The door opens and the sound of the world outside briefly enters the room.
Your first customer for the day has arrived.
A young woman walks in.
She stands just inside, fingers nervously smoothing her wind blown hair.
[[You wonder what she will ask->Renee]].
She walks down the narrow corridor separating the entrance and room you sit in.
The beaded curtain clatters together as she passes through into the study.
You try to smile for her, maybe she will be reassured by your welcoming demeanor.
[[“Have a seat” You tell her->her]].
The young woman sits obediently across from you.
“Renée… I’m Renée.”
“Yes Renée" you reply. "You have a (link-reveal: "question for me?")[
You are a fortune teller, afterall.]
Most people do not walk in without questions.
She seems [[troubled->Renee2]].
“Uh, yeah. Is there, like, a price chart or something?” She asks.
You respond nicely. “Do not worry about that right now Renée, it is your first visit. What we need to worry about is the reason you are here.”
She still seems unsure.
“Oh, okay. I’ve just had a lot on my mind recently.”
(link-reveal: "\"How very human of you\"")[
"Oh, yes. I guess."
Your feeble attempt to break the awkwardness did not work..]
You motion for her to continue as you get up and walk over to a nearby cabinet. This is where you keep your [[divination tools]].
Lacquered cards gleam as you pull the drawers open. You find what you are searching for; the worn [[Rider-Waite deck]]. You hold the deck close for a moment, greeting the cards.
You close the drawer just as Renée has gotten through introducing her name and age.
She's 22, and just moved here after graduation with a college roommate named [[Tiffany]]."The Rider-Waite deck was one of your first decks, a gift from your aunt.
[[divination tools<-Back]]
You gather that Tiffany is one of Renée's two best friends.
Renée continues.
(click: "Renée continues.")[“So I used to talk with Jess and Tiffany everyday. Like, Jess and I had the two heart thing on snapchat forever. But you know, Tiffany has a boyfriend now and Jess has this new career. I just feel like I’m haven't done anything since college and they are just so much older. I just want them to like, help me get to their level, help me be an adult you know?"]
[[You nod along while listening.]]
You're grateful that she has opened up so quickly, she seems like the type to speak more when she is nervous."We were always helping each other in undergrad. I would do actually anything for them, they’re all I have.”
You just listen to the stream of words while shuffling the deck of cards.
“So lately I just feel left out somehow right? Maybe I’m too clingy? What if they don’t actually want me around and they just let me hang out since they are too nice?
Anyway, I guess that’s all I wanted to ask about.“
“Okay.” You say, [[ready to continue the reading.]]
You [[hand]] her the well-work deck of cards.
Renée carefully takes the cards.
You explain, “Now, tell the cards anything you know want about your friends and you. Memories, sounds, anything that will tell your story, just in your head.”
“O-okay.” she says.
Renée seems a little perplexed, but newcomers always are. She absentmindedly shuffles the cards while staring at the many [[decorations]] littering the office.
(link-reveal: "A couple of minutes pass.")[
She seems satisfied and puts the deck down in front of you.
You pick them up and [[begin the reading.]]]Allowing another person to touch your divination tools is a controversial topic.
Their energy will mingle with yours on the cards. This can allow for a more accurate reading.
Others argue that it ruins the sacred bond between a reader and their cards.
You allow some people to touch your cards, it all depends.
[[Back->You nod along while listening.]]The small office is filled to the brim with magical and [["magical"]] tools and articafts.
Near the door stands your [[Broom]].
Each pillar has an [[Ofuda]] pasted on it.
Bushels of [[Dried Herbs]] line the walls.
Vials of [[Ingredients]] cover the shelves.
Three [[Bookshelves]] are filled with strange titles.
An [[Altar]] is set up near the back.
You are quite pleased with your eclectic collection. Although room for a proper cauldron would have been nice.
[[Back->ready to continue the reading.]] “Thank you. Did you think of a good question?” You ask.
“Uh..” Renée seems embarrassed.
“Will… will they always want me around? Like, is it better for me to be with them?”
You know what to ask the cards now.
[[You nod and begin the spread->spread]].
Most real magical goods look pretty inconspicuous. You've added a few non-magical, but cool looking items in your shop to make it look more mystical. You say it makes the customers trust your abilities more, that's how you justified buying that expensive crystal lamp anyway.
[[Back->decorations]] They were pasted there before you started renting the place.
Apparently there was a Eastern medicine shop here before. You wish you could have met them, you're pretty sure the Ofuda have to be replaced eventually.
[[Back->decorations]] The dried herbs on the walls are sage and other protection plants. You can never be too careful when you're dealing with magic. Especially with some of the energies the customers bring in...
[[Back->decorations]] You keep a large collection of dried herbs. Sometimes you make tea, sometimes you make potions.
[[Back->decorations]] You collect magical books. It is good to gain knowledge from the masters.
[[Back->decorations]] You have a Wicca style altar set up in the back of the room.
White candles, crystals, and each of the arcane tarot symbols represented. It is where you pray and meditate.
[[Back->decorations]] To sweep negative energies out of your shop.
[[Back->decorations]] You take your cards and spread them over the table.
The cards lay in a half circle before you and you begin to pass your hands over them.
“This first card represents you, your wants, and needs.” You tell her.
You pick up a card and lay it face-down in the center of the half-circle.
You repeat the process for the next card.
“This card represents your friends and their wants and needs.” You say.
You take a card and place it next to the first.
You continue.
“This card is the obstacle that stands between you and your friends.“
You put it between the first two.
“Now, this card is the outcome if you resolve that obstacle.”
You place the card above the rest.
You reach for the final card.
“This card will answer that second question. What do you need to do to find actual happiness?”
You set that card alongside the last card.
All of the cards have been collected. It is time to [[begin the interpretation]].
You flip over the first of the five facedown cards.
“You, your wants, and your needs are represented by the *[[Eight of Wands]]*.”
You begin turning over the next card.
“This card is your friends, their wants and needs.”
“*[[The Page of Pentacles]]*.”
“Now. This is the obstacle that stands between you.”
You flip over the card to reveal the *[[Nine of Swords]]*.
“Should you get over this fear, this is the outcome.”
It is the *[[Three of Cups]]*.
“Now, this is what you must do to find happiness...”
“*[[The Hermit]]*."
[[Now, all of the cards have been revealed.]]
The *Eight of Wands*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/eight%20of%20wands.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
This card represents Renée.
Swiftness in action, change, and clarity. A synchronicity with peers to reach a goal. She wants to be a part of a group that brings about change.”
This fits well with what Renée told you about wanting to become an adult.
[[Back->begin the interpretation]]
The *Page of Pentacles*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/page%20of%20pent.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
This is the card of new beginnings. Her friends are focused on their ventures.
The value of money and security has become important to them. They are excited about the possibilities in their lives and are working to bring them to reality.
Sounds like adult stuff to you. They are probably just too busy to spend a lot of time with Renée.
[[Back->begin the interpretation]] *Nine of Swords*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/nine_s-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
The card of psychological fear, anxiety if you will.
But this card is a hopeful one for Renée.
Her fears come from within, not from outside forces. Her friends are not wishing ill upon her and her fear is not based in reality.
Renée is being led by her dark thoughts, she is confusing the present with her fear and creating a negative cycle of thought.
You know that Renée will be estatic to hear this. She is so worried about being abandoned by her friends or holding them back, but to know that her friends don't actually want her gone will reassure her. Still... you wonder if it is for the best.
[[Back->begin the interpretation]] The *Three of Cups*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/three-of-cups-meaning-rider-waite-tarot_large.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
It shows three women dancing. Their heads are adorned with wreaths to celebrate their shared victory. Their arms are intertwined to show solidarity.
Still, one part of the image catches your eye. Only two of the women have visible smiling faces, the third woman’s expression is a mystery. You can't help but feel that the third woman is Renée.
[[Back->begin the interpretation]] *The Hermit*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/hermit-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
The card represents introspection and isolation. The Hermit is leaving the people and things around him to journey using only the light of his lantern to guide him. The lantern represents his knowledge, wisdom, and passions.
You suspect that Renée must have a goal in mind about her future. One she hasn't mentioned to you. There must be something that she wishes to pursue... but she must also leave the company of her friends to do so.
[[Back->begin the interpretation]] You ponder over the meanings of the cards for a moment.
There are [[two separate conclusions]].
You have seen the future in the cards.
The first is a future of sisterhood and solidarity between Renée and her two friends. Her friends truly care for her. They will do what they can to bring about a happy life for the three of them. Renée will overcome her anxiety about being left behind.
The second is the only way Renée will find her true path.
She must figure out for herself what she wants to achieve in life. She will find passion and fulfillment during her journey. She will find her own happiness and a life of her own.
Renée came here to know if her friends wanted her, but she also wants to know what she must do to be happy. The two questions require two different courses of action.
[[Which question will you answer?]]
[[Tell her that her friends love her]].
Or
[[Tell her that she will only find happiness on her own.]]It is the truth, after all.
You respond softly.
"Renée, you are prone to overthinking these things, are you not?"
"Anxiety, stress, worry... that is what this cards represents."
You point out the *Nine of Swords*.
The fear that manifests this card comes from within."
You move your hand to the *Page of Pentacles*.
This is the card of new beginnings, regard for the value of money, and laying a foundation for a life."
"Your friends must be very busy and very focused on their goals right now. It is natural for them to spend less time with you, and I'm sure they would like you to find your own success."
"In time, you will."
Finally, you point to the *Three of Cups*.
"This is your future, victory and sisterhood with the two closest to you. They do not intend to leave you behind."
Renée smiles for the first time since she has entered your shop.
"Oh! Thank you! This is exactly what I needed to hear."
She picks up her purse and insists on paying for her reading, something at least.
She remains cheerful while you pick up your cards. You hope she will be smiling in the future as well.
(set: $Renee to 'friends')
[[You wait for your next customer]]
It is the truth, after all.
You speak gently.
"Renée, do you know what you would like to accomplish in life?"
"The *Hermit* is the card of introspection. He is guided by passion and knowledge. He would only come up if there was something you want to pursue. Do you have an idea of what that is?"
Renée purses her lips.
(click: "Renée purses her lips.")["Well, it's not set in stone... But I actually just got offered a job in Cincinnati, I haven't told anyone about it yet. I mean, Cincinnati right? I don't even know what's out there or anyone there. Finding another job like that one though... it's a tough market."]
(set: $Renee to 'happiness')
You respond, "[[You could always come back]]."
But you know she won't.
Renée thanks you for your time, still in thought.
She quietly picks up her purse while you gather your cards.
"....I'll think about it. For real."
"I just... it's hard to leave, you know?" She says while leaving.
Is it hard? You wonder. Connections with people are always being made and broken, you do not worry about it much.
Renée leaves, closing the door softly behind her.
You hope she manages to find her own happiness.
[[You wait for your next customer]]
You absentmindedly dust the various relics around your office while you wait.
Tobias is the name of your next customer, he is one of the rare types who calls ahead to schedule an appointment.
He should be here any minute now.
You begin to boil some water for tea in anticipation of his [[arrival.]]A gentleman walks in.
He is wearing a worn gray flannel shirt and khaki slacks.
He announces his arrival right away.
“Hello? Anyone home? I’m here for the fortune teller. Name’s Tobias.”
You call for him to [[continue down the hall]].
He strides in, rather confident for a first time customer.
He sits at your little fortune telling table and looks at you expectantly.
“Welcome, care for a cup of tea?” You ask.
He responds, “Water please, I’m not much for tea.”
You pour him a glass and sit at the table across from him.
He seems calm, (link-reveal: "untroubled even.")[
But you know people are always troubled.]
“So, care to tell me about your problems?” You ask.
He grins, “Well, the thing of it is… I don’t really have any.”
“Some little things, of course."
"Fuckers in the office, teenage kids, the wife wants a new car, yada yada. But that’s fine, everything is fine, I hate it.”
He gets right to the point, huh.
[[It saves you time at least]].
You speak, forgetting the fortune telling for a moment.
“So. You’re bored of the monotony of your life. Can’t you get a hobby or a motorcycle like everyone else?”
He laughs, “You’re the first one to suggest a motorcycle. But that won’t fix my problem.”
“It’s the drive I miss. Being scared, hungry, wanting more and having to work for it!”
“I haven’t felt that way in 20 years! Like I’m actually living and surviving!”
“And it would be a simple matter of quitting my job, ditching my family, and leaving to find a life worth living again.”
“Simple indeed…” you mutter.
[[“Let’s begin.”]]
You shuffle the deck of cards and lay them out flat.
[[You just let him watch.]]
“Tobias. This card represents you. The second one represents your family and their view of you.”
You tell him while pulling two cards from the spread in quick succession.
You place them together in front of Tobias then gather the rest of the cards together and spread them again.
“Now, this is you and your family, should you stay with them.”
You take two more cards and put them in front of him.
“This… is you and your family, should you leave.”
You put these two cards to the right of the last two.
[[All of the cards have been gathered.]]
You don't want to let him touch your cards.
Something tells you that his selfish energy might override your own.
[[Back->“Let’s begin.”]] You flip over the first card.
“This is you now, the *Reversed King of Cups*.”
“This is your family, and how they view you.”
"The *Queen of Pentacles*.”
"Now, should you stay with th-".
(click: "Now, should you stay with th-")[
He cuts you off- “Hey, wait a sec. Aren’t you gonna tell me what these mean?”
You shrug, you were going to tell him after the cards were drawn.
[[But hey, what’s a ritual right?]]]
“The *Reversed King of Cups* represents you.“
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/rev%20king_cup-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300"
“It tells me that you’re currently focusing your attention within and determining how you feel.”
“You can be anxious or unpredictable, and you aren’t above hurting or manipulating others”
“The *Queen of Pentacles* upright is how your family sees you.”
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/queen_pent-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300"
“It’s basically the opposite of the last card. It is the archetype of a perfect working parent.”
“Generous, compassionate, hardworking, and reliable.”
“Your family must hold you in high esteem.” You say.
“Pshh.. They’re taking me for granted, that’s what that is.” He replies.
He seems satisfied with your answers so far, so you [[continue flipping the cards.]]
You move on to the second set.
“This is you, if you stay with your family.”
The *[[Reversed Knight of Pentacles]]*.
“This is your family, if you stay with them.”
The *[[Four of Pentacles]]*.
You don’t let him interrupt this time.
“This card is you, should you leave your family.”
The *[[Reversed Eight of Swords]]*.
“This is your family.
The *[[Tower]]*.
You stare at the cards for a moment to
[[gather your thoughts.]]
The *Reversed Knight of Pentacles*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/R%20Knight%20of%20Pent.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
A stagnant and endless life.
He will be ruled by the fear of losing his security.
Repression of his desire for adventure and weakness.
It seems that Tobias may be correct about his life.
His perfect life, filled with regret and boredom.
But still... is it worth abandoning a family?
[[Back->continue flipping the cards.]] The *Four of Pentacles*.
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/4%20of%20Pentacles.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
A card of sound judgement, attainable goals, and financial security.
His children will learn to value and hold on to wealth.
There is no doubt that they feel uncertain about their father and are willing to work
in order to be financially secure without him.
This is a very positive outcome for his family.
They will learn the value of work and find success.
But they will know that their father does not want to be with them.
[[Back->continue flipping the cards.]] The *Reversed Eight of Swords*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/eight_sr-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
This card is Tobias, if he leaves his family.
The reversed meaning of this card is to see how one's actions led to the present.
But it also is a card of freedom and clarity.
He will need to fight and struggle. He will have to use his judgement to get out of the situation he is in.
You realize that he will get exactly what he wants.
[[Back->continue flipping the cards.]]
*The Tower*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/Tower.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
A card of sudden change and awakening.
You look closely at the falling crown from the top of the tower.
It is very fitting for Tobias.
Their habits will be broken, their truths forgotten, and their lives changed for good.
It will be up to his family whether this change will be good or destroy them.
[[Back->continue flipping the cards.]]
The two futures you saw were completely different.
You hate to admit it, but Tobias is completely right.
He will not change how he feels about his life, but his family relies on him.
[[What will you tell him?]]
[["Your family will fall to ruin if you leave."]]
Or
[["You will find what you are looking for if you leave."]](set: $Tobias to 'responsibilities')
You cannot allow a person to abandon his responsibilities.
"Tobias, take a look at this."
You point at *The Tower*.
"You're the falling crown at the top of this tower, you actions are the lightning destroying the present."
"Your family will be shattered, their lives changed for good, they will struggle, and they will never trust you again."
"You will lose your home and life, a life that many would kill to have."
"Is this what you want for your children? For your wife?"
Tobias is silent.
(click: "silent")[
But for only a moment.
"What about me? How do I feel if I stay?"
You decide to tell him the truth.
"You will be exactly as you are now. Providing, but nothing else.
You will long for freedom and be scared to obtain it."
"Nothing will change. But you will take care of your responsibilities."
Finally, Tobias is silent.
He stays silent while leaving.
[[You doubt he will return.]]
But you hope he listens.
](set: $Tobias to 'abandon')
You tell the truth.
"Tobias, you do not need a fortune teller."
"Everything you have said will come true."
You point at the *Eight of Swords*.
"You will leave your family, you will struggle, you will fight, and you will be free."
"You are aware of your decisions and understand the consequences."
Tobias is silent.
(click: "silent")[
But only for a moment.
"And my family? What happens to them?"
You tell him what you know.
"You will change their lives forever, but you will no longer be a part of it."
Tobias glances away, uncomfortable.
He stays quiet as he leaves.
[[You doubt he will return.]]
But you hope he finds his way.]
You pick up your cards and take a seat.
You hope that there aren't many more customers today, you've had enough for now.
You shuffle the cards, reacquainting them with your energy alone.
You wonder if the impacts you have made today will help or hurt people. There is no way to know for sure. But you know that your own personal bias changed your readings today.
[[You finish shuffling your cards]].
You set them down on the table, but one stray card falls out of the deck.
You take a look to see what the cards are trying to tell you.
(if: $Renee is "friends" and $Tobias is "responsibilities")[
*[[The Reversed Hanging Man]]*]
(if: $Renee is "happiness" and $Tobias is "responsibilities")[
*[[Judgement]]*]
(if: $Renee is "friends" and $Tobias is "abandon")[
*[[The King of Swords]]*]
(if: $Renee is "happiness" and $Tobias is "abandon")[
*[[The Wheel of Fortune]]*]
*The Wheel of Fortune*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/wheel-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
Your feelings and impulsivity are your greatest strengths, but also a burden on the people around you.
You are willing to take great risks in order to find a true calling.
Life is not weighed down by responsibilities or expectations, only by fear.
That is your bias, you suppose.
[[The End->Beginning]] *The Reversed Hanging Man*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/hanged_r-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
You are afraid of change and afraid to look at the things in
you life that are causing you stress.
You are prone to reject your own feelings and choose to helplessly
stick to the status quo because the pressure you feel from societal and familial pressures.
That's your bias, you suppose.
[[Beginning<-The End.]] *Judgement*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/judgement-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
You face life realistically.
You know that the decisions you have made in the past have
created your present and you are willing to take action accordingly.
You believe that life can have an meaning beyond your own.
That is your bias, you suppose.
[[The End->Beginning]] *The King of Swords*
<img src = "https://ayasoundfiles.yolasite.com/resources/king_s-225x300.jpg" width = "200" height = "300">
Sometimes life is brutal, you know that.
You choose to live by the truth and allow others to take actions
after knowing the consequences.
You believe in equipping people with knowledge and power, their decision
cannot be made by you.
That is your bias, you suppose.
[[The End->Beginning]].