First Conversation with Varl: Aloy meets Varl, who recognizes her as the outcast who won the Proving. Aloy explains that she has been made a Seeker by the matriarchs to pursue a traitor named Olin to Meridian. Varl directs Aloy to Mother's Crown to speak with Maria for further guidance. He warns her about the dangers on the trail, including the killers who corrupted machines and bandits. Aloy learns about the massacre of the war party and that Warchief Sona, Varl's mother, is missing after pursuing the killers. Varl asks Aloy to search for Sona at the massacre site, which is a wooded hollow across from Devil's Thirst.br br Second Conversation with Maria: Aloy meets Maria at Mother's Crown. Maria confirms that the way to Meridian is west but explains that a Carja fort guards the path, and the gate is sealed due to corrupted machines. Maria suggests that if Aloy clears out the corrupted machines, the border might open. Maria describes the Forsaken Village, which was destroyed by the Carja during the war, and explains that Mother's Crown is now a buffer between the Sunum and their sacred land. She also discusses the corruption, noting that it affects machines and injures people, and that fire seems to be an effective counter. Maria mentions Hunter's Gathering as a place where foreigners gather, which could provide more information about Meridian. Aloy eventually clears the valley of corrupted machines. The gates are opened, and Aloy is advised to speak with Captain Balain, who recently arrived from Meridian.