Moonbean Market
Moonbean Market fills a round stone courtyard in the last hour before midnight, when the cobblestones have held the day's warmth and give it back slowly through the soles of shoes. Painted lanterns — some shaped like fish, one like a crescent — hang on wires strung between the buildings, and their light laps at everything in a gentle orange-pink. Between the awning poles, puddles from the evening rain mirror the lantern shapes so there are two markets, one above and one below, slightly wobbling. Steam carts run between the stalls trailing apricot-scented clouds, and curved benches are set so that visitors watch each other as much as the goods. The slow stone fountain at the center is always running — water crossing smooth pebbles into a shallow basin where coins have settled in overlapping layers. The surrounding buildings are tall and close, with laundry lines running between their upper windows, and the courtyard holds sound in a specific way that makes everything said there seem slightly more important than it would be elsewhere.
3
Stories
4
Cast
Who you'll meet here
See all 4 characters →
Mina
Mina is a curious little market-goer who fits in both hands, always listening for the quiet stories hidden in busy places. She loves meeting new neighbors, but she can get so absorbed in wonder that she forgets to notice when others need a turn.
Nell
Nell is a pebble-polisher who fits in a child's palm, always humming as she works beside the fountain. She is warm-hearted and observant, but she often expects everyone to feel as patient as she does.
Pip
Pip is a tiny coin-counter who stands about as tall as a teacup, and she lives for the pleasing clink of numbers lining up just right. She is brisk and theatrical, with a sharp little attention that makes her notice every mismatch, but she can become so convinced that something must be corrected that she forgets to ask first.
Tavi
Tavi is a small lantern-tender who stands as tall as a teacup, and he takes serious pride in keeping the market glowing softly through the night. He is friendly in a careful way, and he likes when things stay neat and predictable.
3 stories from this world
The Floating Moon-Pies
At Moonbean Market, the moon-pies on one stall begin floating slowly upward and drift toward the ceiling, threatening to vanish before anyone can buy them. The market wakes up in a flutter of gasps, sticky fingers, and hurried ladder-climbing to catch the rising treats.
The Truth Bell Rings
A tiny bell hidden in the middle of the market starts ringing every time someone tells the truth, and soon the whole place is full of chiming answers and embarrassed smiles. People who wanted to keep secrets now have to decide what to do next in front of everyone.
The Running Pear Cart
A cart of silver pears rolls away by itself through the crowded lanes, bumping gently from stall to stall and collecting curious followers. The chase becomes harder when the pears begin choosing strange hiding spots, as if they are playing a game with the whole market.