#maisynira

[sinedras-snippets]

The Empress (III) Upright: Femininity, Beauty, Nature, Expression, Creativity

"Only to a magician is the world forever fluid, infinitely mutable and eternally new. Only he knows the secret of change, only he knows truly that all things are crouched in eagerness to become something else, and it is from this universal tension that he draws his power."

~ Peter S. Beagle

Absolutely beautiful tarot commission of my Arcana MC Maisynira from @winsbuckart (who is super nice btw). No mischief this time, just dancing. I'm so floored at how it turned out, it's perfect. The little details are lovely and the incorporation of the stars and the movement is stunning. Thank you again!

[caemidraws]

@sinedra ‘s MC, Maisynira + Asra from The Arcana

[Yes, the tarot card there is the Lovers one]

[sinedras-snippets]

Snake Charmer

So, I got a lot of love on my first chapter and I appreciate it so much. Means a lot. But I put myself in a corner. With each chapter revealing something big about the MC and others, it found it difficult to keep a plot. It kept changing. So, for now anyway, I’m changing my story into a collection. I’m going to do one for Asra (being “Snake Charmer”), Nadia (ugh titles are hard), and Julian (which will be “A Conspiracy of Ravens”). I find this to be less stressful on myself as canon kept changing.

That being said, with all the new chapters, I’ve never loved the game more and I’m sad to see it close to ending. Keep hoping for that Muriel route though.

                                              Masquerade

          Fireworks lit up the dusk sky; vibrant reds and yellows across a scarlet and lilac horizon. Blooming explosively in a brilliance Maisynira had only ever observed from her bedroom window before. Now she viewed them outside her aunt’s shop, wide eyed and bouncing with excitement. Dressed in a skirt and blouse once owned by her mother. The lehenga – the skirt in her mother’s tongue - a deep sapphire threaded gold designs from her family’s homeland. The choli was gold, silk straps handing off her shoulders while the hem ended beneath her bust. Silk dupatta scarf draped over her shoulder as she stared at the night sky.

           “It’s amazing!”

           Her aunt was closing the shop behind her, the modest fabric wrapped tight around her waist and draped over her shoulder. Jewels draped in her dark hair. “Overly extravagant and indulgent, you mean.” She came up beside her niece. Smoothing out the young girl’s loose curls. The bursts of light making their brown skin look bronze. “There will be thousands of people, are you sure you’re ready?”

           Maisynira grinned, “I’m sixteen, of course I am!”

           “Remember, no straying too far. The palace is huge. And one glass of wine, no more. We will still be getting up early tomorrow.”

           She groaned but nodded. “Yes Hasina.”

           “I’m not going to hear about this from my sister.” Her aunt looked over her shoulder, winking at her, “at least not this year.”

           Maisynira joined her side and they linked arms as they watched party-goers and carriages flood toward the palace. “Have you spoken to her about my staying for good?”

           Hasina grew quiet and gently squeezed her arm. “Yes.” There was a grim finality to it, her face pulled into a frown. “Not this year Mira,” she saw the girl sulk, “just be patient, it’ll happen soon. Then you won’t have to hide.”

           She was trying, but it was so disheartening to know she would have to return home. Where she couldn’t use magic, or dance in the street with her aunt, staying up drying and grinding herbs. Asking the salamander to extinguish the fire before bed. Instead of allowing her aunt to see this, she smirked and said, “You mean scaring off customers?”

           They both chuckled, “Reflecting a skull in the crystal ball and making the poor man think it was Death is not a good way to keep patrons. Still, I won’t forget how he fell out of his seat and screamed.”

           Maisynira stood straighter, a pleased grin replaced her false smile. “And ran right into those sailors.”

           The quirk at the corner of Hasina’s lips was so familiar that she felt proud to see it. A hint of mischief so in kin to her own that even though she was often scolded, it felt like a lesson. Don’t get caught. Subtly is key. Be sneakier. “Indeed, one would have thought he’d been the one at sea for months with his weak legs.” She was about to say more when she spotted a familiar face, a blush coloring her cheeks. “Mira, I’ll be back. Don’t go on without me.”

           “Don’t be too long,” she teased, “or I’ll send a chaperone!” Hasina bumped her with a girlish giggle before walking off. Watching her disappear gracefully down the street, toward the woman that made her act so childishly. Who made her happy with a glance.

           Wanting to give her a private moment, she wandered around the corner. Listening to the musicians playing in the streets, joining the revels in the only way they could enjoy as there was a high-class orchestra playing in the palace. She closed her eyes and listened to the drums, someone had a flute, and lute made up the makeshift group. Despite them being down the road, she could feel the music in her bones, the drum urging her to join.

           Maisynira didn’t deny its call. She spun, letting her skirt spiral around her, turning on the tips of her slippers, the small charms on her anklet chiming together. She clapped her hands and posed her arms in the barest resemblance to the traditional dances from back home. Delicate footwork followed, and she dipped and flourished more. Her own twist was the rolling of her hips, the snaps and sways she had seen from some of the dancers here. A mix of home and Vesuvia. Her own dance. It wasn’t until she felt her dupatta fall from her shoulders that she remembered the world around her.

           She hadn’t gone far down the street, but she was before a stall she’d never seen before. Set up behind her aunt’s shop between it and another house. It was small and make shift, looking like it could be hastily packed. Manning the stall was a set of twilight eyes, bright with amusement.

           A blush covered her cheeks as he held her scarf in his hands, smirk covering his face. She approached shyly, taking the proffered item back. “Please, don’t stop on my account.” His voice was smooth as velvet and just as soft. He looked boyish, but he was tall and slender, eyes deep and full of mystery. Of questions she didn’t realize she needed to ask and answers her soul had to hear. All framed by the fluffiest hair she’d ever seen. Mira longed to run her fingers through those snowy locks.

           “Who said I did?” She retorted bravely.

           “Perhaps because I stole your scarf.” He didn’t sound the least bit sorry. She should have been mad, but she was more amazed.

           Maisynira approached the stall, picking a beautiful wooden mask from several other unique visages. Expertly carved and skillfully painted. “Did you now?” The doe in her hands stared back through empty sockets. Graceful even in her froze silver face. Still, not the mask for her. “It has been quite breezy today. Are you taking credit for the wind?”

           “A fair point,” she heard the amusement in his voice, but she continued to look through bears, peacocks, and rams, “but the wind is fickle and easily manipulated. Shall I show you how?”

           “How bold,” she finally looked up, finding him leaning over the table. While she struggled to hold her amusement, he did not. Feeling ashamed for being drawn in, she set the masks back and stepped away. “No, I don’t think so. I’m not impressed by coincidences.”

           It wasn’t until she’d turned her back on him that he spoke. “If not coincidence, how about fate?”

           “As long as that fate has me at the masquerade, then yes.” Mira shook her head with a scoff, wrapping her dupatta back around her. Ignoring the curiosity that rose from his words.  “Which I should be at now. Good evening.”

           “Hey, hold on-“

           She ignored him and kept going, weaving through the gap between the crowd and into the street. Only to be almost run over by a ridiculously extravagant carriage: white horses, gold filigree designs, and absolutely unconcerned for the revelers abound. Falling back, feet catching the hem of her skirt as a crowd gathered to watch the foreign carriage pull up to the palace gates. No one bothered to help her, in fact, as she slowly fell, it didn’t seem as though anyone knew she was there.

           Right before she hit the ground, a strong force caught her by her arms. Heaving her back to her feet and pulling her back and out of the gawkers. Breathless, she found herself once again inside the mask stall. The soft fabric of the over hang offering the illusion of privacy.

           “Close call,” a smooth voice said in her ear. She quickly pulled away to find the boy, a soft smile on his face, “are you alright?”

           “Fine, thank you.” She could feel her heart pounding and looked over her shoulder at the masses, her face twisting in a sneer, “Nobility or not, how rude!”

           “Always trying to get somewhere fast, though usually people look before stepping into the middle of the street.”

           She whirled on him with an indignant look. “I was distracted!”

           “Was I that charming?”

           “Not anymore!”

           His laugh sent chills down her spine, annoyingly pleasant and… charming. “Well milady,” he gave a small bow, still smiling brightly, “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me till the crowd leaves.”

           “I’m no lady! It’s Mais- Mai. My name is Mai.”

           “It suits you. Asra is my humble name.”

           “Of course it suits me, it’s mine after all.” She crossed her arms and tried to look angry, but curiosity won out. Besides, he was right, she would not be fighting that crowd. “Were you lying earlier?”

           He sighed, but grinned. “Your scarf came straight to my hand.”

           “You swear?”

           “Oh absolutely. I take full credit for the theft.” This all amused him greatly.

           She bit her cheek but leaned forward. Arms crossed. “You mean with magic?”

           The smirk was back, and the anger left the lines of her body. She felt his magic before she saw its affect, it brushed the edges of her mind like a soft breeze before drawing the dupatta from her shoulders as though the breeze existed beyond her consciousness. Settling in his waiting palm. Smirk fading as he saw the genuine awe in her eyes. The fascination that stole across her features.

           “You’re a magician!”

           “In training,” he clarified, “but no street charlatan and no half talented diviner either.” With the last comment he nodded toward the back of her aunt’s shop.

           Asra startled as she snatched the scarf back and rose to the tips of her feet to try and reach his height. “Hasina is not half talented, she had no formal training! Besides she’s an excellent herbalist and makes quality potions and charms.”

           He had the nerve to look ashamed. “You misunderstood, I just meant her predictions aren’t often accurate, especially using a crystal ball. It’s always going to be a fuzzy fortune at best. Vague even.”

           “And you just happen to know the best form of divining?”

           He smiled again and leaned back against the table with his masks. Unbothered by her crossed arms and scowl. “There is no best way, the form must fit the person. I have a good friend who can only get quality answers from runes; personally, I consult the arcana.”

           “Tarot?”

           A hand reached into his pocket and pulls out a deck of beautiful cards. Violet backed and painstakingly illustrated. He spread the cards out and offered them to her, she felt a tingle from the deck. The feeling almost a hum as her fingers grasped one and turned it over: A ram, upside down.

           “Ah, the hierophant reversed.”

           “Is that bad?”

           He shook his head, sending white strands sliding across his forehead, nearly into his eyes. “Not at all, in fact what he’s saying is encouraging. Don’t settle in your beliefs, accept the good change entering your life. That maybe it’s time to break convention and question tradition.”

           “Embrace change?”

           “The Arcana speak clearly, are you in need of change?”

           Mai looked away, wringing her hands. Clanking bangles filling the silence between them. “Desperately.” She brought bright blue eyes to a soft face and returned his smile, “I think your deck speaks true- ah!” She shrunk back with a gasp, eyes locked on his shoulder. “Uhh… y-y-your shoulder.”

           He barely inclined his head, seeing the snake perched there before laughing. The serpent raising its head and pointing ruby eyes on her. “It’s just Faust. Where have you been?”

           He was speaking with it? Asra seemed to be, staring expectantly at it as the snake moved its gaze from her to the strange boy before her. “Is that your pet?”

           Asra gave her a wide-eyed look before shaking his head. Taking one of Mai’s hands, she tried to fight but his sad eyes stopped her. “Faust is not my pet, she’s my friend and familiar; she won’t hurt you, she’s never hurt anyone. Here.” Faust moved from his shoulder and slithered just barely up her arm, pausing and tilting her head. As if she was waiting for permission.

           “O-ok.” Smooth scales brushed past her elbow, cool as water, and rested on her upper arm. Almost tickling her. Maisynira watched her lilac head, trying to slow her pounding heart. “Do all magicians have familiar?”

           “Most, not all.” Faust stuck her tongue out and touched her cheek. Making her jump. Asra chuckled and pried the python off her. “She says you smell nice.”

           “She speaks?” Despite how she felt, it was either entirely bogus or brilliant.

           “I’m the only one who can hear her, but in our own way. Yes.” Faust raised her head again, curled in his hands. “Curious, Kitten?”

           Mai scoffed, but reached brave fingers out to stroke the snake’s head. Hand shaking before fully touching the scales. “Kitten?”

           “Mhm,” he grinned as Faust closed her eyes and turned her head upside down. “Jumpy, nervous, but curious passed your fears.” Mai tried to look angry, but her cheeks flushed. “Faust would really like a chin scratch if you’re up to it.”

           Ruby eyes opened and looked up expectantly. With a deep breath she brought her fingers to Faust’s chin and gently scratched the soft underside and managed a smile as the python’s head drooped. “She’s very pretty, and not so scary.”

           She hadn’t known him long, but the proud smile on his face made her beam. “Seems you have a new friend Faust.” His familiar didn’t move which was a pretty good indicator to her skills with scratches. “Well Kitten, your party awaits.” He flourished his free hand out behind her, sure enough the crowd had dispersed.

           She turned back and watched Faust curl back up around his shoulders. “Will you be going?”

           He turned his gaze to the palace, a sort of sadness in their depths. “No, Count Lucio’s parties are no place for me.” When her face fell, he gently cuffed her chin with the curve of his finger. “Go enjoy it for me, alright?”

           She nodded softly, then grinned, “I’ll bring back lots of stories, perhaps something very interesting will happen.” Mischief in her eyes, his responding smirk gave her the same feeling as her aunt, a soul like her own. Someone who understood her. And they would probably never meet again.

           “I look forward to hearing your adventures, in return I’ll tell you some of my own.”

           “Deal.”

           They shared a smile and she turned to leave then stopped. Recalling the feel of his magic earlier, Maisynira focused her eyes on her target and imagined the feel and tried to recreate it herself. Like the breeze came from her this time. The desired mask rose from the table and – though wavering – rode her magic back to her hand. Grinning, she tied the ribbon of the golden cheetah around her face. Asra’s expression was stunned before breaking into a smile so bright her chest hurt.

           She flipped him a coin from the small pocket in her lehenga, smirking as he caught it deftly in one hand. “Thanks for the mask, happy masquerade.”

           “Happy masquerade Mai.”

           She twirled on her toes, striding back onto the street. Seeing her aunt looking frantically through the crowd. Relief filling her face as she spotted Maisynira. Every step she took filled her with excitement as the palace loomed closer the sights within so thrilling, but every step filled her with longing. A tug back to the strange boy, to a life of magic and mystery. How much could he show her, tell her? Still, perhaps that life wasn’t for her.

           Besides, it was either a night of revelry the likes she could only experience once or a night of mystery the kind of which could change her life forever. Her mother always said mystery played with disappointment and broken dreams. Still, as they stepped through enormous gates, fireworks reflecting off her golden mask as she watched in breathless wonder, she couldn’t help but feel like she made the wrong choice.

[sinedras-snippets]

Commissioned @warie-lym again to draw my apprentice, Maisynira, for the Arcana game. Once again making her look beyond amazing! Capturing her mischievousness perfectly. Who is she dancing for? Could be anybody, but it also probably won't end as expected ;). Thank you again so much for the commission!

[sinedras-snippets]

BOLD FEARS WHICH APPLY TO YOUR MUSE. ITALICIZE WHAT MAKES THEM UNCOMFORTABLE repost, don’t reblog.

Tagged by: @warie-lym  (Thank you so much I’ve never done one of these before!)

Tagging: Anyone at all! Most of the people I would have tagged have done it already.

the dark. fire. open water. deep water. dying alone. crowded spaces. confined spaces. change. failure. war. loss of control. powerlessness. prison. blood. drowning. suffocation. public speaking. nature. animals. the supernatural. heights. death (of a loved one). dying. intimacy. rejection. abandonment. loss. the unknown. the future. not being good enough. scary stories. speaking to new people. poverty. loud noises. being touched. sex. silence.

[sinedras-snippets]

Snake-Charmer

I couldn’t help myself. This short game has consumed my life, the art is gorgeous and the story is so intriguing. I’ve been consuming the asks about the characters on their main tumblr @thearcanagame. I’d like to just say I own none of the characters and I know there’s much to be revealed, but I couldn’t help myself. So, since I can’t make beautiful fanart like everyone else, have my trash fanfic instead.

Also I know little of tarot, but this is a great researching experience. So if I get it completely wrong please do tell me.

A Young Apprentice:

The air was thick and almost heady. Lavender was sprinkled around the room, warding off the smell of wormwood and drying star flower. Covering the lingering aroma of brews she’d spent hours mixing just that morning in the back of the shop. The herb helped make the space more pleasant for guests. Maisynira flipped the card over, the bracelets on her wrist clanking together to form the only other sound in the room. The client watching with bated breath. “The Two of Wands,” she said almost autonomously, the words dripping from her tongue like honey. “Your business venture is to be a fruitful endeavor.”

“This partnership is a good one then?”

A smile tugged at her lips as she let the minor arcana speak through her. More muddled that those of the major figures, but clear enough in their meaning. Though that was not always the case. “It is. The boon coming is yours by right and will be generous.” She could almost feel the flicking of Faust’s tongue, tasting the air as magic danced across it. Even perched as she was, just out of reach on Asra’s shoulder. Then again, such was the wonder of the magic itself. So utterly alive.

The man shifted again, licking his lips and leaning forward. Greedy eyes meeting her entranced blue. The minor arcana was fickle and though fate favored him now, the major arcana was quick to bluntly remind you of the reality of life and consequences that choices have. “What else?”

Maisynira flipped over another card. Blue eyes darkening before looking back up at the man. “The Inverted Chariot.”

“W-what’s that mean? Why is it upside down?”

The major arcana spoke to her in such clear voices, powerful. Some gentle like the High Priestess and soft like the Magician, Death’s reedy whisper being the quietest, but the Chariot spoke in a voice of thunder. One that made her wince as his words echoed through her whole being. She took in a shaky breath until-… Eyes lightened upon her lap to find Faust there, staring at her contentedly. The throbbing of the words were gone and her head was clear once more. Mai desired, not for the first time, for a familiar of her own. “The path ahead of you is long and arduous. Your reward will not be easily obtained, you will have to put in agonizing hours. Days. Perhaps even years. You will face betrayal and sleepless nights, days filled with hunger, but you must persist. Inversion does not mean you will fail, simply the reward you crave must be fought for. Will be all the more sweeter for your efforts.”

He seemed to deflate, but Mai reached a hand out as the magic surrounding the arcana left her. Placing it on his hand in a hopefully comforting manner. “You saw the Two of Wands, it is in your future. If the arcana says it will pass then I have faith that it shall. After all, there has never been someone successful in creating a worldwide demand for fake hair-”

“Wigs, they are called wigs. Only the most dignified shall wear them.”

“…Right. Of course! Anyway, your wigs shall be the pinnacle of this trend.”

Her answer seemed to mollify him. He stood, adjusting his ridiculously powdered mop of fake hair covering his bald head, before reaching into his pocket to drop coins on her table. “Thank you miss, your voice is the clearest of any other’s. Sensible instead of other poppycock and drivel being spewed in my ear by charlatans. Those tellers do not have a lick of talent.”

She blushed and stood abruptly, pushing the brown waves of her hair from her face. Faust curled around her arm. “Thank you sir!” When he left she collapsed back into her seat, giggling as Asra settled in the chair the man had recently occupied. An amused grin on his face, violet eyes bright with amusement. She felt Faust’s cool scales on her cheek as the snake returned to her master, settling in her usual spot. “I never would have believed there would ever be a demand for false hair hats.”

Asra chuckled and scratched under Faust’s chin. “The arcana know something we don’t.” Maisynira had to force herself not to push his white hair out of his face, to reach out and touch him. To see how his laugh felt, if it was as magical as it sounded. If the warmth of it sparked on her fingers, such as when he cast spells around her. Her face flamed. “You are improving, the voices are clearer now?”

“Yes master,” she did not miss the way his smile faltered. She longed to call him by his name, yet to wish for more was… inappropriate of her. “If I think too much on their words it sounds like gibberish again, but it’s getting easier to just let them come to me.” She pulled at imaginary wrinkles on her blouse, hearing him gather the rest of his tarot cards. “Why does the Chariot have to be so loud?”

A soft chuckle followed. She almost looked up; focusing instead on her cracked nails. “He does not hand out favor lightly. He demands respect for his boons and wants people to remember that something cannot be earned from nothing. His intentions are good, albeit forceful.”

Mai’s nose wrinkled and she looked back up to find Asra studying her. Not for the first time. “He could do so with a softer voice.” Faust almost seem to smile, Asra grinned in a way that made her heart skip. “Why can I hear them much clearer with your deck?”

“Ahh, mine is old. The arcana have spoken through it for many years. New decks must be broken in.” She frowned, sensing again he was not telling her everything. “You are doing well though, kitten, I am impressed at your progress.” Kitten, she loathed the nickname as much as it made her body flush. His praise was not lightly earned, but it made her happy nonetheless.

“Only because my teacher has been so excellent!” Finally, Asra blushed this time. Bright across his tan cheeks. Mai had missed these days, days where he stayed and slept on her couch. Where she walked quietly on her toes in the morning so as not to wake him. When he helped her with customers during the day and taught her more magic when they closed. She missed seeing his clothes piled in a heap to be washed and the dirty dishes he left after eating. Every scorch mark left from times he’d been drunk and managed to set himself or something on fire made her smile despite the anger. “I rather think that we would be a great team when I learn more.”

He was silent and she worried she stepped out of line. His apprentice did not mean partner. “You could do many great things in your future Maisynira. Practice more when I’m not here, perhaps you’ll even surpass me one day. Move on to better things than this tiny shop.”

She scoffed and stood up. Blowing out the candles and pulling the curtains open. Snorting as Asra cursed from the sudden onslaught of light. “Come on, I have sugared dates and tea ready. Tomorrow I have a better lunch planned, I promise. Then it’s wine or brandy for tomorrow night.” She wanted to move on. The less talk of her finishing her training the less likely it was for him to make plans for her to move on.

“I’m afraid I can’t kitten,” he smiled ruefully and Mai stopped, let the last curtain fall out of the fastenings. Looking down as his words cut her. “I have to leave. There’s something I must do.”

“Surely it can wait another day,” she said quickly. Not missing the shame on his face. Good, good he should feel something for leaving her so often! “Please, I was going to make a fabulous dinner, close the store. Give us a chance to relax. Master, you leave so often. Rest, please, you’ve only been back for two days.”

Asra’s silence was deafening and she had look away once more. Afraid to see the disappointment there. So she busied herself with collecting the empty tea cups and plate with muffin crumbs. Returning them to the main room where she would get to them later.

“Kitten?” Kitten, for when she jumped and bristled upon meeting Faust for the first time. “Mai?” For when he knew she was cross, because somehow it made her smile. It didn’t this time. Her hands kept moving. If she stayed busy she would hardly notice he was gone.

The sound of clothe rustling sounded from the room. His boots were muffled by the rug yet she could recognize that gait anywhere. She turned and found him standing by her side. His face unreadable. Asra took her chin gently; the warmth of his fingers made her feel safe. Comforted. Maisynira met his gaze at his prompting, surprised to see the emotion buried in his eyes. There was a deep sadness in them. They looked so much older, wiser, more exhausted than she knew him to be… then again, there was much he didn’t share. “If it wasn’t urgent I would,” would he? “I will return soon, so save that dinner and know I look forward to it. Alright kitten?”

Hurt, angry, Mai pulled away and started wiping down the front desk. “Leave your dirty clothes, I’ll take care of them. There’s extra food in the pantry. Your hat is on the floor where you left it.” She heard him gather his things and fill his satchel, but said not a word. Ignoring her challenge to argue… Faust slithered up the counter, watching her clean as her master prepared for another journey. Without her. What good was she as an apprentice here? “Stay safe… please.” Her voice was too soft and not angry enough. Did he ever realize how this hurt her? How abandoned she felt? She would have loved to go with him. Just once.

“Take care of yourself, Maisynira.”

Her eyes clenched shut and her hand fisted around the cloth she’d been using. Listening as the door shut behind him. Leaving her in an oppressive silence she usually found comforting. “Why couldn’t you stay for my birthday?” Her words echoed through the store with no reply. The loneliness hurt and she missed how Faust hadn’t moved. Studied her with unblinking eyes, before finally slipping from off the counter and out one of the windows. There was nothing left for her to do except finish setting up the room for the Tarot readings. Finally put up that curtain in the doorway for more privacy. Get that lamp hung up in there instead of candles. That new glass cabinet was still pretty empty too, she had to have extra charms and potion vials to fill it. There was no time for a day off, there was work to be done.

[sinedras-snippets]

@thearcanagame has consumed my days. This lovely lady is my MC for the game and my character Maisynira, or "Mai" from my Arcana fic "Snake Charmer". @warie-lym awesomely accepted my spontaneous commission, they were so kind and amazing and look! They made my small sassy little fortune teller (in training) so gorgeous I could cry. With that look, someone either is getting a kiss or is about to find a bunch of frogs in their bed. Or she stole Asra's tarot deck. Again. Anyway check out Warie-lym's art. Everything is so amazing and I love how they use colors, the style alone is fantastic. Their Arcana art is a balm to my soul between chapters in the game.