Finally, almost a full year after the battle at the Spire, Aloy came back.

In truth, Avad was a bit disappointed she had not stridden into the city atop a pacified Sawtooth, with the wind blowing into that fiery mane of hers as the people watched with their mouths agape. No, instead, she had been reasonable; apparently, she'd ridden to the gates of Meridian on the back of a Charger, her features long and drawn by fatigue, her hair a tangled mess. From what the city guardsmen had told Avad, she had been a far cry from the savior they had come to worship in the last few months. In a way, that did not surprise him. Despite all of her accomplishments, she was still a woman of flesh and blood, not some goddess sent by a benevolent deity looking to fix their broken world.

Thanks to Marad's quiet efficiency, Avad had been told of her arrival the moment she had set foot outside the city walls. He was amused to find that poor Aloy had been escorted to the palace by a throng of fervent admirers, her retinue ranging from barefoot street urchins to nobles bedecked in jewels made from machine parts. She seemed grateful when Avad came up to her, palms outstretched in welcome.

(A part of him was secretly relieved she had not brought her mechanical mount inside the city. It would have certainly thinned her escort of fawning citizens; Aloy might have been beloved by Meridian, but her poor metal beast would have scared away all but the most battle-hardened of souls. Still, perhaps in a way she would have preferred that outcome, when Avad stopped to think about it…)

Avad opened his mouth, ready to offer Aloy a long-winded and ceremonious speech of welcome, when he noticed just how she dragged her steps along the way. She levelled to him a pair of eyes encircled by deep, dark bags, her gaze showing an earnest plea. Avad immediately decided to comply with her unsaid wish. The people who had followed her to the palace entrance seemed disappointed to be sent away, but for once he felt his role as a friend superseded his duties as king. Aloy's shoulders slumped forward in obvious relief.

Avad led her back to the balcony where he usually supped, trying to strike up a conversation as they went. All he got in response was a series of monosyllabic and mumbled words. Still, Avad was a politician, one used to wrangle the truth out of the most cryptic answers. He was surprised to hear that her travels had brought her all the way north to the forbidding lands of the Cut. No wonder it had taken her so long to return to Meridian.

Erend was already waiting by the dinner table by the time Avad and Aloy arrived. He'd been busy with training recruits for the Vanguard all day, but the moment Marad had announced Aloy's visit, Avad had sent for him, knowing that his friend would not want to miss this opportunity for all the shards in the world. Upon catching sight of Aloy, a change immediately operated in Erend. He straightened his spine, as if to look taller, schooling his features into something resembling a charming grin. It was a valiant effort on Erend's part, at least. To Avad's objective gaze, his friend's expression could only be described as dopey.

Aloy greeted Erend by raising her hand in an awkward manner, but the latter just laughed and enveloped her in a typically Oseram bear hug, lifting her off the ground. When he put her down, she seemed a little stunned, as if a Sawtooth had just rammed into her. Avad did not even try to hide his amusement as he watched the two of them. As usual, Erend looked at Aloy like she had been the one to set the sun in the sky. Still, for the briefest of moments, uncharitable thoughts filled the king's head.

Why? he told himself, a sense of puerile anger bubbling up in his guts. Why would other people find happiness when the brightest light in his life had been so violently extinguished? Why did he have to expect a future filled with loneliness and grief while others were teetering on the brink of something new, something filled with warmth and comfort and laughter?

Of course, a second later, and these selfish reflections were gone, replaced by a crushing sense of guilt. Avad inhaled sharply, fighting to hide the wave of self-disgust that was crashing over him. How long was he going to stay that way? How long was he going to treat any display of joy with suspicion and envy?

"Uh, boss?" a voice came, snapping the king out of his dark musings. Erend had walked up to him, Aloy closely following from behind. "Something's wrong?"

"No, of course not," Avad said, mustering all of his willpower to inject a touch of amiability in his voice. "I was just lost in thoughts for a moment." He inclined his head toward Aloy. "Having you here just reminded me of all that we still have to achieve. And of all the hard work we'll have to do to get there. But you have not come all the way to Meridian to hear me complain, have you? Is there anything I can offer you, huntress? Perhaps something to eat?"

"Food sounds good, yes," Aloy said.

"If there is anything specific you want for your supper, you need only ask. I will get a servant to draw a bath for you and—"

Aloy held up a hand to interrupt Avad. "I don't want to impose, really. I'll find an inn to stay the night. I can manage on my own."

Avad and Erend exchanged a look, and the latter let out a bark of laughter.

"The loveliest bedchamber in the palace will be prepared for you, Aloy," said the king. "You've risked so much already to keep us safe. You deserve the best my kingdom can offer."

Aloy scrunched up her nose, but thankfully she did not protest, only saying, "Well the bath can wait. I've already cleaned myself in a stream on the way to Meridian. Besides, I'm sure you'll want to hear the things I've got to report."

Avad's mouth almost dangled open with dismay. By the Sun, she was more stubborn than Ersa! "Your report can wait, but anything related to your personal wellbeing cannot. Please, Aloy. Think of yourself, for once."

"What His Holy Holiness means," Erend said, patting Aloy on the back, "but just won't say 'cause of that stick up his ass, is that he's beside himself with worry. He can't focus properly when his anxiety starts to act up, so I'd do what he wants, if only to stop him from making such a fuss."

Avad sent a peeved look to Erend, mouthing 'stick up my what?' The latter only shrugged.

"Fine," Aloy said. "I'll stay at the palace if it's what you want."

"Great!" said Erend, the same time Avad exclaimed, "How wonderful!"

Their enthusiasm brought about a feeble smile from Aloy. A second later, and it was gone. "Well, can someone show me to my room, then?" she asked. "If I'm staying the night, then I can drop some of my stuff back there."

"Of course," replied Avad. "Take all the time you need to prepare. Will you join us for supper afterwards?"

"Uh, yeah," Aloy said, a little sheepishly. She was holding her stomach, and it struck Avad that she was probably famished. "That sounds about right."

Avad called a servant, who then escorted the Nora huntress to her quarters. An hour later, Aloy was back; her hair was damp, and she had been somehow convinced her to put on a crimson-colored silk robe rather than her usual garb. She scanned the table with cautious eyes, then sat herself next to Erend. The latter startled a little, apparently surprised by the way she had made a beeline for him. Still, a boyish grin soon brightened his features. Aloy, bless her heart, failed to notice a thing.

When the food was served, Aloy began to stuff her face as if she had not been fed a proper meal in several months. Avad watched her, amused and appalled in equal parts. Even Erend showed better table manners. He also noticed how she never touched the glass of fruit wine that had been poured for her; she had not spared a glance for it, even. Avad himself had drunk very little, while Erend had stuck to water. The king found himself smiling at this realization.

Soon, their plates were empty (not a speck of food remained in front of Aloy, Avad noted). He would have wanted to continue speaking of inconsequential things, but it seemed Aloy had other ideas. When Erend finally prompted her to talk about her travels, she went silent for a bit, her eyes darting to the side as if she was assessing just how she would respond to his question. Then, she put her utensils down and began to speak.

If that story had come from just about anyone else, Avad would have never believed a single word of it. Aloy spoke of ancient machines posing as gods and spirits, of a world consumed by a swarm of flesh-eating robots, and of a woman, Elisabet Sobek, who had given all to ensure life would survive the grave mistakes of her contemporaries. By the end of her tale, Avad and Erend were looking at her with their mouths dangling open. All of their current trouble seemed infinitely small in comparison to everything Aloy had faced. It was very sobering.

"So you seek to restore this mechanical intelligence, this… GAIA… to its proper form?" Avad summed up, incredulous. "You believe you could find a way to stop the Derangement with its—with her help?"

Aloy nodded gravely. "Yes. HADES became corrupted because it slipped away from her control. And the same happened with HEPHAESTUS. If we repair GAIA, then we stand a better chance to keep it from creating even more dangerous machines."

"What can we do, then, to assist you?" said Avad.

"I'm still figuring that one out," Aloy said, dejected. "I didn't want to bring other people in my own mess, but now…" She sighed. "Now I've realized it's all our mess. The mess the Ancients left us to sort out."

"You thought right, I believe," Avad replied. "I am honored that you've entrusted us with your findings. I'll help in whatever capacity I can."

Erend raised his mug; the water sloshed inside. "Yeah, me too! If you need someone to clobber things for you, I'm your man."

A bit of color touched Aloy's freckled cheeks. "That's why I came to you guys. I knew I could count on you."

This time, it was Erend who flushed; the man was grinning like a little boy. Avad stifled a chuckle. "What about the Nora?" he finally continued. "Hearing your story must have been quite a shock for them."

Aloy coughed awkwardly. "I… didn't have the chance to tell them. I decided to come back here directly after I was finished with my business in the Cut. I was thinking of heading to the Sacred Land afterwards, but…"

A warm, unknown feeling filled up Avad's chest. She had come to him and Erend before going to her own people. Again, he felt unworthy of the trust she had placed in him. "I see," Avad said. "I don't envy your situation right now. Your account challenges many core tenets of the Nora religion, if I'm right."

"The Matriarchs won't take it lying down," Erend said with a snort. "Hoary old shrews, the lot of 'em…"

"They'll have to," Aloy said, scowling. "They can't stay walled up in their little world forever, after all. They'll have to start figuring out how to trust other tribes or else they'll face worse than HADES all on their own." Aloy held up one finger. "First lesson: don't call your potential allies faithless heathens. It tends to get on their nerves."

Erend put up his hands in the air, feigning shock. "But we are faithless heathens!"

His comment elicited a snort from Avad. Still, it was with full seriousness that the king added, "You might find it amusing, Erend, but for the Nora it is not laughing matter. The destruction wrought by HADES and his machines left them in a vulnerable position. It is certainly well within their interest to show a little caution when accepting the help of outsiders who have their own agendas to fulfill." Avad swallowed nervously before adding, "Especially outsiders who practised slavery and human sacrifice not so long ago…"

Aloy shrugged. "For what it's worth, I think there'll be one Matriarch who's gonna believe in your good intentions. As for the others… well, they'll take a little more convincing, to say the least. It'll be a steep hill to climb."

"I know," said Avad, "but it needs to be climbed. If not, the next time we come face-to-face with a threat as potent as HADES, it will certainly spell the end of us all."

"The Braves who came to the Spire will see your point," Aloy added. "Varl and Warchief Sona will be willing to speak on our behalf, I'm sure of it. We'll figure it out, somehow." A tired little smile played along the edges of her mouth. The expression was strangely out of place on her young face. It belonged to one much older and wearier, Avad realized with a pang. "Somehow..."

"Then, we must arrange a meeting," said Avad. "I have to speak to the Matriarchs, beg their forgiveness if that's what it takes."

"Whoa, whoa!" said Erend. "Even if the Nora do open up their borders, I don't think you'd even be allowed anywhere near Mother's Heart. Besides, I dunno if those bootlicking courtiers of yours would just let you waltz out of here while there's still so much to do."

"I'm aware of that, Erend. I will wait until I have the Matriarchs' permission to enter the Sacred Land. It will take some time and effort, however, and this is why I would like to send another delegation as an act of goodwill. We can spare a few more provisions and workers, I believe." Avad looked at Erend, rather fondly. "Of course, my ever-loyal Captain of the Vanguard will accompany this envoy to serve as protection."

"I will?" Erend said, blinking owlishly.

"It could help," Aloy replied. "After all, the Nora have no bad blood with the Oseram. If they're reminded that people of all walks of life are allowed to have a voice at your court, then they might be more willing to realize that you're not just offering empty promises."

"Then, it's settled!" said Avad. "Erend, you and some of your men with accompany Aloy and a few of my best diplomats. You will leave as soon as you can. Once the first bridge has been built, I will meet the Matriarchs in their place of choice. In fact…" Avad glanced to the side, unable to meet Aloy's gaze in his shame. "In fact, I should have reached out to your people sooner, Aloy. These past few months, I have done nothing but wallow in my own misery. I should have been quicker to act."

"You were busy helping your own subjects," Aloy replied. "It's understandable. You're only one man, there's a limit to what you can do."

"Yeah, she's right," added Erend. "Rebuilding Meridian was already one hell of a burden for a single set of shoulders to bear. Don't get yourself too beaten up about it."

Avad's mouth formed a modest smile. "I'm grateful for your votes of confidence. I will certainly succeed in my endeavors, with people such as you two by my side."

Erend offered a mock salute. "Anything for you, boss." He then pointed behind him with his thumb. "A word in private, though?"

"Of course," Avad replied. "Aloy, if you excuse us."

The huntress nodded, turning her gaze away as Erend and Avad left the table. She began to play with the hem of her robe in an absentminded manner. Once they were out of earshot, Erend then turned to the king, crossing his arms over his chest.

"You want me to go with Aloy to the Nora lands?" he told Avad. "Wouldn't it be better for me to stay here in Meridian? I mean, someone's gotta make sure your skinny ass stay out of trouble, right?"

Avad could almost not believe his ears. Here he was, giving Erend the perfect occasion to go sightseeing in pleasant company, and yet the man was so caught up with his duty he could not even see the truth of Avad's (very transparent) scheme.

"What?" said Erend, as a bewildered (and amused) Avad just stared at him. "Was it something I said?"

In response, Avad pulled the man into a hug, clapping his back in an entirely un-Carja manner. Erend stiffened, before gingerly returning the embrace. Aloy looked at them, one eyebrow raised.

"You drunk or something?" Erend muttered as Avad let him go. "It's a bit early for that, y'know."

"No, no," Avad said. "You're a good person, Erend Vanguardsman. I'm glad that we have met."

"Uh…" Erend passed a hand through his hair. "Thanks, I guess?"

Avad only beamed at him in response. "Once you are gone," he continued. "I'll expect to hear from you soon. Remember to take care on your trip, my friend. Just… think of it as a sort of vacation." Avad's words were tinted with mischief as he spoke next. "I'm sure the Sacred Land is lovely at this time of the year."

Erend nodded. "I'll keep in touch, don't worry, Your Radiance. Or whatever it is they call you."

"Careful, there," Avad said with good humor. "My hubris might grow unchecked if I start hearing you using the appropriate title."

"Your Brightness it is, then," Erend said.

Avad chuckled. Behind them, Aloy rolled her eyes in a good-natured manner.

"The two of you are dismissed," Avad said. "Go on and get some rest. Aloy. Erend… well, I should let you prepare for the coming journey. Sadly, we'll have to put our weekly chats on hold for now."

"That means you can't drink 'til I come back," Erend said. He was smiling, but his brows came together in the slightest of frowns. "I can have your word on this, right?"

Avad met Erend's blue-grey eyes unflinchingly. A long stretch of days filled with nothing but alienating solitude awaited him in the near future—days where he would have to light a path for his people despite the pitch-black despair that seemed perpetually poised to engulf him. And of course without the deceitful comfort of alcohol he could look forward to more nightmares, to more sobs muffled into his pillow, to more hours spent thrashing in his bed as he remained unable to find sleep.

All of this Avad would have to face alone.

I don't want to do it! he wanted to shout at Erend. I can't do it, I can't! But Avad was the Sun-King of the Carja, the living embodiment of his people's covenant with the divine. More importantly, he was simply a man who possessed the incomparable luck of sensing his heart thumping against his ribcage in a steady, reassuring manner. Avad was alive while countless others had suffered a crueler fate, and for this reason alone he could not allow himself to choose the easier path and become something that would have earned him Ersa's scorn.

In the end, Avad only replied, "Of course, Erend. I'll try." He would have said, I promise, but somehow that would have sounded like a lie.

Erend tapped Avad's shoulder. "That's good enough for me."

In that simple assertion, Avad could hear, I understand. I'm not judging you. That was all he needed. That was more than he deserved. "Thank you, Erend. In the struggles ahead, let your resolve be as strong as steel."

Erend grinned, genuinely this time. "Heh. May the Sun light your path, boss."