#horizontober2022

Horizontober day 18: Alike

Horizontober Day 2: Scientific

Small.

“Do not tuck your thumb like that. It will break.”

Kotallo’s voice is level as ever, but Alva winces. 

“I’m not really sure I’m suited for all this,” she says, carefully moving her thumb to outside of her curled fingers.

“Nonsense. Even the meekest scribe may find themself a warrior when cornered—if they know how to throw a punch. Again.”

Alva punches, and Kotallo catches it in his hand, unflinching.

“Again.”

Growling, this time Alva puts her whole strength into her arm, and Kotallo stumbles back with a rushed exhale.

“You see! A mighty warrior!”

Talanah knew that Aloy hated dressing formally and avoided doing so wherever possible.  But certain compromises couldn't be made, not when particular occasions were at hand.  Tonight's party was one of those events, a necessary, if different battle, to fight in preparation for the days ahead.  Unlike Talanah and Aloy's usual adventures, this battle would be fought with words, tales, persuasion, promises, and trades rather than bows and spears.  Talanah was used to it and Aloy hated it.

Fortunately, as high-ranking members of the Hunter's Lodge, neither Talanah nor Aloy would have to wear the nonsense finery favored by Carja nobility.  Talanah was grateful because this season's fashion was long dresses so tight you could barely move, and headpieces that got more elaborate by the week.  Fortunately, some suits of armor, suitably polished and pressed by lodge attendants, doubled as formal wear.  She had picked out complementary sets for Aloy and herself with a practiced eye for color.  But getting dressed was only one part of getting ready. 

Talanah was used to these sorts of events and had attended them ever since she was young.  Aloy grumbled at every step like an irate grazer.  Talanah had little trouble convincing her to take a long bath but her hair was another matter.  Months in the wild had turned it into something resembling a rodent's nest.  A short argument ensued which Talanah won only partially.  Aloy had been steadfast about not washing her hair but had consented to let her partner comb it out and rebraid it.  It wasn't perfect, but it was at least presentable     

Talanah did makeup for both of them.  Aloy, despite her hunter's eyes and steady hands, was all thumbs when it came to applying anything decorative.  Thankfully she could sit still long enough that applying makeup was a breeze   Talanah kept it light, giving them both similar patterns of Lodge makeup that marked them as Hawks.  This included kohl dark eyeliner that splayed out to feathered marks at the outer corner of their eyes, dark red lipstick, and just a bit of blush to brighten their features. 

Cleaned, dressed, prettied, and finally close to ready, Talanah handed Aloy the headpiece Avad had given her all those months ago in Meridian.  Aloy had "conveniently" forgotten to pack it, but Talanah had remembered.  Aloy scowled at the site of it, somehow cute despite the sour face.  

"I really dislike that thing. It's gaudy" she protested

"It's important"  Talanah replied in a tone that brooked no argument.  "For one night I think you can manage."

Aloy, still scowling, put the headpiece on.  To Avad's credit, the piece was flashy but also neutral enough that it went with almost any outfit.  It framed Aloy's face and fiery braids well, marking her as The Savior of Meridian while still being subdued enough that she didn't look ridiculous. 

Aloy tightened the last strap and stepped back so Talanah could see her fully.  She did a slow twirl, her soft leather boots scuffing on the stone and her hexagonal armor plates clinking.  "Well, how do I look?" she asked.

Talanah had a dozen things she wanted to say.  Aloy looked impressive, sexy, gorgeous, deadly as a Clawstrider, and vibrant as a sunrise.  She settled on "You look wonderful."  

Aloy smiled and stood next to her, putting an arm around her shoulders and turning them both to look at themselves in the room's large mirror.

"I look better with you at my side, I think."  They both smiled, at themselves and each other, an expression of deep comfort and togetherness.  Individually they looked great, but together they looked radiant.  Two partners, two expert hunters, Hawk and Thrush, taking to the field one more time.  They were perfect. 

Talanah planted a kiss on Aloy's cheek, careful not to smudge the makeup. "We'd better get going," she said. "We need to meet everyone before we head over."

Aloy grinned, all teeth and hunter's eyes. "Let's go.  I need to see everyone else suffering in formal attire before the party begins."

Talanah laughed as they walked out together. 

Horizontober day 22: Roar