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Ayako Hasekawa     The eternally gentle weather of Spring combined with the half-moon out in the evening sky creates a comfortable, peaceful atmosphere. Adding a bit of mysticism is a pale blue light that gently glows from the side of the main road that goes through the region. While not a good time for stargazing, it seems that a certain water spirit is in the mood for fortune telling tonight.

    And so those that follow the light will find one Ayako Hasekawa, dressed in deep blues shuffling a deck of tarot cards in her hands. She's sitting in her usual very blue fortune telling setup. Said setup consists of a midnight blue cloth mat on the ground with matching table and chairs. The table and chairs are black lacquered with matching blue tablecloth and cushions. Although it can be noted that the chair Ayako is sitting on has a lot of cushions on it. The pale blue flames that float in the air and surround the whole setup don't provide as much light as the light of the moon, but still gives a gentle hue to add some extra mood.

    "Hmm... I wonder who will come tonight?"
Alice Margatroid     On one of the rare evenings, Alice is out for a walk in the Multiverse and, upon hearing the area of Spring from a well informed fairy... after a danmaku battle of course, Alice decided to take a visit. "I don't have to wonder why Lily White likes this area so much. It's nice and calm this evening." a smile is on her face and she's without her two dolls, the two on punishment detail at home.

    The blue light does catch the Dollmaker's eyes, following it out of curiosity. Was this something that Lily didn't mention to her? "Hmm?" she wanders closer and closer until that opening with the deep blue wearing woman, "Ah? Good evening, it's, a good night out here, isn't it?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles softly as she places the deck of tarot cards onto the table. Her amber eyes slowly turn towards Alice as she gives her a gentle, cheerful look. "Hmm...? Oh. Good evening! It is a wonderful night, is it not?" She leans back into the pile of cushions on her chair. "The moon and stars are out and... it feels just the right mood for telling people's fortunes!" A bright smile follows.

    "So! Would you like to have your fortune told?"
Alice Margatroid     Those amber eyes meet blue, and the cheerful look is returned with one of her own. "It is a wonderful evening, a fairy told me about the place we're in, but she neglected to mention this, it's a pleasant surprise." the mention of the moon and stars has the dollmaker looking at the sky, a nod is given before she approaches the table, kneeling down on something hopefully comfortable.

    "You're capable of telling a fortune for a youkai? Very well, I would but while I might not have much to offer, I think I can pull a few things here and there..."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako giggles softly. "This place just seems so perfect for fortune telling. At least to me." She shakes her head gently. "I do wish to note, that I don't actually have any fortune telling magic. I can't guarantee my fortunes. I just find it entertaining to give them." Her eyes gaze up into the sky for a moment. "When I get in the mood for it, anyway."

    Ayako then shakes her head once. "Oh no. I don't charge for this sort of thing. Well." She nods her head with a small smile. "What I do charge is for a moment of your time, and of course, your name." Her excessively long sleeve gestures to herself. "Oh, but first, I should tell you mine. I'm Ayako Hasekawa, a water spirit." She smiles a cheerful smile as she nestles into the chair's cushions.
Alice Margatroid     "I will believe you on that, I'm afraid I don't have any as such myself." Alice replies, giving a soft hum. "I see, well, then you can have a moment of my time without problem then, Ayako." a pause, "Water spirit? Ah, a youkai in of yourself too. I'm Alice Margatroid, the dollmaker of Gensokyo. A pleasure." she bows her head in greeting and gives a soft smile.

    "You'll forgive me, there are no fortune tellers in Gensokyo, so I am not sure what I need to do aside from being here."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako pauses for a moment when Alice gives her name... and then smiles softly. "Oh, so you're Alice! It's nice to meet you in person! Always a nice thing to pair a voice on the radio with a real person." She floats off of her chair and curtsies in mid-air in return of the bow.

    She smiles softly as she sits back down onto the chair. "Well... all you need to do, is cut the deck of cards on the table. Then I can start."
Alice Margatroid     "And nice to meet you, I believe I have heard you on the Syndicate radios is that right?" ALice gives a soft nod before she reaches over and cuts the deck around the fourteenth card, setting it to the side, "How is this, Ayako?" she questions, sitting back some as she watches the water spirit.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head once. "Oh, perfect." She gently picks up the deck in her sleeves and deals out five cards face down in the shape of a cross. A deep breath follows. "These five cards shall be your fortune!" She seems more solemn suddenly-it seems she takes this sort of thing seriously.

    "This card... represents your past." Her sleeve reaches over and flips over the card closest to Alice. The Chariot, upside-down. "Hmm... A battle or conflict has occurred, one that makes you feel as if you're being pulled apart or... you're losing control." Ayako shakes her head slowly. "How horrible."
Alice Margatroid     Alice nods a bit, watching the dealt cards placed in a pattern. She gives a nod, listening and watching the solemn water spirit. She's never had a fortune taken before so it'll definately be interesting for her. When the first one is shown, she gives a light frown. "I.. one did. AN incident in Gensokyo and the rest of the multiverse. Mother and I... we kinda of lost control of the last part and... well, things got better fortunately.. but..."

     The dollmaker's interest is certainly captured, watching this curiously... what else will these cards show.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako clines her head to the side gently. "Ahh, I see. Well," She smiles cheerfully. "I'm glad things got better." Her sleeve reaches over to the card on Alice's left. "This card represents the Present." The Sun, upright.

    Ayako smiles brightly at the sight of that card. "Ah, I see! Things seem to be looking up right now, and you're full of optimism for the future." She nods her head once. "Well... I wonder what the future holds then..."

    Her sleeve continues towards the card on the right. "This card, represents the immediate future." Strength, upright. "Ah. A situation will soon appear where your inner strength will be tested. Your patience and self-control will be what helps you the most through it."
Alice Margatroid     Alice gives a bit of a nod, "I am too, I'm not sure what would have happened if it went any other way." she shakes her head, watching the cards once more and listening to the water spirit with interest. The next on is flipped, "So far things are looking up, yes. I'll be making plans for bakeries for the koakuma from Makai. So I'm looking forward to it."

    The next one is given and the dollmaker frowns... "Really? Mmm, I hope it's something I can deal with. I've got confidence that what will happen I can work through but..." Alice's chin meets her hand, looking at the cards curiously...
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles softly and nods her head. "Well, I hope your plans work out well." Her sleeve reaches towards the card closest to her. "This card... represents the Future." Judgement, upright.

    "Hmm... it seems everything that will happen and has happened will culminate into a rebirth for you. A new beginning, perhaps?" Ayako nods her head once. "Hmm..." Her eyes trace the face-up cards. "So you have gone through harrowing times, but are now full of hope for the future. Soon, your inner strength will be tested, but you will become a better, more whole person for it." She smiles brightly. "Quite a nice fortune."

    Ayako's amber eyes wander to the center card. "That card that's still face down is a card of guidance. It can help. It can mislead. Sometimes it's best to leave it face down. But if you want some additional guidance... well. In the end, it's up to you if we should see it or not."
Alice Margatroid     Alice gives a nod, "I am hoping so as well." she replies, looking at the Future card. Judgement huh? At least it isn't Shikieiki... Her head moves up to face Ayako and listen, tilting her head, "I.. I'm not sure." she responds, giving a slight nod. "Well I can say that this is an interesting reading Ayako. I'm glad it came out nice."

    When Ayako's eyes wander to the center card, Alice's own look towards it. She listens to the water spirit intently and... "I wish to see it, Ayako. Direction is useful." she takes a soft breath, and a gulp of something... what is she expecting from this card.. "I think we should see it, yes."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako takes a deep breath, nods her head once and reaches for the card in the center. Her sleeve carefully flips it over. The World, upside-down.

    The water spirit makes a sound of general frustration. Ungh. That thing just had to be there. She opens her mouth to say something, but then slowly closes it. Her amber eyes glance at the face-up cards that surround it and... she has to take a good moment to think.

    "Hmm... what you think you want might not be what you truly want or truly need. Indeed, working towards your desires might be counterproductive towards yourself. Some self-reflection might be what is needed."
Alice Margatroid     That sound of fustration is one that Alice knows quite well, from a certain laser spewing witch to a bakeneko that sheds and claws curtains... two lovable sources of fustration. "Hmmm. I..." she shakes her head, looking at the card and listening, "So .. the thing I may be working on might... not be the best for me..." she taps her chin lightly...

    "I wonder..." she whispers, "I wonder..." a shake of her head, "I have a lot to think about... I might have to repuprose the guest bedroom then to think..."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako sighs softly as she takes one last look at the face up cards... and then smiles softly. "Well... alternatively... it could also mean... there's nothing wrong with being stuck in a rut. Everyone goes through such things once in a while, after all." Her sleeves reach over and shuffle the face up cards back into her deck.

    "I hope this fortune at the very least, gives you something to think about." Ayako smiles gently at Alice as she leans back in her chair and shuffles the tarot cards.
Alice Margatroid     Alice gives a bit of a nod on this, taking a last look herself and nodding, "It has, Ayako and thank you. I have a lot to think about when I get back home but, I think I have a bit more clarity now than I did before." she bows in her sitting position in thanks, a smile gracing her face. "ANd perhaps, I'm... not a hundred percent sure wher I'll go from here but I know where I will be going with it all.

    As the deck is shuffled, Alice moves back to her feet and gives one more bow of thanks, "Once again, thank you Ayako. Perhaps we can meet outside this chance happening. For now, I need to get back home before a certain bakeneko claws up my curtains..."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles cheerfully at Alice. "You're very welcome and-" She nods her head slowly, "Good luck, Alice!" Her head inclines to the side gently. "I hope you find the answer through thinking!" And then she nods her head quickly. "Oh, I hope we do run into each other later as well." She smiles brightly and waves goodbye cheerfully to her by flapping one of her too long sleeves.

    Once she's out of sight, she leans back in her chair and continues to shuffle the deck of cards on her sleeves. "Hmm... I wonder if someone else will come?"
Sanary Rondel      Fortune telling. Whereas others might dismiss it as a load of bunk, Sanary knows better. Even from an early age, wandering gypsies and local fortune-telling methods have all predicted that she'd die early, and yet others had told her that she was lucky to be alive. Not today, though! Today would be the day to finally get a /good/ fortune and to turn all that around.

     She's heard the rumors of the water spirit. It's for that very reason she arrives at Spring this very night, clothed in her luckiest/only decent (but not quite formal) coat. Spotting the strange setup in the distance, it doesn't take her long to put two and two together to realize that this must be the rumored fortune teller!

     "Hey there... Uh. Fortune-teller lady, I'm guessing?" She raises a hand in a brief half-wave half-salute, grinning easily as she nears her. "I've heard about you before. Giving fortunes, making people super lucky..." She tries to sound nonchalant at first, glancing to and fro without necessarily facing Ayako. After a few moments, however, she looks straight at the water spirit with an almost desparate expression. "... I need some of that. How much?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako blinks her eyes as Sanary gives her a half-wave, half-salute. But then returns a soft smile at the greeting. "Mmm... good evening." She blinks her amber eyes slowly when Sanary says that she makes people super lucky. "I... Hmm... I don't know about making people super lucky but... I do tell people's fortunes, yes."

    The water spirit sits up in her chair and places the deck of tarot cards onto the table. She shakes her head slowly. "I don't charge for this type of thing." She smiles softly. "I merely ask for a bit of your time, your name, and for you to cut the deck." Her head inclines to the side gently. "Besides... it's not like I have actual fortune telling magic. Have a seat if you would like." One of her sleeves gesture to the chair opposite her at the table.
Sanary Rondel      Telling fortunes, bringing luck. Same difference, right? Sanary's still smiling as she takes the seat across from Ayako, a light hum escaping her at the mention of not charging. "The last five told me my luck was starting to rub off on other people, so... Eh. Here's hoping." She still sound a little apprehensive despite that broad grin, looking over at the deck of cards with a raised eyebrow.

     It's a good thing the cleric's heard that term before, or else she would've literally cut that deck in half! Thankfully, she just picks it up and splits the deck in half in the figurative sense. "But it involves magic at some point, right? That's what all the others said, but they had weird balls and tea and stuff."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles as Sanary cuts the deck and takes the cut deck in her hands. She shakes her head slowly. "No... I'm afraid I don't have any magic for fortune telling at all. These cards are just normal Tarot Cards." She smiles softly. "They were a gift from an old friend." Her head inclines to the side gently. "All the same... want your fortune told?" She giggles softly. "I don't use any of those balls or funny things."
Sanary Rondel      Sanary seems even more confused at that apparent contradiction. Non-magical Tarot Cards? Well, it couldn't be any worse than anything else she's been told already. "Heh... Well, since I'm here. Who knows? Maybe it's the magic that's been screwing with me, anyway." Sanary lets out a relaxed sigh before leaning back in the seat, steadying her gaze on Ayako and giving her a firm nod. "My name's Sanary. Good to meet ya finally."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head slowly and smiles softly. "Nice to meet you, Sanary! I'm Ayako Hasekawa, a water spirit." She floats off of her chair and curtsies towards her and then reseats herself. Five cards are swiftly dealt face down in the shape of a cross. "And this... shall be your fortune!"

    Her sleeve reaches out towards the card closest to Sanary. "This card... represents your past." The card is swiftly flipped face up. The Wheel of Fortune, upright. "Hmm... change or fate."
Sanary Rondel      Sanary blinks slowly as Ayako just floats out of that chair, chuckling a moment later as she stands briefly to return the curtsey with a quick bow. "Nice name. Sounds... Like a couple of others I know, actually." Even if she came from the country, that's no reason not to try and look at least a little more civilized! "Alright, let's see what we got here."

     There's an inquisitive look in her eye as she watches Ayako and the cards carefully, tilting her head slightly at the first card. It's not something exploding, so... Good sign already! "There's... Been a lot of change recently, I guess. Does that count?"

     The fact that most of those changes had involved explosions definitely doesn't reassure her, though.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head slowly. "Hmm... well, maybe this card will shed some light on it." She reaches over to the card on the left side of the cross. "This card represents the Present." Judgement, upside-down. Her amber eyes blink slowly. "I... Hmm...."

    Her head inclines to the side gently as she frowns slightly. "Repression and indecision..." Ayako glances at the two face up cards. "Hmm... are you trying to escape your fate?"
Sanary Rondel      There has to be some sort of magic involved. Sanary's practically convinced of that already even if Ayako said otherwise, but she does keep her cool while shifting around in that seat. "Right now? Uh... Well, I don't even know what my fate is any more. But..."

     Her mind starts racing, and she starts tapping her foot while staring at the table. "... There were these people a while back. Creepy people. Think they might've known me, but they were... Ehm. Let's just say death cults and asshole destruction gods were involved." She manages a weak chuckle at that, although it's clear that her mind is still racing with the possibilities there.

     "... You sure there's no magic involved in this?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head slowly. "Mmm... I see. Well... I hope you can keep them away and out of your life." Her head inclines to the side gently. "I'm quite sure, yes." And then she reaches for the next card.

    Her long sleeve reaches for the card on the right side of the cross. "This card... represents your immediate future." Strength, upside-down. "Hmm... soon, a situation will arise where you are in danger of losing control of yourself to your desires and impulses."
Sanary Rondel      "Here's hoping." Sanary laughs and rubs the back of her head, gazing wistfully at those flames. "Gonna be tough if I can't beat the crap out of 'em, but at least there's-"

     Ayako's next prediction somehow manages drains the color from the cleric's tanned face. She opens her mouth and closes it several times, raises her hand and puts it down, and she's just utterly stunned for a while. Eventually, however, she does manage to actually speak up again, albeit in a much quiter tone than before.

     "Th... That so, huh? Ah... S-so there's a way to stop that, right? Not getting into that situation, getting better at controlling it... Something?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako notes the color draining from Sanary's face. Looks like... that card was quite on the nose. She does have to wonder what sort of thing is going on, but... such a thing isn't really her job. All she can really do is read the cards and tell the person what it means. "Well... there's always a way. The future is never really written in stone, after all." She smiles softly.

    "And so... I wonder... this next card... represents the future." Ayako's sleeve reaches for the card closest to her and flips it over. The World, upright. "Hmm... But it seems you will feel more complete and just... Hmm... right from the ordeal that occurs." She smiles softly.
Sanary Rondel      "R-right. Just gotta... Work at it. Make sure I don't lose any control." Sanary takes another deep breath as she leans back in the seat again, her eye focusing on and looking Ayako over for a moment. "For someone that's not using magic, you're really... Uh. Close with these things."

     Well, it's not like magic ever really /had/ to make sense. Finally managing another laugh, the healer adjusts her eyepatch before resting her elbows on the table. The World card's explanation does seem to ease her somewhat, at least, and there's even a genuine chuckle after a few more moments! "Now we're... Now we're getting somewhere good. Maybe with some more practice and talking to... Uh. That guy."

     That was close. She almost slipped at the end there!
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles softly as Sanary seems to make her relax somewhat and even chuckle. She must really be going through quite a... something. And so she nods her head once. "Well... I'm glad that the future seems to be ending well for you."

    Her amber eyes flit towards the center card in the cross. Still face down. Still ominous, as always. "There is one card left. It is a card of guidance. If you are looking for some advice, then... we can see what that card has to say. However, it's advice is easily misunderstood. It's up to you if you wish to see what that card is." Ayako does happen to look quite nervous as she glances at that face down card.
Sanary Rondel      "Heh.. Knew you had powers in there!" Sanary's spirits have been lifted quite a bit by now, the resolve in her heart strengthening with Ayako's magical prediction cards. So what if that power could have destroyed her? It hasn't yet, and it never will! Another adjusting of her eyepatch, and the cleric gives the water spirit a firm look.

     "Let's see it. We've come this far already, so let's finish the job." She already had some ideas on what she needed to do, but having some extra instructions would never hurt. "It'll be fine. You've done this much already, right, Ayako~?"

     If nothing else, at least she's not looking nervous any more.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako blinks her eyes quickly. "I... I really don't." She giggles a bit nervously. "But... we'll both take what we can get, I suppose." She smiles softly at Sanary.

    Once Sanary tells her to continue on, she nods her head once. "Well, if you want to see it, very well." Ayako's amber eyes wander to the face down card and she nervously moves her sleeve to it. She slowly flips it over. The Sun, upright. "Huh? I... guess?" Her eyes blink quickly... and then she positively beams a cheerful smile at Sanary. "The advice to to remain optimistic and to keep your spirits up. If you do so, you'll be fine."
Sanary Rondel      Maybe Ayako's just one of those women that's genuinely modest about her abilities. Sanary certainly won't pry any further, but she does give her a 'knowing' wink. "I getcha. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

     Of course, that last card practically seals it for her, and the cleric bursts out with a victorious laugh. "Perfect~ Ah, I knew my luck would turn around sooner or later." She practically jumps out of her chair as she circles around the table, reaching over to try and get Ayako in a BIG STRONG hug!

     "Hey, you ever need healing or someone beat up or someone to get beat up for you? Just give me a call, okay?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako can only giggle with half nervousness, half helplessness as Sanary gives her the wink. "I... well... I suppose." She shakes her head slowly... and then eeps when Sanary suddenly gives her a BIG STRONG hug! She giggles brightly at that and returns the hug! "I... well..." There a slight pause... and then, "Alright, Sanary." Ayako can only just smile softly at that.

    Once she's released from the hug, Ayako quietly shuffles the cards back into the deck of cards and rests back on her overly cushioned chair.
Sanary Rondel      This is probably the best Sanary's felt in a while. Renewed confidence, vigor, a new sense of direction... Sanary's still beaming as she holds the hug for a bit longer, eventually glancing downwards just to check one last thing.

     ... Well, she can't win them all. She releases Ayako after a moment and clears her throat. "Thanks again, Miss Ayako. I'm serious about that, though, so... Yeah. Take care, then!" She gives the water spirit an appreciative grin and a quick salute, then heads back down the road from which she came!
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles softly and flaps an overly large sleeve to wave goodbye cheerfully to Sanary. "I'm glad that you seem better now after that fortune. And of course, I'll keep it in mind! See you later!" She nestles back on her chair and resumes shuffling the deck of tarot cards on her sleeves.

    "Hmm... I wonder who will come next?"
Shadowed Aesthetic     By now Ayako's fortune-telling has very likely become something that people have begun to talk about. Accuracy or novelty, it's likely a conversation topic. And being new to the Union-- and to the Multiverse in general-- Shadowed Aesthetic of Quicksilver is curious. For a couple of reasons actually.

    For one, he wants to see if he can find some guidance. The Multiverse is a huge place, and it's hard to tell where to begin... or where to stop. And for another, he's still a bit concerned about that whole 'outside of fate' issue that was going on with the Alchemical Exalted for a while. Surely the Multiverse wouldn't have tha problem, would it?

    Well, those are the reasons he's here. He arrives without any form of pretense or disguise, appearing as an androgynous being with strands of blue steel as his hair, his claylike skin white like an opal but without the rainbow nodes inside it. His eyes look like chrome orbs with a ring of purple for an iris. And he wears an elaborate blue and white robe-like outfit that resembles a military uniform at the neck, but the rest of it looks like a kimono.

    "Hello," the being of clay and metals replies. The voice doesn't betray any gender, either. "I understand you're reading fortunes? Might you have a few moments to spare for mine?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako's amber eyes wander towards Shadowed Aesthetic as he approaches her little fortune telling setup. She smiles softly and places the deck of tarot cards down onto the table. At the very least, she is familiar with Alchemical Exalted, as she does know Bitter Medicine. And so, she isn't really alarmed, nor does she find him strange.

    "Good evening." Ayako smiles a cheerful smile towards Shadowed Aesthetic. "That I am. And of course you may have your fortune told." She gestures towards the chair opposite her at the table with one of her far too long sleeves. "All I need is your name, and for you to cut the deck of cards."
Shadowed Aesthetic     "Ah, wonderful," the Moonsilver replies, clapping his hands once delightedly. He takes a seat in the chair Ayako indicated. "Thank you, I appreciate it. My name is 'Shadowed Aesthetic of Quicksilver', it's very good to meet you~." As for cutting the deck?

    Shadowed Aesthetic reaches to the deck and picks up a vague two-thirds of the deck and places it to the side of the deck (on his right, Ayako's left). Then he takes the two-thirds and picks up half of it, placing it to the right again. Then he collects the three piles into one again, starting from his left (Ayako's right) into one again, placing the leftmost pile on top of the middle pile, and then picking up this resultant pile and placing it upon the remaining smaller pile.

    "Will that do?" he inquires.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head once, "Nice to meet you, Shadowed Aesthetic of Quicksilver." She floats up off of her chair and curtsies towards him. "I'm Ayako Hasekawa, a water spirit. Please call me Ayako." A soft, gentle smile follows and she settles back down onto her chair. She quietly watches the deck cutting and then nods her head once. "That will definitely do."

    She swiftly picks up the cut deck in her hands and deals out five cards face down in front of Shadowed Aesthetic. "These cards. Shall be your fortune!" Ayako takes a deep breath... and then reaches forwards with her sleeve towards the card closest to Shadowed Aesthetic. "This card... shall represent your Past." The Magician, upside-down. "A-ahh... Hmm... losing oneself to power... or..." Ayako can't help but consider this card. "There may have been a manipulator in your past. One that may not have your best interests in mind. It could have even been yourself."
Shadowed Aesthetic     "Ah, pleased to meet you, Ayako," Shadowed Aesthetic replies, smiling brightly. Though he blinks, as if confused, at the reading. "That's odd. I've no idea who that could be," he notes. "Then again I work for the good of the Maker, not the reverse. So it could be that," he reasons, with a smile. "Unless..." he puts a finger to his lip, tapping a moment in thought. Then he shakes his head. "No, I doubt that's it."

    He does have another idea. "Well... actually infiltration is sort of my job," he admits, though it's quiet. "So manipulating people is something I was created to do." Disguise himself, gain someone's trust, and then take what he's been ordered to take from them, even if it's someone's life. "It's rarely pleasant work. Perhaps that's what's being referenced?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako inclines her head to the side gently. "Hmm... That... That could be what's being referenced, yes." She nods her head once. And pauses for a moment to think about that... before continuing on. "Well... let's see what the Present card has to say."

    Her sleeve reaches for the card on the left side of the cross and flips that over. The Fool, upright. "Ah. A new beginning. Choices all around..." Ayako turns her amber gaze towards Shadowed Aesthetic. "That's why you're here, aren't you? There is just so much, you want an idea of what path to take?" She shakes her head slowly. "I can't decide that for you. Such a thing is for you to decide. Although... maybe I can give some guidance of some sort?" Her sleeve immediately goes towards the card on the right side of the cross.

    "This card... represents the immediate Future." The Empress, upright. "Hmm... What gives you satisfaction? What do you believe or know is truly right? Because it seems you will develop something along those lines."
Shadowed Aesthetic     "Yes, exactly," Shadowed Aesthetic replies, with a nod. "Before, there was only one path. Now? Well, it's rather like being dropped into one of those pits where all the balls are-- you know, where the children play? And then being told to pick the best out of all of the balls in the pit. and all these different cultures and people... oh, it's so horribly /confusing/. To say nothing of all the etiquette I need to learn to still be effective."

    Being 'effective'. That is his issue. While he had recently counseled Bitter Medicine on being 'just one of the boys' instead of 'the champion of all around him', it's something that Shadowed Aesthetic himself is still dealing with. And there'a always the fear of not being able to be effective for his allies, and being replaced. Or worse, recycled.

    As for the immediate future card? Shadowed Aesthetic 'sighs' a bit, though it's more a movement of his shoulders than any movement of breath. He sits back in the chair, crossing his legs. Perhaps to stall for time while he thinks about an answer. "Ah, that I do not quite know," he replies. "I will always believe in my home, and will always have faith in the Great Maker. Aside from that? I've no clear direction. Perhaps this is indicating there will be something clear before me soon?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head once in understanding. "Yes, yes..." She smiles gently. "I know exactly what you mean." She giggles softly. "I'm the type that revels in that sort of thing, but I can understand how overwhelming it can be." All she can do, is just smile gently in understanding as he reflects.

    "Perhaps something will happen that will give you some direction." Ayako nods her head slowly. "I doubt it will happen on it's own. You must seek it out yourself. However, I can say that it will definitely seem to awaken something inside you that will give you that direction." She smiles softly. "I wonder... how will this direction affect you?"

    Her sleeve reaches for the card closest to her. "This card represents your Future..." The Tower, upside-down. Ayako winces when that card is flipped up, but the wince fades quickly once she notices the orientation. "Hmm... it will be chaotic for you. Things will seem frantic, out of control, perhaps non-sensical. But! In the end, you will come out of it a much better, happier, more satisifed person." She smiles softly at that.
Shadowed Aesthetic     "That is a good question," Shadowed Aesthetic agrees. This in regards to wondering how the change will affect him. "Only time will tell, I suppose." The wince gets a tilt of his head, and he looks at the card that caused it. "Oh dear, that's rather menacing-looking," he observes. But he too sits more easily when she mentions it's not a bad thing at all.

    As for the period of time following whatever revelation being chaotic? "Oh my... it's already been rather chaotic thus far," he observes. "My home's society is very conformist, you see. The Alchemical Exalted are afforded a bit more leeway to be individuals. So to see so many different people, all being different, and no one calling anyone out, is odd. Odd in a pleasant way, mind you. But odd."

    "But I am glad that good things seem to be on the horizon, should I go looking for them," he replies with a smile.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head slowly and then giggles brightly. "Yes. Please do go look for them. Despite how chaotic this all might seem." She then gazes at the card still face down in the middle of the cross. "Hmm... there is one card left in the fortune. It's a card of guidance. It's advice might help. However, it can easily be misinterpreted and misunderstood. In the end... it's up to you if you wish to see what it has to say."
Shadowed Aesthetic     "I will do that," Shadowed Aesthetic promises. And then the mention of that last card is made. Easily misinterpreted? A danger he'll have to take. It might tell him where to look for this thing that would change him. And so he nods. "I'd like to see the card, yes," he confirms. "I'll be careful in interpreting it."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head once. "Well then... here goes..." She somewhat shakily reaches for the card in the center of the cross and flips it face up. The Star, upright. "Ah." She smiles brightly. "Keep hope in your heart and you will find inspiration and perhaps discover new things."

    Her head nods once and she quietly shuffles the face up cards back into the deck of tarot cards.
Shadowed Aesthetic     Shadowed Aesthetic smiles, chuckling quietly. "A good lesson to take to heart," he agrees. "Thank you for your time, Ayako. Do you take payment for this service?" he inquires politely, as he uncrosses his legs and then stands easily from the chair.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles softly at Shadowed Aesthetic. "You're very welcome, Shadowed Aesthetic! Oh no. There's no need to pay me for this type of thing." She giggles softly. "After all, it's just something I do for fun." Her head bows as she waves a sleeve towards him. "Hope to see you again later!"

    She then leans back in her chair. "Hmm... will anyone else come tonight?"
Konoe Kanno      After a while, someone new comes wandering in, as if lost. "...Huh?" It's Konoe. Distinct red, yellow, and white miko robes identifying her without any real question. And that's without considering the ears and tail. "Um...did I get lost...?" She muttered to herself, eyes locking onto Ayako.

     "A-Ayako-san?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako blinks her eyes quickly upon hearing that voice. The tarot cards are placed onto the table and the water spirit floats off of her chair. "Ah. Hello Konoe!" She flaps a sleeve cheerfully towards Konoe. "Well, if you're lost, you found your way to my little fortune telling thingie." She smiles softly and settles back down onto her chair.

    "Since you're here... want to have your fortune told?"
Konoe Kanno      "....?"

     Konoe tilted her head a tad. A fortune telling booth? "Um..." She looked around, and then her eyes settled on the chair. "....." Well, she didn't have any pressing errands. "...Okay."

     She stepped further in and carefully had a seat. "How does this work?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako giggles softly at how confused Konoe seems. "Well, you just cut the deck and let me tell your fortune." She definitely already knows Konoe's name, after all. "Err... by cut I mean, place these cards into two different piles." She quickly has to add that! After all, Konoe might not be familiar with cards!
Konoe Kanno      "Cut? ...Okay."

     She raised a finger, claw extended about to /actually/ cut the deck. It's a good thing Ayako actually stopped her. "Oh-" It wasn't CUT cut. But separate cut. Words were hard. Taking a deep breath, as if this was some kind of monumental task, Konoe carefully picked up half the deck and cut it in the nonliteral way. "Is that okay?"
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako's amber eyes widen as Konoe almost literally cuts the deck of cards. Thank goodness she clarified! These are real tarot cards that she got from a friend a long time ago! They're not watery fakes like the rest of her fortune telling setup! She sighs softly with relief once Konoe cuts the deck properly. "Yes! That's perfect."

    She quickly takes the cut deck and then deals out five cards face down in the shape of a cross. "These cards... shall be your fortune!" Ayako takes a deep breath and then reaches for the card in front of Konoe with one of her overly long sleeves. "This card represents your Past." Judgement, upside-down. "Huh? That's an odd card to have there..." She thinks for a moment. "Hmm... avoidance and a dodging of your past."
Konoe Kanno      Crisis averted. Good thing she didn't /actually/ cut the deck. That would have been a disaster. She watched the cards get laid out curiously, observing the cross of five. "Huh..." The card was flipped, revealing what was beneath.

     Avoidance and dodging her past? "....Well..." She looked down momentarily. "...It's not so much avoidance as I can't remember. But maybe not knowing is dodging it." She did have an inkling, given the various clues, but...she didn't want to accept the possible conclusion she came to.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako inclines her head to the side gently. "Hmm... You can't remember, huh? Well, I hope you can some day." Her amber eyes gaze a bit longer at the upside-down Judgement card. "Because odds are... it's going to come back to you. Especially with that card..." She shakes her head slowly. "But... let's see what your Present card is." Her sleeve reaches for the card on the left side of the cross. The Tower, upright.

    Ayako eeps out loud at that card in that orientation! "I... sorry Konoe. It seems you're going through a lot of chaos lately, huh?"
Konoe Kanno      "Come back to me?" Konoe asked, ears twitching a bit at that. That didn't sound good at all? What was going to happen? Hakurei coming to break down Marisa or Alice's door and choke her out? ....Actually that sounded eerily possible now that she thought about it? Ergh. Let's not dwell on it. "O-Okay..."

     The next card...a tower? Konoe blinked, looking at the card, and then at Ayako after her surprised outburst. "Huh?" Tilting her head aside a tad, she processed what was said. "Yes, actually. A lot of things have happened recently...It's kind of hard to keep track of it all, but..." She smiled a little. "It's not all been bad, I think."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako inclines her head to the side gently. "Hmm... the chaos might be building somewhere. When it does strike... it's not going to be pleasent." She thinks to herself for a while. "Be prepared for it, okay?"

    Ayako's head shakes quickly, "But past that... I wonder what your immediate Future holds?" Her sleeve reaches forwards towards the card on the right side of the cross. The World, upright. "Ah! Hmm... However, once you get past the chaos, it seems you will be quite happy and finally feel complete."
Konoe Kanno      "Huh?" Konoe furrowed her brows at the warning. "Chaos...building?" Now it just sounded even worse. But what should she be looking out for? She couldn't say. "Mmn..." Nope. She got nothing. Shaking her head, Konoe sighed and then nodded. "I'll be careful. Thank you, Ayako-san." Anything could happen, huh?

     Once the next card was revealed, her eyes widened in surprise. "I see...so that's how it is." Her gaze was drawn towards The World, staring at it silently for several long moments. What Ayako said made her think back to the other day.

     "....."

     She could only hope.

     "That sounds nice. I'll keep working towards a better future then. Something where I can feel...complete."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles softly. "Yes, please keep going towards the future. Oh. Speaking of which." Her sleeve reaches for the card closest to her. "This card represents the Future." Strength, upright. "Ah. It seems you will gain a great deal of inner strength, kindness, and patience in the process. Such that you will be able to respond with decisiveness should trouble appear before you."

    Ayako leans back into the cushions on her chair. "With such a future..." Her amber eyes drift back to the Tower. "It must be quite the ordeal building somewhere..."
Konoe Kanno      "......"

     Konoe's gaze shifted over to Strength. "Inner strength..." That was something she was lacking, she felt. But then, nothing she did felt good enough these days. It was like walking in the shadows of greater people all around. In more than just facets of traditional strength.

     "...Inner strength." She repeated to herself, as if turning the words over in her mind. "I...I don't believe that person you describe sounds like me." Konoe admitted after a moment. It sounded...well, like what she strove for, but not what she believed she could reach. Maybe someone needed more self esteem.

     After a bit, she shook her head and let the thought be shelved. She'd dwell on it later. But for now she'd move on. She followed Ayako's line of sight back to the Tower and frowned. A great ordeal...It made her heart heavy, wondering what it could possibly be. But there was no way to know at all. "Well...if, and when it comes, I'll just...deal with it." That's the only thing she knew how to do.

     Deal with it.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head slowly. "Hmm... deal with it... huh?" Her eyes glance upwards for a moment before it falls back down. On the card still face down on the cross. "Well... there is one card left. It's a card of guidance. It might have some sort of advice to you. But... it can also mislead you from how it can be misunderstood." She nods her head once. "It's... well. It's up to you if you wish to see what it has to say."
Konoe Kanno      Konoe stared at the one remaining face down card, blinking slowly. A card of guidance that can also be misunderstood...

     On one hand, she thought she was given plenty of guidance already, but...on the other hand, she was curious. Just plain curious.

     Konoe's eyes left the card, meeting Ayako's. "I'll see the card. Please." She smiled. "I'm not the wisest, but still...if I can use it or not, I'd like to know anyway."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako nods her head once and then moves her sleeve to flip over the card in the center. "Well... let's see what it is, then." The Star, upside-down. The water spirit's amber eyes blink slowly.

    "Uhh... Hmm..." Ayako shakes her head slowly. "I don't quite understand... but... it says to be..." She glances at the face up cards and sighs softly. "It says to be stubborn. I suppose... that's a form of steadfastness..."
Konoe Kanno      Konoe blinked a few times, and then tilted her head dumbly.

     "Eh?"

     Mission failed.

     "Be...stubborn? Well, that's new." Not the sort of guidance she'd expect to be given, but...Well, everything had a place, right? "Well, as strange as it is, I'm sure it may be useful down the line." Konoe smiled a bit more warmly than usual. "I know I kind of stumbled in here unexpectedly, but thank you, Ayako-san. I think I learned a lot from this."
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako smiles softly and shakes her head. "You're very welcome, Konoe! I'm just glad you found something from such an odd fortune!" Her sleeves swiftly gather the face up cards and shuffle them back into the deck. She leans back in her chair and smiles cheerfully at Konoe.

    "Do you happen to need me to guide you to some place that you can recognize, Konoe?"
Konoe Kanno      Konoe paused, thinking about Ayako's last question, and then her cheeks reddened a bit. "...I think I might. I don't recognize this place at all."

     So much for telling Alice she wasn't going to get lost.
Ayako Hasekawa     Ayako floats off of her chair and... then reaches into her sleeve with another of her sleeves. After a while of rummaging around, she takes out a stoppered bottle. The deck of tarot cards is placed onto the table to free her sleeves to try to unstopper the bottle. It takes a moment, but with a soft pop, the cork comes out. The deck of tarot cards is placed in the bottle and is quickly recorked. The bottle disappears back into her sleeve.

    "Alright! I'll show you back to the Heaven Or Hell office. I feel like... this is enough fortune telling for tonight." Ayako giggles softly. A sleeve gestures at her fortune telling setup and... the entire thing-rug, tables, chairs, cushions all rapidly lose their color and then their apparent solidity! It was all water! All of which is swiftly absorbed into Ayako's clothing, where it just simply appears to vanish. A bright giggle follows. "Well, let's go, shall we?"
Konoe Kanno      "That never gets old..." Konoe muttered, watching as Ayako 'packed up' so to speak. So it was all water. How useful and strange. She can't make objects out of fire. She can only burn stuff.

     Hm.

     Well, that was all over with, the miko sighed, mostly embarrassed at herself, and nodded, having gotten to her feet. "Yes please. Let's go."