Page 17 of Sanctuary and Spices

I glanced at the garden. The crystal formations pulsed in steady rhythm with the station’s energy flow, but the plants themselves seemed more active than usual. Leaves subtly turnedto follow my movement. Blossoms opened as I passed, as if drawn toward me.

“They like you,” the Syrithan mused, their voice tinged with curiosity. “That’s rare.”

The end of service brought another hushed conversation between Soryn and Ronhar. Ronhar’s markings flickered faintly, his broad shoulders held tight with tension. Whatever they discussed carried weight, but I didn’t dare interrupt.

Their expressions darkened as they slipped into the back office. The kitchen fell eerily silent around me, leaving an unfamiliar sense of unease curling in my chest.

Rather than returning to Barou’s, I found myself wandering through the Havenstone Commons. The station’s evening cycle bathed everything in a softer glow, the environmental systems adjusting to mimic the warmth of a setting sun. Crystal formations caught the artificial starlight, casting prismatic reflections across the walls.

I drifted toward the docking levels, drawn to the mesmerizing way ships connected to the station. Unlike the crude docking bays of the Crown, each vessel here linked through a shimmering portal—a doorway of pure energy bridging the gap between ship and station.

The portals lined the outer ring of the Commons like jewels adorning a vast necklace, each one uniquely sized and shaped to accommodate different vessels. A massive cargo hauler’s portal stretched wide to allow freight to pass with ease, while smaller personal ships required only a narrow, elegant arc of energy.

“First time seeing the docking rings?” a Pel’ax merchant asked, their bark-like skin shifting in subtle patterns. Their gracefully curved antlers gestured toward the nearest portal. “Quite something, aren’t they?”

I nodded, watching a group of Krythari traders emerge through the shimmering field. “I’ve never seen anything like it. At the Crown, ships just locked onto external docking clamps.”

“Ah, but this is ancient tech.” The merchant’s antlers quivered with enthusiasm. “The founders built these portals using Leyline energy. Keeps the ships safely in vacuum while letting crew and cargo pass freely.”

Each portal had its own character. Some maintained a steady, hypnotic shimmer. Others pulsed in time with the station’s power grid. A few sparked and crackled, their containment fields dancing with barely restrained energy.

Temporary structures clustered around each active portal—canvas awnings, portable kiosks, floating displays broadcasting ship registries and cargo manifests. Crew members hurried to set up small stalls, eager to trade goods directly from their vessels.

“Look there.” The Pel’ax pointed toward an especially elaborate display. “TheTeiria Star’sbooth. They always bring the best crystalline fruits from the outer colonies.”

I studied the nameplate—hand-carved wood inlaid with luminescent crystal, glowing softly in the station’s ambient light. Ships clearly competed to create the most striking displays. Some relied on intricate holograms that shimmered and shifted, while others showcased masterful craftsmanship in traditional materials.

A small crowd gathered near one portal as a new ship prepared to dock. The energy field fluctuated, its glow intensifying. My skin tingled as Leyline power surged through the connection point.

“Watch this part,” someone murmured nearby. “The phase shift is stunning.”

The portal’s light twisted inward, spiraling like a whirlpool before expanding in a cascade of colors. When it stabilized, a sleek vessel had matched perfectly with the energy field.

Its crew moved with practiced efficiency, unfurling banners, arranging product displays, and positioning their nameplate with careful precision. The entire process unfolded like a well-rehearsed performance.

“Each ship gets assigned a permanent portal frequency,” the Pel’ax explained. “It makes docking seamless and allows them to maintain a consistent presence in the Commons.”

I noted how the temporary structures around each portal reflected their respective ships’ personalities. A Krythari vessel’s booth gleamed with intricate crystal formations. A Thaskari freighter’s stall favored practical, rugged design. An Ulthari science vessel’s display shimmered with dynamic energy patterns.

“The festival will bring even more ships,” the merchant continued. “The docking ring becomes quite the spectacle. Speaking of which…” They studied me with sharp, faceted eyes. “You’re the new chef at the Rest, yes? The one everyone’s talking about?”

I shifted uncomfortably. “Word travels fast.”

“Everything travels fast here.” They gestured toward their own compact booth. “I supply specialty nutrients for Pel’ax crystal gardens. Perhaps we could discuss your festival menu? Some of my products might interest you.”

The portal nearest us flared unexpectedly, its energy field crackling. A ship’s crew barked urgent instructions, hastily adjusting their connection.

“Unstable harmonics,” the Pel’ax muttered. “They’ll need to recalibrate or risk feedback through the Leyline grid.”

I watched the crew work, mesmerized by their deft manipulation of the portal’s energy. Their movements werepracticed, adjusting field strength, tuning resonance patterns, stabilizing the ship’s link to the station.

The temporary structures around their portal swayed with each fluctuation. Yet the nameplate remained unwavering, anchored to the station’s power grid with a quiet, unshakable confidence.

“Clever system,” I said. “The portals create a buffer zone between vacuum and atmosphere while still letting ships maintain a presence in the Commons.”

“Indeed.” The merchant’s antlers shifted thoughtfully. “Though lately, some connections have been less stable. Trade routes through the Reach growing more dangerous...”

The graceful arch of the Eppersip’s Dream’s sign caught my eye as I passed the docking portal—delicate metalwork inlaid with luminous crystal that shifted colors like an aurora. A human woman stood beneath it, adjusting the display of what looked like antique teapots.

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