Morgan had an eerie feeling whenever she cast sight of Mount Prism.
Considered to be the holiest of places in Ylisse, it was said that Naga herself laid her mortal body to rest in these very same mountain rangers in a bygone age. From there she had let her essence seep into the land, blessing the entire Halidom of Ylisse with her divine might of which her followers have credited the bountiful harvests that Ylisse was famous for.
Still, for such a venerated place, Morgan still felt troubled as their entourage approached the summit of Mount Prism. She was not alone in that sentiment.
''This place gives me the creeps.''
As usual, Severa was not hesitant to voice her opinion, although she was sensible enough to ensure that her sentence was only heard by Morgan and Owain who walked besides her. To voice such a statement amongst a huge following consisting of the highest echelon of Ylissean nobles, high-priest and their accompanying servants would not be favourable looked upon. Noire had not joined them for this journey, citing how she needed to look out for the local orphanage in Libra's stead.
''Severa my beloved, can you not feel the calming aura of Naga permeating this holy place? How it eases ones very soul? Are you sure you're not merely ill, infected by some evil malice? Hawk! Just give the word, and I swear that I'll do anything in my power to drive this evil away!''
Even if Morgan had her back turned to the pair, she could easily imagine Severa's annoyed scowl at Owain's unique way of showing concern for the redhead. Despite the years, Owain still retained his dramatic way of expressing himself. Fitting how he had taken a great interest in the world of plays and writing.
Morgan knew however that Severa did find it endearing most of the time (even if she would never admit it), as she did accept his proposal a few months ago. It had created something of a scandal, as it was considered an ill match for a member of the royal family to merry a commoner. Her cousin however was quick to point out how he was no longer considered heir apparent, and that honour now squarely belonged to Morgan.
The bluenette had been surprised on how eager her cousin had been to surrender his position to her, but then again it did allow him to propose to Severa without further issue. It all seemed to work out for all parties with exception of Morgan herself maybe. Despite being a woman fully grown, this was developing a bit too fast for her liking, she did not feel prepared to take such a huge responsibility.
She remembered the day her grandfather had announced his choice of making her his heir. Her grandfather had been very supportive and understanding of her doubts, citing how he himself had to take the role of Exalt when he had barely passed his seventeen name-day.
''And unlike me, you won't have to do it alone Morgan, I'm still here and I'll guide you for every step on the way.''
Despite his reassurance, the bluenette still felt unease with the coming ceremony. There had been much preparation involved and it was only allowed to be made during a specific time at the end of year.
As it was her usual habit, Morgan had tried to read as much about the subject as she could before going to the mountains.
According to legends the tradition begun with the first Exalt, who seeking Naga's blessing for his crusade against the fell dragon Grima, journeyed to these very mountains, where he atop of Mount Prism received it after presenting the royal blade Falchion and the royal shield Fire Emblem. Despite having forsaken her mortal form, Naga was said to had appeared before the Exalt, unlocked the true power of the two relics before bidding him to use it to seal the fell dragon Grima away forever.
The Plegians had their own version of these events of course but that was another matter.
The fact was that many upcoming Exalts had repeated this pilgrimage before officially being accepted as the new Exalt of the Halidom of Ylisse. Most of the time it was whenever there was a dispute about matters of succession.
Sadly, Naga had never reappeared after the first Exalt to judge such matters herself, and at this point it could be said that all this was just an old formality, except for some key details.
First and foremost, the one who would judge whoever would be considered ''worthy'' of being Exalt was someone called the Voice of Naga. Morgan had attempted to learn more of this so-called Voice to get a better idea of how to approach said person. However, she had been unable to find anything that might shed light on who this ''Voice'' was. All records had simply referred the ''Voice'' as simply the Voice of Naga with no additional information. There was not even an indication that the role had been passed on to anyone throughout the years.
Owain had surprisingly been able to supply further information on this subject.
''The Voice of Naga? No need to be nervous around her dear cousin! Although I have only meet her once when I was but a babe, not yet risen to my true potential. I could tell she is a being of great benevolence and wisdom!''
Seeing how Morgan had her doubts, Owain proceed to elaborate his optimism.
''There is also a great friendship between her and uncle Chrom. It's not well known, but he had once assisted her greatly in years pass during his youth. Uncle was wise to use this ceremony as a condition for squashing any dissent. I'm certain that their bond would make it unlikely that she would deny you, seeing how you're a direct scion of his noble bloodline!''
Morgan caught something interesting from her cousin's reassurance.
''She must old if she is acquainted with grandfather when he was young…''
Owain seemed amused at her comment.
''Old? Hmm…yes that is one way to say it. I would call her ancient, but never say either if you ever find yourself in her presence.''
''So…she is very sensitive about her age and appearance?''
The blonde burst out laughing.
''Gods no, despite her years she is one of the fairest beings in the kingdom! The years doesn't affect her as they do us mortals. She is a light that shines eternal in a world consumed of darkness! Yet she is no mere fair maiden, inside her is a great power that yearns to be let loose, a power that surpass even my sword-hand! A power that…''
It was clear that Owain was excited to have the opportunity to express his admiration of the Voice. Poor Morgan was once again left confused, as her cousin began to fall into one of his rants. She tried to interrupt him but found it difficult as Owain mentally had retreated into his own world. Before Severa could knock her would-be husband out from his rants, a soft laughter could be heard.
A little cloaked girl seemed to have heard Owain's longwinded description of the Voice and proceeded to join their conversation. Judging by her build she could not be more then fifteen summers old.
''I believe what sir Owain tries to say is that the Voice of Naga is a manakete.''
The girl moved closer to their group before introducing herself.
''I beg you pardon for my intrusion, I'm Lady Nah of the southern borders, daughter to the former minister of agriculture; Lord Donnel.''
Morgan and Severa made their own introduction, while Owain merely greeted the newcomer as he and Lady Nah was already acquainted.
Lady Nah then removed her cloak, revealing a young girl with green hair and…pointy ears?
Morgan had a hard time believing that this little girl could be considered a proper lady. The young mage was not alone in this, her sister Severa also shared her disbelief.
''You seem rather…young for being a lady.''
Bemused, Lady Nah tilted her head at the redhead's observation.
''I'll take that as a compliment Lady Severa, but I understand your confusion. Yes, I do appear to be a mere child, but I'm in fact around the same age as Princess Lucina. We manaketes tend to be very long lived and age slowly as well.''
Morgan vaguely recalled tales of dragon-like beings that could assume human forms, but most sources had claimed that it was mere legends or some poorly documented sightings of a long extinct race.
''But I thought that manaketes were mere fairy tales.''
Lady Nah gave the young mage a teasing look.
''Hmm yes and your grandfather would prefer that it remained so officially.''
The young manaketes ears fluttered up and down.
''But you are looking at one right now. We are a rare sight that is true. I believe that my mother and Lady Tiki and myself are the only known members of our race in the entire continent.''
''Lady Tiki?''
''Ah yes that would be the true name of the ''Voice of Naga. It's true what Sir Owain said, she is ancient and have in fact been around since the time of the Hero King Marth. My mother in comparison is just barely two thousand years old.''
Both Morgan and Severa was in disbelief.
''T-The H-Hero King? But that would mean that she lived in the Times of Legends!''
The two sisters' surprise was understandable. It was said that during that era that both Naga and Grima still had a physical form and interacted with their followers directly. Much of what has happened since had been a direct result of those times.
''Yes, she was even there for many of the major events that happened during those times, but that's another story entirely.''
Morgan found it impressive how Lady Nah could so casually make such a statement.
''Please don't let it intimidate you. Tiki is a very kind soul and not much different than the rest of us and...''
The manakete seemed to take considerable pause before deciding to continue.
''Well…Except if you wake her up while she is asleep. She can be quite terrifying if you wake her up too early. We manaketes tend to slumber for a very long time as we grow older and get very grumpy if disturbed.''
Morgan could see some links between Nah's last statement and the preparation time for the ceremony.
''…Is it why it is said that we can only do this ceremony once a year?''
''Yes.''
''And I also read that whoever should be found ''lacking'' in the ''gaze of Naga'' will be set aflame by her holy soul cleansing fire, does that mean…''
''Well, we manaketes are pretty much just dragons that have decided to take on human forms as it is much less tiring then maintaining our dragon bodies (it also requires much less food). So, it essentially means that if you annoy her too much then she would just change to her dragon form and burn you alive.''
Severa then came with her own interpretation of the ceremony.
''So, this entire circus is just a game of ''poking the dragon?''
Nah seemed thoughtful at the redhead's simple interpretation, before replying with a smile.
''Yes.''
Morgan began to suspect that this was another reason that Owain was so quick to surrender his position.
He might be innocent, but she still felt a desire to choke him for this.
Had many ideas with this chapter that I found difficult to add in a natural way. One of them being how Chrom utilised Nowi as a scout during the Plegian war. Her job was to patrol the southern sea of Ylisse, and it was she who discovered the Plegian fleet on their way towards the Ylissean coast. One interesting thing of note would be that it was Robin himself who originally posted her there, back when he was still the grand tactician of Ylisse before being recalled to Plegia.
Had also intended to make this chapter longer, concluding it with the end of the Rite of Awekening. However, I decided to just end it here for now and make a more dedicated chapter for that rite later. It won't be as mundane as described here ^^
Might finish it in a week if I can avoid more interruptions from my job.
Also just added one central segment in chapter 14 that will become relevant later. Other then that did some minor corrections to chapter 4 and 5.
Now on to the questions!
Have been asked how old the various characters are.
Morgan is currently around 20 and she was 13 when she was sent to Ylisse.
As for Lucina, currently 38, was 31 when she was returned to Ylisse and around 18 when she was captured.
Chrom is 58 at this time of the story, 51 when he meets Morgan and around 20 when he became a father.
Robin is around the same age as Chrom albeit a few years younger.
As always thank you for reading and seya til next time ^^