Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0007] - Moonbay

Saatgut

Type: Noun

Translation: Soulseed / Seed

Definition: In Menschen, "saatgut" refers to a seed that embodies a creature's soul or magic. It is akin to a cocoon, preserving and sustaining the individual's essence and magic. The concept of "saatgut" is deeply rooted in the spiritual and life-giving forces of nature within the Menschen culture. It is often associated with rebirth, legacy, and the perpetuation of life's magical elements. Some believe it has the shape of a butterfly that would fly out of a creature's mouth and search for a new vessel to reincarnate.

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Nearly a moon had passed, travelling across the night sky but never illuminating Moonbay as it once had. The settlement was shrouded still in an eerie darkness. Nevertheless, the settlers found it increasingly burdensome to navigate their daily life in this endless dark. But none complained. No words of discontentment reached their lips, especially in the presence of any Magi and certainly not before Commander Yeso. To grumble about it would be to undermine the purpose of the spell: a dark coat of night to prevent further bloodshed.

Yeso was visibly frayed. Containing his magic, preventing its volatile release, was a taxing ordeal. It gnawed at him like a storm cloud seeking release. His people, empathetic to his plight, rallied around him, aiming to cushion the weight of his responsibilities. They cooked for him, managed affairs in his stead, and ensured he could rest whenever possible. Noctavia was especially vigilant about protecting his state of mind.

Though the cushions and pillows were meticulously arranged, Yeso couldn't find a way to feel comfortable and at ease in their embrace. "Has any centaur arrived with the news?" Yeso asked, bored.

Noctavia, who sat beside him, continued her intricate embroidery on his robe. "Rest," she gently rebuked while her eyes, despite his question, didn't leave their focus on her needlework.

"Did any?" The urgency in his voice made it clear he wasn't about to drop the subject.

Setting down her needle, she exhaled a measured breath. "If there had been news, you would be the first to know, Yeso."

"So, nothing then?"

A rueful half-smile creased her lips. "No, not yet, Commander."

"Don't call me that; I hate it!" He shifted his position, coming to sit beside her. "I don't give you permission to call me by my title. Actually, you are forbidden to do so!"

The corners of her mouth curled into a playful smirk. "Oh? Do you have another preference, then?"

"My love, my heart, my everything, my..." His finger playfully tapped his lips as if mulling over an endless list of affectionate names.

"You should rest, my love, my heart, my everything and something else... I can't remember for now." Noctavia softly echoed back with tender humour.

"Ah, see? Doesn't that sound better?" His hand reached out to graze her cheek, drawing her face closer to his. Their lips met in a brief, sweet kiss that, for a heartbeat, seemed to mute the world's pressing demands. "You know since I'm already bound to the bed, and you are here, maybe we could..."

"No," she interrupted, pulling back just enough to fix him with a look that mingled with amusement. "Rest. That's an order."

"But how are we supposed to make a baby if we don't..." His voice trailed off, an impish grin overtaking his features. "Don't you want a tiny Commander?"