Journey

After the negotiations with Sun King Avad were finally concluded, I took some time to be with my partner, Albedo. We spent the evening discussing the final preparations for my journey through Carja lands. She would remain in the capital, overseeing the governance of our territories with the newly formed council. The weight of leadership would rest on her shoulders for the time being, but I had no doubt in her capabilities, if anything, she was better suited for ruling than I was.

The preparations for the expedition were nearly complete. I, along with a small group of four elite Spartans, would travel across Carja territory, seeking out ruins, ancient technology, and anything that could strengthen us for the conflicts to come. A small team was essential—we could move unnoticed, avoiding unnecessary attention or suspicion. I didn't want anyone outside our trusted circle to know about my mission.

As I wandered through the streets of Mother's Light, watching my people go about their lives, I couldn't help but smile. The city thrived with activity, merchants haggling, children playing, and workers expanding roads and buildings. There was a sense of purpose, of pride, in everyone I passed. Blood, sweat, and tears had been poured into making this place what it was, and seeing it all come together made every sacrifice worthwhile.

Upon reaching the palace, I made my way directly to the oval chamber, where Albedo sat, immersed in a mountain of paperwork. 

"The preparations are done. Tomorrow, I'll leave for the Sundom," I said softly, stepping beside her and gently resting my hand on her belly. A small, proud smile crept onto my face as I felt the faint movements of our unborn child.

She hummed, placing her hand over mine. "Do you really have to go?" she asked, though we both knew the answer.

I nodded. "Yes. We've discussed this. Don't worry—I'll return in time for the birth." I met her eyes, ensuring she saw the truth in my words.

She sighed before giving me a small smirk. "Then let's make the most of today."

The next morning, at dawn, my guards and I left the capital, disguised as Carja merchants. Our route would take us through the winding roads leading to the Sundom, our mission clear, locate ancient ruins, recover lost technology, and find any resources that could tip the balance in the battles to come.

The journey was smooth at first. The roads, newly built and maintained by my people, made travel efficient. Along the way, we encountered various travelers, Nora, Banuk, Oseram, and even some Carja who dared to move freely despite the lingering tensions of the past war.

Being in disguise allowed me to converse freely with these people. Most were traders, eager to establish connections with our merchants, but there were also hunters, drawn to the untamed wilds, eager to test their mettle against new and unknown machines. 

"Tomorrow, we should reach the Sundom, Your Majesty," Klein, my guard captain, reported as we set up camp for the night.

I sighed, shaking my head. "Klein… how many times must I tell you? No 'Your Majesty.' We are merchants. My name is Tesla."

He stiffened before nodding. "Apologies, Majes—uh, Master Tesla."

"Better," I replied with a chuckle.

We sat by the fire, reviewing our plans. Rheia, our master spy, had already crafted an optimal route based on the intelligence she had gathered, but with my own knowledge, I made slight adjustments. I knew what was coming.

The timeline was aligning. In a few months, Aloy would enter the Proving, and the Shadow Carja would make their move. When the time came, I would be there, ensuring she had the means to open doors that had remained shut for centuries.

POV: Aloy

The past few years had been exhausting, but incredible. Rost's training was relentless, harsh, and grueling, but exactly what I needed. Every day, I pushed myself beyond my limits, determined to be the best, to prove myself, and to earn the answers that the Matriarchs guarded so fiercely.

But that wasn't my only training. Albedo and Noir had taught me things I never even knew existed, history, science, tactics. Knowledge beyond anything the Nora could offer. And unlike with the tribe, I wasn't an outcast in these lessons. I had peers, and people who treated me as an equal. Even if I couldn't physically be with them, their guidance meant everything.

The Proving was coming. My chance to finally be seen, to finally be heard. And I would not fail. Not after everything I had endured.

I had a feeling that the world was about to change. 

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Writer's block and work prevent me form writing for a while. 

Horizon Zero Dawn story will commence soon. 

Thank you for your patience and support.