Hello! We are Cat and Bee from RusCanWonderland on Tumblr.
Disclaimers, Notes & Warnings:
We do not own Hetalia or any characters within.
Warnings: Witchcraft, Tarots, death, mild body horror, implied witch trials
Notes: This is mostly for us warping the perception of religious society. In this story witches have been part of polite society for centuries and certain Christian denominations of the church, instead of condemning them, protect them. Based loosely off of Practical Magic.
Tarot cards had always fascinated Ivan. Even though he wasn't a witch, and never could be one, he enjoyed the drawings of the mystical cards and the meanings behind them. That was how he had met Matthew.
Matthew had been about sixteen when Ivan had met him, the older male having gone to the local carnival with his two sisters.
There were various booths that small town celebrities had set up, some for charity, some to help pay bills, but all to show off unique talents and infamous skills. Katyusha and Ivan, being the owners of a small sheep farm nearby, had set up a booth of knitted goods and skeins of woolen yarn, trading off tending to the booth in order to entertain five-year-old Natalia in turns. Ivan, being the much more easily manipulated sibling, had given in to the child's begging for funnel cakes and had carried her piggy-back to the booth, watching the plump woman behind the counter fry up the treat and then coat it with honey and powdered sugar.
She had smiled at the man, who was much taller than most of the other townsfolk, Katyusha a more well-endowed woman than the other townsfolk to match her height, and it was expected that their little sister would also one day reach that same monstrous height as her siblings. All three of them had silvery hair and bright violet eyes, which would have been unusual even for witches but simply left them with the strange ability to turn heads and nothing more.
While Ivan had walked with Natalia eating her treat, inevitably getting honey and sugar on the shoulder of his jacket, he had come across a booth that had interested him greatly.
Tarot Readings - $5
Ivan hummed as he peered at the sign, decorated with the pentacle symbol that all witches acknowledged, before he looked at the young man sitting behind the counter of the booth. He had bright blue eyes and Ivan was unsurprised at their intensity. He was, however, surprised with the demure appearance of the witch. Soft blonde curls, pulled back in the typical bun, and pale skin that, despite being mostly covered in the typical black of witches garb, looked like it would be just as flawless all across the thing frame. He had cute glasses and lips and a pentacle pendant resting against his chest. He certainly didn't look like the pinnacle of evil that the pastor raved about every Sunday… He looked sweet and gentle and like he wanted to just read his book.
Usually witches were very bold, very up front, and very seductive. They were beautiful, even in their older ages, and it was obvious that they used that to their advantages. It was one of the reasons that they were considered so dangerous, as male or female witches had the ability to lead all people, man or woman, into grave sin.
But this sweet looking young man didn't seem like that at all. He was reading a book, quiet, intent gaze peering through oval-shaped glasses at the text inside, which was obviously written in what his kind called "Theban". Ivan had peered into one of those types of books once, and while it simply seemed like gibberish to him, it had looked beautiful, like some sort of exotic poetry.
It… Would have been a terrible lie for him to say that he wasn't completely enthralled by witchcraft… He quite often found himself curious and wondering, though too god-fearing to seek out a witch and ask about their ways… But here was a perfect opportunity, in a community carnival, where no one would judge or think twice about him speaking with a witch… And really, didn't one gain more knowledge and understanding by asking questions? If he asked enough questions than the exotic and fascinating culture would probably appear more mundane and everyday… Then there was nothing to be afraid of.
Ivan peered at Natalia, still completely enthralled with her treat and looking slightly sleepy as her nap time approached, before he decided that he wanted to talk to the witch.
"E-excuse me?" He asked shyly, leaning his towering stature forward so that he didn't seem too big. "I'd like a reading?" He wasn't sure what that implied, but it sounded interesting, and doubtless it would be just as attractive as the people and language of witches.
Matthew was well aware of Ivan's presence before the other male even said a word.
Daintily, he slid a red cord into the middle of the pages he was reading, before he fixed the nervous male with a sweet little smile. "Of course….right this way," he gestured with his arm to an open tent just behind the booth he had been sitting at. He waited until Ivan and the sleeping girl was inside before following. With nimble fingers, Matthew released a golden rope that held up the flaps of the tent and smiled as they fluttered closed.
"If you want," Mathew started, as he moved around the taller male's form and gestured to a small collection of blankets and pillows that resided on the grassy ground of the tent, "…you can set her down there. Bageshri is as lazy as she looks." The only other occupant of the little area of soft things was a long, sleeping black cat, her tail swishing every so often.
The only other thing in the space was a small table with a deep purple, velvety tablecloth spread on top, two chairs, and a small white candle that casually flickered in the cool air. "Please, have a seat," the blonde witch offered with a gentle smile as he took up roost in one of the chairs, hands folded as he watched the stranger intently.
Ivan took a careful seat across from the witch after gently resting his sister on the pile of pillows. The little girl had her fist relatively shoved into her mouth and when she was released from her brother's arms she opened her eyes only briefly before she fell back asleep. "Thank you." Ivan murmured, smiling as he folded his hands over his lap. "So… Um… I'm Ivan." The man held out his hand to the blonde, wondering why on earth he was even bothering to introduce himself.
Matthew smiled, holding out his hand to gently touch the tips of his fingers to Ivan's palm. "I'm Matthew," he introduced with a kind smile before pulling back his hand. Blue eyes concentrated on Ivan's face for a quiet moment before he placed his hands into his lap.
"I am certain this is your first time?" the young witch asked with a knowing smile. "You don't have to be nervous or afraid…the cards will simply help you." Reaching in to a small pocket on his outfit, Matthew gently set the deck of cards on the table. Each witch had their own, blessed and cared for since they were first received. He easily shuffled them before fanning them out on the table in a perfect, pretty little arch.
"I want you to choose six of them, but only when you're ready. There are no wrong choices…and there is no pressure. Take your time…and concentrate, alright?" Matthew's voice was like buttermilk, sweet and and tender as he removed his hands from the fanned out cards, giving the control to Ivan. "This isyour reading, unique and important as you are."
Ivan nodded his understanding, examining the cards slowly and carefully before he picked the first one from the center. The second was picked from the farthest left, then the farthest right. Three cards laid out before him before he took the next two in a similar fashion. He paused as his fingers rested on the final card he had selected, frowning at it and feeling the urge to leave it. Taking that as a sign his fingers gently ghosted over the cards before he found the card that felt right and selecting it.
Ivan paused before lowering his fingers back to the table before him, glancing down shyly as he nodded to Matthew. "You… You said six, right?"
"Correct," Matthew nodded, smile gentle as he watched Ivan's face the entire time he had chosen his cards. "Are you certain this is your hand? Or would you like me to shuffle again?"
Ivan pursed his lips at the cards before he nodded. "It feels right." He murmured, not daring to touch the cards further for fear of interfering with Matthew's magic.
Matthew smiled; this Ivan was very sweet and shy. How wonderful a thing to see in a man that was certainly very strong. Nodding his head, Matthew touched his fingers to his lips before gesturing to the cards like he was blowing a silent kiss. The movement caused the candle's flame to flicker and the first card Ivan had touched slid forward and turned on its own.
The blonde's smile deepened as the card touched down and he extended a finger to touch the tip of the intricate border. "The Sun…," he flickered his eyes to Ivan's face and couldn't help but give him another gentle smile. "This means that good health, happiness, enjoyment and pleasure are all coming to you. Perhaps the conception of a child?" he suggested with a playful look. "Success and fulfillment…are they things you've been looking for?"
Ivan nodded. "I… Yes." He murmured. "I don't… I don't think a child is quite… Possible…" The man gave a smile. "But… I've been looking for fulfillment and success…"
"The Sun is telling you that this success is coming towards you and it should bring you happiness," Matthew nodded, before the second card Ivan selected turned and settled onto the tabletop. "The Wheel of Fortune," he smiled. Matthew liked this card. For those deserving of good things, this card usually meant they got them. And for others…this card was of little favor to them.
"Have you noticed things lately that…seem to be coincidence? They are not…it suggests you wish to have a turning point in your life, a positive change. Destiny and fate are at play here, and they seem to be smiling favorably on you."
Ivan smiled at that, perking up slightly. "R-really? I…" The man nodded at that and bowed his head. "Thank you." He murmured, his hands worrying at the sleeves of his jacket.
"Relax, Ivan," Matthew smiled, placing his fingers on Ivan's wrist. "You are among friends here," the blonde smiled and gestured with a playful smile towards the cat curling up with the man's little sister, purring loudly. The third card turned and Matthew frowned just a little.
"The Emperor. Is there a man in your life that you don't think will be proud or caring of your successes? This is telling me that because of this man or of a strong male figure, that you feel your success is just out reach." Matthew rarely felt true concern for the people that came into his tent for readings, but for Ivan, the feeling was quite strong.
Ivan seemed to wilt slightly at that and he looked back at his sister before he shrugged and looked back at the table. "I wish it wasn't true… But it is." He murmured softly, not saying any more on the subject.
Matthew was silent for a moment, eyes locked on Ivan's face before he continued , the fourth card flipping onto the table. The blonde's smile was back again, and reached across to gently tap the other male's hand. "The Fool….this card is telling me that you're considering leaving your job…your home, your routine even for something bigger and greater that you don't even know is coming yet, but you have an idea of what it may be. It's telling me you need to have confidence, that potential and love are coming your way, for you…it is telling me…happiness, Ivan…that is what is yours."
Ivan's expression was contemplative and he looked like he wanted to say something but simply nodded instead, returning Matthew's smile as he looked at the line of cards and then the blonde. He gave his sleeping sister a glance before he turned his eyes back to Matthew with a smile. "An interesting card for such a good reading." He murmured softly before he fell silent again.
Laughing softly, Matthew nodded his head as his fingers pressed to his mouth to hide the joyous expression. "Yes…it is trying to tell you that you'll be so happy you will act like a fool…drunk off of joy…a fool in love, things like that," he stated, before the fifth card flipped onto
the table.
Matthew was silent as he regarded it for a moment, before he licked his lips and set Ivan with a gentle smile. "The Tower…you try to control events, outcomes, protection of others and to ensure their safety and joy before yourself. It is not always going to be that way…there are unexpected challenges that you'll have to go through….but it does not mean that it is impossible to achieve. Whatever move or change you have wanted to make…perhaps your riches and rewards may not be so great…your house may not be very big or your land not very wide, but it will succeed in due time."
Ivan smiled at Matthew and the card before he shrugged. "That's true… As everything else has been to my knowledge…" He stared at the one unturned card and then looked back at Matthew. "What does that one represent?"
"Let's see," the blonde smiled, watching the card lift and turn before settling onto the table. Ah…this card is usually when people started pointing fingers at Witches and declaring them evil.
"Death," Matthew stated softly, but upturned his lips in a fond smile. "This is my favorite card," he told the other male, making sure to watch his expression carefully. "It represents change, transformation. Whatever challenges, failures, terrible things that happen, there are always, alwaysnew beginnings for you. It means a fresh start…a second chance…it is a symbol to not forget that life isprecious and is worth living to its fullest extent every single day. It is not a bad omen….but a good one, …a well deserving one."
Ivan looked over his entire reading and smiled slowly at the good fortune before him. He tilted his head and smiled over at the blonde. "I don't necessarily believe in leaving things to fate… But it helps to know that I'm somewhat favored by it." He murmured before he looked back at the cards. He turned to Matthew and tilted his head slowly. "I… I have a question…" He murmured slowly, carefully. "And… And don't think I'm being rude or anything… But… Why can't Witches read their own tarots?"
Blinking, Matthew stared at Ivan's face a for a moment before he smiled gently and pressed a finger to his lips. "That's a secret," he told him, a playful glint in his eyes as he gently gathered the cards back into an organized deck. "I hope you have found your answers, Ivan."
"I have." Ivan murmured with a smile, nodding as he crouched to lift Natalia into his arms, the little girl whining before she tucked her face against Ivan's neck. "Thank you." He murmured with a smile.
Nodding, Matthew stood to politely escort the siblings from his tent but paused, a little frown tugging at his features. "Will you wait just a moment?" Matthew asked before turning to the table and crouching. Beneath was a wooden box and after shuffling through it for a moment, Matthew returned to Ivan with a little burlap bag.
"She should be careful…around your livestock. If she were to trip and fall, place this on her cuts and scrapes, it'll make her feel better," Matthew smiled, holding the bag out to Ivan that contained a thick, herby salve that contained lavender and arborvitae.
Ivan smiled and nodded, accepting the salve as he adjusted his sister in his arms. "Oh! Oh, here!" The man fumbled in his pocket before he pulled out his wallet and managed to tug five dollars from within. "Here, here." He murmured, smiling down at the blonde. "If… If you ever need any blankets or anything… Just, just come to the farm and I'll help you." He murmured with a smile. "I… I hope to see you around more often."