2: by fyrelight

al·lot·ro·py
a property of certain elements, as carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus, of existing in two or more distinct forms; allomorphism.

The old man turned the last figurine over in his hand. It was soapstone, soft to the touch, that would chip but not shatter. Its creases were stained brown around the eyes and mane, marking the passage of years. He considered.

"It's beautiful," he said. The man with the box of trinkets nodded. It was a quiet hour between noon and sunset on some preoccupied weekday; the market was empty.

It wasn't perfect, he realized. And in a way it made him long for that matchless piece he had once seen in a shop window, of manicured crystal, which he knew now had been the one. But he was young then and hadn't thought it worth the effort.

He resolved to make do. Returning home with the white knight, he placed it carefully between a granite rook and sandalwood bishop. The motley colours of the set, each piece of different cut and constituent, made him think idly of a flower garden of greys, browns, whites and blacks. With the the last figurine, all the squares were filled. The set was finally complete. Not perfect. But beautiful.