It's dawn. First sun rays pick out of the horizon, building a way for the lord of a day. Lonely wind sings a sad melody, looking for attractions within trees' crowns. Silence is everywhere, it seems that even nearby river ceased its everlasting flow. Body, tortured by tiredness, bent over the last sparks of extinguished flame. Seven days of non-stop, with small stops, trip pierced every muscle, creating strong, but durable pain.

Sounds of nearby hoard of machines brought to her senses.

"It seems it's time to go."

After collecting all of the gear and strength that left, she continues her journey. Beta will take care of the base, Zo will look after Varl's grave (his loss is still piercing heart with needles), that's why Aloy can finally return to the East. After all these days she's tired, not only physically but also emotionally. Brain demanded rest but unstoppable stream of thoughts didn't let this happen. Her returning home was inevitable but where is this HOME? Rost's house forced her to recall his death, wrapping heart around with burning pain. Nora thought of Aloy as of goddess, that wasn't to her liking at all. Banuk wasn't her tribe, not even close. Only one variant has left - Meridian. Thinking of it, her heart squeezed. City of spires and Sun, welcoming, filled with the clang of metal and merchants' voices. Surrounded by forests and held in the arms of celestial light. But of course, Aloy lied to herself, it wasn't about scenery, all variants disappeared only because of him - Avad. After all this time she had spent on West she understood a lot, dotted all the I's and crossed the T's. New acquaintances couldn't dry up all these drops of sadness, that already have managed to create a river, that girl's been hiding deep in her soul, even from herself. Heart has broken the chains that brain had forged to "only think about mission" long ago.

"I do hope to see Meridian again, Avad. And you."

These words echoed in her head, making inexplicably pleasant warmth to spread all over her body. But painful thoughts interrupted it. Yes, she's returning but will Avad wait for her? Descent time has passed… Maybe his feelings aren't the same anymore or Marad could persuade the Sun-King to marry someone at last. But no, he promised that he would wait…

However Aloy couldn't finish her monologue - wounds, that she's gotten in a fight agains a herd of "western machines" and that haven't healed yet, didn't let her forget about them, responding to every move with sharp pain. Why have I hurried? Meridian won't run away and Avad can't leave his post of the king.

"It's okay, almost there. I only have to get there, and then I can rest."

Fortunately, familiar landscapes appeared on the horizon. Aloy shaked her head to make sure she's not hallucinating. But no, Meridian approached, forcing huntress to give all of her strength to this part of a road.

Aloy doesn't even remember how she crossed Meridian bridge, passed by guards and fall exhausted in front of the Sun-King, letting only his name to escape her mouth. Avad reacted immediately: he caught her, drilling her with his gaze. In no time she was lying on his bed (the closest room that was found), surrounded by medics and servants.

…

Bright light blinded her, forcing to close her eyes. Mind's foggy because of the exhaustion, muscles are relieved but still captured by pain. Only unknown warmth, gentle and soft, is calming her. After the inspection of the room (pretty spacious, elegant but with just enough furniture in it), Aloy found the origin of pleasant feeling. Avad, leaning over her immovable body, was stroking her fiery red hair. He remained the same, but his royal robes were replaced by plain yet elegant clothing. The same brown eyes, full of mix of worry and relief, observed wounded heroine of the whole world and his heart that was lying in front of him. Calm expression of his face transferred to her as well. He sharply moved his hand from Aloy, realising that she's no longer unconscious.

-You're awake!

Stream of thoughts was trying to break through but dried throat blocked it - girl managed to let go only hoarse "yes".

- Easy, Aloy, don't get up. You still require rest. Don't worry, we'll talk about everything later. When you feel better, find me on my place.

He understands everything. It makes her mad and sad at the same time. Avad has never openly showed his feelings - position of king interfered. But only recently Aloy has understood how painful it is for him to see her and lost again, only wait. And heroine's feelings were always a secret to him. Will she come back, will she stay…

- Okay, - she told rather to herself before falling into dream's embrace.

…

Night approached. The last rays-guardians were escorting the lord of a day for sleep. Spears of Meridian were finishing their game with sun sparkles. Citizens were ending their work, heading to their houses. Coolness, bit by bit, was driving warmth away. Aloy opened her eyes and stretched. The rest was worth it: mind has no longer reminded a labyrinth covered with fog, but conversely, thoughts have tried to catch one another, creating logical chains, moves have no longer replied with pain, and body's been pleasantly relieved.

"I have to meet Avad, he's waiting again."

Aloy got up from bed and looked at herself. Ripped dirty clothes have been taken off and folded on a nearby shelf. It seems it didn't let to look through her wounds, so doctors had to take it off, leaving only "the first layer" of bulky armour (casual gray T-shirt and primitive trousers). After looking around the room, she noticed an elegant dress: piece of green satin with golden inserts below, fitted her well, cuts on the sides exposed her legs, straps made of gold were placed on strong heroine's shoulders. The best craftsmen worked on this masterpiece.

"Not suitable for hunting at all", - Aloy laughed to herself.

It's not her style at all, but old clothes weren't good for "encounters". (It wasn't good for ANYTHING anymore), and it's a pity to leave this piece of beauty here on a table.

…

Cool air punched Aloy in the face but she didn't move a bit (constant huntings on animals and machines, helping every person in different climatic conditions (starting with frozzy snowy mountains and ending with hot deserts) hardened her) - this wind is like piece of cake. Shortening path to the meeting, Aloy (fortunately) barely encountered citizens. Those, who saw her after all, greeted and thanked her, wondering about her new look. When Aloy finally reached the place, she saw him - Avad was sitting on his throne, but with the royal robe on him. So serious and thoughtful at the same time.

- Avad, - Aloy ripped silence.

The Sun-King jumped from his sit - ether because of unexpectedness or impatience. Brown eyes examined heroine's silhouette, showing real emotions: surprise and sincere admiration, even though his face remained calm. Avad waved his hand, inviting Aloy to a balcony. After placing his hands on a railing (Aloy did the same), he started talking.

- You look amazing, even though I worried whether you would want to wear it.

- Well, that's not my style, but it was worth a try.

- It suits you. - Avad smiled softly, and somehow it made pleasant warmth to spread all over the body, - Where are my manners, how do you feel?

- Better now, and thanks for your help by the way.

- You surely know that's a drop in the ocean, comparing to the things you've done for the city. And I won't have enough words to thank you.

- You don't have to, you've done enough to express your gratitude. How's repairing of the city going?

- Slowly but surely. Everyone: Carja, Oseram, even volunteers from Nora are working hard without a break. Meridian will return its glory soon.

- I'm glad to hear that.

- How's your mission?

Aloy understood what it's all about, so she started getting nervous.

- Finished, maybe. - After a word "maybe" Avad became gloomy. - Everything I had to do, I did. My friends will take care of everything else.

Uncomfortable silence has commenced. To distract herself, Aloy started looking around: the city finished it's preparations for sleep, as well as nature around (every creature crawled, flew, climbed to their houses, even wind stopped), so she didn't even notice how Avad appeared in front of her. He was that close, so she could feel his hot breath. Heart was beating so fast, it seemed it would break through the chest. Aloy tried to calm it, was scared that Avad would hear its violent pounding. He raised his hand to reach Aloy's face, slowly, not to scare her like a wild animal, caught her fiery braid, lifted it to his lips, covering it with a kiss. Aloy stood there without any ability to move, only felt how the heat was flowing within her body, looked into the brown eyes.

- My feelings haven't changed. Nothing could change them: neither distance nor time. My heart belongs to you, Aloy. But your thoughts were always a secret. Will you stay here with me?

Feelings became overwhelming. She couldn't resist it. She wanted it. The answer didn't wait for too long: fingers, calloused because of continuous usage of bow, softly touched Avad's face reaching for a kiss. When their lips met, everything around them stopped. His strong arms embraced the girl. Rhythms of hearts merged in unison, creating symphony of love. Cheeks covered in red. Warmth of soft and ,at the same time, passionate Avad's lips calmed down, opened something new. Sun has drowned in the horizon long ago, as well as the fear of own feelings. Only the moon brightened the silhouette of two lovers that were sharply catching air after the long kiss. They stood in each other's arms for a long time, enjoying each other.

- Can I take it as an answer? - Avad asked with teasing smile.

Aloy nodded, unwillingly leaving his arms. He caught Aloy's hand and kissed it.

- You'll have to tell me a lot.

She agreed, holding his hand and observing starry night sky…