13711/Mystic Fair

Mystic Fair
Date of Scene:	15 January 2023
Location:	East Village
Synopsis:	The Mystic Faire and some tarot readings by Nettie.
Cast of Characters:	Nettie Crowe, Talia al Ghul, Cassandra Cain, Jinx, Franklin Richards, Marie-Ange Colbert, Daniel Ketch, Patience Alperen, Gabby Kinney, Robbie Reyes

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Nettie Crowe has posed:
    The East Village is abuzz tonight. 8th has been closed off for a couple of blocks, traffic re-routed for a street festival celebrating the weird and the mystic. Large propane heaters have been set up for people to gather around, and a couple fifty-gallon drums are sporting bonfires as well to keep everyone warm in the January night. Pop-up tents with electric heaters are rampant, showing different vendors ranging from hand-made jewlery and local distilleries with whiskey, moonshine and gin variants, botanical liquors and at least one place advertising "the worst dog-piss you've had this side of the mississippi according to that one guy on Yelp" to plushes and poppets, tarot and crystal ball reading, and several places selling 'fertility charms'.

    And of course, in the middle of 8th in the East Village there was the Candle, Booke and Belle shop, a metaphysical supply and book store and tea bar that was giving out hot tea samples in recycled teacups and advertising tarot card readings.

    And there, seated behind a table with her silver-white hair up, wearing a chunky gray sweater with skulls on it and kid gloves on her hands was the owner of the shop, one Nettie Crowe, all smiles and laughter. Frankensense smoke is drifting away from the woman, her tarot cards near by to offer readings to the curious.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
And htere is Talia Al Ghul. She's got a book in her hands that's bulky, old, and thick. The pages seem crusted and worn down. Teh book has on it in some sort of mixture of Latin and Arabic on it that make one have to squint to decipher them at this distance. It reads 'Tobin's Spirit Guide' if one were to take a very close look. She would carry the hefty tome underneath her shoulder and occasionally draw it up to glance around things.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Barbara has outdone herself this time. Cass is in the perfect disguise. Nobody would call her out no matter what she did, and for good reason. You see, she's wearing all black.

Well, almost all black. She has 'SECURITY' emblazoned on the center of the back of her jacket, and is standing out in the open where anyone can spot her, looking around as if she's suspicious of everyone. Which she is, but she doesn't need to hide it. Because she's clearly event security. Babs might even have gotten her an actual gig doing so, for the day, so she has...gasp...authority? Or at least a cover story.

Jinx has posed:
Jinx must admit to herself, a 'T-comm' as a way to make sure she isn't running away is rather smart. The Titans can talk to her any time they want, they can track her location, they can even know if she takes it off. Not that she would, no, those Titans are scary af.

But she needs to show them something impossible and to do that she needs to use magic. Magic that she's not too familiar with. It just so happens that the mystic fair is on today and amidst the scam artists and brainwashed there are a few genuine magical shops here.

Passing by the lit barrels to get a touch of warmth, she's on a mission and frankly the last thing she wants is that terminator Donna Troy deciding she's been out too long. The bell jingles as she approaches the Candle, Booke, and Belle shop. Inside would be better than outside, but beggars can't be choosers. She just hopes there isn't a 'do not serve' list for people like her behind the counter.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin holds a small flier that talks about a festival, though it looks like it has been rained on, steped under foot, and maybe worse as it has seen better days. He had been on on of his 'walks' as this paper had hit him. So here he was, as he glanced back as if he was waiting for someone though sighs a bit as he did not see them. Folding the paper carefully as it seemed like it would fall apart Franklin decided to head into the chaos of Pop-up tents, vendors, and more. He had seen that someone here could read his future, and he really needed a second opion.

Franklin looks like he usually does dressed head to toe in Fantastic Four Merchandise. Black, and blue hat with a 4 on it under a black and blue hoodie also with the 4! The shirt he chose today was Val, but right now it was covered in the jacket. He looked down as he walked just hoping to fit into the crowd for now as he explores his suroundings.

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
A mystical street fair. While not necessarily the first place that Marie-Ange Colbert expected to find herself, it's certainly relevant enough to her interests given her abilities. She had questions, maybe she could find some answers here. Answers that would be unbiased by her own fears and feelings. Plus, frankly? She could always use a new deck. Maybe a 'Tarot of the Cat People', or even possibly one of those fancy animated decks that she's seen advertised.

Although, given recent events, maybe not the latter.

She's dressed warmly, puffy gray jacket and sweatpants pair with brightly colored snow boots and a pink pom-pom hat to complete the outfit. Her hands, meanwhile, are tucked into her pockets. Green eyes are darting around as she walks, scanning for people and places that might be particularly interesting or even just familiar. She's never been to one of these before... she doesn't know entirely what to expect!

Daniel Ketch has posed:
Why is there a festival going just in front of Nettie's shop? Daniel is not in a festive mood (when is he in a festive mood?) and although it takes him just an extra minute to get to the Candle, Booke and Belle shop, he is scowling as he follows Jinx inside.

"What is going on, Nettie?" The young man asks the magician, trying to keep his annoyance out of his voice. "It is just a cold Sunday, Christmas is over and all... that," he didn't have much fun in Christmas either. Naughty people gets hellfire, you see, and the Ghost Rider was Santa's delivery man... skeleton.

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen arrives wearing warm clothing. A thick red sweater under a white puffy quilted vest, jeans and hiking boots with warm socks rolled down over the tops and a black beanie tugged over her head, her hair spilling out about her shoulders. Hanging around her neck is a silver chain and pendant with an icy blue gem-like stone set in the center. It isn't intenionally being shown off, but neither is it exactly hidden from those who might look at her in mor than passing.

She holds a large coffee, really for the warmth that radiates through the cup than for a need of caffeine.

Making her way along the streets, she looks around with a curious smile. Nearing Nettie's shop, she slows and approaches. "Hello Nettie. It looks quite well attended, doesn't it?" she asks quietly as she looks about the street. As Danny approaches, she offers him a smile as well. "Hello Daniel. How are you?"

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    Nettie was keeping an eye on things from all over the place, relying on the strangely quiet "SECURITY" guard who showed up, and Nettie was only too happy to provide payment (under the table) to Cassandra since she seemed like a nice girl. She was sitting back in her tent, her fingers outstretched to a heater, and she gives Daniel a slight smile as the Rider approaches, and a bit of a wave.

    "Mr. Ketch, good evening! It appears to be a bit of a festival, doesn't it?" she asks, looking out over the crowds of folks curiously wandering through, some with coffee, some with tea, some with hot tinctures of dubious origins, and her lips curl into a smile.

    "Hullo, hullo dear - spot of tea? Tarot reading?" she inquires to Jinx, leaning back in an old spinning desk chair as she turns around slowly.

    A carrion crow in a pirate hat gives a caw as it lands on the back of her chair, glowering.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
And then over as she sees that woman marked 'Security' Talia Al Ghul makes a gesture over at her. "Please, come with me a few moments if you don't mind. I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't at least somewhat important." Talia would gesture over at Cassandra, hand cocked over on her side then for Cassandra to follow. The teenager hopefully doing so after a moment, even as Talia would head towards.. Of all things, one of the non-magic booths selling flowers.

Jinx has posed:
"You're Nettie Crowe," she says hearing Daniel address her. Her accent is decidedly British, a touch rough around the edges suggesting her accent formed in Central London. The pink in her hair is distinctive enough and sometimes her reputation precedes her. Today she's hoping it won't.

"I'm looking for a book, Finnigens Mind Delvings, 1813. I don't mind if it's a reprint," she states. It's certainly not the common fluff that sits on most book shelves. It's a book with real spells in it and not a terribly popular one. The man was sexist, racist, ableist, and his work is littered with vulgarities yet despite what a horrible person Finnigen was his magic does work.

Jinx isn't looking for a fight over it though so she comes out with it rather directly, "I need to perform The Unconscious Unseen." A rather rare and generally harmless spell - it lets a person remember the things they saw when they were asleep. The ingredients, however, are a bit strange. Today is the perfect day to put it all together though because of the Fair.

"I can see you're all set up for tarot reading but I'm in a bit of a rush. Got the boss from hell breathing down my neck," she means Donna Troy, who has not exactly ingratiated herself with the ex-supervillainess. "Or is that the price of admission?" Does she have time for a reading? can't hurt.. no wait, yes it can.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Cassandra Cain has excellent references. It's amazing what Barb can do given a few hours warning. Also she's already duck-walked someone off the property, causing no fuss, and returned without a hair out of place. It's not even really late yet even.

Walking past a tent with poppyseed bagels, La Femme Securite pauses upon hearing herself called, glances about to check her environment, then follows Talia to the flower booth. She looks no more or less perturbed than before, but if you could read her face she's very turbed indeed.

Hell of a poker face on her though, so good luck. She approaches Talia and nods. No words, just work.

Daniel Ketch has posed:
"Pat?" Daniel blinks as Patience shows up, and manages a very brief smile, "I am alright, I guess," he offers laconically, his eyes returning to the shop-owning witch. But Nettie's statement garners her a blank stare, but he takes a step back when someone that seems to be a customer (with pink hair) steps in.

"I think I need some coffee," he decides. There must be a tent somewhere within a city block with decent, not overpriced coffee, right? Probably not, this is still New York.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin is walking keeping his hoodie down as he hears, "Sir buy a deck? It can see your fuuuture!" trying to sell store bought tarot cards. Sure it was cheap but in the crowd of sellers here he had hoped no-one would notice, though it does get Franklin to stop, and turn to look at him with a smile. "Friend do you have a way to stop seeing it? No?" then just turns leaving the confused seller to try to approach the next person forgeting about Franklin all together.

He came here for a reason, but he wasn't in a rush, as he stopped to pick up a corn-dog he smiled to himself. He pulled a leaf out of a pocket and chuckled a bit, he puts it flat in his hand and blows on it. Now there are prob those who could sense magic, but this wasn't magic though it could be called adjacent. Since it wasn't magic, the amount of energy released would be much higher less refined, just brute force though one might not be able to tell as from the outside the effects are not even visable. All there is, is a floating leaf as it is blown in the wind, and Franklin started following it.

He didn't say anything else, other then excuse me as he walked through any crowd following the leaf.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
And there goes Cassandra Cainw ith Talia Al Ghul. Perhaps someone notices it or thinks it stands out. Perhaps it does not. Talia Al Ghul goes over towarsd a flower vendor once she's gotten Cassandra to come along with her. Once there Talia goes to start to pick out a boquet of roses, carefully assembling ones together.

Once they're all together, Talia goes to pay the vendor and then presents them over to Cassandra. That might be confusing and meaningless but for the fact it was the exact same arrangement that she was given at her ballet receital some time ago by a strange woman.

That Talia had seen and that Cassandra seemed to be a mirror match for. The boquet is offered over to Cassandra, for whom there may or may not be meaning beyond the reference.

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen smiles at Daniel and laughs, "That is a pet name I've never adjusted to. But I'm glad you're doing well. Let's hope that this remains less eventful than the last drink we had?" A wry smile is offered before she, too, steps back. Nettie has paying customers. She doesn't want to get in the way of them. Falling quiet, she turns to look at those passing near Nettie's tent then back to Daniel, "There's a drink stand just down the block?" She offers a shrug as if offering to walk along with him. "I think they had coffee, tea, and even hot cider. Maybe more if you can prove you're of legal drinking age" she teases.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "That I am, but careful who you announce it to or they'll all want one." Nettie remarks with a bright smile to Jinx, her unnaturally light blue eyes settling on the pink-haired woman before she waves to Patience as well.

    "Hello, Patience dear. Cup of tea? I don't think they're to Mr. Ketch's liking." the witch gives a small smile, and a nod to the Ghost Rider. "Do take a look around, duckie, who knows what you might find. There is a MOosetracks, I believe, on the corner of 8th and Blecker that has Dollar Cups." she advises, and she gives a soft 'hmmm', distracted by something else... aleaf on the wind, as Franklin might put it. By the twitching of her thumbs, Franklin Richards this way comes.

    "Finnigen's Mind Delvings? I have a second edition somewhere," she remarks, splaying her fingers and cracking her thumbs for their twitching. "Horrible man, not a popular tome these days, butu the Unconscious Unseen is a curious spell to be after." she remarks, and gives a bright grin, with an edge of something dangerous behind it.

    "What're you trying to remember?"

Jinx has posed:
Yeah. Jinx has a feeling they might want to know more. But at least she has a legitimate use for it otherwise she'd be using more criminally oriented resources to get the book. With a sigh she sits down. Her aura tells a story of great upheaval in her life recently, that much is obvious. Everything is flipped upside down, inside out.

"It's not for me," she says and shrugs her shoulders, "Would you believe me if I said there was a secret conspiracy and I need to show the Titans how deep the rabbit hole goes by capturing one of their agents and forcing him to remember things he's been made to forget?"

She dips a hand in to her pocket and pulls out a wad of bills and places them on the table top. "I'm happy to pay. I know Finnigen was a shite but it's not like people casually remember his spells amidst all his ramblings about the wandering of women's tempers."

This random person really did just name drop the Titans. It's not like she's ever been seen out with them on missions - no actually the opposite, fighting against them a couple of times. But there's a defeated attitude to her right now and despite being let off the leash, she's still very much on one.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Cass watches Talia work. She folds her arms in front of her, waiting patiently. Then when she's presented with a bouquet of roses? She glares even harder. She takes them, then nods quietly. And proceeds to watch Talia until the woman has finished. Security or no, she's watching this woman closely.

She pauses though, glancing at a note in the flowers. Then she pulls it out, peers at it with squinting eyes, and then ...tosses it on the ground. More words, she doesn't even know what 'Lady Shiva' means. Someone should really teach her to read.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
Talia al Ghul would glance over at Cassandra Cain, and she says simply, "Sandra Wu-San. You mvoe exactly like her. In miniature." That may or may not mean anything to her. The envelope in it has a small, sealed package. "Give it to one of the others if you wish to confirm it. Look at some videos. THey know her." Talia seems satisfied. And a bit sad. But the girl deserves to know.

And she made a promise, even if it took extra time. And one that ultimately it is up to the girl to decide how to move along with it.

Franklin Richards has posed:
As he munches on his corn-dog Franklin follows the leaf as it just flips around in the air just to be lifted up and float forward again. He walks just past everyone, the venders, the games, the fair in general as he is lead directly to Nettie and the little group around her before it would float down to land on the ground as it seems consumed in a blue light, though it isn't bright the leaf being out again just as quick as Franklin walks up. He sighs a bit looking at the ashes, "Poor leaf.. Could not contain it." noding a moment to thank it for its help, though he wasn't sure what happened to plants past this point.

He looks up and quietly stands looking at Nettie a smile on his face as he quietly assesed the situation.

He saw the woman shaking around money, and he smiles a bit at this. So this was a setup for Tarot, he remembered how some used cards, other leaves of tea, it was rather interesting to see from the outside. He doesn't' speak up only watch Nettie very closely, as the other person talks to them happy to wait till thier buisness is completed.

Daniel Ketch has posed:
"You mean, like Irish Coffee?" Asks Daniel, looking somewhat interested. "I'm sold," or rather, he will be buying, even if they are not dollar cups. Yes, definitely a coffee person, not a tea person.

"Patience is too long," he comments about the young woman's name. "We Americans get confused by names with more than two syllables. Maybe... Miss Alperen?" Yeah, that doesn't roll well either.

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen smiles. "Maybe Irish. Maybe just mulled wine. But I'm sure we can find something to lift your spirits." Then she laughs. "Patience is _too long_?" Then she pauses to look at him as if she is certain he's teasing her. "Yes, Patience is two syllables. But so is Daniel. And Danny." So there.

Rolling her eyes good naturedly, she nods her head in the direction of the drink stand. Tent. Plase. "C'mon Mr. Crankypants."

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "The man thought the uterus would blow right out of a woman's body on a train. Let's not pretend he was ever the smartest in the room," Nettie remarks with a face that says that she might know people just like him, but she leans her chin on one gray-glove clad hand as she eyeballs Jinx.

    "Mm. Well, if it's for Titans related business, I do wish they would have sent a note." she remarks quietly, though she doesn't seem particularly peturbed, and she looks over to Ketch.

    "If they've got Irish Coffees, I'd like two, please and thank you Mr. Ketch, Miss Alperen!" she gives a bright smile.

    Because she's a functioning alcoholic, damnit.

    She registers Franklin joining them in the tent, and gives him a nod of recognition. The old Witch is polite, at least, but she looks back to Jinx.

    "I can get you a copy of the spell, poppet, but the book is neither for sale nor lending. I've not another copy of it."

Cassandra Cain has posed:
A moment later, Security is back on the job. Why? Because she's holding flowers, and making it look good. Apparently someone decided to give the security girl a (very expensive) bouquet of roses. She glances at Franklin as he enters Nettie's booth, but since nothing seems amiss (glances at the leaf oddly) she doesn't intrude.

Most of my poses end up amounting to 'Cass does nothing' in the end.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
And then Talia is going away from the security girl. Leaving her to her security world. Because she's a security guh-url. And now Talia Al Ghul is back amongst the booths and vendors. Under her arm is still the bulky, hefty, and capable of stopping sniper rifle rounds thick grade Tobin's Spirit Guide which she walks and starts to scan entries again within.

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie isn't the most sociable person, to be truthful. She isn't the type to strike up a conversation with strangers -- at least unless her cards demand it of her, in which case she dutifully obeys despite her discomfort. So for the redhead, it's much easier to focus her attention on an anchor and work from there. If Jenny were here, Jenny would be that anchor. She's not here, however Franklin is a figure that she's met a time or two, and an acquaintence certainly makes a easier jumping off point than does a stranger, so she starts making her way in that direction. Weaving wordlessly through the crowd; she does, afterall, recall what happened the last time someone drew attention to who Mr. Richards actually was, and it feels impolite amongst a crowd.

Jinx has posed:
Jinx gets the suspicion. Random person wanders in asking for that book - there's all kinds of bad stuff in there. Good stuff too. Though it really depends on the intention of the user. She's not going to get upset about it - she really just needs that one spell after all.

"Okay," she says with a nod to Nettie. "I need to shop for the spell ingredients though so... I'll just wait here?" She wraps her fingers to the table top and then glances at the other people congregating.

"Titans don't know magic if you shake it out of a tree. Sure, they've got that spooky one but she's all gloom and secrets," she says rather matter of factly. It's true though, the Titans have never been particularly known for their magical prowess.

"In all honesty, if I didn't have to do this I wouldn't." Because until yesterday they were official enemies. Now things are getting confusing and weird. She's not quite sure where she stands in the world. But may be a chat with that Nadia person would be helpful. She seemed to understand.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin stands in the back and returns the nod with a lifed eyebrow. And if he catches Cassandra glanince she would get a small grin. Though he just listened to the conversation Spells, books, this was rather interesting though he bet it had something to do magic though he barely understood the stuff himself. He did understand depending on what it was it could be a powerful weapon, or at least that is what he has been told. He looked at Jinx for a moment and considered was it another person who could use it, or was it for someone else. Though one look at the necklace made it very clear it was most likely for her.

Of course he does not note Marie coming but as she enters the Tent she would get a nod, and he whispers. "They are haggling over some spells, though she might not have them." to catch her up to what is going on in the Tent. He knows it might be rude, but hey it was open and it isn't often he saw people chating about magic in a tent. To him this was an interesting event!

Daniel Ketch has posed:
Daniel frowns as Nettie demonstrates to have a fine hearing for alcohol related matters. Which he understands perfectly, but he will get a receipt for those two cups. She might be his boss, but she won't get free coffee out of Danny.

"I thought she was a tea-drinker at a hundred percent," he murmurs to Patience. Life is full of fun disappointments. And oddities. Like the 'security girl' with the huge bouquet of flowers.

Never mind. He can't even count syllables today.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
And Talia Al Ghul walks past Jinx, giving her a light look of acknowledgement from a distance. Today, she's keeping a very low profile, beyond her rahter strange and impromptu gift to the security girl living in her security world. The back and forth chatter of haggling gets a look, even as she goes back to the heavy book, translating in her head until she gets to a section that is in Aramaic.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "Give me a calling card, dear, and I'll have my associate drop it in your lap. Elsewise, step to the side." Nettie gives a small smile to Jinx, and she waves about "I'll have the updated reagents listing with it, but should you find the Titans are not your cup of tea..." Nettie's smile turns slightly feral, eyes glinting with mischief "/Do/ come back and visit me, and we'll talk." she chipperly states, and turns to the crow on the back of her chair, who gives a caw and hops off, flapping out of the tent and towards the shop proper.

    "NOW. Mr. Richards, I presume?" she cheerily greets Franklin, "The items you're wearing are a dead giveaway, dear."

Jinx has posed:
Just like that. The Nettie Crowe of whispered fame, proprietor of the Candle, Booke, and Belle, is going to drop off the spell and ingredients for her. Jinx has to wonder if this could have been handled over an email - likely not, that personal connection is important.

Is she happy about being under the thumb of the Titans? no, of course not. She fully expects people will die because of this but they insist and she hasn't got a choice in the matter. Whoever Crowe is representing, she's not sure, but she is suspicious.

With a nod, she rises from the chair, "Too easy love." She pulls out some scrap paper and a pencil, and jots down the name Jinx and under it Titans Tower, Metropolis. Well obviously the Titans Tower - but Jinx is the name of a known Supervillain. This skinny rough around the edges English girl is -the- Jinx? working with the Titans? it explains the aura of her life being turned upside down and inside out.

A finger taps the pile of bills, "Hope this covers it." She tugs her jacket about her neck a little more and steps out of the tent so that others may occupy Nettie's attention; back in to the cold. "Fuck, this is bollocks weather," she says to no one in particular.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin chuckles, and looks down at his clothing, "Only because you are not looking for me." he answers with a grin as it was very rare that people come after him. He glances at Jinx, "I do not mean to interupt I assure you." he glances at the cards, "I just wish a reading as I am.." he chuckles a bit "Curious." as he digs out a flyier putting it on the table. "Was that you? If so you have my attention." it was not beyond someone who had magic to set this all up, but his luck had been... odd simce he ran into Domino.

He looks over at Marie, then back again, "It gets hard to tell sometimes so if you do not know I can accept that as well." he nods back to Marie, "Like did not see she was coming." and chuckles a bit with a shrug, "Sometimes stuff just happends right?"

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen flashes a laughing nod to Nettie over the drink order.

Looking to Daniel, she shrugs. "I think everyone in the Dark team has some measure of vice or means for coping with what we all do. It isn't like wanting a strong drink or two is illegal. And she can still favor tea most of the time.." she side glances at Daniel thoughtfully.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
The security walks off, suddenly. She has to do some magic, and it's magic that only she can accomplish. Easily visible in the background as all of this is going on, she walks up to a couple, two ladies who are looking at a booth. They seem to be something of a couple, at least, it's hard to tell without interacting with them.

Cass stands there, waiting a moment, and then when the couple turn away from each other, she firmly places the huge bouquet into the brunette's arms. Then, she slips away as the girl blinks and turns, trying to track Cassandra's movement.

And she walks right into the turning front of the lady she was with. Whose eyes go SO WIDE! The brunette pauses, then without knowing what's going on, offers the other girl the flowers...

Suddenly they're both crying, and you can hear them together, almost making sense. Something about getting married?

Cass is just walking off, checking out another guy with a gun under his coat. She doesn't mind if folks are armed, it's their intent that matters.

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
"Over spells?" Marie echoes, a little louder than a whisper but she's generally a soft-spoken woman herself, so not too loud by any means. Now she's going to pay quite a bit more attention. This might be the tent she's been looking for; the one she can actually get her answers from. So for the moment, she'll stand behind Franklin; it's his turn with the purveyor of the place, and serves as her anchor for the moment.

She gets more interested still when it seems that Franklin's going for -- and Nettie's set up to provide -- a reading. To his words? She gives a little shake of her head, "Nothing happens without a reason, Monsieur Richards." she answers politely. It's one of her core beliefs, and also has made it much easier to accept some of the better things that have happened to her lately. Even if she doesn't exactly know the reasons that they happened for.

Daniel Ketch has posed:
"You are probably right," replies Daniel. Of course he tends to agree when someone makes a rather depressing comment. "So, lets cope with coffee and wine. The boss lady can wait. She seems busy anyway."

He waits for Pat to go into the tent, and follows her. "And I still don't know why there is a festival here today."

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    Nettie, at some point, will have to explain that sometimes people make bad decisions and it requires some pulling out of old habits, and it is difficult. But worth it.

    Nettie does look down at the flyer, and then up to Franklin with an expression of amusement, and motions for him to take a seat in one of the folding chairs.

    "You're going to want to take a seat, poppet. So you've got questions, we can see if I have any answers." she remarks in a friendly tone, and she removes from a little wooden box a set of old looking tarot cards.

    "On the contrary. The world is a crazy, mixed-up place. Sometimes things don't happen for discernable reasons." she gives a wry smile.

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen smiles at Daniel. "Go ahead, I still have coffee" in her pretentious cofee chain cup. "Hmm.. they do have Irish Coffee. I'll get them for Nettie. What're you going to get Daniel?"

Then she tilts her head, "It's a festival for mystical and magical sorts to celebrate and meet."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
As things look like they're getting started, Marie adds to Franklin. "If you would prefer I step away so that you may have privacy," she motions towards the deck that Nettie's preparing. "I will gladly do so."

As someone who's well-versed in the tarot herself, she knows the importance of a reading -- and of the opportunity to have privacy when it's happening. After all, a reading can be about just about anything, and some of those things are not the kinds that you want other people hearing about!

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin holds up a finger to discuss the diference between what is supposed to happen, and shapping what is to come but then stops. He turns and looks at Nettie figuring that could get rather out of control rather quickly so thinks perhaps another time. Instead he only says, "OF course." not wanting to chose that as his hill. though adds quietly, "It is just not everyone sees it, or very clearly at least. So if we call it accidentle they can accept it a bit better." he ends with a chuckle as he takes a seat.

"I do though I don't know if it is the right question." he says slowly thinking about it. "Let me make it clear.. I simply wish to know if I should step in." he looks at her with a smile. "I know it is vague, but it is not because I mean to hide it, only it isn't set in stone yet so I can only say so much." He glances up at Marie, "Wonder which of us is supposed to be the one talking in Riddles here. But I think if all three of us do it we might cause a blackhole or something." and chuckles a bit at just how strange of a meetomg this was though he enjoyed that very thing greatly.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
There's a stir in the fabric of the tent, then someone is watching Jinx as she leaves. The little security guard (not so little, just compared to most guards) watches her go, her face calm and patient. Then she shrugs, visibly turning to look at those who are staying.

Her face spots Franklin, then a ghost of the smile he offered earlier would appear. For only an instant though, just a message that she'd seen it, and not to worry. Then she passes by Patience and Marie, slipping by toward someone else, outside of the tent.

Nothing that she does has any impact, but she tries to keep it from intruding. As she ghosts about, watching people live their lives. And learning.

Daniel Ketch has posed:
"The same, of course," and maybe also a carry out. Although he seems hesitate a moment when Patience says she will take the coffee cups to Nettie. Maybe for the better, so he can slip away from the too festive festival. He will return to the shop later in the evening, when things are more properly gloom and cold. "I'll see you soon," he says as farewell.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "I think you're just fine, dear." Nettie states to Marie-Ange, and she turns to look at her properly, pulling out a pair of half-moon glasses and slipping them on. They don't really make her look any older than her apparent mid-twenties.

    "So, should you 'step in'. A little late to Step Into Christmas, are you looking to step into something new -- a pair of shoes, a new persona? Less... identifiable brands?" she questions, looking Richard up and down, and then she shuffles her cards again as she eyeballs Franklin.

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
There's a polite nod and a slight smile offered to Nettie as the woman addresses Marie, who is now invested in watching this reading. If nothing else, it'll help her determine just how skillled a reader this woman is.

Though, the sight of movement does catch the French girl's eye and she turns to look towards Cassandra as the shorter woman slides past her en route out of the tent. Not someone she knows, persay, but the sight of 'SECURITY' emblazoned on the jacket she's wearing is enough to take notice of. When things go sideways as much as they have lately, someone like her is always good to have around.

"Monsieur Richards, a tarot reading is a sacred trust. Perhaps it would be easiest to... clarify, by defining things as you believe them to be, whether it be 'set in stone' or not?"

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin chuckles, "Ah.. I see let me explain. I do help where I can usually it is cosmmic unbalances, or with the team. This.." he thinks for a moment before continuing. "Is expected from me, but there is so much more that" he puts his fingers together as if he were to snap but doesn't though he looks at his hand. "I could fix. But to do so I must interfier directly, and that might start a path." he looks back at Marie, "We know how it worked out for mutants, and while I dodge the hate that might not always be true." looking back as he finishes. "So it is a simple question. Should I step in... Fix it where I can, and use what was given to me to change. Or should I stay out of what is to come, the consiquinces not being as bad as if I were to. "

He smiles putting his arms down and his fingers together as he rest his head on them to look at her. "So... You think you can answer that with those cards I am listening. I am not saying it will change what I have to do, but perhaps it will show me something I missed. I do not know.. But I know it is a bell once run, can not be unrung lightly."

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    Nettie just pauses and looks at Richards aghast.

    "What kind of fuckin' parent makes their child wear their brand? Are they secretly Kardashians? Kanye West mind controlled them? Ralph Laurens back from the dead?" she pauses.

    She purses her lips.

    "... did Laurens die?" she questions momentarily, and then she looks back to her deck, and she shuffles it again.

    She flips over the first card. Tower. Inverted.

    Second card. Chariot. Inverted.

    The Hanged Man.

    Nettie gives a soft 'hrrrmm' sound, and then plucks a hand-rolled cigarette from a packet in her pocket and lights it with a fingertip. Not even taking out her bic, she's distracted.

    "Interestin'."

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen returns to Nettie's tent with a drink carrier in hand. She slips into the tent, "You were right Nettie. Because of course you were.." she grins as she carries the drinks over. "...two... Irish coffees for you." Setting the cups down, she takes her drink and picks up the carrier in her other hand, soon for a trashbin. "Daniel got his and decided it was too cheerful for his tastes. I'm sure he meant to wish you a good day" she adds easily.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
An industrious hotdog vendor set up near the faire because, let's face it, people get hungry when they're standing around for awhile. Sure he had some 'veggie dogs' for the more vegetarian sort out there but he also had the good stuff. Hebrew National. Gabby had loaded up with an order of 'several', and snagged a handful of little packet toppings to bring with her as she finally delves into the faire a bit later than she had intended.

Nettie was her first area of attack--I mean, to visit. The paper bag filled with savory dogs is hoisted up in way of greeting. "I brought vittles! ... That's what they used to call it, right?" She sounds a little dubious about it. Maybe she'd been talking to Corvax a bit too much lately if she was picking up terms like that.

Spotting Marie, Cass, and Franklin, she flashes a grin and steps over to give Marie a quick hug if she allows. "Hey Cass! Hi Marie! Oh Nettie's who I mentioned to you! Let me get you a replacement tarot deck from her, okay? I dunno if it's true but I heard they work better if they're gifted instead of buying them yourself." Maybe it was just a superstition. Then again...

A nod is given toward Franklin in greeting too. "Hey, thanks for the help last time." What ever does she mean? It's about then she realizes Nettie is doing a reading. Looking chagrinned she mumbles a quiet, "Oops sorry. Kosher dogs?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie, for her part, purses her lips and says nothing at this point. Observing the other woman's interaction with the deck, quietly interpreting the reading in her own mind so as to 'compare notes', so to speak. She does glance between Franklin and Nettie at their various exchanges, and stifles a giggle at the celebrity references from the latter, but tries her best to keep a good poker face about anything in-particular that she gleans from the cards themselves.
As focused as she is, though? She gives Gabby a quick hug back. A new, more familiar anchor has appeared! "Gabby." she greets demurely -- there's a reading going on, she doesn't want to interrupt! "It is truly unnecessary -- but I would be most honored and grateful if you chose to." She, too, has heard that saying. It's why the decks she uses for readings are /always/ the ones she's been gifted.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin chuckles at the parents line. "They don't.. I wear it to fit in." he looks down at his clothes and chuckes a bit. "Believe it or not no-one thinks a famous family member would dare be seen in all of this. So they just ignore me thinking I am some-one else.." the smile doesn't leave his face though his tone drops and it doesn't meet his eyes as he adds, "I like to disapear in the crowd sometimes.. It reminds me I am home ya know." he shrgus shaking the thought out a bit. "And I am sorry but I don't know who these Kardashians are so I do not know if this Laurens has died or not.. I don't get to watch much TV or Movies usually it is Lab time, or other things are whisking me away somewhere." and chuckes a bit at that.

Though he falls to silence as she starts flipping cards, he quietly sits and watches carefully how they are flipped, placed as perhaps it was the angles though he knew each card had several meanings themselves so he was not going to guess.

he actually looked back at Marie and gave a 'that doesn't look good' look though as it was called interesting. Interesting always lead to trouble though he was curious it wasn't always bad I mean when was the last time looking into the future ended badly.. Which make him grin a bit holding back a chuckle as he did not want Nettie to think he was laughing at her even accidently as he appreciated the new experience. Though he did check there were more seats in here as he felt bad if he was going to be the only one sitting. He does answer Gabby though with a chuckle, "Hey you helped me first remember. I found her by the way.. Though it was super sketchy." and chuckles a bit turning back to look at the cards to hear the final decision.

Robbie Reyes has posed:
Robbie's in the market for a distraction, tonight; anything to get the demon in his head to shut the hell up. This? This seems to suit him just fine. People who have better things to do than talk to him, live music and people dressed up in weird shit and -- best of all -- alcohol.

He's on, by his count, his fourth drink of the night. Gin, maybe? Robbie's not entirely sure, and neither was the guy who sold it to him. But it keeps his mind quiet, and that's good enough for him.

The lean young man is huddled in a hoodie and leather jacket, and a somewhat ragtag tee shirt and dark, skinny jeans shoved into battered combat boots. In other words: his usual. Spotting the sign advertising tarot card readings, he considers carrying right on past-- until he catches a glimpse of a familiar blonde doing said readings. And opts to wander on over casual-like.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "Of course I was right, who do you think did all the legwork to try and identify the best vendors for this thing?" Nettie replies as she looks over the three cards with a peturbed expression, and then to Franklin.

    She steeples her fingers.

    "This deck is Mine. It is over a hundred and forty years old, and it rarely steers me wrong when determining the path someone should take." she states quietly, and then points her pinkie at Franklin.

    "You have several ways in front of you, of course you do, you know that. You're powerful enough that you could probably change from path to path if you so wished, but you're unsure. You've seen the chaos and the breakdown, and you hold that inwardly." she states, and her head tilts.

    "But there is movement. A lot of movement, coming from within. You're going to have to make the choice on your own, an I would suggest, lad, you do it soon."

    She takes up the deck again, and cuts it, pulling a card from the middle.

    A pale rider with a skull in its helmet, and a flag of a white rose.

    "... or something will force your hand to do so."

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    Nettie then looks up, and motions to Gabby.

    "Dog me, duckie. An' thank you, Patience, for fetching the coffee. Beginning to feel a bit of a chill in these old bones." she murmurs quietly.

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie, for her part, manages to not give any hints to Franklin as to what the cards might mean before they're dealt. Gabby's presence helps the redhead with that, as it means she can easily explain away any subtle facial twinges that might show from this turn of the card or that. When the reading concludes, though?

"She is right, Monsieur Richards. I would certainly advise taking her words to heart."

Marie, it seems, is satisfied by Nettie's authenticity when it comes to doing readings!

Robbie's entrance to the tent is noticed as well, and the newest stranger gets a polite nod from Marie. If nothing else, she's happy to see that other readers in this country seem to get much more respect than she did in her home country.

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin smiles, and nods. He reaches into his pocket, and puts down a credit. or Unit, but keeps his hand on it as he looks at her. "Thank you for the warning, I will take it seriously, I do not know how much you charge for such a thing so instead I give you something important." he chuckles a bit. "First credit I made gambling." he nods down to it. "Use it well, and thank you." he nods to her at that removing his hand from the credit. He turns to look out at the fair.

He does stop and look back, "Any chance there is a yes, or no card in there?" and grins a bit as he still had a bit to think about he nods at Marie as he past a bit lost in thought. "Excuse me.." and quietly walks out. He was starting one of his walks again to think about what was said. Hopping that this time it didn't end up like last time as that riot was kind of rough.

Robbie Reyes has posed:
Speaking of the devil, Robbie Reyes practically materialises ten feet away from where Nettie's seated with the cards spread out in front of her. He's more coffee coloured than pale, and flags with roses don't seem to be his thing. But close.

"Hey, Gabby," he greets the younger girl as he rounds on the table with the reading in situ. Marie he doesn't recognise, so she gets a curious glance. And Franklin's exit garners a thoughtful narrowing at the corners of his eyes while he sips his drink. The moonshine, that is, in the plastic cup. Because Robbie's classy like that.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney steps away with a bit of a grin at the responses from everyone. She's still here, and present, but the paper bag is opened to fish out one of the foil wrapped dogs which she presents to Nettie. "Marie, I had to stab and destroy your deck because someone posessed it. Least I can do is get you a replacement. Speaking of, Nettie," she offers out a few packets of mustard and relish. No ketchup because who the hell puts that on hotdogs?

"Do you have any decks that are more, uh, authentic than others? I've known Marie for years so I know she knows her stuff. Don't need any of the 'pretend' stuff you sell for dabblers."

Another hotdog is withdrawn and placed into Marie's hand. Her attention shifts to Robbie flashing him a grin as well. "Hey Robbie, been awhile. Taking care of ..." She trails off. No she probably shouldn't mention that. Instead she gives him a hotdog, too. "Here, you smell like you could use some food along with those drinks. You want one too Patience?" She really had bought quite a few. "Looks like you got the drinks down pat at least.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "Ah, Bert!" Nettie gives the brightest smile as she plucks up the ancient cards and shuffles them back into her deck, looking about the grouping that's gathered in the tent in front of the Candle. Luckily there's a bunch of folding chairs and table space beyond what she's using for readings, and Nettie pockets the 'credit' that was left on the table from Franklin.

    "Well, there are many superstitions involving the Tarot... not the least that this game exists only for fortune telling. There's still competitive tarot players in Italy and France, which is where I picked up this deck here." she gives a small grin.

    "This deck has been with me through all my travels, mind, so it's got something of a mind of its own. It's quirky. I once gave a reading and got cards that were from other decks."

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen smiles to Nettie, "You're welcome. You can get first and second round some other time" she adds lightly.

Looking up as Robbie and Gabby appear, she gives Gabby a wave as the one she recognizes more. A look of surprise at the sack of dogs. "That's a large sack..." she helpfully observes.

At the offer, she thinks on it a beat, "Please? It sounds good, thank you."

With a laugh, she nods, "At least for Nettie. I just have coffee."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie, twiggy little thing that she is, accepts the hot dog with a bright smile. Granted, she accepts pretty much everything with gratitude, but she was admittedly hungry... and sometimes, fate provides a way. "Merci beaucoup, Gabby." she replies -- to the offer of the deck, or the hot dog? That part would be debatable from most; from Marie, it's pretty clearly for both.

Nettie's words get her attention, though. It's rare that she learns something new about the tarot. Today is one of those days, and to think that it was happening right in her proverbial backyard?!

...frankly it's a little disheartening, and the frown that touches her lips is proof. Maybe she's just fated to be doomed.

The comment about 'cards from other decks'? That draws an eyebrow raise, though. So she's not the only one that's happened to? "Madame Nettie," she speaks up, voice accented like if she'd never left France. Not quite making eye contact, because she feels very much in the presence of a superior, here. "...could you perhaps do a reading for myself?" Pause. "Also... that reading you speak of. Did you own the decks that those... 'extra' cards came from?"

Robbie Reyes has posed:
If asked, Robbie might confess some curiosity about what Gabby was going to say. But since he isn't, the girl simply gets a quizzical squint of mismatched eyes. And then a fleeting appearance of dimples when he smiles at her for the hot dog. "Gracias, chica." True to form, about half of it disappears in one bite, chased by a swallow of his drink.

Which he nearly chokes on when Nettie calls him 'Bert'. "What'd I say about that?" he grumbles, scowling slightly.

Oh, and Patience is here. Wasn't she the one with the weapon that made his bones itch just being near it? He watches her a moment while devouring his hot dog.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "Sometimes I own them. Some of them are partial because every time a CERTAIN WIZARD COMES IN--" her voice raises, as if she's yelling at someone else "MY CARDS CATCH ON FIRE." she settles back down, takes a breath, and lets it out.

    And she takes up one of the Irish Coffees and takes a sip as she turns her attention from Robbie, to Gabby to Patience, and back to Marie-Ange.

    "Gabalicious P Kinnister, won't you introduce me to your friend?" she questions brightly, and gives a kind smile to Marie-Ange.

    "Sometimes it's from the same deck. Sometimes it's from decks I've owned and no longer own, for whatever reason. And sometimes it's from decks I've seen but don't own in person, and sometimes they're strange new cards that I've not seen before. My deck is special. It has its own spirit. And sometimes it's a bit of a... how they say ... wise ass."

    "And you said you might not respond to it, but you have, because you didn't tell anything else to call you, Mister Reyes." she gives a wry little smile, looking to Robbie.

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen smiles and takes the wrapped hotdog and picks up some of the condiment packets. "Thanks Gabby. I usually prefer cheese as well as ketchup and mustard. But the last two will do just fine." She finds a space to unwrap the on-the-go meal and applies the packets.

She glances toward Nettie as she hollers. It isn't aimed at herself. So. It's kind of amusing. Otherwise she looks to Marie-Ange and smiles, "Hello Marie-Ange. I'm Patience."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney passes another of the foil wrapped dogs and a smattering of condiment pouches over to Patience. "I prefer it with just mustard, but everyone has their own favorite toppings," she points out in case the woman wasn't overly familiar with hotdogs. Sometimes it was hard to know the frame of reference with what everyone else knew.

Settling down then with one for herself (there may be one or two left in the bag judging by the weight of it), she finds herself grinning in response to Robbie. And Nettie, as well, as she chuckles.

"This is Marie-Ange Colbert," she points out only to glance at her friend. "Also know as 'Tarot' in some of the older groups I run with. So you kinda see why she needs a deck replacement." A solemn nod is given, and she adds, "She's good people," before taking a bite of her mustard-dog.

"Marie, this is Nettie Crowe, a very skilled witch and the bane of Nazi's."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
The fact that this woman has experienced some of the... strangeness... that she too had, is something that merits investigation. Honestly, it does. A mental note is made, talk to the reader. Get advice on how to deal with... that... that doesn't end in Gabby stabbing the deck. She'd rather not have to replace them quite that often! However, as important as that is, it stands second in the list of things she needs to know.

As introductions are made, Marie drops into a formal curtsey. "Enchante, Madame Crowe," True Formality resumed the surname is revealed! "Madame Patience. Any friends of Gabby are friends of mine." The use of her codename doesn't get the bat of an eye from Marie; if Gabby trusts these people, she does too.

Robbie Reyes has posed:
Robbie's forced to concede that he did not, in fact, give Nettie a name. But he's still annoyed about the whole thing, because she's clearly a lot smarter than him and has figured out how to get what she wants.

"Most people call me Robbie," he offers grudgingly to the witch, and promptly finishes off his hot dog. The foil wrapper's crumpled up and pitched at the nearest garbage-- which he misses, naturally. Swearing, he goes to snatch it up and throw it in while Nettie, Marie-Ange and Gabby are exchanging introductions.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "Bon soir, madmoiselle Colbert." Nettie greets Marie-Ange with a flawless (though rural) French accent. "Are you from France? As Miss Kinney's suggested, I've spent a not-insignificant time in the country." she gives a bright smile. "Mister Reyes there is also a part of our outfit, as is Miss Alperan. I'm very thankful that those I've taken up advising are patient with me and my sometimes troublesome ways." she offers as a joke. She definitely doesn't regret being introduced as Scourge of Nazis.

    The witch shuffles her deck and eyeballs Marie.

    "So, is there a question *you* would like answered?"

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney nods solemnly as she's done her due dilligence in giving introductions. One of the chairs that nestle around the Candle tent is taken up by her, and she leans back letting it rock lightly on two legs. Sure it might tip, but she had a low center of gravity. The risk wasn't so large.

"I'm curious about my own future... I've never had a reading." She ponders, thoughtfully, only to shrug over it. "But I don't really know what to ask as a direction question either. I mean, what? 'Will I find love?' or something?"

"Might be a bit moot on that point."

Patience Alperen has posed:
Patience Alperen has soon finished her gifted hotdog and smiles to Marie-Ange and Robbie. "Hello, nice to meet you." To Gabby and Nettie, she smiles. "I'm going to go browse the rest of the festival, I think. I'll stop back a bit later if you're still upright, Nettie.."

A teasing wink is given to Nettie as she moves to slip out of the tent.

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
"Tres bien!" The use of French by someone who's not her? That brings the light right into Marie's eyes. It's always nice to hear the language of her home country spoken in the country that she actually considers home, now. "Oui, I am from Lyons. I have only been in America..." she pauses to consider. "...three years, now?" Almost exactly to the day, in fact. Also, now that he's been named, "Enchante, Monsieur Reyes." she adds, with a smile.

Gabby gets her attention next. "I-- I wish you had asked, if you would have liked to have your cards read. I should have asked you, I apologize..." She's more than a little dismayed by this. She tries to make sure that her readings are available to all, especially her friends!

"And yes... there is." She admits, a little bit of redness creeping into the redhead's cheeks, and more still as she continues to speak. "I... would ask it of the cards myself, but I fear I am too close to the matter, that my reading would be skewed by my own wishes." Plus, the opportunity to have a reading done for her, instead of by her? It's a rare one indeed. She continues, "There is a... young lady. She and I were very close, once, but drifted apart. Our paths crossed recently, by chance, and I was wondering..." She pauses, taking a breath. Speaking it outloud is tough for the girl, but she's determined. "...should I make the attempt to, ah, reconnect?"

Patience, too, gets a polite wave as she announces her departure. Actually speaking a goodbye will be just a little hard at the moment, though!

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney holds up her hands when Marie begins to apologize givign a quick laugh. "No no, it's fine, Marie! I only just thought of it. It's always been interesting but I haven't really been into the mystical side of things until recently. I never considered it in the past," she assures to help dissuade any of the guilt such a remark might have inadvertantly brought. "This is way more your thing. Enjoy it!"

As Patience leaves she gives a nod in her direction, and then her attention shifts back toward the others. Robbie gets a knowing little grin. "How've things been with you lately? I meant to stop by around Christmas but..." Here it's her turn to be guilty. "I was trying to spend time a bit with the family. I feel like I drifted away a bit. Seems easy to do for my family," se mumbles thoughtfully while reaching back to scratch just behind her ear.

Robbie Reyes has posed:
Robbie's since returned to the card reading circle, and dropped into a chair to watch, with what remains of his drink. Marie-Ange is given a small upnod of acknowledgement, though he doesn't interrupt her conversation with Nettie. He's mostly here to observe, after all-- his goal tonight was to get some breathing space, a break from the chatter in his head.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "Oh Ye of Little Faith." Nettie gives a rueful smile to Patience, and then sips her Irish Coffee. Mm. Whiskey and caffeine, do more things, faster, with anger and awful energy.

    She also polishes off her hotdog, and then wipes her hands off on a handy dandy towel, and then shuffles her deck.

    "Smart, asking someone else to read for you. Ordinarily for such an in-depth question I would do a full spread -- and you're welcome to stop by tomorrow for such. The heart is complicated and matters relating to it... heavy." she gives a sympathetic smile, and then begins to pull cards.

    First card? Judgement. Nettie makes *A FACE* at that card.

    Second Card? The King of Swords. This gets an interested look out of the old witch.

    And finally, the Four of Pentacles on this old deck, but reversed. Nettie gives a soft 'hrrrm'.

    "So, you know you are coming to the point where you're going to have to decide. You are going to come to a moment of clarity, and I feel that it's going to be coming sooner rather than later." Nettie states as she looks to Marie-Ange.

    "You have a measure of doubt about the subject, though. You're nervous. Understandable, mon ami, but you do not need to worry about protecting yourself, not in this case." she taps the last card.

    "No matter what happens, you will recover from it."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
As the reading is being done, this is when Marie focuses her full attention on the hot dog. Truthfully, it may be impressive to onlookers how quickly she downs the thing -- especially for such a slender girl! But while mouth is chewing, and hands are wringing themselves in her pockets... her eyes and ears are paying full attention to the reader and the reading. Preparing to accept her fate. Bracing for potential bad news -- it wouldn't be the first time that she's had to abide by the deal of the cards.

The result? Well. It actually takes a weight off of her shoulders -- and simultaneously puts one on. The choice is hers, but whatever choice she makes, she can recover from.

"I... see, merci beaucoup, and oui, I think I will take you up on that offer, if you would be so kind. I can pay! This is a matter of great importance to me." Gabby might be able to put some of the pieces together based on Marie's words, too. "--and there are other things I would love to discuss, as well. I do not meet other practitioners often." Doubly so one that is more knowledgable than herself!

For now, though, she'll move aside, waving a hand for Gabby to take her spot. "This would certainly be a most opprotune time, Gabby, if you would like to!" A pause. "And I can step outside if you would prefer privacy." Especially as she, too, talked of love as a possible question.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney draws in a deep breath when Marie gestures her to take her place for a potential reading. Her gaze shifts to Nettie quietly, with lips pressed together in a pensive manner. Thoughs he was curious there was also some hesitance. More than a little, really. But she had brought it up to begin with.

"Okay. Maybe just a bit." She shifts over with her fingers lacing together in her lap as she looks like she were about to receive the worst of possible news. "I have to ask a question, right? Let me think. Specifically." SPecifically what though?

"Ah... I guess, rather than being vague about relationship stuff, I should ask if this is a good time to start relationships?" That question at least seems to relax her a bit.

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    "You don't need to ask the question out loud all the time, but it becomes easier to interpret them if I know what the question is." Nettie gives a smile, and she gives a wink to Colbert. "Come by any time, payment is only required if you don't want to owe an old witch a favor." she states with a grin. In spite of the fact that Nettie looks only a couple years older than Marie-Ange herself.

    Nettie shuffles, and draws the first card.

    The Nine of Cups.

    The Knight of Swords.

    ... The Hanged Man. MAking his appearance for the second time tonight.

    Nettie chews on the end of her cigarette, and taps it on the side of her chair as she considers.

    "Well. You are the ambitious one, aren't you?" she considers carefully, and she gives a bit of a smile.

    "You may continue to strike up relationships -- romantic or otherwise -- at any time. You don't treat them as anything you are owed, or indulgences to partake in, but you give your love with gratitude and you give it freely." she comments, and then she taps her knuckle against the Hanged Man card.

    "But there may be a time when you get frozen in this indecision about starting a new relationship, and it slips away."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Well, this is it, now. Everybody get down. This is all, she can take. This is how Marie breaks.

See, she was perfectly willing to step outside for the reading. Readings are personal. They are private. They aren't meant for strange ears. But, Gabby's a friend, and this was her craft. Surely, it couldn't hurt to listen and perhaps even offer some advice of her own if necessary. Right?

...right?

Then Gabby asks THE question. At first, Marie just blushes a little, but says nothing. After all. Aren't most young women her age laser-focused on the affairs--

Wait. What.

"Abuh..." Gibberish is the first sound made. "Did you..." she trails off. Her face is practically redder than her hair.

"...plural?" Marie squeaks in a high-pitched voice. Backing her way towards the flaps of the tent. Slow movements. As if she won't be seen if she moves slow enough.

"I." Swallow, Marie. A look to Nettie. "I-I. I...yes. Tomorrow. Favor, then." A look to Gabby. No eye-contact. Just general direction. "We... later. Oui."

And with that? The French girl is GONE.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney spreads her hands in a little helpless half-shrug while she curls in on herself, just a bit embarassed. Though she does grin again now that she's at least spoken the question out loud. It was easier to figure out herself sometimes that way, talking out loud. Her attention turns to the cards regarding them with an eyebrow raising skeptically at the recognition of a few.

"Huh. Well that's fair," she has to admit with a slow nod. Indecision often did make opportunities pass after all. "And I'm not ambitious! Just... sorta came up. A few times. And with everything else going on wasn't sure on timing, but I guess there's really no 'good time' for anything. Just opportunities," she reasons with a slow nod.

It's all rattled off with her usual energetic line of thought. Then she comes to Marie's question. "Yep, plural--" she begins to explain while turning to watch her friend practically bolt out the tent. "...I think I broke her."

Nettie Crowe has posed:
    Nettie makes a :| face.

    She's trying, very hard, not to just burst into both laughter and tears and explain to the dears that live is too short.

    "... I'm not sure if you're the girls in both questions." she marks about the two of them, and then she leans forward, downs the rest of her first Irish Coffee, and then extracts her flask from her sweater pocket and uncaps THAT.

    "Either way, as long as you're all happy, healthy, safe, sane, consensual, fgo forth," she waves a hand, "raise hell, scandalize some little old ladies."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney glances back toward Nettie with a look of complete bemusement at that. "If I'm the one in her question then that would be a surprise to me." Which does cause her to pause and stare off into space for a second. "Oh. Oh, there's something to be concerned about. I've got a guy and a girl and we're feeling things out and uh I guess?" She scratches at her ear again only to push to her feet. "Thanks, Nettie. I *do* want to get her a replacement deck though, if you find one that's legit and like... suitabler for her, let me know." A grin is flashed, and she looks out to the rest of the faire. "For now I'm gonna go browse. No harm in seeing what else is out there."