Wildcard (Blythe)

by **Alice** on May 22nd, 2011, 7:37 pm

Timestamp: is Blythe’s choice
Plot Notes

Syna had barely begun her ascension in the sky, but some people were already out and about starting the business of the new day. Standing at the doorstep of a small cottage, the Konti hesitated. Her katana was sheathed and hanging from the belt at her side, she was wearing a midnight blue dress with skirts no longer than her knees. Opalescent scales ran up and down her exposed legs and arms, and scales decorated her face. As always, her white hair was collected in a ponytail. She bit her lip and sighed, reminding herself once more that it had to be done. That it was her own choice. Then she knocked.

When the door was opened, a familiar face appeared. Kariha smiled and entered the cottage after Blythe. “Good morning. I said I would come by and collect the payment for my lessons. Well, here am I, ready to ask you some questions about myself.” She twirled around on her heels, showing a kind of enthusiasm that was rare for someone as calm and collected as Kariha Balrani.

If there were any preparations Blythe had to make, Kariha would follow her around, offer her help and curiously watch what she was doing. As soon as they were ready for the meeting, Kariha went ahead, sat down wherever Blythe told her to and place the katana in her lap. It gave her strength, an anchor in the wild sea she was wrestling with. Breathing deeply, she closed her eyes to voice the first question. She always suffered under the pressure she put herself under, but then the words actually flowed. “I’m currently planning something, an operation of large scale. Will it be a success?” she said, opened her eyes and fell silent. There were no questions, no curiosity anymore. Like every other Konti, she saw Tarot as a means to achieve her goal.

by **Blythe** on May 23rd, 2011, 12:55 am

11 Spring, 511 AV

Blythe awoke early, and got herself dressed, knowing that Kariha may be around at any moment for her tarot reading. She pulled her Shadowscapes Tarot deck out of a drawer that rested just below the flat surface at the top of her night-stand, and placed it on the center of her bed. "Now all we have to do is wait," she told herself, as she straightened her bed out, knowing that would be the place for their reading. After all, it was quiet in Blythe's room, and her bed was fairly comfortable. "Hopefully she doesn't mind how informal this all is," Blythe whispered, as she stood a few feet away from her bed, and simply stared at it. The lavender-colored sheets had been folded into a small rectangle, and stacked at the end of the bed. Two pillows with lavender-colored cases lay against the wall on the other end. Her tarot deck in the center of the bed, so that one woman could sit on each side during the reading.

There was a knock at the door.

"Oh that must be her," Blythe whispered, as she placed the palms of her hands on her hips, and smoothed out the folds of her dress, before she began walking towards the door of her family's cottage. "Coming," she called, as she made her way down the hall, always thinking that Kariha had come earlier than planned. When Blythe reached the door, she extended her right hand to the knob, twisted it clockwise, and pulled it open. When she first noticed her katana teacher, she offered a smile, and then a slight nod. "Good morning Kariha, why don't you come in?" Blythe asked as the other woman stepped inside. A moment later, Blythe had shut the door behind Kariha, and whispered, "right this way."

The bottom of Blythe's dress fluttered around her feet as she led Kariha back down the hall and towards her room. She stopped for a moment in front of her bed, "why don't you take the side with all of the pillows? You'll be far more comfortable that way," Blythe said with a smile. Kariha seemed to nod, before moving over to the section of the bed that Blythe had indicated. Hopefully she doesn't mind the lack of accommodations, Blythe thought, before silently fretting over the open window, and the sunlight that made its way inside. It would be on the wall behind her, towards Blythe's back when she sat to face Kariha. Would she think it too much sun? Blythe wondered, as her heart began to pick up the pace, or are we simply worrying too much? Deciding it best to simply leave the window as is, at least until her teacher complained, should she ever complain, Blythe plopped down on the opposite end of the bed.

Blythe sat "Indian-style" at the foot of her bed, smiling weakly up at Kariha. "So do you have a question in mind already?" Blythe asked, as she scooped the box deck of cards up in her hands, and pulled off the lid. She poured the deck into her left hand, before placing the now-empty box to the right of her body. She shuffled the cards as she simply listened to Kariha speak. She wishes to know the outcome of something... which spread to use, when so many would work so well? There was a slight pause as Blythe continued to shuffle, the cross spread would be perfect. But that may take too long if there is more she wants to ask. Perhaps the creative process would be a better fit, since it uses less cards. The cross and triangle would be good too... but so many cards... The twisting path then, may work. But that has to do more with choice than with outcome. Blythe finished shuffling, and began to spread the deck face down on the bed, in the space between them.

When Blythe was done spreading the cards out, she looked up at Kariha and said, "due to the nature of your question, it appears as though we should use the creative process spread. The spread is designed to delve into the nature of a specific situation, and demonstrate how the situation, or undertaking, may evolve over time." There was a slight pause, "since your question is somewhat broad, it does not seem fitting to use a significator," Blythe went on. "Or a card that would represent you during the course of the reading." There was another slight pause. "The creative process spread requires the use of five separate cards. So Kariha, whenever you are ready, I'd like you to pass your left hand over the cards. When you feel drawn to one, please pick it up, and hand it to me. Please pick your cards one at a time, and take your time if you need to."

Kariha seemed to nod, before she lifted her left hand, and began to pass it over the cards. It took a moment before she reached for the first one and handed it to Blythe. Blythe smiled as she placed it to the right of the rest of the cards; still face down. Kariha repeated the process with another card, which Blythe placed to the top of the first one. The next card Kariha selected, Blythe placed to the left of the first card. The next card, Blythe placed below the first, and the last that Kariha selected she placed to the right of the first card, so that together, they all formed a lower-case "t." After Kariha had selected all of the cards that would be used in her reading, Blythe picked up the remaining cards, and put them back in the box, to her side. She then slid all the cards they were using to the left, so that they would be closer to the center of the bed. "Now that you have selected all of your cards, we can begin the reading," Blythe explained, as she reached for the card in the center of the "t," and flipped it over.

The card that stared back at her and Kariha was comprised of all bright, sunny colors. Hot colors. Red, oranges, and yellows, with a hint of brown. The card depicted a tree branch, which held a bird with large, orange and red feathers. The bird had a long neck, which was curled upwards, so that it faced the sunny sky that lingered above it. The bird seemed to scream as it burst into flame, the fire that licked its wings curling into the sky; the sun. "This card signifies the creative force behind your endeavor, whatever that may be," Blythe explained. "This," Blythe explained, as she returned her hand to her lap, but allowed her gaze to rest on the card, "is the death card." There was a slight pause, as Blythe gave a second for the information to sink in. "It represents the beginning of a new chapter in one's life, a transition, and change." There was another slight pause, "which at this point suggests that everything that you are planning on doing, or are currently doing in your operation's regard, is happening simply because something needed to change. Something about how your life was before was not working. Or it was simply, not enough, and you wanted more. Thus, you are trying to find a way to find something more, whatever that may be." There was a pause, "you needed to move away from your past, and towards something new, for the future."

Blythe offered a small smile. The death card always sounded far more ominous than its meaning. Blythe waited a moment before she reached for the card directly above the death card, and flipped it over to reveal a woman with long red hair, slender frame, pale skin, and pupil-less white eyes. Sprouting out of the woman's back were wings, half of which were white, the other half black. The feathers that they were made of that were closest to her body were black, those farthest, white. She held a feather in one hand, and a golden scale, balancing from a string, in the other. "This card represents one's imagination, the image that stems from the previous card to initiate the project," Blythe explained. "You have drawn justice. A card associated with balance, harmony, equilibrium, considering both sides of an issue before you choose to make a decision." There was a slight pause, "this suggests that you believe that whatever changes you make will bring you closer to peace and harmony. That what you are doing is for the better." There was a slight pause, "that you believe your situation wise, informed, and for the best."

Blythe allowed her words to sink in for a moment, before she flipped over the next card, the one to the left of the death card. It revealed a scantily clad woman with hair like fire holding onto a proud, and ferocious looking lion. She was surrounded by siamese cats, swans, and an uncertain sky. "This card represents emotion, or the feelings aroused by or surrounding the ideation of the project that takes place in the previous card," Blythe explained. "This card is strength. She is associated with unshakeable resolve, calm composure and patience, compassion, persuasion and soft control, which suggests that as you travel down this path, you maintain a certain sense of strength. You remain calm, and composed, as always... like when you have just meditated for a very long time, and it was a very good meditation session," Blythe tried to explain, scrambling for words a little bit. She hoped she wasn't making a fool of herself, perhaps speaking too fast, and not coming up with the best explanation.

Reference :

by **Alice** on June 2nd, 2011, 10:29 am

When presented with Blythe’s musings regarding the spread, Kariha merely nodded. She didn’t know anything about the intricacies and challenges of Tarot reading, so she was good with everything Blythe decided. Her sense for hierarchical structures was fully awake. During katana lessons, she was the mentor – now Blythe was the mentor.

Following the instructions, she concentrated on the cards and let her left hand linger over the cards. After a while she thought she felt their presence, some sort of aura that caused a prickling sensation in her palm. Her hand picked the first card almost without her doing anything. The next cards were selected quickly. Kariha knew her question and was confident in the path she had chosen, despite all the problems it posed. Obviously the cards sensed her determination and responded to it.

Blythe started flipping the cards over and explaining their meanings. Kariha pushed her hair back behind her ears and listened carefully. The images on the cards appealed to her. So pretty and promising they were!

Something needed to change. The sun card struck the Konti as odd, and she tilted her head. She had always thought of it as a mission, something that had been given to her by a greater force... probably Avalis. It hadn’t been her choice, not really. But to think that it changed her, caused her life to change... and before? Suddenly she realized the truth in the card. Nodding, she moved on to the next.

The personification of Justice stared at her. A grim smile flickered across her features. Indeed, justice was her goal, her promise and the reason why she kept going. For some time she had fought for her emotions and her love, but in time her horizon had broadened and her goal had changed. But did that mean that she had lost sight of the urgency? Something was lost in justice. Kariha bit her lip and waited.

And then there was strength. Her eyes widened when seeing the lion. A sign! A wild cat on the card and a wild cat in her destiny. Coincidences didn’t exist. When Blythe finished, she couldn’t help but ask: “Emotional strength and justice... How can they work together?” She didn’t understand. “How can I be just if my perception is riddled with strong emotions? Affection and love, for example.” Her eyes spoke of anxiety and her hands clung to the katana.

by **Blythe** on June 2nd, 2011, 8:25 pm

Blythe remained silent a moment, as she stared at Kariha, considering her words. "It is difficult to give a clear answer when one has not been given many details," Blythe finally replied. "But justice... it is such a strange word, referring simply to what one considers morally correct, or right." There was a slight pause, "so, in theory, if you perceive whatever it is you are doing as right, then you are being just, are you not?" Blythe asked, before falling silent for a few moments, allowing Kariha to think about what she had just said. "Unless, of course, you fear your love clouding your judgment in such a way that you forget what is right, and what is wrong. You simply forget what you think altogether. Who you are since you are simply so lost within that feeling of love," Blythe went on.

"In all honesty, perhaps that sort of fear is rational," Blythe explained. "Love can be blinding, in the sense that it fills the heart with such bliss... sometimes, it makes it difficult to see and remember all else that exists." There was a slight pause, "but Kariha, that isn't something that should trouble you, too much at least. It seems to most of us that know you, that you are a rather grounded person. Someone so very in control of her life and her emotions, considering the fact that you hold so much power, so much strength and grace, and yet you never use your knowledge of the katana in a negative way. In fact, you have taught many how to use it in order to defend themselves, just like you have taught many to dance, and to remember to meditate, so they may express themselves and learn to harness any negative emotions they may be feeling." There was a slight pause, it seems so unlike her to be worried about anything. She is usually so calm and collected...

"Is there something troubling you Kariha?" Blythe asked, as she watched the woman. Kariha seemed so scared, in comparison to her how Blythe normally viewed her during each of her katana lessons; fidgety. Kariha reminded Blythe of a small child caught doing something bad. "Something you wish to share?" Blythe asked, her voice soft, like a whisper. "You don't need to, if you don't want to, but... you can if you do. I will listen." There was a slight pause, "or we could finish the reading, whatever you wish to do," Blythe said, her eyes appearing as though they had taken on an edge of Kariha's apparent pain and sorrow.

Blythe would wait a few moments for Kariha to speak or to remain silent. After which time, she would flip the next card over- the card below the death card. The card depicted a woman standing atop a large tree branch, which had been curled into an arch. The ends of the arch were surrounded by roses color of the sun- red and orange. The dress the woman wore was the same color. Her long blonde hair tumbling down her back, around the edges of her pale, seemingly emotionless face. In her left arm, she held a large basket stuffed with butterflies of all different shapes and sizes. With her right, she seemed to be tossing the contents of the basket into the air. The butterflies, would flutter away, forming a small line until they reached the sun, and curled around it. The card was upside down; the empress in reverse.

"This card represents thought- the analytical process of organizing the project and capturing the emotional content of the previous card. This is the vision behind your undertaking," Blythe explained. "The card you see here is the empress in reverse, which is associated with a stifling matriarchal influence. Unhappiness, selfishness, poverty and disruption of the home or family. Indecision, paranoia, and jealous rage." There was a slight pause before Blythe spoke again, "it suggests that you act out of unhappiness, and a certain level of rage. Something is stifling you, and driving you forward. A feminine entity, perhaps the other women on the Island?" Blythe suggested, finding her own words so very strange. She couldn't think of a single cruel Konti woman, although she knew some mothers could be a bit over-bearing. But then again, when had Kariha mentioned hers? Was her mother still alive? Still in Mura?

"It suggests that you are doing what you do for yourself, and that your own need is what propels you forward as well," Blythe went on. "That you are failing to see the full picture; to think of who else you may effect by going through this process. Your anger, your frustration, has blinded you, it seems Kariha, and you are not thinking clearly," there was a slight pause. "At least, according to the initial reading of the cards." This really doesn't sound anything like her. Will she see me as incompetent after this? Blythe wondered, a liar perhaps, for saying that I was good at something she considers me to be horrible at?

Blythe stared at Kariha nervously for a moment, before swallowing the clump of saliva that had gathered in her throat, "and now for the last card," she whispered, as she turned the card to the right of death over. The card depicted a woman with golden colored hair riding in a chariot led by two white horses. They were gliding over a deep blue sea, where turtles and a crab were playing. They were surrounded by what looked to be foam, or perhaps clouds.

A small smile crossed Blythe's lips as she recognized the card, "the final card represents the real work involved in completing the project, and the form it will take upon culmination," there was a slight pause, before Blythe went on, "this is the chariot card and it represents a victory, establishing an identity, self-confidence, maintaining descipline, and gaining power and a certain level of authority." There was a slight pause, "this is very good for you Kariha, it looks like you will be successful, despite all the hardships you may have to endure to get to the end of your journey."

Blythe was silent for a long moment, "all in all Kariha, it looks like you are being propelled forward because you are unhappy, because you are angry and frustrated with the current state of your life, and wish to achieve happiness, a sense of peace. You need several things to change in order for you to be at peace Kariha, and that you have concocted this operation so that this may be achieved. You are going at it slowly, as calmly as you can, even though it is difficult for you to contain your emotions at times. To be patient; to set your feelings aside so that they do not get in the way and cause you to fail." There was a slight pause, "and that is a good thing Kariha, for that is more than likely what shall allow you to be successful in the end."

After that, Blythe fell silent for a long time, allowing her teacher to soak everything in. "Do you have any questions Kariha? Anything that needs some more clarification, or would you like to move on to your next question?" Blythe inquired.

OOCSome descriptions, (especially for the empress) are taken directly from the facade tarot site. (Linked above). Also, I know this is a lot... um... sorry about that. I figured Kariha could say what she wanted then, and then whatever else after the reading. If it's a problem pm me and I can edit.

by **Alice** on June 24th, 2011, 11:36 am

Kariha accepted Blythe’s words, drank them in as if they were vision water helping her to understand and see clearly. There was hope in her eyes now, although it was still threatened by dark clouds of worry. So justice didn’t exclude emotions, instead justice was the will in cooperation with the emotional drive. She felt that it helped her, to think of it in such a way. But then, Blythe brought up love and its major disadvantage, the blinding effect, and her heart sank again.

She didn’t really know what to make of it. Being the calm person she was, she’d have to leave and think it all over again before making a decision and allowing everything to inspire her next action. When Blythe spoke of all the good she had done, all the students she had taught, Kariha could only respond with a half-smile. Hints of bitterness were edged in the corners of her lips. Was she really that good and nice? She had given to others, but she had also taken. And she wanted to take more, the desire tormented her like a curse. Avalis help me, she prayed silently and took a deep breath. “I don’t know, Blythe. Let’s just continue the reading. I want to hear everything and maybe I’ll tell you a bit of it later.” Hesitation was in her voice, showing that she had never really considered the possibility. Kariha always radiated an aura of secrecy, and she liked and needed it, telling someone else was such a foreign concept to her.

The description of the reverse Empress card went by without any reaction from her. In fact she wanted to laugh, but considered it to be impolite to confuse Blythe even more. Disturbing the fortune teller would probably even lead to mistakes in the reading, so she held herself back.

Then she blinked. The chariot... a victory? It almost seemed a bit unreal after all the bad omens the previous cards had depicted. At the same time, Kariha felt warmth and a sense of hope. If the cards said she’d succeed, then it had to be so. Still, she wasn’t sure if she understood the connection. Tapping the chariot card with her index finger, she commented: “So, this means that my feelings are driving me on this mission, but it’s also important to control my feelings and set them aside so I can achieve my goal. I’m not sure if I understood this correctly from what you said.” Some of the familiar grace had flown back into her voice.

Before moving on to the next question, Kariha briefly closed her eyes, inhaled and exhaled once. The katana in her lap gave her hope, it was the only reason why she had brought it with her. “Will I get problems because I’m doing something that is not exactly allowed... or rather, will the dangerous job I’m currently doing disappear from my life in the near future?” Her thoughts were focused. It was something she had been doing for a while now, so it didn’t shock her.

Blythe, however, would probably be intrigued... or shocked. Not allowed? Illegal?

by **Blythe** on July 3rd, 2011, 11:06 pm

Blythe gave a slight nod to indicate to Kariha that what she had said was true, as she scooped up the cards she had used for the spread, in addition to those she had not used. Blythe began to shuffle the cards rapidly in her hands as she whispered, "as you wish Kariha." There was a slight pause as Blythe kept on shuffling, and listened to the rest of Kariha's words; her question.

What a strange way to say something, Blythe thought to herself as she stopped shuffling the cards, and moved her hands towards the surface of the bed. To begin with one thought, and seemingly end with another. Blythe began to lay the cards down on the bed, one by one in horizontal lines; face down. Surely Kariha has a reason for such things, Blythe's mind went on as the last card in her hands slapped down onto the bed. She glanced up at Kariha from her work, as though inviting her to relax; to start again, fresh, with her latest question.

There is no way to truly make anything disappear... you must always live with the consequences of your actions; the memories of it all, Blythe thought, as she whispered. "Feel free to do the same as before to select the card that will be used in this reading; only one card," Blythe directed, her voice rather neutral in tone. Her mind was still racing, why ask her to pick only one card, when this question is so very worthy of more? Of the Hagall spread? There was a slight pause, why simplify something that seems to be so very complicated, at least to your teacher? After all, what other reason would she have not to explain herself to you? Unless she does not trust you or see you as a friend?

There was another pause as Blythe watched her teacher pass her left hand over the cards. She seemed to be taking her time, as though she could not trust herself to choose correctly, or as though she were afraid of what she would find on the other side. What she would find in Blythe's explanation of the card. Perhaps it is best to simplify it though... it is such a strange way to word something. There is obviously something she is trying to hide. Something she does not want to share. And perhaps, then, if one tries to simplify it for her, or at least, not to assume things they do not know, then maybe they are less likely to make mistakes. Perhaps reading one card, and letting it be the final deciding point on the interpretation of this matter is better than trying to read upwards of five. After all, it is far easier to read one card, than to read many... although, that provides one with less of a viewpoint. Fewer ways of seeing what is, was, and will come to be.

After a few more minutes, Kariha handed Blythe a card. Blythe reached for it, and took it from the woman's hands before moving all the other cards she would not be using for the reading out of the way with her free hand. When she had finished, she placed the card in her hands in the center of her bed, so that it rested between her and Kariha. She allowed it to rest, face down, for a few seconds, before flipping it over to reveal a blanket of white and blue. In the center of the card was a woman dressed in long, flowing robes of white. She was standing atop a pool of water, which was surrounded by light blue and white rocks on either end. Beneath the water were fish of gold, and above the woman was a large blue expanse, and a single, large, white shining star. The card was upside-down; the star, in reverse. Blythe smiled uneasily.

"A single card reading is used to make things more concise, to allow for only one central point of meditation," Blythe explained, "which means that the star in reverse; the card you have drawn, will be the only thing that is interpreted for you. Its meaning shall be all you have to think about, unlike with the creative process spread we used for your first question." There was a slight pause, "when in reverse, the star has to do with lost hopes and failure. It is associated with one's desperation forcing them to place their faith in false solutions."

There was another slight pause, "it seems as though you are going to have to deal with rather severe consequences for your actions. That you are doomed to fail... that you search so heavily for a way out that you will do anything, even if you know somewhere inside of yourself that doing so may not be the best thing. Or even if you don't know any better; it seems as though you will place your faith in something that will fall through, and that doing so will lead to your downfall."

Blythe fell silent for a long time after that. "I am sorry Kariha, it truly seems as though the cards are not falling within your favor today."

OOCSorry for the delay, awkward wording, and super short reading for this question...

by **Alice** on August 6th, 2011, 1:06 pm

Perhaps Kariha sensed what would happen. The first reading had confused and intimidated her, caused her to instinctively back away from the cards as if they had physical power over her. When she reached out to pick the answer for her second question, it trembled a little. Closing her eyes once again, she forced herself to concentrate. A particular thought, however, didn’t leave her mind: What kind of irony was that, choosing which cards spoke about one’s fate?

Eventually she picked a card and handed it over for Blythe to interpret. It was not the fortune teller who determined one’s fate. It was the cards. And Kariha wondered how Avalis could approve of such cruelty. But then, she had chosen that road for herself, and nothing but her decisions formed her destiny. It was her fault. All was her fault...

The Star in reverse. Somehow, Kariha had anticipated a bad outcome. It came from the memory of the last answer. Nevertheless, she forced the mask of neutrality to remain on her face and listened to Blythe’s interpretation. It was a part of their contract. Kariha couldn’t run away, for a variety of reasons. “Lost hopes and failure”, she whispered and her eyes seemed to glaze over. Probably it was too much... No, she was determined to handle everything the cards had to say. One question was left, and then it would end. Only one question. “Place my faith in something that will fail through”, she repeated once again. As if saying the words made them less real.

Nodding, she managed a weak smile. “You’re doing well, Blythe, I’m grateful. It’s not your fault.” It’s mine, and mine alone. “Let’s move on to the last question. Will I ever meet my beloved again?” Of course, the last question was tied together with the previous ones. Blythe would be able to detect a storm of emotions behind the instructor’s eyes. The information of her last words would probably allow her to piece together the basics of the story.

A mission. Something illegal. A lover. There was but one thing missing. The cards would sense it.

by **Blythe** on August 7th, 2011, 8:09 pm

"Thank you Kariha," Blythe said, her eyes softening, seeming almost teary when the Konti first realized how much pain her teacher seemed to be in. She hated to see others in pain. But if Kariha wanted to continue, and keep her feelings slightly more private, than Blythe would not push the matter. As soon as Kariha had posed her last question, she scooped up all the cards and began shuffling them. "We shall use the relationship spread for your last question Kariha. For the spread provides insight into the interaction between two people, and is ideal for questions about romance and partnerships," Blythe explained as she began to lay all the cards face down in-between her and her katana teacher. "This is a longer spread, so I shall ask that you choose seven cards to be interpreted. Feel free to take your time, and choose as you have done for the other two readings."

Kariha seemed to nod in understanding before taking her time picking out seven cards for Blythe to read. When she had, she handed them over to Blythe, who set them down in her lap, before scooping up all the cards that would not be used, and placing them back in the box, which she placed at her side. When she had finished, she began to arrange the cards in her lap into an "H." The H had three cards on each side, and one in the middle. As soon as all of the cards had been arranged, Blythe flipped over the card in the top left corner. The card depicted a woman with long blonde hair standing on a gnarled and twisted tree branch. A long white gown fluttered around her, as she held a feather to her breast in one hand, and a golden scale in the other. Sprouting out of the center of her back were wings like those of a bird, black at the base, and white at the ends. The card, was upside-down. "This card is meant to represent how you view yourself, and is justice in reverse," Blythe explained. "When the card is in this position, it suggests a lack of harmony and integrity. A cessation of action until one makes a decision. Prosecution. Unjust decisions and their consequences. Everything going downhill as far as the law is concerned."

There was a slight pause before Blythe continued, "at first glance, it suggests that you are troubled; conflicted. Struggling with some decision you may have made, a portion of your past. It suggests that you may have done something that is not often accepted within society, and are now beginning to fear or even face the consequences of your actions... it seems like the law is going to catch up with you. That justice must be served; at your expense."

Blythe simply stared up at her teacher for a moment, her breath catching in her throat. Just what is going on? Blythe wondered, or are the cards simply in the mood to be particularly dark today? Shaking her head gently to push the thoughts away, she closed her eyes and hoped that the next thing the cards revealed was of a slightly lighter nature. Blythe reached for the card in the top right corner, and flipped it over. Staring back at them was a card with a light purple and white background. In the forefront, was a light brown tree, and dangling from one of its branches was a man. His knees curling over the branch, keeping him in place; as though he were some sort of gymnast. "This card represents how you view your partner," Blythe explained. "It is the hanged man, which signifies letting go and surrendering to your experiences; an emotional release. Accepting everything that is going on around you, and giving up control; seeing things in a new light. Sacrifice."

There was a slight pause as Blythe scrunched up her face in confusion, trying to discern where such a card would come in. "This card seems to suggest that you are learning to accept the emotions you have for the one you love, and the current situation you find yourself in. Not being able to see him or her for whatever reason. It seems to suggest that you have accepted your distance, to an extent, and are giving up on trying to see them. Or given up in the sense that you know you have no control over the relationship, and can't make it into something more right now," Blythe explained. "You are at least considering sacrificing your own happiness for their benefit, or perhaps even, for the good of each of you."

As soon as she had finished her initial interpretation, Blythe flipped over the card in the center left, the card below justice. Staring back at her and Kariha was a card with a grey background, the tops of twisted grey trees. Towards the bottom of the card was a bed of glowing mushrooms, upon which stood a orange-haired woman clad in a light yellow dress. In one hand she held a mask, as she raised her other hand to a golden crescent moon. "The card in this location represents how you feel about your partner," Blythe explained. "You have drawn the moon, which signifies one's fears, and that which makes them anxious. It refers to one's believing in illusions, becoming distorted in their thinking and actions- chasing after fantasy, dreams and visions. Overall, disorientation."

"This card suggests that there is something within the relationship that raises alarms. There is something wrong; something causing you a great deal of stress and anxiety... perhaps you are starting to feel as though being with your partner is nothing more than a fantasy. That it never could work out. For if it could, he would be with you right now, and not in a place where he could not be reached," Blythe suggested, her voice soft, despite her growing increasingly unnerved by the slightly dark nature of the reading. "Perhaps this ties into the last card in the sense that you recognize how little control you have over this; how you can't make him see you. How you can't see him. How you can't simply make everything work just because you may want it to... it will take a lot of time and work in order to get to a place where you can be together. And right now, both of you, or at least one of you, is simply stuck imagining what life could be like should things be somewhat... different." Blythe fell silent after that, simply glancing down at the cards as opposed to her teacher as she swallowed the clump of saliva in her throat.

In all honesty, Blythe didn't want to continue the reading; but she knew she had to for Kariha's sake. That she could not stop unless her teacher asked her to. Somewhat uneasily, Blythe flipped over the card in the center right, the one below the hanged man. Staring back at Kariha and Blythe was a card with a cracked stone wall in the background. A number of flowers surrounded by small, winged beings were painted into the bottom of the card, while a multi-colored stained glass window took up the top portion. The card was upside-down. "This card represents what stands between you and your partner, it is the wheel of fortune, in reverse," Blythe explained. "When in the reverse position, the wheel of fortune represents a turning of the tides, in a not so positive way. It means bad luck, failure, and an unexpected interference is in store for you."

"It seems Kariha, that the worst is not yet behind you, there is more to come. What sort of form this trouble will take is difficult to say... but it is coming. Perhaps one of you will develop feelings for someone else, or you two will find that you must wait even longer before you get to see each other again. Perhaps you are each bound to separate places for different reasons, incapable of moving on for a time," Blythe suggested, knowing that there were far too many possibilities for her to continue listing them all.

OOCSorry this post is super long. The reading is going to be long, I wanted to be sure to get through most of it before you post again, so this doesn't get too drawn out. >.<

by **Cachet** on September 13th, 2011, 1:29 pm

Kariha listened intently; there seemed to be a plethora of bad news for her. One card after another was reading horrible things; but all things she had suspected to be true all along. With each card dealt she seemed to want to shy away more from Blythe. Is she connecting the pieces? her mind wondered as she watched Blythe deal out each card. With every explanation her spirits sank a little. It seemed only horrible things awaited her. She was now more conflicted than ever…could she continue on knowing what awaited her. They are just CARDS! her mind screamed as she gently ran a hand over her face then through her hair.

She knew this to be true. They were cards, but when wielded by Blythe…she KNEW how talented she was and how well versed her ‘student’ was in the art of fortune telling. That was why she came to her. She needed to know full heartedly what awaited her. Because she knew that love drove her; as well as justice. But she needed to free her lover. She…didn’t know what she would do without him. But could she just simply discount her home? Could she return to Mura after she freed her lover? She thought of a few more questions she wanted to ask and she closed her eyes then sighed. She was gathering herself.

“Will I succeed? And will I be able to return home?” She asked not making eye contact with Blythe when she asked.

She would then not focus on Blythe, but instead she would look at the cards while they were dealt and listen. Trying her best to avoid eye contact with Blythe. Why was she avoiding her?

by **Blythe** on September 15th, 2011, 1:58 am

Blythe looked up at her teacher, her gaze settling on Kariha's eyes when she replied. "It is difficult to say for certain Kariha, whether or not you will succeed, whether or not you will be able to return. Although, given the early stages of the reading, it seems unlikely. The cards you have drawn are so very negative, so very bleak. But that doesn't mean that things are incapable of changing in the latter portion of the reading. Surely everything you drew can't be a sign of impending darkness, or even danger. Surely there has to be one card in the seven with something positive to say; if you consider probability alone." There was a slight pause, as Blythe continued to look into those eyes, how very defeated and upset her teacher seemed to be. She wished she could extend her hand, and pat Kariha's own, she wished she had the strength to comfort the woman. But she doubt that physical contact was something her teacher wanted right now. "Here, why don't we continue and see what happens? It's not over yet Kariha," Blythe whispered.

With that, Blythe extended her right hand to the card in the lower left. She flipped it over to reveal a woman in a long, flowing green dress. She was standing on a ring of leaves, which framed the night sky and full moon. Her wavy black hair seemed to flutter in the wind, as a golden hat, in the shape of the crescent moon, kept it all from flying away. In her arms, she held a glowing, yellow-ish green orb. "This is the world card," Blythe explained. "It signifies how your partner sees you. When it is not in reverse, the world card represents achieving balance, attainment of the heart's desire, fulfillment, and peace of mind." There was a slight pause. "It seems as though your partner sees you as someone who is still seeking balance. Or perhaps, I should say, the notion that you are now complete. Perhaps, there is a small part of you that feels like there is something missing. A part of you feels that at least in part, you are empty inside. You seem to recognize that you need someone to love, and someone to love you. Your partner recognizes this also. He seems to recognize that together, you are complete. Together, your personalities balance each other out, causing each of you to prosper. You are everything your partner wants and needs, and he is everything you want and need." There was a slight pause, "your partner couldn't see himself happier with anyone else."

Blythe smiled at her teacher, her lavender-colored eyes sparkling as she reached for the next card, the one in the lower right corner, hoping that one card had been enough to at least take the edge of the negativity away. Blythe turned the card over to reveal a woman standing at the base of a tall, gnarled grey and brown tree. The woman wore a simple white dress, with gold trim, as her long, wavy black hair fluttered behind her. From her right hand sprouted an orb of bright yellow light, which seemed to be calling to a fat, brown squirrel who was nestled in the center of the tree. "The card in this position represents how your partner feels about you," Blythe explained. "You have drawn the happy squirrel, which has to do with the vague, and that which is shrouded in mystery."

"It seems, Kariha, that your partner's feelings for you have changed somewhat since you last saw him," Blythe began. "That doesn't necessarily mean that he no longer cares for you, just that, since it has been such a long time since you two have together, his emotions may have dulled somewhat. Or perhaps, he put them aside so he could avoid heartache. So that he may function while knowing that he may never actually see you again, or at least, he may not see you for a very long time. His emotions are clouded, confused. On one hand, it seems like he may want to give you his all, that he loves you with all of his heart, but on the other, it seems like he may have moved on, thinking it the best to do for himself. Or perhaps, even for you. It's as though, he's trying to figure it out Kariha. How he feels NOW, as opposed to what he once felt."

With that, Blythe turned over the final card, the card in the very center of the spread. It depicted, a slender, gnarled light brown tree with a face. It had a large, crooked nose, and a wispy beard with eyes that made it appear as though it were an angry tree with yellow leaves. It held a staff, with a curled bit at the top, in one of its spindly arms. "The last card represents the present status or challenge of the relationship," Blythe explained. "You have drawn the hierophant, which signifies pursuing knowledge and deeper meaning, and the rigidity of a belief system." The Konti's brow furrowed as she stared at the card, the red salamander the tree held in its left had popping off the card at her. Blythe shook her head lightly as she closed her eyes, trying to get the image to fade away. After a moment, she opened them again. "This card doesn't make much sense Kariha, unless you two feel you shouldn't be together or..."

Is it possible that Kariha's lover is a slave? Or in jail? Blythe wondered. With everything else that has gone on in this reading- the possibility of a run in with the law, of justice being delivered, it seems as though it could at least be a possibility. But is it really my place to ask? Blythe was silent for another few moments. "It seems as though, even though you both may want to be together, something is going to get in the way. Whether it's your beliefs, how your feelings have changed for one another after each year you've spent apart, or whether it's the law, remains unclear. It seems as though, if you choose to pursue this relationship, you will be in for a rough patch," Blythe finished as she glanced down at the cards, unsure of whether or not it would be too soon to scoop them all up and place them all back in their box.

OOCThe Happy Squirrel is a joke among those who give readings. I figured I'd include it to have something new to interpret. And it's a pretty card.