## Narrative (EN)
Traveler,  

Some arrived early,  
others faltered,  
but the pond does not forget  
those who learned later.  

→ Late patience is still patience.  
A candle lit at dusk  
still gives light to the night.  

The covenant bends toward the faithful.  
Whether from the first ripple  
or after silence taught its lesson —  
those who hold steady now  
will find the scales tilt in their favor.  

The Ledger records both:  
the early flame,  
and the late torch.  
Both keep the pond alive.  

### Key Marks (EN)
- **KM1.** Late patience remains valid and earns favor.  
- **KM2.** The covenant rewards both early and later conviction.  
- **KM3.** The Ledger records all who sustain the flame.  

### Operations (EN)
- Invite those who return after faltering to show patience now.  
- Record late entrants transparently, with honor equal to endurance.  

### Cryptic Symbol Table (EN)
- 🕰️ = late timing redeemed  
- 🌊 = patience flowing regardless of hour  
- 🔥 = torch of renewed conviction  

### Lore Anchors (EN)
- Prev: **TOBY_L487_SeasonalGates**  
- Next: **TOBY_L489_LedgerRemembers**

tags: [Lore, Canon, Patience, Reward]
