Since the defeat of the Eclipse and the terrifying ancient entity known as Hades, the great city of Meridian, the heart of the Carja kingdom, was gradually regaining its splendor and a climate of peace and security. The Carja, helped by their Oseram allies, worked hard to restore the damage caused during the battle, much remained to be done but nothing could dampen the determination of those who had been able to overcome and find hope again.

On this peaceful and mild night, under a sky devoid of clouds and displaying its ocean of stars, the large market square of Meridian, always crowded with people during the day, was just as crowded this evening, although the stalls were closed and traders had stopped selling for today. The reason for such a gathering was something other than shopping.

In the center of the sparse space of the square was placed a group composed of several men and women, both Carja and also some Noras. This group of nomadic bards had stopped at the royal capital to share their songs and entertain the inhabitants. The men in the group sat on boxes and played various instruments, such as flutes, a lyre, a bowed fiddle, a lute, and drums, playing a melody that was slow but very captivating and catchy. At the same time, three beautiful women, three Noras, dressed in traditional dresses of their tribe, stood side by side and sang in perfect unison with their harmonized voices. Another woman, Carja, with dark skin and very light clothing, performed a supple and impressive dance with hoops that she had ignited and which she manipulated with absolute dexterity, performing figures and acrobatics with the fire.

_"All alone she rides

Where people fear to go

Like a flame in the night

Hunting down her foes

Bandits in their camps

Machines in the lands

Nothing is a pain

For the one born of the mountain

Ooooh Flame Hair

Where are you now?

Ooooh Flame Hair

To you we all bow..."

Citizens of the city, men, women, children, families, couples, singles, all gathered and listened with interest to the song which resonated in the market square, all as if hypnotized by the dance of the flames. Sitting in front of their parents, the children admired, their mouths smiling, their eyes sparkling with fascination and reverie. This song, these words, everyone knew what they meant, or rather, who they were talking about.

The one nicknamed Flame Hair had many other nicknames. The savior of Meridian. The Machine Tamer. The one born from the Mountain. But her real name was just as well known to everyone: Aloy.

Having become a true living legend in the eyes of the tribes, everyone was wondering where Aloy was now. After defeating the monstrous entity Hades and saving Meridian, the fiery-haired huntress left, no one knew where, and since then, she has not been seen again. New rumors had surfaced, some saying that her task having been accomplished she had returned to the heart of the mountain where she was born. Others believed that Aloy was now in lands too far away to be accessible. But amid all these rumors and ideas, there were very few who knew the truth. And among them was Erend. The Oseram and captain of the king's vanguard, was among the closest friends of the huntress Aloy. Standing back, leaning against the wall of a house and with his arms crossed, Erend watched the spectacle continue, smiling to see good humor and smiles once again returning to this city that he loved as if he were born there.

True to his position as captain of the guard and protector of King Avad, Erend could not, however, prevent his thoughts from asking the same question as everyone else: where was Aloy? He was worried about her, like any good friend he was. However, he knew Aloy well enough to know that she was resourceful and knew how to defend herself in the wild lands. It was reassured by this fact that Erend left the market square, accompanied by other guards, to return to the palace of the Sun King. Although the political affairs of the court did not fascinate him, Erend had to stay with Avad and support him in these times of renewal but nevertheless still marked by the attack of the Eclipse. Disturbing rumors of surviving groups of the sect had spread but nothing could be confirmed for the moment. Furthermore, following the departure of Aloy who had politely refused the king's request, Avad despaired of ever being able to find a queen, not only to ensure the future of the line of monarchs of Meridian but also to finally be able to love. Erend did not know much about it but was ready to support his king as he had always done. Selections would soon be organized by the king in order to finally find a wife. Meanwhile, as he returned to the palace, Erend took one last look towards the full moon that lit up the city this night and showed a slight smile.

_"Good night Aloy... I hope you find what you are looking for." he said softly for his friend, wherever she might be.