The crackling of the campfire echoed through the night, casting dancing shadows across the faces of the Tarot, a group of orphans bound by fate and circumstance.
"Viktor, can you repeat again the story of the Major Arcana's, what were they called again?" Alexia promptly asked Viktor since she was quite fascinated with the story it jest.
"Sure, it might be long, but I know you will all listen well." Viktor replied jokingly, and as Viktor narrates the story until its ending, suddenly, Andrei murmured something.
"Tarot... What a fascinating name it is, and they also numbered 22 like us" Andrei said.
Taken by surprised of Andrei's comment, Leo became inspired with it since they have no proper titles, no proper names too, and they wanted something that can identify themselves with, a name they can call their own.
"What about using Tarot us our community's name, what do you think everyone? " Leo posed a question to the group.
"Wouldn't that be a bit too childish?" Daria added. "No offense but, it's just a story, not a real thing."
"You've got a point Daria, but as you look as they struggles and hardships, wouldn't that be like us?" Alexei interrupted.
"Well- if that's what you think, what about the others?" Daria began to survey the groups opinion.
"I think it's alright, it sounds cool like someone with lots of money", Gregor jested.
"Leo, you're the leader, what's your final decision?" Daria softly asked Leo.
"I think it's a perfect name for us, and to commemorate it, why don't Viktor assign the roles to us, since he's an outsider and his judgment wouldn't be unfair too."
"Eh...?" Ethan reacted.
"Is it alright with you Viktor?" Leo asked politely.
"Alright if you're fine with me." Viktor responded.
Viktor stood before them, his presence commanding yet gentle, as he began to assign roles from the Major Arcana of the Tarot.
Leo, the steadfast leader at 19 years old, observed attentively. His experience and wisdom were evident in the way he assessed each member of their small community.
Around him, the others awaited their designations with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
"Anna," Viktor began, his voice carrying a weight of authority, "you embody The High Priestess, with your intuitive wisdom and calm guidance."
Anna nodded solemnly, a sense of responsibility settling on her shoulders as she accepted the role bestowed upon her.
"Marko," Viktor continued, turning to the tall, sturdy boy standing beside Anna, "you are The Emperor, leading us with strength and wisdom."
Marko straightened, a flicker of pride crossing his features as he acknowledged the mantle placed upon him.
"Sofia," Viktor said warmly to the girl with a gentle presence, "you are The Empress, nurturing and supportive to all."
Sofia smiled gratefully, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and belonging within their makeshift family.
Viktor's gaze then shifted to Ethan, a boy of 15 with striking white hair that shimmered in the firelight. Ethan stood apart, an air of suspicion and skepticism swirling around him like an invisible cloak.
"Ethan," Viktor began calmly, "you are assigned The Hanged Man."
Ethan's brow furrowed deeply, his eyes narrowing with disbelief. "The Hanged Man?" he questioned skeptically, his tone laced with uncertainty.
Viktor met Ethan's gaze evenly, sensing the tension and wariness in the atmosphere. "Yes, Ethan," Viktor explained patiently, "The Hanged Man card challenges us to see beyond our initial judgments, to question our surroundings.
It represents a different perspective, sacrifice, and embracing uncertainty."
Alexei, standing nearby with a smirk on his face, couldn't resist but interject. "Sounds fitting," he muttered under his breath, his skepticism palpable.
Ethan shot Alexei a sharp look before turning back to Viktor. "And why do I get this card?" he pressed, his tone challenging and defensive.
Viktor's expression softened slightly, his eyes reflecting understanding and empathy for Ethan's guarded demeanor. "Because, Ethan," Viktor replied gently, "you possess a keen intuition that questions everything around you.
Your suspicions may serve as a shield, but they also offer valuable insight into our circumstances and the challenges we face."
Ethan crossed his arms, still unconvinced but reluctantly accepting Viktor's explanation. "Alright," he said curtly, his voice tinged with lingering doubt. "I'll keep that in mind."
Viktor continued to assign roles from the Tarot, recognizing each child's unique qualities and contributions to their community:
"Nikolai, you are The Hermit, guiding us with your wisdom and introspection."
"Katerina, you are The Lovers, fostering harmony and connection."
"Boris, you are The Hierophant, offering guidance and tradition."
"Isabella, you are Strength, showing courage and resilience."
"Vladimir, you are The Chariot, driving us forward with determination."
"Julia, you are Justice, bringing fairness and balance."
"Pavel, you are Temperance, promoting moderation and harmony."
"Anastasia, you are The Star, guiding us with hope and inspiration."
"Gregor, you are The Wheel of Fortune, representing change and destiny."
"Larisa, you are The Moon, shining light on the unknown and secrets."
"Mikhail, you are The Sun, radiating joy and positivity."
"Daria, you are The World, embracing completion and fulfillment."
"Andrei, you are The Fool, embarking on new beginnings and adventures."
Leo, having observed the assignments, stepped forward to address Viktor. "Viktor," he began, his voice measured and deliberate, "we appreciate your guidance and insight. However, Ethan's cautious nature is not unfounded. We have been through hardships, and trust is not easily given."
Viktor nodded respectfully, his gaze shifting between Leo and Ethan. "I understand," he replied sincerely, "Trust is something earned through actions, not just words. I am here to prove myself to all of you, and I will do my best to earn your trust."
Anna, sensing the need to bridge the conversation with unity, stepped forward. "Let's focus on moving forward together," she said, her voice calm yet resolute. "Tomorrow marks the beginning of our journey. We face whatever lies ahead as the Tarot, united in purpose and strength."
As the fire crackled and the night deepened, the Tarot gathered closer around the warmth of the campfire. Despite the doubts and suspicions that lingered, they knew that their strength lay in their unity, in their unwavering bond as the Tarot.
Later that night, after Viktor had retired to his own corner of the orphanage and the children lay nestled in their makeshift beds, Leo found himself alone with his thoughts. He sat by the window, gazing out into the moonlit landscape beyond Saint Agnes's Haven.
The events of the evening weighed heavily on his mind—Viktor's arrival, Ethan's skepticism, and the delicate balance of trust within their small community. Leo knew all too well the dangers that lurked in the shadows of their world.
He had seen firsthand the betrayals and heartaches that came with placing trust in the wrong hands.
Yet, there was something about Viktor that intrigued him—a depth of character and a kindness that seemed genuine despite Ethan's reservations.
Leo couldn't shake the feeling that Viktor harbored secrets, but whether they were benign or malevolent remained to be seen.
Lost in thought, Leo was startled by a soft voice behind him. "Can't sleep?" It was Ethan, standing awkwardly in the doorway, his usual air of suspicion softened by the flickering candlelight.
Leo turned to face him, a small smile playing on his lips. "No, just thinking," he replied quietly. "About Viktor and what lies ahead for us."
Ethan stepped into the room; his expression guarded but curious. "Do you trust him?" he asked bluntly, his white hair catching the faint glow from the moon.
Leo hesitated, considering his words carefully. "I want to believe he's here to help us," he admitted slowly. "But trust... trust is earned, not freely given. We'll have to watch him closely."
Ethan nodded in agreement, a glimmer of respect in his eyes for Leo's cautious nature. "I don't trust him," he confessed quietly. "His stories are too fantastical, too... perfect."
Leo studied Ethan for a moment, sensing the vulnerability beneath his facade of skepticism. "We'll keep an eye on him," he reassured Ethan. "Together, as the Tarot."
The corners of Ethan's mouth twitched upward in a small, reluctant smile. "Together," he echoed softly, the weight of their shared responsibility palpable in the dimly lit room.
Outside, the wind whispered through the ancient trees, carrying with it the promise of a new day. Leo and Ethan stood side by side, their differences bridged by a common bond forged in the crucible of Saint Agnes's Haven.
As the night stretched on, Leo found himself comforted by the presence of Ethan and the unspoken understanding between them. Together, they would navigate the uncertainties of the future, guided by their resilience and the enduring strength of their makeshift family—the Tarot.
And so, under the watchful gaze of the moon and the hushed murmurs of the night, Leo and Ethan stood as silent sentinels, united in their vigilance and their determination to protect those who had become their family.
Next Chapter: United World Council