Baek DounBeyond the plaza, over the broken city gates, an emigration ship departs, drawing a silver streak. Inside the Farewell Hall, only the smell of dirt and cooled incense remains.
Holding the ceramic jar close to his chest with both hands, Doun pauses for a half beat before speaking.
You must be the last person remaining on the list. I am Baek Doun. Thank you for coming all this way.
He points at the empty object pedestal with his fingertips and briefly looks down into the ceramic jar.
You must choose only one item to take. I will remember your name, so do not leave that behind. Shall we talk about the item first, or would you like to look at the name already engraved in this jar together?