A Protector's Fortune

[Orin Evans]

This was not typically a scene in which the broody man would participate in. And perhaps he had no intention or plan of any of it. However, he had made some sort of promise --though he couldn’t remember if it was to Alexandria, Cassandra, someone else, or maybe himself, that he would try a little harder at being more… what was that word? Present.

He had not planned on visiting the fortuneteller. In fact, he did not even know there was one. But he was making his rounds through the village, mainly ensuring that things remained safe and orderly.

As he walked by the pink and purple tent, there seemed to be some sort of commotion just outside of it. Two men arguing over something he couldn’t be too sure of, a woman, it sounded like, and something to do with what a fortuneteller had told him and that he belonged with someone’s lady. God only knew.

He cleared his throat loudly, interrupting the argument. “Break it up,” he spoke in a calm, deep, intimidating tone. One of the men looked over, about to berate him for butting in until he saw who it was, and quickly stopped himself, nodding and urging his so-called friend to move away with him.

Orin rolled his eyes and stepped into the tent, glancing at the woman at the table. Once he saw what appeared to very well be a fortuneteller, his brows lowered as his expression spoke a silent, you’re kidding me, right?

“Sorry to interrupt, here…” His voice low and raspy. “Is everything alright here?” He gestured behind him where the near brawl had been about to take place.

The woman assured him that everything was fine, and beckoned him to sit. Orin shook his head, clearly uninterested, but the woman insisted. Again, he rolled his eyes and moved to sit, somewhat annoyed, but a little curious. “Fine-- but make it quick… I'm a very busy man, you know.” He narrowed his eyes at the woman in a dark, intimidating manner.

[deck 4]

[Cassiopeia]

"As quickly as I am able, I promise."

The fortune-teller smiled beneath her veil as she shuffled the deck once more, then asked her guest to split it into three stacks. After combining the three again, she drew out three cards and laid them face up on the table.


Embrace: Two of Swords - Reversed

"This one is interesting. It seems you're faced with a choice, where none of the outcomes that have been presented feel like the 'right' choice for you. While this can be difficult, and it may feel like you are stuck between two bad options, you need to make the call. Embrace the need for forward motion. Once you make your decision, then you can actually begin to move forward without being held in a stalemate."

Accept: Nine of Swords - Reversed

"This appears to be connected. The Nine of Swords is often connected with nightmares or being haunted by past traumas. It brings with it a sense of hopelessness, of being trapped by past mistakes and choices. But, like the Two, you have the choice to move forward. It is only by refusing to accept change into your life that you will truly be trapped."

Let Go: Seven of Wands - Upright

"Lastly, the Seven of Wands." The fortune-teller paused and tapped the card for emphasis. "This one gives me a better feeling for what the last two were speaking about. The Seven of Wands represents the struggle to maintain a position or identity. Usually, its advice is to hold your ground against the competition, to not allow outside forces to distract you from your goal. But for you..you are being told to let go of that struggle." The fortune-teller was obviously intrigued by this twist.

"You are a stubborn man, are you not? One whose direction and intention have always been straightforward. You knew who you were, and what you wanted...and that was that. But now things are changing all around you. It may be frightening, even to a man like yourself. But you cannot remain stagnant. Change is part of life. And if you welcome it...well, perhaps the reward will be greater than what you can see from where you stand now."