Tarot post mark 2.

[harpbeat]

I do believe I'm in the mood for Tarot readings. Would anyone like one?

[A deck is on the table in front of her.]

Simply focus on your question while shuffling the deck, and inform me of your question when you return the deck to me. Then I can read you your fortune.

[Any game, any character will be read with a real shuffling of a real Tarot deck!]

Comments

[harpbeat]

It's all right if you just mix them up, actually. Shuffling is like -

[She shuffles them once.]

-that, but takes a bit of practice.

[warriorscribe]

*Enoch watches her shuffle.* ...All right. I'll try.

*He takes the deck and starts shuffling. It's clumsy and he occasionally has to put dropped cards back into the deck, but it's rhythmic enough to start thinking of what he wants to ask...which is more complicated than you'd think. There are so many things he wants to know, and things among those he...actually isn't sure he wants to learn.*

...Is it all right if I don't have a specific question in mind?

[harpbeat]

That is fine. I'll see what I can tell about your general future.

[warriorscribe]

*He stops shuffling, holding the deck in his hand for a moment before handing it over.*

Then...how will I fare?

[harpbeat]

[Seven cards.]

Your past - the Hermit. Wisdom, teaching others.

Your present - the Emperor. Fathering, authority.

You will be helped by, hm, the Eight of Swords. There is confusion and seeming powerlessness in your life. Remember that there is always some way to act even if it is not apparent.

You will be hurt by the King of Swords. A man in your life who is logical and decisive may also be unfeeling, as in the rest of the Swords suit.

The others around you are shown by the Ten of Cups. At the moment, there is peace, is there not?

Your actions should reflect the Nine of Pentacles. Self-reliance is a virtue, as is taking time to care for yourself.

The results... the Tower. A great calamity.

I do apologize, but there is more in store for you than you might wish.

[warriorscribe]

*Enoch listens in silence, his head lowering at the Eight of Swords and never rising. His body tightens noticeably at the last card's description.*

Peace never lasts long... *It's quiet, and the only thing he can say that isn't about the Tower or the King of Swords.*

It seems to be accurate... *He looks up.* Must my question involve me, or can I ask about someone else?

[harpbeat]

The closer it is to you, the more accurate will be. I will ask about a loved one, for example.

[warriorscribe]

A loved one... *He nods.* I want to know someone will be well.

*Enoch holds his hand out for the deck.* If...you don't mind another question, that is.

[harpbeat]

Not at all. [She hands him the deck.] I hope so, at least.

[warriorscribe]

*Enoch takes the deck and begins to shuffle, speaking as he does.*

His name is Armaros. We were separated when I was taken to the tower, and...I'm worried for him.

*A moment of focus, of fervent prayer that Armaros is well, not dead, not trapped in The Darkness, not one of the phantoms... And he hands the deck back with a trembling hand. It proved accurate for him, so...could he easily shake it off if it predicted ill fortune for Armaros, too?*

[harpbeat]

[The fate of Armaros is revealed in three cards.]

The first card, the most important perhaps, is the Four of Swords. At rest. This is a peaceful rest, not troubled by guilt or worry.

The next card is the Two of Wands. Another positive card - your friend is capable of choosing his own fate.

And the final card is the Lovers. A card that signifies a deep connection to you, as well as the ability to make the most important choices.

Armaros may well be at rest, but it is not a troubled sleep. This is what I gather from these three.

[warriorscribe]

*That ruled out the phantoms, at least. Those creatures that couldn't possibly be at rest, that sought the substance that anchored them to the world...

But all the same, though it may be a result of peace, the wording here...*

Does this necessarily mean death?

[harpbeat]

I would not say that it necessarily means anything - I have no idea of the circumstances of your world and your friend, for one.