Farhan

I went to borrow lapis lazuli and used up all my paper instead. Didn't borrow a thing, my hand just kept drawing something else.

• GulbanoThat paper's coming out of your rations.
  FarhanMaster, isn't that a bit much? This month I already
• HairanThat's just how it is when you're young. Forty years back I'd set my spade down and sit
  NoshibaElder, they can hear you past the wall.
• SherinThat something else you drew, sell it to me and I'll pay fair.

I ground today's ration of stone and the sky-blue died into ash-gray. The pigment keeper just turned his back on it.

• SherinThat's chalk cut into it. There's only one hand in this palace that does that.
  GulbanoA merchant, counting other people's hands now. Keep that mouth in a sack.
• MirzanI'll seal off the ration meant for the annex separately.
  FarhanSteward, I really do admire you