The Priestess (The Way in marked cards #1)

by Andreia Koslowski

  “ Earning money...my last works were not good.”

  “ After this process that I told you, I'm sure you'll jump, and as an uncompressed spring, will fly so high that you will not even remember those useless reviews of your "ex".”

  “ Thank you, you have proved that is a great friend. I will go miss you so much ... what will be of me without you?” - said Isadora with a sad voice.

  “ You will continue your way ... that is what you need! When you return to Brazil ,call me and tell me about your comeback and invite me to your next exhibition. Your horizon is waiting for you! Do not let your talent slip through the hands because of the mind of a man ... not even, love himself!”

  “ I will think about it ... Thanks!”

  They embraced and Isadora began to cry. Luciene consoled her friend, and Isadora request to Luciene that she would like to be alone, and shut the door carefully. Isadora looked up and asked for God to liberate the feeling, that the universe help her to free all hurt,so, she could start your life with harmony and balance. All she wanted was to rediscover herself and be happy.

  VIII

  THE STRENGTH

  Your strength if awakened,

  but it is important to know how to use it

  to get what you want.

  Let this energy flow grow...

  in a manner propocional and balanced.

  In the next morning the three was take a breakfast together and Isadora ask apologized to Luciene for last night, but her friend understand. It was the last day of Luciene and she wanted to address some things around town, and invited Isadora to accompany her, so could learn a little more about the city.

  “ Did you know that Malaga is the birthplace of painter Pablo Picasso?” - said Luciene.

  “ I know, is an honor to be here now!”

  “ Malaga is a city full of charm, privileged by the sunshine brightest that I already saw in my life!”

  “ All this is a great news for me, and I'm feeling reborn. Every minute has been intensely lived, although it is working great.” - Isadora said, more lively and with your brilliant eyes.

  “ I perceive that everything you do is with great joy and strength of will, and that's what makes have progress in life . Without this force, not win nothing! I feel you have much success in your life! There's talent and humility, don't let be contaminated with the dark energy of the power of vanity. The vanity has killed more people than the atomic bomb. It has destroyed nations, races, civilizations and the people each other. It is a brutal and devastating force. It takes very high control and love for driving talent.”

  “ You are very smart!” - said Isadora to Luciene, surprised with her words.

  “ Maybe I'm just a good observer...” - said Luciene, smiling and showing the city.

  They passed through the palm trees of the Alameda's gardens, the village of restaurants, and on the sidewalk saw the coast protected from the winds and the Rocky Mountains which penetrated the Mediterranean Sea with its flat and sandy beaches. Málaga was one of the most developed areas of Andalusia, privileged to its huge population and tourist attraction.

  “ Say the history that the Moors occupied Malaga until the mid-fifteenth century, after having converted the city into one of the most important commercial centers of the Iberian peninsula. They left their mark in the center of Malaga, in particular in the vicinity of the Alcazaba, into the towers and walls is hide a former palace that is now the Arquiologic Museum. - said Luciene, pointing at the horizon.

  “ I see that the Arabic architecture is very present here, Malaga people are very cheerful and vibrant.” - said Isadora watching every detail.

  “ You see the port? Years before it was frequented by Phoenicians, Romans and Moors, now they receive cargo ships and ferries. In the narrow streets, only pass pedestrian and have several restaurants and bars with small shops selling books, clothing and antiques.” - she continued - “ Look! That's the main theater of Malaga, the Cervantes Theatre, where the talent Antonio Banderas interpreted. "

  “ What an honor!” - said Isadora , amazed.

  “ Now I want to take you to a very special place!”

  “ Where?”

  “ You will see ... surprise!”

  They walked about 100 meters and Luciene carry Isadora into the spirit of one greatest artists of her inspiration.

  “ Here is the impressive Picasso Museum, this Renaissance palace, the Palacio de

  Buena-Vista, converted into a building to exhibit their works.”

  “ Authentic and natural ... as he was!” - Isadora said, smiling, devouring every detail with bright eyes.

  Entered into the museum and noticed that the doors and roofs were made with great precision, dedication and cherish for Malagueño artists, as an homage to the artist.

  “ It is inevitable to realize the quality of the brushstrokes and the greatness of his works in work done when he was only 16 years old. No doubt it is one of the great names of art!” - Isadora said, analyzing the works.

  “ Let's have coffee!” - said Luciene.

  “ We are in the courtyard of the Museum of Pablo Picasso drinking a coffee ... I'm dreaming...” - said Isadora, happy and impressed.

  “ When we live one dream is because we are at the right time and on time!” - said Luciene.

  “ Destiny!”

  The environment was carrying Isadora for the soul of art, breathing that magical and inspiring universe.

  “ All that wonderful setting was chosen in part for its proximity to the house where Picasso lived as a child, just five minutes walk to ... want to know his place?” - said Luciene.

  “Sure!”

  Paid the bill and went towards the house of Pablo Picasso. It was an elegant building in a abandoned square. They could not enter because it was closed, then went to the botanical garden, the Finca de la Concepción where there was a collection of palm trees and exotic plants. Fountains and Roman statues adorned the garden, and in the rampart had an extraordinary views to the Mediterranean.

  “ Do you want know a castle?”

  “ Of course!”

  Visited the castle which was rebuilt by the Moors and was located where now a state hotel, a tourist parador with one stunning panoramic view. Isadora was amazed at all this beauty! After that wonderful pass, they came in home, dined and slept.

  The next morning was raining and the day was sad.. The sky was grey . Luciene was ready. It was time to leave.

  “ It will be hard without you, but I must be strong!” - said Isadora, with a sadly voice.

  “ You'll get! After all ... tell me in detail!”

  “ Absolutely! See you in Brazil!”

  “ Promise me you will re-paint! You have to invite me to your exposure, remember? - said Luciene, looking straight in the eyes of Isadora.

  “ I promise! I will send for you invitation!”

  “ Good luck! See you soon!” - said Luciene, holding

  back tears.

  “ Have a good trip!” - said Isadora, hugging her friend.

  They parted and Isadora returned home. When she entered in your room, see one package with your name on it. She opened. It was a screen, a set of brushes and paints. Inside was a note attached with a ribbon, saying:

  "To my friend Isadora, a female version of Pablo Picasso: True and natural. - No have two people like you on the stage of life. Without you, the universe would not be the same! - I'm your fan! Make this way the great start to your history! I see a happy ending! With love, Luciene "

  "Thank you! Those who know us can change us! "- Isadora thought thrilled, smiling with a tear running down her face.

  IX

  FIVE OF SWORDS

  It´s necessary to use diplomacy

  and insight.

  Listen to the signals.

  New thoughts can do

  you out of a situation.

  The days passed fast and Isadora was getting tired. The cigarette smoke in the coffee shop, and the voices of the Spanish people was weig
hing on her head. Was been 15 days since the last respite and was tired again. The work was each day more heavy, and no had no time for anything else. The customers became intolerant and Javier saw their hostility.

  “ Is everything okay? I see that you being nervous ...”

  “ It's okay, I just feel tired.”

  “ From now until the end of summer the work will be heavy. Would you like to go to another city?”

  “ What are my options?”

  “ Has one place in Bilbao. It is a very different city ... there are some things you may not like ...” - Javier said, warning.

  “ Where is this city?”

  “ It is a city in northern Spain.”

  “ I'm interested.”

  “ Did you ever notice, the vasques are harder and smoking more, if you have respiratory problems, there may be worse. And the aged population is higher, people are older...”

  “ I would like to know, is one way that I can know the country well.”

  “ I'll talk to the manager there and give you a position tomorrow.”

  “ Thank you!”

  The next day, Javier called Isadora in his office.

  “ Are you sure you want to go?” - Javier said with a serious look.

  “ I feel it will be good for me at least for a while, I need to know other places.” - Isadora said, rubbing her hair and with looking tired.

  “ All right! Javier said a little sad. Just knew that if you need a friend, you can back anytime you want We have coffee shops around Spain, in Alicante, Valencia, Madrid, when open vacancies, I told you! But be careful with people and do not trust everyone. You will have a place to stay in Bilbao, an apartment of my mother-in-law, she rents rooms, you'll be safe there. But if you need anything, call me!”

  “ Thank you Javier! In me you have a friend too! Where do I start ?”

  “ I'll call back and confirm. You work until tomorrow. Rest for about 4 days here, and get there on Monday. There are some interesting beaches around here, know before you go, it's worth!”

  “ Thank you! I will work tomorrow !”

  “ Good girl!”

  When closed the cofee shoop, Alessandra and Isadora went home.

  “ It will be good for you, Bilbao is an interesting city but you have to be careful, do not take a political party because there is a dangerous place in relation to this.” - Alessandra warned.

  “ As dangerous? What you mean ?” - Isadora asked scared.

  “ Bilbao is part of the country vasco and they fight for separation from Spain, want to be an independent country. But it is not dangerous for tourists or for the population. It's just not getting into trouble. And do not talk too much! Listen more and talk less!” - Alessandra warned.

  “ Thank you! Tomorrow is my last day here, I'll walk a little and get ready for a new battle.”

  “ If you need anything... I'm here!”

  “ Thank you Alessandra! You're a great friend too!” - Isadora said, smiling.

  The wine and philosophy accompanied Isadora and Alessandra into the night. They talked about the friendships that these short and intense trips provide, and the day by day. Isadora realized that, when open the intuition, could learn new things, growing in all respects.

  The next day Isadora went to work, was your last day. At the end of the day was check your e-mails. One surprise was waiting for her.

  “Do not believe it!” - She thought.

  "Where are you? I called you all day and do not know you. I called his family and nobody tells me where he is. Please, I need to talk to you...! "

  The repeated messages left Isadora worried. She left the front of the computer and looked for a phone and called to her sister in Brazil and she told all the news, even about Marcos. Isadora asked not to speak where she was, she needs forget him. Her sister agreed, chatted and said goodbye.

  Isadora came home angry. Alessandra asked what happened and Isadora superficially explained the history, and she gave a glass of water to Isadora drink to calmed down.

  “ Do you still like this man, is not it?”

  “ Of course not!”

  “ If you is so nervous... is because he cause you some reaction yet.”

  “ The story is much deeper than you think. I crossed the ocean to forget this man and to find to myself, it would be very stupid have one relapse.” - Isadora said nervously, running her hand through your hair.

  “ You're human, and if you still like him what is the problem?”

  “ Never mind Alessandra! Tomorrow we talk , I need to sleep. I have to organize my things and walk a bit around here. Now more than ever need to distract me.”

  “ You know what is better. Good night!” - Alessandra said, without understanding anything.

  “ Good night!”

  Isadora went to her room, would not extend with confidences with Alessandra, would be ashamed to talk about all your history with Marcos. She lay on the bed and thought about everything as if it took a movie in your head. She needed to get rid of that feeling, forget and move forward.

  X

  THE HANGED MAN

  Perceive one situation having a distance.

  So, you may have another perspective,

  winning forces and new ways of understanding.

  Don´t wait a long time to put

  on practice the new insights acquired.

  Dawning and Isadora jumped out of bed. She took a coffee and was walk on the beach. Needed sunbathe, watching people, live a little. She needed inspiration to continue her way. But first must go to the train station to buy your ticket to Bilbao.

  In the afternoon was spent in Fuengirola, where found many shops and bars, many English people in the street and an incredible sense of freedom invaded her heart.

  "It's great be the owner on your path and determine what to do, and what want to pursue." - thought as walked on the streets.

  When it came to the beach Isadora sought a chair and sat down near a restaurant. She watched the environment. The beach was lively, a lot of beautiful people enjoying the sun and sea, the energy of the life was present in those people. One latin voice woke her trance.

  “ Hello! Can I help you?”

  “ Hello! Yes, please, a water.”

  “ That's it?”

  “ That´s it, thank you!”

  The latin girl brought the water to Isadora when asked their origin, she said that was Colombian. Isadora asked how long she was there, and if enjoyed it. She said that also was a latin, Brazilian, when a female brazilian voice interrupted the conversation.

  “ Please, you can come here, please ?” - said the girl.

  “ One moment, please! ” - the colombian waiter said for girl.

  “ Go ahead, thanks!”

  Isadora watched the couple's and had no doubt that the girl was Brazilian. The girl was in the direction of Isadora and began to talk.

  “ Hi, okay? The maid said that you're Brazilian, is true ?”

  “ Yes, true.”

  “ Nice to meet you, I'm Claudia, Brazilian too!”

  “ Nice to meet you! Long time no see Brazilians out there ... how long time do you live here ?”

  “ I'm not living here , I'm here just 15 days in the house of my boyfriend.”

  Claudia was very fun and was from south of Brazil, Curitiba. Soon she was very friendly, and her and your boyfriend invited Isadora to lunch at nearby restaurant on the next day. Isadora accepted the invitation and went home, had a lot things to organize.

  The next day Isadora found Claudia and her boyfriend. She arrived at the appointed place and saw Claudia, alone. She greeted the new friend, and realize that she was crying.

  “ Hi Claudia, what´s up ?”

  “ Nothing...”

  “ What happened? Can I help you ?”

  “ I fought with my boyfriend.”

  “ Calm down... boyfriends ...”

  “ Not in this time.”

  “ But you seemed so well yesterday.”

  “ Sit here
... I'll tell you what happened.”

  Claudia explained to Isadora that she knew her Colombian boyfriend a few months in Brazil and went to visit him in Spain. But coming into your house and living day by day she realized that he lied about many things, and she was disappointed. Do not wanted to go back to Brazil and did not want to stay there. She didn´t know what to do. Isadora asked if she wanted to work one time in Spain, maybe could help her.