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There was a time when all the taverns were busy. From the warm beaches of Husson to the frozen streets of Arctic Village, people gathered everywhere. Kuguroyo Square was always packed, its markets overflowing, but none of those places were quite like Yunsil Tavern. Most would describe Yunsil as a hard worker but anyone who truly knew her understood that such discipline left little room for patience. She liked work to be done, feet to be moving, hands to stay busy. If you wanted to nap, you'd best find a different establishment. But if you wanted business handled quickly and cleanly, Yunsil always delivered, sometimes unsettlingly so, yet always with a smile. Velka had the misfortune of being in the mud pit of South Gate Buya when the sky split open and rain poured down. With no other place to stay dry, she dashed into Yunsil Tavern. "Don't you dare track that mud and water around my tavern!" Yunsil barked as she sorted piles of trinkets for a patron. "Psst... here's a towel and a change of clothes." Taur handed them to Velka, eyes sympathetic. Velka nodded, wrapping herself discreetly in the towel and changing quickly in a corner. "My, it's really coming down out there," she offered, trying to make polite conversation. Yunsil didn't budge from her business for the patron. Taur hunched his shoulders and kept silent. The air was tense. "More jobs and less pay-what is with this world we are living in?!" Yunsil finally burst out as the patron left. Velka paused, then rose quietly. She approached Yunsil, who was still bent over her cluttered table. As Yunsil lifted her head in surprise, Velka gently set a hand on her shoulder. Despite the initial shock, Yunsil relaxed instantly beneath her touch. "Let's find out," Velka whispered. Yunsil's face scrunched with uncertainty. "Have you ever had an I-Ching reading before?" Velka continued, still soft. Taur leaned in from across the room, clearly trying (and failing) to eavesdrop. Yunsil nodded. "It's been a long time, though." "You only need the question. I will help with the rest." Velka's tone soothed the frustration gathering in Yunsil's brow. "You wonder what is happening in the world? what plagues you? What is your question, Yunsil?" "What will happen if I continue to run this tavern?" she asked openly. "Excellent." Velka smiled warmly. "Someone like you must have a few lucky coins. Bring me your three favorites, and I will help you find your answer." Yunsil brightened and whisked three coins from somewhere unseen, placing them on the table. Velka inspected them carefully. "Yes! these will do." She brushed each coin with the black feather she always carried. "Toss the coins six times. I will record the lines." Yunsil hesitated, then followed through. When the final toss fell still, Velka examined the pattern: T T H ------------ ------------ T T T ----- ----- ------------ H H T ----- ----- ----- ----- And: T T H ------------ ------------ T H H ----- ----- ----- ----- H H H ------------ ----- ----- A full Yin line. A full Yang line. Clear signs of transition. Change was already folding itself into Yunsil's world. Velka rotated the tablet toward Yunsil so she could see the two hexagrams-one glowing like a lantern on stone, the other rising like a sapling clinging to a mountainside. She began her reading. ~~~Continues~~~ | |