Marja (The Ash Weaver)

The things that don’t kill me make me stronger.

The Vedan Magician, the Vedan Champion Maiden, the Skilled of the Skilled, the Top Apprentice of Edras… Marja was every one of these things at once, and people adored her for it. Even Volkath, an Edras captive, overcame his prejudice and hatred of the Veda in order to pursue a relationship with Marja.

In Marja’s perspective, Volkath was a brave and cunning man who could do no wrong. Even though this union embarrassed everyone, the two fell head over heels in love. They were, however, cursed by no one and destined to be apart because their ideologies were completely at odds with one another and their backgrounds clashed. Poor Marja was in trouble after a confrontation between Volkath and Edras that was made public. Should she support her lover or her master, who stood up for all of her beliefs? She was unable to make a decision.

Everyone was disappointed to see Marja sitting on the fence because the Veda expected all of its members to stand together against their shared adversary. Edras acknowledged and concurred with Marja’s worries, but the others viewed her as a traitor. But Marja was a headstrong girl, and she stood her own regardless of the controversy. Instead, it just strengthened her conviction that she was blameless in all respects.

It took a thousand years for Edras to fall and Volkath to withdraw wounded. The Veda was now filled with hatred towards Marja. She was accused of conspiring with the enemy to bring about the great leader’s demise and was no longer seen as Edras’ successor.

The Veda had proof that Marja had assisted Volkath in acquiring powers that were not intended for him. Marja acknowledged it to be true. She said, “I did help Volkath, but it was before the war started. I didn’t oppose the Veda in any way; I was just sympathetic to his viewpoints. Never once did I assist him in his battle with Master Edras—

She was unable to complete her address due to the irate crowds. The decision had already been made, and Ilumia, the new Seer, would punish Marja.

Your title and your authority will be revoked. Your miserable remaining years will be spent in a chilly, dark cell being slowly eaten by bugs. You must thus pay that price for love, huh? How lovely! I’m soooo envious! Ilumia chuckled as she finally achieved her long-sought revenge. Centuries earlier, she had likewise loved Volkath from a distance, but her feelings had never been returned.

Marja thought it was foolish to start a fight right now so she did not even bother to respond to Ilumia’s sarcastic remarks. Ilumia shrugged in defeat after failing to elicit a response from her. But in the Phantom Pit, the shadow worms were gearing up for the time of their lives. Marja, with her unending agony, would be delicious! But Marja also had a spooky appearance. They’re hesitant to approach her.

Eat at your leisure! Marja reassured the fearful shadow worms, “If you guys aren’t fed, I won’t be able to get out of this jail.

No one really knew the specifics of how Marja assisted Volkath in accessing the Abyssal Fissure through the Phantom Pit and receiving dark abilities from the Lokheim because the judgment was carried out in a hurry. And as one of the select few gifts Volkath had sent, Marja had also acquired priceless dark powers. Marja was still prepared even though she was no longer a goddess and no longer had great power. Only a question of time would pass. She would soon stand back up.

I’ll come back one day and judge you all, you all.