It had been one month since the attack on Meridian. The village was in shambles. Machine carcasses littered every which way. Lost loved ones still waiting to be buried in the hot earth. Grief resonating on the faces of many townspeople. Meridian was far from returning to how things were.
Aloy had yet to return to the Sacred Lands of the Nora. After stopping Hades, she remained in Meridian to let her wounds heal. No way she could make the journey back in her condition then. Plus, she wanted to stay. For Meridian and it's people. She wanted to help rebuild what had been lost.
For that month, Sun-King Avad had put Aloy on bed rest until she was fully healed. Aloy would be forever in his debt, in the debt of almost all the tribes for the action she took to save the lands. Avad knew there wasn't much to give Aloy as thanks so the least he could manage was make sure she was well taken care of. Aloy didn't argue with the bed rest. It was quite refreshing. After a battle like that, she felt like she hadn't slept in years.
Avad designated Olin's old home as where she would rest. He had guards posted out front and royal caretakers within to cater any of Aloy's needs. At first, being treated this way was something Aloy hadn't experienced before. It was difficult to adjust but eventually she warmed up and welcomed the care. A few times during her rest, she awoke to find Avad sitting next to her bed, watching fondly but with worry etched into his features. Aloy didn't find it awkward at all to see him watching her. In fact, it was…comforting in a way. And fun, especially when he took notice she was awake and a bright blush would flood his cheeks. He'd then stammer and apology and make a swift exit. Each time, a smile would spread across Aloy's freckled face.
Her wounds healed within the month and once she'd been approved by a handful of healers that she could do manual labour, she didn't look back. Aloy was eager to help those affected by the battle.
So began the daily chore of disassembling machine parts, repairing the homes of Carja inhabitants and Meridian itself. All hands were on deck. Men, women, even the children, if they offered. Although, they were given the simpler tasks, like bringing food and water to those labouring under the hot sun. Plenty of Oseram arrived in Meridian as well, on Erend's order. They would know what to do with all the excess machine scrap and of course, they'd be welcome aid in the repair of the city. It was a sight to behold, Aloy thought. Seeing the Carja and the Oseram abandon any leftover animosity to come together and help one another. After everything that had happened here and across the lands, Aloy hoped there would be less fighting and hate between certain tribes and that they could start the bring about of peace.
Some days later, the sun rose on Meridian and with it brought the hottest day the people had experienced thus far. Many couldn't muster staying outside for even an hour as they either felt dizzy or burned from the heat. It was declared that today would be a rest day and the work would continue once the heat receded. Aloy, however, would not give up so easily. Wearing a pair of plain white pants and top she cropped so her midriff was exposed, she set out to disassemble more machines.
The heat felt like a heavy blanket, suffocating. After only half an hour's work, she felt exhausted. Sweat poured down her face and her hands were stained with grease and machine oil. Determined still, Aloy took a quick swig of water from her water pouch and pushed on.
"Don't push yourself too hard, Aloy," a familiar voice warned.
Aloy glanced up from her task at hand to be met with the kind smile of Avad, the Sun-King. He looked prepared to work as well. Instead of his normal royal robes and adorned headpiece, he wore plain dark brown pants. A red cloth was wrapped around his head, covering his dark and wavy curls. No shirt present. It left his sculpted abdominals in plain view. And Aloy couldn't help but let her eyes slid over them.
"Have you come to help, Avad?" Aloy asked, returning her eyes to his.
Avad nodded. "Indeed I have. It seems even this heat cannot stop you."
"It also seems this heat cannot stop you as well," Aloy pointed out.
"Quite true. However, if I'm being honest, I wanted to come see you. And help, of course. You can't do everything by yourself," Avad remarked.
Aloy smiled. "I suppose I can't stop you. And the company…would be nice too. Come on, I'll show you where to get started.
Avad nodded obediently, following and listening to Aloy's suggestions. For the next few hours, the two worked in relative talkative conditions. Aloy inquired about the status of construction to the city and the village below. The village and the maizlands were unfortunately so much more damaged than the city up on the mesa. In turn, Avad asked if she had heard how the Sacred Lands were recovering and if they needed extra hands, he'd be willing to send his best workers, both Carja and Oseram as aid. Aloy had thanked him then and said if it wouldn't be a burden, the Nora would most certainly appreciate the help. The conversations continued but were not distracting to the work at hand. That surprised Aloy and she was glad she could talk to Avad about mostly anything. It felt wonderful…in that Aloy had never been able to confide or worry to anyone like this before. Except perhaps Rost but he was gone. Avad was a good man and a good friend too. She felt lucky.
It felt like it was getting hotter and hotter outside. Avad had suggested they quit the labour for now. He was also starting to get a little worried for Aloy as the long hours in the sun had caused her face to redden as well as her arms. Aloy couldn't argue with that. In truth, she'd had enough herself and just wanted to have a nice, cool bath at this point. With that settled, Aloy quickly jogged to the riverbed to rinse off her hands. As she turned back towards Avad, she noticed he was opening his water pouch. What she didn't expect was what he did next. Rather than drink from it, Avad doused himself in the liquid. He poured it on his face and in turn it dripped down his smooth, caramel skin. Aloy was fixated on the sight. His body glistened in the sun. He looked…stunning, she concluded to herself. The way the water slid down him and over his sleek body. She was paralyzed. It was only when Aloy realized what she was fantasizing that she noticed Avad was looking right back at her. Immediately, she averted her gaze to the ground, finding the grass to be quite intriguing. Secretly, she was wishing she could die right there.
"We better get under some shade soon, Aloy. It seems the redness in your face is spreading exponentially," Avad teased.
Shocked, Aloy threw her eyes up towards him, but he was already making his way back into the village. Damn him she thought before hurrying to catch up. They walked back in relative silence, Aloy keeping a few paces behind Avad. In the battle, the grand elevators had been destroyed. Avad predicted it could take months, possibly even a whole year for them to all be rebuilt and safe to use. Luckily, the bridge at Meridian gate had sustained very little damage and was still sturdy enough to walk across. The pair had a small hike ahead of them as they would have to circle from the village up towards the bridge.
As they neared the gates into the city, Avad tugged at Aloy, pulling her in front of him. She was startled at the sudden contact and wondered just what he was up too.
"Aloy, tonight the city will celebrate your accomplishments," Avad started. "You have done us a great service and deserve to be recognized for it. Do not worry. Nobody will be getting on their knees and worshiping you or calling you 'Anointed'. It'll be a celebration with drink and music and laughter. And possibly fireworks I've been told. Erend can tell you more, if you're interested."
"Uh, okay. Sounds like it'll be fun. I guess the city has been working overtime since the battle. This will probably do them some good," Aloy reckoned.
"Yes, I agree. You'll find I have provided you with an outfit for tonight. Specially made for you. If you don't like it, you don't have to wear it. I just thought…you'd want something lighter than leather or armor. Regardless, I'll leave you be. Come see me in the palace once you're ready."
With that, Avad turned swiftly on his heel, heading up the bridge into the city, leaving Aloy to process what he had just said. An outfit? Made for her? Would it even fit her? And why a new outfit at all? Of course, it was a kind gesture, but Aloy couldn't grasp the reasoning behind it. Shaking her head, she jogged up the bridge and returned to her home. It felt strange to call it hers, but Avad insisted she have it as her own. It's not like Olin would come back to it. Once inside, she entered the bedroom upstairs to come face with a gorgeous dress, neatly spread out on the bed. It was a deep royal blue and Aloy knew that colour would bring out her freckles and red hair. The dress had a belt around the waist and it was subtly adorned in gold embellishments and crystal jewels. Simple yet elegant in its design. Aloy admired it and thought perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to wear it.
After she had bathed and braided a few locks of hair, Aloy slipped into the dress. It was sleeveless. Instead it wrapped around her right shoulder and flowed around her effortlessly, resting just above her ankles. The belt help cinch the loose fabric around her waist to give her shape. Included were a pair a simple sandals that didn't distract from the beauty of the dress. Or herself. For the first time that Aloy could remember, she felt pretty. She was definitely not used to the feel of the dress. It was light and airy and vulnerable. Aloy was accustomed to heavy leather and armor that would protect her from an arrow. The fabric of the dress was something she would have to adjust to.
Deeming herself presentable, Aloy made her way towards the palace. On her way there, Aloy watched the citizens of Meridian prepare for the events tonight. Beautiful ornate lanterns were being hung across buildings and in-between the alleys alike. Scents unlike anything she had smelt wafted from all corners of the city. It was delectable. Tables were being set up in the center of the city. She assumed that's where most of the festivities would take place. Aloy weaved her way through the already growing crowds of people. Many stopped to compliment her appearance or thank her for everything she had done. She would give a slight nod or smile but quickly move on. She just wanted to see Avad.
Arriving at the palace, Aloy made her way in. She found Avad in his sitting area. Perched on the delicate cushions and dressed in his royal Sun-King robes and headpiece. Just as she had expected. Upon noticing Aloy's arrival, Avad looked her up and down a few times. His eyes met hers and Aloy saw a fondness in them. A deep admiration he hadn't yet spoken to her in words. She felt her cheeks heat and dipped her head a bit.
"Aloy. I am…speechless. You, ah wore the dress," Avad stuttered slightly. "If I'm being honest, I wasn't expecting it. I wasn't sure if that would be your style."
"It's growing on me. It's very beautiful. Thank you for making it," Aloy spoke softly.
"Of course. I'm happy to hear you like it. You look…quite stunning in it," Avad admitted.
Aloy gave him a wide smile and sheepishly looked towards the ground. When she glanced back up, she saw him smiling back. She swore her heart skipped a beat then. What is happening? What am I…feeling?
"Shall we go? The party is about to begin. And you are the guest of honour," Avad's words shook her from her thoughts.
"Uh, yes. Let's see what you've put on for tonight,"Aloy agreed.
Smiling once again, Avad headed down the palace steps towards the festivities in the city center. Aloy followed beside him and for the first time in a while, felt excited for what was to come.
Authour's Note: I think I'm apart of the very tiny group of people who ship Aloy and Avad together. So naturally, my muse thought this up and I created a little something. More to come. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!