Twisted Wonderland 2

Fortune Telling

After some more searching, you and the boys have all found something for Lilia.

"All right, managed to find some tomato juice." Trey grins. "Everyone good on souvenirs?"

You nod, looking to the gift bag in your hand. You decided to get Lilia a silk scarf, thinking he might like one.

Malleus softly smiles. "I can see the look of delight on his face now. I'd like you all to come to Diasomnia once we're back. We can tell Lilia about our trip."

"Looks like we're set here." Jamil brings a hand to his chin. "Hmm, where to next..."

Cater perks up. "Ooh, is that coffee I smell?"

"Coffee and tea are really popular here, and there are tons of cafes in town." Jamil says. "Scalding Sands spiced coffee is known for its distinctive flavor profile. Some of the cafes even do coffee divination."

"What's that?" Grim tilts his head.

"It's a fortune-telling method that was invented here." Jamil informs. "Najma's really into it. Our spiced coffee is brewed without using a filter. So the cup still has the grounds in it, and people tell fortunes based on its shapes and patterns, and the amount of water droplets."

"I dunno how that would work, but is it fun?" Grim asks.

Jamil shrugs. "I'm not really the best judge of that. Would you like to give it a go, Grim? Najma asks me to do it sometimes, so I know how to tell a basic fortune."

"You should totally do it, Grimmy!" Cater grins. "I love that kinda stuff."

Trey chuckles. "Cater's big on astrology. He's actually right a lot of the time, so I've had him tell my fortune before."

Malleus hums. "I'd like to see this as well. I've never heard of such a method."

Grim bounces on his toes. "Go on, read my fate, Jamil!"

"All right. Let's head into that sidewalk cafe over there."

You and the boys grab your coffee and sit down at one of the tables.

"Okay, Grim." Jamil hands Grim a cup. "Drink this coffee, but try not to swallow any of the grounds."

"Down the hatch!" Grim takes a sip but cringes. "Hoo boy, that's bitter! And my tongue's all tingly. You sure this is coffee?"

"It's a light roast with strong notes of cardamom. People usually have something sweet with it. The sugar helps it go down easier." Jamil slides some sugar cubes to Grim. "Here, try one of these."

Grim grabs some sugar cubes, letting the coffee dissolve them before taking another sip. "You ain't lyin'! It's way better now!"

"Once you've finished, put the lid on the cup and turn it upside down. Then hold the bottom of the cup while asking your question."

"Okay!" Grim says excitedly. "I wanna know when I'm gonna be a great mage!"

Trey quirks an eye. "Not if but when?"

Cater chuckles. "That's how Grimmy rolls."

Jamil takes the cup. "Okay, your fortune says.... Nothing. There's nothing to tell."

"Mrah! Whaddaya mean by that?" Grim exclaims.

"I explicitly told you not to drink the grounds, but you did it anyway!" Jamil folds his arms. "How could you chug something so bitter?"

"How was I supposed to drink the coffee if I had to keep worryin' about the grounds?" Grim says indignantly.

"Hey, but that's poetic, right?" Cater grins. "It means your fortune's impossible to tell, Grimmy!"