A wizened old man sat in the middle of a darkened room, a stack of cards in front of him. For several minutes he sat, eyes closed, deep in thought. He picked up the cards and shuffled them, then placed them all in a circle around him. Opening his eyes, he gazed at the cards.
"For many years, the Avatar has learned the ways of the complementing elements," he murmured, "But now, he must master the unforgiving. And only under Her instruction can he reach full potential."
The man turned to the next sequence of cards.
"The comet comes in one year, and that is how long he has to harness its power. A difficult task indeed."
He turned to yet another sequence and sighed.
"His greatest friend has been captured. The Avatar cannot concentrate under such sadness, bringing his performance down. Liberation is coming quite soon for the graceful giant however, and this is not a pressing matter."
A candle flickered on, casting an eerie glow. Outside, insects created a melody of choruses. The man turned to more cards, gazing silently for a few moments as the candle threw shadows on his face.
"Although the Avatar is surrounded by allies, there are more unexpected friends to come. Even those thought to be gone forever. But not all will end in happiness."
As he focused on the final cards, the reader gasped, the candle dying.
"This is a most dismal dealing."
Then silence.