Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0002] - Moonbay

Dame

Dah−meh

Type: Noun

Meaning: A sovereign title denoting control over land, sea, sky, and the ley lines that weave the fabric of the world. "Dame" refers to the feminine form, while "Rame" is the masculine equivalent.

Usage: This title is used for individuals who, beyond mere rulership, possess the ability to influence and harmonize the ley lines - the currents that maintain the world's balance. Both "Dame" and "Rame" carry the responsibility of protecting and overseeing the natural and arcane forces within their domain.

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The nine moons still hung low in the night sky, casting shadows over the meandering Meerio River. Five horses thundered against the hard-packed earth, heading toward Keblurg's capital, which grew clearer on the horizon. As they approached, they could see the two colossal Guardians' Statues of Keblurg looming, silent sentinels of stone observing their advance.

The five black-robed riders finally reached the castle gates as dawn broke. A sentry, startled awake by the clamour, hurriedly cranked the wheel that lifted the portcullis. The iron bars rose with a rusty creak, and Yeso didn't wait for formalities.

Urging his horse forward, he led his entourage into the castle courtyard, where the cobblestones seemed to echo their arrival. The horses' hooves slowed to a trot, then a walk, as they made their way through the arches and into the stone embrace of the castle. Servants and guards alike paused in their morning chores, casting curious and sometimes suspicious glances at the newcomers. After all, they weren't humans. They were Menschen.

Dismounting, Yeso handed his horse's reins to a stable boy who scurried forward, his eyes wide with awe. "See to them," he said curtly. "They've earned their rest."

The boy nodded vigorously, leading the horses away to stalls lined with fresh hay and buckets of water.

Yeso turned his attention to his disciples, each dismounting and stretching cramped muscles, their faces etched with the strain of a ride that had pushed the boundaries of endurance.

"We've made it finally, but we're not done. Not by a long shot." he finally said, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "And remember, there will be no sword, only words!"

The group didn't utter a word, but it was clear who agreed and who did not. His gaze swept across the faces of his Magis, lingering on each for a moment.

Redfred, the eldest of their group, had been a silent presence throughout the journey, yet his silence spoke volumes. His disapproval of negotiating with humans was an open secret, one that was both respected and quietly challenged within their ranks.

With his mane-like black hair and sharp features, Redfred looked every bit the archetypal Magi from an era long past-a time when the Menschen held undisputed dominion over other beings, a notion he clearly still clung to. His face was an austere mask, suggesting a severity that perhaps outstripped the reality of the man beneath it. But, severe or not, Redfred was a force to be reckoned with, and Yeso knew his presence here was both a strength and a complication.

Jear's red skin contrasted sharply with his flowing black hair. The prominent Tiefling horns that curved from his forehead gave him an air of otherworldly menace, yet those who looked closely might detect a softness in his blue eyes.

Though he lacked the appearance of a typical Menschen, no one could deny the blue blood running through his veins. His bloodline was as blue as they came, a paradox that often placed him at the intersection of admiration and prejudice. But Menschen were not a race. They were a blood. Blood made of raw magic.