg vendor inclined their head and gave one of them. “I’ve travelled light, I’ve travelled dark, and I’m still on my way,” they said quietly.
