♣ FOURTH ♣

[mechaeonical]

[ Not far from a series of stalls selling cotton candy stands a new addition to the circus. It's a coin-operated fortune-telling machine of the kind usually inhabited by cackling animatronic caricatures of old gypsy women. This time, the occupant is just as robotic, but looks rather different than those gypsy witches. It's Aigis in the glass case,

Comments

Action!

[ann_withane]

[Anne wanders the carnival, devouring in the sights, sounds, smells, even textures of the place. It is a veritable feast for the senses.

She sees Aigis and claps her hands in glee. A tarot card reading! How romantic! She quickly puts in two Reds.]

[mechaeonical]

[Aigis's reaction to and greeting of Anne is identical to her last.]

Welcome, seeker of fate. Please introduce yourself so I may begin your reading.

[ann_withane]

Anne Shirley. Anne is spelled with an e.

[mechaeonical]

Then we will begin, Anne who is spelled with an e.

[Moving stiffly, she shuffles the cards on the table before her.]

Your reading will describe your past, present, and future, as well as the influences that guide it.

[mechaeonical]

[ann_withane]

[Anne admires the beauty of the cards and bounces on the balls of her feet. How romantic this all is!]

[mechaeonical]

The card that describes you is the Page of Swords. This represents the power of intelligence, honesty, and a clear mind. But yours is reversed...does something hinder the power of your thoughts? Perhaps you should contemplate this.

[ann_withane]

Hide the power of my thoughts?

[Anne ponders this for a moment.]

I don't know. I generally say what I think. Mostly.

[mechaeonical]

I comprehend. Let us move on.

[She looks down at the cards again.]

In your past is the Hermit, indicating the wisdom borne of solitude. However, yours is reversed, suggesting that perhaps you once refused to listen to wisdom and maturity.

Now the Wheel of Fortune is upon you. Great events are at hand; perhaps destiny approaches. When you are past that, perhaps greater understanding will come to you with the Justice card, and you will have the wisdom to make the necessary decisions.