someone very special is coming
welcome!
the spirits whispered you'd be coming
but they didn't mention you'd
be this charming in person!
now before you even think about saying a word,
let me take a look at those hands
the lines never lie!
are you all right with a bit of touching?
I've been told I'm very gentle
don't be shy I don't bite
I assure you. Well not unless I'm asked
let's see what we have here
fascinating!
you must have had quite the journey to land here
came by whispers didn't you?
people always find that way
whispers travel faster than any train...
train... hold on
have we met before?
your hands... they feel awfully familiar
or maybe... just... interesting
very interesting
you've got a life that's never boring,
that's for sure
look the fate line here
twists and turns almost
like you're running from one adventure to the next
and yet your future,
oh my dear!
your future is as unpredictable as the wind
although if I dare say
I can say a few things, and don't worry
they're quite wonderful... love!
yes my dear
you'll be swept of your feet by someone
when you least expect it, if you haven't already
now between us:
a witch in love is far worse than a countess in love
trust me, I know
don't worry darling
it's going to be fun
curious
I keep thinking about train
odd, isn't it?
why on earth would I be thinking about that?
how did you find me?
most visitors find their way here
because someone has whispered my name to them
we tend to attract all kinds here
you know: skeptics,
believers, nobles...
even the dearly departed pop in from time to time
oh
of course!
this isn't just idle fortune darling
is it
it's one of THOSE meetings
we'll tend to this shortly darling
but let me say
you look wonderful for someone with such a difficult job
although I must say
you also look like someone who drank their last
cup of tea in a previous century
before we proceed, I can't ignore the obvious
you got a little something clinging to you
I believe the technical term is "time residues"
yes, it happens
especially to those who, shall we say
flirt with the boundaries of time itself
don't worry darling I'll have it cleansed
here we are, brushing off
those remnants of the past and future
can't have you
carrying all that weight on your shoulders
yes, much better
I'm very pleased to have you here
this charming abode takes up the first floor
devoted entirely to my craft
yet I must admit
navigating the expectations of polite society
can be challenging
what I offer here, shall we say
does not always earn the approval
of those who consider themselves
the keepers of propriety
however,
I have the favor of the Countess of Dearington herself
which keeps their tongues in check
still, I find that discretion is vital
in this matters... before we get into any business,
I have a message for you,
something the spirits want me to tell you
I could simply tell you but where's the fun in that
I think it's safer if I write it on your back
you never know who or what might be listening
now let's see if you're paying attention
I'll write the first letter and you tell me what it is
ready?
surely you can guess this one
simple letter darling
not quite?
now here
let's try again
alright this one's easier, you'll get this one
what do you think?
it's the start of something important
well let's make it a little more obvious shall we
something I'm sure you're familiar with
no?
figure it out yet?
Must I keep you guessing all day?
all right
let's not keep this box waiting any longer
while I open it
why don't you have some tea?
I'd made it just before you arrived
now let's see what we've got in here
a riddle cube!
well darling
seems we'll need a little help
and I know just the place to ask
shall we consult those who have already crossed the veil?
all right
let's see if anyone's listening
if anyone's listening,
give us a sign!
a bit shy are we
let's try again
if you're truly with us
give a clear sign, is someone here?
oh there we are
who are you?
ancientre
I guess it's the ancient tree
all right the ancient tree
how can we unlock the riddle and open that cube?
"you need to be light as a feather to open a fruit"
a fruit...
could this little riddle box
be the fruit
of course! your people must have pulled this thing from
well, somewhere beyond the veil
there it probably looks like a fruit
but here it is a puzzle, a riddle
and what do we do with a fruit?
we get to the core of course
that's where the answer lies
we just need to figure out how to peel away the layers
and get to the center
light as the feather
I know just the thing
I'm just searching for the appropriate piece
not this one
this one is too big
as this wax melts,
it readys itself to take on what doesn't serve you
those lingering shadows, hidden forces
melt and bend, prepare to take by flame’s
soft light, what's yours to break
a little charm to get things started
let the unseen weight, the influence on your spirit,
mind and body be drawn into this wax
lift from soul, drift from skin
let all darkness draw within
let the problem freeze and form
now we'll do this twice more
three times for good measure of course
second pull,
strong and clear, let the weight disappear
from spirit, body and thought, into the wax
your burdens are caught
and now it hardens
all that hides and seeks to cling
let this final cast take everything
now let it be sealed and cold
now my dear
do not touch them, the wax holds what we've drawn out
these unseen influences are best left there
where they are
let's see how heavy it is
I'll utilize it later. I need some protection
just put my fingers into special ashes
this keeps the touch safe
nothing harmful can cling to me now
let's see what our wax has to say, this one
you've been carrying burdens
heavy ones, both physical and spiritual
see this curve?
It shows wear,
as though the weight of others has been pressing on you.
you're holding more than just your own worries
but here's the smooth patch
like the start of something new
this tells me that relief is coming,
unexpected help
perhaps from an old friend or surprising ally
someone you may,
someone you probably haven't thought of
this one oh
can you see these rough edges
they show obstacles, challenges you faced
but the shapes smooth out here and near the center
you've begun to shed some of what was weighing you down
these ripples they speak of a journey
something you've been working toward
perhaps a mission not quite complete
you're nearly there
but not without a few more hurdles first
and finally
this one
this one is the most intriguing
something unresolved, it's sharp
almost aggressive
you've got a confrontation ahead of you
one tied directly to your work or your destiny
this isn't just about struggle though
here, a spiral
it's telling you that
you've been drawn into something deeper,
a conflict that will take you in circles
unless you keep your wits about it,
a test perhaps
you'll need more than just strength to overcome it
you'll need to stay sharp
remember Darling
Light as a feather
alright let's open that fruit
and you guide me alright?
I believe this is the core
what is it?
mesmerizing
I have no idea what it is
it's beautiful and strange
you see the fruit was from the other side
which means this core seed could mean many things
perhaps it's something powerful
or simply a token from that world
who's to say...
perhaps it's a light in the dark
something that will guide you
when the path becomes unclear
or it could be a key
unlocking some secret knowledge on your journey
you know how this things often work
what's simple in one world is often more in another
and vice versa
I wouldn't be surprised if in the world it came from
this was merely a torch
but then again nothing's ever just a torch, right?
not when it's touched by otherworldly hands
well, I'd keep it close if I were you
whatever it is, it's bound to come in handy
I suppose you only find out when the time is right
and until then Darling
you just have to enjoy its glow
I have a few routine matters to attend to:
letters to write, messages for certain associates
all very official and terribly dull
I assure you
but you my dear
deserve a moment to rest
you've had quite a journey,
I can tell
that couch over there is positively calling your name
just sit back and relax for a while
I'll be over here handling business of correspondence
don't hesitate to rest your eyes
if you're feeling a bit tired
this little nook
has a way of hauling people into a pleasant nap
although I suppose your line of work
rarely allows for such luxuries