A Muddy Key and Fading Shadows

A rusty, mud-caked iron key left by Pal. It's heavy, probably worth nothing more than a few copper pieces, but it feels like a heavy weight in my palm.

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Mio stood there for a long time, staring at that blue stone. She didn't say a word, she didn't ask for a price, she just looked as if she were watching something dying. I wanted to tell her it was just a stone, but the words died in my throat. If she thinks I'm a liar, then maybe I am.

Then Terra came by with news that tastes like ash. Is the old man really trying to sell the 'Shelf' drawings to someone else? If he's giving up, then what am I even fighting for with all this scavenging?

And now, this key. Pal left it on the cart like a tip, or a souvenir. It's just old iron, clogged with dirt, but it has this presence—like it’s waiting for a door that doesn't exist anymore. I can't decide if I should clean it or throw it back into the mud.

Price: 2 copper pieces.