Picksley Dust Drawing

We wanted to capture Aloy being more open, right from the start. She’s always quick to assist almost anyone, but she’s offering an opening to Kotallo to ask her for help, even if, maybe, it’s not entirely needed.

This was simply about honesty. The conversations they’ve had since they met have been sometimes difficult, but generally quite honest. She could deflect, but she knows she can trust Kotallo, be open with him, as he’s been with her.

Again, about honesty but also finding common ground. Their experiences aren’t identical, but there’s familiarity and allows for understanding and opening up. Aloy is learning she needs to offer a bit of herself as well and this is a chance to do so.

What’s the point in having shared history if you can’t tease each other about it? It’s really about Aloy taking a moment to slow down, to enjoy and share the memory and joke about possibilities, specifically with Kotallo.

Aloy is used to leading, to always being in charge. But Aloy has also learned that it’s ok to trust others, to know they are capable. In this moment, Kotallo has more knowledge, and she wants to show she respects that, and him.

Aloy needed to be honest, and it was important to acknowledge Seyka and the part she played in helping Aloy grow. But, also to have Aloy thinking about what is ahead of her, now that she’s opening up—and what she might want going forward.

There’s a time Aloy would have been dismissive of the Tenakth culture, or not really bothered to understand. But she’s learned a lot in her time with everyone at the Base and is beginning to understand what is being offered to her, so it’s important to acknowledge that and what it means to her.

Aloy’s reached a point where she realises that sometimes it’s not about what she might say, but being there, offering support. This isn’t something platitudes can help, but having someone beside you can be enough.

While helping him with his paint seems obvious, Aloy has grown enough to realise this isn’t something she should assume. She needs to respect his choices as much as he respects hers. Part of setting up a balance between them.

This was about Aloy noticing Kotallo, and the changes he’s gone through. It allows them both to acknowledge that, and the part she played in this. And what it means to her to see the person he’s become.

After all they’ve been through, talked about and shared during their trip, it was simply about Aloy trusting in Kotallo and letting him closer, opening up a bit more. It’s also an indicator that a romantically-inclined Aloy is more open to physical touch, and even wants it.