Hi everyone! Last night Silima hosted a lecture about tarot cards and reading in Elanthia. I was really nervous and you all were great participants!

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You warmly offer, "Thank you all for coming tonight. I am happy to be able to offer a lecture on divination in Elanthia. Should this one go well as I hope it will, I do plan on others. All of you will have to tell me if you enjoy this discussion. I am anxious to know."

Rohese surreptitiously glances at Kakoon.

Aasterinian grins.

Speaking to Rohese, Kakoon asks, "What?"

Rohese smiles at you.

Breosaighit smiles.

Kakoon glances down.

Silima smiles warmly, and folds her hands over the silver-edged deck of cards in her hands.

You inquire, "What is divination? Can anyone give an example or a brief description?"

Speaking to Rohese, Kakoon asks, "Something wrong?"

(Breosaighit shuffles her cards.)

Naitalya pokes Kakoon in the ribs.

Rohese winks at Kakoon.

Breosaighit raises her hand.

You nod at Breosaighit.

You smile at Breosaighit.

Breosaighit pedantically says, "Divination is the art of piercing the veil of reality to see to the potentials and likihoods of what is to come."

You nod.

You point at Selema.

You smile.

You listen carefully to Selema.
Selema nervously offers, "I was just going to mention the use of tools, such as cards, or scrying bowls."

Selema smiles.

Rohese nods approvingly.

You say, "It is also the use of tools."

You nod in agreement at Selema.

You continue, "Frequently divination pertains to prophecy. Many have this ability be it through a natural gift of foresight or by a keen sense of perception. It is my opinion that anyone who tries to attune themselves to the workings of the weave can and will be able to glean something from it."

You add, "When I refer the the "Weave", I refer to the unseen threads of time, fate and possibilities of change. These are all interwoven and fluid. Some refer to it as the flow, others simply like to call it destiny. I find the definition of destiny to be rather a fixed term and far too restrictive."

You wrinkle your nose.

Breosaighit agrees with you.

Breosaighit says, "We teach the same thing in the Temple in Sharath."

(Silima strides the length of the stage as she talks.)

You say, "Tonight I plan to touch upon the history and use of tarot decks in Elanthia, as a means of divination and curiously enough, some other rather interesting uses."

You smile.

Breosaighit mutters strippoker.

Niara leans softly against Dreaer.

You state, "Take for instance, our cousins of the House of Nalfein, and their adaptation of tarot cards they refer to as "A Black Rose Deck."."

Dreaer chuckles.

Dreaer leans softly against Niara.

Kakoon examines his cards, staring at it intently from all possible angles. Having acquainted himself with its inner workings, Kakoon gives a satisfied nod.

Aasterinian nods sagely.

(Silima idly shuffles her cards as she addresses the crowd.)

You continue, "These cards are a true work of art. Made of paper-thin teak, the cards are elaborately painted on one side with a black rose.."

Rohese gazes thoughtfully at her silver-edged cards.

You add, "Which of course, is where their name originates."

You continue, "On the other side they are painted with detailed renderings of flowers and plants which are found throughout Elanthia. The cards number two-hundred and eighteen in total."

You say, "A very impressive deck."

You nod sagely.

You speculate, "The original Black Rose Deck, is said to have been a gift to a Noblewoman of Nalfein from a Loenthran Artist and was intended for the purpose of divination."

You continue, "Which it seems was not well-received by the noblewoman, who then decided to set them to an entirely different purpose. This purpose has been adopted by many women of the House."

You chuckle to yourself.

You explain, "Ladies of the House now frequently make use of these decks during women-only functions, teas and other events as a means to communicate their feelings towards other members of their sex."

Niara surreptitiously glances at Dreaer.

You say, "Like their complex fan-language, they perfect their skilled use of the Black Rose Deck. Artistic displays of shuffling and arranging the cards in an intentional and well thought out sequence."

Rohese inclines her head.

Lacing her fingers together, Breosaighit's body stiffens as she quietly listens to you.

You smile.

You comment, "It is quite the show from what I have seen."

Niara clears her throat.

You tilt your head up.

You continue, "In a curious act, many who witness these readings feign ignorance of intentional placement, even though it is a well-known fact that the cards are deliberately placed."

Dreaer grins at Niara.

You shake your head, totally at a loss.

Rohese smiles quietly to herself.

You pull your spectacles lower on the bridge of your nose.

You state, "It is of course believed that many "true" practitioners of the art could in fact provide a true prediction if properly employed as a divination tool. Though it is doubtful any of our Nalfein cousins would even consider such a reading as valid."

Elsande looks thoughtfully at you.

You smile quietly to yourself.

You say, "While the Turamzzyrian Empire employs various different orders like the Sisters of the Hidden Eye and the Stone-tenders of Aldora, you can find many practitioners of divination in various small seaports along its coast. These women are usually lumped into a group commonly termed as "The Fishmongers' Wives."."

You continue, "While they are often known for their skill with medicinal herbs and oft times midwifery, there are at least a pair, usually a mother and daughter, who employ the skills of divination by way of a deck of playing tiles. The woman divines by the suit that is dropped and how many numbers appear. This use and translation does seem to vary from port to port."

You add, "While a woman in Solhaven could say an Ace of Hearts means loss of love, to a woman in River s Rest it could mean that a person will soon find their true love."

Rohese wrinkles her nose.

You state, "Very confusing, depending on which local traditions you adhere to."

You inquire, "Before I proceed any further, are there any questions?"

You ask, "Or would anyone like to add something?"

You smile.

Breosaighit asks, "How ancient are the cards?"

Breosaighit raises an eyebrow.

You say, "These cards that I've passed out are generally used in the West and I have seen them applied as a Medium by a few of the Sisters of the Hidden Eye."

Rohese raises her hand.

You nod at Rohese.

Speaking softly in Elven to you, Rohese asks, "Are the cards merely a derivative of early runestones?"

Rohese softly says, "I apologise, I'll repeat the question."

Rohese clears her throat.

Speaking softly to you, Rohese asks, "Are the cards merely a derivative of early runestones?"

You smile.

Breosaighit seems to be waiting for something.

You say, "It could be, early forms of divination were predominately runestones. Though as I said these ones I have passed out are of the west, I must admit I've little knowledge past what I've learned from the sisters."

Rohese nods to you.
You smile.
You reach up with one finger and push your spectacles higher on the bridge of your nose.

Breosaighit says, "They're at least old enough to have been present before the dissolution of the Elven Nation into the Houses."

Breosaighit says, "They were carried to Rhoska Tor by the first Dhe'nar."

Rohese nods sagely at Breosaighit.

Niara smiles at Breosaighit.

Rohese appears less secure.

Selema gestures.

You say, "That is true, this system is a relatively old system. I have a tablet with early runes which is based on a series of runes representing trees, a corresponding danchre when the rune touched is formed. This came before the formation of the houses."
You smile.
Dreaer coughs.

You ask, "Are there anymore questions?"

Rohese glances around the room.

You ask, "No?"

Niara looks lost in thought.

Rohese smiles.

Niara shakes her head.

You nod slowly.
You say, "So, let us discuss the tarot cards you have in hand."

You smile.

You say, "You have two types of cards, Major Arcana and Minor Arcana."

(Rohese idly flicks through her cards, pausing to look at the pretty images depicted on them.)

Elsande agrees with Rohese.

You say, "The Major Arcana consists of the tree, the orb, the coin, the thief, the Ghost, the Steed--"

You continue, "The Skeleton, Noble, Tower, Hat, Teardrop, Pauper, Eclipse, Star, Moon, Cloud, Sun, Rainbow, Kobold, Elf, Jester, Giant, Skull, and Halfling."

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Kakoon scratches his nose.

Selema runs a hand through her waist length dark auburn hair, trying to make herself presentable.

Selema surreptitiously glances at Kakoon.

You say, "Your Minor Arcana cards consist of Suits."

Naitalya gives Kakoon a lingering kiss on the cheek.

You say, "The first suit is Tarts. They represent the element of Air and they are considered cards of intellect... They number one through ten."

Breosaighit snickers.

Rohese gazes thoughtfully at her silver-edged cards.

You say, "The second suit is Gems. They represent the element of Earth. They can represent wealth, gossip, earthly things and material goods."

You say, "They too, number one through ten."

Naitalya gazes lovingly at Kakoon.

Naitalya gives Kakoon a warm buss on the lips.

You say, "The third suit is cups, they represent the element of water and are oft associated with matters of emotions and of course love."

Rohese surreptitiously glances at Naitalya.

Rohese turns away, clearing her throat.

Kakoon grins.

Rohese whispers something to Naitalya.

Naitalya fidgets.

Rohese bites her lip.

You say, "The fourth and final suit is wands, they represent the element of fire. They are oft associated with energy, art and creativity."

Rohese smiles.

Selema nods slowly.

You say, "All the suits of course, are numbered one through ten."

You say, "Now, I could go through telling you what each one means, but I have a feeling you want to sleep sometime tonight. So, as any good Illistimi will tell you, the Library is a wonderful place to do more research on your own."
Niara grins at you.

Breosaighit giggles.

Selema grins.

You say, "I will show you how to do a simple arrangement however."
You say, "A three card arrangement of past, present and future."

You say, "This one is probably the most widely used."

You say, "I know I use it quite frequently when I divine for people."

Niara gazes with interest at you.

Selema settles her gaze on you, watching you intently.

Selema's white anemone handflower writhes slightly, the netted tendrils creeping and shifting slightly as it repositions itself along her hand.

You ask, "So! Who wants to Volunteer?"

Niara says, "I will."

Rohese bites her lip.

Niara smiles at you.

Kakoon raises his hand.

You nod at Niara.

Kakoon snaps his fingers.

Rohese giggles at Kakoon.

Kakoon raises his fist defiantly.

Selema chortles softly at some secret joke.

Rohese whispers something to Kakoon.

(Silima beckons Niara to the stage.)

Niara stands up.

Niara put a deck of silver-edged cards in her raven-colored pelisse.

Niara walks towards you.

You smile at Niara.

Kakoon whispers something to Rohese.

You glance at your silver-edged cards with concern, then shuffle them carefully. You fan the cards out over a flat surface and select one. You flip the card up, revealing it as the one marked with ten wands. You nod sagely, then replace it into the deck.

Kakoon grins at Rohese.

Rohese laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Rohese pushes on Kakoon without much success.

Naitalya casually glances at Kakoon.

Breosaighit exclaims, "Have fun with that load!"

Breosaighit giggles.

Niara surreptitiously glances at Breosaighit.

You say, "Before me is the ten of wands, this speaks to your past."

Speaking softly to you, Rohese exclaims, "Oh I know that one!"

You smile.

Niara shifts her weight.

Speaking to Rohese, you say, "What is it."

You nod at Rohese.

Speaking tentatively to you, Rohese says, "She's been under pressure in her past, felt caged."
Rohese looks thoughtfully at Niara.

You nod at Rohese.

You say, "Correct."

Rohese lets out a little squeal of delight.

Niara flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.

You reach into the center of the deck and remove a single card. You look at the card, nod, then reveal it as the card bearing six cups upon it. Quickly you place the card back into your deck.

Kakoon glances at Dreaer.

Speaking to Dreaer, Kakoon says, "Way to go."

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "In her past."

Rohese sticks out her tongue.

Speaking in Elven, Dreaer says, "I hardly ever keep her in a cage."

You say, "Before me is a six of cups, this speaks to her present state."

Speaking to Rohese, Kakoon says, "He is her past."

Naitalya whispers something to Kakoon.

You ask, "Who can tell me what it means?"

Niara scowls at Kakoon.

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "He is her present."

Breosaighit rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Niara agrees with Rohese.

Speaking to Niara, Kakoon says, "And future."

Rohese nods sagely.

Speaking to Naitalya, Niara says, "Kiss him and make him be quiet."

Niara turns to face you.

Kakoon says, "Like that will keep me quiet."

Kakoon scoffs.

Speaking to Naitalya, Kakoon says, "I wouldn't mind a kiss though."

Niara mutters, "A ball gag would."

Naitalya gives Kakoon a lingering kiss on the lips.

Kakoon smiles at Naitalya.

Speaking in Elven, Dreaer says, "I have a ball."

You say, "The six of cups speaks of kindess and a new relationship."

Speaking suggestively to you, Rohese says, "A new relationship."

Dreaer wiggles his eyebrows at Kakoon.

Rohese smiles.

You nod at Rohese.

Rohese gazes fondly at Niara.

You smile.

Naitalya whispers something to Kakoon.

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese exclaims, "See!"

You expertly shuffle the silver-edged cards, then cut them several times. You remove the top card from the deck, then bury it underneath. You slowly turn the next card up. It is the card with five wands on it. After you are sure it has been seen, you place it back into the deck.

Rohese glances appraisingly at Dreaer.

Naitalya gives Kakoon a lingering kiss on the nose.

You say, "Before me is the five of wands, this speaks of your future."

You ask, "Who can tell me what this one is?"

Speaking adamantly to Dreaer, Rohese exclaims, "You need to stop arguing with her!"

Naitalya bursts out in a sudden snort of laughter.

Rohese wrinkles her nose.

Niara laughs!

Dreaer sits there stubbornly, folding his arms over his chest.

Naitalya buries her face in her hands.

Niara buries her face in her hands.

Speaking in Elven, Dreaer asks, "Whats wrong with a little aruging?"

Speaking softly to you, Rohese asks, "Or am I wrong?"

Rohese bites her lip.

You say, "Or you're right."

You grin at Rohese.

Rohese smiles.

Rohese winks at Dreaer.

Dreaer shakes his head, clucking his tongue.

Naitalya says, "I think they enjoy it too much."

You say, "This one indicates conflict and strife..."

Speaking to Dreaer, you say, "So, be good."

You point at Dreaer.

Breosaighit says, "I must depart."

Rohese folds her hands in her lap.

Rohese smiles at Breosaighit.

Breosaighit says, "Thank you for yoru hospitality."

Niara laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Breosaighit nods to you.

Breosaighit smiles at Rohese.

Selema smiles at Breosaighit.

You say, "One moment."

Aasterinian gazes thoughtfully at his silver-edged cards.

You walk towards Breosaighit.

You put a deck of silver-edged cards in your layered mantle.

You remove a cabochon of absinthe alexandrite from in your layered mantle.

Speaking to his silver-edged cards, Aasterinian says, "I do not trust you."

Rohese giggles at Aasterinian.

Aasterinian put a deck of silver-edged cards in his pure white silk robe.

Naitalya looks thoughtfully at Kakoon.

Niara surreptitiously glances at Aasterinian.

Speaking to Breosaighit, you say, "To heighten your gaze upon the Weave."

You offer your absinthe alexandrite to Breosaighit, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer. Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

Breosaighit says, "I can fog out if that's easiest."

Breosaighit says, "Ah."

Speaking softly to Aasterinian, Rohese says, "It's uncanny how they see to the heart of an issue."
Breosaighit has accepted your offer and is now holding a cabochon of absinthe alexandrite.

Breosaighit says, "Sha'haisa."

Speaking to Breosaighit, you say, "Thank you for attending."

Breosaighit smiles at you.

Rohese expertly shuffles her silver-edged cards, then cuts it several times. You watch as she takes the top card from the deck, moving it to the bottom. After tapping the cards a single time, she slowly turns over the top card. It is the card with a skeleton on it. After she is sure you have seen it, she replaces it back into the deck.

Breosaighit put a cabochon of absinthe alexandrite in her ebon-hued cloak.

Breosaighit put a deck of silver-edged cards in her ebon-hued cloak.

Breosaighit nods.

You glance at Breosaighit and clasp your hands in a reverent gesture.

Speaking in Elven to Niara, Dreaer says, "Im sorry dear but it is fated that I must be
difficult with you. It is out of my control."

Rohese gazes thoughtfully at her silver-edged cards.

Breosaighit says, "Eii, sha'haisa for having mhe."

Breosaighit waves.

You smile.

You wave.
Breosaighit rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Breosaighit mutters under her breath.

Lady Breosaighit just went out.

(Silima heads back to the stage and faces the crowd.)

Speaking to Dreaer, Niara says, "I've resigned myself to that fact already love."

Selema takes a moment to observe you.

Kakoon asks, "Am I next?"

You ask, "Are there any other questions?"

Dreaer gives Niara a lingering kiss on the nose.

Kakoon raises his hand.

You chuckle.

You say, "All right."

Niara asks, "May I sit now?"

You ask, "Who wishes to read for Kakoon?"

You nod at Niara.

Naitalya says, "He wants to hear about his strife."

Naitalya glances at Kakoon.

Niara just went over and threw herself down on the chair.

Niara snickers at Naitalya.

Rohese raises her hand.

You point at Rohese.

Naitalya folds her hands in her lap.

Speaking softly to you, Rohese asks, "May I, if he will allow me to?"

You say, "Please, come up here and read for Kakoon."

Naitalya gazes with interest at Rohese.

Rohese glances at Kakoon.

Speaking to Kakoon, you say, "Come down here."

Rohese stands up.

Kakoon grins at Rohese.

You smile.

Kakoon stands up.

(Rohese walks up on to the stage.)

Rohese kneels down.

You take a few graceful steps backward.

Kakoon asks, "Do I really have to go on stage?"

(Rohese beckons Kakoon over with a playful curl of her finger.)

You say, "Yes."

Kakoon scratches his nose.

Naitalya says, "Don't act like you don't like attention."

Speaking softly to herself, Rohese exclaims, "It won't hurt, I promise!"

Kakoon frowns.

Naitalya tries humming a joyful tune.

Rohese smiles quietly to herself.

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Rohese glances at Kakoon.

Niara snuggles Dreaer, who responds by cradling an arm around her.

You reach up with one finger and push your spectacles higher on the bridge of your nose.

(Kakoon steps up onto the stage.)

Kakoon sits down.

You gaze in amusement at Kakoon.

Rohese smiles at Kakoon.

Niara whispers something to Dreaer.

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "Don't be so skeptical."

Dreaer whispers something to Niara.

Rohese rubs a deck of silver-edged cards in her hand.


Rohese glances at her silver-edged cards with a knowing smile, then shuffles them carefully. With a practiced flourish, she fans them out over a flat surface and selects one. The card is flipped over, and you see that it is the card marked with a skull.
Rohese bites her lip.

Niara fidgets.

Rohese surreptitiously glances at you.

You nod.
Naitalya examines her fingernails.

Speaking to Rohese, Kakoon says, "Oh no, can't be skeptical."

Rohese nods sagely.

The silvery luminescence fades from around Niara.

Kakoon says, "First card is a skull."

Kakoon gazes heavenward.

Naitalya laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

You smile.

Naitalya clasps her hand over her mouth.

Speaking in Elven, Dreaer says, "Better than the last one."

Dreaer grins at Kakoon.

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "You have had trouble letting go in the past and
moving forward."

Naitalya glances away.

You nod in agreement.

Rohese smiles at you.

Speaking to Kakoon, Aasterinian says, "You are doomed."

Aasterinian says, "Doooooomed."

Rohese giggles at Aasterinian.

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Rohese rubs a deck of silver-edged cards in her hand.

Speaking to Aasterinian, Kakoon says, "I should never have volunteered."

Rohese expertly shuffles her silver-edged cards, then cuts it several times. You watch as she takes the top card from the deck, moving it to the bottom. After tapping the cards a single time, she slowly turns over the top card. It is the card with a noble on it. After she is sure you have seen it, she replaces it back into the deck.

Rohese nods slowly.

Rohese glances at you.

You nod.
Kakoon says, "That looks better."

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "But you are learning."

You incline your head.

Rohese cocks her head at you.

You nod.

Niara grins at Naitalya.

Kakoon asks, "Learning to what?"

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "To let go."

You smile.

Speaking in Elven, Dreaer says, "How to be a skull."

Dreaer nods at Kakoon.

Niara gives Dreaer a good pinch!

Rohese giggles at Dreaer.

Dreaer lets out a yelp!

With exaggerated slowness you take a deep breath, then pinch the bridge of your nose.

Rohese touches one finger to her lips.

You shoot Dreaer the smallest of dismayed glances, conveying your disapproval.

Rohese glances at her silver-edged cards with a knowing smile, then shuffles them carefully. With a practiced flourish, she fans them out over a flat surface and selects one. The card is flipped over, and you see that it is the card marked with five cups.

Speaking to you, Niara says, "I did it for you."

Niara nods slowly.

You grin at Niara.

Niara folds her hands in her lap.

Rohese slowly empties her lungs.

Naitalya raises an eyebrow.

Speaking to Naitalya, Kakoon says, "That means 15 kids."

Niara laughs!

Naitalya clears her throat.

You breathe in slightly.

Rohese bites her lip.

Kakoon peers quizzically at Rohese.

Dreaer chuckles.

Speaking to Rohese, Kakoon asks, "15 kids right?"

Rohese giggles to herself.

Elsande glances expectantly at Rohese.

Selema gasps.

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "Sadly, no."

Selema clasps her hand over her mouth.

Rohese gently rests her hand on Kakoon's shoulder.

You say, "Now this is a difficult card... and when we must give a message one might not like-- I tend to asses the person I am reading for."

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "Only fourteen."

Rohese nods to you.

Kakoon gawks at Rohese.

Speaking to Kakoon, Aasterinian says, "Or five cups of wine before she will even begin to contemplate it."
You ask, "How will they take the news?"

Niara giggles at Aasterinian.

Rohese cocks her head at you.

You ask, "Is it best to leave it obscure?"

Naitalya stares at Aasterinian.

Niara whispers something to Naitalya.

You ask, "Or is it best to elaborate?"

Naitalya stares at Niara.

Speaking to you, Kakoon says, "I'd prefer to have it straight."

Rohese nods in agreement to you.

Niara starts chortling.

Selema traces a sign while petitioning the spirits for cognition...

Selema gestures.

You say, "I have been yelled at on more than a few occasions because I misjudged the sensitivity of the object of my reading."

You nod slowly at Rohese.

Rohese slowly empties her lungs.

Naitalya glances between Rohese and Kakoon.

Kakoon asks, "So what does it mean?"

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "I mean this as a true friend to you."

Kakoon raises an eyebrow.

Speaking in Elven, Dreaer says, "They're building up suspense."

Dreaer leans forward.

Speaking softly to Kakoon, Rohese says, "If you don't let go of your fears from past loves and bad experiences, you threaten the love you have now and in the future."

You incline your head.

Kakoon scratches his chin.

Rohese gazes fondly at Kakoon.

Speaking to Kakoon, Aasterinian says, "That means, sadly, you and I are never meant to be."

Rohese kisses Kakoon tenderly on the cheek.

Rohese laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

You say, "As a reader, you must show a know how to broach certain subjects with a measure of decorum."

You say, "This admittedly takes time and practice."

Speaking to Aasterinian, Kakoon says, "I don't know how I'll be able to live."

Rohese shakes her head, totally at a loss.

Rohese giggles to herself.

Naitalya stares at Niara.

You grin happily.


You say, "You all are such wonderful students."

Speaking to Kakoon, Aasterinian says, "But we will always have the oil."

Niara giggles to herself.

Selema smiles at you.

Rohese smiles.

Niara gives Naitalya a lingering kiss on the cheek.

Speaking to Aasterinian, Kakoon says, "I'll cherish it."

Aasterinian gives you a lingering kiss on the cheek.

Rohese nods in agreement at Naitalya.

You smile.

Rohese whispers something to Naitalya.

You say, "I would like to thank you all for attending my lecture, I hope it has proved enlightening and at the very least entertaining."

Selema gazes thoughtfully at her silver-edged cards.





---
Silima's string puller
<<I know merchanting sessions for me usually end with me huddled in a corner, rasping about "Judgment Day" and talking about Terminators. --Auchand