Nerida Waveweaver's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Nerida tucked the rolled scroll into her vest and scanned the shadows. The prophecy she'd just traded would fetch enough to keep her moving for another month. Her fingers traced the copper coins in her pocket as she thought about what came next. One day, she'd stop hiding in back alleys and dark corners. One day, she'd build a harbor market where prophecies could be bought and sold in the open, where anyone could walk up and learn their future without fear. The Crown's spies made that dream dangerous, but she kept working toward it anyway. She swam through the market district at dawn, watching merchants set up their stalls. A pavilion caught her eye—wooden tables under strings of twinkle lights, treasures wrapped in coral and kelp. Merchants arrived here first, claiming their spots before the crowds came. This was what she needed. A place where her clients could come to her instead of meeting in the dark. Nerida stopped at an old trading post further down. Coral grew along its walls, and kelp swayed in the current near the entrance. The building sat empty, abandoned by whoever built it. She pressed her palm against the door and imagined it full of people, full of voices asking about their futures. This could be the heart of everything she wanted to create. Near the pavilion, a statue of a mermaid stood with wind chimes hanging from her outstretched arms. The chimes sang softly in the water's movement. Nerida smiled. When she was ready to announce new prophecies, she could ring those chimes and people would come. The dream felt closer now. She had the coins, the location, and the plan. All she needed was time and careful work to make it real.