"That one," Matari said softly as they pointed at a short, squat pot with a vibrant blue glaze and a matching lid with a little loop of a handle.

"That one?" The potter seemed surprised but nodded and reached for it. Around them, the holiday market was crowded and noisy. But in Matari's presence, there was a strange calm.

"I'm glad," the potter continued. "Nobody ever seems to see it."

Matari smiled; this was clearly the pot they'd been waiting for. They reached for their coins to pay...

"I'm sorry that I've taken this long to retrieve it."