After a good two months of hard labour, Meridian was starting to appear more like a city and less like a heap of crumbling rock. Aloy found herself very impressed with the people of Meridian and the Oseram. Together they had rebuilt a substantial amount which was stronger and better before. Of course there was still a long way to go - the grand elevators had yet to be touched - but the current state of the city was something to marvel at.

Aloy had yet to return to the Sacred Lands. At this point, she figured her time in Meridian was well spent. She'd done her part in the reconstruction - even though she was never asked to help - it was time to return to her home and see how the Nora were fairing. Some time ago, Avad had sent some of his best guards and workers to the Nora region to aid with the cleanup. Aloy had kindly accepted the offer but still needed to return herself. People there worshiped her now, even though Aloy didn't particularly enjoy it. She was a symbol of sorts to them. Of hope or strength or bravery. Perhaps all three applied. Her return would calm any worries or fears they had. Plus, if there was any work in rebuilding to be done, Aloy would be eager to lend a hand in those affairs.

At her cozy home in the market of Meridian, Aloy busied herself by packing the things she'd need for the journey home. She laid everything out on her bed. Bows, arrows, water, medicinal berries, warm leathers and furs for the Sacred Lands. At this point in the year, the temperatures turned quite cold in the Embrace with the onset of winter. Aloy also planned to override a Strider or Broadhead once she got outside the city to alleviate some of the walking. She estimated the journey home would take two days minimum, three at the max depending on how many machines she could encounter. She definitely had enough supplies to last and of course, if worse came to worse, she'd obviously hunt.

As Aloy finished packing up the last few necessities, she heard a gentle tap on the wall. She spun to see Avad standing at the stairs leading from the main floor. He had a curious look on his face.

"Aloy. Going somewhere?" Avad questioned.

Aloy gave a sheepish smile. She hadn't told Avad her plans yet. In truth she'd been avoiding it as it was the hardest part of this journey. The two had spent a lot of time together since their kiss at Dusk Mesa a few weeks ago. It would difficult, saying goodbye for some time. Aloy planned to stay in the Sacred Lands for a month at least, perhaps more.

"I…uh…well this wasn't how I planned this. Here, come sit," Aloy beckoned towards the bed. Avad obliged and came to sit beside Aloy. She took hold of his hands in hers, gripping firmly.

"I'm returning to the Nora region. It's long overdue I make the journey back. They may have outcast me at birth and I…well…may have no family there but…it's where I grew up. Learned everything I know about myself. It's my home and I need to see how my people are fairing," Aloy explained.

"I see. I suppose I can't stop you. You're right. You have been here a long time and have provided immense help for us which I cannot thank you enough for. How…how long will you be gone?" Avad had a solemn look in his features.

"A month. Maybe more," Aloy concluded.

"That's a long time, Aloy," Avad breathed.

Aloy sighed. She had prepared for this. She knew Avad would try to convince her stay a while longer.

"Look, Avad. I have to go back to them. It's not fair to keep me here, you know that. I know you'll worry with me gone, so will I. Nothing will change between us. I won't allow it. I promise I'll come back as soon as I can, okay? I just need to make sure everything is okay. The tribe is weak. We lost a lot of people. What if the corrupted machines decide to attack? Or something else terrible occurs? The tribe can't defend themselves from another major attack. I want to make sure defenses are reinforced and that the people are recovering the best they can. With my presence there, they'll feel a lot better."

Avad bowed his head, defeated. He let a deep breath before returning his gaze to Aloy's. Leaning forward, he pressed his forehead to hers. Aloy brought her hands up to cup Avad's face. They kissed gently at first, then Avad deepened it by parting Aloy's mouth with his own. The passion of the kiss surprised Aloy. Her cheeks ignited with heat and she let a small moan escape her throat. Avad pulled away then, but the look on his face told Aloy they'd continue this another time.

"Okay, Aloy. Of course, I will allow you to return to the Embrace. You don't need my permission. However, let me propose this. Let me come with you. I haven't seen much of the Embrace myself. I think it would do some good for your people to see me. We are still working on mending peace between your tribe and ours," Avad suggested.

Aloy stared at him in disbelief. "Wha-are you serious? Avad, you can't. Who will rule in your absence? Your people need you right now. You can't risk leaving them. You need to stay here."

"I will have Blameless Marad take over my position for the time being. I trust him to do good work. They city is still in repairs, Aloy. I oversee them and help out when I can. Otherwise, that is everything. We'll get into more political affairs later. Let me come with you. I won't remain the whole month or however long you plan to stay. Just a few weeks. You've seen my home. Allow me to see yours."

With a reluctant sigh and shake of her head, Aloy agreed to let Avad join in her venture home. She suggested bringing a guard or two as protection but Avad deemed it a waste. He advised Aloy she was more than capable of protecting the both of them. With everything settled, Avad hurried off to the palace to inform Blameless Marad of his sudden departure from Meridian and to gather some supplies for the journey. Aloy informed him that she'd be waiting at the Meridian gates with two Broadheads.

On the dawning of the second day, Aloy and Avad gracefully arrived at the main Embrace gates. The travel through the desert towards Day Tower had been a lot easier than Aloy had anticipated. There were one or two encounters with machines that wouldn't back down but it was nothing Aloy couldn't handle. Or Avad, for that matter. The man had some impressive skills. After all, he did kill his own father to get the seat of ruler. The gates to the Embrace had been almost fully rebuilt. Aloy took notice of that immediately. She was stunned to see how well they had reinforced the gates as well. The Nora had crafted metal from downed machines into the pillars. Now, if there was ever another attack, perhaps the gates would be able to withstand higher amounts of force.

"Who desires passage?" the Nora gate keeper queried.

"Aloy, of the Nora. And Sun-King Avad, here to discuss matters with High Matriarch Teersa," Aloy responded with dignity.

At the mention of her name, Aloy was sure the man muttered Anointed under his breath before calling for the gates to be opened promptly. He gave a courteous bow towards Aloy and Avad as they trotted into the Embrace. The pair had their Broadheads continue at a gentle trot through the lands. Aloy took the time to survey the area. Lots of the foliage was still ruined. Burned trees and scorched earth. Mostly all the dead machines had been removed however, which Aloy was pleased to see. That would reduce the chances of more scavenge machines flocking into this area.

"Would you like to look around, Aloy?" Avad inquired.

"No. I'll do so later. Let me get you to Teersa. Afterwards, I'll happily take you around the Embrace," Aloy said.

"I look forward to it and the time alone with you," Avad smirked.

It didn't take long to reach the gates of Mother's Watch. Since the attack, the gates here had also been rebuilt. A few new bed-houses were also in the works. So far, things were looking very good. Aloy and Avad dismounted their Broadheads outside the gate. Aloy didn't even need to state her name. The gate keeper opened the gates on her sight. Aloy passed a quick smile to Avad. He returned and relaxed slightly. She could tell he was nervous. Some Nora still held strong distrust and hate towards the Carja due to the Red Raids. Hopefully with Aloy's presence they'd be more respectful. Side by side, the pair made their way into Mother's Watch and up towards All Mother's Mountain.

At the summit of the mountain, Matriarch Teersa was already waiting, hands behind her back, a sweet smile on her wrinkled face. Aloy broke into a jog upon laying her eyes on her. She enveloped the old woman in a fierce hug.

"Welcome home, child," Teersa greeted.

"It's good to see you again, Teersa. I'm sorry I took so long to return home," Aloy apologized.

"Oh it's quite alright, Aloy. The people here had faith that you'd return. You were injured in that battle, I'm sure. You needed time to heal. I know Meridian is just as important to you as the Embrace is. The people here still see you as the Anointed, as a saviour, as a friend," Teersa explained.

Aloy smiled at Teersa's words, feeling relieved in a sense.

"I see you've brought a friend with you," Teersa remarked.

"Oh! Yes, Teersa. I'd like you to meet Sun-King Avad. He's come here with me to see the Embrace and to discuss some matters with you."

Avad stepped forward, coming to stand beside Aloy. Teersa looked him up and down, like she was assessing if he was anything like his father. After a few moments of silence, an approving grin spread across Teersa's face. She bowed respectfully at Avad whom returned it in kind.

"A pleasure to meet you, Avad. I thank you for the aid you sent about an month ago. They were a great help here," Teersa said.

"The pleasure is all mine Teersa. Meridian is happy to provide aid. Allow me to also apologize as well for my unexpected arrival. I would have sent word, but Aloy was desperate to return," Avad explained.

"No need. I understand. Shall we get under way then? We should also discuss sending some Nora to help Meridian. There are plenty eager to go somewhere warmer. Come with me inside the mountain. We'll speak in there and I can show you around, tell you about the origin," Teersa marveled.

"That sounds intriguing. I'll follow your lead," Avad replied.

Avad gave a gracious smile towards Aloy and squeezed her hand briefly before heading off into the mountain with Teersa. Aloy sighed and spun on her heels, jogging back down to the gates. She figured she'd give Avad and Teersa a few hours, come back around sun fall. For now, she'd go around the Embrace, see how the other repairs were doing.

Mother's Cradle was well under way with repairs. It had taken quite a beating in Helis's attack. All the huts and shops had been burned to the ground. Now, a great number of huts had been rebuilt and looked better than ever. The people were thrilled to see Aloy as well, something she wasn't quite expecting. They offered her gifts for her safe return and words of kindness and soft prayers. It was a little overwhelming and Aloy wasn't sure how to accept them. She awkwardly accepted the gifts of boar pelts and hang strung beaded bracelets and necklaces. They were beautifully made, no doubt. Aloy, however, didn't feel deserving of them. With her business concluded at Mother's Cradle, Aloy mounted her Broadhead once again, and rode towards Mother's Heart.

Mother's Heart had luckily taken very little damage, if any. It was thankfully out of the way of the mountain which was Helis's target. The people cheered as she entered the village, whistling and patting her on the back as she roamed the town. Aloy was relieved when she ran into some familiar faces. Teb was here, stitching some new garments. He gave Aloy a pleasant smile and a warm welcome home. Further into the village, Aloy came upon Varl and his mother, Sona. Varl gripped Aloy's shoulders in welcome. Sona offered a curt nod with a hard expression but that was to be expected. Aloy returned her nod with a cheery smile. Aloy stayed in Mother's Heart for a while with her friends. They sat together, huddled around a warm fire and filled Aloy in on how well things were going in the Embrace. They had faced some challenges, hunting wildlife had become a little difficult as lots had been killed in the attack and the machines still remained a threat but the Nora were persevering. Varl was hopeful they'd be stronger than ever very soon.

Aloy departed Mother's Heart after spending a handful of hours there. She still had some time before sun fall so Aloy set out on a path. She took it to a cliffside and scaled the side until she came out on top of the rocky cliff. There, she had a magnificent view of the Embrace and a gorgeous view of the sun making it's descent. Most importantly, Aloy had quiet. All she could hear were the birds singing their evening song, crickets chirping in the grass, the rustle of leaves and bushes and somewhere far off, the distant stirring of a river. It was serene and peaceful. Aloy took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She observed the scenery around her, the sky gradually shifting into deep pinks and oranges as the sun dipped in behind the mountains. The air grew ever more chilled. Aloy's breath became visible when she breathed out. This, the Embrace, was something Aloy had missed greatly but didn't realize until this exact moment. Meridian was beautiful, in it's own way. The Embrace, however, would always be her home. Her favourite place in the world.

With the sun almost gone behind the mountains, Aloy climbed back down the small cliffside and hopped onto her Broadhead. She galloped along the path back towards All Mother's Mountain. Once she reached the gates, she dismounted and sprinted to the top. Avad and Teersa weren't outside so Aloy entered the mountain to see where the the two had went. She found them in the center of the mountain. They were both standing on the platform, examining the door - or The Goddess as Teersa called it.

"Teersa, I don't think you're able to fool the door into opening for you," Aloy joked.

"I would never dare, child. The Goddess chose you and you alone to show what lies beyond," Teersa remarked.

Aloy giggled softly. "Are you done for the day? Avad is planning on staying for a few weeks so you'll have plenty of time to discuss political matters," Aloy informed.

"Yes, I think I've droned on enough to Avad here. You two must be tired from your travels as well. May I offer you residence here for the evening? Anyone without a home, regardless of tribe status can reside within the mountain now," Teersa revealed.

"I'm happy to hear that, but we won't be staying here. There's…somewhere else I'd like Avad to see and I think it'll be a good place for us tonight," Aloy said.

Recognition crossed Teersa's features briefly. She nodded and bowed quickly before bidding the two goodnight.

"Where are we going?" Avad asked as they exited the mountain.

"You'll see," Aloy words carried a hint of sadness.

The duo arrived at the base of a small cliff. Aloy dismounted her Broadhead and signaled for Avad to follow.

"How good are you at climbing rock faces?" Aloy asked with a devilish smile.

"Ha, I'd say I'm decent. I can climb without you having to worry about me falling," Avad remarked.

"Alright then. Just follow my lead. Where ever my foot goes, yours goes. Whatever my hand grasps, yours will grasp," Aloy informed.

Avad nodded quickly in understanding. He shadowed Aloy's movements the best he could as they hugged the rock face. As long as Avad didn't look down, he believed he'd be all right. In time, they surfaced over the top and landed on a flat ground. A bridge connected them to a path that lead up towards a homey looking gate and perhaps a homey hut beyond. Avad wondered if this was Aloy's home. Where she once used to live.

Aloy escorted Avad towards her…home. No. It wasn't home anymore. Not without Rost. It pained her to return here. Every time she returned here. However, she had to show Avad the one place left in the world that maybe, just maybe could become a home again with the right person.
She stopped short in front of Rost's grave. It was solemn and grey and cold in appearance. Aloy hadn't been back in so long that it had become unkempt. Snow concealed most of the grave. The delicate flowers strung around had long since wilted and died. Aloy made a quick mental note to tidy it up later. Approaching the grave, Aloy knelt down tenderly. Avad remained respectfully quiet. Aloy had had so much on her mind since the battle that she'd forgotten how much she missed Rost. Her chin trembled and she half choked back a sob. Hot tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. Her hand found it's way to her collar where she dug out and fingered the necklace that Rost had given Aloy as a child. Caught up in distant memories, Aloy failed to notice Avad had come to kneel beside her. His face was mournful. He knew this was someone Aloy had cared about greatly. Gently, Avad put his arm around Aloy's shoulder. He pulled her in close. Aloy's face rested against his chest while Avad pressed his chin into Aloy's fiery hair. He breathed in deeply and squeezed her tightly. Not wanting to hold back her sorrow any longer, Aloy let loose a heartbreaking cry. She buried her face into Avad's chest, wailing until her heart was content. Avad just held her tighter. No words. Just silent comfort.

Some time later, once Aloy had exhausted her tears and felt, well, no better in truth, she took Avad by the hand and brought him past the gate into the small enclosed area where Rost's little abode remained. This place was in disarray as well and Aloy added it to her list of things to tidy up. She hadn't gone inside this hut since before the Proving. She'd thought about it, but she didn't want to be reminded. She cast this place out as a home and figured if she had no home, she'd have the focus to journey and find out who she was and where she came from. And it worked. Now, that chapter of her life was over and it was time to start anew. What better place than where it all began. Aloy hesitated in front of the door to the hut, still gripping Avad's hand.

"Aloy," Avad began, "If this place has unpleasant memories associated with it we don't have to go in. Let's go back to All Mother's Mountain and stay the night there."

Aloy took a deep breath, "No. You wanted to see my home. This is my home."

With that said, Aloy gingerly pushed the door open and stepped inside. It was dark and dank. Once again, tiding was priority. Aloy set about, fluffy blankets and wiping down the very little furniture present. She noticed the wood in the firepit was still in good shape to burn. She lit what was in the pit and then instructed Avad where he could find out back. While he fetched more wood, Aloy finished cleaning the abode to the best of her capabilities. She set out some dried berries and nuts in a neatly chiseled bowl she found. Rost's work. Always so immaculate. She also laid out some fur hide blankets on the floor and some pillows to sit on by the fire. Avad returned with a armful of chopped firewood. Aloy tossed a few logs into the pit to help it grow. The rest she tucked away. The pair dropped to the floor and snuggled next to each other. As strange as it was to be back here, Aloy was starting to feel a little at home for the first time in a long while. Perhaps one day, she could make this place her own home.

"His name was Rost. He was the only parental figure I ever had," Aloy said after some time had passed.

"Tell me about him," Avad said.

Aloy described to Avad the kind of person Rost was. He could be quiet and reserved at times, or fierce and bold the next. She told him about all the things he'd taught her and that the only reason she was so good at hunting machines was due to Rost being an excellent teacher. Aloy recounted the story Matriarch Teersa had told her, about how Rost became an outcast and the terrible fate of his family. She told him about how he saved her and sacrificed himself at the Proving. All the while, Avad just listened. He asked a few questions here and there, but mostly listened. He just wanted to know more about the man that made Aloy the woman she was today. A man he'd never get to know.

"He sounds like a wonderful person. The world is lesser with him gone. I'm sorry for all the pain his death caused you, Aloy. If you ever want to talk about him or anyone else, I'm here to listen," Avad assured.

Aloy smiled wistfully. "Thank you, Avad. I miss him a lot but he saved me. He's always right here. In my heart. In my memories. In the stories of all the people who knew him."

Aloy pressed her hand against her chest, over her heart. She gazed up at Avad and smiled warmly. Avad then grasped her hand and pulled it over to his chest, pressing it against his heart. She could feel it beating at steady pace. Healthy. Alive. Hers. In a swift motion and without a second thought, Aloy pushed Avad to the ground. She took him up in a heated kiss. She was passionate, spreading his mouth open and letting their tongues find each other. Avad gripped Aloy's slender waist and returned her kisses with the same amount of hunger and passion. In time, their clothes were shed and thrown to the side. Avad rolled Aloy over so she laid beneath him. She was exposed and vulnerable and beautiful. He kissed her again and then moved down to her neck and kissed and nipped there. He could feel her nails dig into his back. This moment was everything and more to the both of them. For the next few hours, they'd spend it as one.

When their ecstatic and aroused energy wore off, Aloy found her naked and slightly sweaty self curled up against Avad's naked and slightly sweaty body. They lay on top of the fur hide blankets, the fire gracefully dying beside them. She traced little shapes on Avad's firm chest with a slender finger. In this tender moment, Aloy felt so lucky to have this incredibly kind and caring man in her life. She was certain he felt the same way about her.

"Avad, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Aloy. What's on your brilliant mind?" Avad inquired.

"The future," Aloy sat up just enough so she could see his eyes. "What…is going to happen with us? This connection - er…relationship we have, is it something you want…long term? How will we tell the people of Meridian? Would they even approve?"

Avad sighed softly and took a moment to mull over the multitude of questions.

"If I'm being completely honest, I don't know what the future holds, Aloy. I do want us to be long term, absolutely. For now, we'll continue to keep our relationship private in Meridian. If the people were to discover it or we were to tell them, I think they'd mostly approve. You're well liked it the city. No doubt there are whispered rumors about us. Even if the people disapproved, I'd still choose to be with you. I have immense feelings for you, Aloy. Perhaps, one day when you are ready, I'll ask you to stand by my side."

"By your side? Like a Sun-Queen?" Aloy smiled mischievously.

"Aha. I did hear from one of the Sun-Priests that you were upset by the fact Meridian has never had a Queen. I agree with your complaint. I'm…in talks about changing that. And if you are interested in being my Sun-Queen one day, I'd be utterly content," Avad said sincerely.

"So far I like the sound of that future. I think we'll be able to achieve it with some work," Aloy reckoned.

Avad smiled brightly in response and pulled Aloy down for another kiss. They pressed foreheads briefly before Aloy curled up once again. Soon, they lulled each other into a peaceful slumber. Whatever the future held for the fiery duo, Aloy and Avad would be ready to face it as one.

Fin

Authour's Note: Thank you all so much for reading this little fic of mine. I appreciate all your kind reviews on it. Makes me happy. This is end and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Many thanks again. Have a lovely day!

A