After the War's End

Chapter 36

That afternoon, the couple prepared to descend to Mother's Heart for the welcome party that the Matriarch had prepared for them. It was a calm afternoon, the sky was clear, and a gentle breeze swayed the trees. It seemed unlikely to snow, at least until nightfall. It was a perfect day to gather outdoors with the inhabitants of the Embrace.

"Do you think it's appropriate for me to go like this?" the monarch asked, standing in front of Aloy in the outfit designed by Teb, with his crown on his head, analyzing himself with a serious look. Clearly, he was worried about what might happen that night. "Will they be okay with me dressing like one of them?" The huntress approached him and took his hands.

"You have the approval of two Matriarchs and mine, and everyone knows you're trying to bring peace among all the tribes. Add to that the fact that this outfit suits you so well... It will be fine; you'll see that as soon as they see who you are, they'll discover that you're an incredible person," she encouraged, gently caressing his cheek and kissing his lips sweetly as she adjusted the neckline of Avad's attire.

"Thank you." he whispered when they parted their mouths, holding the huntress's back with both hands. She smiled kindly at him.

"I won't take my eyes off you for a moment; nothing will happen."

A gentle breeze enveloped them as they stepped outside. Aloy whistled to summon the Strider that would take them to the village. Both mounted and approached at a moderate pace toward Mother's Heart. On the way, the Nora let out a long sigh.

"Is something wrong, Aloy?" he asked, thinking that maybe she didn't feel well because of Rost, or that she wasn't convinced about bringing him to the party because everything would surely go wrong.

"Well... it turns out I don't like parties... There are so many people... I grew up alone with Rost; I like solitary places. Everyone will be there, I don't want them bowing to me or starting to call me 'Anointed.' Everyone stares at me, and that makes me uncomfortable, but I think all this will improve your image significantly."

"I understand how you feel. It's a lot of pressure to be treated like a god. If you want, instead of disappearing without a trace before it starts," he explained, referring to how she left without notice before the party held in her honor in Meridian, "we can attend for a while, just enough for me to be introduced and make an appearance, and then go home."

"Are you talking about disappearing because of something specific?" she asked, understanding his reference perfectly, turning to him, tilting her head with a slight smile and raised eyebrows.

"Yes, but I have nothing to blame you for... You had other matters. I'm sorry if it bothered you..."

"Don't apologize, Avad. It wasn't right for me to leave like that without a trace. When I reunited with Erend in the Forbidden West... he was... angry with me for leaving without 'even a handshake'..." she added, laughing. "I've experienced worse; I guess I can survive the party."

They dismounted before entering the village. Even from the outside, they could hear drums, music, and the murmur of many people. Both felt somewhat nervous, especially the monarch. The uncertainty about the Nora's reaction to his presence deeply troubled him. Shortly after entering Mother's Heart, Teersa came out to greet them.