Author Topic: The Fortune Teller ~ open to all ~ Madame is OUT (Read 4846 times)

Kitsunetsuki · « **on:** August 16, 2010, 01:18:51 AM »

The Fortune Teller – Madame Zoya

As you enter Madame Zoya’s tent at the local fair, you are greeted by the scent of burning incense, a heady aromatic odor that fills the nostrils to the point where you can almost taste it. The tent is somewhat dark, but you can make out a small table with the ubiquitous crystal ball on a small stand next to a deck of Tarot cards. Looking around, there is not much decoration in place. The red and white striped fabric of the tent appears well used and somewhat yellowed with age. The chair in front of the crystal ball is utilitarian at best, not comfortable looking, but good enough for however long it will take to have your fortune read. It is then that you spot the Madame. She appears tall as she sits up straight on the other side of the table. She wears her long raven hair straight and flowing. Her eyes, a warm hazel, bore into you, belying the placid smile on her pale face. She gestures for you to take a seat, the only other seat in the tent. Leaning forward slightly, her jewelry jingling, all a part of her stereotypical “gypsy” look, she smiles a bit more warmly. “Welcome,” she says, “and what can I do for you today?”

Rules

1.   One customer at a time, please. Madame Zoya’s tent is only so big. Please wait your turn.
2.   You must enter and you must exit. No one should be left wondering if you’re still visiting Madame. (To be clear, your first post must be your “entrance” [yes, you must describe entering the tent], and your last post must describe your exit.) If you do not exit clearly, Madame will escort you out.
3.   Upon entering, you may request either:
a fortune – this is a relatively short reading, 1-3 cards only…
a reading – this is a longer reading, but only about 3-5 cards, depending on your question
4.   If no question is specified, Madame will give you a “general reading” – this does not mean “generic,” rather it is more along the lines of “let’s see what comes up today!”
5.   One reading, per customer, per day…no exceptions…So, if you have something specific you want to know about, please ask!
6.   In spite of rule #5, you are welcome to stay and chat with Madame Zoya after your reading. You are, of course, the reason Madame Zoya is here. So, whether you want to ask about your reading, or whether you wish to talk about the weather, Madame is happy to entertain you. However, please be aware that others may be waiting. It would be unfair to monopolize Madame’s time.
7.   Regarding "payment" for Madame's services - Madame works on a "tips only" basis, so whatever you feel the reading was worth, Madame shall graciously accept.
8.   Madame Zoya’s is a place out of time…meaning, you do not need to stick to a particular time period or setting. If you wish for it to be Renaissance Italy, by all means. If you prefer that it’s set in Topeka, Kansas circa 2010, that’s fine as well.
9.   Madame reserves the right to refuse a reading should any of the aforementioned rules be ignored. Madame will ask you politely to leave, at that point. You would be wise to do so.
10.   Remember, this is a game! It is “for entertainment purposes only” as the disclaimer goes…

Lastly: Madame only takes customers when she is “IN” – her status will be listed in the post’s subject line & Madame will post a notice in the thread as well. Madame will most likely lock the "doors" while she is “OUT.”

If anything else comes up, it will surely be added to the list. Thank you for visiting! Madame hopes you enjoy your stay.

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #1 on:** August 16, 2010, 01:19:09 AM »

Madame Zoya is IN

Starlequin · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2010, 02:44:15 AM »

'Quin looked around curiously, his hands shoved deep in the denim pockets of his jeans. He was uncertain where he was, and less so about how he'd gotten there, but nothing seemed dangerous or threatening; quite the contrary. The tents surrounding him were bright and welcoming, even with little more than starshine and moonlight to illuminate them. Fog roiled just at his ankles, and he stepped carefully on the worn dirt path in front of him. He glanced left and right as he ambled down the midway, and stopped in front of a faded wooden sign. Simple black letters proclaimed this the tent of Madame Zoya.

'Hm. Fortune teller, eh? I wonder...' 'Quin checked his pockets and found them empty, save for a few coins in a back pocket. A night breeze whistled through the carnival, and he shivered a little in his thin black T-shirt. 'Well, if only to get out of the wind a minute...'

He stepped inside, ducking under the draping front curtain, and spied the tent's owner near the back, shrouded in darkness. As he approached the empty chair, a cobweb caught in his dark, shaggy hair, and he ran a hand through his locks to clear it free. Was it his imagination, or were the shadows growing deeper? He shrugged recklessly and placed a hand on the back of the chair. His voice was low and rough as he spoke.

"...Evening, Madame. So, how much for a fortune?"

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2010, 03:00:49 AM »

Zoya had spent the better part of an hour alone. Night was darkening the sky quickly and she was sure that they would close early this evening. Too dark, too cold, and too foggy for people to be wandering about, she thought. Shuffling her cards idly, she looked down and laid out a quick spread for herself. Her eyes taking in the cards quickly, she mentally filed them away for later. The walls of the tent rustled noisily as the breeze picked up, and she was about to get up to start putting her things away, when a man appeared in the doorway.

Taking him in, he looked somewhat young to her. Dressed in just jeans and a black t-shirt, she could tell he was chilled from the night air. "Good evening, sir. Welcome to my little home away from home, as it were. Come in, come in..." she said, rising to greet him. "How much for a fortune, you ask? Well, my dear, my fortune only costs as much as you are willing to give." She gestured to the small chair in front of her table and moved quickly to tie down the open flap of the tent. "I hope you don't mind, the wind is so chilly tonight!"

Tossing a log into the brazier in the corner, she smiled at her visitor before returning to her seat. "Now, what can I do for you tonight? A quick fortune? A reading? Perhaps there is some new girl you are interested in, yes? Tell Madame Zoya what you want, and she shall provide..." Her eyes sparkled in the low light from the fire and her smile was warm and inviting. Beginning to shuffle the card already, she awaited his reply...

Starlequin · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2010, 03:27:14 AM »

'Quin cocked an eyebrow in curiosity as he slid into the offered seat. He tapped one boot on the dirt floor, unconsciously keeping time with the jangling of the chimes outside. 'Sounds like a fair price,' he thought to himself, 'but what does that buy you? A fortune you like, a fortune that's true, or something in between?' He leaned back in the chair for a few moments, studying the gypsy woman. She reminded him of a painting he once saw, a portrait of one of his own ancestors, and wished--not for the first time--he'd had a chance to learn more about his family's history. Then he put such thoughts from his mind, and tried to imagine a worthy question.

There was only one that burned in both his heart and mind, but he doubted anyone but himself could answer it truthfully. It simply sat, waiting for the day when his courage or his strength were equal to the task of facing it. He would not ask her that question.

Instead, he leaned a little closer and rested a palm on the table. There was, he thought, one other question he could ask, one he felt he could withstand. His dark brown eyes settled on hers, and his voice was low, but steady. "A reading, then. Tell me...if I will always be alone."

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2010, 03:47:16 AM »

Zoya huffed at the implication her readings were not accurate, puffing her chest slightly. Still, she realized the young man did not mean any harm. "I would say that my readings are very accurate, my dear boy. I do not tell people what they want to hear. I tell them what they need to hear." She leaned back in her chair as well, mimicking the man's actions. Let him look, she thought, I am not the one with things to hide. She met his gaze steadily as he seemed to contemplate what to ask. She could see that there was something weighing heavily on him, but she did not press. If there was something he needed to know, it would come out in the cards whether he liked it or not.

Her golden eyes danced from his hand upwards, looking into his for a moment before nodding at his question. "A reading it is then...it is a gentle question, but I hope you do not mind if I use a harsher deck. Something tells me, you need this right now..." She kept her eyes on him as she shuffled. Her fingers deftly moving the cards about, making them rattle together. She quickly cut the deck and dealt four cards in a single row.

The Eight of Cups - a lone figure is seen walking away from 8 cups stacked on each other
The Star - a naked woman is seen pouring water onto both earth and into a pool, several stars are above her
The Hermit - an old wise man with a staff and a light is hunched and walking alone
The Emperor - a wizened war general sits upon his throne, rams heads decorating it boldly

Looking up at him, to gauge his response to the pictures on the cards, she took a moment to breathe in deeply and exhale softly.

Starlequin · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2010, 07:56:59 PM »

He watched carefully as the cards were pulled, one by one, and spread on the table. He had no idea what any of it meant, but the picture painted by his imagination was, he had to admit, an expected one. 'Quin had never had his fortune told before, so he was unsure if it would be polite to ask for her interpretation, or rely on his own. After a few more moments' consideration, he decided it didn't matter. She would likely tell him what he already suspected. He nodded once, curtly, and rose from the chair. He reached into his back pocket and withdrew the coins; not much, but all he had. A fitting payment, he thought, for such a fortune. Whatever his future held, he knew the gypsy was not responsible for it, so he offered them with a friendly smile of thanks, warmed against the night's chill, and turned to leave the tent.

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #7 on:** August 16, 2010, 08:03:34 PM »

Madame watched as the young man rose. "I have not given you the reading yet, my good man. And it is cold out there. Come sit back down, please, and I will tell you what the cards mean." She smiled up at him just as warmly and began...

Pointing towards the first card, she said, "This one represents your past. You'll see the gentleman walking away from that which he's built, yes? The cups are all stacked upon each other, signifying that someone put an effort into building something. But, then they leave it. As though it didn't matter to them anymore." She sighed sadly and continued. "You have obviously been involved with someone before, but for whatever reason, you felt it was necessary to walk away..."

Adjusting the card slightly as some errant breeze had turned it, she pointed to The Star. "This represents your current state, the present. The Star indicates a lot of hope. You have hope for your future. And there are bright prospects ahead for you. But, you must not be so caught up in the future that you do not deal with the present." Her eyes looked up into his, giving him a piercing look if he were to see it in the low lighting of the tent.

Jerking her head towards The Hermit, she grimaced slightly. "That right there represents your obstacles. And while you may think the meaning is obvious, it is not quite so. The Hermit usually indicates someone who is very well schooled. Someone who is now a teacher, one who perhaps travels to and fro to show others, to teach. Why should this be an obstacle for you? The Hermit has no roots. He has no way of staying anywhere long enough to attract someone to him. For, by the time he's done so, he's ready to leave." She sighed once more, and pulled her shawl a bit tighter around her shoulders. The tent flap flickered in the wind. Her eyes looked at it accusingly, but continued on.

Touching the last card, she said, "Finally, we have The Emperor. He is older, wiser now. He has been through many battles. You see his throne? Decorated with the heads of the Ram? They are symbols of virility, of course. Of his prowess, able to conquer at will, eh?" She chuckled at this, having known many men who fit this description well over the years. "This card represents your future. Note that he sits alone. And yet, within the deck, there is the Empress. I think this is a good sign for you. You will not always be alone. But, you have many more years of loneliness ahead of you until you settle down with a mate."

Zoya sits back and looks at the cards once more. Then, again, her eyes dance with the young man's. "I must tell you this. Your future is not set in stone. No matter what the cards may say, they merely point out the path that you are on right now. You have the power to change things, if you so desire. Take heed of your obstacles. Do you wish to continue being alone, whether you travel physically or spiritually, your current path prevents you from finding a mate any time soon. But," she said, pointing towards the Emperor card again, "you may very well find it later in life. So, again, I tell you that it is up to you, which path you choose."

Smiling at him softly, she murmurs, "Now, do you have any questions for me about your reading, dear boy?"

Starlequin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 16, 2010, 10:08:17 PM »

'Quin felt a bit stupid as he returned to his seat. [Well, at least that question's been answered,] he thought to himself. He sat quietly, waiting for her to speak again.

His eyes widened considerably as she laid out the cards' meanings. It was true, there had been something important to him once, but he had never been certain who had walked away first. And he supposed part of him did harbor hope for the future, though he kept it carefully buried and out of sight. The third card, though...it was true, he did suffer from a powerful, starving wanderlust, made all the worse by his inability to feed it. But, a teacher? He shook his head and sighed softly. No matter what, it seemed that was one fate he just couldn't escape. And then, there was the fourth card. The Emperor. The conqueror. He'd been through so much already, so many trials...and now there would be more? But there was most likely nothing for it. Others had been through worse; others would always have been through worse, and complaining wouldn't make the path any easier. The notion that a reward might be at the end of it did lessen the weight, even if it did prove to be nothing more than kind words for a weary ear.

He smiled again, a tired, old smile that looked somehow wrong on his young face, and shook his head. No more questions. Not tonight. 'Quin pushed the coins forward on the table once again, rose, and left the tent, back out into the night. It seemed someone else was already awaiting their turn...

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #9 on:** August 16, 2010, 10:17:23 PM »

Zoya made note of the young man's expressions as she went through the meanings of the cards. She saw his weary old man's smile and nodded to herself. Yes, this one needed the harsh deck, she thought. Sighing softly, she almost regretted using it, but sometimes people needed to hear what they didn't want to hear.

Accepting the coins as he pushed them forward, she called out "Good luck!" to his back as he walked out of her tent. She placed the cards in the deck once more and started shuffling again, awaiting her next customer.

CelestialExplosion · « **Reply #10 on:** August 16, 2010, 10:35:35 PM »

Celeste roamed the carnival all by her lonesome. It was late, there was a full moon shining down on her, casting a glow upon her pale skin. It was a cool night with a little bit of wind chilling the air. She shivered and clutched her black coat tigher to her body. The breeze blew some of her dark cocoa colored hair in front of her deep amethyst colored eyes. She was reaching up with her fingers to tuck her hair behind her ears when she could smell a beautiful aroma coming from a little ways ahead.

Intrigued by this, she stepped forward a little ways until she saw a sign reading, "Madame Zoya." Celeste smiled to herself, since she had never met a fortune teller. She eagerly stepped inside, immediately noticing the beautiful and exotic looking lady sitting behind her table.

"Hello," she greeted the fortune teller with a tingle of excitement coursing through her body. "I believe I would like to have my fortune read."

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #11 on:** August 16, 2010, 11:02:20 PM »

Zoya looked up as her next client walked through the doorway of her tent. She was a lovely girl. The contrast of her pale skin and dark hair was striking. "Welcome, my dear...welcome..." she said. Pointing to the chair in front of her, Zoya smiled warmly. "Have a seat, my dear. You'd like to have your fortune read, you say? Well, you've come to the right place then!"

Zoya picked up her cards and began to shuffle lightly, her fingers deftly moving the cards about. Looking at the girl, she pondered whether she wanted to use this deck. No, maybe the other, she thought. Putting the cards down gently on the table, she looked into the girl's eyes, surprised at their colour. "Now, did you want just your fortune or a reading? I can do either, and you only need pay me what you see fit to pay me..."

Her chair creaked slightly as she leaned back in it. "So, what do you say, my dear? What shall it be? And while we're at it, did you have a question? Or would you just like to see what comes up?"

CelestialExplosion · « **Reply #12 on:** August 16, 2010, 11:54:08 PM »

Celeste bit her lower lip as she opened up her jacket to fetch her coin purse. She withdrew a generous handful of gold coins and gently placed them into the table. "I would like to have the reading, please."

She thought about the latter part of what the fortune teller had asked. Her eyes were a bit wide and nervous as she sat there alone in the tent with the stranger. "I guess I do not have a specific question that comes to my mind. I just am curious as to what your cards may say about me and what lies ahead."

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #13 on:** August 17, 2010, 12:46:58 AM »

Zoya quirked an eyebrow as the girl took out a large amount of gold coins from her purse and set them on the table. Not saying anything about the payment as of yet, she nodded as the girl asked her for a reading. "Of course, my dear...We'll just see what comes up then." Pulling out another deck, she began to shuffle the cards again. They flew withing her hands, clicking against each other as the melded two piles together. They whirred softly as she arched them and let them flutter together within her grasp. Repeating this a few times, Zoya cut the deck and laid out five cards in front of her.

The Knight of Cups - a fey can be seen astride a lobster, a cup in his hands, a jovial expression on his face
The Queen of Pentacles - her face made up almost as a geisha or a pretty clown, the queen sits on the floor, holding a large coin to her chest
The Knight of Pentacles - this knight looks more fierce than the other, even though he is atop a large rabbit with a coin about its neck
The Emperor - the fey emperor is seated in his throne which floats in the air, his sword can be seen jutting from a rock above him
The Five of Swords - a fey blows fairy dust into the wind as she sits on the hilt of a great sword buried in the earth

Zoya regarded the cards solemnly. "Well, this looks interesting, doesn't it, my dear?" Zoya looked up with a twinkle in her eye. Examining the cards once more, she murmured, "Just give me a moment to collect my thoughts, and I shall tell you what they mean..."

CelestialExplosion · « **Reply #14 on:** August 17, 2010, 12:55:54 AM »

Celeste nodded as she peered down at the cards. None of them looked too ominous, even though she had no idea what they meant. The character portraying the Queen of Pentacles actually looked quite adorable. This came as a bit of relief. She didn't realize her shoulders had been a little tense so she sat back in the chair and tried to relax as she waited to see what Madame Zoya would tell her.

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #15 on:** August 17, 2010, 01:19:05 AM »

Zoya fingered the edge of the Knight of Cups card lightly and smiled. "This is the Knight of Cups, sometimes called chalices. This card represents your past. So, you can probably see that he's something of a happy-go-lucky fey. The thing about this one is that he is also very sensitive. Very romantic, he is the sort that will do whatever it takes for love. I'd say that, in your past, you've led a fairly happy life. This is not to say you've never suffered, but if anything did come about, you would likely brush it off."

Pointing to the next card in the row, she said, "Now, this is the Queen of Pentacles. As you can see, she's quite pretty. She is dressed in a clown's outfit, but she is not the sort to squirt you with a fake boutonniere. She is the elegant mime. Also note the coin in her lap, with the sun and moon. This is to express the duality of her character. This card represents your present. You are obviously more comfortable in who you are now than when you were younger." Zoya paused, "But then, aren't we all?" Smiling, she continued. "Still, you have come into your own as a woman, better able to deal with the things life throws at you. This is a card that represents a smart woman, one who is able to balance both career and family, should she have one."

Pausing in her speech, Zoya looked up at the girl. "Any questions so far? Shall I go on?"

CelestialExplosion · « **Reply #16 on:** August 17, 2010, 01:38:57 AM »

Celeste gave a bit of a sheepish smile. "Well to be honest I'm not quite certain if they truly describe me. Well, maybe I can agree with the second one. I have pulled through many hardships in life and I do feel as though I am okay with who I have turned out to be. Had I not gone through what I did, I would not be the person I am today sitting before you. Please, do continue."

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #17 on:** August 17, 2010, 01:57:44 AM »

Nodding, her gaze went to the next card in the row. "The next one is the Knight of Pentacles. This card is quite fun because, while a rabbit may indicate speed, this Knight is anything but speedy. He is a slow thinker, slow mover, he does not rush into anything. Rather, he plots, he plans, he weighs every single option before making any move whatsoever." Zoya paused again. Her eyes seemed to glow in the light from the fire. The warm light illuminated one side of the girl's face and again, Zoya was struck with how pretty she was. "This card actually represents the obstacles in your path. So, perhaps you also like to weigh all of your options before making any sort of move, eh?" Zoya chuckled softly. "You know, there's nothing wrong with taking your time with things...but sometimes, if you wait too long to make a decision, the opportunity is lost. Just something to consider..."

"Next, we have The Emperor. You'll notice that even though he is high in the air, his feet are on a rock. And even though is clad in armor, his sword is sticking out from one of the stones above him. This card represents your near future, what's coming up soon for you. What I see with this card here is that you may have a bit of a battle on your hands coming up. But, that you are prepared to fight for what's yours. Your fight is on the side of right. So, I do not see a bad ending for you here. You will prevail, but of course, as with everything else, there are consequences and fallout to deal with..." Zoya paused for effect. "Which brings us to the last card."

Her delicate fingers reached out to turn the last card towards the girl. "This is the five of Swords. You'll see the fey blowing glittering dust away as she sits upon the sword. This represents the far future, what's to come in time. Your battle has been waged. The fight has been won. But this shows the effects of said battle. You will feel alone. And while you may not be sad over this, it will still affect you to some extent. Swords are an intellectual card, it's all about the mind. So, in your mind, you will feel alright with the outcome, but it will still cause a small bit of grief. You will suffer loss, no longer close to those you battled with. But, again, it was for a good cause."

Leaning back in her chair, Zoya shifted her weight slightly. It had been a long night, but she knew more customers were to come after this. The girl was sweet though, and reminded Zoya of herself in her youth. "Now, feel free to ask any questions you like...I'm sure you have at least one for me, no?" She smiled warmly again and leaned forward, her elbow resting on the table, chin in hand.

CelestialExplosion · « **Reply #18 on:** August 17, 2010, 02:20:15 AM »

Celeste took a deep breath in and let it out gently while giving Madame Zoya's words careful consideration. "I like what you had to say about the Knight, that made a lot of sense to me. I do often let certain opportunities slip through my fingers because I am so hesitant to just take a chance without being absolutely sure its the right thing to do."

She glanced back down at the cards and thought about the message of her being alone. Ending up alone was actually her worst fear in life. However this was just a prediction after all. What the cards said weren't a set in stone future for her. She could take Madame Zoya's words as more of a warning of what her life could turn out like and do everything in her power to make sure she ended up with a brighter and more fulfilling future.

"I guess I do have a question...do you often hear back from those you give readings to? Do you ever get to find out how things work out in the end for someone?"

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #19 on:** August 17, 2010, 02:30:47 AM »

Zoya could see the worry on the girl's face as she contemplated the cards. Her heart went out to her as she certainly did not want to make the girl sad. The warm honey of her eyes softened at her question. "Well, I have been giving readings for more than twenty two years now, so yes, I do hear back from my clients. Some of them see me more than once, if they are having a particularly difficult time with things. I do sometimes get to hear how things turned out, and I am happy to report that many of them tell me I was completely wrong!"

At this, Zoya laughed and put her hand out for the young girl to touch, if she wished. "By this, I mean, they were able to change their fate. They took heed of the warnings in the cards and made the necessary changes to enhance and enrich their lives. Nothing is set in stone, my dear. You have the power to change your fate, if you so desire. The cards merely point out the path you are on at the moment. Anything is possible..."

Her eyes crinkle at the edges slightly as she smiled. "Does that help put your mind at ease, somewhat?"

CelestialExplosion · « **Reply #20 on:** August 17, 2010, 02:38:30 AM »

Celeste noticed the subtleness Madame Zoya was giving of reaching her hand out for comfort, and as nice and pleasant as the woman was, she was just too shy and scared to touch people. "Yes, thank you. I appreciate your time. It was very lovely."

She rose from her chair and cast a big smile at the fortune teller. "Perhaps I will be able to come back again sometime."

Then she turned around and took her leave, so that others might be able to seek the fortune teller's guidance. As she stepped outside of the tent, the wind whipped by her again, but this time she didn't feel the chill.

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #21 on:** August 17, 2010, 02:45:02 AM »

Zoya nodded at the girl's thanks, not feeling slighted in the least that she did not take her hand. "You're very welcome, my dear." With her outstretched hand, she scooped up the coins and tucked them into her pocket.

Smiling warmly as the girl stood, she tilted her head slightly as she looked up at her. "Feel free to visit anytime. And by all means, come back and let me know how things went for you...."

The cards danced on top of the table as the wind picked up, causing the cloth on top of it to flutter. Touching her beloved fey, she couldn't help but grin. Gently placing the cards with the rest of the deck, she gave them a quick shuffle and wrapped them in a purple cloth, tucking them away for later.

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #22 on:** August 17, 2010, 01:15:21 PM »

Madame Zoya is OUT

(need to catch up on RP replies...Madame shall return when I do!)

TheLegionary · « **Reply #23 on:** August 18, 2010, 11:50:32 AM »

* visits her tent and finds the door locked * sighs disappointed * decides to come back later *

Kitsunetsuki · « **Reply #24 on:** August 19, 2010, 01:06:22 PM »

Madame Zoya is IN