Hexe - The Great Exodus

[CH. 0045] - The Nightmare

Verratung

Noun

Translation: Betrayal

Definition: "Verratung" in Menschen is used to denote the act of betrayal in any form, whether personal, political, or otherwise. It encapsulates the breaking of a moral or ethical code, a turning away from a promise or duty. The term is heavily laden with emotional and moral weight in Menschen culture.

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"Love?"

Noctavia's world was enveloped in a persistent buzzing akin to a swarm of relentless insects. This ceaseless hum, ebbing and flowing in intensity, formed an invisible barrier, isolating Noctavia from her surroundings. She couldn't focus on anything around her.

"Zonnestra!" The voice, more insistent this time, broke through her auditory shroud.

Startled, she turned as a hand gently settled on her shoulder. "My love, are you alright? You haven't touched your food," Yeso inquired, his eyes wide with concern.

"Oh, I..." Noctavia didn't even realise she was sitting at the table.

They were all gathered around the kitchen table, sharing a meal with the newly arrived faeries, Maggie and Maddie, alongside Godmama, who cooked, and Claramae, who will be leaving first thing tomorrow. Orlo slept peacefully, cuddling his little white mouse in his basket beside Noctavia.

"I have this annoying buzz in my ear. It just won't stop," Noctavia complained, her frustration evident as she inserted her pinkie finger into her ear, hoping to alleviate the irritation.

"Let me see," Yeso offered. He gently brushed her golden hair away from her ear, peering closely. "I don't see anything, love."

"Could it be a bug? Maybe a bee?" she speculated, the annoyance in her voice growing.

Godmama rose from her seat as she joined Yeso to inspect Noctavia's predicament. "He's right, dear. There's nothing there," she confirmed, her tone soothing yet puzzled.

"This is driving me mad; I can barely hear," Noctavia lamented, her frustration mounting. She propped her elbows on the table, cradling her head in her hands. "I'm so exhausted!"

"When did it start?" Yeso inquired, his brow furrowed with concern.

"About an hour ago, maybe more, maybe less? It's like a swarm of bees but with a lower pitch," she explained, irritated and weary.

"My Love, maybe you should go rest," Yeso suggested, his tone uncertain, betraying his helplessness in the face of her discomfort. He turned to the faeries, searching for a solution. "Is there any concoction we can give her for this?"

"She is a Menschen, Yeso... she is not sick! We can't get sick!" Claramae interjected, her voice carrying a note of conviction. "She must have something inside. Maybe if we wash it out with water, it will come out?" she proposed, simultaneously heaping more food onto her plate.

"We could try that," Godmama agreed, setting about preparing a pot. She filled it with water and then added oil and salt. "Just getting the water ready. Maybe the girl needs to lie down while we wait."

Yeso wrapped an arm around Noctavia, offering her his support. "You'll be fine. In a bit, we'll be laughing about this," he reassured her, though he could sense the strain she was under, her effort to stave off tears indicative of her genuine distress.