After the War's End

Chapter 29

"Aloy, wake up, dawn is approaching soon." Avad said, gently shaking her shoulder.

"Already...?" she complained, slowly opening her eyes.

"Yes, if we delay any longer, it will be unlikely that we can leave before dawn." he pointed out, looking up at the window.

"So, you're eager to go?" she asked, sitting up while he ruffled her hair.

"I'm impatient, and I have to confess that I'm very nervous... I could hardly sleep all night." he admitted, adjusting his hair. She laughed.

"You're going to love it, I'm sure." then, both of them got up. Avad went to the bathroom, washed his face, and then applied some makeup, while she dressed in the room. Most of the luggage had been packed the previous afternoon, but there were still some final touches, especially on Avad's part, who was not very sure about what to wear. In search of suitable attire, he opened his large wardrobe and nervously rummaged through the clothes hanging on hangers "What's happening?" she asked when she noticed the king's nervousness.

"I don't have warm clothes... It's not cold here, and it's not necessary, but I'll freeze there." he replied, pulling out a couple of T-shirts and showing them "Because it's much colder there, right?"

"Yes, but don't worry, I know a tailor there who is a good friend of mine, and I was planning to buy something suitable for you." she replied, looking at the open wardrobe. On the floor of the furniture, among the clothes, she could see something made of wood... An instrument? And it was leaning on what seemed to be... a canvas partially covered with a sheet or something. Avad closed the wardrobe.

"Then I'll wrap myself in the cape until we get something better." he replied, determined. "I'll get dressed, and... we go out."

"And... are you ready now?" she asked, noticing that there was no bow among his things.

"Yes, I think so." he replied.

"But... aren't you carrying any weapons?" she asked, surprised "We shouldn't have problems on the journey, but it's always good to have them to defend ourselves."

"Yes, yes, I think the same, that's why I have the sword." he replied, lifting the cape he had left on the bed, revealing the weapon.

They didn't take long to finish the last preparations. She carried her usual travel bag, and he had a small shoulder bag with some clothes and other personal items. Once they were ready, they stealthily left the room. Aloy was dressed in her worn armor, her hunting bow strapped to her back, and the quiver full of arrows attached to her waist; and, of course, the spear. The Sun-King wore work clothes under a dark-colored cape, with the hood covering his head, and his royal sword hidden beneath the fabric. Marad was waiting for them in the palace. The previous evening, they had agreed with him that they would leave without anyone knowing, to avoid being followed with the intention of ambushing them. Then, his royal advisor would manage the city during those days and communicate the king's absence due to a well-deserved rest after years of exhausting work, and the improvement of ties with the eastern tribe. Surely, people would understand. They walked and chatted to the north gate of the city, where they stopped for a moment.

"Enjoy these days, I hope everything goes as planned." wished the Intrepid. Avad hugged him.

"I know I'm leaving everything in good hands, thank you very much, my friend." Marad smiled.

"Hey, Aloy, before you go, you should know that this man here..." he said, slapping him on the shoulder "is damn curious even though he's been locked up here all his life, so be careful not to let anything slip." all three laughed.

"Don't worry, I won't take my eyes off him for a second". she replied, winking and with a wide smile on her face.

"Well, let's not delay this any longer... See you in a week." Avad said goodbye "And thanks for taking on such responsibility." Marad the Intrepid nodded and waved goodbye.