Location: Tardide Village - Elder Ryunzo's Home
Time: Day 560 | Telia: Day 50
Realm: Telia (Mission World)
The gold sat in Elder Ryunzo's study, stacked in neat rows that caught lamplight and threw warm reflections across stone walls. Not all of it—most remained secured in the village's new treasury building—but enough to make the meeting feel real. Tangible. Transformative.
One hundred eight thousand gold coins. More wealth than Tardide had seen in its entire three-hundred-year history combined.
Jayde sat quietly in the corner, watching village elders assemble around Ryunzo's large table. Master Whitestone, still smelling of forge smoke. Master Rainer, looking more alert and purposeful than when she'd first met him. Mrs. Ryunzo, practical as always, with ledgers and careful notes. Sergeant Kelm representing the veterans. A few other respected community members whose judgment mattered.
