Fates Entwined (Shamura X Clauneck)

Shuffle the Deck

Every once in a while, Shamura would come to Clauneck for a free card reading. They were the only one who got to even have them for free, but they always assumed it was because they were a goddess. Every two months, the goddess would come to the forest, in hopes of finding the superstitious red owl, their heart in their throat every time.

As they quietly walked through the forest, they found themself softly mumbling to themself about prophecies, and how they wondered what their cards would say today. It was a fine day, sunny, and bright. Bad day for Shamura due to their sensitivity to light, but that's what trees and hats are for. They squinted at the sunlight as they looked for the owl, trying to find the dangling moons and stars where he pitched his little "tent."

For what felt like 20 minutes Shamura walked, finally finding his tent.
"Oh, there you are, you brainless geek. I couldn't find you anywhere, not in your usual spot, at least." They said to Clauneck, who's feathers fluffed up at the sight of the goddess.

"Oh, uh- good evening, miss - mister- uh- what was I supposed to-"
"It's alright, calm down, would you? You get so nervous around me." They smiled, sitting down in front of him. Usually they did a hand shake, but, oddly, Clauneck skipped it.
Noted, he didn't touch my hand, they thought to themself.
"Did you wash your hands before you came, Shamura?" Clauneck asked, looking at them with embarrassment and flattery in their eyes.
"Oh shit, no. I forgot."
"That's fine, give me your hands."
"...okay?" They held their hands out to him, and he held them to his forehead for a few minutes.
"Just like holy water, I've blessed them and they're spiritually clean now." He babbled, placing their hands down and shuffling his deck of cards.
...meanwhile Shamura had felt their heart beat faster than ever, their entire face flushing pink. They had never felt that way before, but, right then, their entire world stopped as he touched their hand like that.

"Wh... Uh.. an-anyway, uh. Are we gonna do the reading..?"
"Oh! Uh- right, sorry."

And then he shuffled the deck again.