Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0034] - Winterqueen

Ofius

Noun

Translation: Ofius (The Serpent bearer)

Definition: The "Ofius" was introduced by Magi Mediah in the early Winter. It is a brand given to mages upon the successful completion of their Trial of Elements within the Menschen culture. Upon being granted their "Mantonacht," or Black Robe, mages receive this brand on their forehead. The golden infinity symbol, the Ofius, represents unyielding loyalty to the Magi's duties and their eternal commitment to their path. If a Magi ever decides to forsake their role, the Ofius is removed, leaving behind a scar as a perpetual reminder of their indelible bond to the Magi order and the powers they once served.

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Redfred completed the final preparations to safely dispatch the Noitelven baby aboard the first vessel departing from Ormgrund. As he returned to his quarters, mentally steeling himself for the imminent political upheaval or perhaps even war, he was met with a scene of utter disarray. The room appeared as though ravaged by a hurricane.

"What in the world...?" he barely managed to articulate, his eyes widening at the sight of the young Magi, Muru, darting frantically from one corner to another, hastily packing his belongings.

"I'm leaving! And I'm leaving now!" Muru declared, almost shouting.

"Muru, please, I implore you, could you pause for a moment!" Redfred's plea seemed to no avail with this maelstrom of activity that had consumed the room.

Muru was a whirlwind of motion, his actions a chaotic fusion of fear and anger as he shoved his meagre possessions into a makeshift bag.

"Muru, please, just listen," Redfred insisted, his voice trying to be tranquil and soothing, attempting to pierce the young Magi's frenzied state. "If you would just take a moment to calm down, we could devise a plan and..."

Redfred's words seemed to evaporate into the charged air, utterly futile. Muru had burst into their shared quarters straight from the courtroom, carrying with him a whirl of feelings that had taken root deep in his core. "Please, son, just listen to me..."

In a flash of unbridled anger, Muru spun around to face the older Magi. "I am not your son, and you are certainly not my father! A real father would take action, not just stand by passively! This whole situation is... it's... absolute madness! Now, I finally see why Yeso chose to abandon this scheida place! Plans are useless now!"

Muru spat out, each word seething with outrage. "You were witness to this circus that unfolded in there. And I refuse to linger and watch as that... that... that Vacahure ascends to power. It's a mockery! I reject it all! I will not remain here and be part of this scheida! If death is my fate, then let it embrace me in my own fucking home!"

"Die at home?" Redfred, usually a bastion of calm, felt a rare surge of irritation. His patience was worn thin. "Magi do not surrender to fate in the safety of their homes, Muru! We stand and face our trials, wherever they may find us!"

Muru abruptly ceased his frantic movements, turning to face Redfred with eyes that were deep pools of dread. "Maybe the path of a Black Robe, of a Magi, isn't my true calling," he declared as he methodically unfastened each button of his robe.

"This place... it's no longer a Palace; it's become a damned graveyard. And that creature in the cage? It's like nobody gives a fuck! Did they slay it? Are they keeping it for some fucking purpose? Perhaps she plans to amass an army using it! I don't want any part of it. I refuse to stay and be a spectator to this madness!"