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HADES was defeated. Aloy found herself on her back on the ground. Her hands tingled from the hilt of the spear. The machines fell to the ground and the city was saved. Silence. Aloy was momentarily afraid that she had gone deaf. She stood up and looked around. The city standed in front of her except for a few losses. She found herself striding to the cliff behind the Spire with Erend in tow. She was glad to see him without serious injuries. On the other side, Varl smiled at her. Avad was standing opposite on the balcony of the palace, anxiously scanning the Spire. Then he saw Aloy, who raised her bow in the air and signaled: They won.The people burst into cheering. The soldiers fell into each other's neck. The city was saved.
Aloy was heading into the palace's direction soon. She saw that luckily they were all in one piece. Varl hurried towards to the Nora warriors immediately, Erend checked his Vanguards. Aloy looked around, the citizens helped each other or mourned they beloved ones. The bloodshed of the thirteenth king it hasn't passed yet completely and now here a newer loss. Blameless Marad appeared, bowed before her deeply.
"His Radiance wishes to see the Savior of Meridian." he said and Aloy didn't understand what his talking about for a moment and looked behind her back before realizing that Marad was talking to her.
"I..I don't..."she tried to protest, but before she could say anything with Marad and two of the royal guards were walking between the palace walls.
The Sun-King leaned the palace's wall. He looked around and he's men celebrated they victory. They thanked for one person. This Nora girl from the far east, who has more courage and fearlessness than all of them combined. He praised the Sun that he saw her victory. He felt how much he is tired. But they are alive and Meridian did not become equal to the earth. He saw from the palace that Marad come with Aloy. This girl spinned upside down his life.
She found her in familiar surroundings, at the lounge room next to Avad's outside throne. "Aloy are you okay? You're not hurt?" blurted to her, then nodded to Marad who and with the two guards he left the lounge.
"Just a couple of bruise." waved her hand. Nothing serious that she couldn't handle with her own. "Savior of Meridian?" Aloy looked up at him and blushed.
"This is the least." Avad replied and stepped closer. "We can't be grateful to you enough" his voice almost caressed Aloy. Her skin got goosebumps and she caught her gaze almost bewitched by those brown eyes. She must not weaken, not now.
When she heard about the Sun-King for the first time, she can't imagine him. In her imagination there was so many persons with various lookings. Erend spoke about him on they first met. But when Aloy met with him, she felt the electric shock in her body like a Stormbird's attack. As he stood there in all his royal glory. Broad shoulders, muscular upper body. And Aloy couldn't help but stare and notice how handsome he was. She felt embarrassed in his presence and found it better to banish that unknown feeling to the depths and instead deal with the 'Dervahl' problem to be solved. Avad was beyond her reach anyway, as in Sundom's eyes he was a god incarnate.
But as he stood there in front of her all of her toughts suddenly got tangled up in her mind. Her greenish eyes analyzed his face. She clenched her hands into fists and dug her nails into her palms to divert her toughts, but then Avad took another step towards her. She could feel the warmth and scent of his body. Sandalwood and some exotic flower mixed with his sweat and his own scent which almost completly intoxicated Aloy. Avad just looked at her with admiration. The Savior of Meridian. He could't take his eyes of her. He losed the relationship with the reality. His hand suddenly slid to her chin and his touch was so gentle and soft as Aloy leaned her face to his palm. His eyes bore straight into Aloy's eyes. She felt almost drowning in those brown eyes. As much as Aloy didn't want to he cupped her face in his palm and warmth ran trough her body.
"You're a wonderful phenomenon, don't you know? Sun and shadow I've never seen anything like it." he lowered his voice so that only she could hear him and Aloy wasn't sure it was his fingers caressed her face or his velvety voice.
"Avad, I..."she would have started and their faces were very close at the same time. She could almost feel Avad's breath on her face. He took a deep breath and finally pulled away and pressed a kiss to Aloy's forehead. She felt his hesitation.
At that moment voices came from the distance and both of them moved back. Avad was still looking at her and Aloy cleared her throat. She could still feel his touch on her chin.
Erend burst into the living room with Marad in joy, then noticed them.
"Hey, here's the hero of the day, the Savior of Meridian!" stood next Aloy and patted her shoulder with his bear hand. Aloy smiled and looked at Avad.
"Just Aloy." she didn't want epithets on herself. She just did what she had to do.
"Hahh, that's the least, but if you want it that way." he smiled at her "Well, I hope all of Meridian will celebrate today" he glanced at Avad who agreed and looked at Marad.
"Please take care of the people and our allies. Get them everything they need!" Marad nodded "As you wish".
Avad continued "Tonight we celebrate and tomorrow we will start rebuilding the city. We have a lot of work to do. But Meridian is saved and tomorrow the Sun will shine on it again."
"That's the spirit!" Erend punched the air and folded his arms in front of him in satisfaction.
***
Aloy was given a room in the palace, she altough she protested in vain but Avad insisted that she spend the night there. She was impressed by the size of the room. The furnishing and furniture were all the finest Carja works. The room also included a bathroom and a huge balcony. The house she grew up in would fit four times in the entire room. It was unusual for her. She placed her weapons on the table and then the door opened and a servant entered with a tray in hand. She bowed.
"Savior of Meridian, would you like a bath?" she looked at her and Aloy shook her head.
"Just Aloy and yes I want" the promise of a bath sounded tempting. She looked down at herself and her clothes were covered in dust and dirt with some blood from her bruises. The servant nodded and went towards the bathroom. Aloy looked at the tray with food on it. Fresh fruits which Aloy doesn't even know and cheese. That's when her stomach rumbled indicating that she hadn't eaten today. She sat down and began to snack, tasting the fruits. The one she liked best was the red one with dark green skin and some black seeds. It was juicy and sweet. She was eating with relish when the servant appeared again. "How does watermelon taste?" she asked smiling and Aloy smiled too.
"So good! I don't know when I've eaten something so good." she replied, then licked the dripping juice from her fingers.
"The bath is ready." the servant waved in her direction and left the room after bowing.
She stood up and went to the bed. She started to untieing her dresses. After the battle when her body started to calm she felt all the bruises that she earned today. She longed for that bath. To relaxing and thinking. HADES's defeat against her just calmed her. But it's not over. To restore the balance, GAIA is needed and she must find the solution to restart it. She had no idea where to begin. She remembered Elisabet. Whom she regarded as her mother. One thing she knew for sure was that she had to go to that place. To where her Focus indicated Elisabet's tracks. She have to. And this moment she remembered Rost. Her heart ached about the feeling. She missed him so much. She wonder what he would say now? Aloy felt her eyes burning and curled up in the water, pulling her knees to her chest and hugging herself. She pressed her forehead to her knees and felt the knot in her throat. She tried to made deep breaths to calm herself down. She sat in this pose for minutes when she felt herself relaxed again. She leaned for the soap, when she realized that the servant left some fluffy towels as well. She was grateful. It's like the life of a Carja noble. Or the King's?
She started to clean herself, but she couldn't stop thinking about the previous few hours with the Sun-King. She closed her eyes to relive his touch and her hand slid to her chin. She felt his lips on her forehead which were so soft and delicious. A chill ran down Aloy's spine. In her whole life this was the first time that she doesn't sure about her feelings. It was complicated. She was an outcast and she lived with Rost. But the past few weeks she met so many people. And there was one among them who influenced her like no other. But Aloy was aware of Avad's situation and especially that he had recently lost someone close to him. It was unclear to her, but Aloy sensed from his words that Ersa was not just an ally, Captain of the Vanguard, but a friend, even more than that. Love. Aloy felt that she doesn't want to be a substitute. For her, there are more important things to do now, it's time to think soberly, even if her heart aches.
She left the bathroom and took her Carja Blazon armour from her pack. She placed her weapons on her back and gathered all her things and walked out the door. Aloy started down the corridor and could already hear the roar of the crowd afar. The whole town celebrated their victory. As she turned into another corridor she ran straight into Avad and his accompaniment.
"Oh, Your Radiance!" she called him in formally name and Avad smiled. He waved to his accompaniment who immadiately went on and they were left alone again.
"Just Avad" he replied and looked at her "You dont' want to leave now, do you?" he asked doubtfully because he noticed that she was standing in full marching gear.
"Avad, I have to. There are still unsolved questions and...I must have to go!" she lowered her eyes and did not dare to look up at him, because she felt that her gaze would only betray her.
"Please stay!" he asked her in that velvety voice and reached for Aloy's hand.
"It can't be.." she whispered almost to herself, shook her head and pulled her hand away from his. As much as it pained her to say it, she felt she had to go.
"Aloy, what happened on the afternoon...I'm sorry, please accept my apologie." she frowned and looked at her hands. "I think both of us need much time." she replied dryly "And maybe we'll find out what our purpose is. But now, I have to go. And Meridian needs their Sun-King."
He nodded. Maybe she's right. "But you're not going forever, are you? Is there a chance you'll come back?" his voice was hopeful.
"Maybe as soon as I have the chance. I don't know where my path will lead. I'm sorry." and that was true, as she had no idea how to go about reviving GAIA. It could be anywhere.
"Know that Meridian always welcomes you, as do I, and there will always be a place for you." Aloy raised her head and looked directly into his eyes. She gathered all her courage and her right hand crawled onto Avad's upper arm, then nodded. Aloy was not a man of words, but Avad understood what she wanted to say even without it.
"I have to go" she added and she was no longer there. Avad glanced after her for a long time, then returned to the celebrants. He put on his official royal mask again. For the first time in his life he didn't come to terms with his own emotions, but he knew one thing that he would wait for Aloy every single day.
______________________________
Six months later
Avad just sit on his pagoda and received the people's proposes, gifts and complaints. A new day, the same duties. He adjusted his crown on his head. It's so heavy. He wanted to toss to the floor. He recived another gift when a servant approached to him.
"Your Radiance! The Savior of Meridian, Aloy of the Nora, she's here in the city." Avad eyes went wide and waved with his hand. "Please, call Vanasha and Marad" he instructed and stood up to strech his legs.
"Your Radiance, Blameless Marad is already there, at the Spire." he bowed and left. Avad just sighed and went toward the Spire. In halfway Vanasha joined him.
"Your Luminance! What a joyful day." she welcomed him with a cocky tone. "Today the Kiln Roots are most beautiful. One of them especially." she continued dryly but Avad understood the purpose of her words. He have the feeling that his spymasters do their job with more eager. Specially about with his own personal life.
"Sometimes I feel that I'm a forbidden book and you have the urge to open it and find the solution to read all of the words out of it." he looked at her with a faint smile and Vanasha chukled. "Of course" she answered mysteriously but Avad just shrugged "I think the glowing blaze fitting better" he teased her back and changed the subject rapidly "Anyway, I think I gave you a task earlier. Does it ready?"
"Yes Your Radiance." she nodded and she changed her tone to more seriously. "Uthid is already on his way to the Spire with Itamen and the Dowager Queen. They waiting for you there." he nodded and continued his way.
Aloy nervously climbed down from the Spire. Sylens, that Bastard! She came back to Meridian with the intention of asking Marad for help in finding Sylens, but she never tought she would be faced with worse news. Sylens went to the Forbidden West and apparently took HADES with him. At least what's left of it. And finding GAIA was also in jeopardy. Marad and Varl looked at her questioningly.
"You went inside it and it transformed almost like the day of the battle" Varl looked at her confused.
"I can only be grateful that it's a stormy day. Few will have seen the tower change from Meridian. What did you discover?" Marad looked extremely upset and Aloy reported what happened up there. Then she clearly indicated that she urgently needed to go west. To the forbidden west.
Marad knew that there was no such Thunderjaw that could hold Aloy back, but he knew that going to the forbidden west was life threatening. If only because of the Tenakhts. A very fragile peace had existed between East and West since the carnage of the previous decades. And Avad tried to make a lasting peace with the tribes. Aloy received the embassy that would reach the west in the next few days and was capable of anything in order to get across the border. Whatever came, Aloy would fight it, but she wasn't happy to have more killers standing in her way. She had just had enough of Eclipse and the cultists.
At that moment, a trumpet sounded and the Sun-King and his entourage appeared. Word seems to have spread quickly that Aloy is back in Meridian. Aloy glanced over and forgot to breathe. Avad was exactly as she remembered. Handsome and majestic. She swallowed hard and tried to keep a neutral face, showing no sign of how happy she was to see Avad again. To her greatest surprise, Itamen and the Dowager Queen, Nasadi were with him. She remembered saving them and was glad that they had been safe ever since. She almost felt her heart pounded fast in her chest just from Avad's smile. Even after all this time it had an affect on her, but she tried to push the feels deep in her mind and just concentrate her mission. But there are things with feels that no one can't handle.
"Aloy, it's good to see you" Aloy just nodded at him, hoping her face is neutral. "You left in just haste, we never had a chance to properly thank you..." his voice is the usual diplomatic one, even though Aloy remembered that it was Avad himself who let her go that day.
Itamen stepped forward excitedly. Avad's little brother has grown a lot since she hasn't seen him. "Can we show the Champion the Spear now? Please?" he begged his brother and Avad just smiled at his younger brother's excitement. His mother Nasadi tried to hold him back and Avad nodded and Aloy didn't understand a word.
"It's true...we bear a gift." Avad smiled at her and Aloy felt herself blush even more. A gift for her? "Decorum usually calls for a ceremony of offering at the palace, but I thought you'd prefer a less formal occasion."
Aloy looked at him gratefully and smiled. Well, he remembered. Aloy never liked a fuss around her. She lived with Rost as an outcast. She didn't know what to do with the crowd, especially when she was the center of attention. She was about to open her mouth that there was no need for this, when Avad stood aside and motioned behind him.
"Bring them please." behind him were none other than Uthid and Vanasha. And the gifts are in their hands. Vanasha was exactly the same as the last time they met, especially when she spoke. "Quick, better hand them over before she runs off again!"
Uthid bowed to her and handed her a spear. Aloy had never seen anything like this in her life. It was masterfully crafted. It could be seen that it was the masterpiece of the best gunsmiths. She took it in her hand and felt the weapon almost melt into her hand, as if it was designed there. The balance was also perfect. Vanasha handed over a tiara, also fine work. Aloy couldn't say anything for a moment, she tensed as everyone was looking at her. Varl saved her.
"Try it on" he said before Aloy immediately put the tiara on. It was comfortable.
"It's beautiful," Aloy said, and she thought so too. She had never received such a precious thing before. And Avad couldn't take his eyes off her.
"On behalf of all the citizens of the Sundom. May these tokens remind you of our eternal gratitude." Avad spoke and again his voice was so velvety caressing that Aloy could almost feel it on her skin. She didn't dare to speak, instead just nodded her thanks.
Aloy looked at the spear again, beautiful work. Marad's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Perhaps You'd like to spend more time with your friends. Come speak to me when you're ready to depart." then she noticed that the crowd had disappeared from her to make room for her. Aloy nodded, then looked at the spear again and placed it on her back. Indeed, it is fitting that she should exchange a few words with everyone. Vanasha's words were true. She really disappeared without a word. She didn't want to hurt anyone. No matter how much time was pressing, she couldn't run away again. They deserved that much. Especially Avad.
"Just go. No problem. I waiting for you here." Varl nodded her encouragingly when he saw how uncertainly she is.
After exchanging a few words with everyone, she went to Avad for the last time. Her stomach churned with excitement. She had no idea what it would be like to talk to him again. After all, the former only brought the usual royal style. But she left for six months and their parting was not happy either.
She was grateful that Avad had sent his entourage away from him as soon as he saw Aloy approaching. And there they stood face to face, Aloy feeling embarrassed and suddenly not knowing what to say. But Avad also preferred to talking in a polite, restrained style. First he started talking about the statue of Aloy, which she didn't like. But she didn't let him know how excessive she thought it was for her to be towering over the city. But Aloy knew this wasn't just about Avad, it was about an entire city, the whole Sundom and she didn't want to offend the people of Meridian. They then started talking about the upcoming embassy. Aloy was glad that the tension between them was gone in an instant. According to them, Avad made peace with himself and put his feelings in order. Even so, every time she looked at him, she felt like he was the most handsome man in the world. Aloy had always been impressed by Avad's kindness, restraint and at the same time his excellent sense of conversation, which Aloy could not say about herself.
Aloy didn't want to be rude, so she got a little more personal in the conversation. "Itamen looks happy" she glanced at the boy practicing next to them. According to them, he started his training.
Avad gave him an approving glance. "You got him out of Sunfall. Any happiness he has owes to you. He's turning into a fine young man. Which he'll need to be if he's to inherit the crown" he replied and his voice revealed how much he loves his little brother and cares about his future.
Aloy's eyes widened and she stood puzzled at Avad's words. "Wouldn't the crown go to a son of yours first?"
Avad turned to Aloy and replied with a half smile with some bitterness in his voice. "Yes, well I'd have to get married for that to happen."
Aloy nodded in agreement, after all it was inevitable for a king if he wanted to carry on the bloodline. And Avad just kept going.
"Marad keeps throwing noble matches at me." At this point, Aloy felt she didn't want to hear any more, she didn't want to imagine Avad on someone else's side. Maybe he already found it. "But I find I'm always trying to make them into someone they're not." he finished and his gaze bore straight into Aloy's. Clearly indicating to her who he meant. Aloy immediately caught her gaze and felt her face start to burn. She got goosebumps and had no idea how to do it, his voice was as velvety as if she was being caressed with the finest Carja silk. Not to mention his closeness, which sent little electric prickles to her skin. And his scent. This time she felt the exotic spices and sandalwood. Even at this moment, she wasn't sure how they were related to each other. Aloy was just a Nora warrior, while Avad was the Sun God himself incarnate. At least according to the people of Meridian. Avad noticed this and tried to solve her confusion a little. "At any rate, I never aspired to the throne and I don't wish to sit there forever." Aloy remembered the first time they met and realized that Avad didn't want to rule at all, he just wanted to free his people from his father's reign of terror.
"When Itamen comes to age, I hope to step aside." He added, and Aloy did not at all condemn him for it, that Avad would be able to abdicate in favor of his little brother. "Free of the crown I might finally be able to travel the world. Who knows? Perhaps even accompany you on one of your adventures." Aloy smiled and imagined how Avad would show next to her, how they climb up the mountains dirty and dusty and in the evenings by a campfire they look at the infinite number of stars in the sky lying in the grass. Right now, as she looked at Avad, it was unimaginable. Although Aloy really wanted that, but she didn't dare to show any more emotions. Meanwhile, she looked in Varl's direction and felt that she should go. Aloy got serious and took a big swallow.
"I need to get going" she said and she was about to turn around when Avad came up behind her.
"One moment Aloy. There's something I must ask you." now he no longer seemed like that official royal, but more like Avad. Aloy felt a lump in her throat. She felt her heart jump out of her chest. 'Well...here we are again!' she thought but she waited him to continue "Since you left I've learned of little else." Aloy clenched her fists and dug her nails into her palms. She was confused. She didn't want to hurt Avad, but now the embassy was more important and she might have to save the world again.
"This isn't really the time" she blurted, but she would have preferred to bite her tongue.
"But it has to be. The way you left before there's no way to know when I'll see you again." Aloy had her back to him and felt that he was right. The last she stormed off and she didn't forget Avad's pleading face when he asked if she was coming back at all. She turned to look him straight in the eyes. Avad put his hands up defensively as he explained "Im not trying to stop you, or hold you back." and it was true. Avad currently felt like a caged bird in his palace with the many royal duties. He was the only one who really knew what it was like. And Aloy would have been the last person in the world whom to do that with her to. "But I need to know...when your mission is over will you return to Meridian? And stay?" it was as if he was afraid of Aloy's response. "Long enough for us to... spend time to get to know each other properly, perhaps?"
Aloy caught her eye again. So he wants to get to know her better. Aloy wanted nothing more than to know him better, but right now time was pressing. She would have preferred to stay here with him now, but she had to find Sylens as soon as possible. Aloy was confused and didn't know how to answer. She had every desire to get to know Avad, and Avad seemed to be as interested in her as he had been six months ago. Only then did Aloy not really know what to do with him. Everything was still very new to her then. She didn't hesitate. She listened to her heart.
"I do hope to see Meridian again Avad....And you..." she couldn't disguise her words so that it wouldn't seem like that was all she wanted, but she didn't want to lie either, this western mission was really important to her. Especially since she couldn't trust Sylens at all, knowing that HADES was still alive. "But the mission it's...my life. It's all I can think about" - and you, she thought "I have to stay focused. What happens after, I can't imagine that. I wouldn't know where to begin.
Avad understood what she was saying, but at the same time, he couldn't express how happy he was that Aloy would be happy to come back.
"Well, if that place were to end up being Meridian, know that you will always receive a boundless welcome here." he meant his words seriously, although in the depths of his soul he terribly regretted the short time he was able to spend with her. But he knew he had to let go. If there weren't so many people standing around them now, he would have hugged her and not kissed her on the forehead this time. But he was bound by royal duty and had to wear this damned formal face that he hated.
"Tend to your mission Aloy. I will hope for your success. And look forward to your return." Aloy returned his kind words with a smile and walked back to Varl. "And the Sun light your path!" he muttered behind her.
The rest of the day passed quietly and mostly they prepared for the journey ahead of them in Olin's old house. Aloy didn't want to drag Varl into this. She had always gone much faster alone. By the way, she had no idea what was waiting for her, she didn't want to put Varl in danger. In the evening they ate their dinner and Aloy already knew what she had to do.
"You are so quiet all the afternoon." Varl broke the silence. Aloy frowned while she checked her arrows.
"I just try to take the most important things for the trip." she glanced at him with a faint smile.
"I saw that the Sun-King was really happy to see you." he teased her a little bit but he tried to put it carefully with his words. Aloy just waved her hands but her cheeks blushed. Is it so obvious?
"You have a vivid fantasy and try to imagine so much about this." she protested and Varl hummed with a wide smile and suspended this conversation.
"Get some rest Varl, we have a long way to go." she said as she checked again that everything was there.
"It wouldn't hurt you either. Get some rest, and tomorrow we'll leave for the unknown." he smiled, and after a short time they turned off the lights. Varl was already asleep and Aloy took advantage of this moment. She sneaked out quietly and then went straight in the direction of the palace. She had to see him again and she wanted to clear the situation about them. Who knows what awaits her in the west. She may never see Avad again.
The Sun-King was in his own suite and finally he could take down his heavy crown. All the time he felt that this was the best part of his day. His servants made him a warm bath and he didn't want much more, just his bed. Frankly he felt his reign so hard altough he thinks this is the best way to divert his thoughts. When he was alone he have had time to thinking and he haven't got pleasent thoughts all the time. But today he was happy that he was alone. He saw Aloy again and she become more beautiful. Vanasha told the truth. Like a Kiln Root.
After his bath he took a comfortable wearing and approached to his table. There are some official letters, and he should to read it. Maybe it's possible before he go to sleep.
The palace was quiet, small lanterns were lit everywhere. Trully it wasn't not late night but the corridors were empty. No one stopped Aloy. The guards all saluted for her and let her go. She soon found herself near the throne, but found no one there. Finally she started to go where she remembered to find the suites. Aloy didn't have to go far, she was standing in front of a large wooden door guarded by two royal guards.
"I have come to the Sun-King," she said firmly and one of the guards nodded. Maybe they didn't want to contradict with the Savior of Meridian. The guard knocked and then opened the door. He said something before turning back and leaving the door open. Aloy nodded and slipped through the gap.
The room was even bigger than Aloy's room six months ago. This became the royal residence. The huge living room was divided into two parts. The living room was full of furniture and the walls were decorated with canvas paintings, there were four sofas placed in a square shape, lots of pillows on the bench and on the floor, there was a dining table and chairs on the other side. A desk that served as Avad's 'office' for the official things. Another room opened from the main room, the bedroom, and even a bathroom belonged to the residence. And all of this was crowned with a huge balcony with a mesmerizing sight to the city and the near landscape.
Avad was standing by his desk. This time he wasn't wearing his usual royal attire. He wore only a pair of comfortable silk trousers and a waistcoat. And what Aloy was most surprised by as she got closer was that he wasn't wearing his usual face paint, nor was he wearing his crown. It was strange, but he looked much younger that way, of course he did. His hair was dark brown, perfectly cutted, left longer on the top of his head, which he combed back. It was still wet. He probably took a bath recently.
"Aloy...It's good to see you again! Is there a problem?" he pushed himself away from the table and moved closer.
"No, no...it's okay. I just, wanted to see you." she was nervous, wrung her fingers and blushed. It seemed like a good idea to come here, but now that she was standing here, words were abandoned, which were not her strong point anyway. "And to apologize. As I left, then . . ."
Avad shook his head and smiled. He took two more steps and was quite close to Aloy. He took her hand with his right "How could I be angry with such a wonderful human being like you." he looked down at her and smiled. Aloy felt suddenly dizzy from his proximity. She looked up at him. She looked into those brown eyes and felt lost. Her knees went weak as she inhaled his scent. This time it's citrus. She inhaled this scent deeply. She didn't want to forget.
Avad just looked at her and ran his free hand through her red curls. He had often imagined what it would feel like. Like the softest silk. He slid his palm up the nape of her neck and cupped her head in his palm. They faced each other exactly like half a year ago. And Avad was now aware of his feelings and did not want to waste the moment. He pulled Aloy closer with his hand and pressed his lips to hers. He brushed her lower lip gently with his lips, as if he was afraid that Aloy would disappear in seconds. Her heart pounded rapid in her chest when they lips met and the world just stopped around her. She didn't protest, in fact, she raised her hands and wrapped around his neck. He kissed her a little bit eagerly. His hand slipped around her waist. This was her first kiss and she never thought that this will be so fantastic. Finally, Avad broke away from her and looking down at Aloy with smile.
"Well, I accept your apology." he wheezed and hugged Aloy tighter.
She just smiled and hugged Avad. They just stood there for minutes enjoying the moment. Avad buried his face in Aloy's hair on top of her head. He inhaled her scent. Pine and wildflowers, sand and herself. He always imagined it that way. Then he let go.
"Would you like something to drink? Or...just don't you want to leave now?" he knew Aloy. She always went. Like some restless force that must be constantly in motion.
"Thanks, I'd like to stay a bit." she nodded, then Avad led her by the hand to a bench with comfortable cushions. Then he poured her a glass of wine and took his own glass in his hand. He went back to Aloy and sat next to her, quite close, though he didn't want to be intrusive. He handed her the glass and Aloy took a sip.
"I'm glad you're here." his voice was the usual caress and Aloy almost melted. She drew closer and sipped her drink and looked up at Avad, her brows furrowed.
"It's strange that you're not wearing the crown," she blurted out, and Avad started to giggle.
"If only you knew how good it is without that at times like this. Not to mention, it's so freaking heavy. So at least I feel the weight of ruling."
She turned to him "Avad.."she started "I came here because I wanted to see you. And I want to know...want to understand this whole thing." she pointed both of they and Avad understood what she think about.
"Aloy, I think I have given you enough to understand about my feelings and what I want. The question is what you want?" his tone was seriously and he raked his fingers through his hair. And the problems started here for her. This was the storm of the feelings. "I don't want to be someone, who I can't to be or who can to replace someone else." she wanted to be clear but not rude. She have to talked about it before she continued this with Avad.
He understood her immediately. "I never wanted that you will be someone else and replaced someone 's place. I'm sorry that you thought like this. But there are some things that I couldn't to erase despite of the fact that I am the Sun-King." he smiled and Aloy's shoulder went relax. She just noticed that how much frustrated she was.
Avad took a sip of his wine and continued. " I think that the most important thing between two person is the sincerity. I closed in myself Ersa's memory. I accepted what happened and I mourned her. I lie to you if I say that Ersa does not occupy a small place in my heart." he took a heartbeat long break and took Aloy's hand and squeezed. "There are things that you have to be able to let go. And what I said you at the Spire I meant it seriously."
Aloy couldn't blame him. In fact she knew what he thought about. She lost someone as well who was really important for her. And Rost was so important. The lack of him made a huge hole in her soul and no one can replace him. She looked at their hands and after she glanced at him. "Good." she nodded and took a sip of wine. "Thank you!"
"Aloy" he whispered and his hand caressed her chin. He leaned closer. She took a deep breath and shivered from his proximity. He kissed her gentle and her lips answered. His tip of the tonge slipped over her lower lip so softly and curious and she parted her lips to make a path to him. Her breath took away when they tongues are met and he tilted his head to deepened their kiss. And she was intoxicated with this feeling.
They just talked for the next few hours. Sometimes they interrupted their conversation with stolen kisses. And that was just enough for both of them. At the end, Avad was already in a semi-sitting position with his legs on the bench, and Aloy beside him with crossed-leg sitting. They talked about everything. About the empire, Meridian, Avad told him about his days. And Aloy told him about the places she visited in the past semester. It was almost dawn when Aloy sighed.
"I think it's time for me to go," her voice became serious.
"I know." Avad answered but did not let her go. "When you said you were coming back to Meridian, did you really mean it?" looked at Aloy questioningly. And Aloy took Avad's right hand.
"You should know that where I am going now is unknown even to me. I don't know what the future holds for me. This mission is most important to me now. If I will be success I'll be right back as soon as I get a chance. To you." she looked into his eyes and was sure that now it made sense to return. Whatever happens.
Avad was not fool to not understand her words. But he doesn't want to think about the worst things like for example she never come back. Avad nodded and stood up, then helped Aloy up as well. Then he hugged her tightly around the waist and kissed her. This time more eagerly than before. Aloy wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the favor. Finally, a long and wide smile appeared on his face. "I'll wait for you," he whispered in her ear and then let her go. This was their farewell and Aloy's body was almost on fire as she walked out the door. She nodded to the guards and went on her way. She looked back after leaving the city. She was sure that Avad was standing somewhere on a balcony in the palace. And she wasn't wrong. She jumped onto her Charger and turned west. It was a bit of a pang of conscience that she left Varl behind, but she saw it as the best.
The light of the morning Sun just shined through the royal suite's balcony door. Avad just standed on the balcony and watched the sun's rise up on the horizon. Every morning he stood on the balcony in the same way, he saw every sunrise the same, but today was especially beautiful to him when the first ray of light painted the landscape red and orange. He thought about Aloy. A knock dragged him out from his thoughts. "Come in" he turned to his room and approached to his desk. In the door frame Marad appeared.
"My King" he bowed and went closer. "The Embassy's trip to the west was spent uneventful and they will reaching Chainscrape the middle of the day." he reported.
"Thank you Marad, good to hear it." he answered dryly. The Embassy is so importat to the Sundom. An other step towards peace on the bumpy road that his father once trod, leaving behind blood and suffering.
"And I have news that the Savior is on her road, near Sunfall." he said her name a little bit more emphatically. Avad just nodded and Marad's face went softer when he step closer. "I hope you managed to negotiate the details of the embassy last night" he mentioned her visit but his voice was diplomatic. Avad sighed. He couldn't cover his feelings about Aloy from his spymaster.
He cleared his throat before he answered "Yes, I think everything will go very well." he step to his dining table near the balcony where his servant placed his breakfast. "Your Radiance!" Marad bowed and left the room and Avad started to eat. A new day full of duties.
___________________________________
A year later
For Aloy her mission was in the first place. But when she was alone or rested in a shelter she thought about Avad. And the distance strengthened her feelings for him more and more. She missed Avad. During her tasks she found allies and friends. She crossed most of the land of the forbidden west. And finally the Zenith are dead and maybe she have more time for rest.
One day Sylens called her and he wanted to meet her, but Aloy haven't had a vibe for this. Perhaps Sylens mentioned himself a good ally but she couldn't trust him yet. And Aloy was getting tired of this. She felt that she drowned. She wanted one thing and couldn't thought about something else. She jumped onto her Sunwing and took her way to east. She stood on the elevator and looked back to the landscape while she listen the soft grunting of the chains. And she knew she will come back soon.
Meridian was a jewellery box for her. She love the sight of the city. Her heart pounded in her chest when she saw the palace's towers. It's midday and she stopped to resting a little bit. She glanced her wears and realized that her clothes had become quite worn during the journey. She searched for water stream and she took a cooling bath and changed her clothes from her gears. She turned on her Focus and tried to found a Charger to overwrote it. It will be faster like by on her foot. A few times later she walked through the gate of the city and she found herself in a buzzy all over town. Everyone is in a hurry and the streets are decorated. As if they were preparing for a celebration. Aloy wasn't really familiar with the Carja holidays, so she stopped at the market to ask what was going on.
"Excuse me, could you tell me what kind of celebration it will be?"
The vendor looked at her in astonishment. "Don't you know? Where has you been so far? There's a wedding. The wedding of the brilliant Sun-King!"
Aloy felt as if the world would turn around and the ground would slip out from under her feet. Wedding. Avad's wedding. She mumbled a thank you and didn't know where to go next. She was disappointed and as she looked at the decorations and the bustling people, she felt herself getting angrier. It was a mistake to get back. She felt herself betrayed and she felt the ache in her chest. She tried to breath but it was hard. Tears ran over her face when she wanted to run away and she stumbled into somebody.
"Hey! Be caref...Little huntress! What are you doing here?" looked at Aloy as if seeing a ghost. Aloy felt tears running down her face and felt terribly. "Sun and shadow Aloy...come come with me!" Aloy didn't protest and followed Vanasha, who took her straight to a nearby tavern. She asked for two Scrappersaps and she satted themselves in a secluded place. Aloy buried her face in her hands to hide her tears.
"Drink it!" she pushed the first glass to Aloy but she protested. "Drink all of it!" she instructed. Aloy took the glass and gulped the bitter drink. She felt that the drink scorched her throat. "And now talk! How did you get here? When did you arrive? I know this is quite an awkward situation" the brown-skinned beauty instructed, putting her hand on Aloy's shoulder encouragingly.
Then she wiped her face with her hand and looked at Vanasha. Aloy was forced to tell her everything and the words just poured out. And Vanasha listened to her in silence, never interrupting her once. She had a feeling that Vanasha already know about them. When she finished, Vanasha pushed the other glass in front of Aloy and motioned for the bartender to bring two more. Aloy drunk the second one and started to calm down.
"Aloy. I understand you. I probably would have even killed Uthid if he did that to me. But since we're talking about the Sun-King...well, we're not the same." she smiled and this time she drank one of the freshly brought drinks and continued.
"You know, we wouldn't have given a shard for you to show up in Meridian intact."
"Why do you say that, since I'm here!" Vanasha looked puzzled.
"Aloy, everyone thought you were dead." Vanasha's voice was low and serious. "The last we heard about you was that you went on a mission called Gemini. And then you disappeared. We know about Varl as well. Marad sent his men for more news, but it's very difficult to get fresh news from the far west after the embassy failed and the Tenakth had in conflict."
*Vanasha remembered that day because she was that person who told the Sun-King the bad news. Avad was in the library when she stood in front of him. "Your Radiance! Our last reports...Aloy, the Savior of Meridian was disappeared." she whispered to him cautiously by the prying ears. Avad's eyes went wide and forgot to breath. The embassy turned into massacre and he felt that he was a failed. Plus he lost most of his good men on that day. And now this. He's face went nonchalanty but inside he roared.
He stood up "Please informate me if you have news" he waved and got back to his residence. The feeling was cruel and his heart broken in million parts. He lost so much person who was important to him. And he survived but this was the worst. Maybe the Sun knew alone this was his fate, to penance because of his actions in the past. But Vanasha doesn't said that she died, just disappeared. So there's hope. *
Aloy was just beginning to understand. "So, Avad thought I…"
"Yes. And every day he cursed the Sun. It wasn't easy for him. First the delegation and Fashav. He experienced it as a terrible failure. Then your disappearance. We didn't think of the worst. He believed you would show up one day. But it got worse every month. Finally he said yes to the Sun-Court's proposal." Vanasha swirled her glass in her hand when she remembered.
*When days became weeks, weeks became months Avad knew that he should accept that Aloy never come back. Vanasha and Marad took their time to reach more information from the west but the Tenakth civil war doesn't have make it easy. Avad sat on the council room with his Sun-Court. He didn't pay attention to the discussion until than Marad stood up to speak. He cleared his throat. "I think if there is nothing more important to discuss, we can leave." he nodded to the Sun-Court members when they exited from the room. And he turned to Avad who just sat listlessly and playing with one of his ring.
"Your Radiance if I can take a remark, you shouldn't chase a dream that will be never come true. It was a year. You have to see it that the time will be coming and you have to decide of your future." Avad glanced at him and he wanted to yelling with him and send him to anywhere. But he doesn't made it. He was right. The Sun-Court presented him a decision. Itamen will be the king when he reached his age or Avad get married with a Carja noblewoman and his children carried the bloodline. At this point he wanted to take down his crown and waive his rights. The past months's failures trembled the faith in his skills. He wanted to made a new era. A more peaceful one. He wanted to cut the old traditions and start to developing the city. But he changed his mind. If Itamen will be the Sun-King after years and he will be free. But he knew very well that his thoughts will chasing him to insanity. On the other hand, when he thought of Aloy, he realized that her determination and stubbornness made him to not run away so easily. If he only have these two choices, so be it. He nodded and stood up from his chair. "I think Meridian will celebrating a Royal Wedding soon." he spoke just like a whisper and left the council room.*
"And when is the wedding?" Aloy digested what she heard, she didn't want to be here when it all will happening.
"It begins tomorrow morning. By the time the sun is at its highest, Meridian will have a queen." came the answer and Vanasha drank the rest of her drink.
"And Avad? Does he even want it?" Aloy looked at the woman hopefully, not sure what she wanted to hear.
"If you want to know, he doesn't want to. It's just plain politics. And before you ask, she's blonde and I think she prefers more the palace treasury then Avad." Vanasha's honesty almost gnawed at Aloy. She knew that Avad closed in on himself that day. Of course, he showed the same measured and royal face to the outside world, but he preferred to escape to work and push himself to the point of exhaustion, only to sleep. And then they presented him the future bride. Of course, now, as before, he wanted to see someone other than who she really was. He didn't mean to hurt her, since there was nothing she could do about it. At the same time, his heart was forever closed and he just let himself drift with the events.
"Then why?" Aloy had a lump in his throat and wanted to get as far away from this place as possible.
"Because it is his duty. Will you stay here?" she asked quietly.
Aloy shook her head "No. I'll move on as soon as I can. I'll go back west." nothing mattered now. She longed for the Base. She'll be better off alone.
"Okay. I'm so sorry!" she put a hand on Aloy's shoulder again. "I'll stay here with you if you think so."
"No, just go, I'm sure you have enough to do." she drank the rest of the Scrappersap and leaned back in her chair. "I'll be fine."
Vanasha nodded, got up and left. And Aloy was sitting and her face was wet with tears again, which she immediately wiped with her hand. The brown-skin spy was not fool. She knew exactely what should she do.
Meanwhile Avad just started to eat his late lunch when he heard the knocks on his door and Vanasha slipped through the door frame. She went closer.
"Okay Vanasha, let me hear about what my beautiful bride want this time." he asked with a bored face and started to eat a grape.
"My King....I think it's good that you sat on your chair." she started and swallowed hard " The Kiln Roots are thriving." Avad sighed with a bittersweet smile and he continued to eat. "I am not in that mood Vanasha." he's voice was blank. "So what do you want?"
She grunted and she wanted to beat her Sun-King's head. But he was her King. She pursed her lips and answered.
"Your Radiance!" she snapped "Avad! She's here in the city! And she doesn't like the news." she folded her arms on her chest. Avad stood up immediately. Maybe Vanasha have a style but she wasn't that person who made wicked jokes.
"Say, where is she?!" he wanted to go but she took the courage and grabbed his wrist.
"I suggest a discreet solution given the circumstances and I believe you don't want to embarrass yourself in front of the entire city." the woman was right. He officially has a wedding tomorrow with another woman and he didn't want to talk to Aloy in front of the city. "I already sent Marad for her, maybe his person will be convincing to Aloy" Avad nodded and tried to calm his heart, which then jumped out of his chest. "Thank you!" she bowed and wanted to left but before she disappeared from the room he spoke to her. "Vanasha....help me!" he looked at her clearly what he was thinking.
The sun was heading towards the horizon and it was getting dark outside. Aloy jus sat in the tavern and looked the glasses. Her chest ached. So this was the feeling when someones heart broken.
An Oseram team came into the inn. "Who ever heard of that! The Sun-King just canceled the whole wedding! I don't want to be in the palace right now!" said one, "I wouldn't want to be in that Marad's place nor the Sun-Court" said the other "Mainly the place of the bride!" yelled the third one, and they all laughed out loud.
Aloy thought she heard badly and as if the Oseram had summoned Marad, he appeared at the door. The tavern went silence. He saw Aloy and hurried straight toward her.
"His Radiance the Sun-King wishes to see you. Vanasha informed me that I would find you here." he said then motioned for Aloy to follow. News really travels fast here.
"Thank you, but I think I haven't got any reason to meet the King." she sat on her chair with folded arms. "Please informed him that I will go back to west in this evening and I wish him a long married life!" she smiled at him with her most kind smile that she can muster.
Blameless Marad just stood in front of her and sighed. He sat down. Aloy never saw the spymaster like this. He was tired and there were black circles below his eyes. "Please, I am not Blameless Marad this time, just an old friend of a King. Please come with me!"
"How did Oseram mean that there will be no wedding?" she blurted out and analyzed Marad's face.
"I have a feeling that Avad decided so. I note, the council will not be happy about this. But I think your appearance was just in time." he smiled at the end of his sentence, but it was obvious that he was exhausted. Marad not only functioned as a spymaster in the palace, but he was one of Avad's main confidants, who gave him just enough tasks with this little interlude.
"Why didn't he come?" she asked, and Marad raised his eyebrows "I think what you need to discuss is not someone else's business" he spread his hands and Aloy agreed with him, even so their presence caused quite a stir. She nodded and they stood up, Aloy following him into the palace. On the way, a hundred different thoughts swirled in her head and she had no idea what it would be like to meet Avad again, especially after this. Marad said goodbye in front of the Sun-King's room and returned to his duties, left Aloy there. The guards nodded to her and one opened the door for her. Aloy hesitated for a heartbeat, exhaled, and entered.
Avad was standing on the balcony sipping a glass of wine. He was wearing his usual comfy clothes. An ornate dress hung in one corner of the room. In addition to Carja colors, there were also decorative motifs on it. And the headdress next to it.
She stopped behind Avad and cleared her throat. "Are you nervous?" she folded her arms in front of her chest.
Avad flinched and turned at the familiar voice. He looked down at her with wide eyes as if she had two heads. "Aloy!" his voice was shaking and he had to hold on to the railing. Aloy tried to look natural, like she didn't know anything.
He stepped closer but she backed off and raised her hands. "Marad just said that you want to speak with me."
"Yes. I'm glad you're here!"
"Ohh...I just came from the forbidden west. But I think it was a mistake. A nice little celebration is being prepared" her voice was so quiet, but her eyes burned with rage and this time they glowed a dark green.
"Just please give me a minute to explain it!" he tried to protest but Aloy cut him off.
"You know, in the past year, there hasn't been a day that I haven't thought of you! I've traveled all over the forbidden west, fought Tenakth and machines I couldn't even imagine! I fought the Zenith and I thought I could finally get back to you...Well I did! Still...I expected everything, but not that!" Aloy breathed heavily and spoke so softly that he could feel how much she was holding herself back from yelling.
"Aloy....it's been a year...and I thought you died!"
"No!" she snapped and clenched her jaw and just stood with tears in her eyes. "I need you all this time!" she gritted her teeth so she wouldn't pout.
"I thought...I thought I lost you too." his voice was cracked.
She looked up at Avad. He looked like he had aged at least ten years. But he was still handsome. And those warm brown eyes. Aloy felt her anger slowly melt away and she became confused.
"I know you cancelled the wedding" she said and her gaze was serious when she tilted her head up. "Why?"
"Yes, indeed. Because I found what I beleived I lost." he kept his eyes on Aloy. "The rarest jewel in the world from east to west. Which is worth more than all the treasures in the realm. Worth more than my entire reign."
Aloy sighed with a little laugh and went blushed. But she also kept her eyes on him. From his velvety voice made goosebumps on her back and felt warm all of her body head to toe.
No one can say who moved first, but in a heartbeat they were hugging each other, and Avad hugged her as tightly as if he were afraid that if he didn't hold her tight, she would disappear. "Sun and shadow you can't imagine how much I missed you everyday." he murmured, and Aloy buried her face in his chest.
"I said I'd be back." she replied looking up at Avad. She didn't hesitate. She stood on tiptoe and immediately kissed him. Avad was not idle either, he immediately kissed back. Their kiss was intense, they made each other thirsty. Aloy wrapped her arms around his neck, while Avad wrapped one arm around her waist and the other slid around her shoulder. Finally, Aloy pulled away, but just enough for their foreheads to touch. Her face was flushed, her mouth was red. "I missed you too!" she whispered and ran her hands through Avad's hair, who grunted and pulled her tightly. Aloy shuddered the touch "I'm here and I'm staying." she paused for a second "Because I want you!"....Now!" Aloy said the words which made Avad's eyes widen and he squeezed the skin on Aloy's back. She spent more time far away from him and she knew that she never wants to wait and she doesn't care about anything just Avad. She suppressed her feelings for a long time, first because she was afraid of it and thought it better to hide it, and then the mission was much more important. But time helped her realize what was important to her.
"Come!" he scooped her up in his arms with both hands and started towards the bedroom. On the way there, he covered her lips with small kisses, and Aloy clung to his broad shoulders. The bedroom was smaller than the living room, chests of drawers and cupboards were pushed against the wall, in the middle was a huge bed, full of pillows and blankets of the finest material. As in the living room, here too one wall was open, only thin curtains covered the balcony. It was already dark outside and a pleasant breeze was blowing. The room was lit by the light of small lamps. Avad set Aloy down in the middle of the room and glanced down at her. In the dim light, Aloy's hair glowed like a fiery torch. Avad was completely mesmerized by the sight.
He started to untied her armor of her upper body. He don't wanted hurry. Aloy followed the movements and pulled the vest off him, stroking along his chest. His hands delicately touched Aloy's skin. She loved the feeling. Finally, Aloy was standing there in just her underwear. Avad's hands slid to the fabric on her chest and he looked at Aloy for permission. Aloy nodded and he gently pulled the thin material off her. She was standing there shirtless in front of him and Aloy's hand involuntarily slid to her breasts to cover herself. Avad noticed and took her jawbone with his fingers and turned it towards him. "If you don't want to, you don't have to."
"Of course I want, just..." she lowered her eyes and Avad understood everything. This will be her first time. "Are you sure you want this?" he asked again, his eyes serious and kind. Aloy looked into those impossible brown eyes and nodded. "Yes, sure, I trust you," and lowered her hands. She knew what lovemaking was. It was a long time ago that she discovered herself and gave herself pleasure, but this was completely different. She wanted Avad. He nodded.
"If you don't like something, just tell me. Okay?" he whispered in her ear and Aloy shivered. Avad kissed along her neck and shoulders while his hands glided along Aloy's ribs, then stroked her breast with his right hand, which made Aloy wince. How different this was from when she touched herself. He cupped her left breast in his hand and his finger slid over her nipple as his lips brushed her ear, making Aloy moan. Then she felt his left hand slide to her waistband, waiting. Aloy let go of Avad with both hands and slid her fingertips down onto her underwear, gently pulling it down until it was around her ankles. Avad released her and stepped back. His eyes drank the sight of Aloy's body, who stood before him naked and in the lights of the room, with her red hair, Avad was sure that she is the Sun Goddess.
Meanwhile, Aloy looked over Avad, his upper body was muscular and the light of the room shone on his abs, and her gaze went down to his navel and the V shape and bit her lower lip. Through his pants, his masculinity showed his desire, which made the warmth all the way to her groin. Avad stepped back to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I want to touch you." he hummed softly and his left hand gripped Aloy's bottom and gently pulled her closer to him.
She nodded "Please" and at that moment Avad's lips were on her lips. He nipped lightly Aloy's lower lip with his teeth, to which Aloy's mouth opened in response so that their tongues met and tasted each other all the way. Their bodies were pressed against each other and Aloy could felt Avad's manhood tightening against her navel. It was rock hard.
The room grew warmer, or at least Aloy felt the air around them glow. He let go of Aloy for a moment to pick her up with both hands and carry her to the bed, where he gently laid her back between the pillows. Avad pulled off his pants in a few heartbeats, which he kicked aside. Aloy saw his rock hard manhood and licked her lips. She was impressed by the size. He crawled next to Aloy and bent down to kiss her again. His hand slowly slid down on her chest to cupped her breast and stroked her rosy nipple. His touch felt amazing. She whined into his mouth and wrapped her arms around his neck. Avad slid his one arm below her neck and the other started to going down trough her belly and lower. Stroked her skin gently to her tighs. Aloy spread her legs to him and his fingers could slid down on her inner tigh skin to between her legs. He caressed her pussy with his palm and his fingertips stroked down between her labia. He can felt her wetness. Sun and Shadow she was ready to him.
She moaned louder when she felt his hand between her legs. He grinned and kissed her lips tenderly while he started to massage her clit with a slow circular motion. Her body trembled to the feeling and she stroked her fingers through his hair, with her other hand clunged to his shoulder. "You are amazing!" he whispered hoarsely and brushed his nose against Aloy's. He gently sliding one finger of his right hand into Aloy and started to move in and out slowly. Her body tightened and this movement diched her breath away. He moved his finger little faster.
Aloy's hand also slid down to touch at his lenght. Avad grunted and broke away from her skin. He rested his forehead against the other's and closed his eyes. Another finger slid into her and he moved his hand that her palm can caress her clit.
His movements were rhythmic and Aloy threw her head back between the pillows, her hips picked up the rhythm of Avad's hand and she felt her pleasure approaching, Aloy's body was flooded with warmth, her breath became faster and faster.
"Come to me!" he purred and buried his face in her hair and gently bit her skin from her neck to the earlobe. That was all Aloy needed as she climaxed and experienced orgasm with a loud moan. Suddenly the world stopped and she just let herself drift with the feeling. Avad felt her inner muscles tighten around his fingers, then a moment later the throbbing in her groin. He grunted and his hands slowed, gently massaging her clit to increase the pleasure, making Aloy cried out again. He was impressed by her voice. When her breathing calmed down, she looked up at him and smiled. He kissed her fiercely. Small drops of sweat glistened on his forehead. Avad pulled away and looked into Aloy's beautiful green eyes, asking for some sort of final permission. Aloy in response pulled him closer to convince him to round above her body. She wanted more. He was half-weighted on Aloy as he braced himself with his left elbow. His hand slid between them, took himself in his hand and smoothed it to her entrance. He ran it gently to coat it with her moisture, then pushed his tip to the entrance.
He began to kiss Aloy, sliding into her in one slow but gentle motion. Aloy gasped and her inner streched out with a stinging pain, but this pain was also a pleasure as he filled her completely. Avad groan at the same time with her and when he was completely inside, he stopped to get used to the feeling and looked down at her with ragged breathing.
"Everything is alright?" he filtered between his teeth, and Aloy nodded, the feeling was indescribable, especially when he pulled out from her with a gentle but firm movement to penetrate her with another thrust. Aloy's eyes widened and a soft moan left her lips, making Avad smile.
His thrusts slowly picked up a rhythm. Aloy was used to and pushed her hips to him the same rhytm. Their bodies were bathed in sweat. The room filled with the muffled sound of their making love as their bodies pushed against each other and with their soft moans. Avad leaned close to her ear and mumbled his words softly, which made Aloy shiver. She felt so good. After many months, Avad thanked the Sun and wished that this moment would never end. Aloy moaned beneath him as his thrusts continued to excite her most sensitive spot.
Then Avad started to speed up his pace a little and she felt that another climax was approaching her. Her pleasure climbs higher and higher. As his thrusts became faster and faster, Aloy pushed herself to him at the same pace and her fingers gripped his upper arm. Her body tensed beneath him and she felt that pleasure was inevitable, that it could reach her at any moment. He gave a few more thrusts with his pelvis and Aloy felt the tense of muscles up during his thrusts. At the third harder thrust, Aloy screamed Avad's name and threw her head back, eyes closed. She could only gasp for air. Her legs wrapped around his waist as she rode the waves of pleasure and Avad continued with protracted thrusts until a louder moan escaped from his throat as he pressed his crotch against her. He held Aloy close and gasped for air, trembling and he pushed his forehead to her chest.
When they both calmed down, he pulled away from her and lay on his back, pulling Aloy close, who immediately snuggled up next to him. Her arm stroked his belly while his fingertips drove little circles on her shoulder. They legs are entwined.
"You are fucking amazing!" he blurted and Aloy's eyes gone wide of his words.
"Who are you and what did you do with my polite and kind Sun-King?" Avad chuckled and kissed her temple.
"In this moment with you, I'm just Avad" he winked "Are you okay?" he asked her with sparkling eyes, smoothing a strand of hair from her face with his hand and covered they body with a blanket.
"I've never been so well." she replied and buried her face in his neck. "So what happens now?" she suddenly asked in a sleepy voice and looked up at Avad again.
"How about we rest a bit, then we'll take a bath, I hope you'll stay for the night." Aloy smiled then shook her head. "Not what I mean it. You canceled your wedding. Now what?"
Avad let out a breath and frowned. "I'm probably going to have a very long day with the Sun-Court." Aloy chuckled and smoothed back Avad's hair, which she messed up before.
"Seriously. But I will convince them. I will tell them that the real Sun Queen has appeared and... By the Sun, I won't let lost you again one more time." at the end of his sentence he kissed Aloy's forehead, who looked at him seriously but questioningly "I'm serious. I don't want anyone else, you're my queen." he looked down at Aloy, warmth coursed through her body from his words and kissed him back. When they broke apart, Aloy gave a big yawn and Avad didn't have the heart to move away from her. He hugged her tightly, rubbing her back. Aloy fell asleep and Avad soon followed.