The Lamb's axe drags across the ground as they traverse the Silk Cradle. It carries bundles of cobwebs in its wake, tangled up with the dried blood crusted upon its blade. The red eye twitches as dust gets kicked up into its eye.

A stray web catches in their horn, which they bat to the side. The Lamb is weary after a long battle that they have been fighting for what has to be close to a decade now.

And it's almost over. They just have one last temple to approach before they are no longer needed to continue anymore. The flag at the end of the finish line.

They stop against a nearby stone to lay their back against it and catch their breath. Their crown transforms back upon their head, its eye seeming just as exhausted as they are.

The One Who Waits better be grateful for their efforts.

They let out a deep exhale into the frigid night air and close their eyes for a brief moment. Upon opening them again, an array of overhanging golden paper stars and moons, followed by the scent of incense, grabs the Lamb's attention. A soft smile pinches the corners of their cheeks.

Maybe they should see Clauneck for one last tarot reading.

The familiar patched tent and the warm glow of red candles come into view as they pass the tree line. Peacefully sitting at the forefront is the fortune-teller himself, eyes closed in deep concentration.

"Greetings, Lamb. Lend yourself to the draw of a card." He extends a clawed hand towards the deck, then raises his opposing palm.

"We are approaching the dawn of the new year. Join me for a Lunar cycle spread?"

The Lamb eagerly nods without hesitation. It would be nice to hear a deep fortune for what lies ahead. The last thing they needed was any more surprises. They join Clauneck in sitting cross legged in the grass and pull their fleece tight.

"Let us begin." The tall bird expertly shuffles the deck, cards floating around him, before laying them down flat for the Lamb to draw from. "Choose five," he instructs.

They point to five cards, one by one. Clauneck arranges them in a circle facing the Lamb. He flips over the card in the center front.

"Your Waning Moon card: the Weeping Moon." It's an image of a bleeding crescent moon with a red eye.

"Fear not the terror of the night. Fear will be diminishing. Now approaching are the winds of change."

The Lamb nods thoughtfully. Well that sounded like something good to look forward to. It would be preferable that they dealt with less fear.

The tarot reader moves on to the next card to the left.

"Your Dark Moon card: the Blighted Core." It's an image of an ouroboros with some purple symbols in the center. Quite different from the usual red cards, the Lamb notes.

"Your own pain, felt by all. Deep within the forests of your heart lies a growing corruption. This is the heart of your issue."

Now this card was… less than ideal. What corruption could Clauneck be talking about? They were fine. Weren't they? They had a thriving cult, power beyond what they could have imagined, and easy access to the comforts of life. What more could they ask for?

The third card is now revealed by Clauneck.

"Your New Moon card: the Spirit Salvager." An image of a heart with an eye is surrounded by two swords.

"Violence abated, enrichment returned. A new season begins. Your community shall grow in power."

Alright, back to something good it seems! The Lamb's cult was nearly self-sufficient; it could practically be called a village at this point. For it to go beyond that was even better.

The card in the top right corner was next revealed.

"Your Waxing Moon card: the Favorable Winds." An image of a dark boat sailing through a tumultuous sea with a monster waiting below.

"May fate fill your sails. Your growth will come about through a distant journey. Feed the growth you will be undergoing."

Obviously, they're on a journey. That's what these crusades are. The Lamb waved for the final card.

"Finally, your Full Moon card: the Mortal Oath." An image of a sword with a pair of scales dangling from it, dripping purple ichor. That damned troubling color again.

"Walk amongst the mundane. The height of your power. You will walk among those who lead different lives from you. The energy that will be most amplified is your own doing."

That sounded good! Right? The Lamb wasn't sure what to make of this last card. It seems they had heard all they could.

Clauneck gathered the cards and reshuffled his deck again. Once he was finished, he put his hands together as if in prayer.

"Your cards have been drawn. The path lays ahead," the bird recited.

The Lamb slowly rose to their feet. It seems they have a lot to consider. They knew better than trying to ask the tarot reader for clarification. As always, it would make sense in time. The tiny cult leader put their own hands together and bowed their head in thanks. They could no longer stall on their journey.

Clauneck opened their eyes as they watched the Lamb disappear from view into the Silk Cradle. He let out a sigh he had been holding.

"I pray you have the heart and stomach for what lies ahead, little Lamb."

He blew out the red candle nearest to him. It was going to be a long night filled with the screams of heretics and old gods past their prime.

AN: Hello hello hello! And thank you for reading! I've had this story cooking for a good while and it feels wonderful to finally have the first part out! It's been a while since I've been in the fanfiction space. I can tell a lot has changed, but I will do my best to adapt! For those who are curious, the Lunar Cycle spread is based off the Cycles of the Moon spread from the book of The Faery Forest oracle cards by Lucy Cavendish! Totally recommend checking out this set not only for the unique spreads, but also the beautiful art within them. Next chapter we'll jump right into the setting of Possum Springs! Please leave any reviews or critiques as they are very much appreciated!

PS: Please no spams from art commissions. Thank you!