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