Seven years later…
Aloy walked up the rise of the hill, having passed through Mother’s Watch which was the Nora settlement in the shadow of the mountain where the Cradle facility was hidden within. For many years the Nora had considered entering the mountain to be strictly taboo by anyone other than matriarchs, however, that had not been the case for some time.
She wore soft, dark blue jeggings with dark brown stitching. The material was called ‘faux denim’ and the jeggings were tucked into her brown boots which were sturdy and comfortable despite evidence of being well worn. Her torso was covered with a cream knitted long sleeve top with soft brown leather laces up the sleeves. She wore a dark blue scarf with an argyle pattern in a slightly lighter blue and tassels on the ends and her hands were in leather gloves.
After seven years, she hadn’t changed very much. Her hair was still vibrant, dark red at the crown fading out to a luminous copper at the ends but it was rarely loose like she had worn it previously. Instead she scraped it into a braid from the left side of her head, around the back to drape over her right shoulder. A couple of small braids hung loose, blue and brown beads threaded onto the red strands. Perhaps she wasn’t quite as slim as she once had been but motherhood would do that to a person.
Aloy was one of several parents making the climb to the entrance of the Cradle which began as a slope, all the way down to the door that led into the facility proper. Others stood closer to the entrance, talking in groups like they hadn’t seen each other for years. Aloy stood apart from them, her back to the valley of the Embrace, her arms folded, accustomed to being alone. It always occurred to her that where she stood was where she had defeated a corrupted Thunderjaw that had sieged the mountain where the Nora survivors of the Shadow Carja attack had sought sanctuary.
She tucked her arms around herself, a cold breeze scattering snowfall down from the mountain’s peak. She watched children, too young for the Cradle, run about their parent’s legs, playing games together. One mother, a Nora with ashen brown hair and a baby in her arms, looked at Aloy. Aloy immediately looked away, not wanting to encourage conversation.
It seems the mother was not dissuaded, breaking away from her small group and walking over to where she stood.
“Aloy,” she smiled, “I don’t know if you remember me.”
Aloy fished desperately through her memory. “Meya? Teersa’s granddaughter?”
“Great granddaughter,” Meya nodded, “I’m the reason Teersa became a high matriarch,” she looked at the baby in her arms, “and Addy is the reason she became a grand high matriarch.”
“I heard they had to come up with a new title to befit her status amongst the Nora.” Aloy glanced at the entrance to the Cradle, hoping school would end soon. She didn’t like small talk.
“Not that those kinds of titles mean as much as they used to,” Meya shrugged, “but it was a way to honour her.”
Aloy couldn’t deny that. Teersa had more generations following her than any other Nora.
“Sometimes I’m asked what the secret to her longevity is.”
Aloy recalled the kindly matriarch who hadn’t let fears born of tradition stop her from reaching out to a lonely exile. Teersa had supported her, even as a baby. She was the reason Aloy was even allowed to live, let alone compete in the Proving, taken into the mountain when she was close to death and listened when Aloy had something to say. She was determined, from the moment Aloy was discovered, that she would be allowed to prove she was a blessing and not a curse.
Though her understanding had been limited and primitive and she always attributed good things to ‘All Mother’, the Nora’s belief system and the way of explaining the ‘womb in the mountain’, Teersa had been Aloy’s biggest advocate.
“I think it was because she wasn’t old inside,” Aloy said without meaning to and saw Meya’s look, “I mean…others withered and shrivelled up inside long before their skin wrinkled…but Teersa was still…soft and full.”
Meya’s lips curled up. Aloy wondered if she would laugh at her.
“I think you’re exactly right.”
Aloy smiled and folded her arms. “Mind you, I’d be tempted to tell people she ate a pinecone a day…” Meya laughed outright. “Sorry…that was probably the wrong thing to say.”
“Oh no, it’s brilliant!” Meya covered her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles. “I’ll have to keep that answer for those I think are just trying to break Teersa’s record.” Aloy wished she could check the time. “She mentioned you…at the end.” Aloy looked at Meya, curious. Meya’s eyes were sad but soft. “Those last few days when she lingered before passing…she started saying all the names of her family, her grandparents, her parents, her husband, her children, her grandchildren…and there amongst the names…was you.”
Aloy’s heart gave a little twist. “She did?”
Meya nodded. “I know she was so happy that you married your Tenakth and had children.”
Aloy’s shoulders sank, disappointed. “For finally becoming a true Nora woman by having children…” Her tone was unavoidably bitter.
“I think you do Teersa a disservice,” Aloy blushed, gently rebuked, “she knew, more than all of us, just how lonely your life was. You had your exile father, Rost, of course but…no other family and when he died…” Meya swallowed. “To know that you had family and were not alone…it was a great relief to her.”
Aloy worried her bottom lip. “Meya…I’m sorry,” she sighed, “I guess I’m still a little…I don’t like being thought of as one of the Nora and I’m not that good at being social…or gracious.”
“Given that it was the Nora who put you in an awkward position to begin with…I think we should be more than understanding.” Meya insisted then looked up. “The children are out.”
The parents moved towards the entrance as children, from the age of four and up, streamed out of the mountain. There was a lot of excited chatter as they scattered. Meya went to walk forward then paused and looked back at Aloy.
“Not going close?”
“I can’t,” Aloy eyed the mountain cautiously, “it’s…not something I can do.”
Meya nodded and remained with her. “There’s Nieda…is that your daughter with her?”
“Cassie,” Aloy spied her coming up beside the taller and quite likely older girl, “wait, if Nieda is your daughter…she’s the reason Teersa was a grand high matriarch.”
“My uncle and his wife were killed during the Carja ambush,” Meya said softly, “Nieda was a rather late baby for them and when they died, she came to live with my family. She was so young she doesn’t really remember them so she calls me mother.”
“I see.”
Cassie knew where Aloy liked to stand and dashed towards her, her red hair swinging wildly with braids from her temples meeting at the back of her head, her eyes as blue as her father’s.
“Mum! I came first in the quiz!” She declared, her nose scattered with freckles, her pink lips beaming.
“Mother, it’s not fair!” Nieda lamented. “She’s younger than me and she’s beating me!”
Aloy wasn’t sure how to respond to this. Cassie turned to Nieda, her eyes sad.
“I’m sorry. I thought you were having fun!”
“I was…you just win a lot.” Nieda sighed then shrugged. “Maybe I’ll catch up while you’re away.”
“We should probably…”
“Mother,” Nieda tugged on Meya’s sleeve, “did you ask Cassie’s mum about…you know.”
Aloy was puzzled as Meya turned to her.
“Nieda was hoping Cassie might stay over one night at our home in Mother’s Cradle.” Meya explained.
“Oh…well…we’re leaving tomorrow for at least two weeks…” Aloy stammered, inexplicably frightened by the request.
“We’re going to the Alpha base where Gaia is.” Cassie declared.
“That sounds very exciting,” Meya smiled at Cassie and Aloy envied her ease with children, “perhaps you can stay over when you come back? Maybe during one of the harvest celebrations? As long as your mother says its okay.” Meya looked at Aloy and nodded respectfully.
“Well…” Aloy faltered.
“Or perhaps, you and your family can just come for one of the harvest celebrations so that it’s not so overwhelming.” Aloy suspected Meya was being sensitive to Aloy’s anxious state rather than Cassie’s. “I know Kotallo has come in the past but if you decide to attend, you’re more than welcome at our family’s table.”
“Thank you.” Aloy cleared her throat. “We’ll…see how we’re doing when we get back. Cassie, we’ve got a bit of a walk. We should get going.”
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“Okay. Bye!” Cassie waved to Nieda and skipped along beside Aloy. “You don’t think Nieda will forget about asking me over while we’re away…do you?”
“I doubt it,” Aloy shook her head, “she remembered to ask her mother today, didn’t she?”
They headed down the slope into Mother’s Watch. It had changed a great deal in seven years. Once the last stand, most defensible position in the Embrace, it was crammed with lodges built specifically for accommodation. This was so families who lived in settlements outside the Embrace, could stay close to the Cradle while their children went to school. Many had relocated to Mother’s Cradle but it wasn’t big enough and Mother’s Heart was too far to walk to and from in a day, especially for children.
Cassie skipped ahead, picking wildflowers, passing by the main campfire of Mother’s Watch and out the open gates.
Aloy glanced up at the wall, remembering Resh, the despicable Nora warrior who assumed War Chief Sona’s place when she went after the killers. He had condemned her and refused to open the gates so that she could leave when a Corruptor had led a herd of Striders, shattering the gates and invading Mother’s Watch. Aloy had killed it and ripped its override module out. It had been the changing point of her life…
“Mum…are you listening?” Aloy blinked, lost in her thoughts. Cassie gazed up at her, concerned. “Aunty Ally…is that you?”
Aloy gave a small laugh and shook her head. “I’m your mum, Cassie. Sorry, I was…thinking. What did you want to ask?”
“Did you stay over anyone’s house when you were little?”
Aloy marvelled at the way Cassie’s mind worked. She had remarkable clarity for a child her age. Even her teachers, Teb and Nakoa, said as much in the classroom.
“I did not,” Aloy said firmly, “but…I wasn’t asked.”
“Oh…” Cassie looked sad. “I’m going to miss out on so much school…”
“You’ll be seeing more countryside in two weeks than most of your classmates will see in a lifetime.” Aloy was abrupt then paused, sensing Cassie’s reluctance. “It’s going to be exciting, visiting the Alpha base where Gaia is.”
“And wear a FOCUS all the time?” Cassie’s eyes lit up. “We have to leave our FOCUSES at school.”
“Just for the first year or two.” Aloy insisted as they crossed the river, passing the path that had once led up to where Odd Grata had lived. She had been another exile, an elderly woman that Aloy hunted food for. Odd Grata had never said thank you in accordance with Nora law, exiles not being permitted to speak to each other. She had always wept and praised All Mother yet Aloy had heard her prayers once, Odd Grata beseeching favour for a certain ‘exile’ to become a Nora brave.
Cassie chattered away happily, her legs strong from plenty of exercise and her mind still very active. Aloy listened to her, marvelling at how she could move from one thought to another without a pause. However, the last stretch to their home was up a steep incline and even Cassie’s endless conversation ebbed, needing to focus on breathing. They walked past the fence line and Cassie, suddenly revived, dashed to the door.
“Dad! We’re home!” She pushed the door open and looked inside then turned back to Aloy. “He’s not here!”
“He’ll be somewhere.” Aloy climbed the steps then spotted a note pinned to the door. “He’s gone to Mother’s Heart with Jay.”
“Did he take the chickens?”
Aloy looked around at the bare yard. “I guess he did. And the goat.”
“Mum, can I take my bow and arrows to the base?”
“No, they’re not necessary.”
“Awww.” Cassie’s bottom lip pouted then she brightened. “Can I practice outside!”
“Until dad comes home.” Aloy stepped out of the way as Cassie grabbed her weapons and darted to the target. It was the same bow Aloy had used when she was a child. She had restrung it so Cassie could practice. Aloy left her outside to play, going into the cabin to view how the packing was going…
…the cargo parcels were still rather empty.
She sighed, feeling reluctant to fill them.
She had once loved the notion of travelling and it wasn’t that she didn’t want to go…but that travelling with children…it was intimidating.
“Get it together, Aloy,” she muttered, “you’ve only got tonight to do this.”
“Dad’s home!”
Aloy ducked her head out of the door and saw Jay’s face first, his black hair tied in little plaits, his hands clutching Kotallo’s head as he sat upon his father’s shoulders. Kotallo knelt, Jay clambering down as Cassie threw her arms around him, no doubt telling him all about her day at a rapid pace. Jay caught sight of Aloy and ran towards her as fast as his three year old legs could carry him. She sat on the step and hugged him, his chubby arms holding on tight.
“Hello my love,” Kotallo’s shadow was cast across her face as she looked up, his lips meeting hers, “have you been home long?”
“Ten minutes or so. We must have just missed each other.” They stepped out of the way as Jay insisted on climbing the steps himself. He teetered for a moment before Kotallo gave his bottom a push with his foot and he made it to the top, his face beaming brightly. “Did you take the livestock to Mother’s Heart?”
“Didn’t want to leave them on their own for so long.” Kotallo followed her inside, lighting the lamps as it darkened, the sun sinking rapidly. “Karst offered to look after them for us.”
“Oh…good.”
“I see you made some progress…” Kotallo eyed her then looked at the cargo cases. Aloy gave a helpless shrug which he somehow understood. “I’ll cook, you pack…unless you want to cook?”
“I think we can both agree that’s not a good idea.” Aloy smiled.
Once she started it was surprisingly easy to load up the cases. Jay helped by pulling everything out again. Aloy recruited Cassie into entertaining him so she could make sure there were enough clothes in the cases. By the time she had them packed, supper was prepared. Cassie and Jay ate, Cassie managing to talk even though her mouth was full and Jay starting to look droopy eyed as he always did in the evening. Cassie helped take the dishes to the bucket to wash while Aloy picked up her son and laid him in his cradle that Kotallo had made when she first told him she was pregnant, beneath the quilt Teersa had gifted them with when she was born.
Jay clutched at the fabric, his thumb in his mouth and Aloy stroked his cheek, still in disbelief that the little life falling asleep before her eyes had come from her body.
She looked over at Kotallo who was handling Cassie’s chatter with ease and her heart ached at the way he adapted to fatherhood like it was the most natural thing in the world. Kotallo had refused to leave when Aloy was giving birth, staying by her side and had held his daughter, squalling and red, in his arms, tears streaming down his face.
In that moment, all the pain, the leg cramps and the weight Aloy had put on was all worth it.
He had kissed his daughter’s face and looked at Aloy with such intensity that her breath was stolen away.
She could feel his gratitude deep down to her soul.
“Cassie,” Aloy said, “time for bed.”
“But mum…”
“Cassie,” Kotallo looked at her and the bright six year old clamped her lips shut, “we have an early start tomorrow. Do as your mother says.”
Cassie nodded and went to her bed which had been Aloy’s when she had shared the cabin with Rost. Aloy picked up her stuffed toy of a Tallneck. Cassie eyed it sadly.
“Do you think…I can take it with me?”
“When we head west?” Cassie nodded. “Of course.”
“But…won’t everyone think it’s silly.” Cassie asked quietly.
Aloy lifted her blanket and tucked the Tallneck in beside her. “What other people think of you is none of your business.”
“But you didn’t have a toy when you were my age.”
Aloy blinked. “Well…no,” she sighed and sat on the edge of Cassie’s bed, “but I had my FOCUS. It was what I used to understand the world around me.” She looked at the toy that Zo had sent for Cassie, the soft fabric and careful stitching something Aloy couldn’t comprehend working with. “I think, if I had a toy like this…I would have taken it everywhere.”
Cassie smiled, her arms wrapping around the Tallneck’s neck. She snuggled down, immediately comforted and closed her eyes.
“We won’t forget to take it?”
“No, we won’t.” Aloy promised then stood up and drew the curtain across to help block out the light of the cabin. She turned and eyed the cargo cases, her jaw tightening. She had to force herself to pack her own clothes, making sure to take their toiletries and random items but left the smaller cases open as a reminder to take Jay’s quilt and Cassie’s Tallneck.
“Unbelievable…” She shook her head at the cases that were taking up a significant portion of the floorspace.
“What is?” Kotallo asked from the kitchen where he was finishing the cleaning.
“When I left the Embrace for the first time after Rost died, I had the clothes on my back, my bow and arrows and my spear…” She gestured to the spread of clutter across the floor. “Now…”
“There’s more than just yourself to manage now,” Kotallo nodded, “it’s a big change.”
“And I’m worried about forgetting something important.” Aloy admitted, anxiety nipping at her.
“You can run through it with me in just a moment and we’ll make sure it’s all packed.” Kotallo promised, hanging pots from the hook cluster.
Aloy turned and gazed at his back as he worked, his black hair still in dreadlocks down his back, longer than they had been when she first met him. He wore something called ‘jeans’, hiking boots and a collarless shirt. The shirt had long sleeves which covered his artificial arm and over its hand and fingers, he wore a glove. Kotallo had long grown accustomed to wearing his artificial arm almost all the time, especially once he had clothing that disguised it, meaning there were less questions about how it had happened or how the arm worked.
She gazed at him tenderly then frowned and looked at her hand, counting on her fingers. She glanced towards the curtained area where she hoped the children were fast asleep then walked up behind Kotallo and wrapped her arms around him.
“Mmmm…” He chuckled softly as her hands slid up underneath his shirt, gliding across his chest. “Well…that’s…uh…I…uh…aren’t…you…tired?”
Aloy loved hearing him become aroused, trying to think logically while his brain was shutting down. She pressed her body against his back.
“We’ll be days on the road and staying where we mightn’t have much privacy,” she whispered, “if we wait until we’re at the base…I’ll be in the conception stage of my cycle…”
It was how they controlled how many children they had, by knowing when Aloy was most likely to conceive. There were other methods, including pharmaceuticals but that always reminded her of the Zeniths and how they altered their bodies. Aloy and Kotallo had decided to be as natural as they could.
Kotallo twisted in her arms and threaded his arms around her, his pale blue eyes heavily dilated.
“I love it when you talk romantic…”
Aloy blushed. “I’m sorry…I know it’s not romantic to be seduced by…” Her words were silenced as Kotallo’s mouth covered hers and she felt him draw her close.
“I’m not complaining,” he said huskily, “not at all.”
Their hands explored each other’s bodies, removing clothing and attempting buttons. Aloy was just wrestling with his belt when she heard Cassie call out.
“Mum…Dad…”
Aloy closed her eyes. Kotallo kissed her forehead then looked up. “What is it, sweetheart?” He asked.
Cassie’s freckled face with red hair that was already becoming tangled, peeked out from around the curtain.
“I…I…I want…I can’t…” She rubbed her eyes as if that would help her words. “I can’t…find…my bed.”
Aloy tried not to groan. Kotallo winked at her then disentangled himself from Aloy and went over to Cassie.
“It’s just back here,” he pulled the curtain aside and helped her back into bed, “goodnight Cassie.” He drew the curtain back and looked at Aloy, crossing the cabin to wrap his arms around her. “Now, where were we…”
“Shouldn’t we wait and make sure she’s asleep?” Aloy asked as Kotallo’s lips found her neck and her body trembled.
“She wasn’t really awake to begin with,” Kotallo’s kisses persisted, “we’ll be quiet…”
Aloy wasn't sure how well they were at being quiet but the children didn't stir once.
“I’ve really…got to…finish…the extension on the cabin.” Kotallo breathed in the aftermath.
“For us…or for the children?” Aloy asked, shivering. Kotallo drew the blanket up over her body, holding her to his chest, their heat blending together.
“Both.” He chuckled. “It’d be nice to have a private, soundproof space for moments like these,” he stroked back her braid, “but we’d be cut off from the rest of the cabin when they’re in bed…and in winter it won’t benefit as much from the fire so it’ll be cooler.”
“That’s why I don’t know about putting the children in it.” Aloy could feel his body receding and eased herself from him. They used a couple of cloths set aside for this purpose only to clean themselves up before they were thrown to the end of the bed and Aloy curled up close behind Kotallo. “If you used the prefabricated panels half of Mother’s Watch’s accommodation is made out of, it would be done by now and insulated.”
Kotallo twisted to gaze at her. “I couldn’t destroy the integrity of this traditional cabin with those artificial panels. Think how it would look?”
“Like a FOCUS on a primitive tribal girl?”
“That’s different,” Kotallo kissed her, “you made it look good.”