After the War's End

Chapter 37

A hand gave him three taps on the shoulder. Avad turned, finding himself face to face with Aloy. She spoke, but the music and revelry drowned out her voice, so she gestured for them to go talk somewhere quieter. They deftly slipped through the crowd, managing, somehow, to go unnoticed. It was probably thanks to the noise and the drink that kept everyone distracted.

"Everything alright?" the monarch asked.

"Yes, yes... I wanted to tell you that now is a good time to show you something we left pending when we arrived here... Do you remember?"

"Yes, of course I remember." he responded, unable to tear his gaze away from her eyes. "Are you sure it's a good idea?"

"Of course, this is the best time, everyone's at the party, but if you think it's too risky, which I understand, we can leave it for later."

"Actually... I'd love to understand what you tried to explain to me while Teersa prayed for us." he admitted. "I want to go." With that, she took his hand, and they began to walk up the path. Accompanied by the moonlight, they ascended while Aloy occasionally lit her torch to check the perimeter. Then, she startled Avad by grabbing his wrist and pulling him to hide behind one of the wooden houses. "What's happening?" he whispered, confused.

"Lansra. She's coming down from the Sacred Mountain." she replied. The woman passed by grumbling about the "inappropriate" party they had thrown.

"But... wasn't everyone at the party?" he asked with concern, thinking that what he was about to do could be considered a great, or rather, enormous offense. They emerged from their hiding spot and continued climbing. It was then that the Nora noticed his unease and took his hand, saying, "No one will see us. Considering that practically everyone except Lansra will be at the party and that I have experience infiltrating guarded places, it's impossible for us to get caught. Still, in the unlikely event that things start to get complicated, I promise we'll turn back." The Sun-King realized that it was really important to her. That, combined with her experience sneaking into places unseen, gave him confidence. After all, she had saved him from Dervahl, undoubtedly one of his most skilled enemies, and had snuck into the middle of the spectacle at the Sun Ring to rescue him from certain death. "Besides, if they get stubborn, I can get even more stubborn." they both chuckled.

"News about it reached me when you went to the embassy." he responded with a smile. Then he added, "I'll follow you wherever you take me, Aloy." in a confident and solemn tone. She smiled back at him, and they continued their journey until they reached the door. She turned on her torch to see who was there. She sighed, "Do you see anyone?"

"Yes... It's Resh... Nobody important, we just don't get along. He's further ahead. Come on, let's go in. If you trust me, we'll be able to get through without any trouble." they entered the room quietly. Avad was completely focused on her, waiting for any signal from her to advance or stop. Then, they stopped in a corner. "When I count to 3, we'll walk very quickly making as little noise as possible to the end of the hallway," she instructed. He nodded. The hunter activated her torch and watched. The man walked slowly ahead. He was nearing a fork. The young woman fervently wished he would turn right and leave them a clear path. "One..." she began the countdown. Each moment he was getting closer. "Two..." he reached the corner and, fortunately, turned it. Perfect. Aloy waited a few seconds before saying the final number, "and... three." They both moved quickly until they reached the door leading to the great sacred chamber. Aloy placed her hand on the metal door's circle, and it opened. They entered the room, closing the door behind them, then proceeded slowly through the room. "Wait for me here." she ordered, causing him to stop at the bottom of the stairs leading to the large door.