#kotallo x reader imagines

[ragingbookdragon]

Being on Kotallo’s left side meant it was easier for her to take care of aspects that his left arm would’ve usually done for him. This time, it meant passing bowls of food to the next person and scooping the contents onto his plate while he held the bowl. She hadn’t explicitly told everyone that she was pre-world, but then again, the last thing she wanted was to have to explain cytogenesis to people that fought with bows and arrows. She still entertained them with stories of war from her time, under the guise of an old-world historian. It wasn’t until she was cutting a piece of meat from a bone for Kotallo that she heard the snickering around them.

In listening to one of Hekarro’s stories, she continually dropped her gaze to the bottom right, watching as Kotallo struggled to cut a chunk of meat off the boar bone he had on his plate. After a few moments, he let out a quiet grunt and set the knife down; she reached over then and put two fingers on the bone and with the other hand, cut the chunk of meat off. While she was at it, she continued cutting the meat off until the bone was free, and she set her knife down, smiling at him.

“Thank you,” he murmured with a soft smile of his own, but it quickly fell when snickering echoed from the other side of the room and she looked over, seeing a few Tenakth nodding in their direction and laughing.

Anger welled up inside her and she couldn’t help but see the shame rise on Kotallo’s face; it was all it took to light an already shortened fuse—she wasn’t dumb, she saw how Kotallo’s fellow soldiers treated him. She cleared her throat, speaking out calmly, “Please forgive me for my interruption, Chief Hekarro, but it seems we have a more important story going on.” Everyone fell silent and she glared the warriors down. “What seems to be so funny in the Chief’s story that you are laughing so much?”

The soldiers looked away.

“No, please,” she encouraged. “It’s obviously much more important than his.”

The others seemed to be ashamed of the weight of their people’s gaze, but one in particular scoffed. “None of us need a babysitter to feed us.”

She blinked, looking at Kotallo. “I’m not feeding him. Last I checked, he was perfectly capable of bringing food to his mouth.”

“And cutting his food up for him like he’s a child?” he shot back. “A useless warrior in more ways than one.”

Kotallo looked at the floor and muttered, “Leave it, it’s fine.”

“It’s not,” she retorted and rose from her seat. “I’ve held my tongue long enough here.” Pointing at the warrior, she condemned, “You should be ashamed of yourself.” Turning to the others, she added, “In fact, all should be ashamed of how you treat this man.”

“The Ten would’ve—”

“The Ten would’ve considered Kotallo an honorable warrior and held in high regard!” she pulled her armor off until she was in her underclothes, her usually hidden cybernetic arms and legs exposed. “I lost my limbs in battle and yet I was never treated so despicably by my fellow soldiers-in-arms. No one shunned me because I lost my arms and legs. I was lifted up with honor, with dignity, with brotherhood.”

They watched her limbs in shock as she walked towards the group.

“And when my limbs were built and re-attached, I went back into battle, leading my team once more. And they trusted me beyond a shadow of a doubt. You say the Ten wouldn’t care about a wounded warrior?” she glowered at them. “I am the Ten. I fought against the machines before the world went to hell. And we didn’t fucking treat our disabled men and women like dirt. We didn’t fucking think of them like broken weapons with no use. We treated them with respect. With dignity. They were heroes to us.”

She pointed at herself. “I have honor. I am still everything I was before I was maimed. And if you look at your fellow brother and sisters who are maimed like you do Kotallo? You don’t deserve to call yourself a descendant of the Ten. You’re a fucking poor excuse, and my people, my Ten, would be disappointed in your actions and treatment.”

Looking at the Tenakth around, she lifted her head and spoke with fervor. “You hold strength as the highest regard in your society, but you people don’t even know what that entails.” She gazed upon them with anger. “You are called to uplift your fellow man—maimed or not. You are called to support them in times of pain and turmoil. You do not turn your back on them and look upon them with shame.”

She glanced at Kotallo, a warmth in her eyes. “He is more worthy of being called a Ten than any man or woman here.”

Kotallo gaped at her, mouth slack, eyes wide, and silence filled the room as she pulled her clothes back on and sat down with him, pushing at his place. “Eat. Or it’ll get cold.”

Slowly, he closed his mouth and nodded, looking at his plate, and when she lifted her head and caught Hekarro’s eyes, a pride shown in them as he continued on with his story.

[plainsongharmony]

Just let me love you... [Part I]

Please make sure you read my pinned PSA :) It's not perfect, but it's not meant to be <3 Part II and maybe III to follow - it's already written, just needs formatting and posting. Edit: part II is here.

Kotallo x Old One f!reader

A veil of gold enveloped the landscape before me. The cool mountain air so sweet in my throat as a gentle breeze teased my hair. I sighed. The new world felt so big, so fresh. Even after so many months, no matter how much I tried to move on, the hulking weight of the loss of the entire world kept hounding me; usually in the calm, quiet moments. Aloy had been gone for almost a week now, hunting for the two remaining subordinate functions for GAIA. Erend was on a supply run and wouldn’t be back until tomorrow. Beta still kept to herself in the basement. Zo and Varl spent most of their time together in their private quarters and had retreated as soon as we had finished eating. Kotallo had his own battles to plan with his hologram strategy table. So quiet. Just me and the Earth and my thoughts. I shivered as another breeze caressed my shoulders. My clothes were a mishmash of fashions from various tribes while I tried to figure out my place in the world, but I found the loose Carja silks to be the most comfortable. They didn’t do much about cold mountain wind at sunset though.

The door behind me hissed. I didn’t care who it was. I really wasn’t in the mood for conversation right now. I hugged my knees closer to my chest and waited as footsteps crunched closer. Gentle steps. I was vaguely aware of something being placed on the ground behind me, before a blanket was carefully draped around me. It was Kotallo. He took his time to make sure that he had managed to cover me sufficiently using his remaining hand, then picked up the cup of hot tea and handed it to me before settling down beside me. He must have asked Zo how to brew it.

“I didn’t want you to get cold.” He stated simply. His gaze turned to survey the West that lay before us. That was how we stayed until in sun had fully dipped below the horizon and the sky had gone from forget-me-not, to periwinkle, rose, crimson, to the indigo that was finally beginning to bloom.

The door behind me hissed. I didn’t care who it was. I really wasn’t in the mood for conversation right now. I hugged my knees closer to my chest and waited as footsteps crunched closer. Gentle steps. I was vaguely aware of something being placed on the ground behind me, before a blanket was carefully draped around me. It was Kotallo. He took his time to make sure that he had managed to cover me sufficiently using his remaining hand, then picked up the cup of hot tea and handed it to me before settling down beside me. He must have asked Zo how to brew it.

“I didn’t want you to get cold.” He stated simply. His gaze turned to survey the West that lay before us. That was how we stayed until in sun had fully dipped below the horizon and the sky had gone from forget-me-not, to periwinkle, rose, crimson, to the indigo that was finally beginning to bloom.

“We should head back inside.” He stood, holding his hand out for me to take. Grasping his hand I heaved myself to my feet, thankful for his counterweight, and all too quickly found myself nose to nose with the warrior. I couldn’t help the heat that rose to my cheeks at the sudden intimate proximity to the wall of painted muscles. We lingered for a heartbeat, sharing air, before he lead the way inside. I loosed a breath I was unaware I was holding.

In the common room, the candles had been lit in favour of the harsh electrical overhead lights of the facility. Mindlessly, I shuffled towards the bench where the Strike board was set up and plopped myself down, staring at nothing. I picked up a machine piece and turned it absentmindedly in my hand.

I didn’t need my focus to show me the faces of my family for me to see them. To hear their voices and laughter ring between my ears. Gone. I knew they were gone - that I would never experience them again. They no longer existed. They were now a mere whisper of memory. A tear slipped silently down my cheek. I don’t know how many minutes passed before Kotallo set a mug of ale down before me. I turned my nose up a little.

“You know I can’t stand this stuff” I muttered.

“I do. But I thought we could share a couple of drinks to distract each other from the ghosts that are bothering us. Besides, after a mug or two the taste is no longer relevant.” The corner of his lip twitched skyward as he turned to fill his own mug. I picked up my cup and sniffed the contents. Closing my eyes I took a swig, trying not to screw up my face as the warrior slid onto the opposite bench. At last I looked into his eyes, and with a small but genuine smile on my face said “Thank you. Really. It means a lot that you’d do this for me.”

“Since I was assigned to assist Aloy, I have been on my own journey with grief. Not just for my arm-“ he glanced down at his stump as if he would see his left arm still attached “but for the soldiers lost in the battle at the Embassy.” A shadow flickered across his eyes. “To begin with, the sorrow threatened to consume me; to force me to be someone less. Since then I have faced my grief, slowly made peace with my loss, and decided who I am now. I see now that the only thing that was stopping me was myself. Looking back, I’m glad I allowed myself to experience that pain, and in a way, it made me feel alive; remember I survived. But I had the choice to either set aside the warrior Marshal - give up myself - or redefine myself and become even better than I was with two arms. I would not have had the strength to do that had I not gone on that mission with Aloy.” He took a swig from his own mug, took a moment to focus himself. I waited patiently to hear what he had to say. “I see the ghosts that haunt you, follow your every step. I lost my arm and half a dozen soldiers. You. You lost your entire world. Not just your people, not just your civilisation, but the places, cultures, even the creatures that inhabited the planet. I cannot even begin to imagine that level of loss. How you must feel. I see you try so hard to ignore that weight, even though it threatens to crush you. I didn’t want you to think you have to bear that weight alone.” The candlelight made the twinkle in his eyes sparkle, the soft light playing across his painted white face; the contrast stark against the deep shadows of the common room. My insides felt warm and fuzzy. Here was a warrior hewn from stone, yet showing his soft side. A side I never expected him to have. I suppose to have defied orders to be at Barren Light that day with even a handful of soldiers he must have the capability to care deeply. I took a moment to look at him - really look at him. The mask of stoicism was down. Right now I was not a threat, a soldier, an ally or some strange alien from the past. I was a friend. A companion. And so, as I exhaled, I let my own guard down too, and smiled a bright and genuine smile before taking another deep swig of the vile liquid in my mug. Kotallo mirrored me, his smile wide but grounded.

“You’re right.” I picked up the carved wooden lancehorn figure from next to the Strike board, studying it as I continued. “I have spent the last few months mourning the loss of my world; so much so that it has greatly hindered my ability to adjust to this new one. I allow myself to get swept up in helping Aloy because it keeps my focus away from that grief for a moment, just like I did when I built the technology to freeze myself. I haven’t yet let myself dream about who I would like to be now - as an individual with a whole new world to explore, new tribes and cultures. New friends.” I gestured to him with my cup, still beaming at the thought that these people I that had come into my life were just that. Friends. Friends that cared about me enough that they would bring me tea and blankets and watch the sunset with me. As I stood to get a refill, I set down the lancehorn, slotting it in to a divot on the highest terrain on the board, and the images of my family’s faces that were so vivid in my mind’s eye finally faded away, like a fog lifting to reveal a beautiful sunny day. A hum of satisfaction rumbled from Kotallo and he sank the remainder of his ale, setting his mug down in an unspoken request to fill it also. Perhaps he too could sense the shift in me.

“To new friends.”

I raised my mug as he spoke, adding: “And to letting go of things that no longer serve us.” And as I tipped my head back to drink, I could have sworn he winked at me, the corner of his mouth turned skyward.

For a while, we continued to chat and drink; me telling stories of skipping school as a teenager, himself telling tales of being out on training missions and drawing unfortunate markings on his comrades with body paint when they passed out asleep. I even got to see him laugh! Eventually Kotallo got fed up of watching me examine every Strike figurine and decided to teach me how to play, setting up simple opponent boards and helping me to figure out how to use my pieces to win.

“Figured it out yet?” He returned to the table with mug number 4, and I was a little surprised at his motion for me to scootch along the bench a little for him to sit beside me. By now the ale had started a buzz going in my head, and even the gentle brush of his knee against my own had me blushing a little. My body, seemingly of it’s own volition, curled into his closeness like a purring cat as I assessed the board. I picked up a piece and moved it, pausing and holding my hand in place while I decided whether I was sure of the move. A slight huff floated over my shoulder. The gentle weight of his large, warm hand covered my own, moving the piece one place to the left. Lingering. Then vanishing. I looked up to find our noses mere inches away, the ghost of a smirk on his face. Was the man… flirting? My traitorous eyes flicked down to notice the small, vertical scar through his upper lip before I shook myself internally. Kotallo and flirting are two words that would never be uttered in the same breath. Yet still, the idea had a flicker of embers stirring in my core. Must be the ale.

We soon finished strategising with the Strike board and fell into an unusually tense silence. I pretended to observe the dregs in the bottom of my empty mug.

“A thought for a thought, Old One.” I rolled my eyes at the name.

The only words that came to my mind to describe my thoughts were from some of my favourite fictional literature from my old life. “I think, Kotallo, that it would be very easy for me to love you.” I paused for effect and to see if he would react. He didn’t. He merely waited for the end of my sentence. “Yet, I think it would be easier still to call you my friend.” I couldn’t help but admit that I was enjoying this new dynamic between us, whatever that was, and I was fully prepared to go with the flow of it. Ale induced or not. Though now the feeling was out in the open, I was afraid of what he might say in response. I realised my heart was pounding in my ears and my breaths shallow. I watched him as he seemed to contemplate his response; the thought he was to share in return for mine.

“I think,” he began, “that this is a good thing.” I tried to keep the surprise off my face, despite the fact I knew he could read my face look an open book. “Since Erend is away tonight, I will need a friend to help me remove some of my armour. And I am most definitely NOT going in there to ask Varl or Zo.” He gestured toward one of the closed doors on the opposite side of the room where the pair had made their bedroom. I huffed a laugh. Fair enough. I wouldn’t entertain the thought of going in there either. He nodded towards the room that we shared with the Oseram and stood to let me get up from the bench. My body suddenly felt light as air as I strode towards our quarters with a spring in my step.

[horizonzerodawnaesthetic]

Do you think the Banuk know what thunder is? Is there thunder if it only snows? I’ve never lived somewhere that cold. Technically there’s the thunder/lightening from Thunder’s Drum, but I don’t think a lot of Banuk actually get close enough to hear it. What I’m saying is.. hypothetically, could Inatut have never heard thunder or seen lightening, and when he does hypothetically witness it, it scares him? Would he hypothetically need some consoling with hypothetical cuddles?

[ragingbookdragon]

The Soul's Tethers

Kotallo x Reader

Word Count: 1.1K Warnings: None

Author's Note: I FUCKING LOVE THIS MAN SO GODDAMN MUCH. -Thorne

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The Nora had come through the window of her shelter before she’d even realized what was happening, and it was only until the two were in the floor, split lips and busted eyebrows that the two understood that they weren’t each other’s enemy—especially when the horde of stalkers rushed down below the trees. They’d assisted the other in taking them out and when they were reveling in their spoils, she invited the Noran back up until the rain had stopped.

She handed the girl, Aloy, a bowl of stew and tossed a log into the fire, sitting down beside her. “You’re quite a ways from Noran lands, Aloy.”

Aloy huffed sardonically. “I tell myself that every day.” As she ate, she couldn’t help but gaze curiously at the woman. “What tribe do you belong to?”

“I was once a part of the Sky Clan, though I claim it no longer.” Her expression soured. “My uncle…he betrayed me.”

“Who’s your uncle?”

“Tekotteh.”

Aloy blinked and looked at the fire, muttering, “I feel bad for you.”

“I appreciate that,” she replied, sharpening her knife, gazing towards the sky. “He was different when I was a child and younger woman. But power changed him. He is no longer the man I once respected.”

“How…did he betray you?”

Her gaze turned almost sad as she answered, “I fell in love with one of the boys he was mentoring. We…grew up together and were always close. But as he got older, and stronger, my love grew, and my uncle saw that I was loyal to him more. He sent my love away to become a marshal for Hekarro.” Her hands moved absentmindedly along the metal. “I saw through Tekotteh’s reasoning. And when Tekotteh told me he was killed at the embassy, I spoke out against him. Called him a coward and a traitor to our people. He banished me for disloyalty to the clan.” She shifted, taking the empty bowl from Aloy. “I’ve been here ever since in grieving. Away from my people. On my own…it’s…comforting somehow.”

Aloy frowned. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Her expression turned solemn. “I was there, y’know? At the embassy? I tried my best to get as many out as I could.” She sighed. “I wish I could’ve saved your lover. What was his name, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Kotallo,” she said, a sad smile playing her lips. “His name was Kotallo.”

Aloy froze, not even blinking as the Tenakth continued to talk about him, then she blurted out, “Did you just say Kotallo?”

“I did?” her brows drew together. “Why?”

“Kotallo’s not—he’s—” Aloy shook her head. “Kotallo’s alive.”

Shock bled into her posture and face as she gaped at the Noran. “What?”

“Kotallo survived the Embassy Massacre. He’s still alive.”

“He—he is?” she started rising. “Can you take me to him? I—I want to see him. Please, Aloy, take me to Kotallo.”

Aloy was already grabbing her bow and spear, rising too. “Yeah, absolutely, c’mon.” she paused and looked back at her. “Tekotteh told you that Kotallo was killed?”

Anger drew along her, nostrils flaring in rage as she spat, “I’ll kill him.”

“Get in line.”

***

She was quite baffled by the technology that Aloy’s base contained, but nevertheless, she was grateful for the new Focus, beginning to understand a little of the mission that the Noran had explained to her along the way. The companions that Aloy kept were pleasant enough, but she hadn’t yet seen Kotallo; it was only when Zo explained that the man had gone to hunt that she somewhat relaxed, sitting in the common room, waiting nervously for the man she hadn’t seen in almost two years.

Zo sat down beside her and handed her a cup. “Here, some tea for your nerves.”

“I’m not nervous,” she retorted, but took the cup anyway. “I’m fine.”

The Utaru smiled knowingly. “Drink.”

She did as Zo said and took a few sips, the warmth bleeding down her throat. “I haven’t seen Kotallo in almost two years. I…don’t know how to greet him.”

“Aloy said your uncle told you he had died.”

“I assume it was to somehow relieve me of my love and force me to marry someone else.”

“Yet you did not.”

She glared into the cup. “I saw through his manipulations when he sent Kotallo away to become a Marshal.”

“You never forgot.”

“And I will never forgive either,” she added, looking up when the door opened and a man’s voice she recognized so well echoed through.

“Erend, I do believe you owe me a drink because I in fact found not one, but two stags.”

The Oseram groaned and dropped his head on the table as the Tenakth warrior came around the corner, looking around the common room, but his eyes stopped on her.

She rose to her feet, hands pressed to her chest as her throat tightened, tears filling her eyes; she didn’t know what to say as he stepped in, his own eyes wide, mouth parted in shock.

“You—you’re here,” he breathed, and she nodded wordlessly, unable to fight the tears dropping down her cheeks.

“He told me you were killed at the embassy,” she managed through a clenched throat. “I didn’t want to believe it, but I—” she crossed the floor to him in slow steps, reaching up to touch his chest. “But you’re here…alive.” Her eyes dropped to his left arm, and he frowned.

“No, I did not die…but I did not walk away unscathed.” He looked back at her. “In my state…I do not know if you wish to be with me. I…am not as worthy a warrior as I once was.”

Her hands were soft against the roughness of his dried paint, cupping his face, thumbs brushing over his scars and cheekbones, pulling them until their foreheads touched. “My Kotallo,” she whispered, nuzzling their noses like traditional lovers did in their culture. “My tether.”

He tipped his head to the side. “There is someone worthy of you. Please, do not waste your love on me.”

“The only man worthy of my soul is you.” She pulled away enough to see into his eyes, wiping the tears that had grown in his. “You are my tether, Kotallo. My soul is yours. It always has been. It always will be. And no amount of limbs lost will ever change such.” She smiled through her tears. “I have missed you so, my tether.”

Kotallo let out a breath and shut his eyes, voice soft, but so strong as he replied, “And I have missed you, my soul.”

[ragingbookdragon]

Stand And Deliver

Kotallo x Reader

Word Count: 3.6K Warnings: Fighting, Violence, Wounds

Author's Note: Yeah...I forgot how much I loved this guy. -Thorne

**********************************************************************

“How’s the new Focus treating you?” she asked, repositioning the gauntlet between her knees as she nimbly worked the threads with her hands.

It is odd…if I’m being honest. Aloy and you have always been open about using yours and while I was always curious, I never thought I’d be using one myself.

She gave an amused smile. “Seeing the world in a new way is odd. You’ll get used to it though.” Tying a new line of beads into the thread, she started a new braid. “How’s Marad handling the slack I left behind?”

How he always did before you arrived. Did your squad make it to the Memorial Grove safely?

“They did,” she answered with an annoyance. “Thanks for telling me they were on their way. It sure wasn’t a major surprise at midday when Kotallo and I were still asleep.”

Well, as Tashid probably mentioned, you didn’t leave instruction behind for them.

“Oh, for the love of God, it was implied that they were supposed to go to Marad for instruction, Avad.” She inhaled deeply and shook her head. “Doesn’t matter now though.”

How are they managing the transition from Carjan society to Tenakth?

“Not too terribly. Kotallo and I have been pairing mine and Tenakth soldiers together for training exercises. The hope is to make a strike squad of infiltration soldiers.” She leaned over to her side and shifted around the three bowls of light blue, dark blue, and yellow beads until she found the one she wanted. “It’s coming along nicely. So far, we’ve seen reliable results. I assume the next time Hekarro calls a Kulrut, we’ll have the squad in place.”

Kulrut? What’s that?

She glared into the distance. “Out of all I said, that’s what caught your attention, Avad? Really?” Rolling her eyes, she said, “The Kulrut is essentially the tournament that Hekarro holds to make his Marshals from. It’s what saved Fashav’s life when they brought him here.”

Yes, you’d mentioned he was a Marshal…what does the tournament entail? Physical prowess?

“In a way,” she answered, tipping her head side to side, even though he couldn’t see her. “Challengers are dispatched from all three of the Tenakth clans to fight against machines in the arena a few hundred meters from the Grove. Those that manage to survive and make something of themselves are made Marshals and serve Hekarro directly.”

Your lover, Kotallo, he’s one of the Marshals that survived the Embassy Massacre, yes?

She grimaced at the mention but felt a warmth in her chest from his name. “Yeah, technically he’s the senior Marshal now. It’s a shame Fashav died…those two could’ve been a new generation of Marshals.”

How so?

“Well, I’ve no doubts that Fashav would’ve come back here after spending time in Meridian. He probably would’ve brought Carjans to perform in the Kulrut.”

They can?

“Well, it saved his life, so, I’m assuming. Though there were many, like Regalla, who were opposed to it. Probably still many who are.”

…Have you ever thought about it?

Her hands stilled in the middle of the braid, and she blinked. “What?”

The Kulrut. Have you ever thought about performing in it?

“Avad, if I were to perform in the Kulrut, I would have to forsake being a Carjan citizen to be in service of Hekarro. I couldn’t hold my position at your side anymore.”

I understand. But have you ever considered what advantage it would be to be a Marshal? You said Fashav pushed Carjan relations with the Tenakth farther than ever before by being one.

“Well, yeah,” she answered. “But you have to remember that Fashav becoming a Marshal was originally the plan to save his own ass. I don’t think he intended to survive and become a Marshal. From what Aloy told me, he wanted the win to request a boon of being delivered back into Carjan custody.”

I think you should strongly consider becoming a Marshal.

“I think you should strongly consider what you just said to me a little bit longer,” she griped. “Avad, if I pass the Kulrut, I cannot serve any other leader other than Hekarro. I would not be under your command anymore.”

And when have you ever truly been under anyone’s command? I know what I’m telling you. You forget that while physical prowess might not be my strong suit, intelligence is. Besides, you’re practically married to your Marshal anyways. Are you really going to leave his side?

She fell silent, cheeks heating and she looked down at her hands, knowing on some level that he was absolutely correct in his assumptions.

Are you still there?

“I’m here,” she muttered, fumbling with the ties. “Even if I wanted to fight in the Kulrut, Hekarro probably won’t call one any time soon. Not since the last with Aloy where they were replaced.”

Did any fall during the assault on the Grove?

“I think one or two, but not many. Most survived.”

Then there will be a chance when he calls a Kulrut again.

“Avad…think about this, please,” she begged. “Do you truly want this?”

I think you should ask yourself if you want this. Being the ambassador to the Tenakth allows you to travel to and from Meridian to the Forbidden West, but being a Marshal would solidify a position amongst the Tenakth. In a way, you’d become one. You’re not Carja, but if I had to give you my most honest opinion, and not as your King, but as your friend…you are more at home amongst the Tenakth then I have ever seen or heard you. From what you’ve said of your homeland…the Tenakth are just like your people.

She tied the last braid on the gauntlet and set it aside. “Avad, I—”

If you truly don’t want to fight in the Kulrut, you don’t have to. But…I encourage you to put your roots somewhere. You’ve spent so much time afraid to be tied down in one place, but I, honest to the Sun, think that the Tenakth are where you belong.

A noise sounded behind her, and she glanced over her shoulder, seeing Kotallo coming her way. “I have to go, Avad.”

I understand. Just…think about what I’ve said, okay?

“I will,” she answered, and tapped her Focus, ending the call to the Sun-King; Kotallo reached out his hand and she took it, letting him pull her to her feet. “Hey.”

He frowned. “You sound upset. Is there trouble?”

“No,” she said, giving him a tired smile, pressing her lips to his cheek. “Nothing’s wrong, my beloved.”

Kotallo pulled back and gazed at her, dark eyes drifting over her face, then he murmured, “You don’t wish to speak of it now?”

She huffed a laugh and ultimately nodded her head. “Something like that.”

“I understand. Just know that whatever is weighing on you, my heart, I will help you all I can.”

“I know you will, and I appreciate that.” She smiled, then bent down and picked up the gauntlet she’d been working on. “I fixed your laces for you and added a few new designs. Some from my clan.”

Kotallo took it in his hand and lifted it up, gazing at them, then handed it back to her so she could tie it on his wrist. “Thank you, I’ll carry you and your people with me wherever I am.”

She smiled at him and patted his arm. “C’mon, let’s go bug Hekarro into letting us take a scouting mission down by the beach.”

His usual stoic expression split into a calm grin, and he slipped his hand into hers. “I would love to get down to the beach again.”

“And we’re about to bug the Chief into letting us go!”

“You mean bugging him into putting us out there just so we’ll leave him alone?”

“Same thing, more words.”

***

The call for another Kulrut came faster than she’d expected it to. A few challengers from every tribe came, as they had when Aloy had been helping the Tenakth, and the arena was filled with a palpable, electric energy as cheers and cries sounded from the spectators.

A churning feeling in her stomach made her sick as she fumbled with the weapon at her side. Moments before, she had left Kotallo and the Chief from the stop of the arena and come back to her and Kotallo’s shelter to put her gear on. She paused as she grabbed her mask and stared at the mirror set up in the corner, a makeshift vanity for her morning routine.

Something unclear was in her eyes, just as cloudy as her heart felt. She felt torn between her obvious desire to be something closer to Kotallo and the Tenakth, and her understanding of what would come after the Kulrut should she survive. Avad’s words kept running through her mind, only clouding the turmoil she felt. The cheering reached her ears and she inhaled sharply, putting the mask over her face, shoving the internal churning deep down and let the desire to fight come over her.

By the time she got back to Kotallo and Chief Hekarro, the Kulrut was about to begin, and she walked between them, both turning to her with confusion. “There’s one more challenger ready to compete.”

“Who?” Kotallo asked, and rather dumbly for such a smart man.

She glanced at him. “Me.” It was all she said before leaping off, raising her arm to unleash the vibrant blue glider, courtesy of Aloy. Her feet hit the sand and she didn’t speak as she stood up and walked to where the other challengers were waiting, some glaring at her, others with looks of shock at the insert of her. She looked up to where Hekarro was watching her; she nodded at him.

Chief Hekarro raised his hands. “Let the Kulrut commence!”

She waited, her heart picking up in her chest as the gates began to open all around the arena, the echoes and cries of deadly machines coming from their bellows. Her eyes met another woman’s around the same age as her and they shared a look of hesitation before a flash darted between them. Dodging back, she lifted her sword and watched as at least fifteen Clawstriders darted between her and the other warriors.

The Tenakth in the pit with her began furiously attacking, intent with claiming victory with their life, yet she climbed up into one of the taller wooden platforms and watched, scanning the ground and the combatants below. Something didn’t feel right. The fight she witnessed Aloy in was full of much more deadlier machines, and yet, this many Clawstriders against a group of trained warriors seemed like child’s play. She continued to watch when something slammed into the platform below her and she gasped in shock, looking down to see one of the warriors stuck to a post, a Clawstrider screeching at him.

Her eyes narrowed and she shifted, leaping below to slam her sword down into its head; it jolted, electricity crackling as it died and she pulled her sword free, kicking the machine aside. “Are you okay?” she asked him, and he breathed heavily, holding his side; crimson soaked from below his fingers. “You need to get up to safety.”

“I can still fight,” he shot back but she was hearing none of it as she hefted his arm over her shoulder and started to lead him back towards the easiest ledge of the platform.

“Over here,” she said. “You’ll be able to climb up and provide support fire for the rest of us.”

“A Marshal is supposed to fight along his fellow warriors.”

“A man won’t become a Marshal if he’s dead,” she retorted and looked at him as he stared back. “Just because you’re not in the thick of it, doesn’t mean you won’t be fighting. You’ll be surviving.”

“Why would you help me?” he questioned, watching as she shoved a cloth beneath his armor.

“Tenakth, Carja, or even my people, the Pumarians, we all bleed red in the end.” She gave him a tight smile as an arrow pierced a machine a few feet from her. “And if we survive, we’re all on the same side.”

“Your words carry—”

A duel set of roars echoed through the arena and the two turned their heads, eyes widening at the Slitherfang and Thunderjaw coming out of the two opposite openings.

“Get up,” she commanded, bending down to give him her hands for his feet. “Get up now and do not be seen.”

He obeyed and disappeared into the platform as she ran to where the other warriors were huddled behind a wall; bodies from the other tribes littered the ground but she paid them no mind, yanking free a bow and set of arrows, as she skidded to a stop behind the wall.

“I need you all to focus on the Slitherfang.”

They looked up at her and one glared. “Who made you leader of us? This is a fight for us all.”

“All for one, one for all,” she growled. “If we don’t fight together, we all die. I can take on the Thunderjaw by myself, but I can’t kill it if the Slitherfang is spitting acid at my back.” She stared them down. “This fight makes us Marshals under one banner. Not Carja, not Tenakth. Marshals of Hekarro. We have to work together.”

For a moment, no one spoke, and she felt her heart thump ominously in her chest as the screeches echoed again, until the woman she met eyes with at the start rose and said, “I can keep it tied down with ropes.”

Another nodded. “I have fire arrows.”

More began to agree and she gave a huff, gripping the bow in her hands. “Then let’s get out there and win this thing.”

As they dispersed, she went the other way, watching as the group began attacking the giant metal snake, and she saw the Thunderjaw coming towards them, but she raised the bow and pulled an arrow back, pointer out as she inhaled, focused on the disc launcher on its left. Exhaling, she let the arrow go and it hit the launcher, burrowing deep inside, parts shattering off it.

It did the trick, as the Thunderjaw turned to her, glowing eyes angered and it shifted, bending low as the cannons at its jaw fired up.

“Ah crap,” she growled, ducking behind a rock that seemed to shatter bit by bit as the energy blasts hit it; she waited until the fire ceased and she rose again, firing an arrow at one of the blasters.

It exploded in a hail of sparks and the Thunderjaw let out a cry as it turned away and seemed to cradle its wound. Without wasting time, she threw the bow down and pulled her sword out and ran towards it, slamming the blade deep within the joint of its right knee as hard as she could. The machine screeched, slapping her with its tail but it started to wobble and went down onto its wounded leg.

Her back hit the wall of the arena, blood splattering the sand in front of her as she slid down, hands hitting the floor. She coughed, reaching up to wipe her mouth and cursed again as she heard the remaining disc launcher start up. looking up, she saw multiple discs coming her way and she exhaled, pulling up her glider. The first disc missed her as she rolled out of the way, ignoring the pain in her back, the second and third discs hit her head on, but she hunkered down in the sand, using the glider as a shield. The third disc shattered the glider, and she threw it down, rising to her feet as she broke out in another dead sprint, narrowly dodging the cannon fire.

She neared the Thunderjaw, sliding to her feet and bending back as the tail swiped inches above her face; kicking up, she grabbed a fistful of metal and put her foot on her sword, forcing her way up the side of the machine until she was on its back. With as much grip as she could, she ambled her way along the Thunderjaw’s back, trying to hold on as it thrashed around, hoping to dislodge her. She grabbed hold of the radar and slung down, slamming the heel of her boot into the piece of metal protecting its core. Once it knew what she was going for, it started rampaging, slamming itself against the arena walls and she had to stop whenever she slipped, dropping a foot down, no longer grasping the radar but wires on its back below the detection device—but she was face level with the core.

Unsheathing her knife, she stuck it between the back and the panel, forcing her way until it was pried away, exposing the pulsing core. A jerk threw her again and she dropped her knife in the sand below, holding on for dear life as the Thunderjaw began thrashing even more wildly. She couldn’t even try to take it down without a weapon and she started looking around for anything, eyes darting up to meet her lover’s; Kotallo stood on the edge of the platform, his heart in his throat as he watched his love dangle helplessly from the side of the massive machine.

As her grip began to go slack, an arrow shot past her head and into the tip of the core and she turned, glancing towards where it possibly had come from, only to see the Tenakth she’d helped sinking back down behind the wooden wall. It was her only assist and she wasn’t about to lose it.

Grasping the arrow, she shoved it between her teeth and curled her fist tight, slamming it down repeatedly into the glass covering the core. Blood splattered along the cracking glass as her knuckles, beaten and battered, continued to meet it. All at once, the glass gave way, heat scorching the back of her leather-clad hand and she pulled her hand out, grabbing the arrow, and jammed it down into the core with as much force as she could manage.

The Thunderjaw bellowed, thrashed a few times, then the lights began to snap out as it went down and she jumped, rolling a few times in the sand. Coming to a stop, she pushed herself up, yanking her sword from the dead machine’s leg, intent to help the others take out the Slitherfang when it hit the ground moments later, cheering echoing from the other side.

A smile passed her lips as the arena erupted into cheers and they found their way to the center, watching as their people screamed for them. The man she’d helped managed to make his way there as well and as he spoke to her, she couldn’t help but feel that his words were so far away.

And she suddenly realized as the world tilted and she swayed, feet coming from beneath her as she hit the ground, the faces of the other Marshals in her gaze being the last thing she saw as darkness overtook her.

***

Someone’s hand was soft against her head, a gentle caress that had her groaning and turning her head to the side, eyes still shut tight, body aching from every limb. The hand stilled, then drifted down beneath her jaw, fingers softly tracing along her jugular.

“You were phenomenal, my heart,” they said, and she recognized the voice, even in her haze of exhaustion. “You are a Marshal now.”

“Yay,” she muttered beneath her breath. “How bad am I?”

“Severely broken ribs. A concussion. Many cuts and bruises. You took quite a beating with the Thunderjaw. Your hand it broken too.”

“Killed it though.”

“You could’ve been killed,” Kotallo stressed, and she finally opened her eyes to see him bent above her, expression drawn in concern. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why would you keep me in the dark about joining in the Kulrut? Did you not trust me?” he seemed extremely upset at her lack of honesty.

“It was kind of spur of the moment to be completely honest,” she admitted, looking away. “But I’m sorry I didn’t tell you it was on my mind. I should’ve.”

He was silent for a few moments then he let out a sigh and lowered himself to lay beside her, pressing his forehead to her temple. “It matters not now. You survived and are a Marshal.”

Turning back to face him, she asked, “Are you upset with this? Becoming a Marshal?” her tone seemed downcast. “Avad, he said…he said I belonged here, with the Tenakth…with you. That I felt most at home here because of the similarities with my people. I just…I kept thinking about leaving you behind and if I were a Marshal I would never have to and I—”

Kotallo reached over and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, and she was shocked—she hadn’t even realized she was crying. “My heart, I am honored that you chose this for me.” He nuzzled her cheek, pressing his lips to her skin. “It makes me even happier to know that we will always fight together now. We will lead our people to peace.”

“You’re not mad?”

“I’m mad that you put yourself in harm’s way,” he replied. “But what good would being mad do? It’s passed and you are a Marshal now. We are Marshals.” Kotallo smiled softly at her. “Together. Always.”

She leaned into him, tucking her head between his neck and shoulder. “Together.”

[ragingbookdragon]

A Day Without Your Presence Is Like A Year Without Rainfall

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 2.4K Warnings: None

Author's Note: Your honor, I love this man. Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

The ceremony to lay Regalla to rest took some time and she bided hers entertaining the young children with bright holograms from her Focus while it went on. By the time the ceremony and laments had finished, it was well into the evening, even later when Kotallo found her curled up in the big tree just outside the Memorial Grove, idly kicking her foot back and forth as she waited.

“I apologize for keeping you so long,” Kotallo said as he walked over, staring up at her and she merely gazed down at him with a grin.

“I wasn’t in any hurry, big guy.” She sat up and rolled off the limb, grin growing as Kotallo caught her with one arm and a heavy grunt, though it gave way to an amused grin of his own. “Nice catch. I bet you could do it one handed.”

He rolled his eyes and deadpanned, “You are hilarious.”

“I try,” she replied cheekily, picking her pack up off the ground as he set her down, then she whistled and looked to the charger stomping over. “I need to be on my way.”

“So, you are returning to Meridian then?” he asked, and she could hear the disappointment in his voice as he asked too.

She sighed and looked away. “My duty is to the Sun King, Kotallo, I can’t just forgo it because of what we’ve found.”

“I know,” he murmured, gently caressing her cheek and she finally turned her eyes back to his, blinking in surprise as he watched her with such a soft fondness. “It brings me pride that you will continue to carry your duty as I will here. Even though a great distance will lie between us.”

“We can always talk to one another,” she said, tapping her Focus. “GAIA, Aloy, and Beta are working on a way to set up the bigger network so we can maintain farther distances, but we’ll see as it progresses.” She let out another sigh. “But I do need to get on the road…it’ll be a long way to Meridian from here.”

Kotallo nodded, pulling his hand away. “I understand.” He stepped back as she climbed atop the charger. “I have something to give you before you leave.”

She looked down. “What is it?”

Reaching behind him, he pulled out a thick, corded bracelet lined with dark and light blue and yellow beads, similar to the ones on his armor. “You are fond of bracelets…so I made this the night we came back from defeating the Zeniths.”

With a heartful smile, she held out her left hand and he gently slipped it onto her wrist, his hands holding onto hers for a moment after it fell against her skin; she slowly pulled her hand away and pressed it to his cheek and he turned his gaze to meet hers. “I’ll come back as soon as I have leave to do so, Kotallo. You have my word.”

He leaned into her touch and turned slightly, brushing his lips against her palm, and murmured, “Do not delay your duty for me. We are bound to our honors, and we must uphold them.”

“That we must,” she answered and when she pulled away, Kotallo stepped back and watched as she sped off into the setting sun.

***

“If you sigh one more time because you miss that damned Tenakth warrior, I will personally hire an assassin to murder you,” Marad muttered, still holding his hands behind his back as the birthday celebration for Itamen went on; he couldn’t take another minute of watching her idly playing with the bracelet on her wrist and sighing profusely.

Her eyes narrowed and she griped, “Jokes on you, Marad, being here with you is akin to murder in and of itself.”

He glanced over. “It has been a full two weeks since you returned from the Forbidden West and all you have done is sigh and silently bemoan your heartache.”

“I take that as a personal testament that you’ve never cared for someone, Marad,” she retorted and smiled as Avad walked over. “Your Radiance, quite a celebration you’ve planned for your brother. I could barely contain my joy as I entered the room.”

Avad gave her a polite grin and took his place in between the two spies. “Please, this is the last place you want to be.” He gave her a knowing look. “I am of the same mind as Marad. You have been quite unhappy since returning to Meridian.”

She heaved a sigh and just slightly avoided looking annoyed. “I am perfectly functional, King Avad.”

“I will take my leave,” Marad said and nodded his head to the two as he walked by, heading towards Vanasha and Itamen.

“Have you and your Tenakth friend spoken since you returned?”

She hummed. “We attempt to. Long range communication with the Focus hasn’t been thoroughly fixed yet. Aloy and GAIA are working on that.” Inconspicuously, she cast a glance around the room, her huntress training getting the better of her as she waited for an attack. “Anytime we try it’s choppy and we get cut off a lot from signal loss.”

Avad frowned, a true look of sympathy for his dear friend and infiltrator. “I’m sorry. I know it must be hard not to communicate with him often.”

Shrugging, she replied, “I sent a letter with a convoy heading for the Memorial Grove, so maybe he will get it, maybe he won’t.”

“Well, I have mind to believe that he—”

“Your Majesty!” someone shouted and the two spun, her already moving to pull out her sword and stand before Avad; the saw a guardsman running up. “Your Majesty, My Lady, there’s a Tenakth warrior at the stairs of the palace!”

The two looked to one another with shocked expressions; Avad shook his head. “Come again, soldier?”

The guard swallowed and pointed back towards the doors. “A Tenakth warrior, Your Majesty. He just showed up and demanded to speak to you.”

Avad glanced at her. “It can’t be Chief Hekarro, can it?”

“There’s no way he’d come on his lonesome,” she said. “But…I don’t know of any Tenakth warriors who would march right into Meridian and demand an audience with the king.” She raised a hand. “That’s a lie, I actually know several, but none that would come now.”

The King turned and waved Marad over. “Marad, if anyone asks, I had to step out to hear a report from guards along the norther border.”

“Of course, Your Eminence. I’ll handle it all.”

The two were quick to hurry to the throne, surrounded by a flurry of guards, and when they opened the doors, they were met by shouting and when she caught a glance of the Tenakth warrior in the middle of a circle of spears, she was quick to silence them all. “Enough! Carja, put your weapons down and step away from the Tenakth!”

Some obeyed but then Avad stepped in. “As your King, I order you to lower your weapons and move.”

Immediately, the warrior was no longer surrounded, and she hurried down the steps to the man, eyes wide and heart beating wildly in her chest. “Do you have any idea how many rules and regulations you’ve broken by coming here!” she hissed. “Let alone the fact that Carja and Tenakth relations haven’t been the best lately, you literally waltzed through the gates of the Sun Palace like it was nothing!” Something suddenly occurred to her, and a look of pure horror came over her face. “Does Chief Hekarro even know you’ve made this journey here?”

He merely took a single look at her and then turned to Avad. “You are the Carjan King?”

Avad nodded with a calm smile. “I am. You must be Kotallo. Our dear friend here has spoken quite a lot about you there past weeks.”

Kotallo turned his head up, an act of a proud warrior, but not one too proud to put himself above a king. “I have heard you are a fair king, and I know as such from being a Marshal of my Chief’s. You listen to your people when they present their needs.”

“I try to,” he answered. “I cannot hear them all at once, but I do the best I can.” Avad smiled. “Is there something you have come to ask of me, Kotallo?”

“Indeed, there is.” He turned and took her left hand in his right. “I have come to ask if there is any way you will give my heart leave to come back to the Forbidden West as an official representative of the Sundom.”

Even Avad seemed shocked at the request, though he had expected something akin to it. She herself was more shocked and she merely gaped at Kotallo as he continued to speak to the king. “I have never known a love like hers. What we share…it is impossible to live without.”

“Is that so?”

“It is,” he affirmed. “The day she left, I felt…lost.” Kotallo glanced at her. “A day without her presence is like surviving in a year with no rainfall, let alone two weeks without it.” He turned back to the king. “If I must battle your fiercest warrior, I shall, but I will not take leave of this city unless she will return with me.”

Avad was watching them with a fondness, a bit of bitterness if he was honest, but a fondness nonetheless, and he gestured to her. “While she does work as my right-hand woman, I cannot control what she decides. If she is to leave and become the Carja representative…she must decide this for herself.”

Kotallo took this in and nodded, turning to her once more, confessing, “He speaks truth. I cannot make you return with me, but…I would welcome your company with me.” She looked away, trying to hide the tears in her eyes. “I have offended you, coming here, haven’t I?”

“No, you big idiot,” she whispered, swallowing thickly, and reaching quickly to wipe the tears from her eyes with her free hand. “I can’t believe you came all the way from Memorial Grove to tell me you loved me.”

“If it appeases you, I should’ve told you before you left me that day.”

“You are not making this any better,” she retorted, watching as Avad waved off the flurry of Carja guardsmen until it was just the three and the door guards a few feet away; she met his gaze. “You truly love me?”

Kotallo nodded. “Enough to step foot into the Carjan capital and ask you to come home with me.”

“Home?”

“Home.” He squeezed her hand. “Come home with me, my heart.”

She pursed her lips, glancing at Avad. “May I be relinquished of infiltration duty to take up the mantle of representative?”

Avad made a gesture of thought, tapping his pointer to his chin. “I don’t know…being a diplomatic representative is going to be a lot of work.” He grinned at her. “Do you think you can handle it?”

“Do you think you can handle me not being here?”

“Oh, whatever shall I do without my dear infiltrator here to annoy me on a constant basis?” Avad chuckled as her lips pulled up in a grin. “I see no reason why you shouldn’t be allowed to take up this responsibility, my dear friend.” He reached out and she let him take her free hand. “But I must stress the importance of maintaining good relations with the Tenakth people. You may not be Carjan, but I am sure the wounds of the Red Raids are still raw with many Tenakth. You will face opposition from some, you must know this.”

“I do,” she nodded, taking a moment to look at Kotallo. “But I think me and the big guy can handle whatever comes our way.”

Avad tipped his head in agreement. “Then as your King, I hereby reassign you to the Forbidden West as the Representative of the Sundom. You are to assist Chief Hekarro and his Marshals with their needs and provide diplomatic assistance when needed.” He shooed them both away. “Please, take the night to recuperate before you journey back West. I must, however, return to Itamen’s party.”

As he walked off, Kotallo muttered, “So, I do not have to fight anyone?”

She snorted. “No, big guy, we do things a little differently than over in the West.” She started to lead him towards her bedroom. “We talk things out instead of fighting.”

He grunted. “Seems like a waste of time.”

“Well, we can’t all be nations of battle prowess. Sometimes talking does good work.” She led him to her room and opened the door, letting him come inside before she closed it and locked it behind them; she watched as he looked around. “It’s probably a lot different than what you’re used to.”

Kotallo nodded. “There’s so much…fabric. And gold.”

“Gold and red cloth are prominent in the Sundom.” She sat on the bed and patted the spot beside her, smiling as he carefully sat down, part of him worried his weight wouldn’t hold; she turned and put one leg over his lap, the other behind at his back and gently laid her chin on his shoulder. “You really came all this way for me, Kotallo.”

It wasn’t a question.

He turned his head and looked at her. “I love you, my heart.” Leaning forward, he gently knocked his head to hers. “I couldn’t spend another day without you at my side.”

“Missed me that much, huh?” she joked, but he saw the tears gathering in her eyes, the soft smile on her lips.

Kotallo reached up and cupped her cheek. “I missed you every morning I woke up and didn’t see your face beside me. I missed you ever night I closed my eyes, and your face wasn’t the last thing I saw before I fell into sleep.” He nuzzled her nose with his own. “I have missed you greatly, my heart.”

The tears started to drip down her cheeks and she shifted her head, pressing her face into his bare shoulder, but he could feel her smile on his skin. “I love you, Kotallo.”

“And I you, my heart,” he murmured, gently maneuvering them until she was laying with his arm around waist, her pressed up against his side with her head on his chest.

[ragingbookdragon]

A Bridge Needs Its Supports

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 2.2K Warnings: Explicit Language, a wee bit of spiciness <3

Author's Note: This train's leaving the station. Get on board or get ran over. I don't care which. Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

Warmth spread across her back, the sunlight peeling in through the cracks in the roof of their tent. He was facing away from her, she doing the same, somewhere in the night both of them had probably separated to cool down—nights in the Forbidden West were sometimes chilly, other times warm. Still though, one of her heels was brushed up against his calf, and his fingers were brushing the skin of her lower back. She inhaled deeply and dug her cheek further into the pillow, smiling when his fingers twitched against her back.

A noise sounded from outside the tent, followed by a tentative, “Marshal Kotallo, Lady Ambassador? We, uh, we have a problem.”

Kotallo grunted low in his throat, rolling onto his stomach to bury his face in the middle of her back, breath puffing against her skin as he muttered, “You deal with it.”

She grunted in return and smacked a few times to loosen her lips and tongue from slumber. “Soldier…what time is it?”

“It’s, uh, midday, Lady Ambassador.” He sounded apologetic as he added, “I know Chief Hekarro ordered you and Marshal Kotallo to relax until evening, but we really require your assistance right this moment.”

Harrumphing, she wiggled her shoulders to shake her lover. “Before nightfall, any daytime problem is yours to deal with.”

“No,” he groaned low in his throat. “You do it.”

“You are such a big—”

“Marshal Kotallo, Lady Ambassador, there’s a squad of Carjan guards armed to the teeth. Our people are about to get into a fight if the two of you don’t come and help us.”

Immediately, the two jerked up, eyes wide and expressions pulled in shock. “Carja?” Kotallo repeated, looking at her. “When were Carja coming?”

She scowled at him. “How am I supposed to know?”

“I don’t know, maybe because you’re the Carjan Ambassador to the Tenakth?” he retorted, already pulling on his armor, her merely pulling the deerskin pants and tunic on.

“Oh, bite me, big guy.” She unlatched the tent cover and squinted as the sunlight blinded her. Reaching up, she shielded her eyes and glanced at the Tenakth soldier; she recognized him as one of the youngsters that Kotallo was mentoring. “Talk to me, Niluk.”

The Tenakth nodded, turning to lead her through. “They showed up a few moments before but at first, we didn’t recognize their armor.”

“Why not?” she asked, taking the sword from Kotallo as he fell into step behind her.

“They weren’t carrying usual Carjan weapons or dressed in Carjan armor. We only recognized that they were Carja after they introduced themselves as such and then asked to see you.”

She frowned as the echo of shouting got louder from the entrance to Memorial Grove; she had an inkling of who was at the entrance and when they stepped out, she sighed, recognizing all of them.

Kotallo looked at her. “Friends of yours?”

“They are,” she answered, hurrying to stand between the Carjans and the Tenakth ready to strike, Kotallo took her side, ready to stand with her. “Everyone calm down! There’s no need to draw blood!”

One of the Tenakth pointed at her. “You brought these Carja here!”

“Actually, we came on our own,” one of the Carja answered, propping his hands on his hips; she shot him a glare and he coughed. “Not helping, sorry.”

She stuck her sword in the ground. “Everyone, weapons down. No one is fighting right now. Marshal Kotallo and I will oversee this matter. Go about your business elsewhere.”

Kotallo stowed his weapon. “Do as she commands. We will take care of this.”

The other Tenakth glared them down, but after a moment, they receded, returning to their positions. She beckoned Niluk over. “Niluk, these Carja aren’t threats to your people. They’re my squad members from Meridian. Do me a favor and just stay with them while Kotallo and I go report this to Chief Hekarro.”

He nodded. “Of course, Lady Ambassador.”

She glanced back at the squad and pointed to one of them, the man who had previously defended the group’s action. “Tashid, come with me.”

“Yes Captain,” he answered, falling in step beside her, Kotallo doing the same.

“Before I beat the ever-living shit out of you for showing up in the heart of Tenakth territory unannounced, mind telling me what the hell you’re doing here?”

Tashid grinned. “Captain, I’m surprised you’d think your merry-men of spies would just disband and go about our business when you came here to stay. We’re nothing if not loyal to our dearest Lady.”

She shot him a glare. “Don’t make me pull your spine out through your ass.”

“Promises, promises, Captain,” he cooed, coughing when she punched him in the ribs and led the trio into the Chief’s throne room; he was already waiting for them.

“Chief Hekarro,” she greeted with a nod. “Quite a wake-up call Kotallo and I received just now.”

The Chief huffed. “I’m surprised the clan didn’t outright kill them the moment they opened their mouths.” He glanced at the three of them, watching Tashid closely. “What’s a group of Carja doing here?”

Before either she or Kotallo could even open their mouths, Tashid stepped forward and said, “Well, see, Chief Hekarro, our Lady Captain here returned to Meridian only to go right back to the Forbidden West two weeks later and she didn’t even leave a note with us to say goodbye.” He pouted at her. “Captain, we were horribly distraught after you left us all on our lonesome. You know work and no play makes dull boys and your boys are so very dull.”

Normally, she would’ve answered Tashid’s whines with quips of her own, but she merely inhaled and exhaled through her nose and ran a hand down her face. “Why must you act like a jackass?”

“Because you indulged my behavior for too long and now it’s unchangeable,” he replied, batting his lashes with a wide grin.

She grunted and pulled her hand away from her face, meeting Hekarro’s gaze. “Chief Hekarro, the Carjan squad is mine. A personally, hand-selected group of the best guardsmen I could find to be on an elite infiltration squad. They’re not a threat to the Tenakth here.”

The Chief didn’t seem too happy. “And they decided to show up unannounced?”

“I mean, she didn’t say we couldn’t come after her,” Tashid said, coughing when she glared at him.

“That is a good question,” she acknowledged, turning to him. “Why did you all show up?”

He met her gaze. “Like I said, you just left and didn’t leave any instructions for what we were supposed to do, so we came here to find you and receive orders.”

“You were supposed to report to Marad.”

“That old codger?” he griped, face pinching. “Please, he’d have our asses so strung out across the land that we wouldn’t get anything done.” His face suddenly bled with thoughtfulness. “You know, Captain, since we’re already here and certainly not making the trip back any time soon, why don’t we set up a dual-commissioned squad with the Tenakth? Might help build relations faster.”

Her mouth opened, shut, opened, shut again, then she finally admitted, “That’s…actually not a terrible idea, Tashid.” She glanced at Hekarro. “Chief Hekarro, how about it? Why don’t we set up a dual squad? Some of your best Tenakth fighters and my squad…we’d probably make an unbeatable strike team.”

Finally, Kotallo spoke up. “It’s certainly not the worst idea but having a group of Carja in the middle of Tenakth territory isn’t going to sit well with the clan.”

“True, but if they see their brethren working with the Carja,” she offered, “I’m sure things will smooth over easier.” She looked at Tashid. “Think you could make it work?”

“I’ve got no doubts that I can’t,” he assured. “We’ll need to review potential recruits for the team. Do the Tenakth even specialize in stealth soldiers?”

Grinning, she quipped, “Like you wouldn’t believe. They might even give Lyral a run for his money.”

“Those are fighting words, Captain,” he laughed and when someone cleared their throat with great exaggeration, the two realized they were still in front of the others.

Her cheeks felt hot. “Apologies.” She met Chief Hekarro’s gaze. “Chief Hekarro, if you’d like me to send Tashid and the others back to Meridian, I will, but I have to admit, this squad idea is a good plan to run.”

Hekarro looked between the three before him, pausing on Kotallo who was quick to say, “Perhaps a more tempered reaction before assembling a squad. Training exercises to start with? Here first at the Grove and overseen by Marshals?”

She nodded in response. “That’s an excellent way to build up to a squad creation. Especially if Tenakth soldiers were to perform in these training exercises with my men.”

“I can’t deny that the three of you are offering good routes,” Hekarro said. “But you aren’t going to find great support amongst many in the clan. As we all know, the wounds of the Red Raids are still raw.”

Tashid stepped forward. “With all due respect, Chief Hekarro, none of the Carja on our squad fought in the Red Raids. In fact, we all are in agreement that the Red Raids were wrong and never should’ve occurred. A crazy tyrant’s ambitions that slaughtered thousands and where has it gotten us? Into war and grief between our peoples.” He glanced at her. “We’ll follow Captain’s orders whatever they are, but I for one, would be privileged if I could see the Carja and Tenakth learn to trust one another.”

“Fashav was the first bridge,” Kotallo mused. “As she and I are the bridge rebuilt, it will need supports.” He nodded. “Chief Hekarro, the two of us can oversee the training.”

Chief Hekarro let out a heavy sigh. “I can’t dissuade the three of you, can I?”

Tashid grinned. “Come now, Chief Hekarro, you’ll see amazing results from the training and be begging to have that squad prepared.” Hekarro cocked a brow and he quickly backtracked, “Not that you’ll be begging, sir. That would be below a man of your station.”

“Hello mouth, meet foot,” she snickered, and Tashid’s cheeks flushed crimson.

“Seeing as how you and Kotallo are the best options for this to work out, consider this your newest task.” Hekarro looked at her. “Do you have a place for your soldiers to stay?”

She smirked and looked at Tashid who suddenly felt very nervous. “Oh, I’m going to make them build their own shelter.”

Hekarro laughed, low and pleased. “Hard work all around then.” He nodded. “You’re all dismissed.”

They all saluted and started making their way out; she turned to Tashid and said, “You go tell the others and Niluk what Hekarro said. Kotallo and I will come get you after we get ready to travel.”

“Understood Captain,” he nodded, turning, and heading down the way, flanked by some of the Tenakth who had been in the throne room with them.

She and Kotallo walked back to their private shelter, her slipping inside to get her gear on; Kotallo followed, and usually when they were in private, he talked more often but now, he seemed unusually silent. “What’s on your mind?” she asked, tightening the straps around her ribs. He grunted at her in return, and she cocked her head up, looking at him funnily. “What’s your problem?”

“That soldier of yours,” he retorted. “He’s too free with himself.”

“Ah, Tashid’s always been like that,” she said, tugging on her boots. “But he knows when to be respectful around leaders.”

“That’s not what I mean,” he shot back in a sour tone, and she blinked, looking up at him, one second in confusion, the next, her lips formed an ‘o’ and her expression turned too smug for Kotallo’s comfort. “What?” he snapped, and she smirked.

“Marshal Kotallo, are you jealous?”

Even in the shade of their tent, she saw the crimson on his ears as he griped, “I am not jealous.”

“Oh, how green with envy you are, Kotallo,” she laughed. “You’re jealous of Tashid and his flirtatious nature around me.”

“No, I am not!” he growled and try as he might to sound angered, she could hear the embarrassment in his voice.

She hummed and slid the cover of their tent back, latching it before she turned and ran her hand down the inside of Kotallo’s arm. “You know…I didn’t tell Tashid how long it’d be before we were ready.” Meeting his gaze, she lowered her tone rather sultrily and shifted her hand, grabbing the front of his armor where it rested at his stomach. “Marshal Kotallo, your Lady Ambassador is requesting your time for an equipment inspection.”

Kotallo was already urging her back towards the bed of pelts. “Is she now?”

���She is,” she flirted. “And she’s requesting a thorough inspection of all aspects.” Mouthing up his neck to his ear, she murmured, “Is he free at this moment?”

“He is,” he answered, taking her chin in his hand. “And he’s not happy with what he sees so far.”

“Oh, how disappointing…feel free to correct it however you see fit.”

Kotallo’s warm breath washed over her face as he chuckled lowly. “You are a tease, my heart.”

“Like you don’t love it,” she answered smartly and tugged him down.

[ragingbookdragon]

She Still Sings Of Home No Matter How Far

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 1.6K Warnings: None

Author's Note: I've been busy this week, but also working on another fic that's taking some time to write so...bear with me! Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

“When you—ngh—said you wanted to spend time together—by the Ten, let go of my knife—I assumed you meant alone in our tent," he griped, finally managing to yank the curved blade from the side of the clawstrider that was still sparking after it’d been shanked in the side by him.

She rolled her eyes as she tossed her pack to the side and sheathed her sword. “You’ve literally done nothing but complain since we left the Grove.” Glancing back at him, she tapped her Focus. “They make great cheese in Meridian that would pair fantastically with all the whine you’re producing.”

Kotallo stopped and cocked his head up, dark eyes narrowed in a glare. “Why are we down by the beach, my heart?” he gestured to the sky. “It’s already nightfall. Are we going to travel to Tide’s Reach for the night?”

“Nope,” she answered, looking around in all directions before tapping her Focus off; kneeling in the sand, she unwound a large blanket and laid it on the sand before unrolling her bedroll out. “We’re sleeping here for the night.”

“…In the open?”

“In the open.”

“On the beach?”

“On the beach.”

He blinked, watching as she stood and toed off her boots before her hands went to all the buckles and straps of her weapons and armor; Kotallo’s face flushed and he averted his gaze as she dropped her pants and top, going for her undergarments next. “What are you doing?” he asked, trying not to fidget on his feet.

“Well, I’m not swimming in my full gear,” she retorted. “I’ll leave that to Aloy, but I’m not getting my clothes wet.”

“Yes, I understand why you’re—why are you going swimming right now?”

“Kotallo, we’ve been traveling all day. I’m sweaty and smelly. Sure, salt water isn’t really going to make it better, but at least the water will be cool, and it’ll feel nice.” She walked up to him, smirking as his eyes darted down once then shot back up towards the sky; teasingly, she poked at his stomach. “Gonna come swim with me?”

He swallowed thickly, clearing his throat. “I’m fine at the moment.”

She shrugged and turned away, jogging for the water. “Suit yourself, but don’t complain if I don’t cuddle next to you because you stink.” As she dove into the water, Kotallo watched as she disappeared under the surface and a moment of fear clutched at him as he lost sight of her in the dark water until she resurfaced moments later a few feet out, hands smoothing the water from her face; she looked back at him with a smile. “Come on, big guy, the water’s fine.”

Kotallo watched her for a few moments before he heaved a sigh and set out his bedroll then shucked his armor off; he’d been standing in his undergarments when her sharp whistle echoed in his ears and he glared at her, grumbled, “My heart, please.”

“Come on, show a little more for the crowd,” she cheered, and gave another wolf-whistle when he pulled his shorts off.

“You’re juvenile.”

She shrugged with a grin as he simply walked down the beach and into the water, making his way to her with ease until he stood before her, chest-deep in the slightly cool water; gently, she draped her arms over his shoulders and pulled herself towards him, Kotallo’s arm winding around her waist as she came closer.

He inhaled and exhaled deeply, relaxing deeper into the water until his chin was bobbing the surface. “The water is nice,” he murmured, taking a moment to gaze out along the ocean. “Surprisingly calm too.”

“It is,” she answered, pulling her arms away, only to turn and recline on his chest, head falling back against his shoulder; her eyes found the moon. “It’s almost enough to make you forget everything that’s coming.”

Kotallo frowned, an uneasy feeling in his chest churning. They hadn’t really spoken about Nemesis beyond that of talking to Chief Hekarro about it; truthfully, he knew she was afraid of the future, they all were. “We will be okay,” he said calmly, fingers softly pressing into her upper ribs as he crossed his arm over her stomach. “We know it’s coming and we’re doing all we can to prepare.”

“I know,” she replied, turning her head to catch his eye. “But…Sylens is right. What can this primitive world do against something that took out such an advanced society like the Zeniths?” her expression pinched. “We are literally preparing for the end of the world as we know it. This world is going to go down in flames, people are going to be murdered, we are—”

His fingers brushed her cheek and she blinked in shock as he mused, “I never pegged you for a pessimist, my heart.” She tipped her head and smiled sadly; Kotallo’s thumb smoothed against her skin. “Do what you can today and let tomorrow worry about itself. We already have enough trouble on our hands.”

“I…you’re right,” she sighed tiredly and gave a pitiful laugh. “Usually, I’m the one making the cheerful and poetic points.”

He smiled, gently swaying them in a circle. “I’m here to pick up your slack whenever you take on the role of complainer from me.”

“Oh, I don’t know if anyone can complain quite like you can, big guy,” she retorted, pushing away from him, and ducked under the water to swim away from him.

“Come back here!” he laughed, swimming after her.

***

“Are you warm enough, my heart?” he asked, and she sighed for what seemed like the millionth time, laying out on the bedrolls, watching as he poked at the fire with the long stick he’d found.

“Well, you’ve built a big fire, and you’re a pretty good heat generator yourself, so if I had to answer truthfully, I’d say I’m too warm.”

“You jest, but it will get cooler during the night.”

“I’m fine,” she drawled, batting at his hand to drop the stick and settled down under the blanket once and for all.

Kotallo chuckled, the vibrations tingling through her back as he settled and propped himself up on his arm, palm pressed to the side of his head; she readjusted herself and stared up at him with a smile. “What?” he asked, and she shrugged.

“Nothing…just thinking about how handsome you are.”

He rolled his eyes, though his cheeks warmed, and he smiled bemusedly. “You should rest.”

“So should you.”

“I’m not tired yet,” he replied and gazed out along the beach; she shifted and rose up slightly, reaching for something in her bag behind him. “What are you looking for?”

“Close your eyes.”

“What? Why?”

“Less asking of questions, more closing your eyes,” she retorted, and he sighed, doing as she said. “Don’t flinch when you feel this.”

“What is this?” he inquired, cocking his head away when something touched his ear and he almost opened his eyes, but she gave a sharp, ‘Don’t!’ and he kept them shut.

“Just stay still. It’s not going to hurt you.”

“What are you doing?”

“Will you just trust me?” she griped, and he let out a heavy sigh, holding still when she pressed whatever it was up against his ear again.

Kotallo’s brows drew together. “What am I—”

“Shhh,” she hushed, and he grunted but obeyed, falling silent, simply waiting, then,

A quiet rushing sounded in his left ear, like the waves crashing against the shore; Kotallo could practically picture them, and not the ones that were actually near him since his hand was pressed against his right ear.

The sound began to fade, and he opened his eyes, seeing her pull away what she was holding. It was a shell, almost as big as his hand, and the color of the setting sky.

“Is this—”

“It’s a conch shell,” she said. “They’re common where I’m from. I found this one a month or so ago whenever you and I were tackling rebel forts.” She placed it at the edge of the bedroll and laid on her stomach, her side brushing against Kotallo’s front. “Some people believe that the reason we hear ocean-like sound is because we are hearing the blood rushing though the blood vessels in our ears. Others, believe it’s the ambient noise of the air bouncing in the shell that makes the noise.”

Kotallo gazed at her. “What do you believe?”

She settled deeper into the bedroll, perching her temple on his bicep, and murmured, “The spirit of the water still sings of her home no matter how far away she is. What we hear is the song of her longing and desire to return home.” Snuggling into him, her back to the dancing flames, she murmured, “Good thing I don’t have a longing of home anymore.”

“You don’t?” he wondered. “Not even after all this time?”

“Kotallo, I don’t long for home because you are my home.” She shut her eyes and wrapped her arm around his waist, tugging the blanket up to her chin. “No more running around, looking for a place to stay safe in. I’m safe here. With you.”

His arm shifted and he laid his head on the pillow of his bedroll, arm sliding down her back; Kotallo kissed her head and murmured, “I am proud to be your home, my heart. Know that you are mine.”

“I damn well better be,” she muttered sleepily, and he chuckled, nuzzling the top of her head.

“You are,” he assured, taking one last glance at the shell. “You are.”

[ragingbookdragon]

Two Halves of A Whole Soul

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 1K Warnings: Explicit Language

Author's Note: I liiiiiiiiiiiive! Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

“Where is he!” she demanded, shoving past the Tenakth guards who were standing in front of the medic tent. “Let me see him!”

One of them pushed back against her. “He doesn’t wish to be seen.”

“I don’t give a shit about what he wants. I want to see him.” she drew her sword. “Move. Or you will be moved.”

The man’s eyes went to her weapon and back to her. “You’d attack one of your own?”

She narrowed her eyes. “For the tribe?” shoving the tip of her sword to his neck, she added deathly quiet, “without question.”

They glared one another down, then he cocked his head up and stepped aside, letting her pass. She hurried into the tent and dropped her weapon, kneeling beside him.

“Kotallo,” she murmured, and he immediately looked away from her.

“I told them not to let anyone see me.”

“I am half your soul,” she frowned. “Let me see you.”

Before her hands could even touch his wounded arm, his hand shot out and grabbed her wrist in an iron-tight clasp. “Do not touch me.”

“Kotallo,” she worried, voice pitching up. “You’re hurting me. Let go.”

He yanked his hand away and turned from her. “Leave. I am not worthy for you anymore.”

“I do not believe that.”

“It is the truth. I am crippled. I cannot be of honor.”

“I love you, Kotallo,” she said softly, gently, as to not scare him and he turned his head down, gaze away.

“I am not worthy of it anymore.”

“Your worthiness to my affection isn’t decided by you.” She picked up her weapon and put it on her back. “When you finally come around to that, I will be among our tribe serving Hekarro. Where you belong too.”

                                                                         ***

They watched as Hekarro walked off along the ledge and the many newest Marshals all turned to each other with prideful grins. Her eyes, however, were on the particular Marshal as he talked to their newest Noran Champion. They’d talked little since he’d return to the Grove, in fact, little interaction occurred between any of the Tenakth and him.

She turned away and followed Hekarro, standing with him in silence as they looked out over the arena. “He’s going with Aloy, is he not?” she asked, and the Chief nodded, eyes watching the various Tenakth soldiers stripping parts from the machines leftover from Regalla’s attack.

“He is.”

“A worthy battle to join in on,” she noted. “I wish him the luck of the Ten that he succeed in it.”

Hekarro’s voice took on an amused tone. “I’m surprised you aren’t going with him.”

“He hasn’t spoken to me since he returned from the Embassy.”

“Since when has that stopped you from putting your mind to something.” He glanced at her. “You are two halves of a soul, aren’t you?”

A shadow came over her face and she affirmed, “Until he remembers that I have no business with him.”

“Understandable,” someone said from behind and the two glanced over their shoulders to see Kotallo standing there, a calm look on his face; he looked at Hekarro. “May I have a moment with this Marshal, Chief Hekarro?” The Chief grunted low and approving and gave a nod to her as he left; Kotallo took his place beside her. “Your reasoning isn’t wrong.”

She gazed at the machines. “The mission Aloy is on…you will be joining her?”

“I will. I feel that I must.”

“Then go. I will wait for your return.” Feeling his eyes on her, she ignored them and added, “Her fight is something more than ours. I merely ask that you be careful and return safely.”

Kotallo turned. “You are still upset with me.”

She blinked and turned her attention to him, looking into his eyes. “No longer angry. But I am disappointed.”

“I shouldn’t have turned you away,” he murmured. “You are half my soul.”

“I am,” she agreed. “We are supposed to carry each other’s burdens.”

“I didn’t wish for the scrutiny of my status to be placed on you.”

“Kotallo, if all we are ever to have from our people is scrutiny, then I will bear it until the day we both die.” She reached out and placed her hand to his chest. “You are half my soul. I love you. I will not be ashamed of you. Ever. You are not something I can ever be ashamed of.”

He reached up and laid his hand over hers, warmth bled into the back of her hand, a strong pulse beneath. “While I no longer believe I am not worthy of your love for being this…I feel as though I am not worthy of your love for how strong yours is for me.”

She stepped forward and pressed her forehead to his, nuzzling their noses together. “It’s I who isn’t worthy of your love.”

“Nonsense,” he huffed with a love-filled smile. “You are worthy of all I have to offer.” He gently cupped her cheek, a solemn look coming over his face as he said quietly, “I love you, my heart.”

“I love you too, my soul,” she replied, leaning into his palm. “But I do believe you should be on your way to wherever Aloy’s base is. It’ll probably be a long journey.”

Kotallo pulled away with a nod and started off, only to pause and glance back at her. “Come with me?” he held his hand out to her in offer.

She gave him a fond smile and took his hand. “Aloy’s friends aren’t going to get much sleep if I come along with you.”

He halted, a scandalized look coming over his face as he spluttered, “My heart!”

“What?” she asked innocently, blinking at him. “I was talking about the fact that they’d be able to hear us sparring all the time. What are you thinking about?” At the look on her face, he scowled, cheeks beginning to flush, and he turned away, muttering something under his breath. “I’m sorry? What was that?”

“I said you’re a witch,” he griped, and she grinned.

“Perhaps…but you love me nonetheless.”

He eyed her from the corner of his eyes and smiled. “That I do.”

[ragingbookdragon]

Dearest Warrior, Take A Moment To Breathe

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 1.2K Warnings: None

Author's Note: Y'all make sure you're taking breaks and recuperating when you need it! Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

He tried so hard to be strong all the time. She wondered if it ever got exhausting, being the essential “Golden Son” of the Sky Clan and being the senior Marshal of the clan. Even now that the Zeniths had been taken care of and the looming threat of Nemesis coming, she knew Kotallo was torn between training new Marshals and being ready for whatever came next. More often than not, she was the one to turn in last for the night, chalking it up to her training as a young child and preferring the night to day. Even then, Kotallo usually turned in to their shelter around the same time, however, as of late, he’d been going to bed much, much earlier, more tired than usual.

She knew it too. She’d come into their shelter late at night, quietly change into her nightclothes, and merely lay beside Kotallo and watch him for a few moments. The dark circles under his eyes grew darker with each passing day, lines of fatigue drawn down his face. God forbid the only time he seem like he was at peace was when he was asleep. Sometimes she would reach out, gently brushing her fingers over the scar at his lip, over his cheek and across his eyelid, feather light touches that barely had Kotallo’s features twitching in his sleep, but he’d shift, mutter something in a guttural language and burrow deep into the blankets.

He deserved to rest for all the weight he’d been carrying in the few short months. Hell, Kotallo deserved the world for all the honor and strength he kept. One evening, when he reported to the Chief for the evening, she followed as he readied for bed, slipping in behind him into their shelter.

She watched in silence as he unclipped his armor and shucked it off, setting it aside where it wouldn’t get in the way; a frown tugged her lips when she saw the dark bruise across his back. “How’d you get that bruise?” she jerked back when he jumped and turned on her quick as a flash. “Woah, big guy, it’s just me,” she calmed and Kotallo let out a heavy sigh, rubbing the fatigue at his eyes.

“My heart…” he started tiredly. “I wasn’t aware you were here.”

“I saw,” she noted and gestured for him to sit down; he did so, and she sat behind him, smiling as he shifted forward a bit and leaned back. She gently undid the braids and ties of his hair, taking out the beads and unwinding the strap that held his hair back. She plucked the headgear and spines from atop his head and set them aside before grabbing the brush near her small vanity. Carefully, as if the strands of his dark hair were made of fragile, golden chains, she combed the brush through his hair, slowly as to not pull any knots. “You’re working too hard, Kotallo,” she murmured, and he let out another heavy sigh, shutting his eyes amidst her ministrations.

“I’m simply doing my job, my heart.”

“Don’t do that here with me. There are no prying eyes to see the Mighty Marshal take a moment to let it all go.” She set the brush aside and grabbed a small vial of scented oil. “There are more Marshals in the clan again, and I am here now. You don’t have to carry the entire tribe on your shoulders, Kotallo. In fact, I’d wish you’d let others carry some of it.”

He breathed deeply as she combed the oil into his hair with her fingers, expressions beginning to soften. “I have to train the other Marshals and the soldiers we are considering for the team with yours.”

She hummed low in her throat. “Kotallo, you’re working yourself into the ground.”

“I am—”

“Falling into a dead sleep every night and only wake more tired than normal,” she interrupted. “Kotallo, do you remember the last time we had a conversation before we went to bed? Do you remember the last time you took a break to relax and play a simple game of Strike? Do you remember the last time you weren’t grimacing because you were aching somewhere from working so hard?”

Her assault of questions hit him like a ton of bricks, and he opened his eyes to find her staring at him. “You are worried,” he said quietly. “I never meant to worry you, my heart.”

She sighed, an amused huff, and bent down, pressing her lips to his forehead, then his nose, skipping over his lips to press one to his chin. “I love your sense of duty, Kotallo. It’s one of the many things that I do love about you.” Her hands cupped his cheeks, and she brushed her thumbs over his face, pressing a kiss to his lips. “But you don’t know when to take a step back and let others manage things in your stead.”

“But my duty…” he mumbled against her lips, and she hummed, silencing him with another kiss.

“Hush,” she commanded gently. “I’ve asked Ivvira to take over training of the Marshals and others for the day tomorrow.”

“But I—”

“You will spend the day recuperating under my very watchful eye and if I even suspect that you’re doing anything but relaxing and taking care of yourself, I’m going to give you a reason to never disobey an order from me again.”

Kotallo’s lips curved against hers. “Have you asked—”

“Why do you think I’m incompetent at my job? Of course, I cleared this with Hekarro. Who do you think was grateful that I decided to do something about you soldiering on when you’re exhausted?” she lifted her head and gazed at him, the soft pool of silky, black hair spread out in her lap, against her bare thighs and she smushed his cheeks together. “I’m being serious though, Kotallo. I don’t want you doing anything tomorrow but being a lazy, bag of bones.”

When she let him go, he smiled at her and reached up, brushing a hand under her eye. “How lucky I am to have such a good woman at my side.”

She pressed her lips to his wrist. “And you better not forget it either.” Humming, she dug her thumbs into the back of his shoulders and massaged. “Do you want to go to bed right now?”

Kotallo blinked and let his hand drop, sitting up a moment before turning onto his stomach and lowering himself into her lap, cheek pressed to her the tops of her thighs. “May I rest here for a few moments?”

“Rest as long as you want, Kotallo, you deserve it.” she smiled, one hand rubbing comforting circles in the middle of his shoulders, the other hand pressed securely, but gently to the nape of his neck. For a few moments, there was silence between them, no other sound but their breathing, then she murmured, “I love you.” Her thumb circled against his skull, and she felt the faintest corner of a smile on her lap in return before his breathing evened out and he went slack against her. She bent down and pressed her lips to the crown of his head. “Sleep well, beloved.”

[ragingbookdragon]

Behind A Warrior's Heart

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 2.1K Warnings: Explicit Language

Author's Note: This train is getting longer and longer and none of you can stop me. Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

“When we get inside, let me do the talking,” he muttered as they walked past the guards at the entrance of the Memorial Grove.

She rolled her eyes and adjusted the cloak at her neck, so part of her body was showing. “You do recall I’m the right hand of the Sun-King, yes? I know how to be diplomatic in front of foreign leaders.”

Kotallo glared over at her. “I’m not worried that you won’t be diplomatic. I’m worried that you will put your foot in your mouth and end up with a bloodied face or worse, dead.”

“Perhaps I may,” she agreed with a firm nod. “But it won’t be my blood and I won’t be the one dying.” Passing him, she walked up the steps, coming to a stop when the man sitting on the throne rose and took a single step towards them.

The Tenakth beside her gave a sharp salute. “Chief Hekarro, I bring you the Sun-King’s—”

She stepped in front of the Chief, holding out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chief Hekarro. I work closely with His Majesty, Sun-King Avad.” She smiled. “I came of my own accord to offer Carjan assistance to your war effort.”

Hekarro took her hand, heartily shaking it. “King Avad hadn’t sent word of your coming. The last we heard was a message from the Sundom after the massacre of the Embassy.”

“A tragedy,” she answered. “We lost good soldiers on both sides.” Shifting her gaze to the other Tenakth around, she added, “Fashav seems to be missed amongst the Marshals here just as much as he is in Meridian.”

“He was a good Marshal,” he said, pulling his hand away. “One that cannot be replaced.”

She met his eyes. “Agreed. But his death shouldn’t be in vain. We should be doing all we can to maintain good relations with the Carja and Tenakth.”

“And that’s where you come in?”

“It is. I go where King Avad and his soldiers cannot. I do what they cannot.”

Hekarro regarded her with a vaguely suspicious look. “What exactly does that all entail? From what I’ve heard of you, you are a spy.”

She tipped her head side to side, not exactly the nature of denying it. “The correct term is infiltrator. My job is quite simple. Get into places that are crawling with enemies and escape with whatever it is I need unscathed and unseen. Word is being sent back to His Majesty that I’ll be here fostering relations amongst Tenakth and Carja. I’ve no doubt that when his response comes to me, it will not only be given permission but highly encouraged.” Giving him a firm nod, she said, “I’m here to offer my services to you, Chief Hekarro. In whatever form you need them to come in. Spying, fighting, diplomatic association. I’m a woman of many talents.”

“I sense that you hide a warrior’s heart behind subterfuge,” he noted and glanced at Kotallo who was watching her with stoicism. “You won’t find many Tenakth willing to trust a woman of the Carja.”

At that, a devious smirk came across her lips. “Then I guess it’s a good thing that I’m not a Carjan, Chief Hekarro. I just work for one.” She turned, looking to Kotallo. “Your Marshal here has said he’d put in a good word with you, Chief.”

“Has he now?” Hekarro mused and Kotallo looked ready to murder her where she stood.

He growled silently and met his Chief’s gaze. “Aloy’s faith deeply resides in this woman. I’ve seen her abilities in battle myself. She fights honorably and speaks truthfully—when the moment calls for it,” he finished under his breath. “It would be wise to have her foster relations between the Carja and our people.”

“Kotallo rarely speaks such praise,” the man noted. “I do think it would be valuable to have you here.”

“Excellent choice, Chief Hekarro,” she agreed. “What shall I do first?”

Hekarro nodded to them. “There are rebel camps in the area. Helping the clans secure them from the rebels will be the first step in arming ourselves from Regalla.”

She tapped at her Focus bringing up the camps. “It seems Aloy’s taken out most of them in the eastern region but there are still quite a few in this area and west of here.” She swiped along the holograms. “I can take out these two within the next few hours and start on the rest in the week.”

“I admire your tenacity to get started, but you won’t be doing this alone.”

“Beg your pardon?” she replied, glancing at Hekarro. “Who are you going to send with me? A Marshal?”

“My thoughts exactly,” he said and gestured to Kotallo. “Since he’s already in Aloy’s service, I see no harm in him helping you.”

“Chief Hekarro—” Kotallo started but the man held up his hand.

“Our relations of peace are rocky as they are, Kotallo. We cannot allow ourselves to be beggars in moments like these. We must take what we are given and use it to the best of our abilities.” Hekarro looked between them. “Fashav was the best bridge we had. Now, it falls to you two.”

They looked between each other, and she leaned over into Kotallo’s space with a grin and chirped, “You and I are going to be the best of friends, Kotallo, just you wait.”

The Tenakth warrior glowered at her and through gritted teeth, hissed, “I cannot contain my joy.”

Hekarro smiled. “You two had best be off. Night will fall soon, and those two camps will be ready for you.”

She was already turning on her heel, marching down the steps. “I bet I can beat you to the first camp, Kotallo! Tell you what, I’ll even give you a ten-minute head start!”

Kotallo was still glaring at her back and then he glanced at Chief Hekarro. “This is a terrible idea.”

“So you’ve expressed,” the Chief said calmly, knowingly. “I beg to differ. Go on.”

He wanted to argue but the Chief’s expression booked no room for argument, and he sighed. “As you command.” Kotallo turned and hurried after her.

When he caught up to her, he griped, “You did not have to cut me off in the introduction.”

She barked a laugh. “Trust me, big guy, the day I let a man introduce me, is the day you scatter my ashes to the four winds.”

Kotallo glared at her back as she walked. “Let us hope it will be tonight.”

***

By the time they made it back to Memorial Grove, they were both ready to collapse in exhaustion. While they were successful in their mission, the two camps they hit turned out to be larger machine holds. Two fire-bellowbacks in one camp and a set of grimhorns in the other. The armor had held on her back but she knew there were burns somewhere along her shoulder and left arm along with various cuts to her right leg and thigh, probably a deeper cut somewhere else but she was too concerned with getting to a bedroll that she didn’t care. Kotallo didn’t fair much better and was sporting a few new scrapes and bruises, but they did note that he wasn’t missing anymore limbs, so there was an upside to the struggle.

She could barely see straight she was so tired and at one point stumbled and went down on one knee, bracing her hands on the floor. “Sorry,” she muttered. “Just give me a moment to catch my breath.”

Expecting a sharp word, she waited, but Kotallo merely bent down and curled his arm around her waist, picking her up and forcing her to put most of her weight onto him. “I will help you.”

“Thank you,” she said, ignoring the snickers and comments from the Tenakth they passed by.

Kotallo brought them to a secluded area near a fire where there were already bedrolls set up and he set her down. “Sit there and remove the top of your armor.” Before she could even ask, he added, “You’re bleeding all along your back.”

She saw the smear of crimson along his chest and armor. “Shit, I am, aren’t I?” Already pulling the cloak away, she undid the clasps of her top armor and let it fall, nudging it to the side with her foot. She pulled the tunic off and laid on her stomach, watching with careful eyes as Kotallo disappeared behind a curtain and reappeared moments later with what looked like a small jar. “What’s that?”

“A salve made by our medics. It will help with the burns and cuts.” He sat down and twisted the top off the jar, and she leaned over and looked into it with a grimace. “Lay still,” he commanded lowly, and she felt the cool salve touch her wounds. She bit out a grunt and put her face in her arms, muscles in her back and shoulders flexing underneath the pain. “It will subside in a few minutes. Bear with it.”

“Working on it,” she griped into her arms. “Shit burns worse than the cuts do.”

“You took the cut, you can take the healing.”

“You’re a right ass about things, you know that, right?” she retorted, turning to glare at him. “I know I took the cut. But it still hurts, and the medicine isn’t stopping the pain immediately so maybe cut out the mocking?”

Kotallo paused and met her gaze, something unsure in them as he said, “I…apologize. I am trying to be kind.”

“I—you are?” she doubted, brows furrowed, but she shook her head then laid her cheek on her forearms. “Then…keep going, please.”

His hand was rough against her skin, calloused fingers and palm swiping sticky, green salve over her back and shoulders, but she didn’t make anymore noise, simply watching him. His eyes were focused on the task at hand, ensuring that he didn’t leave any wound uncovered. “You fought well today,” he murmured.

“Thank you,” she replied softly. “You did as well.”

His gaze found hers for a moment. “May I ask you something?”

“My answer will depend on how invasive your question is,” she joked, and the corners of his lips curled upwards for a second then fell.

“Throughout our fights today, you kept looking back for me. Why?” She blinked and shifted her gaze; Kotallo thought she was looking at his arm, well, the lack of it and he scowled. “Did you think I wasn’t going to be able to fight?”

“Quite the opposite,” she said. “I wasn’t worried that you wouldn’t be able to fight. I was just keeping my eye on my ally.” She looked down. “I understand why Aloy prefers to fight her missions alone. It’s easier to focus on the mission if you do not have an ally with you. You are preoccupied with the worry of them falling in battle if you do.” She looked back at him. “I kept looking back to check on you that you were okay. If you took it as doubt in your abilities, you’re sorely mistaken. I know full-well that you can handle yourself in combat, Kotallo. Better than most men who have both arms.”

Kotallo snorted low in his throat and wiped his hand on his thigh, screwing the top back on the jar. “I appreciate your vote of confidence.” He started to move, and she reached out, placing her hand on the top of his thigh, causing him to jolt, startled at her touch.

“Kotallo, thank you.”

The calmness and true thankfulness of the words caught him off guard and he felt heat rise to his cheeks; he looked away with a cough. “You’re welcome.” Gently, he pulled her shirt down over her back. “You should rest,” he murmured. “I’ll be back in a few moments with something to eat and drink.”

“Take your time,” she replied and nodded at him as he rose from her and disappeared behind the curtain.

By the time he returned, she had already fallen asleep. The heads of the bedrolls were near one another around the edge of the fire, and he couldn’t help but smile as he saw her hand outstretched over her head, resting on the edge of his bedroll. Kotallo set the food and drink beside her, and he laid on his bedroll, freezing when her hand shifted, fingers brushing against his forehead and he turned his eyes up, gazing at the peaceful look on her face before he shut his eyes and let sleep overcome him.

[ragingbookdragon]

Stay Here With Me In The Flood

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 2.1K Warnings: Angst

Author's Note: I'd say the GEMINI mission came as a surprise but it in fact did not BECAUSE I SAW A SPOILER ON YOUTUBE >:( -Thorne

**********************************************************************

The air coming towards him from the door heading to Plainsong was chilly, and he tightened the blanket around his shoulders as he stepped outside, white, airy breath billowing from his mouth. He squinted into the bleak grayness of the early morning snowfall, trying to make out if it was Zo sitting at the garden area, waiting for the sunrise. He crossed the small water pond that had frozen lightly and upon closing in, he realized it wasn’t Zo, but their resident infiltrator sitting with her legs crossed, head tilted upwards of the sky, eyes shut in the flood of soft, falling snowflakes.

“Looking for Zo, Varl?” she murmured quietly, and he smiled apologetically.

“Yeah, sorry I interrupted you. She wasn’t beside me when I woke up, so I thought she came out here to watch the sunrise.” He glanced back towards the door. “Maybe I passed her and didn’t realize it?”

“You didn’t,” she answered, turning her face to him. “Zo took one of the chargers to go get some supplies from Plainsong. Something about making more almond cookies.” She waved is off. “She probably left early so she could get back before you woke.”

Varl nodded. “She should’ve woken me. I would’ve gone with her.” He smiled. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll leave you alone.”

She blinked, tipping her head to the side. “You don’t have to. Sit with me.”

“Oh, sure.” Varl sat down beside her, gently lifting the blanket up. “It’s chilly out here. Wanna share the blanket?”

“Varl, sharing a blanket with another woman? What would Zo think?” she gasped in scandalization, though she scooted back and into the warmth.

He laughed. “If you tell Zo, I’ll tell her you’re the one who ate all her almond cookies.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” she shot back, then turned her nose into the air. “Besides, Kotallo ate most of them. I just helped like a good friend would when you’re doing something you shouldn’t be.”

“I’m telling.”

“No one likes a tattletale.” They glared at one another until the grins cracked through and they both descended into snorts, breath billowing around them; she sighed heavily and brought her chin to rest on her knees. “Can I tell you something, Varl?”

He frowned. “You sound serious.”

“It’s not something bad, more so an excuse of sorts,” she mused. “I apologize if I ever offend you or Aloy by treating you like younger siblings. Me being older than you…the two of you just remind me of my young cousins. I know it probably gets annoying sometimes.”

“Oh…” Varl shook his head. “It doesn’t bother me.” He smiled and bumped her shoulder. “I was the older sibling. It’s nice to be the younger for once.”

“I’m glad to hear you say so.”

“Your cousins,” he said, glancing at her, “where are they?”

All at once, a sad look came over her face, and she lamented, “Gone. When my clan was slaughtered, they…I wasn’t fast enough to get them out.” She looked at him. “You and Ezhuani are a lot alike. Reserved, but angered at injustice or attack on friends. Aloy and Ihuilin are alike as well, brash and headstrong to a fault.” A faraway look was in her eye, but her voice was soft. “They were barely old enough to hold weapons when it happened…I will always regret not being there to save them.”

Varl took it all in and murmured, “And that’s why you’re always there to save me and Aloy.”

She smiled sadly. “I’m not trying to replace Ezhuani and Ihuilin with you and Aloy. The two of you aren’t a second chance. But I…I just—”

He gently rested his head on her shoulder. “I know,” he said quietly. “And thank you. For me and for Aloy.”

Tears gathered in her eyes and to keep herself from crying, she rested her head on Varl’s and stared at the skyline, watching the dawn rise in the snowfall.

***

The charger had barely skidded to a halt when she hopped off and ran into GEMINI, sword in hand as she shouted, “Aloy! Beta! Varl! Where are you!” she could hear the others running after her. “We’re here for you!”

She came to a pause in the opening the core, searching wildly for the three younger adults. Going radio silent had been a mistake, she knew it, and they all did too, especially when fighting sounded from Aloy’s end and then silence after.

Her eyes swept the area, catching a heap laying off towards the side in a pool of crimson, and her sword fell from her hand. “No…” she sprinted down the cauldron floor, climbing up to the platform where she slid down beside the heap. “Nononononono,” she hurried, turning the Noran over, grabbing at his face. “Varl. Varl!” her voice started to crack as she looked down and saw the slit in his armor; she pressed her hands to it. “You’re gonna be okay, Varl. It’s gonna be okay.”

He was already beginning to cool, and tears gathered in her vision.

The others climbed onto the platform beside her, and no one was more shocked and distraught than Zo, who knelt at Varl’s head and gently rested it on her knees, bending over to lay her face into his chest, shoulders beginning to wrack as she cried.

Someone touched her shoulder, their weight coming to rest down at her back and side, voice as comforting as they could manage. “He is gone,” Kotallo murmured.

“He’s not,” she answered. “He’s going to be fine.”

“He is no longer with us. We can do nothing but take care of his body.”

She turned, snarling at him, “He’s not dead!”

He merely gazed at her and reached down, laying his hand over hers. “His soul has ascended. You know this as well as I. There is nothing we can do for him.” Nodding at Zo, he added, “We must take his body back to the base.”

Zo lifted her head and shut her eyes, taking a few deep breaths before she opened them and asked, “Erend, Kotallo, will you two go collect long wooden poles so we can make a pull for the charger?” The two looked at one another before nodding and turning away, heading towards the entrance; she looked at her. “We will need to prepare his body for departure.”

She simply stared at Varl’s face, no longer marred with pain or struggle, an eerie calm there.

Zo rested her hand on her shoulder. “I will need your help to take Varl back to the base. Can you do it?”

Her eyes drifted to Zo’s and swallowing thickly, she pulled her hands from Varl’s wound and nodded. “…I can.”

“Go with Kotallo and Erend. Look for long stalks of leaves that we can tie over the poles.”

She took one last look at Varl before rising. “Okay.”

***

Kotallo had finished gathering the rest of his travel pack for the trip back to the Grove when the doors to the Game Room opened. He looked up, surprise bleeding onto his features when he saw Zo; she offered him a tight smile. “I assumed she was here with you.”

“No,” he answered, looking at his pack. “I have not seen her since we laid Varl to rest.”

Zo walked inside and drew her hand along the holograms. “We are all grieving…but I worry for her.” She rested her hand on Kotallo’s arm. “The rest of us are not blind to the affection you two share for one another. Will you find her and make sure she is okay?”

Kotallo nodded and as she pulled away, he caught her hand and whispered, “I am sorry for your loss, Zo.”

“Thank you, Kotallo,” she replied, unshed tears shining in her eyes.

***

Thunder rumbled across the clouded, night sky, and by the time he tracked her down, he scarcely believed his eyes at the devastation that lay before him. Apex longlegs and chargers lay strewn apart, like a ravager had come and torn them limb from limb and bolt by bolt. Kotallo clicked the Focus on and looked around, hoping to find some hint to where she’d gone when he saw a splattering light up on the ground. Blood, on closer inspection and he sighed as he followed it up the hill and to a shelter not too far from the battlefield.

He recognized the shelter’s design as a part of the Desert Clan, and when he crept down the small hill, he paused as she came into view. She was sitting on the makeshift bed of the lean-to, one knee bent, and the other leg extended out, in her hand she had one of Erend’s flasks, the other hand was resting on a piece of cloth that was pressed to her hip.

She looked over as he crossed the ground. “What are you doing here?”

“No one could find you,” he answered, taking a seat beside her. “Aloy hasn’t returned to the base. The last thing we need is you disappearing too.”

She lifted the flask to her lips and took a long swig before setting it aside. “I should’ve been there with them.”

Kotallo scoffed, eyes focused on the fire a few feet from them. “Don’t be foolish, you would’ve died along with Varl.” When she didn’t snap back at him, he turned his eyes from the dancing flame to her, shock ebbing through him at the sight of crystal-clear tears running down her face.

“I should’ve been there,” she whispered. “My job was to bring them back safely.”

“As was all of ours,” he comforted.

“No.” She shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut as she pushed out, “You don’t understand. Sun-King Avad gave me lenience to come West on the order that I would bring Varl and Aloy back alive after the mission was complete.” Reaching up, she buried her face in her hands. “I was supposed to keep them both alive and get them home safely. And now I have to report back to him that I failed and then I have to travel to the Nora Sacred Lands and tell a mother that her only surviving child died. I failed.”

Kotallo’s heart broke for her. In all the time they’d spent together, all the stories she’d shared of her home, her family, her life, she’d not cried in front of him once, but now, she couldn’t stop wiping the tears from her face, though it was all in vain. For every tear she wiped, another would fall, and sobs wracked her frame as she poured her grief into the night.

“I failed them. I failed Varl. I couldn’t protect him. I fai—”

“You did no such thing,” Kotallo interrupted firmly, but as gently as he could, reaching up to wrap his arm around her, and pull her to his side. “Varl wouldn’t have wanted you to be there and to lose your life as well. He gave his life for his friend. There is no higher calling or greater sacrifice than a person willing to give up their life for their friends.” He laid his cheek against her head, fingers kneading the flesh of her arm. “Varl lives on. Through us. And by believing that you failed him somehow, you are throwing that away. Mourn him, yes, but do not say that you have failed Varl, because you haven’t.” Kotallo felt his own eyes begin to burn and he shut them tight. “You’ve failed no one. Least of all, Varl.”

She pulled her hands from her face and curled into Kotallo, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing her face into the juncture between his shoulder and neck; he felt the hot tears drip down his arm and he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into him, turning his head to press his cheek to her temple.

Thunder echoed through the air, and the heavens split open, a soft, cool rain beginning to fall around them, splattering the ground in a darker shade. The fire began to die out, but the two of them paid no mind as the air seemed to chill, the darkness growing around them. He ran his hand up her back, coming to rest at the back of her neck, and she pulled back to gaze at him with red-rimmed eyes, then she leaned forward and pressed her forehead to his, eyes slipping shut.

“Will you stay the night with me?” she whispered.

Kotallo breathed deeply and nodded slightly. “Of course.” He cupped her cheek, thumb brushing her bottom lip. “I will not leave you to be here alone.” He felt her hands rising up his back, slipping in between where the armor wasn’t, fingers cold against his warm skin. “I’ll stay.”

[ragingbookdragon]

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 1.1K Warnings: None

Author's Note: I finally had time to sit down and write! This week has been hectic so far! Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

She’d been rereading the ancient texts she’d found years before in the Old-World military bunkers she’d explored, stories of science fiction and fantasy, post-apocalyptic earth ravaged by wild storms and evolved creatures or mythic battles with magic and great winged beasts, when she heard it. Some parts she had to fill in herself as the years had either weathered away the pages of the physical book or the digital data had been corrupted, but for the most part, she had full texts to read. But the first few times, it caused her to shift her gaze towards the open area of the bunks, after the fifth, she clicked off her Focus and frowned, leaning towards the sheet she’d drawn up over her area to listen closer; a quiet, almost imperceivable grunt sounded from the bunk next to hers, Kotallo’s to be exact.

“GAIA,” she murmured, “What time is it right now?”

The AI took a moment to respond through her Focus. “It is currently zero-two-hundred hours.”

“Thank you, GAIA.” Rising from her bed, she bypassed the sheet and shuffled into Kotallo’s, gazing at him sitting up against the wall with his feet on the floor, eyes screwed shut, jaw clenched, and fist curled in his lap. “Your arm bothering you?”

He merely nodded, too focused on withstanding the pain to answer.

She disappeared back into her bunk, only to return with a lantern and her medical kit. “Let me look at it,” she said, taking a seat near the top of his bunk, her right leg in towards her and laying her left over his lap. She set the lantern on the small table and gently unwound the blue bandage he had wrapped around the stub of his arm. “It doesn’t look infected,” she noted, carefully examining it. “Is there something that hurts specifically?”

Kotallo kept his eyes shut, but he muttered, “I can feel my fingers flexing but they aren’t there.”

“Phantom pain,” she acknowledged. “My grandfather used to feel something similar.” Considerate to not cause any more pain, she slowly urged him to lift what much he could and look around. “The cauterizing and stitching are healing well.” She couldn’t help but trace the most prominent scar forming, jagged and still angry looking; reaching into her pack, she pulled out a thin strip of bark. “Chew on that for a few minutes.”

At that, he opened his eyes and looked down. “What is that?”

“Willow bark. It’ll help with the pain.” She handed it to him and then reached into her pack again, pulling out a small, flat vial about the size of her palm. Opening it, she poured some onto her palm and set the vial down before rubbing her hands together.

“That scent is overwhelmingly powerful,” Kotallo noted, and the corner of her lips quirked up for a moment.

“Plant oil mixtures.” She carefully smoothed her palms and fingers over the stub of his arm. “Won’t fix the pain forever, but it should dull it for a while.” Quietly, she said, “I know your arm is a touchy subject, so thank you for letting me help you, Kotallo.”

He exhaled through his nose and let his head fall back against the wall. “I don’t understand it.”

“What?”

“Some days I wake up and it doesn’t bother me. I don’t feel like my worth is attached to it. Other days I wake up and all I feel is shame. The whispers and stares, the outright scrutiny I bear.”

She nodded, running her thumb up over his shoulder. “As a Marshal of the Tenakth, you will bear it until the day you take your last breath. But you need to remember that your honor and respect aren’t tied to this.” Leaning over into his line of sight, she caught his eyes. “Those that view you as somehow less than respectable or honorable are naïve to truth and are blinded into believing that their worth is somehow measurable by their bodies.” She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his collarbone. “And you, Kotallo, are someone whose worth hasn’t been taken from him in any form or fashion.”

He simply gazed at her, reaching up to softly touch her face, calloused fingers brushing over smooth skin. “How you just explain it all away. Like it’s easy.”

Giving him a humored hum, she replied, “How about I explain this in a way you’ll understand? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and also gives you a very dark, very sick sense of humor.”

Kotallo snorted and cupped her cheek, bending down to press a kiss to her lips. “Very understandable and true,” he murmured against her.

“I’m anything if not good at explaining things in simplistic terms,” she grinned, pecking his lips once, twice, then a third time before pulling away to wipe her hands on her dark pants. “How’s the arm feeling?”

“Better, but still sore. I have a clean wrap in that box over there,” he said, nodding at it.

She frowned and shook her head. “I think you should let it breathe for a while. You keep the wrap tight all the time, half of my mind tells me that’s why you find pain quite often. Let it heal some more before wrapping it up again.” When she saw the argument brewing, she added, “At least when you rest, let it breathe.”

He sighed, finally nodding. “Alright. While I rest.”

“Good,” she affirmed, standing up, though she stumbled a bit from the feeling gone lost in her right leg. Kotallo’s hand shot out and grabbed her, keeping her steady and she put a hand on his shoulder with a quiet laugh. “Thanks for the catch. I hadn’t realized it’d gone to sleep so fast.”

“You’re welcome.”

Once feeling returned, she pulled away. “Are you going to be able to sleep?”

He shrugged. “Probably not. I’m not tired anymore.”

“I’d been reading earlier. Some Old-World stories I’d collected from military bunkers.” She gave him a hopeful look and offered, “I can read one…if you want to listen?”

Kotallo glanced at her, giving her a calm smile. “I think I would enjoy that greatly.”

Returning a smile of her own, she watched as Kotallo shifted, sitting up against the wall with his legs outstretched on the bunk, opened slightly, and she crawled between them, tapping her Focus. “Have a blanket?”

“End of the bunk,” he replied.

She grabbed it, laying it over the two of them, and started reading, “The average life expectancy for a Hell Diver was fifteen jumps. This was Xavier Rodriguez’s ninety-sixth, and he was about to do it with a hangover…”

[ragingbookdragon]

Make Peace In The Dirt

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 1.2K Warnings: Explicit Language

Author's Note: Oh yeah...it's all coming together. Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

Aloy made her rounds throughout the base, talking to her friends as she usually did when she returned from running all over the Forbidden West. As she entered Kotallo’s room, she smiled politely as he looked up to greet whoever opened the doors. “Hey Kotallo,” Aloy greeted, walking over. “Been busy today?”

He flicked through a few holograms, and she recognized them as Old World, pre-automated jets. “Your Carjan friend has shared some of her data with me on the Ten. It’s appreciated.”

Aloy shifted, looking at one. “I’ve been meaning to ask how the two of you were getting along. I was a little worried that you two would be at each other’s throats.”

“Oh, we were while you were gone,” he answered and shifted so she could see his side. “She suggested we settle this like warriors outside.” Lifting his arm, Aloy pulled a face at the bandage settled across his rib going up his back. “She moves quite fast and strikes very hard for a woman whose job is supposedly to infiltrate and return unseen.”

“Holy shit,” Aloy breathed, reaching out to touch it. “Okay, I think I need to have a talk with her.”

“Alright, but if I’m getting lectured, Kotallo is too, because it’s only fair,” someone said from the doors and they both turned to see her coming inside. She turned on her heel and lifted the back of her shirt, showing Aloy the bruise that had blossomed along her shoulder blades. “If it makes you feel any better, he hit me hard enough that I saw stars and threw up everything I’d eaten today.”

Aloy threw her hands in the air. “Why did you two fight this out! Why didn’t you just, I don’t know, come get me!”

Kotallo’s expression pinched. “We are warriors? We settle our disputes in battle.”

“You’re both insane.”

The two looked at one another with knowing looks, the eyes of warriors and merely shrugged; she took a seat in one of the chairs, flipping the screen up so it was out of her field of vision. “The Nora are not so much a tribe of fighters who decide their dues by combat, Aloy. The Tenakth and my people back southeast very much so are.” Her eyes found Kotallo’s. “We spoke our differences during our battle and made peace in the dirt.”

Aloy’s face was pure vacancy. “So…you’re telling me, you beat the hell out of each other for an hour or so, and now you’re best friends?”

“I wouldn’t say best friends,” Kotallo replied. “But I would trust your Carjan spy to watch my back in battle.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, big guy,” she chirped. “But I’m not Carjan.”

“What exactly are you?” Aloy asked, intrigued that her old friend had never really spoken about her origin.

She smiled and tapped her Focus, showing a map of the Old-World land, but bigger and more complete. “The Old-World land we live on used to be apart of a larger nation, comprised of fifty or so smaller nations. They called it the United States.” She zoomed in on a state down in the southeast of their location, far southeast. “This particular state was called Florida. My people are from here.”

Kotallo walked over and bent beside her, taking a look at the layout of the land. “Is it near water?”

“It is,” she answered. “Around the edges is all ocean. I come from a moderate clan located here, all the way down at the end of the state. It was called the Everglades.” Her Focus displayed photos of wetlands. “Truth be told, Tenakth lands are remarkably similar in climate and geography to my home. Gives testament to why I’m finding this land so comfortable.”

“What’s it like?” Aloy questioned, taking the other side of the chair.

“The land is flat and densely forested in areas. It’s mostly a hot and humid, subtropical climate. We made our homes in locations where the trees were big and strong. Cyprus trees, the Old Ones called them.” Something sad came over her face and she muttered, “It’s gone now…my home and people.”

Kotallo looked at her. “What happened?”

“Invaders from one of the northern clans waged war on ours. We might’ve had an at-home advantage but…in the end it didn’t matter.” She swiped her hand, sending the images away. “I can count on two hands how many of us survived the slaughter, myself included. Some joined other clans, others took their own lives, unable to bear the harsh reality that we were all that remained of a once proud people.”

Aloy frowned. “What did you do?”

She blinked, eyes almost dead as she stared ahead. “I honed my instincts and abilities to razor-sharp edges and then I traveled to the clan that killed mine where I took my revenge.” Her voice grew monotone. “I let the women and children escape but I killed every able-bodied man I could find including their best warriors and leaders, then I burned it all to the ground and left ashes in my wake.”

Kotallo gazed at her. “It’s hard to believe that one woman could do all that damage.”

“Rage is an extremely powerful motivator. And believe me, I was full of it.” Shaking her head, she cleared her throat. “It’s a part of my past I’m not proud of. I let my vengeance get the better of me and instead of taking that pain and using it for something better, I enacted the same slaughter and agony I was inflicted with.”

Something in Aloy’s heart broke for her friend, though the sickness rolled in her stomach at the thought of all the blood on her friend’s hand. “I’m sorry that happened.”

“As am I,” she replied, leaning back in the chair. “I live with my past every day, but it is also the reason I strive to make sure it never happens to anyone ever again. Someone must stop the cycle of senseless war.” Glancing at Aloy, she smiled. “I see you and our wonderful friends and allies being the catalysts for that stop, Aloy, and I hope that I will live to see it too.”

Aloy felt uncomfortable with such praise, and she turned her head as a blush came over her face. “I’m just doing what I can.”

“It’s more than what most are willing to do,” she said in return, and glanced at Kotallo. “Be that as it may, I’ll be needing to meet Chief Hekarro in the coming days to discuss relations between your people and the Carja.” Grinning, she questioned, “Can I count you in for a travel companion and to put in a good word with him?”

Kotallo gave her a stoic stare. “Seems I must if you don’t want to get shot on the principle of walking into Tenakth territory dressed like a haughty Carjan.”

“What? I don’t dress like a Carjan,” she retorted, expression pinching. “And what’s wrong with dressing like one in the first place?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. “At least the armor they wear covers vulnerable areas unlike yours.”

“Our armor is made as it is because we do not use sly techniques like backstabbing to fight,” he griped and Aloy slapped her hand to her forehead as the two started arguing back and forth with one another, intent to fight outside again.

[ragingbookdragon]

Still Worth Everything

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 1.3K Warnings: Slight Angst

Author's Note: I don't think I've ever fallen in love with a character quicker than I did Kotallo. He is just simply amazing. Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

She could see he was struggling to bind the wound on his left side with his good arm; her eyes drifted to the pack beside her, knowing full and well it contained enough supplies to take care of it. With a sigh, she picked it up and crossed beside the fireplace to sit on the bedroll he was on. “Let me help you with that.”

He jerked away from her with a cold glare, something she wasn’t unused to in the two days they’d been traveling. “I don’t need your help,” he grunted. “I can do it myself.”

“Really?” she asked. “Because all you’ve been doing for the last ten minutes is fumbling with your wound because you can’t anything beyond poke and prod at it.”

“I can do this myself,” he stressed and when he tried to pull away again from her hands, one of hers shot out and wrapped around the beaded strap along his chest.

“No, you can’t,” she bit back. “Look, I get it, okay? Losing the arm meant you lost the security and independence you had before. Everything that you used to do with two hands, you’re having to relearn with one. It’s hard, it’s painful, it’s embarrassing, and it’s angering.” She looked him in the eye. “I get it. But what you don’t get is that there’s no shame in having someone help you. You think you’re somehow less of a man because you don’t have all four limbs, well let me tell you that having three limbs or two or none makes no man lesser or greater than someone who has them all.”

Her gaze turned softer, almost pleading, and she uncurled her fingers from his strap, gently resting it on his abdomen. “Kotallo, I understand you do not trust me, but you trust Aloy, and we both trust her. I would not do anything to betray her trust and harming her ally would be that. Let that be enough for you to put some semblance of faith in me.” Searching his gaze, she added, “Let me help you bind your wound. Please.”

Kotallo held her gaze for a moment before his jaw seemed to clench so tightly that it looked painful and he turned his head away, murmuring, “It would be easier just to cauterize it.”

She made a noise of acknowledgment and peered down at his wound, shifting slightly as to let the fire shine enough for her to see. “I don’t think cauterizing this is going to be necessary. Perhaps a suture, but not that.”

“Why not?”

“Cauterizing is better for bigger wounds when you don’t have the supplies to bind or sew. I have needle and thread in my bag,” she explained, pulling out a curved silver needle and a long spool of gold thread; then she reached into her bag and pulled out a small vial of reddish liquid.

“What is that?” Kotallo asked her.

She pulled the cork from it and rolled up a scrap of fabric, placing it just below his wound. “It’s a numbing agent that should deaden the feeling in and around your middle.” Her eyes found his before she poured. “Fair warning, it’ll sting like acid from a bellowback.”

His gaze hardened. “Do as you will.”

Shrugging, she tipped the vial and winced as Kotallo let out a pained but very short-lived grunt. “Sorry,” she muttered. “It should pass in a few moments.”

Sure enough, a few moments later, he reached over with his right hand and poked the area twice before she smacked at his fingers. “I can’t feel it.”

“Well, that means it’s working,” she retorted, grabbing the water canteen from beside her. “And now I’m going to wash it out and sew it.”

She could feel his eyes on her as she went about her business of washing away the dirt, blood, and grime from the jagged cut. A pair of stalkers had caught the two by surprise as they’d been traveling towards the Memorial Grove, and while they’d managed to take them down relatively fast, Kotallo had shoved her out of the way from one of the machine’s tails and caught the end of it, slashing into his side where the armor didn’t protect.

“If there’s something you want to ask me, by all means, do so,” she said. “Otherwise stop staring at me so intently.”

“You said you understood,” He simply stated.

“Understood what?” she repeated. “What it meant to be without a limb?”

“Yes.”

She blinked, hand stilling for a moment before she started threading the needle again. “My grandfather lost his leg just above the thigh to a snapmaw when I was just a child. He became a bitter, old man for a very long time who believed himself somehow…broken and not whole because he didn’t have a leg.” She frowned. “I bear many scars from his training as a young child. He didn’t comfort me when I got hurt. He belittled me. Told me he had suffered more and that my pain was nothing compared to what he felt every day.”

Breaking through his skin, she pushed the needle in and pulled the thread through. “My grandfather was pitied by our people not because he lost his limb, but because he allowed himself to fall so far. They pitied him and they pitied me for having to take care of him.”

“I am assuming something changed?”

She spoke as she sewed. “My grandmother died, and my grandfather was suddenly left with the horrid realization that he had killed the only woman he had ever loved with his cruelty, and he was quickly doing the same to me.”

Kotallo looked at her. “What happened after?”

“His entire nature changed,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong, my grandfather trained me until my fingers bled and I couldn’t bear to stay on my feet. But…” she trailed off as she pulled the last suture.

“But?” he encouraged.

“But when I fell…he picked me up and encouraged me to keep going. And I encouraged him to always remember that he was not some broken weapon thrown away to rust.” She tied the knot and cut the rest of the thread, fingers moving automatically as she took the salve from her pack and began spreading it over the sewed wound. “He died defending our people from invaders from the Northern lands. But he died knowing he was still worth everything he was before the incident that took his leg.”

She ended her point by wiping the rest of the salve on her cloak and looking at him, gently resting her hand on his shoulder in an act of comfort. “You are not a broken weapon, Kotallo. And you are not some half warrior. You are a merely a warrior with one less limb, but you are still worth everything you were before.”

It was there for a split second, a look of shock on his face, but not just shock, vulnerability, then it was gone, covered by the stoic frown she knew much, much better, and he bent his head down, hand coming to rest above hers. “You have my thanks,” he murmured, and the act was so uncharacteristically soft that she couldn’t help but feel a warmth rise in her chest as she smiled kindly and pulled away.

“You’re welcome, Kotallo.” Rising from his bedroll, she moved onto hers and slid underneath the cover, gazing up at the stars that shone through the split trees above them, the fire crackling and popping in her ears. She rolled over and peered through her lashes to watch him for a moment.

Kotallo was still sitting on his bedroll, but his fingers were gently pressed against the bind on the stub of his arm, a look of calm thoughtfulness on his face.

[ragingbookdragon]

The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall

Kotallo x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 2.1K Warnings: Explicit Language

Author's Note: And that's just how the cookie crumbles. Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

“So, this is the mighty Bulwark,” she said, a look of satisfaction on her face; her eyes shifted to the Tenakth who were busy rebuilding the wall. “I wish I could’ve been here when Aloy blew the hell outta this thing. Would’ve been a sight to see.”

The Tenakth beside her grunted in return, already making his way towards the lift that had been lowered. “Come on. We can find some bedrolls among the other squads.”

“Any words of advice before we go in?” she inquired, leaning back against the railing of the lift, eyes on him. “That you would give someone like me and not some random idiot who couldn’t find their head from their ass even if the instructions were in front of them?”

Kotallo snorted, glancing over at her. “You’ll probably be held to a high level of scrutiny by the older members of the clan and by those who served in the Red Raids.”

“No surprise there.”

“They’ll want to challenge you to fight to test your worth.”

She cocked a brow. “No, they’ll challenge me to see if they can beat the ‘Carjan woman’.” Giving him a dead stare, she inquired, “Am I allowed to fight in the ring, or do you want me to avoid pulling my weapon at all costs?”

Kotallo shrugged. “Do as you wish. Just try not to kill anyone.”

“I’ll try hard for you, big guy,” she joked, stepping off the lift and onto the platform.

They bypassed the guards at the entrance, Kotallo greeting a few with firm nods and quiet words and she stepped out into the open, looking around. There were a few younger Sky Clan members who stopped to stare at the black-leather-clad woman; she smiled politely and tipped her head in acknowledgement.

“You look uncomfortable,” Kotallo said as he stood next to her.

She nodded in agreement. “Too open. I don’t like it.” Her eyes scanned the ridge for sharpshooters. “I keep expecting arrows to rain down.”

“You’d have better chance of getting stabbed in the back.”

“I thought you said Tenakth didn’t do backstabbing,” she countered and when he looked over at her to snap back, he paused at the grin on her face.

“We do when Carja wander unannounced into our lands.”

Rolling her eyes, she followed him as he took them around the area. “Ha-ha, you’re so funny, Kotallo.”

“Is that sarcasm I detect?”

“It’s going to be my knife in a few moments if you keep it up,” she retorted, halting in her footsteps to watch two soldiers go at it in the ring; she felt Kotallo sense her stop and walked back over. “When I was back in my homeland, we used to have giant tournaments where we would settle our differences amongst one another in a ring.”

“Weapons involved?”

“Nope,” she smirked. “Only your flesh and blood bodies.” Shutting her eyes, she remembered some of her own fights in her youth. “I never lost a single fight in the ring when I was a child.”

“Not one?” Kotallo asked, a note of surprise in his tone.

She looked at him. “My grandfather was my clan leader’s right-hand. I was trained to win and to use every advantage I could in order to secure that win and make it absolute.”

“Did you allowed to fight dirty?”

“You mean pulling hair, scratching, and throwing dirt in faces?” she frowned. “No. You fought fair, or you didn’t fight at all.” Propping her hands on her hips, she said, “Believe me, Kotallo, I only fight dirty when I’m desperate. I don’t need to pull hair to be deadly. I merely am.”

He looked at her with a curious gaze. “You do not seem as such.”

She laughed. “Underestimation is something I use to my advantage quite often, big guy.” Her eyes followed a soldier walking over. “Someone wants your attention.”

Kotallo looked over as the other Tenakth stood before them. He was easily as big as Kotallo was and something flashed in Kotallo’s eyes that she understood as this person wasn’t exactly on his list of friends. “What does Tekotteh want?”

The Tenakth looked between the two, eyes lingering on her in a way that made her want to draw her sword. “He wants to speak to you and your…companion.”

The word was as distasteful in her ear as it was in his voice and she narrowed her eyes, giving him the full-on glower of the Captain of the Carjan Guard and she knew it hit him when he faltered slightly. “What does he want with us?” Kotallo questioned.

“That is between you and Tekotteh,” he answered, holding out his hand for them to go. “Do not keep him waiting.”

She beat Kotallo to the punch. “Tekotteh doesn’t command the Chief’s Marshals. We’ll go when we’re ready. He can wait.”

“Watch your tongue, Carja,” he threatened. “Or I’ll cut it out.”

“Oh, I’d love to see you try.” She tipped her head. “I’m ready when you are.”

The soldier’s eyes darted to the empty ring, and something twisted came over his face. “After you, Carja.” She was already jumping into the ring before he could finish; he followed moments after and she saw in her peripheral, Kotallo, watching her with contained worry. “Draw your weapon,” he said, but she merely held her hands out in front of her, assuming a defensive position.

“I don’t need a weapon to take you on.” She uncurled a fist and motioned for him to come at her. “Hit me with your best shot. It’ll be over before you know it.”

The soldier came down at her with his spear. “I’ll paint this pit with your blood!”

She sidestepped his swing, ducking when he swung outwards over her head; striking out, she sent her heel into the back of his knee and sent him down, quickly rolling away as he staggered to his feet. “Don’t tell me you’re done already?” she ribbed, enjoying the way his eyes flashed with anger and he came at her again, fierce swings from all directions. She avoided each and every one, tagging him in his exposed areas with powerful strikes of only her hands until he was staggering to raise his arms and keep swinging.

“What…did you do!” he bellowed, trying to raise his arms and she merely ran at him, raising one leg to press onto his bent knee and boost herself up. Her other leg came up, knee curled directly under his chin and his head cocked back as they connected, her using the momentum of her kick to shove off, flipping backwards to land in the sand, unscathed.

She watched as he stumbled backwards then pitched forwards and hit the ground with a loud smack. Drawing her gaze up, she saw a flood of Tenakth surrounding the ring, some with looks of surprise, amazement, and hatred; she looked to Kotallo who met her eyes with unabashed pride and a firm nod.

Putting the top of her hand below her jaw, she cracked her neck to the side and left the unconscious soldier lying face-first in the sand, climbing out of the ring. The Tenakth parted as she came up the ladder and there, she met Kotallo with a grin. “I guess we’ve kept Tekotteh waiting long enough, hmm?”

“You are going to be challenged left and right now that you’ve done this,” he said as they ascended the walkways. “Everyone will want to try and beat you at hand-to-hand combat.”

“Ah, I welcome the challenge, big guy,” she nudged him in his side. “Maybe we can do a tag-team battle and see if we can beat everyone here.”

“You sound like your Oseram friend.”

“Erend and I have been in some pretty wild bar fights,” she noted, glancing momentarily at the soldier who pulled the fabric away so they could walk inside.

Tekotteh looked up as they entered. “I’ve been waiting.”

She smiled an overly polite smile towards the Sky Clan leader and excused, “Our apologies, Tekotteh, one of your soldiers challenged me to a fight and well, I couldn’t just let my honor be tarnished.” She blinked. “I had to show him that we in the Carja military give as good as we get.”

The leader gave her a look that barely contained his disgust and turned his attention to Kotallo. “I find it hard to believe you’d stoop low enough to interact so freely with a Carjan.”

Kotallo’s gaze turned frosty. “You wanted to speak with us. What do you want?”

“There’s a rebel camp up north that’s been causing some trouble. The squad we sent to take care of it, didn’t make it back.” Tekotteh looked between them. “Word from the Grove is that you two have been making rounds on the camps in the area.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and cocked a brow. “So…what? You want us to do your job and take out the camp in your territory?”

Tekotteh offered her a smile. “Well, it shouldn’t be much trouble considering you’ve already taken out so many.”

“You’re not wrong,” she muttered and glanced at Kotallo. “Your call. I’ll go where you lead.”

He gazed at her for a moment, something passing between them and then he looked at his former leader. “We’ll be back within the night.”

Kotallo turned and started leaving but she stayed there, still glaring at Tekotteh; he met her glare with one of his own. “Don’t you have a rebel camp to clear out?”

She stepped forward and got nose to nose with the Tenakth, warning, “I’ve been a spy long enough to know what type of mission you’re sending us on. Word to the wise, we’ll come back alive.”

“Then why are you still standing here?” he questioned.

“So that you remember what a ‘low’ Carja looks like.” She pulled away and started after Kotallo, only to pause and spin on her heel, declaring, “And just for the record, Kotallo is more of a man than you’ll ever be and the next time you insult him in front of me, I’d expect a knife in your gut.”

Tekotteh took a step towards her. “Is that a threat?”

“No,” she answered, cocking her head up haughtily. “You should know me well enough to know that I don’t deal in threats. Mine are promises.” She left without another word and exited into the open air, seeing Kotallo waiting for her; she glared at him. “Can I kill him?”

Kotallo’s expression shifted from stoicism to shock to humor and he chuckled. “Not in public.”

“I’m gonna kill that sonovabitch,” she warned as she walked with him. “Mark my words, I’m going to smother him in his sleep, and no one will ever know it was me.”

“I’m surprised you’re so angered by him.”

“He’s a coward,” she griped. “A coward who insults people he knows are better than him.” Looking at Kotallo as they got into the lift, she pointed at him. “He’s threatened by you because he knows you are respected by the Sky Clan more than he is.”

“I’m aware,” Kotallo answered. “That’s why he sent me to the Kulrut.”

Her eyes widened then they hardened, and she looked up towards the Bulwark and hissed, “That’s it. I’m gonna kill him. He was a dick to you and Aloy and I’m gonna kill him.” she looked around, muttering to herself, “Gotta blame it on that one who challenged me to a fight, but how?”

“While I’m flattered you want to protect my honor, you don’t have to,” Kotallo said, and she waved him off.

“No, I’m gonna kill him,” she assured. “He insulted my friends and I’m gonna kill him for it.”

Kotallo looked at her with humor. “Oh, so I’m your friend now?”

“Don’t let it go to your head, big guy. It’s already as big as it needs to be.” He shot her a dead eye look and shoved her backwards, laughing as she squealed and fell a foot off the lift into the snow; she growled at him. “After I kill Tekotteh, I’m coming after you.”

He reached down and grabbed the front of her armor, hauling her up to her feet. “I await your attempt.”

“Mock me at your own peril, Kotallo,” she warned, pointing a finger in his face. “I’ll—”

“Yes, yes, you’ll stab me in the back and be gone before anyone even knows you’re gone.”

She glared at his back and stomped after him. “Oh, you giant ass!”

“Your insults are like ant bites.”

Reaching him, she kicked his legs out beneath him, sprinting away in laughter as she heard him splutter and curse at her as he scrambled up after her. “Now who’s insults are like ant bites!”