Swords

And so it began, a new day filled with telling the tortures of the past, relaying the oppression of the present and mutilating the deformation of the future. All done in a good day's work.

Tenuous digits were free from gloves this afternoon, the weather at last warming, fault found only in the mud that marred my shoes. Hood hid well the tainted red locks beneath, though an occasional auburn spur would leak out to curl around my cheek as if it were a small serpent on a irrational quest for light. The hem of cloak fluctuated with each forward step, creating an airy bell around me when I moved, my own private circle of protection. I was a woman on a mission, one who sought to barter cards for coin.

What I found was Malleus choking Salome. It seemed making nice with the other children was over.

"I've come to read your cards."

"Just in time, too." Salome was quickly regaining her composure. "A reading for us both would interest me more."

"Well, Sir? The last time I dared to wander upon the written rence of your soul, you told me never again. Does that still hold?"

"Go on and read them then. You are a charlatan anyway."

The cards speak an ancient language, one as old as time itself, but I understood the whispers that no one else could hear. Or so I think, There are times I would swear to the fact that Malleus heard too, their quiet thunder. The deck was cut and offered to first Salome, allowing her to pick from the square 'charlatans' that would or would not be kind. And they weren’t kind often.

Those of her choosing were set before her, the tip of my finger pressed to the first. She had chosen the card of her past, the City of Dust, the most feared in the deck. Salome’s readings are often dark learning’s, but today’s were particularly foreboding. I could already tell my coin would not be great. The Eight of Swords followed and then the Five of Swords. There was a warning of future destructiveness, weakness and blame.

The second reading would be for Malleus.

The touch of the top card brought the quick retreat of his hand. I can tell he likes them not, though he is plagued by curiosity. Sometimes I wonder just how far he will go in order to know the truths they hold.

"This, your first choosing, is the Warrior of Swords. There is an important decision to be made by you, but there are far too many distractions to bear. Your mind is muddled with unclear goals"

Within his second turning lay an Ubar, one with sword raised high. "The Ubar of Swords. It spills the seed of intellect, articulatation and analytical skills, though there is often trouble in cutting through the confusion of mental fog."

His third card was pulled from the middle and turned for identification. He had done what only one other had done, chosen a set of swords. That other person, Salome herself. What a perfect couple they made. They had both chosen the suit of disharmony.

The reading complete, Malleus rose quickly. I could tell he wasn’t happy, he not a man that hides his displeasure well. "Get away from me."

Twice now, I had looked into the dark catacombs of his soul, and twice I had been allowed to walk away. The gathering of cards was careful, but quick the ancient squares stacked among themselves. "You owe me coin."

He tossed six copper at me, the coins scattering on the ground at my feet.

Behold the serpents tongue, viperous in its secrets, silent in its premonitions. Coin was gathered, each having spun off in an opposite direction, but I was in no hurry. I had all the time in the world. "I wish you both well, Salome, Malleus. I'm sure you'll know where to find me when you wish my services again."

We parted company, my coppers safe, my flesh intact. I know well I should avoid the man, but something pulls me back and each time I get closer to the hard center candy of his mind.

House of Screams

We have made it back to Ar and the inn I so desperately wish to purchase. I’ve told Aiden of my dream and he assures me he is handy with repairs, and I do indeed wish for him to stay. I wish to keep him near me.

Upon my second night in Ar, I was summoned by the House of Sarce, Aiden attending me in my short sojourn to the wealthiest of districts. The moment I entered I could feel the unheard screams, the vile secrets that permeated ever corner. This was a house of mistrust, lies and deception. There were two that awaited me, a red haired goddess and a red haired woman that would soon be delivered of child.

And then I saw him.

I did not know his name, the benefactor that had come to me shortly after my freedom, knowing him only by the card he drew, Ruin. He appeared tired, haggard as if he had befallen a terrible sickness, of not body, but soul. I’m afraid my surprise and ultimate uneasiness was not hidden well, despite my usual stoic demeanor.

It was the Goddess, Circe who first I read, she seeming the more interested of the two, though I found I could not shut out the man who both intrigued me and terrified me. Agamemnon Sarce.

Her first card was the Six of Coins, the suit of practicality, security and material concerns.

[scene in progress, more to come!]

Readings and Revelations

I am finding Karians are much freer with their coin then Arians. I think I have not received less than a silver for every one I have encountered. I have read at both the House and the docks as well as for men and for women. My dream of owning an inn is almost.. touchable.

Aiden continues to be a fixture in my visit, though I can tell he is anxious to leave Port Kar. I have promised him we shall within the hand. I can’t explain what happened that day at the docks, upon our first meeting. I have never been pulled towards anyone so quickly. I too, am finding the thread between us twisting and growing stronger. The cards whisper that it is so and I know that I cannot change the path they have set for me. Sometimes I wonder who actually chooses, me.. or them. Which brings another quandary into light. Can he really understand what I am? He has related to me that his mother was.. lamia. Perhaps he can truly understand.

Or perhaps the cards are being cruel..