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“GAIA” Aloy knows she doesn’t need to speak it out loud but she feels more comfortable hearing her own voice, knowing that she’s not just rethinking the same fake conversation in her head.
“Yes Aloy?”
“Can you bring other’s back.. The way you brought; Elisabet..” Aloy doesn’t say mother; she knows Elisabet isn’t that to her, no matter how much she wants it.
“I could, if I had sufficient data of the person.” Aloy knows GAIA is simplifying it.
“What would you need?”
“Memories, blood from family members. Anything that relates to them.”
“Oh. that makes sense…”
“Clothing they would have worn, if blood can not be obtained.” GAIA seems to add that and Aloy thinks maybe it was the waiver in her voice that had her say it.
“Thank you GAIA. I should rest.” Aloy still isn’t sure how to stop conversations, just staying silent seems wrong.
“Elisabet?”
“Is everything alright GAIA?”
“Aloy is distressed, she is sleeping, I worry she is requesting something dangerous of me.” Elisabet bristles, she knows Aloy had been distant recently she’d been hiding herself away and she’s not sure why but she knows Aloy isn’t going to tell her.
“Do you think she’s going to hurt herself? Or someone else?”
GAIA doesn’t respond verbally, just pulling up the conversation she’d had with Aloy before coming to Elisabet. Elisabet is grateful Aloy is asleep and that she has a small set of errands that Erend and Avad are sending her on.
“Who does she want to bring back? Does she even have access to anyone’s DNA?” Elisabet’s stomach twists at the thought of one of the children that died in the proving; any Nora brought back to life would be separated from the tribe, by virtue of rising again.
“I will ask when she wakes.” Elisabet assures GAIA that she doesn’t need to know right away, that it might not be possible anyways.
“Aloy; may I -”
“Of course GAIA, what is it?” GAIA would always ask about speaking out of protocol if she initiates conversation.
“Who is the person you wish to bring back? I can only do so much with a certain material I’m given.”
“I know GAIA; Ersa’s, Erend’s sister; I know he misses her greatly, and Avad has a connection to her; I know it wouldn’t be the same but they both are trustworthy…”
“You wish to bring back someone you only knew for a moment.” GAIA prompts and Aloy frowns a little, she may have only known Ersa for a moment but she knows Erend and Avad’s pain at her being gone.
“Of course.” Aloy answers confused who else GAIA could mean. Her thoughts linger on Vala, how happy Varl would be; but Sona and the tribe would cast her out. Rost. She casts the thought away, she cannot be so selfish. She has to help everyone; besides she already has her mother Elisabet back, she can’t want more. She doesn’t bring the idea up to Elisabet, or to anyone else, still throwing it around in her mind, still almost playfully thinking about a scenario where Vala comes back; she doesn’t know why there’s a blush on her cheeks at the idea of Varl’s smile.
She talks more with GAIA about it, asking about the processes and focusing it on Ersa and the idea of bringing her back. Aloy knows Erend still has her armour; it’s packed in a metal trunk, she could take a small part of it and give it to GAIA at the spire, so she could take the data to a cradle to recreate Ersa properly.
GAIA doesn’t get tired, but she can feel a mild sort of thrum in the base of her code, what she’s sure Elisabet would claim is a headache.
“Elisabet, are you alright?” GAIA knows if she’s feeling something that Elisabet, with her more physical form is far more exhausted; not the way Aloy would be but enough for the concern GAIA is voicing to be a true statement, even if she's fishing for Elisabet’s concern.
“Fine GAIA, just running another program; well some updates, advantages, ideas to fix up a cradle, to utilise it like a cauldron, not just a daycare.”
“What do you mean Elisabet?” GAIA won’t admit to liking hearing her talk; after so much time away from Elisabet, even though Aloy’s voice was similar, GAIA still wanted to hear her creator comfort her.
“Remember the lightkeeper protocol, wellI was trying to rework it, not clones of their DNA; but, replicas, based on the time of the sample given. By merging your data of them, with the servitor’s knowledge, any data points, logs or personal information they’d given, like you did for me. We could replicate them.”
“What does the cradle do with that; besides retrieving the DNA?” Elisabet smiles a tiny bit clearly getting ready to launch into her explanation. GAIA waits patiently, knowing hearing Elisabets voice shouldn’t bring her so much comfort.
“If we could teach a cauldron how to produce biomass, instead of consuming it to create terraforming machines; but specifically to merge it with the severitor’s for the cradles; to create a servitor to more closely mimic humans, to mimic what someone has lost.”
“To achieve the present Aloy wants to give her friends?” Gaia questions wondering how much Elisabet knows of the people Aloy has watched lose loved ones like her.
“Yes, that present, as well as one for her. Her birthday is coming up correct?”
“Yes, it is. What do you want to give her?”
“We have to be sneaky; I don't like lying to her…”
“You won’t be lying; it is omitting the truth; it is fair to omit something for her to gain something better. She will not be mad.” GAIA hums in Elisabet’s ear.
“What will you give her?” Elisabet teases a little and GAIA is thankful she can laugh; Elisabet’s smile is her favourite part of laughing.
“I have already given her something she didn’t have for years.”
“A way to be part of her tribe?” Elisabet teases, she knows Aloy dislikes the Nora and GAIA is aware of this.
“I gave her her mother.” GAIA’s voice is softer, similar to how the servitors were trained to talk when being involved in highly emotional situations; how Elisabet catches herself comforting Aloy.
“You’ll be ready won’t you? Of course, no tricks; would I do something like that? It means a lot you’re willing to come out.” Aloy nods to Erend who attempts to not look like he’s being forced to nod, he fails.
“You don’t have to come, if you need the day to yourself..” Elisabet interjects, concerned Aloy understands a little too well that grief can drown out others concerns for you.
“No, I would just drink myself into a stupor. Being out among friends is what I should be doing.”
“Aloy?” Elisabet watches as Aloy’s nerves spill over, creasing her forehead.
“You know the device I wear, the one we gave you..” Erend nods and pulls it out from a pouch.
“Should I?” he gestures to his head and Aloy shakes hers. “No there are, um other things that it, well the machines that power it can do…”
“Alright; did something happen?”
“Please don’t be mad..” Erend bristles, a little confused as Avad joins them, looking a little annoyed.
“Sorry Marad was keeping me. What’s happened?”
“The machine; that created the other machines; it can do other things as well.” Aloy knows this is dangerous; but what she doesn’t realise is just how much farther GAIA pushed her designs, how she used the cradle that was still hidden nearby. Aloy nods to the striders. Elisabet is nervous that Aloy won’t understand, she is more concerned Aloy will and it will go downhill from there.
“We have to travel; I can explain more on the way.” Elisabet feels guilt welling in her chest, at lying to Aloy; she knows it will be worth it. She sends a quick mail; explaining a quick concept of GAIA improving the technology she’s used.
FROM: Elisabet Sobeck
TO: Aloy
SUBJECT: Cradle Improvements
Not to alarm you, GAIA has worked out a better way to use the servitor skeleton; so Erend and Avad won’t be as shocked, they won’t sense the unnaturalness that I have. The servitor skeleton is only the basis,GAIA was able to utilise the cradle to add less machine components; there's more biomass, while it’s not flesh and blood like you are; it's closer.
Aloy nods a fraction, sending back another mail, Elisabet smiling at the response. She knows they probably should have had this as a conversation but Aloy had been so excited that Elisabet wanted to leave right away. The striders continue on and Elisabet is grateful that they have this way to communicate, because she knows otherwise Aloy would be worrying over everything.
FROM: Aloy [redacted]
TO: Elisabet Sobeck
SUBJECT: Cradle Improvements
Thank you for alerting me. You’re not unnatural; not anymore than I am. Do you think they suspect anything? I worry Avad has caught on, since you’ve told him about your creation. Is that why you made the adjustments? Will you be getting the update?
Elisabet almost wants to send a query to Aloy about the redacted in the sender bar but she doesn’t reaching out to GAIA who says she interfered. Assuring Elisabet it’s not profanity but something Aloy has forgotten she’d done, that it might be an embarrassment. Elisabet smiles at this and wonders if there will be a point that GAIA reveals it. She debates about getting the update that GAIA has used to create the new servitor copy. She knows Aloy is already calculating how best to protect her with a more fragile body and Elisaet knows she can’t let Aloy experience more stress around her if it’s avoidable. She doesn’t respond knowing that Aloy will ask once the trip is over.
“We’re here.” Aloy comments, Erend and Avad look slightly excited. Before Elisabet can give them the focus’s Aloy holds her hand up.
“Both of you need to understand what I’m about to show you is.. Real, in a way.”
“It is like I am. Human, real in the ways that are important.” Elisabet interjects.
“There are no machines to fight in this place, just a present. A way to thank both of you for all you’ve done to help us both.A way to help you both heal a bit.” They both nod to Elisabet and wait for her to open the doorway. Aloy seems a little confused, Elisabet had said she was going to explain it to them. She smiles in an apology at them and then turns to Aloy.
“And a present for you Aloy; your birthday is coming up.” Aloy looks mildly disgruntled and Erend and Avad watch her for a moment before laughing a little.
“Your birthday? You should have…” Avad starts but Aloy’s glare cuts him off and he tries not to laugh.
“I see Elisabet is one step ahead of you. She’s very considerate.” Aloy nods and is clearly trying not to look pleased that Elisabet thought of her.
The cradle is quiet, and Aloy resists the urge to scan with her focus; Elisabet had scolded her, that she would ruin the surprise. Aloy’s confused that she’s not at the back of the group, despite whatever the surprise being Elisabet trusts her not to ruin it. Aloy’s too excited about Erend and Avad’s reaction.
“Is it a machine?” Aloy questions and Elisabet laughs.
“No. Stop guessing; I won’t tell you what it is even if you get it right.”
“Is it a new weapon?” Aloy leans forward and Erend laughs.
“You’re reminding me of Itamen. Stop pestering your mother.” Avad jokes a little and Aloy scowls.
“I’m not bothering her.”
“You’re not but you've guessed wrong so far, not even a close answer.” Elisabet smiles and can see Aloy’s embarrassment fading as she tries to figure out what Elisabet has created for her. The entrance to the cradle is in sight, the usual blocked door glowing faintly which means any of them should be able to open it.
“Aloy, could you-” Before Aloy can do anything Erend’s tapping at the door, frowning and trying to pull his focus out so he can open in.
“Erend, allow me.” Elisabet opens it and before Aloy can say anything Elisabet is nodding and then holding her hand in a stop motion.
“No you come on, I meant.. Yes, thank you.”
Aloy steps back when Elisabet does, intent on giving both Erend and Avad space.
It seems it was needed because Erend is moving, barely below a run, his arms almost suffocating the person that walks out. Aloy can tell Avad hasn’t seen them, doesn’t know who it is.
“Never thought an Old One’s forge could give me something back.”Avad stills a little from attempting to walk over when he hears the laughter.
“Never thought I’d get to see you again.” Erend seems reluctant to stop hugging but he manages well enough when Elsiabet coughs, reminding him there are other people.
Avad is much less intense with greeting Ersa. His hands are shaking and he keeps looking at her like he’s never going to see her again, or that she’ll turn away from him.
Instead her hands brush over his and she smiles, keeping their hands clasped between them both.
“My King, are you well?” Aloy is a little worried that Avad is going to pass out. Avad doesn’t instead just nodding towards Erend.
“Your brother should be the one with you now..”
Ersa laughs and both Erend and Avad seem to untense a little more.
“Avad; I’ve spent years with him, if anything it's us that should be making up for lost time..” She hesitates a little while looking at Elisabet.
“But first I believe she has something for Aloy..”
Aloy knows the footsteps coming from within the cradles entrance way, she can hear the heaviness, but also the speed, clearly excitement if the way the heel not pressing back to the ground at the same pressure means anything; it would almost look like someone standing on their toes in the mud. But this is not the sacred embrace, she is not an outcast, she doesn’t need to think like that anymore.
Everything is not a battle. She has GAIA, she has her mother, she has her friends; she has a home.
She has Rost back.
He’s warm when he hugs her, like he’d been basking in the sun after a good hunt. He smells like the cabin did,and she half expects him to scold her for being in the heart of a machine.
“You’re warm.” She tells him as much, she can hear him sigh, hear the relief, the pride in his voice.
“You’ve done so much more than any of us could think of. You’ve truly earned this.” Aloy doesn’t look at him, keeping her face buried in the furs on his shoulder, finger clutching at the boar's tusks like when she was little and wanting to ride on his shoulders. They stay like that for a moment before he steps back, forcing Aloy to look through her tears at him. She sniffles.
Rost nods, wiping her tears with his sleeve, a soft smile on his face, pride almost pouring out of him. Aloy shifts a little uncomfortable. He bows his head humming; Elisabet tilts her head, confusion on her face as she asks GAIA what’s going on. GAIA remains silent on the matter.
“Aloy, you deserve your mother.” As he speaks he pulls her into a hug again before she can say anything. Before anyone else can react he’s grabbed Elisabet, his grasp almost painfully gentle as he folds her into the hug.
“I’m so sorry I had to take your place. I’m sorry I wasn’t what she needed I-” He’s apologising to her, Elisabet feels the wrongness settling in the more he tries to talk.
“Rost. You’re her father; she needed you as much as she needed me; the difference was; you were there for her. You shaped her, helped her grow, helped her survive. She’s who she is because of you, despite the Nora, despite the world trying to destroy her, despite me; she’s Aloy because you named her so, and you loved her until she fit the name. As the All-Mother would have wished.” Elisabet isn’t sure if she should have added the last part, but with how Rost grins and Aloy sniffles a little more, refusing to look at her she thinks maybe it was the right thing to add.
“We should return to Meridian; there is much to celebrate.” GAIA’s voice hums in the cradle, everyone nods, Erend, Avad and Ersa had clearly been more focused on the reunion of them rather than Rost’s appearance, but now that it’s clear Rost is approachable Erend seems to be trying to engage him in some sort of strength contest, or some challenge when they return to Meridian.
They’re walking out when Rost pulls her back; Aloy braces herself for a scolding, for some sort of anger, instead he nods to Elisabet who’s stroking the face of a strider.
“Your mother is good for you.”
“Yes she is, she’s someone very close to me and so is GAIA..” Aloy’s nervous about explaining things to him.
“Elisabet thinks, I believe, that I know not what GAIA is, or how they’re connected. She’s worried about harming you with that information; as if you don’t know yourself.”
“Well yes but-”
“How is your hunting? Can you keep your steps quieter than this?” Rost playfully nudges her toes when she stands in front of the strider.
“Rost, are you comfortable on a strider?”
“I can adapt.”
“Are you sure you’ve lived..”
“It’s what living is after all. Adapting.” Elisabet chimes in and Aloy knows that GAIA is already sending some poem or words of comfort.
FROM: Aloy Sobeck
TO: Elisabet Sobeck
SUBJECT: Adapting
GAIA helped me find it. You’ll always be my mother; for as long as I breathe; if you want me.
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my mother you'll be.
She said it was a song, like the banuk sing I’d imagine, but with Nora customs intertwined. Something fitting for us, no real tribe; no one but each other.
The response is immediate and Aloy is scared she said something wrong or shouldn’t have revealed her name or anything, should have just deleted the mail before it sent.
FROM: Elisabet Sobeck
TO: Aloy Sobeck
SUBJECT: Adapting
You’ll always be my daughter; for as long as I breathe; I’ll always want you.
My mother told me this story; it seems only fair I tell it to you.
Then he looked beyond the thornbushes, out into the big dark night. Nothing could be further than the sky.
"I love you right up to the moon," he said, and closed his eyes.
"Oh, that's far," said Big Nutbrown Hare. "That is very, very far." Big Nutbrown Hare settled Little Nutbrown Hare into his bed of leaves.
He leaned over and kissed him good night.
Then he lay down close by and whispered with a smile, "I love you right up to the moon - and back."
She always said no matter what I did, she would always love me to the moon and back; nothing like any of your tribes, or customs; not even something the Old Ones often shared between each other; certainly not in the last days. It’s fitting for us, a family brought together in strange circumstances, but a family no matter what.
Aloy wipes at her face again, knowing that her, Elisabet, and Rost are going to be talking; she wonders how Elisabet and Rost will differ about hearing her stories of hunting; about her taking down Redmaw; or the war with the Eclipse. She knows it’s another obstacle to overcome and somehow it seems higher stakes than even fighting HADES. Her mother and Father hearing all her reckless behaviour and finally being in a safe place to scold her for it. Aloy doesn’t think she could be happier to have done something dangerous.