#kotalloxoc

[marmie-noir]

Chapter 4: Heartfelt Mission

Aloy had been correct. Alva had been easy enough to spot amongst the people of Arrowhand. Not only did she not look like any of the people who called the small village home but she was also decorated in foreign beads of red with green detailing and something that looked like our Focus’ but appeared to be either an older model or was purely for looks. Walking behind myself but in front of Kotallo on the way back she didn’t pick up on any of the tension between the two of us, chatting away animatedly while going through the new focus we had brought for her. The Quen, her people, sounded odd and not like a place I personality had any interest in visiting. Kotallo seemed to think the same, the two of us sharing a few glances over the head of the bubbly woman in her rants. 

I enjoyed her presence in a way that was almost surprising. She reminded me of Vana, a young girl hired by the house to do some cleaning in exchange for shards. Vana was all big eyes and wide smiles, her mouth never stopping as she asked questions and shared anything new she had learned every time she appeared to help with laundry or sweeping. I missed her even now, thinking back to my home in the Brothel. The loud men I could live without but the mornings where all the women gathered for food and any updates, the mistress seated at the head of it as she sorted accounts and took reports from both the girls and the few guards she kept around. I was always seated to her right, the one to inherit the houses, expected to take in everything she said and lock it away for future use. 

Though I found Alva delightful, she was also a lot of energy to take in. I was either around soft spoken Zo or quiet Kotallo for the last few weeks or so and the Quen Diviner had a headache growing behind my eyes. I showed her to a room none of us had bothered using, raw data displayed everywhere, and she immediately made herself at home. Sitting on a low counter I found myself alone with Alva, my Tenakth companion disappearing the moment we entered the base, I’m sure also wanting a little bit of quiet. I listened a bit, hearing about her little sister and family, as well as the structure of her people, but kept my opinions to myself. I found it was not the best way to make friends by immediately insulting someone’s entire way of life in the first few days of knowing them. 

Once I was sure Alva was comfortable (her wide smile and intense interest in the data proving that) I excused myself to head to the bathing rooms myself. The dust and scrapes from my tumble with Kotallo down the hill had left my hair in a rather unpleasant tangled state. I washed, detangled the large mass, and walked out of the bathing room with it down to let my long hair dry quickly. 

It was late, our trip to retrieve Alva started mid day and between the hike there and back eating up the rest of the sunlight and giving way to the cool nights of the West. Erend was half asleep on the couches in the main gathering area, Varl and Zo already in bed, Alva and Kotallo probably both in their respective areas as well. I stirred Erend, not wanting to hear about how his neck hurt for the next few days for sleeping in such a position, and helped him to his bed. As I suspected Kotallo’s cot lay empty across the small room. Glancing at the familiar paint pots for a moment as Erend began to loudly snore I didn’t want to linger. I’d go speak with Gaia before I retired for the evening.

The hiss of the door opening was normal now, no longer having me on edge, and I walked up to the platform the AI used as her main space. With a swirl of beautiful golds and yellows she appeared, a being of light, and I could easily see how some thought of her as a goddess. Her face was aged in a way that was graceful, not from hardship, her expression soft, comforting, and I found it helped us see her as trusting. With my vague understanding of ‘programming’ and with how blunt Gaia answered questions it had to be intention on her creators part.  

“Hello Anara.”

“Gaia.” I said with a small nod. “I was wondering if I could bother you for some information?”

She smiled, such a human gesture. “Of course, what is it you wanted to know?” 

“Could you please send me any data you have on larger settlements in the West. I know Aloy’s probably been to most, I’m attempting to gather data to see if I can find a location that may be suitable to present to my mistress? I understand it’s a long shot, I don’t think the Carja born women will be of interest to the Tenakth anyway, but I need to at least give this an effort.” Once I had a list of establishments I could also go on a tour myself and check out these places to see if they had need of a brothel. 

My focus made a small ping noise as the data was transferred, Gaia gesturing as if to sift through anything she was sending my way. “I do know there are a number of settlements from here to the sea, although I cannot speak on the exact number of people living there.” 

“You are looking for camps?” Kotallo’s deep voice had me glancing over my shoulder to watch the man stalk up the stairs to stand next to me, facing Gaia as well. Her golden light cast shadows across his face, highlighting the scar on his lip, and I lingered there a moment before meeting his eyes. 

“Yes.” Glancing at the data it opened a map, new markers on the map, I attempted to keep my eyes to myself and my new information. “Nothing nefarious, I assure you.” Biting my lower lip a moment to hide my smile I swiped the data to look at another portion of the map with the little dots where Gaia had indicated there were large settlements. “My mistress has to be wondering where I am and I’d like to prove that I’ve at least looked to see if there was a suitable place to create a new establishment.”

“And your thoughts?” 

Unable to help myself I looked at him once more. Per usual Kotallo’s expression was serious and it was clear he was genuinely interested in what I thought on the matter. “I don’t think she will find business here. At least, not with the women. The West opens up a lot of opportunities, but a brothel doesn’t appear to be needed by the Tenakth, the Utaru, or the Quen from what I can find. Not that the Quen are native to the area anyway…” Puckering my lips a moment while I looked at the map once more I thought for a moment. “If the alliance between the Tenakth and the Carja ever happens we might have a place for our women, to entertain the Carja and Oseram people coming for trade, but that seems to be it. I don’t see Tenakth as a whole accepting Carja born women, and your tribe is well known for being against taking a partner outside of their own. I didn’t exactly get the warmest welcome.” 

Kotallo put his hand on his hip, nodding a moment, before opening up some data and sending it to my device as well. “I cannot speak for how others treated you. We don’t always value physical beauty, at least most do not. Warriors want warriors for partners. It’s not necessarily uncommon for a Tenakth to pick a partner from another people, but once they are taken, they are Tenakth.”

“Like Fashav?”

He frowned at the name, clearly the loss of his friend still fresh, but nodded before I could apologize. “In a way. Fashav was a war prisoner, he fought to earn his place. The Tenakth will take strong warriors regardless of birth or people. But a taken partner, while in some situations may need to prove their worth, is normally accepted much easier.” 

I opened his files to find pictures of people, normal looking Tenakth from my reckoning, but if I looked past the paint and unfamiliar clothing I could see some features that were distinctly Oseram, Carja, and potentially even Banuk. “Why is that?” He blinked at me, as if confused by my question. “Why is a taken partner accepted better than a war prisoner?” 

“A Tenakth won’t take a partner unless they are worthy. If a warrior returns home with a new mate who previously was not Tenakth, they have proven themselves to the warrior.” He quirked his lips at that, a little smile as if he was thinking of a specific situation. “Although… I have seen a Tenakth born challenge the new mate to prove their worth, as they had wanted the warrior for themselves.” 

“Oh?” He simply nodded but didn’t offer more. I didn’t feel comfortable enough to ask, especially in front of our AI friend, but filed that away for later, pleased with the newly gained information. “I’ll get that story out of you one day.”

“I look forward to your efforts.” His face relaxed, an easier smile pulling at his lips at my determined expression. For the first time his eyes flicked over to Gaia before settling back onto mine. “Did you get the information you needed or should I return later?” 

“Oh, yes.” Turning to Gaia I thanked her, wanting to get out of his way. I walked out wondering what he needed from our AI friend. 

Glancing over at Zo she gave me a subtle nod and I gave one back. Pulling my right arm back, the arrow leveling with the Watcher, I held it for two breaths before releasing. It flew straight, sinking into the eye-like light in it’s head, stumbling forward another step before collapsing. We waited a few more breaths to make sure another machine wasn’t coming to investigate before slowly moving towards our downed kill. 

Zo got there first, quick fingers working loose the parts we needed, and I made sure to keep a lookout. Recently machines had become more aggressive, almost overnight, and I had a feeling it was because the sub function we were unable to capture, HEPHAESTUS, was being a dick. “I’ve heard the Banut do not let their hunts strip their own kills.” Zo says quietly to make idle conversation. “I think that would be inconvenient.” 

“I agree.” Glancing around the small clearing surrounded by the thick trees of the forest I deemed it safe enough and gave a little shrug. “Your people and the Banut would probably get along though. Both of you believe Machines are living creatures.” 

“The Vari do not?” 

“Not like animals, no. They are alive in the sense that they move and have purpose, but they are not breathing beings. They do not have feelings.” 

“Mm.” She made a noncommittal noise in the back of her throat, handing me a bag of machine parts. I suspected that I got the heavier load due to my opinions but had expected it. Zo felt a connection with her Land Gods and while I could respect it, I didn’t understand it. My people hunted machines like all tribes did, but that was it. There was a respect owed to a machine that could kill a human easily but beyond that I didn’t pretend they were sentient beings with feelings. Although her Gods were different from the others that I had seen… Shaking my head slightly I shouldered the pack and we began our walk to the base. I was luckier than Erend, when he tried to poke fun at her Land Gods she laid him out. Entertaining but not something I was willing to experience. 

We had been heading out the last few days together, foraging and hunting to get some fresh air out of the base. Alva hadn’t been inclined to join, Erend was too noisy to sneak around, Zo stated Varl needed to catch up to her studies, and Kotallo advised he was busy with a project that needed his attention unless we required he hunt as well. 

I wondered what he was up to. He had been working away the last few days, only glancing up when I peeked in to see if he wanted me to take a look at his arm or to bring him some food. His focus was at least a good distraction so I could look at him without him noticing too much. I liked Kotallo’s scars and his tattoos, unable to pick a favorite, and although he remained focused on his task I had sat in the room for a bit studying to get away from Erend’s tipsy rants and Alva’s unending ramblings about her new information. I adored them both but not learning friendly. 

My curiosity got the better of me after three long days. “Kotallo?” He made a noise in his throat indicating he was listening but didn’t look away from what he was reading, brows drawn down in concentration. “What have you been so concentrated on?”

That had him looking over at me. Breaking from the symbols showed me how tired he looked, like he hadn’t been getting enough sleep for at least a few days. Running his hand down his face he glanced back at the data before letting out a low sigh and turning to face where I had made a little seat in the corner. “I found an old data point that indicated the old ones would replace lost limbs with made ones.” 

I blinked a few times, processing what he said. “And you… want one?”

“I believe so.”

“Oh.” Giving a little shrug I tilted my head to the side. “That makes sense, do you need me to go on a parts run?”

Something in his expression warmed and I couldn’t help my smile. If someone asked I couldn’t exactly point it out, it was like trying to watch a flower bloom, but I adored it. Like his eyes got warmer and the lines on his face smoothed a bit, but more of a vibe versus a facial expression. “No, but thank you. I am waiting for Aloy to return. The base where they found Beta seems to have some data I need to create the arm, and I have been told it is still heavily guarded by the Zeniths.” 

I remembered when Beta had been brought home by Varl and Aloy. A younger version of our savior, quieter too. The redheads did not appear friendly, every time Aloy returned to the base she either avoided Beta or their fighting could be heard in the upper levels. I hadn’t personally gone to meet her, Zo was soft so she made more sense. Varl had that kind aura that drew people in. I was just not as friendly, not as welcoming, and figured it would be better to avoid her versus cause more tension. 

“Have you spoken to her lately? Will she be returning soon?” The thought of Kotallo and Aloy chatting all day over the focus was highly unlikely, neither really spoke much unless they had something they wanted to say specifically. But my jealous heart twisted around in my chest putting all sorts of unlikely scenarios in my head. 

He studied me, taking notice of the emotion crossing my face for a moment before I could bottle it back up. Instead of asking if I was well he simply lifted a shoulder in a tired shrug, eyes moving down to the holo-map he seemed to be staring at more and more each day. “She is currently helping the Desert Clan with a water problem, but I am sure she will return soon.” He wasn’t wrong, Aloy returned as much as she was able, but I still worried for her. Regardless of my feelings towards her and Kotallo’s relationship she was my friend and I was concerned for her health. She didn’t rest enough and I wasn’t sure she was eating enough constantly on the road as well. 

“Once this is all settled I am locking her in a room for at least a week.” I said with a small grin and shake of my head. His tired little half smile answered me and the two of us stood in silence for a bit. “Well… I’m going to turn in Kotallo. Do you need anything before I go to my rooms?”

“No. Rest well, Anara.” Ignoring how his sleepy voice said my name I gave him a last smile and disappeared from the room. On the way through the quiet halls an idea began to form in the back of my mind. Aloy wouldn’t be back for some time, especially if she was in the desert currently. I was sitting around like a useless lump but what if I went to the base? Vari were stealthy people and I was no exception, I was sure I could sneak in and out without alerting any Zeniths to my presence. Turning from my path I headed towards Gaia. 

Pressing my back to a cool metal wall my furs did little to stop the cold from sinking down to my bones, but it wasn’t from the temperature. The Zenith’s machines, unnatural in a way that was completely alien, scanned where they thought I was hiding. Right after I had gathered the data it seemed to alert them somehow of my presence and two of these creatures slunk into the room to begin hunting me. It had been a bit of time as they continued to comb through all the areas as I snuck in the back rooms and gathered any parts that the focus highlighted. The pack was heavy on my back but I made sure to secure it tightly enough that nothing would move around and cause me to stumble or make unnecessary noise. 

Watching them move gave me an impression that these machines were faster than their large sizes gave away. I had watched Aloy, Erend, and Varl’s focus data from their fight with them and I knew the weak points but would rather not take two on by myself if I could help it. Holding my breath for a moment they swung to scan another area and I dove towards another stack of abandoned boxes left by the old ones. Every few moments they shifted and continued to look for me but I had been able to slink around in the shadows and the darkness that the base provided, footsteps silent as I continued to make my way towards the exit. 

Leaving the huge room I had gathered the data from I carefully made my way through the maze of halls and small off-shoot rooms. Thankfully I was able to create a pretty simple map thanks to Gaia and the data from the others and within a few minutes I was making my way up the odd tube-like entrance that the Zenith had dug directly into the side of the mountain. The cold winter wind howled and covered any movement I made. Never thought I’d be thankful for a snow storm. 

Stepping onto the flat area on the side of the mountain I jumped into some tall grass just as another Spector rushed down the tunnel to help the other two look for me. Listening to it scrambling loudly down the tunnel I waited for a few more heartbeats before dashing from my hiding spot and towards the edge. I could climb down, although my hands and feet were already cold, but if I didn’t go quickly there was a chance I’d have to hide out here and try to keep warm while avoiding these machines for Stars knows how long. 

Footholds and handholds were easy to locate thanks to the focus and I silently sent a blessing to Aloy as I picked my way down the side, the roaring storm creating white-out conditions that covered me enough. When my feet hit the ground I didn’t waste any time and turned, dashing towards the forest and where my mount was hopefully still waiting. As I hopped on and raced down the mountain hoping to get out of scan range my focus reactivated and the silenced setting I had turned on apparently shutting down now that I was within safe range. Multiple messages hit me back to back, everyone at the base asking at least once where I was, and a few from Aloy asking why she was notified by Gaia that I’d gone into the Nimah Research Lab alone. 

Sending them all a response it was a simple symbol that Gaia advised was to be a ‘smiley face’, used to communicate a good mood among other things. That didn’t settle down Erend or Varl, both of them continuing to call me until I ignored them each a few more times. I rode hard through the rest of the night, ducked near the machine under me and feeling it’s metal parts rotate smoothly, lines and cables ensuring a smooth ride. It also helped that the machines were at least a little warm, providing some heat for my thighs as my large cloak covered myself from neck to billow around the creature to trap in all the warmth I could get. I still ended up covered in a thick layer of ice. The storm had bad timing but it also shielded my escape from the machines I’d left behind in the base, plus any that could have gotten in my way on the ride back, so I just clenched the warm clothing tighter and grit my teeth.

As the base drew closer I felt myself nearly slump over with exhaustion. I wanted a hot shower and my bed immediately. Stopping the machine near the tiny herd that Aloy kept for us to take when needed I climbed up the small cliff leading to the door. It hissed open and I walked in, warmth enveloping me and having me sigh loudly. Blinking a few times as my finger tips began to tingle I walked the rest of the way in, grimacing at the squishing noise of my fur boots. I was toeing them off when I heard Erend’s shout startling me out of my own skin. 

“SHE’S BACK!”

Snapping my head up just in time to see Erend’s scowl he swept me up, Oseram strength pinning my arms to my side as he hoisted me up into a warm hug, swinging me side to side. The ice on my clothing broke off, making a mess all around us, but he didn’t seem to mind it or the cold. I squirmed, finally able to break free just in time for Varl and Zo step into the main area. It was early morning, too early to be making so much noise, but it appeared no one else was really resting. Alva peeked out before catching sight of my scowl and sending me a little smile before disappearing back into the information room. Kotallo came out next, hand on his hip as he took in my frost burned face and heavy pack. 

Ignoring Varl and Erend’s questions I pulled up the data on my focus and pushed it to Kotallo, his own lighting up a moment later and displaying what I had found. I shrugged off the pack, the heavy parts making my arms jerk painfully against the weight before I held it out to him. That had everyone going silent, taking in his surprised face and my determined one, chin tipping up to look at him. 

“You went alone.”

“Yes.” He took the bag from me, glancing inside before looking back up at me. 

“Why?”

“Do you not want it?” I asked and moved as if to grab the bag back. Once I had a strap he didn’t let go either, using it to pull me closer. I flushed, stumbling slightly before catching myself. I glanced over my shoulder, shooting Zo a look, and she began to usher the other men back to bed. Once they cleared out, much to Erend’s dismay, I turned my attention back to the Marshal before me. “Kotallo I- I know you wanted to go with Aloy but I’m quick. I can get in and out of most places without being detected and with Aloy so busy I didn’t know when she’d be able to go and I didn’t like the thought of you waiting.” All of it true. If I could help I wanted to. Not that I wouldn’t have done the same to any other member of my party but for some reason helping Kotallo had me feeling a bit shy, eyes drifting down to the ground. 

“You really got it all.” I looked back up to see him inspecting the inside of the bag. Glancing back up at me I felt a tension string in the air. He looked me in the eyes a moment before dipping down to my toes and then back up to hold my gaze. “Anara, I accept this.” His words held a weight I didn’t completely understand. My heart thundered in my chest and I swallowed loudly, my throat suddenly dry under his intense examination, unable to ask for clarification on what he means. Most people would say thank you, so what did he mean?  

“I-Kotallo I-” Biting at my lower lip I swallowed the confession. I was about to tell him I’d do almost anything if he needed it, I would go further. I’d even brave the cold again if it would be helpful for him. I released the shoulder strap of the bag and let it fall, taking a step back. What was that all about? “I’m going to bathe and lay down, as you can imagine I’m cold and tired. Please, let me know if I can help with anything else.” He nodded but didn’t say anything else, watching me retreat towards the bathing area.

[marmie-noir]

The Trials of Loving a Tenakth - Kotallo x OC Fic - Chapter 1

Hi all!

I finally got the first chapter wrapped up! I’m terrible at adding filler, my ADHD brain does all the dramatic/smutty/funny scenes and leaves them hanging with no connections. 

I tried to edit but tbh was sick of looking at it, so if there are errors I apologize! 

TW: Detailed wound, medical care, flirting, feelings. 

“Erend, you can’t strong arm it. It’s a hologram, light, not something you can punch.” I chided the man, leaning against his side and showing him how to gently touch the little buttons that appeared before me thanks to the focus. I was working on studying anything about the old ones that Aloy had been able to gather as well as general data that Gaia had even without the subordinate function APOLLO. Watching him repeat the motions I pulled back a bit to sit normally next to him on the couch in the main area with a little smile. Yes, this was sometimes frustrating. I was more of a do it versus learn it girl, hands on if you will, but watching someone else struggle made me feel a bit better about my lack of progress. Zo was a literal genius I swear and she seemed to get everything the first try. Erend, Varl, and I all were not so fortunate. 

“I’m the guy you call when it’s time to break stuff.” Erend almost pouted, his mood obviously soured from his rivalry with the small machine on his temple. “But reading? Smoke and steel, I am no good at this ‘Nara.”

“You’ll get it, big guy.” I said, patting his arm before waving my hand and pulling up all the data on another subordinate function. “Just… it takes time.” I was interested in ELEUTHIA, the mother function. Reading up about the plan to reintroduce humans back to the world from a preserved stock of embryos was so interesting, the mere thought of a cradle facility is something out of legend. The idea that my ancestors came from such a location had me wondering who their descendants were, which of the old ones was I made from. 

There was so much information, so much raw data, I often felt like I would never be all caught up. Learning a little of everything seemed the best option to me although a few of the others seemed to want to master every bit of information before moving to the next. Clutching to my knee to my chest I leaned in a bit as if that would make the information absorb better into my poor abused head, my temples already giving the tell-tale tingle of a headache. 

As if all the gods in the sky felt my pain and the now familiar hiss of the automatic door sounded. Varl stepped in, his usually chipper face drawn a bit in stress, glancing over his shoulder. Behind him walked one of the largest men I had ever seen in my entire life. The Tenakth was well decorated, his skin covered in both tattoos and paint, his features strong but his expression one of careful watchfulness. He had a woven top that exposed his well built middle, the muscles there showing a strength made through years of training versus the exercising I had seen some of the male workers do for defined muscles. He had only one arm, the other one cut near the top of the bicep, wrapped in a blue cloth of some kind. I didn’t linger there, too distracted by the rest of him. Bright dots of color stood out amongst his chest and down the wrap he wore over what appeared to be a short pair of shorts, each movement flashing a bit of thigh equally tattooed as the rest of him. Sliding my gaze up I found he had surprisingly pretty dark eyes and they were looking right back at me. They were a stunning mix of hazel and something darker that reminded me of a specific tree bark I had no name for. 

Blinking in surprise I raised my eyebrows but kept my thoughts to myself, not shy about being caught looking at the new man at the base. His pale gaze lingered where I sat on the couch for a moment, my spine straightening as he glanced me up and down before turning his attention to Erend, and then Zo in the far corner. 

The Utaru woman walked over with a soft smile, moving to stand next to Varl before greeting our new Tenakth friend. “Welcome to the base.” She was always sweet and kind, an admirable trait for someone with so much strength. I admired the Utaru for multiple reasons even though their lifestyle was not exactly for me. “I’m Zo, I assume you are Kotallo.” Sliding off the couch slowly, Varl and Zo both seemed distracted by the Tenakth standing tall before them to be concerned with me. With light steps I walked around Varl, removing the small satchel with the spare focus’ from Aloy from his belt with practiced precision and moved it behind my back, walking around Zo and standing next to her to face Kotallo with an innocent smile. 

Kotallo’s eyes narrowed slightly at me and I wondered if he’d seen my move. It was quick, I hadn’t even missed a beat in my step, but he seemed to be looking closer than the average person did. He didn’t say anything about it, though he was suspicious, instead focusing back on Zo and nodding at her question. “I understand that you all are helping Aloy with the current enemy.” Looking once more he gestured to his temple, obviously seeing we all had that little triangle of white metal in place. “She mentioned something about that tiny machine, a focus?”

Varl reached back and found the space empty, the small leather pouch held behind my back as I glanced over with a little smile. His panic was not long lived as I held up the little bag, tossing it and catching it a few times until he noticed. His panic turned to annoyance and he swiped at it, having me take a step back with a little laugh. I plucked one from inside and tossed the rest back at him.  

“I’ll take it over from here.” Gesturing Kotallo to follow me he paused a moment, looking at Varl a moment before following behind me. 

The heat of him let me know he stayed close as we went into a side room, the door sliding closed behind us and the lights turning on to dimly light up the room. I spun but he was closer than I thought, my chin nearly brushing against his chest. I took a step back, tipping my head back to look up at him. I held my hand out flat, the focus on my palm looking harmless as I offered it. 

“When it touches your skin you will see lights and hear some sounds but that is normal.” I didn’t know how he would react and I wanted him alone in a side room away from the others in case he lashed out. This Tenakth didn’t seem the type but I wasn’t risking Varl, Erend, or Zo. He took it, large fingers lifting it delicately. He was warm, the heat of the brief touch lingering on my skin and I watched as he put it next to his right ear. It snapped into place like they always did, sticking to his skin immediately. 

I had to hand it to him, he took it well. His breath caught slightly but that was the only tell he had, eyes shifting back and forth, no doubt taking in all the Focus’ primary introduction information. I stayed silent, letting him take it all in, ready to move at any moment. 

“What is this?” His voice was gruff, deep, and he glanced down at me. I liked the way he sounded, deep and masculine, but with somehow a slightly gentle edge. He didn’t give the impression of a man who raised his voice at others, at least without reason. I appeared to have been caught staring because he raised his brows. “Anara?”

“Yep, that would be me.” I said, hand on my hip. 

“You are of the Vari tribe?”

“Mhmm, focus tell you that?” He simply nodded before looking around, no doubt taking it all in. The focus highlighted random bits of the room and while I was also a relatively new user myself it had become almost like background noise. I no longer looked everywhere at once when I entered a new room trying to understand every bit of neon color overlapping each room. “Wait until you see what they do to machines.”

“What do they do?” I liked when he looked at me, it sent a zing of awareness down to the tips of my toes. Was I attracted to the Tenakth? He was a large man, my type honestly, but I’d never been so aware of someone after a few moments of meeting them. Perhaps I was just more aware because of the absolutely predator vibes he gave off. Even following me in here he didn’t make a noise, and I was willing to bet a whole lot of shards he was faster than he looked. Normally larger fighters went for strength, like Erend, but not Kotallo. He looked strong and fast, a dangerous combo. I was thankful that he was on our side. Plus, if Aloy trusted him, I would too. She had a pretty good people radar. 

“They show you a machine’s weakness. Highlighting where to hit to do maximum damage.” 

“Truly?” His brows rose.

“Truly. Now, if you tap it here,” I tapped mine, a display popping up. “It opens the main display. You can use this to navigate through the menu, options, and all the information that Aloy has been able to gather.” I gave him a rundown of the basics like I had helped Erend with earlier, helping him set up a few different settings before stepping back with a smile. “If you need help just let me know. I’m still pretty new myself but I’ve figured quite a bit out alone.” 

He nodded but didn’t say anything for a few moments, lost scrolling through everything now literally at his fingertips. “What is this room?” 

“Hm? Oh, I believe it’s a leftover room. Gaia?” Glancing around I looked at the raised table in the middle with some sort of screen on top. “What is this room?”

“This was made to observe terraforming efforts from inside the base. I am working to restructure it to something useful with our current mission.” Her voice came through both mine and Kotallo’s focus and he looked around before touching the machine again. 

“It can be used to communicate?”

“Yes. It’s very useful. Oh, also, you’ll need to meet Gaia soon.” Giving him a little shrug I pulled up a map of the base. Pushing it towards him it popped up from his focus a moment later and mimed everything I did. “This is the room we are in. The main room you walked into. Here is the kitchen, the personal facilities, Varl and Zo’s room, Aloy’s room, my room, and Erend stays in the barrak style room.” They briefly highlighted on both maps as I poked them, showing him exactly where everything was. “You can stay there or we can make this your room, whatever you’d prefer.” 

“I do not need much space. I would like to establish some sort of war room for planning. Aloy advised the enemy is more advanced than we could imagine.” 

“Gaia?” I asked, wondering if she could accommodate this request. 

“That should not be a problem. I will work on rebooting the holograph table for up to date scans of the land.” The machine table whirled to life at her words and began to load, a few other lights coming up in the area to show strange unknown devices on the walls. “It will take some time for the updates to be set up and the data configured. Please check back in a few hours.” 

“While she does this,” I said, swiping away the data once more and sending him a smile. “Let me show you where you will be staying.”

It had been an eventful day since Kotallo had arrived that morning, his introduction to everyone and Gaia, as well as setting up a little base in the ‘war room’ taking up most of the time. A few more days passed in relative ease, some of our makeshift tribe filtering in and out to help Aloy or go run their own personal errands. Erend came back mid day, covered in dust but with a wide smile talking up a place called “Vegas” with an enthusiasm that was purely Erend. 

Everyone seemed to be settling in a bit for the night. Well, everyone besides Erend. “Tenakth drink blood, Anara!” He hissed to me the first night he was back at the base with Kotallo. “It’s common knowledge, how do you not know?” His panic had me smiling and I looked away to hide it. 

“So now is not a good time to advise you two are staying in the same quarters?”

“What?!”

I couldn’t stop my laughter and it rolled from me, bouncing off the sides of the large round room we were seated in. “What is so funny?” Varl asked, obviously drawn out by the loud Oseram and my laughter, walking over from his room with a smile. 

“Nothing!” Erend said, crossing his arms across his chest. He was pouting. The visual had me laughing once more, hand pressing to my side as I tried to stop from cackling at his misfortune. 

He continued to throw me dirty looks and I patted his arm, moving to stand. “I’d take him in my room if he wanted.” I teased, watching Erend’s face morph to shock when I winked. Honestly I enjoyed Kotallo’s silent presence and wouldn’t turn him down as a bed partner, having spent a majority of the past few days by his side. We silently worked side by side, his presence for some reason comforting in a way I didn’t fully understand. Plus, a girl gets lonely. Varl had Zo, Erend was madly in love with Aloy even the blind could see it, and I was in my big bed all alone. 

“ANARA!”

I couldn’t stop laughing at him, walking towards the kitchen Zo had set up and was currently cooking in. Before I could get far the man of the hour stepped out. The last few days had made me really like Kotallo. He didn’t speak unless he had something valuable to say, his stern nature endearing and really fun to tease. I loved to send him a flirt to watch the confusion flash across his face, sometimes completely misunderstanding my innuendos. Varl thought it was humorous but that was probably because he was courting Zo and she often left him speechless as well. Erend was always shocked how easily I teased the Tenakth Marshal, even more when he simply brushed me off or continued talking as if I never had. He seemed to at least tolerate me which is more than I expected from the Marshal of a supposedly blood thirsty tribe.

“Anara.” The man of the hour approached, seeking me out once more. My name from his lips did funny things to my tummy that I had no interest in dissecting further at this time. 

I turned and smiled up at him, my face still warm from my laughter. “Hello Kotallo. Need something?” 

He looked at me, intense gaze no less unnerving now, taking in my rosy cheeks and genuine smile. Whatever he found there seemed to satisfy him. “I need your assistance, if you are free?” 

I nodded, gesturing for him to lead the way. He was silent as ever, walking through the dimly lit hallways of the base, away from the group of people in the main room. Stopping before the bathing area he paused and glanced down at me before the automatic door hissed open and he stepped inside. I followed still, curious on what he needed help with here. There were a few deep baths that I personally enjoyed soaking in, and a heated waterfall that Gaia said was called a ‘shower’ which apparently was the main bathing method of the old ones. I had to admit it was a glorious invention. 

The room was small, the lighting bright, and I squinted a bit looking around. “What did you need help with?” 

“This.” He gestured to the shower, his lips pressed to a thin line.

I glanced at the shower, using it as an excuse to look away and hide my smile. I would never make him feel foolish, Kotallo explained a bit about Tenakth society to me as well as a few things he had learned on the focus. He never made me feel stupid or little. Surprisingly, he was a good teacher so the least I could do is return the favor, his calm steady voice often helping me understand focus data or breaking down an attack strategy he was playing with on the holo-table Gaia had booted up. 

Waving a hand in front of the shower display I showed him a few buttons as well as ran him through how to change the temperature as well as the shower head setting. “This is like a massage, this is like a rain, there are a lot to choose from.” Looking over my shoulder at him his expression was intense as he took in everything I showed him. I wondered how many people saw this side of him, and how many would find it as adorable as I did. “Make sense?”

He nodded, stepping back and letting me slide past him. The desire to offer to scrub his back pecked at my brain and I turned to throw the flirt at him when I caught sight of what remained of his left arm for the first time. He normally kept it wrapped up in the blue cloth, now tossed on the counter, his hand already working on removing the top he wore that was covered in beading and armor. The skin around the wound looked angry and I realized that the exposed flesh was burned closed. Cauterized, and not kindly either. It looked angry, painful. 

“By the Stars Kotallo.” I said, moving back to his side and putting a hand on his right arm to stop him from stripping further, leaning in slightly to look at his wound. I was no doctor but I knew basic first aid and when something looked irritated or even potentially infected. “I had no idea your wound was so fresh, you move as though you’d been born without your left arm.” 

“I lost it a few weeks ago.” He said, moving to turn from me, to shield me from it. I reached up instead to grab the front of his armor, stopping him from turning further as I continued to look. I was not shy around wounds, blood and gore did not phase me. I had grown up Vari until I was nearly 10 winters, sold into slavery for Star’s sake, this wasn’t going to make me shrink back from him. 

“It doesn’t look well.”

“Washing it will help.”

“As will treating it.” I said, pulling back to look up at him. That careful mask was back in place, always so careful as always to hide emotions. Even though I had spent little time with him I had noticed in a few days he normally shielded his emotions and reactions from others. At times I saw hints of amusement, of amazement, or even mild annoyance, but nothing stronger than that. Men had that annoying habit of not discussing feelings but the Tenakth seemed a whole other breed, not even acknowledging actual physical pain. “Does it hurt?” The question felt almost childish leaving me but I couldn’t take it back, concern bubbling in my chest. 

He waited a few moments, contemplating if he should answer, before he shrugged. “At times. Sometimes it feels as though I still have my arm, and it pains me. Like there are blades being driven through a hand that is not there. Most of the time there is just a dull ache as it heals.”

Nodding I recalled a few of the Brothel’s patrons who had come back from the red raids maimed. A man with his leg missing from the knee down often complained that it felt like he was stepping on pins and needles. Compassion had me frowning at him, wanting to soothe his pain. “Well… you bathe. Find me after, I have some medicine I can apply to at least numb the pain and treat it just in case infection is trying to set it.”

“That is not necessary.”

“I’m not asking.” My tone was hard, leaving no room for argument. The staring match was intense and he held my gaze for a few moments before looking away. 

Giving me a nod instead of speaking as usual, but regardless I was still satisfied with my small victory. 

I released his armor and took a step back, not realizing how in his space I had gotten. At least I had the chance to treat that wound, I did not like how it looked. Leaving him to bathe I grabbed my staff and a small basket, calling to Zo as I trotted out of the base to search for some medicinal herbs. It was getting late, the sun beginning to set, but there should be enough time to grab a few things. Being native to the area Zo made quick work on pointing out what I should use. We talked a bit but I was more focused on my worry and tried to hurry to make sure Kotallo didn’t try to avoid having something applied to help with the healing process. 

“There should be focus data on how Kotallo lost his limb.” Zo interrupted my thoughts as we made our way back to the base.   

“What?”

“Aloy was there, was she not? There may be a data file of what happened.” She shrugged, her small pack filled with herbs nearly spilling with the movement. Catching it with a grace that was all Utaru she kept going up the fairly hidden path to the entrance of the base. 

I hadn’t even thought of that. I bet Gaia knew exactly which one too. Filing that away mentally I thanked her for her help before moving to the room I had taken as my own. I lit a few candles, not liking the bright automated lights, and got to work on processing a few berries into a paste. I added a bit of water, a few roots from the East I had brought along that I knew had a numbing property, and began working the small grinding wheel with a bit of pressure to mash everything together. 

The door hissed and Kotallo stepped in, his form taking up the doorway before he moved over to where I sat on the floor working away at the mixture. I gestured for him to sit on the bed and he did, sinking down on the edge to perch and watch me as I continued to move the wheel back and forth. I worked a few moments longer in the silence, wanting the right mixture of the herbs and berries as well as the right consistency so it stuck. If it was too watery it wouldn’t work, if it was too thick it would be painful to spread across the freshly burned skin. 

“Okay,” I said, standing and shaking out my slightly achy legs from sitting in such an odd position. “this might sting a moment but after will go numb.” I scooped the remedy into a small jar I’d set aside for the very purpose, walking to sit down on my bed on his left hand side. “Let me know if you need me to stop, okay?” He simply nodded, glancing around the room as I applied the paste as gently as possible. He didn’t even flinch although I knew it had to burn from experience. His shoulders did relax a bit once the numbing feeling kicked in after a few seconds and I stood up, wiping my hands on a cloth while inspecting the wound. After the shower it did look a bit better but still had a bit of pink around the edges that I didn’t like. On a wound this large infection was sure to be a problem and the idea of him catching fever and getting sick did not sit well with me. 

I walked over to the trunks against one wall, one already opened and lengths of cloth spilling out in a messy fashion. I had many outfits, my crates shipped here from Meridian due to this whole adventure starting out as a trip for my mistress. She always overpacked for me, ‘Just in case.’ I could almost hear her say, like always. Picking up a layered dress that I personally didn’t care for with a nice thick natural fabric I tore it down the middle, having Kotallo look at me with a raised brow. 

“You didn’t need to ruin your dress.”

“I don’t even like it.” I said, waving away his concern and moving to wrap it around his wound. “Plus, I have enough clothing. My mistress always has me pack heavy, regardless of the occasion.” The cloth strip was clean and thick enough to protect the wound from dirt while also letting it breathe. “I have a bit of the paste left, so I can keep applying it until any risk of infection is gone.” Putting a cork in the jar I sat it down on the floor next to the low bed, moving back to wipe my hands once more. The herbal smell wasn’t unpleasant but it was slightly greasy on my fingertips.

“You do not need to.”

“I don’t need to do anything.” I responded immediately, knowing he would try to dismiss my help. “I do things because I want to. Now store that Tenakth stubbornness for when we will need it.” Smiling at him I glanced up and noticed for the first time he wasn’t covered in the war paint, his hair down and slightly damp. Those sharp cheekbones and full lips were distracting, especially up close and not covered in that pale paint he was normally bathed in. “Oh, um,” Swallowing I felt a blush rising to my face and bit my lower lip for a moment. “Do you… need help? With reapplying your paint? Or your hair?” His brows drew down and he went to decline and I cut him off. “Not out of pity or anything, I was wanting more Tenakth history. I’d like to learn a bit more about the Marshal in our midst. I’ll take some Kotallo history in exchange for helping to paint your back?”

That had him confused. “Why?”

“Don’t you want to learn about me-uh, us?” Smooth. That came out normal, right? We basically all lived together, a mini-tribe, it was natural to want to know about the people you were around all day. 

He pondered over it a bit before nodding and I let out a breath I wasn’t aware I had been holding. “The paints are in my corner. Come.” He stood, glancing down at my handiwork for a moment before leading the way from my room. He and Erend stayed down the hall, the room truly set up like a barracks with four beds and storage areas. I personally wouldn’t stay here, Erend snored like a rock slide, but Kotallo had turned down the offer of his own room when I brought it up. Said as a Marshal he had worse sleeping accommodations in the past.  

He grabbed two little pots, handing them to me, and grabbing a water skin hanging from the wall. Glancing up he gestured I sit on the bed, which I did, and he sat before me to give me his back. Tearing my eyes away from his well built back I took the lid off one of the jars to reveal a pale clay like mixture. The paint was like none I’d seen before, fairly dry, but he took one little pot and added a bit of water from the skin he’d grabbed. Using a brush he swirled the water in, mixing it, and the clay mixture turned into a thick paint in a few moments. He repeated the same mixing technique with the other jar before handing them both back to me. They had a slightly herbal scent, not unpleasant, but more bitter than the medicine I had made. 

Raising the rather large brush I paused a moment, wondering if it would be cold, before just going for it. He was silent as I slowly moved the white paint across his skin, the brush soft and the paint slightly cool against his warm skin causing lines of goosebumps to form after each stroke. Watching every swipe cover more and more of him had me wanting to touch him even more, feel that warm skin against my palms, my fingers digging into the muscle to pull him closer. 

“So,” I started, working slowly to make sure the paint wasn’t patchy in it’s coverage. “You're from the Skyclan?” He glanced over his shoulder, a little surprise showing, before I gestured to the focus on my temple. Kotallo nodded, turning to face forward again. “Tell me about it?”

“What do you wish to know?”

“Anything you wish to share.” Sliding the wet brush down his spine I had to dip it once more into the paint before going over my line again. “I know very little about the West.” 

He was silent a bit longer, thinking over what to say I think. “It is…cold. Far North.” I hummed in response, not wanting to take any attention away. “I was born in the Bulwark, the capital of the Sky Clan lands. It is a massive wall of stone, you need a lift to even get up.” 

“It sounds impressive.”

“It is.” He rolled his shoulders slightly causing my line to go a little crooked. I worked on fixing it as he continued. “It has stood tall among many attacks, protecting my people from both Tenakth and Rebels since the birth of our clan.” 

“You sound like you miss it a bit… why did you leave?” Realizing I may be pushing too hard I leaned in slightly, swiping the brush across his left shoulder. “You don’t have to answer, I’m just curious.”

“I do not mind.” He was quick to put my anxiety to rest. “My parents were killed in a raid, my squad took over the duty of raising me. I was strong. Happy to serve. My commander Tekotteh was proud of me for a time, until he began to fear that I planned to take his position.”

“You cared for him.” His tone gave that away, Tekotteh was at one point an important person to the Tenakth before me. Going over a few spots that were patchier than I liked, I continued. “What had him change? Was it always tense?”

“No.” He was quiet now, as if deep in thought. “No, I am loyal to my clan. Loyal to my commander. I never wanted to rise above my position to commander.” Shaking his head slightly he flexed his back as if tense from the memory. “He sent me to the Kulrut- a challenge to become a Marshal and serve Hekarroh directly- knowing I would either die, or survive and not be able to return.” 

Words died in my mouth at that confession, compassion making my heart hurt for him. That was a betrayal that one did not easily shake, a hurt that did not heal without great effort. “Kotallo…”

“It was exile, disguised as an honor. He was not the man I had come to respect.”

I felt bad for bringing it up but was grateful he told me. Leaning back slightly to make sure that there were not empty spaces I sat the pot down. “I heard Aloy helped destroy part of the Bulwark with you.”

“Yes. It was glorious.” Seeing the small smile touch his face had me smiling as well, pleased to see he wasn’t bothered by that turn of events. Watching the paint dry it didn’t crack, obviously a well tested recipe, and I wondered briefly what it was made of. 

This felt intimate, personal, I realized suddenly, and I didn’t want to break the mood of the small dark space and the spice of his skin with the herbal mix of paint on top. It had been some time since I’d taken anyone to my bed, having traveled to the Forbidden West unaccompanied. Was this the reason I was reacting so strongly to just painting someone’s back? The way his muscles moved under his skin with an alluring grace was distracting, my brain turning to static at times from him simply moving or turning a certain way. 

Deciding to not dwell on it I handed him the pot of white paint. His fingers brushed mine a moment, lingering, and I pulled back with a little frown. Was I not the only one impacted? Did he also feel this pull between us, was that the reason he was so open? I decided not to ask, thankful for the quiet moment we had alone. As usual they always seemed too brief, his back covered in paint, my job done. Just as I went to speak Erend walked in. 

The Oseram froze, looking at my sitting on Kotallo’s bed, the warrior in front of me shirtless, and his eyes widened a bit. “Oh-um, I’m sorry, I’ll-”

“Erend, it’s all right.” I couldn’t help the laugh at the awkward man, his cheeks dusted with an adorable blush. “I was just helping Kotallo paint his back.” Looking at the man in question I tilted my head slightly. “Need anything else before I retire to my room?”

He shook his head, glancing up at me a moment before focusing back on painting his chest and stomach. I stood up, walking past Erend with a little smile at my friend’s awkward nature before heading back to my own bed. The base had certainly become more interesting.