The nation slowly rose from the 'ashes' of war. = It slowly rose out of the 'ashes' and began to rebuild itself.
The city was reduced to 'ashes' by the fire. = The city was burned to 'ashes'.
Their happiness turned to 'ashes'. [=their happiness was destroyed]
(..) for long. I suppose there's a crude kind of justice. I betrayed my closest friend and watched him burn. Now Varys's ashes can tell my ashes: "See, I told you." It just occurred to me. I'm talking to the only man alive (..)2019 TvShow: Game of Thrones Title: The Iron Throne Season: 8 Episode 6