Post by Liechtenstein on Oct 16, 2010 15:50:24 GMT -8
Yong Soo tilted his head back and forth in front of the mirror, adjusting his pale suede Gatsby and looking sideways. The Korean captain was clad in a plaid shirt with long sleeves, a matching plaid bandana-scarf in pale blue, and large rectangular yellow glasses. On the bottom, he wore long black carpenter pants tucked into mid-thigh boots with a red belt-buckle on the fold, and a length of yellow lanyard dangling from the belt loops.
In short, Yong Soo looked cool. He gave his reflection a mischievous grin, winking and pointing a sleeved-over finger gun, “Bang,” before grabbing his wallet and stuffing it in his back pocket, wandering out towards the hall with a broad smile. “Mei-Mei-Sun-Yeo~” he called out, wandering to the other girl’s room and tapping excitedly on her door, “Are you and Jun-mei ready yet, da ze~?” The Korean bounced in place, eager to get off the ship and out on the town.
Sun-Yeo = Sister
Mei giggled as she stepped out of her room, clad in a floor length white dress that had pink blossom petals all over it, a pink ribbon that was draped around her chest and waist to cinch it neatly around her. She had on wrist length white gloves, with pink pearl earrings and a pink pearl bracelet, her shoes white heels and of course her hair blossom~! Mei loved her hair piece, Big Brother Yao had given it to her, because he had said she was his little plum blossom," We're both ready Yon-Yon~ We were waiting on you!" She handed him her white clutch as the cub in her arms yowled in agreement, the tiger cub was one she'd taken with her from the circus; a small male.
He had a black leather collar on attached to a leash in her hands, but she felt much better carrying him around for now," Shall we go?"
Yong Soo took the purse in one hand, laughing slightly as he bent down to the tiger, smiling, “Is that true, da ze? Were you waiting on me?” In response the cub batted at Sang Ki, setting the curl bobbing while the Korean laughed again, petting him over the head, “You’re so cuuuute, da ze~”
He stood up, setting one hand on his hip and grinning down at Mei, jerking his head down the hall. “Let’s.” Yong Soo turned, letting Mei walk a little bit ahead before following along, babbling with excitement, “I’m so glad I get to do this again with you, da ze. Every time I go shopping with Hyungnim he always goes into the most boring parts of the markets, and complains the entire time. Especially when I point out everything that was made in Korea; he'll refuse to get it out of spite." Yong Soo sniffed at was clearly a criminal injustice, but the grin popped back on like a magnet, "He’ll probably be happier to do that part of shopping by himself, now, which is a good thing since that means I get to spend more time doing fun stuff with you~”
As he spoke, the two Asians made their way out of the belly of the ship, emerging in the bright sunlight of the busy port, where the music of commerce, gulls, and surf played counterpart to the flowing language of the French populace. The smell of fine baked goods filled the air, and Yong Soo took a grateful sniff. “Ah…” He turned to the other with a bright grin, hugging her purse, “So, where should we go first, Mei-Mei? You get to pick, da ze~”
" Yong Soo you think everything was made in Korea...da ze~" She giggled a little as she used his favorite phrase, takign a deep breath as she admired the sights and sounds and the sheer life of the port town. The sound of French flowed around her like the tides around the ship and made her smile, she looked at Jun-mei who growled," You're right~! Yong Soo~ We're going clothes shopping!" Mei nodded firmly, skirt flaring around her ankles in the wind as she descended down the gangplank," This dress is old and I need some new ones, not to mention I'd like to see what kind of fans the French have. My old ones are a little worn out and I'd like to use some other than my...ah...special ones."
The Taiwanese girl didn't even notice the odd and in some cases, admiring glaces, though plenty were bewildred; wondering at how such a sweet little flower could handle a cub like that.
“Not everything, da ze,” Yong Soo pouted, before breaking into a happy smile, “just cool things.” He nodded to himself, following his fellow Asian, talking loudly and drawing some strange looks without noticing, “New clothes is a wonderful idea, da ze~ I’m good on fans, though—the ones I have were made to last, and people are supposed to see them.” Yong Soo gave a deliberately manic grin, “That way, they underestimate the real weapon.”
Yong Soo smiled brightly, as though unaware of his lapse, and added, “After all, the element of surprise originated in Korea, y’know.” As if to confirm this statement, the Korean gasped suddenly, coming up to Mei and beaming, pointing over her shoulder, “Look over there, da ze—do you see?”
Past Yong Soo’s finger there sat a young woman sitting against a wall on top of a blanket. She was shuffling cards, humming softly to herself, and right next to her was a small tin of money. Yong Soo turned to Mei, a pleading look on his face. “Mei-Mei~ Can we go see the fortune-teller, da ze~?” He clasped his sleeves, wibbling his lip a bit in a bid to seem extra pitiful. Sang Ki mimicked the expression, the curl waving pathetically in the wind.
"Well I have multiple fans, the ones I normally keep on me, and some prettier fans for decoration. I have my fans in my clutch." Mei looked back at Yong Soo and smiled gently," Are you sure? Lots of fortune tellers are really fakes...but a little fun won't hurt us I suppose ara. Okay~ let's go!" She turned, shifting Jun-Mei in her arms and reached back to grab his hand with her now spare one; darting forward with him.
Yong Soo glanced down at the purse, automatically handling it more carefully, before looking up with a broad grin and a nod, “Exactly, da ze! I nice bit of fun~” He took her hand, bustling up close to the young miss, and waved. “Hiya da ze~ How much for a fortune?” He let go of Mei’s hand to crouch down, holding the clutch purse on his knee and inspecting his pocket, pulling out a wallet and checking through, “One for me, one for my sunyeo, and another for my crew?” He looked up to the young miss, beaming, “Assuming that’s O.K, da ze?”
The young lady looked up briefly, green eyes wide and startled before ducking her head down again. "A-ah, yes! Err, fortunes are done by donation," she gestured with one hand to the tin cup that wasn't exactly brimming with coins. "and... beg your pardon but what is a sun-yow?" she blushed, unable to help it as she didn't speak that many languages and none of them were asian in nature.
Mei looked at the nearly empty cup and knelled down as well, taking her clutch and opening it; grabbing out some of the coins Yao had given her and dropped them in as well as she smiled at the fortune teller," I know how hard it is for someone to make enough to eat at this...take that in good faith okay? To better your own fortune~" Mei giggled as Jun-mei growled raspily in a young cub's voice," Jun-Mei agrees~!" Mei stroked his head as she waited to see what the other would tell them, or ask so she could read their fortunes.
Yong Soo smiled at Mei, nodding, before looking to the fortune-teller, winking as he pulled out an appropriate fee for himself and his crew, “Generosity originated in Asia, y’know.” He dropped the coins in, letting them fall from his sleeve, and settled back on his haunches. “Sunyeo means sister in Korea, da ze,” he wrapped an arm around Mei, grinning and nuzzling up, “And Mei-Mei’s the closest thing I have~”
He looked up, smiling, and tilted his head to the cards, “So, anything we need to do, da ze?” Yong Soo had always been fascinated with the otherworldly, and it showed as he glanced at the cards, waiting for some sort of visible magic to crackle over them.
"Ah, yes in fact." she said, quickly shuffling the deck one last time. "I need to first ask what kind of reading you are looking for - a quick past, present, future... or something more in depth." She smiled at them brightly, the previous startlement had all vanished thanks to the generous asians. "There are several types I'm proficient in - a daily reading, a two card reading, three card, twelve month, horseshoe, tree of life and celtic cross. Anything over the three card is an in-depth reading of you, your past and your future, so choose wisely."
Mei bit her lip, looking at Jun-mei who regarded her with an almost far too mature look in big gold eyes," Well...they say that those who take the safest path often learn the least. And I've always had to take a chance...I'd like an in-depth." She stroked the cub's ears and he closed his eyes, like he was pleased with the decision.
Yong Soo hummed, considering, before nodding, "Ye, me too, da ze. As Captain, it's my responsibility to lead, so, it'd be cheap if I didn't take a good look when I had the chance." His grin broadened, and he laughed, "That, and, curiosity originated in Korea, so, I'll go nuts otherwise! Sign me up for an indepth reading, da ze. The tree one sounds interesting." He settled back, adjusting his sleeves, and avidly watched the cards in the teller's hands.
Tucking long brown hair behind her ears, she nodded, a calm and almost mystical expression falling on her face. "Well then... ladies first, or does the gentleman wish to start us off?" In her hands, she held up the deck, the backs of which were a deep brown with a small red dragon in the centre, mantled over a celtic knot.
Mei giggled," Let Yong Soo go first, lest curiousty make him burst ara~ I can wait a little longer. I am good at waiting." She tucked her legs under herself as she got comfortable. Looking at the cards with interest, finding them beautiful in their own unique way...they looked rather old...
Yong Soo beamed, "Aww, gamsa, Mei-Mei~" He looked to the fortune teller, smiling, "And crew last, if that's alright? Our fate ties into theirs, da ze." He crossed his legs, setting his hands on his ankles, and leant forward, curious what fate had to reveal for him. He idly wondered if they would shed any light on the mystery of his dreams, or his headaches.
She held the cards out to him, stacked innocently on her palm. "Then, please, take the deck and shuffle it as many times as you wish. And when you are done, lay them in this pattern." With her other hand, she tapped the ground once nearest Yong Soo and then three sets of three on top of it. "Lay them face up and I shall explain the meanings of each."
Smiling eagerly, Yong Soo drew back his sleeves, revealing his long, squarish hands, gently accepting the cards with a tilt of his head. "Gamsa." He began shuffling, letting his mind wander over questions he had. The movement of the cards reminded him of Cai, and he wondered how the Asian boy was doing, living with those strange but not unfriendly sky-pirates with the strange accents. He wondered about his siblings, and how long it would take to find them, the search for the bandits. He wondered over the things that happened in Libertalia, when the quest for the map suddenly became so much more important. He wondered over the people he could see in his dreams, especially the blond foreigners with bright eyes, and over the strange slips in time where he was not where he was supposed to be. Finally, Yong Soo ran out of things to wonder, and began laying down the cards, not looking at any one of them until they were all laid out. He set the deck aside, tilting his head, and waited for the miss to continue with a strangely calm face.
Pointing to the first card, the Knight of Wands, she spoke softly, "This card represents your aims and ideals. The Knight of wands means that you want to move along in your life quickly - that you wish to get to the end of your goal as fast as possible, and to live your life happily while you do so."
Pointing to the card to the right of the Knight of Wands - the Emperor - she continued. "The Emperor represents what has influenced you." she paused for a long moment, looking faraway. "He helped raise you, influencing the way you do things - almost like a father to you. He's been there to help you and will continue to help you so long as you strive to succeed without floundering."
Yong Soo blinked, a slight flush of surprise. "Yao-Hyungnim?" He looked down, and smiled.
To the far left of those two cards sat the reversed chariot. "The card here represents the general question of what you are asking. A reversed chariot tells me that you wish to know how to overcome the conflicts you have found yourself in - and how to face your inner demons. As it is the chariot, it's there to help speed you on your way to victory. But, it also represents that at that moment, your journey will only be just beginning."
Yong Soo nodded, eyes intent, though the phrase 'inner demon' gave him a bit of pause.
She looked up again, unseeingly into his eyes. "If you do not proceed with care, all that you have built, all that you have strived for, will collapse in on itself."
Yong Soo's eyes darted up at that, a hiss of indrawn breath. He remained still, unblinking, before nodding, looking at the cards again.
Without looking down, her hand traveled by itself to the next card a couple of rows away and in the center. "The Two of Swords represents your Key - how you can resolve your situation. The card is telling you that you must make a choice. You have to rely on yourself, and when you are in the dark, rely on your instincts to guide you."
"The Hanged man represents your present influences - the things that are driving you on. Your lack of progress, while stifling, keeps you going. It forces you to strive, to find new paths, look from different perspectives. It has changed you - and through that change, through those sacrifices you have made, you can transform."
Yong Soo hummed, "I have to trust myself, but I've been changed, and I have to make a choice...How will I know what I want, da ze?;" he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck.
A faint smile. "Look to the future." She pointed to the next card - the Queen of Swords. "She tells you to look for emotional detatchment. There is a part of you that is cold - that can handle the problems and help you find yourself."
Yong Soo blinked. Detachment...? He wasn't good at that; But, he would have to become good. He sighed, letting the future rest, and continued looking, wondering when this all got so complex.
Pointing to the next card, she continued on. "The four of coins represents something that will help you find your future. As in with most quests, a significant amount of material goods are needed to complete it. To me, this card is telling me that you need to find something..." and her eyes trailed to where Yong Soo had hidden his map piece, "legendary to help you."
Yong Soo caught her gaze, and tried not to tense up too much. 'I knew it. I knew it was important, da ze.' He smiled blankly, and nodded.
"The Wheel of Fortune tells me of the enviroment and people that surround you - and how they can affect your wish." she lowered her gaze, green eyes staring blankly at the cards. "They will give you wisdom, cause unexpected events to reveal themselves, bring fortune and turn the wheel once more for you. From your crew and your friends, expect movement and change."
Yong Soo smiled in earnest, laughing, "Change originated in Korea, da ze. I can adapt." He glanced at Mei, beaming, "Especially with family at my side, right?"
Mei smiled and leaned in to kiss his cheeks as she nodded," Right~!"
She paused for a moment, coming back to herself long enough to smile faintly at them before delving back into the reading. "The Seven of cups represents your hopes and fears. Illusions and deceptions surround you - stay strong, keep your hope but remember to not be hasty - too fast and your chariot will crash."
Yong Soo nodded, letting Mei slip out from beneath his arm.
Mei settled back again, listening eagerly.
"And your final card, the answer to your questions is... Justice." She pointed to the lady on the card. "Remain objective and sincere - that will guide you on your dangerous path."
Mei smiled a little, hugging Jun-mei closer," That's a good reading Yong Soo..."
Yong Soo smiled, nodding. "Yeah. I think so, da ze. Worth the money." He looked to the ground, rubbing the back of his neck, strangely humbled by the words of fate. He smiled suddenly, turning to Mei and pointing his sleeve, "Now it's your turn, Mei-Mei~"
The girl had come back to herself, losing the mysticism for a moment as she collected the cards again, holding them out to the girl.
Mei bounced eagerly, taking the cards before she settled down and held them to Jun-mei," Since you're with me." The cub pawed at the cards for a moment before he put his paw back down and yowled up at her, making her giggle before she started shuffling them slowly, thinking hard about everything. Her life, her past, what she hoped for the future, her dreams of finding Jun shi and maybe finally finding the lost contentment of her childhood...
Yong Soo settled back, watching peacefully, one eyebrow raised at the look of soft concentration on Mei's face.
Mei pressed the cards to her chest before she kissed them than handed them back," Okay..."
"Which pattern interests you, young miss?" she chuckled, holding a hand up to not take back the cards.
"Hm....I would like the star spread please. I...need to get some things straight. That should help me a little on my path. Mine and Jun-mei's." She adds it when the tiger paws at her chest.
[color=[purple]"Alright then. Please lay your cards out like this." Once again, she touched a few places on the ground, seven this time instead of ten and sat back, face resuming it's odd blankness as she waited for the cards to be put down. [/color]
Mei took a deep breath before she placed the cards, smoothing her finger over each one before she sat back.
"Reverse Strength holds your question to me - it involves weakness and a lack of faith." she tilted her head, looking straight into Mei's eyes.
Mei dropped her gaze, hand pressed to Jun-mei's head, flushing lightly before she nodded firmly, resolving not to think negative thoughts," I have been doubting for a very long time...maybe its time I stopped now...the next card?"
"The next card speaks of your emotions - the Nine of Swords reveals great depths. Depression weighing one down, worry and delays. Longing and misery, pining for a loved one and the haunting of past hurts and injustices. Many things are holding you down."
Mei listened, still looking at Jun Mei, processing the words and letting them linger before letting it pass on," I see..." She needed to make sure that happened, to cup the problems like water in her hand and let them flow out.
"Your present speaks of your courage and strength. There's an advantage to being where you are right now, so be yourself and move forward. So long as you are true to yourself."
Yong Soo smiled encouragingly at Mei, gently brushing her back with one sleeve, before withdrawing again.
Mei smiled back at Yong Soo, before she laughs softly," I know I am in the right place...I have two of my brother's to help me after all...no matter what, I know that I can rely on them as they do for me and each other. I can be nothing less..."
In short, Yong Soo looked cool. He gave his reflection a mischievous grin, winking and pointing a sleeved-over finger gun, “Bang,” before grabbing his wallet and stuffing it in his back pocket, wandering out towards the hall with a broad smile. “Mei-Mei-Sun-Yeo~” he called out, wandering to the other girl’s room and tapping excitedly on her door, “Are you and Jun-mei ready yet, da ze~?” The Korean bounced in place, eager to get off the ship and out on the town.
Sun-Yeo = Sister
Mei giggled as she stepped out of her room, clad in a floor length white dress that had pink blossom petals all over it, a pink ribbon that was draped around her chest and waist to cinch it neatly around her. She had on wrist length white gloves, with pink pearl earrings and a pink pearl bracelet, her shoes white heels and of course her hair blossom~! Mei loved her hair piece, Big Brother Yao had given it to her, because he had said she was his little plum blossom," We're both ready Yon-Yon~ We were waiting on you!" She handed him her white clutch as the cub in her arms yowled in agreement, the tiger cub was one she'd taken with her from the circus; a small male.
He had a black leather collar on attached to a leash in her hands, but she felt much better carrying him around for now," Shall we go?"
Yong Soo took the purse in one hand, laughing slightly as he bent down to the tiger, smiling, “Is that true, da ze? Were you waiting on me?” In response the cub batted at Sang Ki, setting the curl bobbing while the Korean laughed again, petting him over the head, “You’re so cuuuute, da ze~”
He stood up, setting one hand on his hip and grinning down at Mei, jerking his head down the hall. “Let’s.” Yong Soo turned, letting Mei walk a little bit ahead before following along, babbling with excitement, “I’m so glad I get to do this again with you, da ze. Every time I go shopping with Hyungnim he always goes into the most boring parts of the markets, and complains the entire time. Especially when I point out everything that was made in Korea; he'll refuse to get it out of spite." Yong Soo sniffed at was clearly a criminal injustice, but the grin popped back on like a magnet, "He’ll probably be happier to do that part of shopping by himself, now, which is a good thing since that means I get to spend more time doing fun stuff with you~”
As he spoke, the two Asians made their way out of the belly of the ship, emerging in the bright sunlight of the busy port, where the music of commerce, gulls, and surf played counterpart to the flowing language of the French populace. The smell of fine baked goods filled the air, and Yong Soo took a grateful sniff. “Ah…” He turned to the other with a bright grin, hugging her purse, “So, where should we go first, Mei-Mei? You get to pick, da ze~”
" Yong Soo you think everything was made in Korea...da ze~" She giggled a little as she used his favorite phrase, takign a deep breath as she admired the sights and sounds and the sheer life of the port town. The sound of French flowed around her like the tides around the ship and made her smile, she looked at Jun-mei who growled," You're right~! Yong Soo~ We're going clothes shopping!" Mei nodded firmly, skirt flaring around her ankles in the wind as she descended down the gangplank," This dress is old and I need some new ones, not to mention I'd like to see what kind of fans the French have. My old ones are a little worn out and I'd like to use some other than my...ah...special ones."
The Taiwanese girl didn't even notice the odd and in some cases, admiring glaces, though plenty were bewildred; wondering at how such a sweet little flower could handle a cub like that.
“Not everything, da ze,” Yong Soo pouted, before breaking into a happy smile, “just cool things.” He nodded to himself, following his fellow Asian, talking loudly and drawing some strange looks without noticing, “New clothes is a wonderful idea, da ze~ I’m good on fans, though—the ones I have were made to last, and people are supposed to see them.” Yong Soo gave a deliberately manic grin, “That way, they underestimate the real weapon.”
Yong Soo smiled brightly, as though unaware of his lapse, and added, “After all, the element of surprise originated in Korea, y’know.” As if to confirm this statement, the Korean gasped suddenly, coming up to Mei and beaming, pointing over her shoulder, “Look over there, da ze—do you see?”
Past Yong Soo’s finger there sat a young woman sitting against a wall on top of a blanket. She was shuffling cards, humming softly to herself, and right next to her was a small tin of money. Yong Soo turned to Mei, a pleading look on his face. “Mei-Mei~ Can we go see the fortune-teller, da ze~?” He clasped his sleeves, wibbling his lip a bit in a bid to seem extra pitiful. Sang Ki mimicked the expression, the curl waving pathetically in the wind.
"Well I have multiple fans, the ones I normally keep on me, and some prettier fans for decoration. I have my fans in my clutch." Mei looked back at Yong Soo and smiled gently," Are you sure? Lots of fortune tellers are really fakes...but a little fun won't hurt us I suppose ara. Okay~ let's go!" She turned, shifting Jun-Mei in her arms and reached back to grab his hand with her now spare one; darting forward with him.
Yong Soo glanced down at the purse, automatically handling it more carefully, before looking up with a broad grin and a nod, “Exactly, da ze! I nice bit of fun~” He took her hand, bustling up close to the young miss, and waved. “Hiya da ze~ How much for a fortune?” He let go of Mei’s hand to crouch down, holding the clutch purse on his knee and inspecting his pocket, pulling out a wallet and checking through, “One for me, one for my sunyeo, and another for my crew?” He looked up to the young miss, beaming, “Assuming that’s O.K, da ze?”
The young lady looked up briefly, green eyes wide and startled before ducking her head down again. "A-ah, yes! Err, fortunes are done by donation," she gestured with one hand to the tin cup that wasn't exactly brimming with coins. "and... beg your pardon but what is a sun-yow?" she blushed, unable to help it as she didn't speak that many languages and none of them were asian in nature.
Mei looked at the nearly empty cup and knelled down as well, taking her clutch and opening it; grabbing out some of the coins Yao had given her and dropped them in as well as she smiled at the fortune teller," I know how hard it is for someone to make enough to eat at this...take that in good faith okay? To better your own fortune~" Mei giggled as Jun-mei growled raspily in a young cub's voice," Jun-Mei agrees~!" Mei stroked his head as she waited to see what the other would tell them, or ask so she could read their fortunes.
Yong Soo smiled at Mei, nodding, before looking to the fortune-teller, winking as he pulled out an appropriate fee for himself and his crew, “Generosity originated in Asia, y’know.” He dropped the coins in, letting them fall from his sleeve, and settled back on his haunches. “Sunyeo means sister in Korea, da ze,” he wrapped an arm around Mei, grinning and nuzzling up, “And Mei-Mei’s the closest thing I have~”
He looked up, smiling, and tilted his head to the cards, “So, anything we need to do, da ze?” Yong Soo had always been fascinated with the otherworldly, and it showed as he glanced at the cards, waiting for some sort of visible magic to crackle over them.
"Ah, yes in fact." she said, quickly shuffling the deck one last time. "I need to first ask what kind of reading you are looking for - a quick past, present, future... or something more in depth." She smiled at them brightly, the previous startlement had all vanished thanks to the generous asians. "There are several types I'm proficient in - a daily reading, a two card reading, three card, twelve month, horseshoe, tree of life and celtic cross. Anything over the three card is an in-depth reading of you, your past and your future, so choose wisely."
Mei bit her lip, looking at Jun-mei who regarded her with an almost far too mature look in big gold eyes," Well...they say that those who take the safest path often learn the least. And I've always had to take a chance...I'd like an in-depth." She stroked the cub's ears and he closed his eyes, like he was pleased with the decision.
Yong Soo hummed, considering, before nodding, "Ye, me too, da ze. As Captain, it's my responsibility to lead, so, it'd be cheap if I didn't take a good look when I had the chance." His grin broadened, and he laughed, "That, and, curiosity originated in Korea, so, I'll go nuts otherwise! Sign me up for an indepth reading, da ze. The tree one sounds interesting." He settled back, adjusting his sleeves, and avidly watched the cards in the teller's hands.
Tucking long brown hair behind her ears, she nodded, a calm and almost mystical expression falling on her face. "Well then... ladies first, or does the gentleman wish to start us off?" In her hands, she held up the deck, the backs of which were a deep brown with a small red dragon in the centre, mantled over a celtic knot.
Mei giggled," Let Yong Soo go first, lest curiousty make him burst ara~ I can wait a little longer. I am good at waiting." She tucked her legs under herself as she got comfortable. Looking at the cards with interest, finding them beautiful in their own unique way...they looked rather old...
Yong Soo beamed, "Aww, gamsa, Mei-Mei~" He looked to the fortune teller, smiling, "And crew last, if that's alright? Our fate ties into theirs, da ze." He crossed his legs, setting his hands on his ankles, and leant forward, curious what fate had to reveal for him. He idly wondered if they would shed any light on the mystery of his dreams, or his headaches.
She held the cards out to him, stacked innocently on her palm. "Then, please, take the deck and shuffle it as many times as you wish. And when you are done, lay them in this pattern." With her other hand, she tapped the ground once nearest Yong Soo and then three sets of three on top of it. "Lay them face up and I shall explain the meanings of each."
Smiling eagerly, Yong Soo drew back his sleeves, revealing his long, squarish hands, gently accepting the cards with a tilt of his head. "Gamsa." He began shuffling, letting his mind wander over questions he had. The movement of the cards reminded him of Cai, and he wondered how the Asian boy was doing, living with those strange but not unfriendly sky-pirates with the strange accents. He wondered about his siblings, and how long it would take to find them, the search for the bandits. He wondered over the things that happened in Libertalia, when the quest for the map suddenly became so much more important. He wondered over the people he could see in his dreams, especially the blond foreigners with bright eyes, and over the strange slips in time where he was not where he was supposed to be. Finally, Yong Soo ran out of things to wonder, and began laying down the cards, not looking at any one of them until they were all laid out. He set the deck aside, tilting his head, and waited for the miss to continue with a strangely calm face.
Pointing to the first card, the Knight of Wands, she spoke softly, "This card represents your aims and ideals. The Knight of wands means that you want to move along in your life quickly - that you wish to get to the end of your goal as fast as possible, and to live your life happily while you do so."
Pointing to the card to the right of the Knight of Wands - the Emperor - she continued. "The Emperor represents what has influenced you." she paused for a long moment, looking faraway. "He helped raise you, influencing the way you do things - almost like a father to you. He's been there to help you and will continue to help you so long as you strive to succeed without floundering."
Yong Soo blinked, a slight flush of surprise. "Yao-Hyungnim?" He looked down, and smiled.
To the far left of those two cards sat the reversed chariot. "The card here represents the general question of what you are asking. A reversed chariot tells me that you wish to know how to overcome the conflicts you have found yourself in - and how to face your inner demons. As it is the chariot, it's there to help speed you on your way to victory. But, it also represents that at that moment, your journey will only be just beginning."
Yong Soo nodded, eyes intent, though the phrase 'inner demon' gave him a bit of pause.
She looked up again, unseeingly into his eyes. "If you do not proceed with care, all that you have built, all that you have strived for, will collapse in on itself."
Yong Soo's eyes darted up at that, a hiss of indrawn breath. He remained still, unblinking, before nodding, looking at the cards again.
Without looking down, her hand traveled by itself to the next card a couple of rows away and in the center. "The Two of Swords represents your Key - how you can resolve your situation. The card is telling you that you must make a choice. You have to rely on yourself, and when you are in the dark, rely on your instincts to guide you."
"The Hanged man represents your present influences - the things that are driving you on. Your lack of progress, while stifling, keeps you going. It forces you to strive, to find new paths, look from different perspectives. It has changed you - and through that change, through those sacrifices you have made, you can transform."
Yong Soo hummed, "I have to trust myself, but I've been changed, and I have to make a choice...How will I know what I want, da ze?;" he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck.
A faint smile. "Look to the future." She pointed to the next card - the Queen of Swords. "She tells you to look for emotional detatchment. There is a part of you that is cold - that can handle the problems and help you find yourself."
Yong Soo blinked. Detachment...? He wasn't good at that; But, he would have to become good. He sighed, letting the future rest, and continued looking, wondering when this all got so complex.
Pointing to the next card, she continued on. "The four of coins represents something that will help you find your future. As in with most quests, a significant amount of material goods are needed to complete it. To me, this card is telling me that you need to find something..." and her eyes trailed to where Yong Soo had hidden his map piece, "legendary to help you."
Yong Soo caught her gaze, and tried not to tense up too much. 'I knew it. I knew it was important, da ze.' He smiled blankly, and nodded.
"The Wheel of Fortune tells me of the enviroment and people that surround you - and how they can affect your wish." she lowered her gaze, green eyes staring blankly at the cards. "They will give you wisdom, cause unexpected events to reveal themselves, bring fortune and turn the wheel once more for you. From your crew and your friends, expect movement and change."
Yong Soo smiled in earnest, laughing, "Change originated in Korea, da ze. I can adapt." He glanced at Mei, beaming, "Especially with family at my side, right?"
Mei smiled and leaned in to kiss his cheeks as she nodded," Right~!"
She paused for a moment, coming back to herself long enough to smile faintly at them before delving back into the reading. "The Seven of cups represents your hopes and fears. Illusions and deceptions surround you - stay strong, keep your hope but remember to not be hasty - too fast and your chariot will crash."
Yong Soo nodded, letting Mei slip out from beneath his arm.
Mei settled back again, listening eagerly.
"And your final card, the answer to your questions is... Justice." She pointed to the lady on the card. "Remain objective and sincere - that will guide you on your dangerous path."
Mei smiled a little, hugging Jun-mei closer," That's a good reading Yong Soo..."
Yong Soo smiled, nodding. "Yeah. I think so, da ze. Worth the money." He looked to the ground, rubbing the back of his neck, strangely humbled by the words of fate. He smiled suddenly, turning to Mei and pointing his sleeve, "Now it's your turn, Mei-Mei~"
The girl had come back to herself, losing the mysticism for a moment as she collected the cards again, holding them out to the girl.
Mei bounced eagerly, taking the cards before she settled down and held them to Jun-mei," Since you're with me." The cub pawed at the cards for a moment before he put his paw back down and yowled up at her, making her giggle before she started shuffling them slowly, thinking hard about everything. Her life, her past, what she hoped for the future, her dreams of finding Jun shi and maybe finally finding the lost contentment of her childhood...
Yong Soo settled back, watching peacefully, one eyebrow raised at the look of soft concentration on Mei's face.
Mei pressed the cards to her chest before she kissed them than handed them back," Okay..."
"Which pattern interests you, young miss?" she chuckled, holding a hand up to not take back the cards.
"Hm....I would like the star spread please. I...need to get some things straight. That should help me a little on my path. Mine and Jun-mei's." She adds it when the tiger paws at her chest.
[color=[purple]"Alright then. Please lay your cards out like this." Once again, she touched a few places on the ground, seven this time instead of ten and sat back, face resuming it's odd blankness as she waited for the cards to be put down. [/color]
Mei took a deep breath before she placed the cards, smoothing her finger over each one before she sat back.
"Reverse Strength holds your question to me - it involves weakness and a lack of faith." she tilted her head, looking straight into Mei's eyes.
Mei dropped her gaze, hand pressed to Jun-mei's head, flushing lightly before she nodded firmly, resolving not to think negative thoughts," I have been doubting for a very long time...maybe its time I stopped now...the next card?"
"The next card speaks of your emotions - the Nine of Swords reveals great depths. Depression weighing one down, worry and delays. Longing and misery, pining for a loved one and the haunting of past hurts and injustices. Many things are holding you down."
Mei listened, still looking at Jun Mei, processing the words and letting them linger before letting it pass on," I see..." She needed to make sure that happened, to cup the problems like water in her hand and let them flow out.
"Your present speaks of your courage and strength. There's an advantage to being where you are right now, so be yourself and move forward. So long as you are true to yourself."
Yong Soo smiled encouragingly at Mei, gently brushing her back with one sleeve, before withdrawing again.
Mei smiled back at Yong Soo, before she laughs softly," I know I am in the right place...I have two of my brother's to help me after all...no matter what, I know that I can rely on them as they do for me and each other. I can be nothing less..."
