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Aloy was upset. She had been flying on her Sunwing for the last couple of hours, with no particular destination in mind- just trying to clear her head. The wind blowing on her face and the gentle whirring of metal wings were soothing, but the truth was that she still had no idea what to do about her problem. None at all. And it was driving her crazy.

She wasn’t used to feeling helpless. She always had ideas, and action plans for everything. And when she didn’t, she could consult Gaia or her focus for guidance. Well, her focus was useless for this. and so was Gaia, unfortunately; the benevolent A.I. could not help her sort out how to deal with romantic feelings or how to get over her discomfort with the idea of physical intimacy.

“I’ll just have to figure it out myself,” she voiced the thought out loud, hoping inspiration would somehow hit her with a perfect solution.

Just damn that day when all of this started. She was minding her own business at the Base when she saw Kotallo leaving the shower rooms with only a drying cloth around his waist. He didn’t see her, thank the All-Mother. She just stood there, open-mouthed and admiring his tattooed body while his damp hair framed his handsome face. She felt a warm moisture pool between her legs remembering it and just like that day, she had no clue what to do with those feelings. She knew what she wanted to accomplish - she needed to be able to tell him she wanted him and needed to be more than his commander. She wanted to touch him and have him touch her all over, in return.

It was the how that had her paralyzed. She thought Kotallo was interested in her- she wasn’t blind to the way he looked at her, or how his voice was husky and soft when it was just the two of them talking. but that still didn’t make any of her worries fade. On the contrary, she worried more that he would be incredibly disappointed about her lack of experience and awkwardness with physical stuff - the Tenakth were, after all, known for being casual and straightforward about sex.

“What to do, what to do!!” Aloy despaired. Her Sunwing startled at her sudden outburst, but quickly regained balance and settled. This brought Aloy back to the here and now and she realized she had been flying aimlessly much longer than she thought - it was going to be dark soon.

She opened the Holo map on her focus and saw she wasn’t far from Cliffwatch; she could go to the cook for some food there and then set camp at a nearby shelter for the night.

Aloy hadn’t been to this area on her flying mount before, so she decided to dismount a little further away, where her Sunwing could roam freely around the luscious forest and proceeded to the settlement on foot.

—------------------------------

His afternoon lookout shift at the entrance of CliffWatch was almost done. Ikkotah saw his replacement approaching. “Nothing to report. It was as peaceful as yesterday and the day before,” he said, saluting his fellow soldier.

“Understood. Enjoy your evening Ikkotah. Walk with the Ten”

Ikkotah clapped the soldier’s shoulder and left. He wasn’t hungry yet, so instead of walking towards the cook, he followed the path of the cliff with no particular destination decided. It felt good to stretch his legs after long hours of standing still looking out for threats from his post. He hoped the walk would also settle his wayward thoughts.

It was one of those days where his melancholy was strong. He missed Chekkatah so much it was almost like a physical pain. Before, when the war was raging and the machines were out of control, it was easy to distract himself from his loss. But now, at times of peace like this, the hurt grew stronger, more all-consuming. He was fast approaching 40 winters on this earth and he wondered what to do with himself; he had no interest in being a Chaplain and Cliffwatch was small and lacking in options for a soldier past his youth’s prime. An idea had been forming in his head, but he wasn’t yet sure it was a good course of action. Tempting, yes, but he needed more time to think - so he continued walking.

—-------------------------------------

Aloy had forgotten how isolated Cliffwatch was - and cold. She could be in her warm bed at the base now, but no. At least this village was small, which meant no crowds. As she approached, she saw someone walking around 50 paces from her. A man. Deep in thought, it seemed, he didn’t notice her approach. He was tall, with red leather armor and a face covered in red and blue paint, Old Ones military-style short brown hair.

“Ikkotah!” she called, smiling. It was good to see a familiar face. “No more Scorchers and Clawstriders around, I hope?”

Ikkotah was startled when his name was called; he shook his head to clear it and turned to the source, surprised at the small figure approaching. It had been a long time since he last saw her.

“Aloy! It’s good to see you. Indeed, we have been blessed by the Ten with peaceful times. And according to our scouts, you had no small part in that. What brings you to our small village?” He asked.

“Nothing special. I lost track of time while traveling back to my base,” she blushed while explaining - it was embarrassing, even to her ears. “I was hoping to buy something warm from the cook,” she explained.

“I haven’t had dinner yet, would you care for some company? You could indulge me with stories of your latest adventures while we eat," he asked hopefully.

“I won’t say no to that,” Aloy said and followed him through the sheer cliff walls surrounding them.

—-------------------------------------

Ikkotah found a secluded spot a short walk from the cooking fire. They sat there under the stars, with steaming bowls of rabbit stew and a waterskin to wash it down. They reclined on the massive cliff wall for support, relaxing in companionable silence. When Ikkotah noticed Aloy had eaten most of her portion and was starting to slow down, he dared ask what was on his mind since she greeted him earlier.

“So Aloy, what has Hekkaro’s Champion so distracted that you ended up here in the middle of nowhere? Not that I’m complaining.” He smiled and took another bite of his stew. “I am no Chaplain, but maybe I can help. It’s the least I could do after what you did for me all those months ago,” he said solemnly.

“I’m not sure it can be helped. It's… personal.” Aloy put her empty bow down. She hesitated a few seconds but after a fortifying deep breath, she continued. “Ikkotah, what did you do when you realized you had feelings for Chekkotah? How did you know if it was… reciprocated?” She blushed a bright shade of red and took a big gulp of her waterskin to deflect her tension as she waited for his answer.

Ikkotah was stunned. It was easy to forget how young this mighty warrior was. But here she was, big green eyes looking at him full of expectation.

“There is no easy answer for that, I’m afraid, Aloy. Every couple is different. For the Tenakth sexual desires are a need to be fulfilled as natural as hunger and thirst.” He considered what to say next that could be helpful to her. “There are always signs, though Aloy.” He chuckled. “Every time Chekkatah spoke to me, he would look at my lips instead of my eyes; during meal times, he would save a spot next to him for me and would rush to tend to my wounds after a fight.”

Ikkotah touched his lips and Aloy could swear his eyes were a bit shinier now.

“Is this person you favor a Tenakth? That knowledge would help me give you good advice, Aloy. I assure you, I am worthy of your trust in this - I’d like to help.”

“It is Marshal Kotallo," she blurted before she lost her nerve. “I am his Commander, though. I know he admires me and I can’t tell - I just can’t….tell,” she ran her hands over her hair nervously, “if the signs I saw are meant for the ‘Champion’ or me. Just me, Aloy. Not Hekarro’s Champion, as you say. And it’s killing me.” She hid her face in her hands, unable to look at him. “There’s more," she continued. “I’ve never…..been with anyone. I grew up isolated and had no experience with physical stuff, apart from a few hugs from friends, recently. I am afraid I have n-n-nothing to offer him, no experience, no skills in this. I truly do not know what to do,” she sniffled and turned her face away in shame.

“Aloy, look at me. Look at me,” he said more vehemently when she shook her head.
“Listen carefully; there is no shame in being inexperienced. Everyone was. It is the normal course of such things. Besides, there is one important thing you are overlooking - something critical,” Ikkotah gently took her chin in one of his big hands and forced her to look at him.
“Marshal Kotallo is maimed, Aloy. He-”

Aloy interrupted him with a frustrated snort. “Not you too. I don’t care that he lost his arm. He is-”

“No”. He cut her off. ‘I am not criticizing him. But he is Tenakth, and he will react like any Tenakth would. I am quite sure he thinks he is not worthy of you.” Ikkotah sighed, let her chin go, and reclined again against the wall. “He will not take the initiative to court you simply because he will think you deserve a whole man. If you truly want him, you must take the first step. It is the only way."

“Be serious, Ikkotah, I can’t do that.” Aloy stood up and started pacing.
“I’m his Commander, what if he feels obligated to say yes to me as an order to be followed? I can't bear the thought. And worse, what if he says yes and means it? What if he tries to kiss me, touch me? I’ve never done any of that. And I can’t believe I just told you all that, ugh. I am sorry, I’ll just go find a rock breaker tunnel to bury myself in now.”
She sat back on the ground, leaning against the wall, and covered her face with her arm. Why was it all so embarrassing?

“Come now, Aloy. There must be something we could do to ease your burden. Let me think for a minute, here.”

“Stop laughing at me!” She huffed, exasperated.

“I am not laughing at you, Aloy, I promise. But there might be something we can try to help you relax and feel more prepared to face your Marshal. What you need is training. Practicing will give you confidence.” He said thoughtfully.

Aloy narrowed her eyes at him. “What do you mean by practice, exactly?”

He laughed at that but was quick to reassure her of his intentions.

“I was not offering to have sex with you Aloy, be at ease.” He chuckled. No offense, but you lack the body parts I favor in a partner. But I do have an idea and I think it’s a good one.”

“Good to know,” she blushed but relaxed at that. She did think for a second he was going to offer sex. She felt silly now, in truth, she looked nothing like Chekkotah, so it made sense he wouldn’t be attracted to her; which was a relief, if she was honest with herself.

Ikkotah stood up, collected their now empty dinner bowls, and motioned for her to follow him.

“Come Aloy, there is a shelter nearby we can use for what I have in mind. It is around 25 minutes from here, east of the village’s entrance. Can you meet me there? I will drop these things at the cook’s station then I will grab my pack and follow you there. There are a few items we might need.”

“Okay, I’ll see you there.” She agreed easily. “I’ll see you soon then.” She said, already walking away.

Ikkotah chuckled as he looked fondly at the departing figure. “This is going to be interesting”

—-------------------------------------

It was already fully dark outside. The sky was clear with a bright moon providing good illumination on top of the campfire Aloy had lit while she waited for Ikkotah. She was nervous, yet calm at the same time. She knew she could trust him - but if trust was the issue she wouldn’t have been in this predicament to begin with. She trusted Kotallo, she knew it. She just needed to get over herself and she hoped that whatever Ikkotah had in mind would help. It couldn’t hurt trying, at the very least.

“Aloy, you look tense like a stalker ready to pounce.” Ikkotah chuckled as he entered the small shelter, setting his pack on the ground next to her.

“Yeah, not knowing what I'm getting into has that effect on me. It’s not personal,” she explained. If anything, she was usually the one doing the instructing, not the other way around.

“Good. Before we start, I brought a few items for you. Consider it as a gift.” He teased and removed two items from his pack; two small bundles, neatly folded and sealed. He handed them to her.

Aloy examined both; One had a red ink blot on it while the other had a yellow mark. Both smelled earthy but not unpleasant. “It smells like herbs. The one with the yellow mark smells quite nice.” Aloy exclaimed, taking a deep whiff.

“It is a calming tea. It won’t make you sleepy but it is known to soothe anxiety. It is made from a small flower, not native from here so it is not cheap, but I found it helps me when I’m particularly restless or jittery,” he said.

“What has a seasoned soldier like yourself jittery, Ikkotah? I thought you said these were peaceful times here now. I am sorry - I realize now I never asked you if you are okay. How are you?” Aloy asked, wide-eyed at her selfishness.

“Don’t worry, Aloy, I am fine. As fine as I can be. It’s just that sometimes…..I miss him too much. The tea helps.” He smiled weakly. No potion or miracle from the Ten could heal the wound in his heart.

“I’m glad to hear it,” she said. “I didn’t have a chance to talk to Chekkatah at the Embassy, but he seemed strong and fierce.“

“He was.” Ikkotah took a deep breath, pushing back the emotions surging in the back of his throat. “I have been thinking, I might go to the Memorial Grove, and ask Chief Hekarro if he can assign me a post there. If the Ten bless this idea, I would be able to see the place where Chekkotah earned his Marshal marks at the very first Kulrut and spent most of his time.” He looked at the crackling fire, lost in the sweet memories swirling in his heart.

“That sounds like a fine plan. I’m sure he would have been proud of you,” she said, touching his knee lightly to comfort him.

“What is the second bundle? Aloy asked.

Ikkotah patted her hand on his knee gratefully. “Well, the second package is a herb meant to prevent a man’s seed from taking root. He grinned. “If you drink it every time you have sex, you will not get pregnant. I thought you might feel more emboldened to court your Marshal if that worry was out of the way. Any herbalist in the Tenakth territories can prepare you a refill. This portion should last you one month if you drink the infusion every day.” He looked at her with a mischievous smile.

Aloy blushed. Goddess, she hadn’t even thought about the possibility of getting pregnant. She felt silly yet grateful he had thought of it when she didn’t.

“Good to know. I-I hadn’t thought of that,” she flushed. “That’s good, really good. What’s next then?”

“Now you need to tell me what you know about sex so I can see how I can complement your knowledge”. He stated, solemnly. “Go ahead, I’m listening.” He folded his arms and reclined comfortably while Aloy fumbled with her words.

“W-well.” She stuttered. Goddess, why was it so hard? “I saw Tenakth couples in the baths a few times. They were naked and…sort of….humping each other? There was a lot of…….moaning. And…friction? And then suddenly it all stopped and they looked relaxed. And happy, I guess.” She blushed, twisting her hands in front of her. “I’m sorry, I don’t know much. I was raised by my foster father and there was nobody else around. The Nora only have sex to have babies, though. Rost would have had a fit if he knew I had such a herb that prevents pregnancy.” She was now an even brighter shade of red.

“That’s easy enough to solve, Aloy, no need to be embarrassed. One last question, then I will be the one doing the talking.” He chuckled at her relieved expression. “Do you know what an orgasm is? Have you ever touched yourself for one?”

Aloy stood there open-mouthed. Why would she have touched herself? Sure, she touched all over her body when bathing, but that was all. “No, I don’t know what that is. And I’ve only touched my body to clean it. I’m sorry.” She whispered. Her embarrassment evaporated and was swiftly replaced by sadness. How could she be so ignorant about so much? She had a focus and Gaia and still, here she was, in the dark about how to handle any of this. “I feel so stupid,” she sniffled.

“Hey now, no need to despair,” he said gently, stroking her hair lightly. “That’s what we are here for,” he reminded her. “All is well, Aloy. Trust me.”

Ikkotah stood up and walked towards the light of the campfire, trying to collect his thoughts. If she knew nothing, then the best approach was to be straightforward and quick about it, so she wouldn’t second guess herself.

“Okay, Aloy. I’ll just go straight to the point. I will take off my armor now and I want you to take a good look at my body.” He said calmly. “Think of it as examining a statue - take a look at all the parts and ask questions if you need to. Once you have a good look, I will tell you what goes where during sex.”

Aloy stared at him dumbly. After a few beats, she nodded shyly in agreement. She had nothing to lose at this point and everything to gain by acquiring this knowledge.

She squared her shoulders, sat up straight, and started to pay close attention. Ikkotah noticed the change in her demeanor and smiled approvingly. He removed the top part of his armor first, quickly and efficiently. He went about it casually, without paying attention to her, just as he would do if he was doing it by himself at his barracks.

The bottom half of his armor went next, then his sandals. He wasn’t wearing any weapons apart from a knife on his belt, so he was standing naked in front of her rather quickly.

Aloy gaped at him - He was beautiful; a trail of black hair dusted his sculpted abs, leading to his male parts. There were two… pouches? She didn’t know the technical name but there they were, hanging behind a long, half-erect spear-like shaft. His cock. It was fascinating.

Aloy leaned over a bit, to get a closer look. His low chuckle brought her attention back to his eyes.

“Okay, I will put my leggings back on before you do something you might regret later.” he teased her. He put the bottom half of his armor back on and sat back next to her.

“You see Aloy, that part of you between your legs that gets warm and wet when you think of your Marshal or when he says or does something that turns you on; that's where the cock goes during sex.” He said, pointing to his crotch. “Your Marshall will pump it into you and the feeling of the friction on your pussy builds up until both partners reach a great pleasure. Your first time can hurt for a bit, though. You need to tell your Marshall you’ve never been blooded so that he is careful with the first few pumps.” He grabbed the water pouch and took a swig. Aloy was looking expectantly at him.

“What else?” She asked, eagerly.

“Well, it is important to remember that not all warriors are built the same. Maybe your Marshal’s cock will be smaller than mine - or bigger. Sometimes the shape can vary too - I’ve seen cocks shaped like a yellow-stick fruit, which can be harder to take. Or wider in girth. My Chekkatah was long and thick and we had to use lots of oil to smooth things out.”

“Have you seen many cocks?” Aloy blushed furiously but continued bravely - she did want to know after all. “Have you had many partners?”

“I did, yes,” he laughed heartily. “I was a lustful youth - I’ve never been with a woman, maybe because I spent so long involved in the wars and my squadmates were mostly male and willing to relieve my needs, but I had nobody after Chekkatah - I haven’t felt the need,” he said sadly. “But it’s not all pumping and be done with it, Aloy. It can be tender too. There is great pleasure in running your hands through your partner’s body; in using your mouth to kiss, lick and nibble him all over. Take your time. I have full confidence you will be an expert in no time.” He grinned at her cheekily.

Aloy laughed. “Well, thank you for believing in me,” she said, punching him lightly on his shoulder. And thank you for all of this. I do feel better now,” she said, surprised at how true her words were. She did feel a lot better.

“It is getting late. I will return to my Base now. Are you going to be okay here? Do you want the company to walk back to the village?” She asked. “It’s the least I could do.”

“No, be at ease, Aloy. Go ahead.” He stood up and put on the rest of his armor. “I do have one request for you, though, if you will indulge me”. He said.

“Anything”

“When you and your Marshal had a chance to practice and become a couple, please come back here and let me know. It would make me very happy. Young love is something to be cherished,” Ikkotah asked, his voice thick with sadness and joy in equal amounts. He was happy this fierce young woman had something good to look forward to. Ikkotah did not doubt in his mind that Marshal Kotallo would reciprocate her desires and feelings - who wouldn’t?

“I will.” She smiled at him, and surprised him with a tight hug. “Thank you!” She said and left him without looking back.

“Strike true as the Ten, Aloy!”

—-------------------------------------

2 weeks later.

Ikkotah had just finished his midday meal. He fulfilled his watch duty earlier that morning and was now free to use his time as he wished unless some issue came up that required his attention.

He was about to go to a workbench to polish his weapons when a blue glint sparkled in the strong midday sun, catching his attention. Ten above, it was a flying machine - with riders on it!

Around him, people were also looking and pointing - the machine landed on the perch by the cliff and a sky clan warrior jumped from it looking around as if looking for someone. Ikkotah noticed curiously that Aloy remained on the Sunwing, a smile coloring her expression.

The Marshal spotted him and started to walk faster, almost jogging, towards him.

“Marshal Kotallo?” Is everything alrigh-”

Ikkotah couldn’t finish his sentence. “Thank you” Kotallo grabbed him and hugged him tightly. He was wearing his prosthetic arm and it was strong. “Thank you for helping my Mate when she needed guidance. I know I owe my happiness to the encouragement you gave her,” Kotallo said, bowing his head to Ikkotah. “May the Ten guide your steps - to the Memorial Grove where I hope to see you soon.” Kotallo saluted with a fist on his chest and started to return to the Sunwing where Aloy waited for him. She waved at him with a smile and they flew away as swiftly as they arrived.

Ikkotah smiled to himself and discreetly wiped the moisture in his eye. Somewhere up there, sitting with the Ten, he knew Chekottah was smiling.