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Aloy stood rigidly under the bright, colorful lights of Hidden Ember. She could hear the happy cheer and merriment of the Oseram. But instead of enjoying the happiness around her, a deep frown was etched on her face. The night was warm and comfortable, and most of the settlement seemed to be out appreciating the pleasant evening, but Aloy’s attention was fixated on the exact spot where Erend had placed the note. Before she could think to stop herself, she swiped her Focus and called him.
“Aloy!” Erend quickly answered. She could hear loud background noises and realized he was in company. “How can I help you?”
Aloy paused as she searched for the words, but all she could think to ask was, “Why did you leave a note?”
“Oh, you got my note. Great.” Aloy heard a door close, and the background noise ceased.
“Yeah, I did,” Aloy said.
“I was going to call but didn’t want to bother you—knew you were on an important mission.”
“Erend, I’m never too busy for you to call me,” Aloy said, frustration evident in her voice.
“Sorry,” Erend replied sheepishly.
Aloy felt guilt eat at her stomach uncomfortably. “It’s fine,” she said, perhaps a little too harshly.
“So, how can I help you?” Erend questioned after a moment.
“Oh, no, I don’t need anything,” Aloy responded. “I…” She stopped herself as wasn’t sure why she had called. “Where are you?” She finally questioned.
“In the Claim.”
“Of course.” Just like his note had said. Aloy shut her eyes. “Is everything going well?”
“I just got here. Won’t win ’em all over, but I’ll start talking in the right ears, and hopefully, the word will spread.”
“That’s good.” Aloy rubbed her face. “I guess I’ll talk to you later then.”
“Right…” Erend paused. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”
“Yes,” Aloy said quickly. “Everything’s good. Bye.”
Aloy barely heard his reply before she abruptly ended the call. Standing still for a moment, she struggled to understand the surge of anger within her. Erend hadn't done anything to upset her, so why was she feeling this way? Letting out a heavy sigh, she pushed herself to start moving and descended the wooden ramp. As she walked, a few Oseram greeted her with friendly waves, but her attempt at a smile only turned into a scowl. Aloy left the settlement and made her way toward where she had perched her Sunwing. Despite knowing she would be arriving back at Base quite late, she preferred it to staying the night at Hidden Ember. Aloy simply wasn't in the right mood to be surrounded by others.
However, before she could call for the machine, her Focus buzzed with an incoming call. It was Erend. Aloy almost didn’t answer, almost ignored him, but swiftly decided she couldn’t do that to him. “Erend,” she answered, perhaps a little too briskly.
“Aloy—” Erend spoke rapidly, not giving her the opportunity to interrupt. “Look, I know you said everything’s okay. But I know you, and I know something’s wrong.”
Aloy stopped and worked down her annoyance. She wasn’t angry at Erend; she was angry at herself, and it wasn’t fair to take it out on him. “I just… I’m sorry, Erend. It isn’t you. I just had a rough mission at the Burning Shores.”
“Oh? I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Maybe. I don’t know.” Aloy looked around and saw a rock off to the side. She sat down with a sigh. “I met someone.”
“A new ally?”
“No…well maybe. I felt…attraction.” Aloy looked down at her hands as she realized that this was what she had wanted. She needed to talk about it.
“Attraction? Oh, well…” Erend took a deep breath. “Talk to me.”
Aloy shut her eyes; she hadn’t talked to anyone about Seyka. “Okay. If you’re sure?”
“I’m your friend, Aloy. I want to hear—I can tell something is bothering you.” Erend paused. “I wish I could be there, but at least I can listen.”
“Thanks, Erend. I wish you were here too.” And Aloy knew she meant it. She wanted to see the warmth of his smile and feel his large arm embrace her. He was comfort.
“So…this person?” Erend prodded.
“Seyka. Her name is Seyka.” Aloy began to talk. Told him all about her mission. How she had met the Quen woman and how the attraction had snuck up on her. Aloy picked up a stick and began drawing in the sand as she talked. She told him about Seyka’s sister, about their talk on their beach. Then she got to the kiss. Aloy hesitated for a moment before she confessed. “It was short, Erend, but it was my first. And I did like her, but I realized after we parted…that it wasn’t what I wanted.”
“To kiss her?”
“No. That was fine.” Aloy smiled. “But a relationship with Seyka wasn’t what I wanted.”
“Oh, well, that’s okay. You don’t have to fully commit to everyone you kiss.”
Aloy snorted. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You sound better,” said Erend, his voice soft.
“I feel better—thank you.” Aloy sat up on the rock. “You were right. I wasn’t okay, and I needed to talk.”
“I’m here for you.” Erend paused. “I hope you believe that.”
“I do.” Aloy took a deep breath. “Do you mind if I call you later? To talk more?”
Erend didn’t hesitate to respond, “I’d enjoy that.”
Aloy said goodbye, and a comforting warmth spread through her. She thought about calling the Sunwing but instead turned back towards Hidden Ember. Maybe she would check in with Morlund and spend some time with friends.
It quickly became a habit for Erend to call her every few days from the Claim. Even though Aloy had initiated the first calls, Erend promptly picked up the task of checking in. Their conversations were about everything. Erend would tell her about the Claim—stories about some Oseram foolery that would make her laugh. Then he would update her on the latest news. Sometimes, they would discuss what they had heard from their other friends. Aloy would tell him about Beta and the new theories they were working on, and then Aloy would gripe about Sylens. If Aloy were away on a mission, she would tell him about any strange sights or people she had met. They talked more now than when he had been at the Base. Aloy found herself making mental lists of things to tell him when he called next. She wondered if she should be the one to reach out to him instead, but Erend never brought it up, and Aloy found herself content with him taking charge of their calls.
Aloy was sitting at the desk in her room, trying not to look at her Focus to see the time; she knew Erend would be calling soon. But he didn’t. An hour passed, and Aloy had already crafted more arrows than she needed. With a sigh, she stood and walked out to the common room. Beta was sitting at the counter reviewing a few data points as she snacked on a bowl of fruit. Her head raised when Aloy walked into the room.
“How’s Erend?” she said with a smirk.
“We didn’t talk,” Aloy said.
“Oh? Is everything okay?” Beta put down the data point she was holding.
“Why wouldn’t it be?” Aloy said defensively. She couldn’t keep the scowl off her face.
Beta raised her hands. “Hey, don’t get all mad at me. You’re the one who likes him.”
Aloy was taken aback. “I don’t…not like that—we’re just friends.”
“Okay.” Beta turned back to her datapoint, her head shaking in disbelief.
“Wait.” Aloy raised her hand. “I’m serious, Beta.”
“Sure.” Beta continued to tap at the screen.
Aloy watched her as an uncomfortable feeling began to stir in her stomach. “I mean. It’s Erend.”
“Yeah, it is.”
Aloy paused as a wave of shock coursed through her. “Oh no. Do I?”
“I assumed you did.” Beta shrugged as she looked back at Aloy.
Aloy bit her lip. “It’s Erend.”
“I know,” Beta said with a huff. “You keep saying that.”
“He isn’t even here.” Aloy sat hard on the stool next to her sister.
“And?”
Aloy picked out a berry from the bowl. “How do I know that I like him?
“Why are you asking me?”
“I think I need proof.”
“Of liking him?” Beta titled her head. “Why?”
“I mean, we haven’t seen each other in a while.” Aloy rolled the berry between her fingers. “We just talk.”
“So? You already know Erend—have known him for years.” Beta shook her head. “How do you feel when you talk to him?”
Aloy sighed. “Like I want to see him.”
Beta snorted. “Aloy, you don’t need any tactile evidence to know you like Erend. I think you’ve been falling for him for a while and are just now realizing it.”
Aloy raised her brow at her sister. “When did you become an expert on relationships?”
Beta pushed herself away from the counter. “I’m not, but I find myself understanding you more. And since you started these almost daily chats with Erend…well, you’ve been different—good different.”
“Ah,” Aloy said. “So now what?”
“That I can’t help you with.” Beta shrugged.
“Thanks,” Aloy grunted, annoyed.
“You’ll figure it out. Personally, I think you should have Erend come back to the Base. It’s been too quiet around here.”
Aloy snorted amusedly as Beta walked away. With a sigh, she tossed the berry into her mouth. Aloy hated to admit it, but Beta might be correct about Erend. For the past few weeks, she had been denying and pushing aside this new longing for him. What was she supposed to do? Erend was gone. And he would not be back for some time. Wasn’t it better to wait?
With a curt nod, Aloy decided that she would. Nemesis was coming, the world was in danger, Erend was on a mission, and Aloy had enough to deal with. Until she could see Erend, she would hold off saying anything to him.
Feeling good about her decision, she grabbed her weapons and supplies to go hunting. As she readied her bow, her Focus buzzed. Her stomach flipped uncomfortably when she noticed it was Erend. Her hand shook slightly as she reached to talk to him.
“Aloy!” Erend quickly responded before she could say anything. “Sorry, I was late—got caught up in a meeting with some Ealdormen and couldn’t get out.”
“Oh, that’s okay,” Aloy said, and she hated the relief she felt when she heard his voice. “So, how are things going?”
“Things are not going as well as I hoped, and I think I’ll be here a while longer.” Erend sighed loudly. “The Oseram are a stubborn bunch, but I’m determined to get the support you need.”
Aloy wanted to tell him to forget the stupid Ealdormen and come back, but she couldn’t. “You’re doing good, Erend. I know you’re working hard.”
“I’m trying.” Erend cleared his throat. “So, what are you up to?”
“Oh, I was about to go hunting—getting low on our supplies. Beta would not be happy if we ran out of food.”
Erend chuckled. “Yeah, she gets grumpy when she’s hungry. Okay, then, I won’t keep you.”
“It’s fine,” Aloy said swiftly.
“I’ll call again, and hopefully will have better news.”
“Okay.” Aloy tried to swallow her disappointment at the call ending so soon.
Erend disconnected the call, and Aloy shut her eyes. Why did she have to fall for him now? Why couldn’t this have happened when he was here and tangible? Where she could see him and know if these feelings were genuine? Aloy gripped her bow in frustration. Damn her heart for falling at the wrong time.
The calls continued over the next week, and they were much shorter than they had been. Aloy could tell that Erend was getting frustrated at the Oseram, but there wasn’t much she could do. The worst part was wanting to talk to him and then feeling disappointed when he was delayed or had to cut the call short.
Aloy was sitting in the common room and cleaning her equipment, perhaps a little too roughly. She was becoming increasingly irritated at her situation. She had just returned to the Base from scouting a location on Londra’s list. It had been a success, as she found some valuable data in the old ruin. Beta had been very excited when she saw it and immediately showed it to Sylens, whose eyes had widened. The two of them had been locked in the archive room since.
This was good news. However, it also meant Aloy was now sitting here alone with her frustrating thoughts. The reason behind her dark mood was clear—Erend had missed yet another one of their chats. Aloy's attempt to delay confronting her feelings for Erend was proving unsuccessful. Each interaction with him made it increasingly difficult to contain her feelings. Acknowledging her attraction had opened a floodgate, making it a struggle to push her desire away. And now she was angry with herself for losing control over her emotions. Setting her spear down with a grunt of annoyance, Aloy found herself at a loss and had to admit that she didn’t know what to do.
Erend finally called later that night as she was getting ready for bed. Aloy knew she was in a foul mood and was having difficulty not taking it out on him as they talked.
“Why are you so upset with me?” Erend asked after she had responded harshly to another comment.
“I’m not,” she said, her voice sounding petulant.
“Yes, you are.” Erend’s voice was firm.
Aloy sighed. She knew she was being ridiculous. “Look…just forget about it.” She was silent for a minute. “You’re right, and I’m sorry…just never mind.”
“No. Wait. I need to know, Aloy,” Erend pleaded gently. “I need to know what I did to offend you.”
Aloy quickly said, “Nothing.”
“Aloy—” Erend began.
His insistent voice broke her, and she blurted, “You didn’t do anything. You’re just you.”
Erend was silent for a moment. “I’m confused,” he said after a minute.
Aloy had stopped pacing and leaned against the desk, knocking over a few of her crafting supplies. They clattered to the ground, and she watched with detached annoyance. Finally, she decided to stop fighting herself and confess to Erend. He deserved the truth. “I know it’s confusing. But it’s me.”
“You?” Erend asked.
“Yeah.” Aloy rubbed her face. “It is me and you. And…” She couldn’t do it—she couldn’t get the words out.
Erend was silent as he waited for her to continue. “What?” He finally asked in a quiet voice.
“Erend—” Aloy tried to swallow her fear but was losing the battle. “I can’t do this.”
“What can’t you do?”
Aloy’s voice was low as she responded. “I do want to, but sometimes it scares me.”
“Want to what? Aloy, you aren’t making any sense.” Erend replied. She could visualize the confusion in his features.
“Erend—” Aloy looked down at her hands.
“Aloy, please just talk to me,” Erend begged. “What do you want?”
Aloy sighed as she rubbed her arms. “I…Erend, I want you.”
“Oh,” Erend replied with a quiet stunned voice.
“Yeah.”
“And this is why you are angry at me?”
“I’m more angry at myself—for falling for you.”
“Um—sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” Aloy said, exasperated. “That makes it worse.”
Erend remained silent and Aloy knew she had caught him off guard with her revelation. She sensed his struggle to find the right words, and the quietness around them grew more exasperating by the moment. After a moment, he spoke in a soft tone, reassuring her, “Aloy, nothing has to happen. Just because you have feelings for someone doesn’t mean anything has to change.”
Aloy nodded even though she knew he couldn’t see her. “Would you?”
“Would I what?” he asked.
Aloy took a deep breath. “Want to be with me?”
“Of course!” Erend responded quickly. “I don’t think I’ve hidden my feelings all that well. But I’m your friend first and always will be.”
“Really?” Aloy asked.
“Yes. Aloy, nothing has to change.”
Relief flooded Aloy. Even though it wasn't exactly what she desired, the fact that Erend was ready to carry on as if everything was the same brought her a sense of peace. “Thanks. But I don’t know if that’s what I want.”
“Okay, then what do you want me to do?”
“I don’t know.” She was silent. “But I do know I wish you here.”
“Oh.” Erend paused. “You know I would if…”
“I know.” Aloy swallowed hard. “And you’re doing good and needed there.”
“Aloy—”
“Erend, I know what I want can’t happen.”
“Aloy—”
“It’s not fair to you—”
“Aloy!” Erend half-laughed as he tried to get her attention. “If you want me, I’m yours. If you want to wait, I will.”
Aloy shut her eyes and thought. She knew what she wanted, what she had been denying herself. Finally with a deep breath she spoke, “I want to try. Even if I can’t see you right now. I want to know we’re together.”
“Then we are,” Erend replied instantly.
“That’s it?” Aloy asked, surprised at how simple it was.
“Well, if I was there, I’d probably sweep you into my arms. But since I can’t, I guess saying it is about as much as we’ll get.”
Aloy felt her face heat at the idea. “Right. I’m sorry.”
“For what? You do know you’ve just made the happiest I’ve ever been.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Aloy, as much as I want to hold you right now—just knowing that’s what you want too…well, it’s enough.”
“Okay.” Aloy let out a delighted laugh. “So, we can do this?”
“Steel to my soul—I’m yours,” Erend said, his voice deep with sincerity.
Aloy sat down in relief. She hadn’t realized how this would feel, even if he wasn’t there, knowing he wanted her, wanted them, was enough. “Then I’m yours too.”
Two months later, Aloy waited anxiously outside the eastern door of the Base. She knew watching the path wouldn’t make him arrive sooner, but she had never been so restless. Beta had practically kicked her out this morning as she kept pacing the common room. Told Aloy that if she didn’t leave, she would lose her mind, and they needed Beta’s brain with Nemesis coming. So, her sister had ordered her to get out. Aloy had initially planned to go hunting to take her mind off Erend’s approach. But as soon as she stepped outside, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the path.
Aloy had no idea how long she had been waiting, but finally, she saw a yellow blur racing toward the Base in the distance. Aloy’s stomach began to flip uncomfortably. She couldn’t wait to see him, but she was also terrified. This would be her first time facing him since her confession, since they agreed they were together.
As the yellow blur in the distance gradually sharpened into a familiar figure, Aloy's heart quickened with anticipation. Without hesitation, she leaped down the path, not wanting to wait for him to come to her. In a few minutes, she could make out his expression and, more importantly, his beaming smile. One that she knew was echoed in her own features. When Erend was a little distance away, he slowed his Charger and dismounted. His feet had barely touched the ground when Aloy’s legs propelled her into his waiting arms. He swung her around as her arms looped around his neck. He was so warm and so real.
After the initial rush of movement, they stood and held each other. Aloy buried her face in his neck and knew she was home. This was the tactile proof she had needed. This feeling. This moment. This was right.
“Hi,” Erend said, his voice muffled in her hair.
“Hi,” she said back with a soft laugh. Reluctantly, Aloy pulled slightly away. “I thought you’d never get here.”
“I came as fast as I could. I kept thinking that you’d change your mind.” Erend studied her face.
Aloy reached up to touch his face and ran her fingers through his beard. “Never,” she said softly.
“I can’t believe this is real.” Erend smiled, and his eyes lowered to her lips, but he made no move. Aloy knew he would wait for her, wait until she gave him permission. That was his way.
Aloy licked her lips as she lifted her head, meeting Erend halfway. At first, it was a slight brushing of their lips, a gentle touch that held promise. However, Aloy did not pull away. She had waited months for this moment and would not have it end too soon. She deepened the kiss by pressing her mouth against his, feeling Erend respond by tilting his head. His hands wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer to him. Sensing his tongue on her lips, Aloy eagerly opened her mouth, her whole body tingling with desire. A soft moan escaped her as their tongues rolled deliciously together, and she surrendered to the exhilarating sensation of being completely lost in him.
For two long months, Aloy had waited and dreamt of this moment. They had kept up their chats, which turned into a daily routine. Since confessing her feelings, Aloy had relaxed and was much calmer when they talked. Even though she wanted nothing more than to see him, they had to complete their own missions. Aloy had been to a few more sites, and together with the data she had already collected, Sylens and Beta were working on a solid plan for Nemesis. It had taken longer than Erend had wanted, but eventually, he had earned the support of the Oseram and was finally able to come home.
They breathlessly pulled apart but stayed wrapped in each other’s arms. “Fire and spit,” Erend said, his voice soft.
Aloy chuckled. “Yeah. That was better than I’d imagined.”
“You’d imagined kissing me?” Erend said with a sly smirk.
Aloy swatted his back playfully. “Of course. Don’t tell me you haven’t?”
“Aloy, I’ve been dreaming of kissing you for over two years. And yeah, it was much better than anything I’d imagined.” His hand reached up to tuck a stray hair behind her ear.
Aloy gripped his face and brought his head down for a second kiss. This one was softer and delicate, the emotions bubbling gently under the surface. It was a slow exploration as they learned the feel of each other. Erend’s hands moved tenderly down her back, igniting a pleasant shiver of desire along her spine. Aloy seized the moment to run her fingers through the stubble on his head, relishing the soft texture that she had longed to touch. To her surprise it wasn’t entirely smooth; there was a prickliness to it as her fingers glided down the sides. Excited by the prospect of discovering more about Erend, Aloy eagerly anticipated exploring the diverse layers and textures that composed him.
They slowly pulled apart, and Aloy ran her hand down his face, savoring the fact that he was really here. “Let’s get you home.”
Erend smiled as he turned his head to gently kiss her palm. “Home—I like the sound of that.”
Aloy grabbed his hand, and they strolled back up the path. They still had a world to save, but with Erend by her side, Aloy had all the proof she needed that they would win.