Ozma

I weep on the playground floor while the laughter and hurried footsteps of the children who have just jeered me are still echoing in my ears. I hold my grazed and bloody knee with tears running down my cheeks. But it's not the wounds or bruises that hurt me. It's what they said about me and my family: "You're not welcome here," "rotten apple," "son of traitors"... It's not the first time they have lashed out at me. I've already been pushed against a wall and locked in the toilets while they poured a bucket of icy water over my head. And every day, I've had to deal with vicious remarks that the teachers haven't really discouraged. But I couldn't say anything to Mother. If I did, she'd only take me out of school, and I'd be alone again...

I suddenly feel a hand on my head and I look up, trying to dry my eyes while I think up an excuse to hide the bullying. I'm about to say that I just fell down when I notice that it's not a teacher, but the Eidolon Ozma leaning over me. She just smiles at me and strokes my hair affectionately. And when I start to mumble an explanation, she places a finger on my lips and hugs me lovingly. I suddenly feel unconditional love running through me and complete acceptance of who I am, despite the shame that my lineage carries on its shoulders. With a kiss on my forehead, she chases this thought from my mind, then reassures me that I bear no responsibility for the sins of my ancestors. I dry my eyes on my sleeves and rest my head on her knees while she begins to hum a nursery rhyme.

Created by L. Frank Baum in the sequels to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Ozma is the daughter of the former king, Pastoria. Transformed into a boy called Tip by the wicked witch Mombi, she is raised without knowing her past or legitimate claim to the throne. After the good witch Glinda restores her true appearance, she ascends to the throne of the Land of Oz and always has her best friend, Dorothy Gale, by her side.

Sigismar

368 AC