Tristan empties his right hand by hurling his hatchet at the beast 1, then draws and readies one of his two pistols with lightning speed.
attack:
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2298055/
The Fall of House Pancrazio Chapter Three
-
ewancummins
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 28523
- Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:35 pm
Agna enters and carefully picks her way to the stool offered by Madame Nadezhda. Despite her small frame, she worries that she will somehow knock over something. Finding her way to the seat, she perches on the edge, hands in her lap.
The words about "lost daughter" and "distant kin" cause Agna to freeze, and the denial is almost to her lips when she thinks about Iosip and Radu and the others outside, how her hair and skin is a lighter rendition of theirs, how strangely familiar their features seem compared with hers.
Agna is unused to being gazed at for too long and after a few moments of the older woman's glance, she drops her eyes to her lap.
It's been years since she's last seen cards. When she was a child of 7, an elderly maiden aunt on a visit took a fancy to her and taught her a solitary game with a deck of brightly illustrated suite cards. The aunt had left them with her, unaware of the ensuing uproar that followed, much of which Agna hadn't understood, except that the cards were taken away and she never saw them (or the aunt) again. Now, in spite of herself, she is drawn to these laid out before her.
The words about "lost daughter" and "distant kin" cause Agna to freeze, and the denial is almost to her lips when she thinks about Iosip and Radu and the others outside, how her hair and skin is a lighter rendition of theirs, how strangely familiar their features seem compared with hers.
Agna is unused to being gazed at for too long and after a few moments of the older woman's glance, she drops her eyes to her lap.
It's been years since she's last seen cards. When she was a child of 7, an elderly maiden aunt on a visit took a fancy to her and taught her a solitary game with a deck of brightly illustrated suite cards. The aunt had left them with her, unaware of the ensuing uproar that followed, much of which Agna hadn't understood, except that the cards were taken away and she never saw them (or the aunt) again. Now, in spite of herself, she is drawn to these laid out before her.
IN MADAME NADEZHDA'S VARDO-
Madame Nadezhda passes her hands over the cards a few times before gingerly resting her fingers on the center card of the cross.
"This is your focus card my child, the card from which all the others shall speak. It represents you."
Madame Nadezhda flips over the center card. It shows an Androgynous figure staring outward, eyes closed, indicating something unseen or hidden. Its face is masked and each eye hole is decorated with three glyphs. A larger glyph marks the forehead of the mask.
"Your card is The Charlatan. This card often speaks of one who is not what they seem, an enemy where a friend was thought. For you though i see it is the former; you have a hidden gift within you, if only you seek to find it. It will shift many attitudes towards you, including those you cherish. I sense your gift has been used against you before, that even your own hands have betrayed you."
The crone does not smile. Her hands reach slowly to the south end of the cross. Her fingers caress the back of the card, almost tracing the swirling cherub faces drawn upon them.
"This card represents your past and speaks of things lost or forgotten."
The old gypsy flips the card. An old man kneels, head bowed, within a mausoleum. Beside him a young warrior dressed in knightly armor lies in state, on a bier. The young man's spirit rises from the corpse, one hand reaching down to comfort or perhaps harm the man kneeling below.
"Your card is The Ghost. This is a powerful card to rear its head in a reading and its placing tells me that something forgotten or missing to you has had a powerful impact on your present. The ghost speaks of a dark and looming history, of some menace from the past returning to harm the future. Be wary child! An old enemy returns to you and depending on the outcome of certain events may cause you to become the ghost!"
She moves to flip over the western end card of the cross.
"This card in the cross speaks of those that would actively oppose you or stand in your way. Often these are the hindrances that hold you back from your future." The gypsy taps the card to the north when she says this last part. Moving back to the west card, she turns it over.
Upon the card is a figure in dark robes. He is gesturing to a blindfolded man caught in a fiery diagram. Behind the robed figure are seven standing stones each inscribed with a star, which glows faintly in the light of the fire beyond.
"Your card is The Illusionist. Someone close to you, a friend or member of your household is not what they seem. Unlike the charlatan which speaks of a secret life or ability, this darker card speaks of a foul and evil force at work-even a secret group that is actively opposing your future and your safety! I see poisonous spies of this group lurking in all of this country's shadows. It is terrible luck indeed to have this dark group as your enemy."
Madame Nadezhda moves on to the next card.
"This card speaks to the future. It may sometimes foretell great tragedies or wild hopes. Many who come in search of answers find them here."
She turns the card. It shows a beggar and a wealthy man standing in mirrored stance. Other than their clothing the men are identical. The wealthy man drops six coins into the bent tin cup of the beggar. The similarities warn of the fickle nature of fortune.
"Your card is The Beggar. I see your fortunes being greatly reversed! Those around you will come into some wealth-be it coin or wisdom-and you will benefit from this event. The actions of those surrounding you and the movements of that dark group in your way may poison this future. I see a victory for you in a way you have never dreamed."
The old gypsy woman actually smiles. "I am pleased to see this card reveal itself Agna child. When ever the fortunes of another turns for the better it reminds me that this place is not as dark as we sometimes think. The beggar in your future may very well mean that these present dark times may be the worst you will ever know." Though it is meant as a complement, Madame Nadezheda's warning still comes off as ominous.
She lets her fingers rest on the back of the final unturned card at the eastern part of the cross.
"This card represents your family or your friends. The ones you would call your allies. Depending on your card they will either be staunch allies against your present and future foes or traitors waiting to betray you."
She turns the card. There is an illustration of a young shepherd boy who watches his flock carefully but his loyal dog lies curled up asleep while a wolf lurks nearby among the sheep. four glyphs decorate the length of the shepherd's crook.
"Your card is The Shepherd. I see that there are many around you that care for you greatly. You are blessed to have such strong friends even if you do not know it. I see that they are loyal to you and will not betray you. There is a dark force among this family however as shown by the wolf who hides among the shepherds flock, but those close to you will lay down their lives to protect you from it....and I see that some will."
Madame Nadezhda passes her hands over the cards a few times before gingerly resting her fingers on the center card of the cross.
"This is your focus card my child, the card from which all the others shall speak. It represents you."
Madame Nadezhda flips over the center card. It shows an Androgynous figure staring outward, eyes closed, indicating something unseen or hidden. Its face is masked and each eye hole is decorated with three glyphs. A larger glyph marks the forehead of the mask.
"Your card is The Charlatan. This card often speaks of one who is not what they seem, an enemy where a friend was thought. For you though i see it is the former; you have a hidden gift within you, if only you seek to find it. It will shift many attitudes towards you, including those you cherish. I sense your gift has been used against you before, that even your own hands have betrayed you."
The crone does not smile. Her hands reach slowly to the south end of the cross. Her fingers caress the back of the card, almost tracing the swirling cherub faces drawn upon them.
"This card represents your past and speaks of things lost or forgotten."
The old gypsy flips the card. An old man kneels, head bowed, within a mausoleum. Beside him a young warrior dressed in knightly armor lies in state, on a bier. The young man's spirit rises from the corpse, one hand reaching down to comfort or perhaps harm the man kneeling below.
"Your card is The Ghost. This is a powerful card to rear its head in a reading and its placing tells me that something forgotten or missing to you has had a powerful impact on your present. The ghost speaks of a dark and looming history, of some menace from the past returning to harm the future. Be wary child! An old enemy returns to you and depending on the outcome of certain events may cause you to become the ghost!"
She moves to flip over the western end card of the cross.
"This card in the cross speaks of those that would actively oppose you or stand in your way. Often these are the hindrances that hold you back from your future." The gypsy taps the card to the north when she says this last part. Moving back to the west card, she turns it over.
Upon the card is a figure in dark robes. He is gesturing to a blindfolded man caught in a fiery diagram. Behind the robed figure are seven standing stones each inscribed with a star, which glows faintly in the light of the fire beyond.
"Your card is The Illusionist. Someone close to you, a friend or member of your household is not what they seem. Unlike the charlatan which speaks of a secret life or ability, this darker card speaks of a foul and evil force at work-even a secret group that is actively opposing your future and your safety! I see poisonous spies of this group lurking in all of this country's shadows. It is terrible luck indeed to have this dark group as your enemy."
Madame Nadezhda moves on to the next card.
"This card speaks to the future. It may sometimes foretell great tragedies or wild hopes. Many who come in search of answers find them here."
She turns the card. It shows a beggar and a wealthy man standing in mirrored stance. Other than their clothing the men are identical. The wealthy man drops six coins into the bent tin cup of the beggar. The similarities warn of the fickle nature of fortune.
"Your card is The Beggar. I see your fortunes being greatly reversed! Those around you will come into some wealth-be it coin or wisdom-and you will benefit from this event. The actions of those surrounding you and the movements of that dark group in your way may poison this future. I see a victory for you in a way you have never dreamed."
The old gypsy woman actually smiles. "I am pleased to see this card reveal itself Agna child. When ever the fortunes of another turns for the better it reminds me that this place is not as dark as we sometimes think. The beggar in your future may very well mean that these present dark times may be the worst you will ever know." Though it is meant as a complement, Madame Nadezheda's warning still comes off as ominous.
She lets her fingers rest on the back of the final unturned card at the eastern part of the cross.
"This card represents your family or your friends. The ones you would call your allies. Depending on your card they will either be staunch allies against your present and future foes or traitors waiting to betray you."
She turns the card. There is an illustration of a young shepherd boy who watches his flock carefully but his loyal dog lies curled up asleep while a wolf lurks nearby among the sheep. four glyphs decorate the length of the shepherd's crook.
"Your card is The Shepherd. I see that there are many around you that care for you greatly. You are blessed to have such strong friends even if you do not know it. I see that they are loyal to you and will not betray you. There is a dark force among this family however as shown by the wolf who hides among the shepherds flock, but those close to you will lay down their lives to protect you from it....and I see that some will."
"Seven Seals...Seven Rings...Seven Brides for the Scarlet King..."
IN THE TUNNELS-
Goran lets loose with his hatchet into the creature fresh from the mound and Tristan follows up a moment later with a hatchet of his own. The foul thing from the grave still persists.
Harold lets loose with his spell but the color pattern emitted from his magic wand does not seem to faze the corpse things at all. Sebastian meanwhile, is paralyzed from the creatures attack!
OOC:End of Round 1. Actions for next round?
Goran lets loose with his hatchet into the creature fresh from the mound and Tristan follows up a moment later with a hatchet of his own. The foul thing from the grave still persists.
Harold lets loose with his spell but the color pattern emitted from his magic wand does not seem to faze the corpse things at all. Sebastian meanwhile, is paralyzed from the creatures attack!
OOC:End of Round 1. Actions for next round?
"Seven Seals...Seven Rings...Seven Brides for the Scarlet King..."
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PathOfDreams
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 238
- Joined: Mon Jan 26, 2009 3:50 pm
- Location: Kyle, TX
- Contact:
Goran slides one of his twin longswords from its sheath as he mirrors Tristan's movement and steps away from the creature.
"We could nearly be brothers from another mother there Tristan, that was a helluva throw, glad you're on my side houndsman!"
After Goran retreats slightly, he then stands his ground firm in anticipation of a lunge from the living dead. (1)
(1) longsword attack; 1d20+6-2=8 Goran will make this attack only if the monster comes within range of melee.
"We could nearly be brothers from another mother there Tristan, that was a helluva throw, glad you're on my side houndsman!"
After Goran retreats slightly, he then stands his ground firm in anticipation of a lunge from the living dead. (1)
(1) longsword attack; 1d20+6-2=8 Goran will make this attack only if the monster comes within range of melee.
The Fall of House Pancrazio
Goran Pancrazio - http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.p ... tid=165152
Ghosts of Gauntcliff
Petrie MacLugash - http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.p ... tid=339286
Goran Pancrazio - http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.p ... tid=165152
Ghosts of Gauntcliff
Petrie MacLugash - http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.p ... tid=339286
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ewancummins
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 28523
- Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:35 pm
''Thanks- now let's put this critter back in the dirt!''
Tristan takes a long step back to get beside Goran, takes aim and fires his pistol. Immediately after the shot, he [gently] drops the still-smoking pistol a little distance behind himself and to his right [where he won’t trip on it and where it will be easy for him to recover], then snatches his second pistol from its resting place in his coat [the butt sticks out of an open-flapped pocket at waist level]. Even before the puff of white gun smoke has cleared, he’s ready to shoot again.
Tristan takes a long step back to get beside Goran, takes aim and fires his pistol. Immediately after the shot, he [gently] drops the still-smoking pistol a little distance behind himself and to his right [where he won’t trip on it and where it will be easy for him to recover], then snatches his second pistol from its resting place in his coat [the butt sticks out of an open-flapped pocket at waist level]. Even before the puff of white gun smoke has cleared, he’s ready to shoot again.
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.
-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
-
Rock of the Fraternity
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 6844
- Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:16 pm
Harold moves another step back to stay behind the younger, more combat-ready men. He jabs the wand back through his belt and intones words: "Sagitta magica, omne errore vacua, vole!"
A single dart of blue force leaps from Harold's index finger into the creature just struck by Tristan.
(OOC: Taking a five-foot step backwards to stay behind the warriors and casting Magic Missile for one missile's worth at the undead currently sporting a bullet hole.)
A single dart of blue force leaps from Harold's index finger into the creature just struck by Tristan.
(OOC: Taking a five-foot step backwards to stay behind the warriors and casting Magic Missile for one missile's worth at the undead currently sporting a bullet hole.)
Last edited by Rock of the Fraternity on Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
IN THE TUNNELS-
Tahl strikes hard with his blade again against the ghoulish creature, cutting it down. The thing from the hole emerges fully and moves with uncanny speed towards Goran and Tristan. It snaps its jaws towards Goran, grabbing the ranger by his left arm. Blood flows quickly from the wound as the creature strikes an artery (1).
Sir Julian takes another swing with his blade at the creature by him and Sebastian. The monsters head comes free of its body and its lifeless form slumps to the ground lying with its twin corpse.
Tristan fires his pistol into the yellowed corpse that has Goran in its jaws. The ball rips through the beast hitting the wall behind it with a thump. Greenish black ichor drips from the wound like furious rain.
Goran however, goes as rigid as a board, becoming paralyzed in the same manner as Sebastian.
Harold takes a quick step behind Julian and begins chanting his words of power releasing a bolt of blue energy from his fingertips, sending it streaking towards the beast by Tristan. It strikes the canine beast in the chest, knocking it a step away from Goran.
(1) A crit! Goran takes 12 damage and becomes paralyzed.
(OOC: the first three creatures are dead with only the one by Tristan and Goran still up and attacking. Begin top of round 3)
Tahl strikes hard with his blade again against the ghoulish creature, cutting it down. The thing from the hole emerges fully and moves with uncanny speed towards Goran and Tristan. It snaps its jaws towards Goran, grabbing the ranger by his left arm. Blood flows quickly from the wound as the creature strikes an artery (1).
Sir Julian takes another swing with his blade at the creature by him and Sebastian. The monsters head comes free of its body and its lifeless form slumps to the ground lying with its twin corpse.
Tristan fires his pistol into the yellowed corpse that has Goran in its jaws. The ball rips through the beast hitting the wall behind it with a thump. Greenish black ichor drips from the wound like furious rain.
Goran however, goes as rigid as a board, becoming paralyzed in the same manner as Sebastian.
Harold takes a quick step behind Julian and begins chanting his words of power releasing a bolt of blue energy from his fingertips, sending it streaking towards the beast by Tristan. It strikes the canine beast in the chest, knocking it a step away from Goran.
(1) A crit! Goran takes 12 damage and becomes paralyzed.
(OOC: the first three creatures are dead with only the one by Tristan and Goran still up and attacking. Begin top of round 3)
"Seven Seals...Seven Rings...Seven Brides for the Scarlet King..."
-
Rock of the Fraternity
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 6844
- Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:16 pm
"Back into the grave with you!" Harold shouts, again unleashing his magic on the undead that so harmed Goran, while keeping behind Julian. "Sagitta magica, omne errore vacua, vole!" Another bolt of power streaks from his finger to the beast.
(OOC: Moving to stay with Julian and casting another Magic Missile at Mr. Bitey for 1d4+1.)
(OOC: Moving to stay with Julian and casting another Magic Missile at Mr. Bitey for 1d4+1.)
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ewancummins
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 28523
- Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:35 pm
Tristan raises his second pistol and fires on the beast.
He cries out-
''Tahl! Get Goran out of here- he's hurt real bad!''
[ OOC- He's taking a five foot step if needed to keep out of reach of claw or bite!].
He cries out-
''Tahl! Get Goran out of here- he's hurt real bad!''
[ OOC- He's taking a five foot step if needed to keep out of reach of claw or bite!].
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.
-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
Julian quickly moves up and past the undead creature, and to his fallen cousin. He drops his longsword at his side, pulls out a small vial with a reddish pink hue and pours down his cousins throat. (1)JMaytr wrote:IN THE TUNNELS-
Tahl strikes hard with his blade again against the ghoulish creature, cutting it down. The thing from the hole emerges fully and moves with uncanny speed towards Goran and Tristan. It snaps its jaws towards Goran, grabbing the ranger by his left arm. Blood flows quickly from the wound as the creature strikes an artery (1).
Sir Julian takes another swing with his blade at the creature by him and Sebastian. The monsters head comes free of its body and its lifeless form slumps to the ground lying with its twin corpse.
Tristan fires his pistol into the yellowed corpse that has Goran in its jaws. The ball rips through the beast hitting the wall behind it with a thump. Greenish black ichor drips from the wound like furious rain.
Goran however, goes as rigid as a board, becoming paralyzed in the same manner as Sebastian.
Harold takes a quick step behind Julian and begins chanting his words of power releasing a bolt of blue energy from his fingertips, sending it streaking towards the beast by Tristan. It strikes the canine beast in the chest, knocking it a step away from Goran.
(1) A crit! Goran takes 12 damage and becomes paralyzed.
(OOC: the first three creatures are dead with only the one by Tristan and Goran still up and attacking. Begin top of round 3)
1. Potion of Cure Light Wounds1d8+1=9
History prefers legends to men. It prefers nobility to brutality, soaring speeches to quiet deeds. History remembers the battle and forgets the blood. What ever history remembers of me if it remembers me at all, it shall only be the fraction of the truth.
IN THE TUNNELS-
Tahl moves ahead and stabs at the creature who clutches Goran but is unable to pierce its leathery skin. The creature hisses and drops the ranger to the ground with a wet thud. It then bites at Tahl, catching the elf in the side (1).
The ghastly thing then swipes a claw at Tahl but misses.
Julian moves up and pours a grape colored elixir into the mouth of Goran, narrowly avoiding an opportune strike from the beast (2).
Tristan moves a step away from the reach of the canine like creature and fires straight at the heart of the monster. As the smoke from his pistol clears the Houndsman sees that the ball has not penetrated the thicker hide of this ghastly beast. It roars loudly at the party what sounds like a word;
"Hurts"
Harold replies by sending another bolt of crackling blue energy at the thing. It roars out again and then collapses to the ground.
(1) Tahl takes 4 hp from the bite and must make a Fort save.
(2) Goran receives 9 HP back bringing his health total to 4.
Tahl moves ahead and stabs at the creature who clutches Goran but is unable to pierce its leathery skin. The creature hisses and drops the ranger to the ground with a wet thud. It then bites at Tahl, catching the elf in the side (1).
The ghastly thing then swipes a claw at Tahl but misses.
Julian moves up and pours a grape colored elixir into the mouth of Goran, narrowly avoiding an opportune strike from the beast (2).
Tristan moves a step away from the reach of the canine like creature and fires straight at the heart of the monster. As the smoke from his pistol clears the Houndsman sees that the ball has not penetrated the thicker hide of this ghastly beast. It roars loudly at the party what sounds like a word;
"Hurts"
Harold replies by sending another bolt of crackling blue energy at the thing. It roars out again and then collapses to the ground.
(1) Tahl takes 4 hp from the bite and must make a Fort save.
(2) Goran receives 9 HP back bringing his health total to 4.
"Seven Seals...Seven Rings...Seven Brides for the Scarlet King..."
-
Rock of the Fraternity
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 6844
- Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:16 pm
As the first card is turned over, Agna feels a flicker of memory. She should know these cards, this act, but cannot be more specific about it. While Madame Nadezhda describes the card, almost unconsciously, Agna reaches up to touch her own cheek as she gazes at the card. Is this what people see when they look at me? The idea of a gift seems absurd -- what talent is there in sweeping floors, making beds and listening at doors? The old woman's note about how her own hands have betrayed her is jarring to Agna. She remembers the night before, in Miss Phebe's room, and she is suddenly frightened that her guilt is visible. She tucks her hands tightly under her arms."Your card is The Charlatan. This card often speaks of one who is not what they seem, an enemy where a friend was thought. For you though i see it is the former; you have a hidden gift within you, if only you seek to find it. It will shift many attitudes towards you, including those you cherish. I sense your gift has been used against you before, that even your own hands have betrayed you."
The picture feels vaguely upsetting to Agna. Perhaps it is the sight of the older man's grief or what the ghost might be trying to do. Madame Nadezhda's words only add to her distress. What enemy could she possibly mean? If it's from my time before Pancrazio, then I'm lost, because I won't know this person until it's too late. The few images of life before Luisa found her rise to mind -- the older Vistani man in fool's motley, the woman in the green dress, neither of whom appear particularly menacing. The vardo seems darker, the space smaller. She shivers, and not just because of her wet dress."Your card is The Ghost. This is a powerful card to rear its head in a reading and its placing tells me that something forgotten or missing to you has had a powerful impact on your present. The ghost speaks of a dark and looming history, of some menace from the past returning to harm the future. Be wary child! An old enemy returns to you and depending on the outcome of certain events may cause you to become the ghost!"
Who could this be? Agna's thoughts race wildly among the faces of the household. First the upstairs -- Roderigo, Gianna, Magenta, Phebe, Julian, Goran, the newly-arrived Sebastian -- then to those below-stairs -- Tristan, Harold, Emilio, Tahl, Tuke. Yes, Magenta's been nastier of late, but the card suggests that it's someone who isn't what they seem. That could be so many. The idea that someone she trusts, perhaps even one of the few people she loves, actively wishes her harm makes her feel sick."Your card is The Illusionist. Someone close to you, a friend or member of your household is not what they seem. Unlike the charlatan which speaks of a secret life or ability, this darker card speaks of a foul and evil force at work-even a secret group that is actively opposing your future and your safety! I see poisonous spies of this group lurking in all of this country's shadows. It is terrible luck indeed to have this dark group as your enemy."
Agna cannot quite muster the same smile as Madame Nadezhda. She isn't sure if this card and its description reassures or worries her. She thinks about the long litany of woes on the household's plate in the past two days and what else is waiting to be heaped on it with Dilisnya's coming. She wants very much to believe that the slide of Pancrazio can be arrested somehow, more for the sakes of the downstairs than upstairs, but-- Abruptly Agna's thoughts come to a screeching halt, and her eyes open wide. Wait, she called me by my name! I don't think I told her. Maybe Emilio said it, and she heard him. I don't know this woman... do I?`"Your card is The Beggar. I see your fortunes being greatly reversed! Those around you will come into some wealth-be it coin or wisdom-and you will benefit from this event. The actions of those surrounding you and the movements of that dark group in your way may poison this future. I see a victory for you in a way you have never dreamed."
The old gypsy woman actually smiles. "I am pleased to see this card reveal itself Agna child. When ever the fortunes of another turns for the better it reminds me that this place is not as dark as we sometimes think. The beggar in your future may very well mean that these present dark times may be the worst you will ever know." Though it is meant as a complement, Madame Nadezheda's warning still comes off as ominous.
As Madame Nadezheda pronounces what the final card may represent, Agna draws a deep breath, steeling herself for what must surely be more bad news. But no, not quite -- for all that something may be circling her, there are those who object to it. She remembers Emilio's words on the road, Tuke helping her fix Phebe, Harold reassuring her before he and Tristan went to take care of Mariabella. But those whom she loves are few enough, and the very idea that some might be lost is terrible."Your card is The Shepherd. I see that there are many around you that care for you greatly. You are blessed to have such strong friends even if you do not know it. I see that they are loyal to you and will not betray you. There is a dark force among this family however as shown by the wolf who hides among the shepherds flock, but those close to you will lay down their lives to protect you from it....and I see that some will."
The reading is done. Agna feels drained, chilly, frightened, and hugs herself tightly to keep from shaking too much. The cards, and perhaps something of her life, are arranged on the table. For half a moment, she wants to reach out and touch them, but long-enforced rules (that she not possess nor touch cards) and instinct say that this is not right. She should say something -- surely there is a more formal way to do so, if only she could remember it. Finally, she says, "I... Thank you, baba, for sharing your wisdom. I should-- I should see how Emilio is doing, please, excuse me."
OUTSIDE THE VARDO-
As Agna exits the old woman's wagon she sees Emilio standing with Iosif and his two sons by the Pancrazio wagon. The front wheels are fixed and there is a new, healthy looking horse attached to drive. The look on Emilio's face was not pleasant-a sort of mix between worry and disgust.
Without a word Iosif bows to Agna and then climbs swiftly, with a dancers grace, into the seat of the wagon he had drove in on. His two boys, both looking very proud of themselves, were already scrambling into the covered rear of the vehicle. There was a quick snap of the reigns and then the gypsy train was off, quickly vanishing into the already thinning mist.
Emilio rushed to Agna's side.
"Oh child! I am so glad to see you unharmed. I have heard nasty tales of the Gypsies and when that ruffian suggested you disappear into the wagon I was afraid I was going to be killed then and there and our meager coins stolen from our corpses."
He looked quickly with an apologetic face to Agna.
"Here! Look at my hand it is simply shaking!"
Emilio came close and uttered in a conspiratorial way, "I am a little nervous about that free horse and the wheel they replaced from their own stocks. Nothing from a gypsy comes free."
As Agna exits the old woman's wagon she sees Emilio standing with Iosif and his two sons by the Pancrazio wagon. The front wheels are fixed and there is a new, healthy looking horse attached to drive. The look on Emilio's face was not pleasant-a sort of mix between worry and disgust.
Without a word Iosif bows to Agna and then climbs swiftly, with a dancers grace, into the seat of the wagon he had drove in on. His two boys, both looking very proud of themselves, were already scrambling into the covered rear of the vehicle. There was a quick snap of the reigns and then the gypsy train was off, quickly vanishing into the already thinning mist.
Emilio rushed to Agna's side.
"Oh child! I am so glad to see you unharmed. I have heard nasty tales of the Gypsies and when that ruffian suggested you disappear into the wagon I was afraid I was going to be killed then and there and our meager coins stolen from our corpses."
He looked quickly with an apologetic face to Agna.
"Here! Look at my hand it is simply shaking!"
Emilio came close and uttered in a conspiratorial way, "I am a little nervous about that free horse and the wheel they replaced from their own stocks. Nothing from a gypsy comes free."
"Seven Seals...Seven Rings...Seven Brides for the Scarlet King..."