"Wow, these are all pretty!" Ruby exclaimed as she ogled upon various ornaments and accessories neatly laid on a table. The jeweler smiled at her invitingly as if to persuade her to buy anything she wanted.

"Yes, dear lady. Most of these gems are A grade in quality as you can see from the way they dazzle. These jewels and pretty gems were made from the oriental nations. Some came from the Cadia Riverlands while some were retrieved from Perlas, the beautiful realm of chief Lapu-Lapu. Is there any particular stone that you like? Your eyes are beautifully green. Do you want emeralds or sapphire stones to match your beauty? Oh, but red gems also look wonderful on you. How about rubies and spinels?" asked the peddler encouragingly.

"Martis, what do you think? You've been carving many miniature animals using gemstones so I think you're quite knowledgeable about these things. Which one suits me better?" she asked her companion who languidly looked at her with disinterested eyes.

"I don't know why you want to choose when you can buy them all. Your boyfriend seems to have given you a hefty sum. You are even wealthier than I am." answered Martis as he followed her through the different stalls and kiosks she hops to. He was supposed to be the one showing her around like he offered, but he ended up tagging along as she ogled and purchased items that she didn't even need. The treasury provided by Dyrroth surely puts his own wealth to shame.

"Well, you're right but I have no intentions of using his money unless necessary. I've been earning some in your city during my stay. I'm a strong and independent woman who can buy her own stuff, thank you very much." Ruby said proudly.

"And yet you always ask me to open pickle jars for you when the cap is too tight and hop on my back when there are bugs. Doesn't sound much like an independent woman to me."

"Oh, Martis. Being independent doesn't mean that you can do everything on your own. It means being able to utilize your resources to sustain yourself in the long run."

"And I am a part of your resources?" mused the king.

"Yes. You are my personal jar opener and bug repellent." replied the maiden jokingly before turning to the peddler.

"Mister, I'm going to buy this brooch." Ruby said as she claimed the oval-shaped emerald brooch and attached it to her dress.

"An excellent choice, miss! The color matches well with your shining eyes." exclaimed the jeweler excitedly as she handed him some gold.

"You're one peculiar girl. Many great heroes are afraid of massive and terrifying monsters. Yet you are afraid of tiny insects while you grin at monsters. Most of the time you are a walking ball of sunshine and rainbows but on some occasions, you are more like a storm of pure rage. Girls don't make the slightest sense to me. Especially you." mused Martis as they began to walk.

"Well, you can't fully understand sunshines and storms, but that's part of the charm. The only thing you can do is to admire them. So stop making sense of me and just admire me." Ruby explained with a small smile as she twirled around while threading the balustrade of a bridge. Martis was worried about her falling off so he kept a close eye on her every move while listening to her talk about peculiar things and poetic nonsense.

For him, Ruby is like a dream. Something you can see and ponder yet something you can never touch nor hold. Her smile is vibrant, her laughter is the sun itself that can brighten the whole world. She is childish, hopeful, and always filled with life that anyone can easily be drawn to her. Everything about her is intoxicating. Even her happiness is contagious. Martis, who is usually stoic and reserved, sometimes finds himself smiling whenever she flashes her radiant joy.

And yet it is not only her positive nature that drew him in. The melancholy and the darkness that hides within her mask present themselves during uncommon times. Her longing, her regret, her sorrow, her fury, and her wrath are all equally beautiful things, if not more alluring. Her story is something he has already heard; a tale of tragedy, of loss, and of vengeance. And yet there's something about her that feels extraordinary.

What power does this girl have to enchant someone like him? Who gave her a charm capable of taming a beast as formidable as Dyrroth and himself? Why must fate be so cruel as to make him fancy a woman who already belongs to someone?

He had heard of wars waged for a beautiful face. He had heard of kingdoms brought to destruction for a woman. So now why does it have to happen to him as well? Didn't Troy fall because a foolish lad desired the woman of another man, bringing ruin upon his homeland?

If the gods caused such pandemonium surely his crisis is also brought upon by the hands of a cruel god. If so then Aphrodite is the only one to blame and scorn. May the gods of the underworld, no matter the faith, smite her out of existence and cure this dreaded disease called love. Yes, he will now admit. He is in love with Ruby. He is in love with the woman his friend loves. Her looks have won his fancy yet her soul has won his heart.

He realized these feelings while he was guarding her bed. He would tell her stories and sing her some ballads, though try as he may, to be as sound as the nightingales while she breathed weakly and murmured incoherent names. He had touched her cheeks a hundred times. He had brushed her hair a thousand times. But he had only kissed her lips a million times in his dreams.

While she slept peacefully, he was suffering. Guilt flooded his veins for desiring her. These feelings are never meant to exist. For five nights, he tortured himself yet every time he would see her all his suffering would be washed away by the beauty of her delicate features. He fancies himself insane for having so many conflicting feelings. It is unbecoming of a king and yet here he is again playing with fire.

This golden-haired siren has enchanted two of the most powerful warlords on the whole planet and yet one must wait while the other must restrain. Desire is a cruel thing. We often want what we cannot have. And we cannot have it because others have desired it. Such is the irony of life and the humor of fate.

Martis watched her laugh, he watched her dance, he watched her eyes sparkle with life. It is fascinating how he finds her intriguing when he has already seen most of the world and beyond it. Is this what they call infatuation? Is it the same dragons that Dyrroth described to be raging inside him whenever he's with her?

This is so sudden and everything feels new. The sky has never been bluer, the day has never been brighter. Ruby's eyes are incredibly captivating. In some light, they shine like the ocean waves while sometimes they are more like the verdant trees of the forest. Is she a mermaid or a fairy? A goddess or an enchantress?

"You see, I think it's quite odd. That a God would be the one talking to me constantly yet I would be the one who chooses to reply or not. Fenrir is such a chatty little dog. In my dreams, he told me the most fascinating of tales and I would just nod and listen. Sometimes commenting, sometimes not." she narrated, interrupting his thoughts.

"You are a very dangerous woman." he blurted as he gazed upon the river which glinted red as it reflected the crimson sky where the sun is retreating to the west.

"What?! Why? What did I do." she asked in a panic, alarmed that she had done something wrong. The shadows of twilight are begging to settle, casting some darkness on his handsome face.

"I was just joking. Come on, let us watch the fireworks on the ziggurat. It will give us the perfect view to see the lights as well as its reflection upon the river." he amended, changing the subject.

"You can joke?" Ruby questioned with skepticism making him snicker mentally. It seems that this little lady is doubting his capability to be a normal human.

"Yes, you cute little idiot. Even with my godly charms, I am undoubtedly still human at heart." he chuckled before ruffling her golden hair.

"Hey stop touching my hair! I brushed it this morning!"

"You don't say. I thought it was a bird's nest." They began arguing lightly as they made their way to their next destination. Being this close to her might be dangerous but it is a risk he is willing to take just to spend a fraction of his life with her.

🌹

Martis impatiently leaned against a random post while Ruby shopped in every store there is on Devas. They were supposed to head to the ziggurat hours ago but the little huntress decided to take a little detour and shop some more. He's been cursing for hours about women's penchant for shopping and this girl's desire to hoard shiny things like a crow. Nevertheless, even though he was as still as a stone, the Ashura King is actually keeping a close eye on her every move as well as the actions of the others around her. Ruby is undeniably beautiful and her foreign looks stand out among the masses so it is not uncommon that a few lustful eyes would take notice of her.

Every time that a random stranger would approach her, Martis was swift to reach her side and glare at the person while the little maiden obviously shopped. A single sneer from him would be enough to keep unwanted people away but there are also very daring ones who ignore his terrifying glare. Whether it was due to stupidity or ignorance, Martis's second countermeasure always does the trick.

Once he summoned his swords, no one would dare to approach them by then. He wonders if Dyrroth has to deal with such things when they go out on dates. He heard from Terizla that such affairs are not uncommon to the... Two.

"Uncle?" someone said, interrupting his thoughts. Martis looked away from the distance and gazed at the person tugging at his tunic. Martis saw a girl about eight years of age with tan skin and dark wavy hair. She could have passed for a local with her complexion but her facial features are slightly softer than those of the residents of Devas. For him, her face is almost familiar.

"Oh, I'm sorry I must have gotten the wrong person. Please excuse me, sir." said the little girl politely.

"It's alright." said Martis as he could detect a notable accent from the girl. The girl began to look around with worry clearly written on her eyes which he didn't fail to notice.

"Wait." he called, stopping her from leaving.

"Are you lost? Did you stray away from your parents?"

"Well, I... Sorry, but mama said that I shouldn't talk to strangers. Pardon me." replied the girl. The fear is evident in her eyes. She is smart. She's aware of the dangers of being separated from her caretakers, he thought before kneeling to her level.

"Well if you are lost then you should look for a palace guard and tell them that if they help you find your parents then King Martis will reward them handsomely. The king had told his subjects to care for lost children and he trusts that they will oblige. What do you say? Can you do that?" he suggested knowing that the girl won't probably accept his help.

"Yes, sir. Thank you for your advice."

"Hey, Martis, I'm done shopping. We should go to the next stop of your itinerary. Woah, who's the kid? She's really cute!" greeted Ruby.

"D-diwata!!" exclaimed the child when she saw Ruby.

"Mister there's a diwata here! She's so pretty! Uhhmm, Miss Diwata can you please help me find my uncle and my mama? Promise I'll send the most beautiful flowers and offerings to your shrine if you do!" begged the girl.

"Diwata? What does that mean?"

"I see. So you came from Perlas, Lapu-Lapu's place." Martis concluded, earning a surprised look from the girl.

"You know my uncle?"

"Yes, Devas and Perlas have a good trading relationship. Sometimes Lapu-Lapu and I spar to display the might of our warrior spirits and honor our ancestors. Other than that, your nation supplies the world's most delicious mangoes."

"Mango? The yellow tropical fruit that is both sweet and sour? Oh my, I want to taste some of that too." Ruby chimed in, smiling vibrantly.

"Of course Lady Diwata. I will bring the finest harvest of our mango trees for you and I only ask for your help in finding my mama."

"Of course, I would help you. You don't even need to bribe me. But what does diwata mean? It's not an insult, is it?"

"Uhhm... Well, how do I put this? Diwata is a very beautiful creature living in the forests and rivers. They can give curses but they can also give blessings. Some are mean and some are helpful." explained the girl.

"To simplify, Diwata is basically a nature spirit. Something between a fairy and a goddess of nature if you will. Perlas is an island cut-off from the rest of the world so the age of gods is still prevalent in that realm. Since your looks are very foreign, she thinks that you're one. But let me clarify one thing, if your uncle is Lapu-Lapu then your mother is Queen Urduja, isn't it?"

"Oh, yes. How did you know?"

"Because we are friends. My name is Martis."

"Oh, you are the leader of this land, right? You're King Martis of the Ashura Tribe! I'm Liwayway from Tawalisi. But what is the name of the pretty diwata? "

"Hello, I'm Ruby from Vanargand, also known as the Dark Forest."

"Dark Forest? That sounds scary. Wait, are you an evil Diwata?"

"No, I just happen to live there but I assure you that I'm a good diwata. I fight monsters and defeat evil."

"Oh, like my uncle and mama! That's great! I can't wait to introduce you to them. But the problem is... I don't know how to find them." said the girl solemnly.

"Well, then you're in luck. I'm a great tracker. I can find them even if they're on the other side of the world."

"Really? Oh, may the gods bless you Miss Diwata! "

"About your family, do you have something of theirs so that I have an essence to follow?"

"Oh, uhhh... This necklace is made by my uncle. Maybe it can help." suggested Liwayway before handing her a pendant made out of a crocodile tooth.

"Oh, yes. I smell a lingering scent of another person from this. I'll follow it. Hmm, there are scattered remnants in the air but the source, I suppose, is still far. Maybe it will take a few hours for us to finally find them."

"Well, that's okay as long as I find mama. But, I... Uhhmm." A pink blush spread across the girl's face as the rumbling of her stomach interrupted her words. She's been wandering alone for quite a while now with no money nor food to munch on and now the hunger has caught up to her. "Sorry. That was very unbecoming." she mumbled solemnly. Ruby merely giggled before patting her head.

"Why don't I treat you to some snacks before looking for your guardians? Rest assured that I will keep looking for them while we eat." suggested the huntress.

"But, but h-how are you going to do that? Are you going to use some kind of magic?"

"Basically, yes. Just give me a moment." Ruby took out the little notepad and pen Fenrir gave her and began scribbling some runes on the pristine pages.

"Hör mitt samtal

Du som känner den sanna Norden

Polaris styr min väg! (Hear my call

You who knows the True North

Polaris, guide my path!)" chanted Ruby as she tore the paper from the bunch which floated in the air. The symbol burned purple before turning into a crystal cluster. Ruby grasped the gem in her hand before crushing it with her fingers. The clear gem easily crumbled in her hold but once she opened her palm, a crystal raven emerged blinking curiously at her.

"Woah! You just made a bird out of nothing!" exclaimed Liwayway.

"I'm not really a magic practitioner per se but my-- errhm, patron deity teaches me a few handy tricks. Now then, Raven Polaris. Please follow the magical energy I instructed you." Ruby explained before launching the bird into the sky.

"I never knew you needed a medium to perform your magic. I thought you could simply wish for something and it would happen." Martis mused as he pointed out her new skills.

"Well, I nearly died when I used Fenrir's powers in their purest form since it takes a lot of control and experience to harness his Primordial Chaos Frost. But in my dreams, during my mini coma, Fenrir taught me many things about Runic magic and basic magic. He gave me this pen and notepad after Dyrroth exiled me and only recently told me about its capabilities. He said that it contains significant magical energy since it's made from the tree of Yggdrasil. To simplify, to avoid draining my life energy, I can use this notepad to provide the gaps in my magic."

"I see... Then that would be very beneficial for you. I'm glad that your patron is very generous and caring about your well-being. Even I was alarmed when you started babbling nonsense when your mana was depleted. You even called me a teddy bear on steroids. How dignified." Martis teased, making Ruby blush in embarrassment and turn to Liwayway instead to change the subject.

"Okay, that's enough of that Martis. So, Liwy, can I call you that? Your name is kind of hard for me to say. Sorry."

"It's okay, Miss Ruby. Liwy doesn't sound so bad to me."

"Since you came from Perlas, would you like some bibingka? I can smell someone baking bibingka a few blocks that way." suggested Ruby as she pointed ahead.

"Oh, yes, that would be nice."

"That is a fairly new shop and it's quite a while away, how did you smell that? Are you a dog now? Since when was your sense of smell this accurate?" questioned Martis.

"For your information, Lady Shura has been teaching me to harmonize with Fenrir, as ironic as that sound since he's a force of chaos. Ever since I took extracurricular lessons from your sis I've been synchronizing with Fenrir so well that I can use his enhanced senses passively. Although... Come to think of it," Ruby mused in contemplation.

"What?"

"My senses have always been above average even when I was little. When I made a contract with Fenrir, I think it was simply amplified. Maybe it has something to do with what Loki said about... Wait... What did Loki say? When did I meet him?"

"Didn't you meet him before you were attacked by elves? You told me that before you passed out."

"Oh, right. For some reason, I can't really remember anything he said. They're all vague and blurry in my head. It's so weird how I can forget about it. It was so important." Ruby mumbled with distress as she lightly hit her head to juggle her memory of the said event but not even a sliver presented itself in her mind.

"If you want, we can ask Shura to brew you some memory herb. She can whip up the finest herbal mixtures that can help you recall your memories even as a sperm cell."

"You're exaggerating but maybe I'll drop by her room later sometime. But for now, let's get Liwy some dinner."

"Yeeesss!" cheered the little girl.

🌹

"Liwayway!" exclaimed a woman who almost looked exactly like the girl but older and more regal. The little girl immediately ran up to her and encased her in a tight embrace.

It took Raven Polaris one hour to finally find Lapu-Lapu and Queen Urduja while Ruby and Martis accompanied the girl on foot to look for her guardians. While doing so Ruby made sure to lighten the mood because numerous times the little girl nearly broke down when their search proved unfruitful. To entertain the child, Ruby would bring her to visit various stores and play games to win cute prizes for her. Martis quietly tag along while keeping a close eye on the two.

The sight of Ruby being so caring and so maternal triggered something inside him. The image of motherhood doesn't seem so bad on her, in fact, she may even look great on it. There are numerous vendors who thought of them as a family and every time someone would mention such a notion Martis would feel giddy and warm. Why is it that since this cute little blondie got here, he always feels something new? Something foreign that is both beautiful and uncomfortable.

Anyway, thankfully, Raven Polaris has a great vantage point and exceptional tracking skills even though he's a beta product. Ruby was very glad that her experimental magic paved the way to reunite the mother and daughter. It was obvious how much Queen Urduja cared for her child due to the distress painted on her face and how extremely relieved she was when she finally found her daughter.

It was such a sweet and touching sight and Ruby couldn't help but feel a small pang of envy in her heart. Years before, her grandparents would have done the same thing whenever she strayed too far or played for too long away from their house. They were always so worried and distressed, Ruby thought that they were being silly worrywarts, but now there's nothing she would give just to have that again with them. Of course, the slight change in her demeanor didn't go unnoticed by her towering companion.

"Ruby, are you okay?" Martis asked as he noted the tears building up in her eyes.

"Physically, yes. Emotionally, I... Don't know." she whispered as she immediately wiped her tears to collect her bearings.

"Oh, you kind and beautiful girl!" exclaimed Queen Urduja as she unexpectedly encased Ruby in a tight hug.

"Thank you so, so much for taking care of my daughter and safely delivering her back to me. I don't know what I was gonna do if something bad happened to her." said the queen as she grasped her hands in hers.

"Tell me how I may reward you for your kindness. Say anything and I will do everything in my power to make it a reality." Ruby began looking around trying to think of a way to respond but everything feels so surreal. A real warrior queen is showing gratitude to her and if she really wanted to, she might even help her escape the Abyss and free her from Dyrroth's grasp forever. The huntress pondered her decision very hard but nothing really comes to mind.

"I don't really have something in mind and I don't really want to trouble you but if you insist then, how about a blank cheque?" she said.

"A blank cheque? I am not familiar with such customs but I presume that it means you will ask something at a later date. Am I correct?"

"Yes, if it's okay with you. But, I'm not really asking for a payment or anything. Helping your daughter was a wholehearted decision of mine."

"Nonsense, such an idea is brilliant! I will not take no for an answer so if you need anything. Anything at all. Feel free to contact me using the same bird you used to find me. Tawalisi is an island where information travels at the speed of light." said the queen with amusement twinkling in her kind yet wise eyes.

"Despite your blank cheque I would like to also reward this little lady for taking such good care of our little princess. Liwayway said that you like mangoes, well, I'll be giving you a lifetime supply of them. Here, have a taste." Lapu-Lapu said as he ordered his servant to present a basket filled with sweet-smelling yellow fruits in front of her.

"No way! It looks so cute!" Ruby exclaimed as the chieftain handed her a sample of the fruit. He had cut off a cheek of the fruit before carving grid patterns on its sweet yellow flesh before giving it to her. The fruit was oozing with delicious juices and Ruby didn't hesitate to take a large bite. A peculiar sensation suddenly raged within her mouth.

The fruit was both sweet and sour. The two tastes fought for supremacy but it was a close battle. It was delicious beyond description and Ruby couldn't help but moan in pleasure.

"You're so simple, Ruby. So easily swayed by earthly pleasures."

"But it's so good. It tastes like a miracle-given form. I've had very sweet apples and berries but this thing is beyond anything I've ever had. Did you pluck these from the orchard of the gods? It's too good to be true!" Lapu-Lapu gave a hearty laugh at her comment, pleased with her reaction.

"The soils of Perlas is one of the most fertile lands in the whole world. This fruit is a blessing from the good harvest. I'm glad you liked it." smiled the queen.

"By the way, we are yet to be introduced. I am Lapu-Lapu from the Island of Perlas. It's a small archipelago in the southeast. If you want a good paradise vacation you can tell this bastard to get you the finest Devas boat and sail it there. My people will welcome you with open arms unless you are a colonizer. Hahahaha." said the chieftain while gesturing to Martis.

"Oh, I know you! Well, your reputation that is. I've heard from Terizla that you are a great warrior from the east who repelled invaders fearlessly. He said that when colonizers reached your shores you immediately took arms and fought them off bare-chested! You're so brave! I knew people who wore full body armor to battle and even they died but you were as good as naked and you lived to tell the tale."

"I didn't know that I was that famous. Anyway, this is my cousin Queen Urduja of Tawalisi. She reigns on the northern part of the kingdom while I handle the southern. Between you and me, I'd say my mangoes are better than hers." said the chief playfully before being elbowed by his cousin.

"He is lying. The harvest on my side of the island is certainly the finest. Though, I may ask, what might be your relationship with this fool? Martis is not a lover material. Is he somehow your father or your uncle?" teased the queen making Martis frown.

"If you must know, she is my student. I have taken her under my wing to train her to properly utilize her abilities and she is doing so well."

"You take lessons from this guy? You should have come to me instead, not this underdog."

"Noted. But I've been doing so well with Martis. I've even discovered things I never thought I could do before."

"Well, I'm glad that this old bastard is doing some good. Anyway, we should be moving on. We have a meeting with someone and we don't want to be late. I'll be sending your mangoes to the palace, munting Diwata and I hope that you enjoy your night." Lapu-Lapu said as he and his entourage prepared to depart.

"Let's meet again someday, Ruby." said Queen Urduja as she gave her one final hug.

"Yup, like I promised I will send our finest harvest to you, Miss Diwata. I hope one day you can attend my birthday party or even my wedding." added Liwayway.

"Of course, I will. I wouldn't miss it for the world." Ruby replied as she gave them a smile before waving them goodbye. The merry and kind people of Perlas soon departed leaving the king and the huntress alone. However this time, Martis made sure that they wouldn't stray from their original destination due to her unlimited shopping spree.

"The fireworks display is going to start soon. We should meet up with Shura and thank the gods for the good harvest. If you shop one more time I'm going to tie you up and drag you around like what Achilles did to Hector."

"Geez, edgy much? But fine Marty I'm gonna stop shopping."

"Don't ever call me that." growled Martis as they began walking side by side towards the ziggurat. Somehow, unbeknownst to the two, their hands have been intertwined as they set out on their little journey.