Eyes wide, mouth open, frozen in shock.
Practically drilling holes into the figure.
However, the seated man paid no mind as he cleared his throat and spoke in a calm but powerful voice.
"Welcome."
This broke her out of her stupor, Amanises quickly cleared her throat and stood even straighter. Confusion taking over her thoughts for a second.
"H-hello? What is this place?" She spoke in English hoping that the man would understand her native language, unfortunately he simply continued staring as if those words were alien to his ears.
He doesn't know English. Should I try another language?
Amanises was practically fluent in German and even a bit of Russian but she somehow doubted that the man would know either of those.
English is a world-wide language if he was from earth there was no way he wouldn't recognize it.
She swallowed those thoughts and instead spoke a language from this world, one that, as a former noble, she was taught while very young.
Ancient Feysac.
Once Amanises repeated herself the man shrouded in gray fog nodded and replied calmly.
"You can call it the palace above the gray fog, this is the place which I reside in."
The place in which he resides in. His home, perhaps? It's quite empty for someone to live here.
Except for the table, chairs and pillars there was nothing present. Well, except for the numerous bright red orbs floating around. But those seemed like mere decorations.
There was a comfortable silence in the palace, the figure simply waited patiently as if he had all the time in the world.
"Excuse me, sir, but may I know who you are?" She wasn't sure if he would answer, given how the man doesn't really elaborate.
If you don't specify things, misunderstandings can easily happen!
But of course, a gentle smile appeared, and the figure spoke again.
"You can call me The Fool."
The Fool's tone was confident, spiking awe in her heart.
The Fool? Why would someone call themselves that? Is "The" necessary when referring to him at all times? Would he get mad if someone called him just Fool?
Such remarks were ever-present in Amanises' mind, but of course she would never dare say it out loud.
She was sure that The Fool held, if not the truth, than at least some clues about her transmigration. She was about to open her mouth when, to her surprise, The Fool spoke instead.
"If you have any questions make sure you can offer me something equal to the answer in return. I am someone who values equivalent exchange above all. Free things cost the most."
Each word spoken by him carried knowledge and experience, for Amanises The Fool seemed trustworthy however-
Something equal to my transmigration? He definitely holds the clues but what could be equal? What can I offer in return?
She didn't want to sell her soul or to doom the entire bloodline just because of curiosity. Even if that answer could very well send her back to her world. But naturally there was no guarantee and Amanises wasn't a risk taker.
"I understand, sir."
The Fool's smile widened as he spoke, without waiting for her to ask anything else.
"The others who, like you, were brought up here decided to hold a fixed gathering every week. Would you like to join them?"
Others!? Are they transmigrators like me? If I participate in the gatherings I could get answers not only from The Fool, but also from the participants as well!
"I would love to!" She stated without hesitation.
It would be pretty stupid to refuse.
He formed a smile, as if this answer was all he expected, it was hard to even try and guess what The Fool was thinking.
Without further ado, he explained the rules that she was to abide by.
"The gathering is based on anonymity and they have decided to use Tarot Cards as codenames. Would you choose a card yourself or draw one and let fate decide it for you?"
He extended his hand and in front of Amanises appeared multiple cards, all with their back to her.
Swallowing thickly she spoke.
"I will draw."
She extended her hand and picked the third leftmost card. His finger lingered a bit, before she drew a breath and pulled it out.
The Death card.
Is this bad luck?
As if reading her mind, The Fool's expression grew somber, his lips formed a thin line while he seemed to be deep in thought.
After a few agonizing seconds he looked up, back at the woman standing near the far end of the table.
"Are you sure you want to keep this card?" He talked slowly, awaiting the woman's confirmation.
She drew in a breath, knowing that this is not something she could change on a whim.
But, with it possibly being the only way to go back home...
Determination glared in her eyes. Akin to flames gradually taking over the remains of a ruined battlefield.
"Yes."
The cards all flew away and with a snap of his fingers, Amanises was now sitting on one of the chairs left of The Fool. To be exact, the second closest to him.
The first one is occupied... I wonder by who.
The Fool spread his hands in a welcoming gesture, declaring with a hint of joy coating his voice.
"I offer you a warm welcome to the Tarot Club, Miss Death. The gatherings are held each Monday at 3 pm. Be sure to be alone when they happen."
With that he swayed his hand once and everything blurred.
Amanises was standing in her room.
The same room, same position.
What the hell just happened.
***
After a good 30 minutes of being zoned out on the floor, contemplating what had she done to end up in this point, Amanises gets up slowly taking a look around the room.
It would be better to believe that I simply fell asleep from the shock of all these events and dreamt all of that!
I can still hear those whispers, albeit lightly. They're fading away...
She raised her arms to massage her temples to ease off the headache. Then looked around once more, finding Evelyn's wardrobe that looked more like an antique dress shop.
Out of all of those fancy dresses she took a dark blue silk nightgown trimmed with black lace.
Luckily she doesn't have silk sheets, lest I'd be sliding off the bed and wake up outside.
She looked in the full-body mirror, at the tall and curvy body, flowing jet-black hair with messy strands. A face chiseled out of white marble and eyes that blended into the night stared eerily at her.
Sigh...
Whoever The Fool is... doesn't matter. He holds at least some answers about my transmigration and that's all I need.
I can play the role of a daughter and lady of a family, even if it's in the wake of ruin.
I can act warmer and pliable just like Evelyn was.
I can pretend I'm someone else, in someone else's body, with someone else's family.
Someone who... is dead.
But for how long?
Amanises looked out the large window. Red moonlight penetrating the swarm of dark clouds, it seems tonight will rain.
She tucked herself in bed silently praying to whatever God would listen.
She wanted to go home.