[ Open ] This is What I Brought You

[portolan]

Who: Balthier portolan and you
What: Tarot Reading, return from off-world, open post
When: Mid to late November
Where: Excelsior, his shop, around town
Content Warnings: None so far



OOC: As always, will match prose or brackets.

I. Sign of the Times

[ Business has been...odd...since the near world-ending, since everyone started leaving town, since the guilds have cracked down. It's all the more important he keep the shop safe, but he's that much more wary of people wandering in. So far, the normal folk don't seem to suspect the shop is anything more than a beautiful man with beautiful objects.

But he's been getting restless. So he puts a message out on Our Powers; stop by, guild discounts (either side) and also he's reading tarot.

There's an antique table and two comfortable antique chairs. There are a few decks to choose from. ]

You have a question in mind? You don't have to tell me, but you should think about it while you shuffle.

II. No Place Like Home

[ It's not like Balthier to be low or keep to himself. But between the world almost ending, and then his friends slowly moving our of Excelsior, the anti-meta sentiment threatening the safety of he and his loved ones. He honestly hadn't noticed it eroding his energy.

But after two weeks home, both relieved that his loved ones there are safe and buffeted by the pain of being away from them, he's trying to make a better effort.

So he's reached out, invited people over for tea or dinner, trying to keep this house full and warm as the need to just jump on a ship and go steadily increases. ]

You know this is the longest I've spent tied to one location. There's something enchanting about watching the weather change.

[ He sets out a tray of tea and snacks, all in beautiful antiques. Honestly, eleven months ago, he'd never have expected to get this much comfort out of being so domestic, but here he is. ]

III. Wildcard / Catch-All

[ All your Balthier needs ]

Comments

[exasperation]

[ that . . . does not sound wrong. ]

Something being . . . ?

[portolan]

With eight of pentacles, it's usually something deeply important to you, the sort of thing you chip away at every day, every week. Something you couldn't live without doing.

[exasperation]

[ okay now he's drawing a blank. ]

Like. . . . Daytime tv?

[portolan]

[ Oh, Ripley. ]

Could be. Usually something you can grow at though. A skill or something. In the past.

[exasperation]

My skills are pretty grown. I don't think there's much more left I can do.

[portolan]

Right. Past position. Something you already did.

This is the present position. Empress.

[exasperation]

I thought it was the Emperor.

[portolan]

The Emperor has a beard in this deck but I see how the long hair and flowing garment confused you.

[exasperation]

No I mean. I didn't know there was an Empress Card.

[portolan]

Ah. Yes she's less famous. High arcana mirror to the kings and queens. The gender binary isn't strictly necessary or accurate, but the female figures tend to be social prowess and emotional intelligence.

[exasperation]

And that's . . . my card. Like. Mine.

[portolan]

If you feel a pull to it, then yes.

[exasperation]

It literally sounds nothing like me.

[portolan]

[ That makes more sense honestly. But he didn't want to quash a moment of self-reflection. ]

It's the present position. So it could be a person around you, or the general feeling of the situation. The Empress is capable and immovable. She gets what she wants through her confidence, skill, and social savvy.

[exasperation]

[ is there anyone in ripley's life with confidence and emotional intelligence.







no, probably not. ]

Uh, right. That's possible. Sure.

l m f a o

[portolan]

[ Balthier's wondering if it's not just him, honestly. Sometimes that happens with sitters with weak presence. ]

Alright future position. Ace of wands. Wands are fire, creation. Aces are new starts.

[exasperation]

I guess I've had one of those in this place.

[portolan]

True. This is usually energy you want to act with going forward.

Any new hobbies lying around?

[ Maybe a chance to....be bolder. Use his powers? Not that Ripley will hear any of that ]

[exasperation]

Uhm, not really. I guess I'm getting better at cooking lately. A bit.

[portolan]

Wands are fire.

Do you like cooking?

[ Now he's just being nosy. ]

[exasperation]

I'm still getting used to it but . . . yeah? The routine's nice.

[portolan]

Honestly, Ripley, I'm happy to hear it. You could use something relaxing.






The ace of wands can also be the start of a sexual relationship -- how's Eddie?

[exasperation]

[ ripley splutters. ]

What?

[portolan]

Has he still not asked you on a date? Hmm.

[ That's disappointing ]

To be clear I do respect if neither of you likes to rush into sex.

[exasperation]

No. I mean. We're good. We're hanging out. I'm staying with him. It's good. All good.