Saffron Dune Market
Nia
“A 10cm-tall child with warm brown skin, a teal scarf, and curious eyes, standing beside brass cups and woven mats.”
Nia is a careful little market helper who fits in a child's palm and notices everything before she speaks. She likes to make sure everyone feels included, but she worries when people seem disappointed in her.
4 stories feature Nia
Where you've met them
The Missing Caravan
A caravan expected to bring water, dates, and fabric does not arrive on time, and the market’s most important trading day is suddenly at risk. People have to choose how to stretch what little they have, who gets priority, and whether to send someone out to look for the missing caravan.
Not Enough Water
A group of thirsty travelers arrives with only a tiny skin of water and a promise to pay later, but the market’s well is not keeping up with demand. Sellers must decide whether to share scarce water, bargain carefully, or set aside their plans so the travelers do not faint before help can be found.
Sandstorm at Market Hour
At the busiest hour of the market, a sandstorm rolls in earlier than expected and starts filling the open stalls with grit, so the sellers must decide which goods to cover, which customers to move, and which fragile things can be saved before the storm ruins them. The whole market has to work together fast because every minute makes the loss bigger.
The Loose Camel
A sleepy camel tied near the stalls breaks free and begins wandering through the market, bumping baskets, nibbling rope, and heading straight for the narrowest alleys. People have to stop it without scaring it into danger, because one wrong turn could knock over stands, hurt someone, or send the animal into the open dunes.