Hi!! Sorry for the really late message, I wasn't sure where to send this ;w; I'm really happy and surprised I won! I was wondering if I could have a love tarot reading? :D
“So, Renthetopdog, you’ve come to me for a reading. Good choice, rather than wasting your time on that redhead.” Unknown snickers and places a box on the table between you, tapping the top of it. A soft, yale blue color, the box is decorated by unusual symbols and six golden strips, three on each side with one golden circle in the middle. Equivalent Exchange is written across the top in sharp, capital letters, the white outlined in gold a stark contrast against the blue.
“Although,” he says with a frown, pinching the lid between thumb and middle finger over the circle, gently wiggling it off. “You just had to choose love, didn’t you? Not really my thing, but I can’t deny a loyal follower their reward for such devotion and hard work. So, I suppose I’ll get on with it.”
The lid drops on the table as he extracts some of the most fascinating cards you’ve seen. The backs are brown, with circles and pentagrams printed in glossy red, almost as though drawn in blood. As he begins to shuffle, the harsh light cast by the computers in the room glint off sides gilded in gold, beautiful and eerie at the same time. Nimble fingers riffle and cascade once, twice, thrice, before moving onto and overhand shuffle. Repeating this three times, he pauses after the final cascade, eyes closed and lips pursed as though listening to something.
And he is, in a way. The cards don’t communicate in any language easily recognized and identified, but if someone pays attention, they’ll notice the soft whispers and energy shifts given by them. A few seconds pass before he dips his chin, placing the pile in his palm and tracing the sides slowly. About halfway up, he cuts the deck and places the top portion off to the side.
“A simple love spread is easy, if not a bit boring. I was hoping for something more challenging.” He sighs as he lays out one card in the middle and four surrounding it, but his words, though sarcastic, lack any sort of bite. Like this, close to him and in person, it’s easy to tell he’s not as rough as he’d like others to believe. Once finished, the second deck sits parallel to the first, and he slowly flips each over, silently contemplating each one before moving to the next.
The light flickers and changes, each monitor emitting a different glow; some are running seemingly endless streams of numbers; some have pictures or live video; some are unknown, a screensaver bouncing around each corner. Reading like this doesn’t seem ideal to most people, but it’s where he’s most comfortable. At home, this type of half-darkness akin to a candle-lit room in his mind.
“Alright. In the first spot, we have The Emperor. He’s representing the type of relationship you need. This guy is a member of the major arcana, so don’t take what he represents lightly. Order and balance, respect, loyalty. All things that should be commonplace in any sort of connection between people but apparently isn’t. You’re meant to rule next to him, in this setting, and to do so, you’ll need to be strong and steadfast. Don’t settle for anyone who doesn’t treat you like you deserve. You’re royalty, after all; make sure they act like it.”
“Next you’ve got the Knight of Air telling you what beliefs and behaviors you have that are sabotaging you.” Pausing, he taps the card thoughtfully. “The Knight is known for leaping into action without bothering to make a plan, which can often be his downfall. Perhaps don’t do that, yeah? You need to take control of your life and not wait for things to happen, but not at the cost of cutting corners or screwing things up. So stop, think, and make a plan before diving into the ocean only to realize you don’t know how to swim. There won’t always be a lifeguard around to save you.”
“The Seven of Earth, reversed, hmm. It’s a little odd in this area, but it’s here to outline some positive strategies you should consider doing. Really, just make sure you’re prioritising your activities correctly. Mint Eye comes first, yeah? Don’t screw it up.” A dark laugh tumbles from him, high-pitched as it echoes around the room. “Not that you have a choice, you know what happens to those who fail us.” The air feels like it turns a little chilly, and he thrills at seeing how you shrink into yourself a little. “Outside of that, make sure that what you’re putting your efforts into is worth it. Don’t keep wasting time or money if you’re getting nothing in return. Basically… let go of the shit that isn’t making you happy or isn’t worth it.”
“There are some qualities others might find attractive, and the Eight of Fire reversed represents those. Regardless of what I believe, if you’re hoping to gain or improve a relationship, know that these are your strengths. You’re creative and radiate excitement when you find something you love. Your willpower and passion are something to be admired, even if they sometimes get you into trouble. But do keep in mind that hopping between obsessions or ideas constantly won’t allow you to finish anything, so make sure to harness that creativity and ride it to the finish.”
Once card remains untouched, and he cocks his head to the side when he taps it, expression blank. “The Two of Fire. This is where you should look to find love. Step outside of your comfort zone. Don’t make a move yet - you need to develop a plan, remember? - but go explore something new to you. Follow your intuition and passion, whether they lead you to do something drastic like swap careers or more safe, like go to university.” Leaning forward, he stares at you intensely, mint eyes full of dark amusement. “As long as none of it interferes with our plans, of course. But you want to find love? Look where you haven’t yet.”
His back hits the cushion of his computer chair and he sweeps the cards into his hands, putting them into the box and out of sight with an ease that speaks to how much he uses them. “There. Hope you don’t regret that being your reward.”
“Now. Get out of my room so I can get back to work.”
