Scene #1117: A Water Spirit's Fortune Telling

Owner	Pose
Ayako Hasekawa	It's a quiet evening in Spring. The breeze has a slight chill in the air as it blows from the winter chill that is outside, but has warmed just enough from the surroundings as to not be uncomfortable. A few people pass through, enjoying the gentle relief that the faintly warmer weather brings. As the night grows darker, a pale blue light can be seen just slightly off to the side of the road. There, sitting at a very deep blue setting, is one Ayako Hasekawa, absentmindedly shuffling a deck of tarot cards. A soft cloth mat of sky blue decorated with dark blue embroidery and roses marks the boundary of spring and the fortune teller's non-'booth'. On top of the mat is a round black lacquered table covered with a dark blue tablecloth as well as two matching black lacquered chairs with equally dark blue cushions. The chair Ayako is sitting on in particular has a lot of pillows of differing blues-seems she likes sitting on lots of pillows! The source of the glow happens to be pale blue flames that are floating in the air. On an odd note, small snowball bunnies with red berry eyes and small leaf ears are placed on the corners of the cloth mat, their gazes facing outwards, opposite the mat's corners. "Hmm hmm hmm... I wonder who will come to have their fortune told tonight~?"
Emiya Kiritsugu	Why is Kiritsugu here in Spring, let alone in Ayako's vicinity? Did he hear about her fortune telling and decide to come get his fortune told? Does he even go in for that kind of stuff? Is it sheer coincidence? Is he hunting down some fiend with intent to put a bullet in their brain? Something worse!? Certain people of Dun Realtai certainly seem to have low opinions of him, so such a possibility would be considered by them at least. But the tan-skinned Japanese man in his black trenchcoat, with a lit cigarette hanging out of the side of his mouth, does not seem about to just walk up and explain his purpose in being here. Instead, he drives up in an APC. And it's not even him doing the driving. Instead, there's a woman with jaw-length black hair and a nearly machine-like lack of emotion on her face at the wheel. Maiya Hisau pulls up, stops a couple dozen feet away from Ayako's non-booth, and after about thirty seconds, Kiritsugu climbs out of the passenger side, and makes his way around. The empty-eyed man advances to within visual range of Ayako, assuming she hasn't already spotted him, and stops there. "Mind if I join you?" he asks calmly, after several seconds of uncomfortable silence and blank staring.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako inclines her head to the side gently when she hears the APC driving through the road long before she can see it. She closes her eyes and smiles softly as she shakes her head slowly. "Maa... a guest is a guest, all the same. No matter how they might arrive." Her oversleeved hands place the deck of tarot cards in the middle of the table. Her arms raise up in a stretch and then lower slowly to stop by her body, so she can rest her chin on her 'hands'. Ayako quietly watches the APC stop and Kiritsugu work his way around and make eye contact with her. As for the blank staring, Ayako returns her cheerful gaze to him and waves a sleeve happily to him. "Hello Kiritsugu! Oh... I don't mind you joining me at all." A soft giggle escapes Ayako's lips, "Care to have your fortune told as well?"
Emiya Kiritsugu	Kiritsugu approaches without answering, and seats himself across from Ayako. After sitting there for a little bit, silently, he asks, "Have you enjoyed your bucket?" Oh, he DID get her a bucket for Christmas. A rather nice one! Though... The fact he seemed to think she would sleep in it in watery form may or may not be strange. She IS a water spirit. Maybe water spirits like to relax by going back to their 'natural' form? Who knows? Not Kiritsugu. He takes his cigarette out of his mouth and puts out the embers. Then he focuses on Ayako, regardless of what her answer to the bucket question was, and finally answers HER question. "I would appreciate any insight you can give. Any portents of danger, or unexpected events. Assuming you actually have precognitive or divination abilities, that is." A pause, and then he adds on, "Otherwise, I suppose I'd be interested as a diversion."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako giggles brightly when Kiritsugu brings up the bucket that he gifted her. "Oh, that?" Her amber gaze goes upwards as she taps her cheek with one of her sleeves. "It's nice, but..." She shakes her head slowly with an awkward smile, "I'm not exactly sure what to do with it." Said smile becomes apologetic. "I'm afraid I have no precognitive or divination abilities." Ayako's head shakes slowly, "If I do have them, they are entirely coincidental and accidental." She smiles softly. "All the same. It's an interesting diversion." Her oversleeved hands gesture towards the deck of cards in the center of the table. "Please, if you would. Cut the deck."
Emiya Kiritsugu	Perhaps she will think of something to do with it come next Halloween. He shows no sign of disappointment or displeasure at Ayako's confirming her lack of actual magical ability. He was not expecting things either way. He came here for a different reason entirely. He follows the instructions given him, cutting the deck - though he pauses briefly to ask. "Does it matter which hand I use?" Whether he is joking or not is unclear. Ayako has already said there's no real magic involved here - unless by coincidence. Whatever answer he receives, he acts appropriately afterwards in relation to the cards. Then he suddenly says, "I actually came by to thank you for coming to my aid when I ran into Chloe for the first time. Riva and I were both in pretty poor shape, and I wasn't prepared to call an ambulance and try to explain what happened to the authorities. Your healing was useful." Uncharacteristic of Kiritsugu to show gratitude. While he can be respectful, or act politely, manners are not otherwise something he is big on. Maybe he is realizing, very gradually, that some things have to change if he wants to avoid the future that Saber has seen. Maybe not using allies as mere tools is part of that.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles happily and inclines her head to the side slightly. "All the same, thank you for the bucket." She shakes her head no when he asks if it matters which hand he uses. Her very oversleeved hands reach forwards to take the cut deck-and then she pauses when Kiritsugu suddenly says something. A soft smile crosses her face and she nods her head slowly. "You're very welcome, Kiritsugu. If you ever need healing or healing water supplies, please feel free to ask." Ayako then gingerly takes the deck of cards in her sleeves and takes a deep breath. Her expression becomes solumn and she seems... rather serious about this. Five cards are dealt in a cross in front of Kiritsugu. "These cards represent your fortune. First, this card represents your past." Ayako's sleeve reaches over and flips over the card closest to Kiritsugu on the cross. The Heirophant, upright. "Hmm... discipline, education, and a gathering of experience."
Emiya Kiritsugu	Kiritsugu nods his head briefly in acknowledgement. And now he has secured healing from Ayako, which will help improve survivability in battle - and portable healing water might help in prolonging usage of Time Alter. ...Maaaaybe he is still using allies as tools after all. No one probably knows but Kiritsugu himself. Hopefully that's not the case though. He gazes upon the Heirophant card emotionlessly, listening to Ayako's explanation. His inner cynic makes notes about information that could easily have been gotten about him, while his inner idealist wants to believe Ayako takes her fortune telling seriously, regardless of anything else, and if there are any accuracies here they are merely coincidental. "I see," he offers.
Ayako Hasekawa	"This card represents the present." Her sleeve reaches over to the card on the crosses' left. The Hermit, upside-down. "Hmm... a returning to society from isolation." She glances between the two revealed cards. "You must have been very much keeping to yourself for a while..." Ayako smiles softly, "I'm glad you've decided to stop isolating yourself." Ayako nods her head once... and then reaches for the card on the crosses' right. "This card... represents the immediate future." The Lovers, upright. "Hmm... desire? Or maybe some sort of bond? But... what kind?" She reaches over for the card closest to her and flips it over. Strength, upright. "Inner strength." Ayako looks over the four revealed cards and thinks to herself for a moment and then nods her head once. "You've collected a lot of experience, and are coming out of isolation. Perhaps for the first time in a while you'll feel a desire for something and in the process you will become far stronger on the inside for it." She smiles softly. "Hmm... not a bad fortune." Her eyes glance towards the face-down card in the center of the cross. "That card there is a card of guidance. It can be helpful. It can mislead you too. It's up to you if you want to see what it is, though."
Emiya Kiritsugu	The Magus-Slayer knows how these things work. Without true magecraft behind them, the cards are open to interpretation, and people see what they want to see. Even so, whether it is a psychological trick he is playing on himself or not, he can not help but admit that for 'mere coincidences', these cards could be interpreted in ways that are at least somewhat accurate. There is indeed a bond he seeks. And one he already has, that he wishes to secure. "I'd rather have that insight into the potential possibilities than not," he says eventually. "I do not accept anything at face-value. But acknowledging a possibility allows me to plan for it. It's just a diversion anyway, right?" Then he gives one of his rare, faint smiles. It's not a mocking smile. He isn't downplaying or insulting what Ayako is doing. Coincidence or not, anything can be a tool. Even self-analysis and insight derived from thinking about something in a light he wouldn't ordinarily. In that sense, regardless of magic or no-magic, this experience has value. And even if it has no impact on the Grail War, it may yet prove valuable in other ways. Ways of understanding and interacting with the seemingly ever-expanding family he has, and the one he hopes to be with again soon.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head slowly and nervously flips over the center card. It seems she's a bit jumpy about that center card. The Wheel of Fortune, upside-down. "Erp. Uhh... Hmm... well, that's something very vague. Reduce the influence of random chance... or perhaps go against your fate?" She inclines her head to the side, seeming confused. "I... that's not really advice, is it?" A sigh escapes her lips as she shakes her head. "But... all the same, even if it is just a diversion, I hope it gives you some things to think about. And then smiles cheerfully at Kiritsugu as she shuffles the face up cards back into the deck.
Emiya Kiritsugu	Kiritsugu nods, and affirms, "It does. Thank you. You've been helpful." He then gets up from his chair, pauses, and asks, "Is this a volunteer service, or were you intending to be paid?" Again, unclear if he's joking or not. While he waits for an answer, he looks over his shoulder, and sees that Maiya is still waiting in the driver's seat, keeping an eye out. Always good to check your surroundings. It may not seem like advice to Ayako, but it makes sense to Kiritsugu himself. To change fate is definitely something he is interested in. This was a valuable visit on many levels after all.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles while shaking her head slowly. "No no, you don't need to pay me. After all, there's no magic backing this at all." She giggles softly and then resumes shuffling the deck of tarot cards while sinking into the pillows on her chair comfortably. When Kiritsugu gets up from the chair she halts shuffling and flaps a sleeve in a gentle wave as she makes to leave.
Emiya Kiritsugu	Kiritsugu nods in farewell, and then departs, getting back into the armored vehicle. Maiya looks in Ayako's direction, nods to her briefly, and then the two drive off.
Ryu	And so Ryu approaches the blue fortune teller stand. He pauses to appreciate the design, a mildly tired look on his face. He has some bandages visible here and there on his forearms and his face from whatever beatdown he received from Crimson Sea the night before, but he seems to be moving about without much trouble. He finds a place to sit down, preferably at a kneel all Japanese style if that's possible, or just sitting on a cushion or chair in a more relaxed fashion if the former isn't feasible. "I have never had my fortune told before," he mentions, "Maybe becoming a dragon would've been anticipated if I did." He rubs the back of his head, giving a wary smile at Ayako. He's always awkward when he has to socialize with someone for some reason.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako waves hello cheerfully to Ryu as he approaches her non-stand fortune telling stand. "Hello, feel free to sit down on the chair." She giggles softly and shakes her head slowly, "Well, there's always a first time for everything." Her gaze goes upwards for a moment, "Hmm... oh! That voice... Hello Ryan." She smiles comfortingly to him. "I bet it was quite a shock... oh, if you'd like your fortune told..." Her sleeves place the deck of tarot cards on the table, right in front of Ryu. "If you would... cut the deck, please." And then places her sleeves on her cheeks, "And relax, relax! I'm not a mean water spirit."
Ryu	Ryu does not relax. Telling him to relax only gets a feeble effort to do so, the wary smile replaced with his usual sad one. He looks down at the tarot cards, briefly, and recalls how this works. It's not uncommon in his world, after all. He reaches forward to split the deck, shuffling the half he got, then setting it back on the deck. He may have played a few card games. "Sorry, I haven't really been able to relax in a long time," he explains to her, awkwardly, "I'm not sure that I can just get over it very easily." He shrugs after that, looking mildly apologetic.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako leans forward and takes the cut deck. She inclines her head to the side gently. "A-ahh? You haven't been able to relax? What are you nervous about?" She quietly deals out five cards in a cross in front of Ryu... but doesn't make any move to start flipping the cards over. She seems more concerned about Ryu rather than the fortune she's about to tell.
Ryu	Ryu makes an uncomfortable face when he's asked what he's nervous about. The question itself doesn't seem to sit right with him. With a quiet tone of voice, he asks Ayako, "Can we just do the fortune telling?" He gestures to the cards lazily with his right hand, unfurling his fingers.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako bows her head in Ryu's direction. "Oh... alright. Sorry to ask." She smiles softly and then reaches over to the card in front of Ryu. Justice, upright. "Hmm... your past is... one filled with rationality and reason... but your present..." Her hand reaches over to the card on the left of the cross. Strength, reversed. "Hmm... inner turmoil, a loss of control and stability." She glances back at Ryu's nervousness. "Well... I guess that sort of matches..."
Ryu	Immediately Ryu seems skeptical about this reading, when his past is read as something he apparently disagrees with. He turns his head to look at the Strength card, though, and nods slowly. Now it makes more sense to him. He looks up to her eyes and smiles in that sorrowful way, waiting for her to continue the fortune like before.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles softly at Ryu and then flips over the card on the crosses' right. "This card represents your immediate future..." The Heirophant, upright. "Hmm... discipline and knowledge. Maybe learning about what's troubling you will help..." She smiles softly and then flips the card closest to her. "And in the future..." The High Priestess, upright. "Intuition, secrets, or... maybe love?" She shakes her head slowly, "But... perhaps the key is seeking knowledge and building your own discipline." Ayako nods her head quickly once. "Maybe in doing that, you'll learn something hidden about yourself or find someone." She giggles softly.
Ryu	When the notion of Love comes up, Ryu's face turns beet red like the entire idea of him being in any sort of meaningful relationship embarrassed him terribly. He frowned pretty hard at that, until the red went away and only left a sour look on his mug. "Let's go with finding an inner secret," he mumbles sullenly. He has been made more thought about this, though, just from what Ayako has said so far. He feels he's already put himself down the path the cards are suggesting.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles softly at Ryu. "If you think you need some additional advice..." Her oversleeved hand sweeps over towards the last face-down card in the middle of the cross. "There is that last card. It's a card of guidance. But it can be dangerous too. It can make you second guess yourself. But it's still there. In the end... it's up to you if you wish to see what that card has to say." She smiles and then nods her head once.
Ryu	Ryu regards the final card. He stares for, perhaps, longer than most would. Not sure whether he should accept the guidance, if it risked him being told what everyone else keeps telling him. That it would mean 'accept who you are now' and further make him unhappy with his current situation because he just can't get used to it, or won't. "Go ahead," he tells Ayako, in almost a whisper.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head slowly and then reaches for the card in the center with some nervousness. "Here goes, then..." And then flips the card over slowly. The Magician, reversed. "I... huh... that card represents a manipulator. Something giving advice that might not have your best interests in mind. Then again... sometimes said manipulator could be yourself as well..." She shakes her head quickly. "Basically... don't accept advice blindly. Think things out carefully. There's no rush. Important decisions are never made lightly, after all." She hmms softly... and then shuffles the cards back into her deck.
Ryu	"Bad advice, huh?" Ryu ponders, getting up to a stand. He digs through his pockets, and then deposits a few gold coins on the table in front of him as if it were completely normal. They have a little feather design on them. "I don't know about that. I'll be playing this all by ear anyways, so we'll see how accurate this was." A beat. "Thanks," he says to her, with a genuine smile on his face.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako waves the coins away, "Oh no, there's no need to pay me, Ryan!" She smiles softly, "After all, there's no magic backing this type of fortune telling." Her smile then becomes bright. "Oh, you're welcome! And... good luck!" She leans back into the pillows on her chair comfortably and resumes shuffling her deck of tarot cards.
Ryu	Ryu looks down at the coins and then up to Ayako. He shrugs at her lightly. "I'd prefer to get rid of the coins anyway. Gold's worth more than just as currency, but I'm using a general Union currency now," he tells her, gesturing at the coins, "Keep 'em. Physical token of gratitude. I mean it. And they won't rust or tarnish like other coins since they're gold." He waggles his finger at her. "People get paid for this where I'm from, whether or not it's magical." He doesn't bother to pick them up again when he leaves. He just doesn't feel comfortable taking something back when he's given it to someone.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles softly at Ryu and then bows her head towards him. "Oh... alright." She gingerly places the deck of cards onto the table. "I... Hmm... well... I'll take good care of them then." The coins appear to vanish into her sleeves... and then she waves goodbye cheerfully to Ryu by flapping one of said sleeves.
Auron	Fortune-telling? Auron wasn't sure about it. But he is open to the possibility. They didn't really have fortune-tellers in Spira... the seeking of power outside Yevon was forbidden. So the concept of telling the future was... a little foreign to him. But he'd read up on it since he'd heard Ayako had started doing this. So he knew a little bit about what to expect. A guidance, not set in stone. And there he is -- Ayako will eventually see a yellow bird that looks a little like a cross between an ostrich, a chicken, and a parakeet! It's a cute thing, even its large size and the hooked beak really can't make it look too terribly fearsome. However, it is obviously large enough to serve as a mount, since Auron's sitting atop it. And he seems to have some experience in the handling of this yellow beast of 'bird'-en. He maneuvers the bird over to where Ayako is, pulling it to a stop far enough away that the bird won't interfere with things. "Greetings," he offers, with a polite nod. "I heard you are telling fortunes again?" he asks as he dismounts.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako gently picks the deck of cards back up and resumes absentmindedly shuffling them. She does blink her eyes slowly and look down the road to catch the sight and sounds of a a yellow bird running down the road. Ah! A chocobo! Ayako actually likes chocobos lots! She does like other people more than the yellow bird, though. "Good evening, Auron!" Ayako smiles softly and sets the deck of cards back down on the table. "That I am. Would you like to have your fortune told?" Her smile becomes cheerful as she gestures to the chair with her overly long sleeves.
Auron	"If you're still willing to," Auron confirms, with a nod. Thankfully chocobos that are tame generally don't run away when their reins are let go of, unless something scares them away. And there's (hopefully) nothing here to scare his mount away as he approaches where the Water Spirit has her table set up. When Ayako motions to the chair Auron moves to sit down in it. "I've had to read a little about it to understand it," he notes. "Spira doesn't exactly have this... trade?" His voice lilts up at the end, as if asking if it's a trade or just a hobby.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako giggles softly, "Oh of course I am. If I wasn't, I wouldn't still be here." She smiles gently and then gestures at the deck of tarot cards that are set on the table. "Please, cut the deck, if you would." Her head inclines her head to the side gently, "Hmm... aahh... well... I wouldn't call myself a fortune teller by trade. This..." She winks playfully. "This is just something I like doing for my own amusment when the mood strikes me."
Auron	Yet again this is a good thing that Auron's read up a little on this. Because he knows not to literally CUT the deck. That would be unfortunate otherwise. He nods, leaning forward to carefully -- and probably rather unnecessarily -- split the deck in thirds, and then put the thirds back together in a completely different sequence than he removed the thirds from the deck from. "Will that do?" he inquires.
Ayako Hasekawa	And it's a good thing too! Ayako happens to like this particular deck of tarot cards. "Yup! That will do nicely." She gingerly takes the cut deck into her hands and takes a deep breath. "Here goes..." And she deals out five cards face down in the shape of a cross in front of Auron. She closes her eyes and then nods her head once. "These cards will be your fortune." She leans forward and flips the card closest to Auron. Strength, reversed. "Hmm... in the past, you were in danger of losing control of yourself to your impulses and desires?" And then flips over the card to the left of the card cross. The Magician, upright. "But now you are at a crossroads, and there are choices before you."
Auron	Auron blinks. Losing control of himself? He seems confused at that one. "...That seems odd." A pause. "...Then again, it could be in reference to my time as an Unsent." He seems willing to talk about it, at least. "It was... unpleasant. And the fate of Unsent is usually to become fiends." Even without context it probably sounds pretty bad. He rubs his chin in thought. "Though I don't quite know what 'crossroads' this may be referring to."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head slowly, "The Magician represents energy, the things that you can do, and is a symbol of potential, usually meaning that you have a decision to make as to what to use said capacity for." She smiles softly and then flips over the card on the right side of the cross. The Devil, reversed. "This card represents the immediate future. Hmm... something involving being calculated and restrained." She shakes her head slowly. "I can't really say much about this... probably need another card..." Her eyes go straight towards the card closest to her.
Auron	'Calculated and restrained'? Auron's mouth pulls itself into a half-smile. That describes him most of the time, so there's not really anything new there. when the next card is mentioned, he nods. "Go ahead. I'm curious too."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head once and then flips over the card closest for her. The Moon, reversed. "Hmm... Clarity, reality, and self-assuredness." She smiles softly. "It seems there's not much to doubt, then." Her head inclines to the side when she looks at the four face up cards. "It seems if you take things slowly and methodically you'll find a satisfying answer to whatever that are on your mind right now." "But, if that's not enough guidance... there is that last card." Ayako eyes it a bit nervously. "It might have a more clear set of advice for you. But... it's easy to misinterpret."
Auron	Auron nods. There'd been a great many things on his mind... it could apply to any one of them, or all of them. Time will tell, from the sounds of what she's saying. However, the nervous eyeing of the fifth card draws the brow of his remaining eye to raise. "Taken alone, no doubt. Considering only one piece of information tends to result in misinterpretation. Though taken altogether, perhaps it may be clearer." A nod. "Go on."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head slowly, "Well then... let's see what it is." She takes a deep breath and then flips over the center card. The Chariot, reversed. "Hmm... motivation. Are you the type to do whatever and anything it takes, Auron?" She inclines her head to the side gently. "If you are, be cautious. If you lose control of yourself, you may be in danger." Ayako nods her head slowly and then shuffles the face-up cards back into the deck.
Auron	Auron nods, thinking it over. "Control is something I try to maintain," he assures Ayako quietly. "It's been instrumental to me in the past. I see it may continue to be instrumental to me in the future. I will remember." He stands, offering a nod. "Thank you, Ayako. Do you accept payment for this, or...?"
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles gently at Auron and nods her head slowly as he assures her. "You're very welcome, Auron." She blinks her eyes quickly when Auron mentions payment and then shakes her head quickly. "Oh no, I don't charge for this. After all, there's no magic involved really. If anything I do predict happens it's purely coincidence." Her head nods once. "But... I'm glad you found it useful all the same." She smiles brightly as she continues to shuffle the deck of tarot cards.
Auron	Once more, Auron nods, this time in confirmation. "Thank you. Take care," he offers. He'll head to his chocobo then, in case anyone else is waiting, so he doesn't hold Ayako up.
Souji Murasame	Souji has many people to explore the Multiverse for him. He has chosen to partake of this particular movement himself, travelling from one place to another. The situation is unimportant in the grand scheme of things. What is important is that at this place and time, there is a rare encounter. He walks through the eternal spring with a brisk step. His expression seems more suited to a March rainstorm than a pleasant day in May, however. The unusual stand near the road causes him to stop, looking at the blue lights with an inscrutable expression. He appeoaches the table, and looks upon Ayako. "You are a fortune teller?" He asks. His Moogle Glasses flicker as he observes Ayako. If he is moved by her choice in environment or clothing, it does not appear to show.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles softly when Souji pauses to look towards her non-stand-like fortune telling stand. "That I am. Although I have no magic that would guarantee that my fortunes would come true, I find it still provides some food for thought." She nods her head once as she sets the deck of tarot cards onto the table. "The only thing I charge is some of your time." And then gestures towards the chair with her oversleeved hands. "Would you like to have your fortune told?" A playful smile crosses her face.
Souji Murasame	The Murasame heir ponders for a moment. "Very well." Is his response, as he sits down. "Fate is a fickle thing." He looks over the table and that which is set before them. "What do you require from me to proceed?" His tone and behavior are formal, even here.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako bows her head politely towards Souji as he sits down. "The only things I require are your name and for you to cut the deck of cards." She smiles softly and rests her sleeves in her lap. Her amber eyes watching her guest calmly and cheerfully.
Souji Murasame	"My name is Souji Murasame, of the Murasame Family." He replies, businesslike. "It is a pleasure to meet you." He reaches out, and cuts the cards with a smooth motion. "I look forward to the results." He replies.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako bows formally towards Souji, even in her chair. "It's a pleasure to properly meet you, Souji." She smiles softly and then gently takes the cut deck. "I'm curious as to the results as well." Her head nods once and she carefully deals out five cards in the shape of a cross in front of Souji. She stares at the cards dealt for a moment... and then flips over the card closest to Souji. Justice, upright. "Your past... has been full of logic, clarity, and realism, I see." Ayako's head nods slowly. "What of your present situation?" Her sleeve flips over the card on the left side of the cross. The World, reversed. "A-ahh... an unsettling feeling of things and plans that once seemed concrete and guaranteed being disrupted."
Souji Murasame	Souji's eyes flick down at the cards, and his eyes narrow slightly as he considers her interpretation. Not in anger, but in intensity. "Interesting." He says. Is he giving a hint that she is correct? Perhaps, perhaps not. "Please, continue."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head once and reaches over to the card on the right of the cross. The Fool, upright. "Hmm... Your near future indicates a new beginning. Perhaps this is a valuable opportunity to start again to move things in directions that simply were not an option before." She smiles softly and then reaches for the card closest to her. "As for your distant future..." The Moon, upright. "Ahh... the unknown, doubt, and fear. Or perhaps dealing with dreams and illusions. Not surprising considering the previous card." She nods her head once. "It's up to you how you will handle this opportunity. It's vast. So much so that all of it might not be able to be grasped fully." Her gaze turns towards the card in the center of the cross. "If you would like some additional guidance... that is what the card in the center is for." Ayako nods her head once. "It might help. It might not. It might lead you very astray, or it might give you the right idea." Her amber gaze returns to Souji. "It's up to you if you want to see what it is."
Souji Murasame	The cards revealed, and their meanings continue to be slowly be mulled over by Souji. His expression relaxes, clearly considering what Ayako says like someone sampling a fine wine. He nods to her, then, and he gestures. "I am interested to see what guidance there is to offer." He says. "Considering the nature of the cards you have revealed, it may be... important." He returns to a neutral position, waiting in further silence.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head once and takes a deep breath. She reaches over to the face down card and flips it over. The Wheel of Fortune, reversed. "Hmm... this card, huh..." Her head inclines to the side gently. "Remove chance as much as possible. Or perhaps... go against your fate." She shakes her head slowly. "I'm not exactly sure how this may apply... but... I wish you good luck, Souji." A gentle smile crosses her face as she shuffles the face-up cards back into the deck of tarot cards.
Souji Murasame	Souji sees the card. The response causes his expression to turn dark, considering something faintly. There is a tap at the table, and he nods. "It is... not so simple to defy one's fate." He says, simply, and stands. "Thank you for your concern." He gives a small, polite bow from the waist, Eastern style. "I appreciate your effort. Thank you for the advice, I will take it under consideration." He turns away, and takes his leave.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head slowly. "That it is..." She bows her head politely towards Souji and smiles softly. "You're welcome!" And then quietly watches Souji take his leave. The deck of tarot cards continues to be absentmindedly shuffled.
Grumble	With a small pop a fawn colored puggle phases into existence in the place known as Spring. Having heard that Miss Ayako was doing something called fortune telling this evening. He just had to attend! Sniffing the air brings the scent of fresh water. Miss Ayako must be that direction. Trotting along the path he soon spots the Ayako with her table upon the blue mat. Spotting the odd bunnies at the edges if the mat he tilts his head approaching cautiosly. A quick sniff reveals they are made of snow. Realizing they weren't real he loses his interest immediately and greets his main goal of the evening. "HELLO!! Miss Ayako! It's me! Grumble! Are you still ...fortune telling?"
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako inclines her head to the side gently when she notices a pug pause and move in the direction of her little fortune telling setup. Any confusion goes away the moment Grumble speaks, however. "Ah. Hello Grumble." She smiles softly and shakes her head. "Yes, I'm still fortune telling." Her hands continue to shuffle the deck of tarot cards in her hands. "Would you happen to want to have your fortune told? If so..." Her oversleeved hands gesture over to the open chair in front of the table. "Have a seat."
Grumble	Nodding his head enthusiastically he gives a bark of excitement before leaping impossible high for his size and floating down onto the seat across Miss Ayako. Circling a time or 2 to find a comfortable spot, he plops his buttom onto the cushion and stares at Ayako. "What do I need to do Miss Ayako....and..What is fortune telling?" Looking down shyly as he admits he doesn't even know what it is exactly. He was here for the company and didn't care what the event was.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako gently places the deck of tarot cards onto the table close to Grumble. "What I need you to do is to make two smaller, neat stacks of cards out of this one stack of cards. Be it by lifting a few cards off the top to make another stack, or by moving some cards around. This is cutting the deck." She smiles softly and then inclines her head to the side gently. "Hmm? You don't know what fortune telling is? Well, normally, it's a way of looking into the future!" Ayako then sticks her tongue out playfully and knocks her head lightly with one of her oversleeved hands. "But in my case, there's no magic behind it, so... I just do it for fun and because it's thought provoking and interesting."
Grumble	Listening carefully to Ayako's instructions he focuses on the cards and the deck floats up, scattering into the air with a whirl. The cards buzz about like fireflies before neatly depositing themselves into 2 equal decks side by side. "Seeing into the future? But only for fun?....Oh! It is a game yes? For fun for fun!" With a happy yip he pants, tongue flopping out happily as he tries to contain his excitement. Squirming in place on his cushion.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako watches the cards get shuffled like that and shakes her head slowly. "Ah. That'll do, Grumble." She smiles softly as she places one stack on top another. She takes a deep breath and then deals out five cards face down in the shape of a cross onto the table. "Well then. Let's see what your fortune is." An oversleeved hand reaches over and flips over the card on the cross closest to the pug. The Sun, reversed. "Hmm... in the past, you weren't nearly as happy as you are now, huh Grumble?" Ayako inclines her head to the side gently. Her hand then reaches over to the card on the left side of the cross and flips that card over. The Heirophant, upright. "But now, you have some power and more knowledge about the world?"
Grumble	Watches carefully, eyes wide as Ayako, deals out the cards with weird pictures and words. His head whips up as she declares his past. So accurate he can't help but remember the hunger and abandonment that tormented him. Unable to support himself he flops onto his tummy, legs splayed as he whines softly. "Yes....the sads was very big..." Her following words seemed correct as well. The rainbow waters had done something to him. To his mind. Then he knew to much, so much his head felt like exploding. Then suddenly it was gone, but not all of it. "How did you know miss Ayako? Are you a sorceress?" Amazed yet overwhelmed he stares at Ayko in awe.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles softly and shakes her head. "I'm merely telling you what the cards mean. And... it's not the first time I've been accused as such while fortune telling." She giggles brightly and then slowly shakes her head again. "But no. I don't know of any magic that I could use to tell the past, present, and future. If I do have it, I am unaware of it." She smiles softly and then reaches for the card on the right side of the cross. The Magician, reversed. "Hmm... in the distant future, someone may try to manipulate you. They may not have your best interests in mind... and sometimes the manipulator could be yourself." Ayako shakes her head slowly as she reaches for the card closest to her to flip it over. Judgement, reversed. "And in the far future... a complete lack of change. Hmm... that's not exactly a nice future..." Her eyes quickly go towards the one face down card left. "But there's one card left. It's a card of guidance. It can be dangerous to look at, but... in this case, I think we should look at it. But... it's your choice, Grumble."
Grumble	Miss Ayako's predictions for the future seem very odd. How could he manipulate himself? Afterall if he could somehow do that, he would be eating more sausages right now. Staring at the final card, he sits up and stares at it. Guidance Miss Ayako said. Maybe that was exactly what he needed. His search for more friends has been very slow. Perhaps this would help? Miss Ayako claimed this was for fun, but Grumble new better. She was keeping her amazing future and past looking powers secret! So that no one would bother her all the time asking things! Yes Grumble congratulated himself on being so smart. With a nod he spoke unusually calmly, "I want to knoww Miss Ayako. Please tell me what it says."
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako nods her head once and then somewhat nervously flips the center card over. The High Priestess, reversed. "Hmm... your intuition could lead you astray, Grumble. Be careful of it. And be especially cautious of secrets. They could cause you a lot of trouble." She sighs softly as she shuffles the face up cards back into her deck of tarot cards. "Sorry Grumble. That wasn't exactly a nice fortune, was it?"
Grumble	Grumble is unsure how he feels about his fortune. Hearing his fortune makes his tummy feel weird. As Ayako apologizes, he quickly hops over the table in another of his impossible slow falling leaps and right into her lap. "It is okay Miss Ayako. Thank you for the warnings about my future! I will try to be careful." Licking at her hand he notes she is refreshing. "Is there any payment needed for your service?" Laying a paw on her hand he stares up at her with his soulful eyes.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles gently at Grumble and shakes her head slowly, "Oh no, there's no need to pay me for this." She waves one of her sleeves at him as if denying she's done anything special. "All the same, good luck, Grumble." She smiles softly and then resumes shuffling the deck of tarot cards.
Grumble	Focuses his mind. Regardless of Miss Ayako's insistence, he felt he must reward her. So with nary a sound, a delicious sausage materializes from the ether onto table. With a quick hop Grumble hovers down from Ayako's lap. "Thank you again miss Ayako. I will be off now. I hope we can keep company again!" Then he's off back down the path at a happy little trot.
Ayako Hasekawa	Ayako smiles softly as she shakes her head slowly. She gazes at the sausage for a moment... and then decides to take it anyway. While she might not eat, someone at the Heaven or Hell office would probably love a good snack. Said sausage vanishes into her voluminous sleeves. The water spirit clothed in deep blue leans back into the pillows on her chair. "Hmm... tonight was a good night for fortune telling." Ayako smiles softly to herself as she pulls a glass bottle out from one of her sleeves. She uncorks the bottle and places the deck of tarot cards inside, being sure to secure the stopper. After that, the jar vanishes back into her sleeve. "I think that's enough for tonight, though." Her amber gaze goes up towards the sky and she floats off of her chair to stretch in midair. "Nngh..." She raises a sleeve to her mouth as she giggles and lounges, lying down in midair. "Aaahh... that was fun. I wonder who will come next time?" A sleeve slowly sweeps over her deep blue fortune telling non-booth as it all immediately melts back into the water it was made from-and then evaporates into thin air. Ayako straightens up, closes her eyes, and then curtsies elegantly and gracefully in midair, "Thank you for being such a fine host once again, Spring." The floating pale blue flames wink out of existance, one-by-one. The water spirit's glowing amber eyes open happily with clear amusement. "Until next time~" And Ayako herself dissolves into thin air, leaving no trace that she was even there.