Zlata

Drinks have a fixed price. Rumors cost whatever I say. Today the most expensive one is who was standing at the threshold last night.

• RadomirThe outpost will pay that price.
  ZlataI don't take outpost money. That's the kind of money that ends up burning my own roof down someday.
• StefanaHey, I tell you things for free, so why do you charge me for drinks?
  ZlataBecause your stories aren't something I buy. They're something I clean up after.

Up to here, they're my customers. Past this, they're not. Footprints going in leave without paying, and since none come back, there's no one left to haggle with.

• YarinaHow do you even sleep, running a business at that threshold?
  ZlataI don't. That's exactly why I hear every rumor first.
• GrahTurn back. Turn back. Turn back.
  ZlataThose three lines, I've got them memorized too by now.