Memory Fragments: Probity

Play Your Card

I am Chance Rory of Kordian, the red king of hearts. It is a pleasure meeting with you
I am Fortuna Juno of Orlaith, the golden queen of heavens. A splendid acquaintance
I am Charm Beshette of Ione, the violet spade of stones. Wonderful seeing someone new
And I am Serendipity Claiborne of Branwen, the black clover of ravens. Such happenstance

We are the four siblings of the bar of luck. We serve as butlers, maids, and players
After dining, won't you play a game with us? A card game. To see if you pay or not
One by one, you shall defeat us. In doing so, you will be free from our list of payers
Be wary though. It is not poker nor blackjack. Take a shot and try to win our secret pot

Look at our masks and decide. Which one do you want to face first? We? Or them?
Ah, we see. Then, let us step back for a moment. It is time for your bleeding heart
The wager will be the drink you just had. The "bleeding heart" made with cherry serum
Chance's concoction. So sugary, it can turn a blackheart into a sweetheart

As the red king of hearts, I made this drink in honor of my hometown's territory
Such a small place, yet I reigned with both crown and scepter atop a red, heart-shaped throne
I was just, humble, and attentive. My drink represents this. Red colors are not rory
Take a sip and play your card. It shall never be higher than what the king has shown

...I lost. Your card is higher than mine. What luck you must have, to take a gamble on that card
As a reward, I shall let you see behind my mask and reveal the true nature of my bleeding heart
But not before you have won against the rest. Play again. This is a chance you must not discard
Next up, you will wager the appetizer. The flavor, it opens the gates of heaven for you to depart

The prize this time is your "perfect ring." Fortuna's signature nourishment
It is made of golden onion rings that where fried for a queen's wedding banquet
As heaven burns, so too do the rings that once united her hand in engagement
It was crisp, round and spicy. Just like the flame that encircled the queen's banquette

As the golden queen of heavens, I made these rings in memory of my beloved
We were the perfect couple. We sat in our favorite bench and gazed upon the skies
But, to make the perfect rings in the kitchen, I must always have my hands gloved
Fire leaves scars, so take a bite and play your card. Let us sever the marital ties

...I am defeated. Your card is more perfect than mine. Your luck is but a gambler's lie
As promised, I shall, too, reveal the meaning underneath my mask and my rings
But not so fast. You are half-way done with your meal course so, keep giving it a try
Your dish is ready. And although it is not the main thing, it weighs heavily on what it brings

My contribution is a plate full of edible poisons. Diluted and cooked to be so
What evil, sorrow and pain life has brought you, it is not so bad really
Eat away at your "mourning blades" and grind your teeth on my kebab row
Gamble and cherish. Violet meats and veggies are the bet on this grilly

I was a blacksmith that turned stone into weaponry steeped in poison
So, as the violet spade of stones, I have forged a most deathly spar
Used as fuel, my anger made my strength bolster in foison
I cleaved so many meats, that I now serve as head chef in this bar

Are you caught between a stone and a blade? Bit more than you could chew?
Believe in yourself and beat me. Turn the blade against its maker and pierce
Eat, eat, eat! Gorge yourself in the sadness of a killer's hue
Play your card, now. Cross blades and win a dish most fierce!

...That is it, then. Your card is stronger than mine. Luckier and sharper than a club, are you?
We shall see about that. For now, the mystery of my mask and poisons is not yours yet
Keep on playing. For one final opponent awaits. Can you beat what a black clover drew?
Be clever, for dessert does not repeat twice. Be lucky, for a raven has come for your debt

I am your final feast. For you to get free from here, you must best my black dessert
It is named after your hard-fought life. Rest while enjoying your "liquorice death"
Slowly. Calm your soul while eating your final straws. Nothing will ever hurt
Not as sweet as the beginning nor as bitter; nor as salty or sour as your last breath

As the black clover of ravens, I gift you my last goodbye. You have completed your course
A life eaten through. Served by us as the challenges you luckily overcame
My card does not matter. Yet you have to play. Your hand, I must force
I was a collector. We made this bar for the sole purpose of playing a card game

Gambling away the most important parts of your life as if eating through our course meal
Leaving all to luck, as if your card were the joker. Is it not so? The wild card of endless luck?
Play your card one final time. Regardless of the outcome, I am not here to make a deal
I will lose. My mask removed, and my secret revealed. Yet, let us hope you get luck-struck

...Indeed, I am bested. The luck of Jack the Joker has once again brought him a chance
We hoped you enjoyed going through your life, one bite at a time. One mask, at a time
We are the siblings of the masked deck. We play our cards for you to take a glance
At our faces. At your luckiest moments in life. All without having to pay a single dime