After days of exploring the city and preparing for the upcoming trials, Arya and Garagi find a rare moment of reprieve. Garagi suggests they take a day to relax and experience the beauty and serenity of Tiruvantam, offering a glimpse of her more lighthearted and tender side.
Arya and Garagi begin their day at Tiruvantam's famous Lotus Market, where the air is fragrant with the scent of fresh blooms.
Arya, seeing a flower stall, picks out a delicate golden lotus and presents it to Garagi. She smiles warmly, teasing, "Flattery will get you nowhere, Arya," though she carefully tucks the flower into her hair.
They pass by street musicians playing soft melodies. Garagi, in a rare playful moment, hums along, and Arya grins, remarking, "I didn't know the goddess of martial arts could sing."
They hire a small boat to sail down the River Ananta, which flows through the heart of Tiruvantam. The river is known for its tranquil, crystal-clear waters and views of the majestic temples along its banks.
As the boat drifts, Garagi opens up about her past, her struggles as the goddess of martial arts, and the weight of her responsibilities. Arya listens intently, offering his unwavering support.
At one point, the boatman steps away, leaving them alone. Arya lightly brushes a strand of hair from Garagi's face, saying, "Even the greatest warriors need moments of peace." She looks at him with soft, appreciative eyes, and for a moment, they sit in comfortable silence, letting the connection deepen
They dine at a rooftop café overlooking the Temple of Vishnu and the bustling streets below. The warm sunlight and gentle breeze add to the romantic ambiance.
Garagi surprises Arya by ordering a sweet dish he mentioned earlier in the journey. Arya laughs, "I didn't think you'd remember," to which she replies, "I remember more than you think."
Arya, ever the charmer, compliments Garagi on her grace and beauty. She smirks and counters, "Careful, Arya. You might be trying too hard."
Garagi leads Arya to a hidden garden behind the temple, a place few know about. It's filled with rare flowers, soft grass, and a shimmering pool reflecting the sky.
They sit under a grand banyan tree, sharing stories and dreams. Arya confesses his fears about balancing the power of sin and virtue. Garagi places a reassuring hand on his, saying, "You're stronger than you think, Arya. Trust yourself."
Arya jokes, "Are you always this wise, or is it just when you're with me?" Garagi chuckles, replying, "It's because you bring out the philosopher in me."
That evening, they attend the Festival of Lights, where the city glows with thousands of oil lamps floating on the river and lining the streets.
Garagi, caught up in the festive spirit, joins the crowd in a traditional dance. Arya hesitates but eventually joins her, stumbling at first. She laughs, taking his hand and guiding him through the steps.
As the dance slows, Arya and Garagi find themselves standing close, her hand still in his. The glowing lamps cast a golden light around them, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Arya murmurs, "You're incredible, Garagi." She smiles, her cheeks faintly pink, and replies, "And you're not so bad yourself."
As the festival winds down, they retreat to a quiet hill overlooking the city. The stars shine brightly above them, mirroring the glowing lamps below.
They sit side by side, enjoying the serenity. Arya glances at Garagi and softly says, "Thank you for today. It was perfect." Garagi looks at him, her eyes filled with warmth, and replies, "You deserved it. We both did."
As the night grows colder, Arya drapes his cloak over Garagi's shoulders. She leans slightly against him, and they share a quiet moment, gazing at the stars.
Garagi and Arya made their way toward the King's Palace, its towering spires gleaming in the morning sun. The air around the palace was charged with an aura of reverence and authority
As they approached the grand gates, the guards blocked their path. Garagi, exuding her divine presence, produced her Token of Divinity, a golden sigil etched with celestial inscriptions.
She spoke with unwavering confidence, "Tell King Naresh that the Southern Goddess of War, Garagi, is here to discuss urgent matters."
The guards, visibly shaken, hurried inside. After a brief wait, one of them returned, bowing deeply. "Please, the King awaits your presence."
In the grand hall, Arya and Garagi were ushered into a room adorned with golden tapestries and murals depicting Tiruvantam's history. The King, Naresh, sat upon a resplendent throne but rose to greet them.
The King, a robust man with a dignified air, greeted them with a mix of respect and caution.
"Goddess of the Southern War, slayer of Mallesh, what brings you to my humble abode?"
Garagi, ever composed, replied, "King Naresh, you underestimate yourself. You are the guardian of one of the Seven Zeniths, the Zenith of Charity."
The King's expression shifted from surprise to unease. "How do you know this?"
She smirked slightly, "The Northern Goddess, Vidhya, revealed it to me. We are here because the power of this virtue is essential for Arya's destiny."
The King glanced at Arya, studying him intently, before responding, "The Virtue of Charity is the lifeblood of Tiruvantam. It grants us the ability to cultivate our lands and sustain our people. This power cannot be given lightly."
After a moment of silence, the King continued, "However, there is something you can do to prove your worthiness. Recently, the Kaustubh Diamond, a sacred artifact tied to the virtue's power, was stolen by a serpent demon. It fled eastward, leaving destruction in its wake. Retrieve the diamond, and I shall grant you access to the Zenith of Charity Trials."
Arya, feeling the weight of his responsibility, stood and bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, I will retrieve the Kaustubh Diamond and restore what belongs to this land. Consider it a promise."
The King nodded, his respect for Arya evident. "Then go with the blessings of Tiruvantam. May the divine guide your path."
As Arya and Garagi prepared to leave the palace, Garagi offered some final advice.
"This will not be an easy task, Arya. The serpent demon is not only powerful but also cunning. Trust in your strength and the wisdom you've gained so far."
Arya looked at her, his resolve unwavering. "I will not fail. The Virtue of Charity is essential to our mission, and I'll do whatever it takes."
The duo departed eastward, their journey filled with anticipation and determination, ready to face the challenges that awaited them in the pursuit of the Kaustubh Diamond.