It had been around a day when Phoenix had last headed into the woods and seen the Naga known as Vassili. She was lounging around her strange, cave-like castle with a mug of Ale in hand. Her crimson skirt trailed at her feet, and the tattoos on her legs caught the light of the flames inside the halls. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, black chopsticks holding her crazy mane in place. Her eyes lazily wandered up to the face of one of her servants, her brow raised, "Aye?" Nix asked with a bored tone, taking a swig of her ale, "A strange man is here to speak to you, your majesty." The servant bowed, staying that way until Phoenix responded, "I'll be there in a moment. Take 'im to the throne room, darlin'." The servant nodded quickly and rushed off, disappearing around a corner. 'I wonder who that could be…' Nix thought to herself, her feet guiding her absentmindedly to the throne room. The many jewels that adorned her skirt and chest armor twinkled, giving her an enchanting glow. As she entered the throne room, her eyes fell on the familiar purple tail that belonged to the Naga she had met the night before. He was standing there, tail coiled around himself slightly. His long black hair hid some of his face as he nervously tapped his fingers together, "Hello there, Vassili. Such a surprise to see you here…" A grin formed on Nix's red lips as she made her way to her rocky throne, sitting down slowly, and almost painfully, for her hips were in some massive pain today, "G-Greetings, Miss Phoenix." He bowed to her quickly, a blush already starting to form on his cheeks, "No need for such formalities, m' dear." The goddess grinned at him, beckoning him to sit by her side. He seemed to blush brighter, slithering over to her side. He was so tall. She couldn't get over it! "I hate how you're so tall." Her lips formed into a pout,
"O-Oh, my apologies, your highness! I can…Lower myself, if you wish?" His voice was shaky and nervous sounding. Adorable,
"No, it's quite fine, Vas!"
"A-Are you p-positive?"
"Aye, I am." And with that said, Nix gestured to her servant to bring him some wine, finishing off her own mug of ale. The man seemed hesitant about the alcohol being handed to him, but soon relaxed after he took his first sip of the red liquid, "So, what brings ye to Ignis?" Nix asked after a long pause of silence. Vassili covered his mouth as he swallowed the wine, gently placing it down on the small table besides himself, "I was curious, as I have never been to this kingdom before, my lady—I-I mean your majesty—W-wait, no, Phoenix—." He stumbled hopelessly over his words, his blush intensifying to the color of cherries. He hid his face embarrassedly in his clawed hands, hair draping him. The goddess stared at him for a second before laughing lightly, taking a sip of the ale that was just handed to her, "You're so adorable! Just call me Nix, tis what I prefer." Her voice sounded like the crackling fire in one of the fire pits, eyes half closed in amusement. Vassili seemed to relax slightly, but his blush refused to go away. Why was he so nervous around her? He busied himself with another drink of wine. They both sat in another silence, just enjoying each-other's company. It was Nix who finally broke the silence, staring at the Naga with a warm gaze, "Ye can stay 'ere, if you'd like. I don' mind at all, in fact, it'd be wonderful to have the company." Her eyes moved from his to the entrance of the throne room, watching her guards with a stern look. Vassili took another drink of wine before biting his lip, the alcohol already starting to make him a bit dizzy. This wine was strong, "I-If you do not mind, Miss—I mean Nix. I-I would thoroughly enjoy that." He smiled nervously and bowed his head towards her, watching her expression closely. When he responded to her offer, her gaze met his again and her expression softened immensely, "Wonderful! I shall have a guest room prepared for you—oh, and I'm taking you'll like your room warm, yes?"
"Yes please…" Nix smiled and with another wave of her hand, the servants were scurrying down the halls and off to prepare his room. Another servant brought him a second cup of wine, leaving after both Vas and Nix had refills on their drinks. The rest of their conversation was on random subjects such as magical creatures and magic. After three cups of wine, Vassili felt the effects of the alcohol taking over. Hiccups escaped his lips and his cheeks were dusted a soft pink. His balance was shaky and he had to lean up against the throne for support. Nix seemed just fine, the alcohol not taking over quite yet. "I-I think that…I'll be heading to…My room now…" Vas said between random hiccups, swaying slightly,
"Alright, Vas. Goodnight." She yawned out and smiled, patting his arm gently before returning to her own room. The servant lady led Vassili to his quarters, closing the door quickly once he was fully inside. Vas gasped, then hiccupped at the beauty of the room he would be staying in. The room was made of melted lava and rock, as was the rest of the castle. But in the walls were sparkling gems of gold, orange and red. On the floor, there were silk carpets that were the rich color of flames. There were many different windows that allowed him access to look out into the balcony. His bed was round and lowered to where it was about a foot off the ground. The sheets were a crimson red and the pillows a mix of gold, orange and red, rimmed with gold. It had see-through sparkling curtains that could close if he wanted them to, bronze rope holding them open. The floor was scattered with many different carvings embedded into the ground, ancient ruins most likely, and in the middle of the room was a round, deep pit. It held a bright orange flame, warming the whole room. Vassili smiled drunkenly and slithered all the way over to his bed, flopping onto it and curling into a little ball. The last thing he saw was the twinkling stars from the night sky and he was led into a dreamless sleep.