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I wandered through the market lanes of Kugnae, the scent of herbs and roasted grains mingling in the air. I was on my way to visit an old friend, thinking it would be fitting to bring freshly brewed rice wine and a cut of pork belly to share over quiet conversation. I stopped by Ogi?s Butcher Shop, a familiar place where the clang of cleavers and the hum of small talk filled the air. As I waited for my order, I watched the flow of customers as I often did. Ogi, usually steady in her work, but her shoulders seem tense, her sigh was deep and continue. ?What?s troubling you, Ogi?? I asked gently. She looked up, her eyes weary. ?The Kingdom used to be alive with bustle and trade,? she said. ?Now, things have gone quiet...too quiet. Hunters no longer come to sell their meats. Many have left, and I fear the Kingdom may never return to how it once was.? I nodded in understanding and pulled my Tarot deck from my sleeve. With a slow breath, I called upon the quiet rhythm of the marketplace and let the cards shuffle themselves through the air. One card leapt out, then a second, then a third drifting down like autumn leaves before landing at my feet. Past (Flower ? Reversed) The first card was the Flower, reversed.I told Ogi this card spoke of neglect and abandonment whch is a sign that the Kingdom had long been left without visitors or wandering souls to bring it fresh energy. What once blossomed had begun to fade, yearning for renewal. Present (Star) The second card was the Star. I smiled as I revealed it, for it meant hope and a light still burning in the distance. Though times had been difficult, the Kingdom?s spirit had not vanished; it was only waiting to be rekindled by faith and perseverance. Future (Wand) The third card was the Wand. It spoke of guidance and clarity, a reminder that the Kingdom must reach out for offering direction to newcomers and curious travelers so they do not lose their way and drift from our realm. The path forward was there; it only needed to be lit. I placed the cards back into my sleeve and met Ogi?s gaze. ?There is still hope,? I told her softly. ?We only need to nurture it. Many in the Kingdom are eager to help those who arrive and wish to stay. If we open our hearts again, life will return.? Ogi?s face softened into a small, grateful smile. She wrapped the pork belly neatly, handed it to me, and wished me well on my journey. With that, I left the shop and continued along the lantern-lit streets toward my friend?s home, the cards? quiet promise lingering like a warm ember in the air. | |