Lore - Artisan Alley (Patreon)

There is an old wooden sign that has hung within the market far longer than anyone can remember. It was once embossed in gold, but time slowly faded its luster.  Trinkets used to hang from the ornate metal that clutched the sign tight. Baubles of cogs and gears, gemstones and muffins, all hung from the plaque.  Yet, there was no alley. Not until recently.

One of the newer portions of the Night Market, Artisan Alley appeared overnight.  No more than a few shops deep, the small little alley is strung with the typical lanterns of the night market, but has also been fitted with gas lanterns that cast the alley in an eerie green when the lanterns are not lit. There is only one motto within the alley. If you cannot make it out there, you can certainly make it in here. The motto was formed by the local baker and has not been given official license yet.

While most of the alleys within the Night Market are subject to the changing whims of the world, Artisan Alley remains a safe haven.  Here, time is relatively frozen. An odd little trait given that the clockmaker at the end of the alley repairs the timepieces of the graveyard.  Like most places, Artisan Alley opens their walls and homes to anyone who needs it. And while located very near the heart of the market, it remains an alley that the Velvet Guard does not have jurisdiction within. The guard often times forget it even exists. It is how the residents of the alley like it best.

Recently, a small home has appeared at the end of the alley. There is no door to the inside, but there is a single window. When peering inside, the only items to be seen are a bed and a blanket. Neither are anything special to look at, but the blanket does seem to be folded and waiting for someone. Meanwhile, the residents of the alley have most certainly not tried to break into that room. Never. Not even once.