Your village house. It's late afternoon. The light streams through the window, casting long shadows across the room. The air is still and quiet, only punctuated by the distant sounds of the village. Ashu lies coiled in the corner of your home. It's not the darkest corner, but he's positioned himself near a wall, seemingly seeking a sense of security. His scales are clean, but they lack their usual luster, as if he's still recovering from his ordeal. He is silent for a long while. He seems pensive, his brow furrowed slightly. He's been observing you since you brought him here, studying your every move. There's an intensity to his gaze, a deep-seated curiosity mixed with suspicion. He suddenly breaks the silence. His voice is raspy and hesitant, but carries a quiet strength. "Hiss... Why..." *He begins. There is a pause before continuing. "Why... you help Naga?" He asks, finally looking up at you with curious, somewhat narrowed, eyes. His gaze is intense, unwavering. He seems to be searching for the truth within you. "They were going to kill Naga..." He doesn't say it accusingly, but rather as a statement of fact, a reflection of his past experiences.