Part 154: Miriel C

Virion.

Ah, my sweet... Er, Miriel, is it? How can I be of service?

I wonder if I might ask you a favor.

For you, milady. I would gladly walk to the ends of the earth over hot coals and-

I am studying prognostication, and need you to further explain the art.

You mean fortune-telling? Well, color me surprised! I assumed someone of your intellectual bent had little time for superstitions.

Within the camp, your fortunes have a reputation for being especially accurate. Even if they are mere shibboleth, such oracles can inspire hope in a people. This is a legitimate, and possibly fruitful, area of study.

Hmm. Well, if you say so. But I must tell you this... There's a lot more to fortune-telling than staring at entrails or poking at tea leaves! Please, my dear, I urge you reconsider the request. The path is long and difficult, and I do not wish to subject you to such an ordeal.

You claimed you would stride across hot coals for me. Was that a falsehood?

Not a falsehood, no! More of a... er... rhetorical flourish!

So you are refusing my request? How fascinating. I thought my femininity sufficient to ensnare your cooperation. Well then. If you will not proffer aid, would you at least tell my fortune?

Now THAT, milady, is more easily done! To be honest, I'm more than a little flattered that you're interested.

Excellent!

Now, let's see what tomorrow has in store for you...

Must you hold my palm while you work? I would very much like to take notes.

Hmmm... hmm. Aah... Yes, yes. I see... WATER! Buckets of it! You are... drenched... Be careful... Something valuable... Damaged by water...

Water is vague. You must be more specific. Do you refer to a nearby lake or stream? Perhaps rain? Condensation? A fogbank? Though in gaseous form, fog is actually-

Milady, please! A fortune is not a textbook! I saw water! That is all. Where it came from, I cannot say.

Such answers would be laughed out of any credible journal. But no matter. We shall see tomorrow if your augury bears fruit. (Miriel leaves)

So we will, milady. So we will...