From Ashes To Scales

I decided to muster up the courage and go through with this. And so, I ended up sending a letter to Naja that I would like to meet, and the response was favorable. She agreed to let me come over. And because of that, right now, a mountain breeze swept through the carriage as we ascended the winding path toward Naja’s village. Saphira had been meticulous in selecting a small company of guards, all sharp-eyed and alert, watching for any sign of trouble in these unfamiliar lands.

We climbed higher, and eventually, the mountain walls loomed closer. Naja’s clan had taken residence inside the cliffs themselves—a fortress carved from stone, its entryways embedded deep into the rock. This was no ordinary village; it was a testament to the resilience and tactical prowess of a people who had endured Volkos’s reign. In the distance, faint glows of mana crystals outlined the cave entrances, casting an ethereal light over the landscape.

As the carriage slowed, a figure from Naja’s clan emerged and greeted me with a formal bow before guiding us to the entrance. We passed under an arched stone structure leading directly into the cliffside. Caves upon caves lined the rock, each entryway neatly carved with symbols that likely held meaning to her people. I couldn’t help but admire the ingenuity of the design; they’d used the natural landscape to protect their own.

As we ventured deeper into the cliff, the low light of the mana crystals painted the stone in shades of blue and violet. Their glow bathed the narrow paths in soft hues, guiding our way while illuminating clusters of flowers and small gardens along the walls—lush vegetation thriving in the absence of natural sunlight. These plants must have adapted to draw life from the mana crystals, a rare sight indeed. Unique flowers with translucent petals unfurled towards the crystal light, and some villagers tended to them with a calm that contrasted their wary glances in my direction.

The people here were watchful, cautious. I was their king now, so they did show respect and bowed their heads, but when their eyes met mine... Most quickly averted their gaze, and a few seemed outright uncomfortable. It wasn’t unexpected; I was an outsider in their sanctuary, and trust wouldn’t be granted easily. Yet, as I observed their guarded nature, I couldn’t help but respect it. They had built this home in defiance of a brutal history, carving a place of their own in a world that had given them little mercy.

Eventually, we reached an inner chamber, its walls lined with intricate carvings that depicted scenes of their history. There, waiting with calm authority, stood Naja. Her gaze was steady, her posture conveying the strength and pride that I’d heard so much about.

“Magnus,” she greeted with a slight incline of her head. “Welcome to my home.”

Oh God. I forgot just how skimpy she tends to dress. Her exposed chest is making me feel uncomfortable, but it's best to not avert my eyes.

“Thank you, Naja,” I replied, bowing slightly in return. “It’s truly an impressive place.”

She nodded, gesturing for me to follow as we moved into a nearby lounge, a room both functional and finely adorned. A low table sat between us as we took our seats, its polished surface reflecting the soft glow of the crystals embedded in the walls.

Naja’s eyes held a certain steel as they watched me, assessing. "So," she began, her tone calm but firm, "you've come all this way. And while I appreciate your visit, I can tell there’s more on your mind than admiration for cliff-dwellings."

I inclined my head, acknowledging her perception. “You’re right. But before we get to the matter at hand, allow me to say that I admire everything you’ve accomplished here. Your people are proud, and they hold this place with a strength that few could maintain.”

Naja’s expression softened slightly, though her gaze remained sharp. “We had to be strong. There was little choice in that regard. This place… it wasn’t built for comfort. It was built for survival. But survival forged resilience in all of us. But now that Volkos is gone, it's quite reassuring that the people can live quiet and normal lives.”

“I respect that,” I said, meeting her gaze with sincerity. “I understand the burden of leadership, and I can see how deeply committed you are to protecting your people. You’ve created a sanctuary—one where they can live without fear.”

She studied me for a moment, her guardedness easing just a touch. “Flattery will only get you so far, Magnus. But I appreciate your words. We have a hard-earned peace here. And I will do whatever it takes to keep it.”

“Then, we aren’t so different,” I said, leaning forward slightly. “You protect your people just as I now seek to protect Ephiria. That’s precisely why I came to speak with you.”

Her expression shifted, faint curiosity mixing with wariness. “Then tell me, what is it that you want to discuss?”

I took a slow breath, the words already forming in my mind.

“I’m sure you are aware. Although I saved Ephiria from Volkos, there are some who still doubt me. There is a slight resistance to my rule.”

“Yes. I am aware. But I doubt there's anything I can help you with regarding that matter.”

This wasn’t easy for me to say, nor was it something I took lightly. “There actually is. Naja, I came here to propose an alliance. Not merely in title or in name, but in union. I am asking you to consider… a marriage. A partnership in every sense, built on mutual goals and respect. Not out of tradition or convenience, but out of a shared vision for peace.”

Her gaze remained unreadable, but I sensed the tension beneath her calm exterior. “Marriage?” she repeated, her voice laced with both a hint of fluster, intrigue and skepticism.

“I never thought you would be interested in an old hag like me. Or perhaps you find something alluring in my body?”

“Please don't take this the wrong way.” I continued, my tone steady. “I’m aware of how it sounds, and I want to make it clear—I have no intention of forcing this upon you. I came here out of respect, to ask, not to demand. This decision would be as much yours as it would be mine. If you refuse, I will understand.”

She sat back, a thoughtful look crossing her face as she folded her arms. “By marrying me, the people that oppose you will calm down and they will be more open minded to your rule. Is that correct, Magnus?”

“Fufu. You are indeed sharp. But this will bring benefits on both ends. It would entail unity between our people,” I replied, my voice firm. “Our clans, our territories, bound together for the sake of stability and strength. Ephiria needs allies, and in you, I see not only a leader but an equal. Someone who would share the burdens with me, who understands the sacrifices and the challenges that come with ruling.”

Naja’s lips curved slightly, though whether it was a smile or a smirk, I couldn’t be certain. I decided to keep my speech going.

“It’s about building a foundation where our people can coexist, where they can be free from the corruption and exploitation of the mainland. You’ve done an admirable job protecting your people here, but imagine what we could achieve together. I’m not looking for a queen simply to wear a crown beside me; I’m looking for a partner. Someone who sees the world as I do and who would stand alongside me.”

For a moment, Naja was silent, her gaze drifting to the mana crystals lining the walls as though deep in thought. “You speak of respect, and yet, it’s hard to overlook that this is still a form of arrangement—a political bond to secure power.”

I nodded. “That’s true. I won’t deny that this alliance would benefit both our people in a way few other options could. But I am willing to make this sacrifice so that other people don't have to go through this. Feelings are important, and if I can secure the happiness of everyone with this act… I will do it. But my intentions are transparent, and my respect for you is genuine. I won’t insult you by pretending this is anything less than a proposal for the greater good of Ephiria and your clan.”

She met my gaze, her expression unreadable. “And if I say no?”

“Then I will leave, and we will find another way,” I assured her. “This is your choice, Naja. If we’re to build this future together, I want it to be by choice, not obligation.”

A flicker of something—respect, perhaps—crossed her face. “Very well, Magnus. I’ll give it thought. In the meantime I will arrange a guest house for you. Feel free to make yourself at home.”

I inclined my head. “I appreciate your consideration.”

With that, a tentative understanding hung in the air between us. We might not have an answer yet, but the seed of possibility was there, and as I looked at her, I knew that whatever path she chose, it would be one forged by her own will. I won't deny that my heart was beating rapidly the entire time. My nerves are a wreck and I really am not suited for such conversations… me and women… I feel like women in general are a big headache. Or more like… a necessary evil. From here on… I can only hope for the best.