Her tongue glided across the whip cream and retreated into her mouth. She savored the sweet flavor of the carja desert as she crossed her legs to appear more lady like.

Had she known it would've taken this long to get the attention of the king she would've remained down below the Mesa.

Perhaps he was disappointed in her not showing up right after the battle. She wondered if his feelings for Ersa was truly done and dealt with. It doesn't matter either way, like Avad said things where now behind them. Aloy had no room for grudges, nor negative thoughts to spare. If he was upset with her than she would take it, she will try to show her forgiveness in helping him with Meridian as she has done on many many occasions. Hoping, just hoping that he will take her offer.

With a newfound burst of confidence she took one last lick from the treat and stood upright. One might've think she would've fell flat on her face. Rounding the corner of the outside palace she began her search for the sun king.

"You're a traitor," gritted the wounded man. Blood dribbled down his lips as he clutched onto his side. He made no move to crawl away from the man kneeling in front of him. Knowing he had no chance of escape, and didn't want to end in a cowards way.

"We are all traitors to a side in our lives, whether it be to ourselves or to others." The man flicked the drawn dagger in between his fingers, a dangerous dance.

The wounded man let out harsh breaths, like a dog in the summers heat. He knew time was quickly coming to an end. Emitting a gurgle, the man realized he couldn't make any more words come out. Staring above him, he felt death loom over his now frail form.

Bringing back a nasty spit in his throat the man knocking on deaths door brought his head up with enough strength he could muster and spat. Eyes gleaming over with victory for a split second as he took in his work.

Staring disinterestedly at the wounded man before him, he watched as his eyes clouded over. As his soul slowly left it's place in the soiled mans body.

Steel eyes watched intently as his head rolled at an awkward angle. Lifeless eyes looking out beyond the horizon, beyond the corpses of his fallen comrades.

"What a waste."

Taking a deep sigh the bloodstained man lifted himself from his squatting position. Using his thumb he removed the spit that dripped down his face.

Popping his neck, the man pocketed his dagger. Not bothering to clean the blood that was smudged. He'd find the time to properly clean himself and his armor. Taking one last glance at the work he did, he silently graded himself. Walking over the corpses and making his way merrily down the path.

"Avad!"

Looking quickly up, the sun king stared in awe at the intruder who came hurling into his chamber.

"Aloy?"

Shaking his head, Avad stood up and bowed apologetically at the woman standing upright. With a stance that Avad came to admire. Such elegance yet such brash appearance.

The shimmering blue of the Nora displayed on her armor grew darker as the only light source in the room was a few candles that made her pale skin glow orange.

Crossing her arms she dogged him, staring daggers at him as if he was prey and she was the predator. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for you, your radiance?"

Clasping his palms he looked at her apologetically, "Aloy, please forgive my ignorance but I received no word that you happened to be in Meridian."

Raising an eyebrow she searched every feature upon the kings face for any sign he could be lying. Not to sound so conceited but Aloy knew who she was, she knew what reputation she held.

Although it wouldn't be the first time he was surprised at her presence. She came rushing to him to inform him of the threat that came with the eclipse. Remembering the distinctive shred of disappointment that flashed before his eyes.

The same eyes that she bore into now. Her face softened, it seemed like forever ago since she last talked to him.

"I do hope it isn't another threat that is coming."

Catching the slight sign of guilt that lit up Aloy's face he added quickly, "Not that I'm bothered by your presence, please take some time to rest here before you-"

Silencing him just like she did with Erend in the cafe she smiled. "Avad, have you been keeping tabs on my whereabouts?"

Glancing around the room she turned away from him and moved freely through the big room. Taking in the foreign wood work and studying the names of the books that lined up down the long shelves.

Furrowing his eyebrows he stared at the redhead that roamed around his chambers. "I, no, after the final battle I asked Erend where you were but he simply told me you rode off into the horizon."

Her green eyes drifted down, "I rode on a strider to a place that is far away from here."

A pregnant pause filled the room.

"Upon the time I remained in that area I grew tireless at the thought of staying in one place for too long."

His eyes remained solely on her form, a breathless whisper escaping his lips, "Of course, you wouldn't be yourself without traveling and helping others." He internally swallowed, hoping he didn't offend her in any way.

Her eyes snapped to his and her green orbs glimmered as a smirk widened, "I'm flattered."

Leaning against his desk she brought her hand down on the stack of scriptures that were held together by a ribbon, "But I came here to offer my services."

A harsh cough came out of the king as goosebumps sprawled over his exposed skin. If his skin color was any lighter she would for sure see the red displayed on his cheeks. Unintentionally she moved closer to rest more of her weight on his desk.

Refusing to make eye contact he nervously reread the the same paragraph over and over until he could relax himself.

His internal struggle seemed oblivious to her as she turned her head to figure out why he was so engrossed in the paper. "I understand if you need some time to think about it, if your people would accept a Nora."

Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and let her shoulders sag, "I would like to help Meridian in any way I could, perhaps I would do you of some sort of use?"

Face lighting up the king almost eagerly nodded his head. "Aloy, you've done so much for Meridian that it would do me greatly if you.." mouth held with caution he looked over her before uttering, "stood by my side."

A bubble that formed in her gut popped as she pushed away from the desk and rounded to the front of him. His eyes never left her. "Thank you, I will do my best."

Abruptly, with a small bow of her head she straightened up and headed out the doorway. Not wanting to interfere with his work longer than she already had. She understood how much he cared for the duties placed on him as a king. She felt a small shred of pity for him. Not wanting to imagine staying cooped up with so many responsibilities. The pressure of the people reminding her of being worshiped as the anointed.

Stopping at the entrance she barged in prior, "Avad."

"Hm?"

Hesitating she smiled back at him, "It feels great to be back in Meridian."

Without hearing his reply she swayed out the doorway and into the cold night of the desert.