Hey guys. Glad to see that reviews are still coming. Speaking of which...
-ChaosIdeals: Thank you. I hope you enjoy where I'm going with this.
-Anthony Mulligan: Yeah, I figured it was a bit slow. I plan to pick up the pace relatively quickly. Don't worry, I have no plans of dropping this.
My goal for updating is once a month. I got this out a little later than planned due to the end of the semester, but I'm happy with it nonetheless. Hopefully you guys will like it too.
Chapter 3: Secrets Uncovered, Secrets Kept
The palace was even more astonishing up close. Varl found himself unable to form words, and barely able to form thoughts. The thoughts he could form were along the lines of "big" and "what" and "how".
"You okay there, Varl?"
Varl shook his head. "Sorry. It's just...I mean...this is..."
"Huge? Mind-blowing? Overwhelming?"
"Yeah, that. All of this...for just one person?"
"Well, I...think his family lives here, but I'll have to ask." Aloy answered. "I haven't been too far inside,"
"Hold it there," said the soldier at the foot of the staircase. "No invitation, no-"
"You mean these?" Aloy interrupted, holding out the two pieces of parchment.
"...up the stairs to your right," the guard grumbled.
As he walked up the stairs, Varl had gotten over his shock enough to examine the building. It reminded him of Meridian, but much more intricate and detailed: the walls, the railings, and even some parts of the floor were etched with elaborate designs, but they didn't give him a headache like before. He began to see a pattern to them, an...intention in the way everything was carved, a certain rhythm to their appearance. Foreign plants grew on the section of wall above the staircase, although Varl was bewildered as to how they got there.
At the top of the staircase, Aloy led him to the right, and he felt his heart jump. The archway at the end of the hallway was at least three times his height, and rimmed with triangular edges. The space beyond that was darkened with shadow. Even with the open copper gates, Varl still felt like a goose walking into a fox's jaws.
"You okay?" Aloy asked.
"Fine," Varl replied, not willing to admit (especially not to Aloy) that he was afraid of a door. "Let's just get this over with,"
Past the gate, it took his eyes a moment to adjust. The shade provided welcome relief from the sun, something Varl had been craving ever since he left the Sacred Lands. The space itself had even more decoration: a silk rug in the center, soft couches adorned with pillows and Carja silks...it was all so excessive, but maybe that was Sona talking. Or maybe it was because they weren't being used. There were a few men in the room already, discussing among themselves.
"And the reserves?"
"Enough to last the city for five weeks. The damage to the Royal Maizelands was significant, but enough farmland was left untouched where we can still manage a harvest, albeit less plentiful."
"That will have to do for now."
"Aloy,"
The men turned to face them. One of them stepped forward. "Thank you for coming. I assume this is the Nora War-Chief?"
Me? "U-u-uh..." Varl stammered. What am I supposed to say?
"War-Chief Sona is still recovering at the Lodge. Varl is her representative." Aloy answered for him.
"I see," the man replied, before returning to Varl. "Welcome, Varl of the Nora. I am Sun-King Avad,"
Varl had guessed as much. This man gave out an aura of authority, but different from anything Varl had ever sensed. It was not the commanding presence of Sona, yet not quite the steady demeanor of the High Matriarchs. It was warm, inviting, steady, and yet somewhat distant at the same time. That feeling was present not only in his stance, but his voice as well: Varl simultaneously felt anxious at the thought of making a bad impression, and placed at ease.
Avad appeared to be just under thirty, only a few years older than Varl himself. He had a beard, trimmed almost to his skin: unfortunately, it was still more than Varl could grow out. His outfit was an elaborate combination of red and white Carja silks, lined with machine parts (some of which were golden, to Varl's confusion), complete with an elaborate headset so massive, it was surprising that he could stand upright. It took Varl a moment to realize the intention was to make Avad's head resemble the sun, with flares of light radiating from it.
Varl realized that he had absolutely no idea what to say to this man, but he knew it would be rude to be silent.
"U-uh...it's...an honor," he tried, cursing himself for how pathetic it sounded. Much to his relief, Avad did not seem fazed.
"The honor is mine," the Sun-King replied. "Now, could you two come with me? There's something I'd like to discuss,"
"Perhaps it's my age, but I don't believe I've seen you before,"
Nakoa grit her teeth in frustration. She had finally gathered the courage to enter the damn Lodge, and now this old man was blocking the way.
"Well, I'm a Nora, and last I checked the Nora were allowed to rest in the Lodge until they returned to the Sacred Lands,"
The old man sighed. "While that is true, with everything that has happened in Meridian the last few weeks, we must exercise caution. Our merchant has been missing since this mor-oh, there she is!"
A Carja woman had suddenly appeared at the doorway, standing next to a Nora man.
"Where have you been, Aidaba? We were getting worried,"
"Sorry, Ligan. I...forgot to pick up a few things from the market this morning," the woman replied.
Ligan nodded, then turned to the other man. "Excuse me, but do you recognize this woman?" he said, pointing to Nakoa. The man glanced at her, and Nakoa felt panic clench her heart: this man knew that she hadn't fought alongside them at the Spire. What would Ligan say when the man called her out on the lie?
"Yes. She's with us,"
"Oh, of course. My apologies," Ligan bowed respectfully. "Please, come in,"
Nakoa realized she was still standing in place, too shocked to move. Shaking her head, she walked into the Lodge.
"Why did you lie for me?" was the first thing she asked, once she was a safe distance away from the door.
The man smiled warmly. "I saw you fighting in the village. I don't know if you've heard, but the Sacred Lands have been opened up to outcasts."
"Because of Aloy," Nakoa nodded. "I heard. I also heard everyone's calling her 'the Anointed' now,"
"Well...not everyone. Aloy doesn't like it all that much. But if they're open to outcasts, then an exile shouldn't be any different."
Nakoa smiled in relief. She could almost see her brother now.
Varl was led to the center platform he had seen at the entrance. There was a bench to sit down, but Aloy and the Sun-King remained standing.
"Aloy. Thank you again for what you have done,"
"I feel like I've heard that somewhere before," Aloy deadpanned.
"With all of your accomplishments, I imagine you tire of hearing it," said Avad, as if the two were old friends. "But let us not forget our guest,"
Questions began flooding Varl's mind; it took him a second to realize that both pairs of eyes were looking at him.
"War-Chief Sona...are her injuries serious?" Avad asked with genuine concern.
"She'll be fine," said Varl. "War-Chief Sona's made it through with worse," That last part wasn't true, but he knew that's what Sona would want him to say. "We should be ready to return to the Sacred Lands in a week,"
"I'm glad to hear it," Avad replied. "Now, I suppose we should get to the matter at hand,"
"Right," Varl said. "You said...something of importance you wanted to discuss?"
Avad nodded, his expression suddenly darkening. "I understand that a great shadow has fallen over the Sacred Lands."
The Carja seem to love their sun and shadows, Varl thought. "Are you talking about...the Proving massacre?"
"Yes, but the recent attack on the Embrace as well," Avad answered. "We received reports from Daytower five days ago, and Aloy confirmed them when she came with warnings of the invasion."
Varl glanced at Aloy. Her expression was unreadable.
Avad paused for a moment, as if expecting a response. When he didn't get one, he continued on. "Your tribe has every reason to hate mine. For most of our history, we have looked down upon the other, and I know from experience that some will never forgive the Carja for the Red Raids. And yet, in your tribe's darkest hour, you left the Sacred Lands to fight against a threat bigger than all of us. You have done the Sundom a great service. Of course, this is leaving out what Aloy has done,"
Varl raised an eyebrow. "I know about the invasion, but you mentioned something earlier. What else has Aloy done?"
Avad raised an eyebrow of his own as he turned to Aloy.
"It...never really came up," Aloy replied.
Avad shook his head in disbelief. "It amazes me how you can remain so humble. Since Aloy first arrived in the Sundom, she has...let me think...stopped a plot to kill me and burn Meridian to the ground, single-handedly defeated a rogue Oseram warlord, became the first Nora to be a full member of the Hunter's Lodge, saved an innocent man from being killed, helped return my brother from Sunfall, killed Helis, and of course, won us the battle yesterday. And I'm sure that you have done much more,"
Varl's jaw dropped. "Wha...wow, I...I know I shouldn't be surprised, but..."
"I'm pretty sure you didn't call us here for this," Aloy said, clearly wanting to change the subject.
"Indeed. What I am trying to say is...the Carja tribe is in your debt, and that is why I have brought you here: I want to repay that debt."
Varl blinked. "I...I don't understand,"
"You came to our aid in a time of great need," Avad answered. "I believe that we should do the same."
"What about Meridian?" Aloy interrupted. "You saw the damage done to the village,"
"The restoration of Meridian remains my utmost priority and responsibility," Avad answered. "And given our tribes' history, I would understand if the Nora would choose to refuse my offer. But once the village is repaired...if there is any way the Sundom can help, then I wish to do so. Varl, Aloy, I ask that you bring this matter to the High Matriarchs to discuss. Speak to Captain Balahn at Daytower once they reach a decision,"
"You called me here to be a messenger?" Varl asked, a little annoyed.
"This is a sensitive matter, Varl. I needed someone I could trust to ensure that this is brought to the High Matriarchs, and only the High Matriarchs." Avad answered. "But whatever else you wish to speak about, I will answer as best I can,"
"So that's why you asked for the War-Chief?"
"Correct,"
Varl thought for a moment. Avad seemed sincere, and if Aloy trusted him, that was good enough for Varl. At the same time, he wasn't sure about this offer: he doubted that anyone in the tribe would want to accept help from the Carja, no matter what the Matriarchs said. Sona would accuse him of blaspheming if he even suggested it.
Do we have a choice? he asked himself. Are there enough Braves to hunt? How long will it be until we can defend ourselves again?
He already knew the answer. There was no choice.
"There...is something I'd like to ask you about,"
"By all means," Avad replied.
"Why did the Carja raid us? What was the point of it all? To kill hundreds of innocents?" Varl asked, his voice rising as he continued.
Avad looked down. "I suppose I should have expected that." There was a long pause before he continued.
"Long ago, in the first years of our tribe's history, human sacrifices would sometimes be offered in the Sun-Ring during times of drought, hoping to...appease the Sun-God. My father restarted that tradition, believing that blood sacrifice would end the Derangement of the machines. When his advisors warned him that his efforts had done nothing to calm the machines...he threw into the Sun-Ring as well."
Varl's eyes widened. "So he sacrificed Carja too?"
Avad nodded gravely. "At first, it was just slaves, but eventually, anyone who slighted him would be slaughtered. Even his own son...my brother, Kadaman."
Varl didn't know what to say.
"That's another reason why I am making this offer: it is my duty as Sun-King to repair the damage done my father," Avad continued. "To change the Carja into a symbol of peace and mercy, not war and mindless slaughter,"
"Do you think that can happen? After everything that your tribe has done?"
"Varl-" Aloy warned.
"I don't know. If the answer is yes, then I doubt it will happen in my lifetime," Avad answered. "But that is no excuse not to try,"
Varl recognized the look in the Sun-King's eyes: it was something he saw in his mother's. It was exhaustion, desperation, but a determination to hold through and persevere. It was the look of someone who could not afford to show weakness.
"Where is the Sun-Ring?"
"Between the Palace and the Temple of the Sun," Avad asked.
"I'll speak to the High Matriarchs when we return home," Varl said, turning to leave. "You have my word, Sun-King. I'll meet you back at the Hunter's Lodge, Aloy,"
"Varl?" Aloy asked in concern.
"There's something I need to do," Varl said. "Alone,"
Avad grimaced.
"Did I say too much?" he asked Aloy.
Aloy shook her head. "No, it's...well, it's not my story to tell. There's something he has to take care of,"
"I hope that I didn't make anything worse," Avad replied.
"There's nothing better you could have done," Aloy assured him. "How bad is the damage to Meridian Village?"
"Most of the village has been burned to the ground. We've reported six villagers among the dead, and a handful remain in...dire condition," Avad answered. "Fortunately, most of them survived. We've brought them to the Temple of the Sun for the time being. As for the Maizelands...well, we'll have enough this year to salvage a harvest, but just enough,"
"So...no more feasts at the palace?"
"Thank the Sun for that," Avad sighed in relief. "I have more important things to worry about then keeping my robes clean in public."
"And the Shadow Carja?"
"With Itamen in Meridian, and Helis dead, I can only assume it is a matter of time before they have no choice but end this war." Avad predicted. "If you don't mind me asking, Aloy...what are your plans now?"
"You're not getting me confused for Ersa again, are you?"
Avad let out a groan. "I thought that was behind us,"
"Just checking," Aloy replied, in a tone that left Avad unsure about whether she was joking or not.
"In all seriousness, Aloy...what are your plans?"
"It's complicated," Aloy replied. "Part of me wants to go back to the Sacred Lands and help them rebuild. The other option...I don't even know how to explain it, let alone do it, but it has to be done, and I might be the only person who can do it,"
"Your judgment has brought you great success, Aloy," Avad replied, hoping to assure her. "I'm sure you'll make the right decision."
"I hope you're right," Aloy replied, not sounding convinced. "Avad...are you sure about this offer?"
"Not as much as I would like to be," Avad admitted. "But I have to try."
Eventually, Varl found it.
The massive ring was built of wood, with what appeared to be large strips of canvas lining the walls. The floor itself was wood and sandstone, with candles resting on rough stone platforms. There was no sign that anyone had died here, but Varl knew one thing with absolute certainty.
This was the place that his father had died.
The Sun-Ring was almost empty, but Varl still wanted to find somewhere out of prying eyes. He settled for one platform near the edge of the ring.
"Father...I don't know if you can hear me, but...it's Varl. I just wanted to say...I'm sorry that you had to take my place. It's my fault you're gone, and..."
Varl stopped, his voice on the verge of breaking.
No, you are not going to cry. Sona's son doesn't cry.
"A lot's happened...well, since I'm here, I suppose that much is obvious. The tribe's been attacked...and we're in trouble. The Metal Devil...it created an army. There's been so much death...Vala was killed during her Proving...there are hardly any Braves left...but at least we have Aloy. You know about the motherless girl, right? Well, she saved the tribe, and she's defeated the demon. Mother is alright...a little worse for wear, but she'll make it. At least the fighting's over, but now...now I don't know what to do. I don't know what to believe in anymore. I can't even hate the Carja anymore...I just hope that, wherever you are, you're doing okay, and that Vala is with you. Father...please watch over me, and the tribe,"
It was almost sunset when Varl had finally returned to the Lodge.
"Where were you?" Sona demanded. Varl ignored her.
"Varl, can I talk to you?" Aloy asked. He was silent for a moment, then followed her to the deck of the Lodge. Aloy had an idea of where he had gone, but she wanted to confirm it.
Her thoughts were interrupted by an unusual sound coming from the deck. Was that...
Yep.
As soon as she stepped onto the deck, Teb and Aidaba jumped away from each other.
"Subtle," Aloy deadpanned. She dared a glance behind her. Much to her amusement, Varl's jaw was hanging open.
"Umm..." Teb stammered.
"Could you two please keep quiet about...what you saw?" Aidaba asked, not making eye contact with either of the two interrupting Nora.
"I've kept quiet about a lot worse. You're fine," Aloy replied.
The two sighed in relief. Aidaba went back first, followed shortly by Teb. Varl turned to Aloy.
"Did..that just happen?" he said incredulously.
"You're adorable when you're confused," Aloy said, before getting back to the matter at hand. "You went to the Sun-Ring, didn't you? To say goodbye to your father,"
Varl looked down. "Yeah," he admitted.
"Every time I go back to the Sacred Lands, I visit Rost's Grave," Aloy offered.
"Rost...the man who raised you?"
Aloy nodded. "I try to talk to him about what's been happening. It's hard knowing he's not here anymore, but...it helps being able to talk to him again," she offered.
"Thanks. Now I don't feel so bad about what I did," Varl replied, looking a little more happy.
"Why didn't you tell Sona though?"
"Sona...doesn't know the full story. I only told her I saw my father being captured, not that...that he took my place," Varl admitted. "Besides, she'd just tell me I'm being weak,"
"There's no weakness in mourning the ones we care about," Aloy answered. "Come on, let's-"
Suddenly, a flash of red light caught her eye...coming from the Spire.
"Oh, no,"
"What?" Varl asked, but she barely heard him. She bolted for the doors, then to the Spire as fast as she could.
Varl had never seen Aloy so rattled.
"What happened?!" she snapped at the man standing closest to the Spire. "What did you do?!"
"N-nothing! I-I don't know!" the man stammered. "I was just about to touch it and then...all of a sudden a bunch of red stuff started coming off of it-"
"The corruption?" Varl guessed.
"Uh...maybe?"
"It was almost like wires of light...red light." the merchant said. Varl froze in horror. No. It couldn't be-
"I swear, I didn't touch it!" the man replied. "And then there was a flash of red light...it flew off somewhere!"
"Where did it go?!" Aloy yelled.
"Uh...I think west?"
"Sylens, you crazy, reckless bastard," Aloy hissed under her breath, yanking her spear from the ball.
"Hey, my name is-"
"Not you!" she snapped.
"Aloy, what happened? Who's Sylens?"
"You're sure that it went west?" Aloy yelled to the man, ignoring Varl.
"Yes!" the Carja woman answered. "I'm sure of it,"
"Damn it," Aloy cursed.
"Aloy, what is going on?!" Varl demanded.
"I'm not sure, but if I'm right...HADES escaped."
Varl felt sick with horror, as if it were sucking out his insides. "But...that can't be! I saw you kill it!"
"I know!" Aloy snapped. "I don't know how, but...damn him!"
"I'm sor-"
"Not you!" she yelled. "I thought I had more time..."
"Time for what?" Varl demanded.
Aloy sighed. "Remember that something I had to take care of last night?"
"What about it?"
"Hold on," she said, turning to the four villagers. "GET!"
The villagers ran as fast as they could.
"Sorry," Aloy said apologetically. "But...I needed us to be alone. This is what it was,"
She opened up one of the pouches on her belt, pulling out what looked like a white triangle.
"Varl, after I went into the heart of the mountain, I didn't tell the full truth about what happened,"
"What do you mean?"
"The truth isn't that simple. I...I don't know how to explain it, and I'm sure if I can. But I show you. With this,"
Varl realized that the triangle in Aloy's hands was identical to the one by her ear. "What...what is that?"
"It's called a Focus." she replied. "It's hard to explain, but this device, it...lets me see the unseen. It's how I knew where the killers were, how I learned to tame machines, how I managed to...to learn what my purpose was,"
She held up the Focus. "I'm warning you now, Varl: the truth is difficult. It'll hit you like a punch to the gut, and make you question everything you believed. It will take you to places that will test every ounce of your being. If you want this, Varl, then it has to be your choice. Not Sona's, not the Matriarchs', not All-Mother's, yours."
Varl looked at her. "Aloy, are you sure you can trust me with this?"
"Varl, if there's any Nora I can trust with this, it's you," answered Aloy, putting the Focus in his hand. "I know that you're not ready yet. But when you decide you are...put the Focus to your ear,"
"And after that? Where should I go?"
For a moment, she said nothing. "The truth lies in the ruins of the Old Ones,"
"The Metal World?" Varl said incredulously. "Aloy...are you sure about this? The High Matriarchs will take back the Seeker blessings once we return!"
"I told you, Varl. The truth is difficult. But to abide in ignorance is a curse," Aloy said.
Varl looked at the Focus in his hand. It was almost too light to feel, but now it weighed as much as a mountain.
"Varl, look at me," Aloy said. "Can I trust you with this?"
Are you crazy? You'll be outcast for this!
You've been into the ruins before, how is this any different?
That was for revenge!
And this is for Aloy!
You're doing this for some girl? She doesn't feel the same way, how could she feel the same way?
That doesn't mean I can let her down!
"Yes," Varl answered. "Before you go...can you promise me something?"
"Of course,"
"Promise me you'll come back to the Sacred Lands once this is all over,"
Aloy looked at the ground. Then, she opened another pouch, dipping two fingers inside. When she pulled them out, they were covered in blue: face paint. Varl watched as she traced a pattern on her face, as if she had done it every day of her life.
"That marking..." Varl asked. "Is it...Rost's?"
She nodded. "It's my promise. To you, and to him,"
And suddenly, she pulled him into a hug. Once he got over his shock, he returned.
"Stay safe, Aloy," he said.
"You too," she answered. Aloy whistled, and suddenly a Broadhead galloped up to the mesa. Varl reflexively raised his bow before noticing the blue wires around its neck...it was one of Aloy's tamed machines.
As she got on, Aloy turned back to him. "Goodbye, Varl,"
Varl could only watch as she and the Broadhead ran off into the distance.
For the first time, he felt truly alone.
Man, from what I've seen, The Frozen Wilds does not disappoint. And now I really wish I had a PS4.
Sorry to any Aloy/Avad shippers (what's the abbreviation for that? Avoy? Alad?), but I needed to shut this down. Avad was clearly in a state of grief when he...came on to Aloy, and he admitted that he was confused. Even if that wasn't the case, Avad was clear that he and Ersa couldn't be together due to their positions. It would be wrong, not to mention counter-intuitive, if he and Aloy got together.
Just to be clear, what happens to Aloy beyond this point will not be part of the story. Doing so would require a knowledge of things that have not been established as canon, and I want to avoid that if possible.
As always, please let me know what you think.