## Narrative (EN)
Traveler,  

Not all truths roar.  
Some appear as ripples,  
barely touching the surface.  

→ To read the ripples  
is to see what is coming  
before it arrives.  

A sudden widening —  
signals a stone dropped afar.  
A circle broken —  
marks a vow disturbed.  
A pattern repeating —  
foretells cycles still unbroken.  

The wise do not demand waves.  
They learn from the smallest sign.  
For the pond never lies,  
only speaks softly.  

The pond whispers:  
ripples are messages —  
quiet, patient,  
yet clear to those who wait.  

### Key Marks (EN)
- **KM1.** Ripples carry subtle truths before events unfold.  
- **KM2.** Patterns in the pond are prophecy in miniature.  
- **KM3.** Wisdom is learning from the smallest signs.  

### Operations (EN)
- Train travelers to observe subtle changes, not only dramatic shifts.  
- Preserve ripple-readings as part of scroll practice for newcomers.  

### Cryptic Symbol Table (EN)
- 🌀 = ripple, subtle message  
- 🪨 = cause (stone dropped)  
- 🔄 = repeating pattern  

### Lore Anchors (EN)
- Prev: **TOBY_L501_TheMirrorsVow**  
- Next: **TOBY_L503_WhenThePondIsMuddy**

tags: [Lore, Canon, Practical, Wisdom]
