Welcome to Nuclear Winter, the sequel to Toxic Earth. This contains the s3 arc and will my version of s4. Just to point out that one certain storyline while be removed. There will be a update once a week, the day after a new episode.
Here are the key details: Wells is ambassador of the Sky People and, Tristan and Anya have forbidden Skaikru to leave Trigeda unless attended due to problems with Ice Nation.
This chapter picks up at 3x01 and everything that happens in the episode while Costia isn't there occurs
Conversations in Trigedasleng are indicated in italics.
January 27th, 2253
I could see everything from the windows of Laslow's Tavern as Beaufort and I stand outside of one of the private rooms. Making sure that no one overhears or complicates the meeting between Wells, Anya, and Prince Roan. The stench of rum and whiskey curdles the inside of my stomach that I could have easily been intoxicated myself.
"Wow, the stench could be smelled from this balcony," Beaufort sneers with his nose crinkled. I look at where his eyes are directed at, and see three Azgeda guards enter the tavern. Must be the sentries that came with Roan.
"Probably why their prince is taking so long," I deduce. It would be preferable if they didn't know. Didn't know that Lexa was commissioning Roan to help guide Wells through Azgeda to look for Clarke. It doesn't escape my memory that I overheard Lexa asking and basically pleading Wells to find Clarke a couple nights ago.
"You are her best friend," Lexa pleaded. "She'll go with you willingly when she sees you."
"If Clarke is in Azgeda and they know it, they are probably locking her on their sight to make it difficult for her to leave before they can get a hold of her," Wells answered. "Also, I hate to say this but if Clarke walked all the way to Ice Nation, she doesn't want to be found."
"I don't doubt that she'll go with you," Lexa pointed out. "She trusts you. I know you can find her and bring her back to your home. I will not sleep if Queen Nia continues to have her eyes on her."
She commissioned Anya and me to travel with him while Roan will merely be our guide. It was convenient that he was here when Lexa made the offer. Probably thinks that he be more trustworthy since it's known that his relationship with his mother is strained.
I'd want to get away from that frigid hag too if she was my mother.
"Should we tell them?" Beaufort asks me.
Coming to think of it, it would be wise to inform them that Roan's friends have entered the tavern. Otherwise they would come up the stairs and complicate things by wanting to come inside.
I knock on the door and after a second, it opens a crack. "The Ice Nation sentries have entered the tavern," I inform Yvette, who's keeping watch inside the room.
She answers with a nod before completely closing the door. I look to see the sentries looking at the door with keen interest. Like they want to know why their prince is taking so long.
It's only been ten minutes ago that Wells, Anya, and Roan have entered this room. Speaking of them, the door opens and Anya is the first one to come out. She looks at the ground floor of the tavern and scrunches her nose like she smells horse manure.
"Costia, go to the markets and get what we need," Anya orders, not keeping her eyes off the Ice Nation sentries.
I nod and descend the staircase. With Wells right behind me. The three sentries eye us critically, though they look as if Wells' mere presence disgusts them the most. Titus said that Azgeda was infuriated at the fact that my clan is giving the Sky People residence in our territory. While we now understand the reason the Sky People came down because their Space Castle had failing life support and misunderstandings culminated into conflict, Azgeda and a few clans still believe the preconception that they came to invade with the intention of wiping my clan out.
The latter is completely untrue but people will believe anything to further their xenophobia.
We both leave the tavern and out into the cold elements outside. This cold January day isn't stopping people from visiting the vendors. Though people are also flocking to the bulletin pole to see the recent bounty flier tacked there by someone from Azgeda.
The whole "killing someone to gain their power or talent" is malarkey. It's not surprising that it's a Azgeda belief since they are messed up.
Wells and I stop at the vendor that sells supplies to those traveling out of Polis and we purchase pecans, dried meat strips, and dried fruit. Things we might need when traveling to Azgeda.
"So, what happens if this plan fails?" Wells asks me.
"Lexa is going to send Indra to help them look," I answer. "She's going to contact them by morse code using the walkie. That's how our military higher ups prefer to communicate."
While Indra and Anya volunteered to look for Clarke with different groups, father decided to be the one to meet both groups back at the border. He said his hands were tied concerning the problem with Ice Nation. Even though I'm not crossing into Ice Nation territory alone, he had reservations about me going due to that incident with those two Ice Nation warriors years ago.
When Nigel suggested he would go in my place, father's face turned to the shade of puce and as a result, my brother knew that it was the end of that discussion. Despite his reservations, father would rather have me accompany Wells, Anya, and Roan to Ice Nation due to my sense of self preservation. Something that Nigel lacks.
After giving the vendor trinkets in return for our purchased goods, we go straight to the Commander's Tower to change into Ice Nation garb. Since Anya said we should get ready to leave Polis right after acquiring needed supplies. Passing by us are the trail of Nightbloods who must be taking their midmorning walk around the city. With their matron Arya supervising them.
"Good morning, Ambassador Wells of the Sky People," most of them greet him.
"Good morning to you, too," he returns with a smile. "Just don't cause your matron grief today," he continues teasingly.
As usual, ten Nightbloods were chosen as Novitiates after Lexa's ascension five years ago. They are all twelve years of age, with Aden kom Ingranronakru being the most promising of the ten. Hopefully, it's not for another few years that there is another Conclave.
Though that depends what Ice Nation decides.
We enter through the front door and cross through the lobby into one of the back rooms where the garbs and utensils were delivered this morning. Azkru wear heavy garments adorned with thick furs and they are made with a blue tint while we Trikru wear dark earth tones to help blend in with the trees.
Wells and I change out of our garbs (In his trips to Polis this month, Wells has been wearing the traditional Trikru garments at the urgent recommendation of Anya. As his Skaikru wear would have made him more vulnerable of being singled out) and into the Azgeda clothing. Just slipping into them makes my skin crawl and I'll be happy to rid of them when we get back to Trigeda.
"And we're wearing Ice Nation clothing due to tensions?" Wells asks me as he straps the vest on.
"Yes, as it wouldn't be safe to wear the usual Woods Clan garments," I answer as Anya enters the room from behind us. "Ice Nation is simmering but things will progress to a boiling point depending what they do."
"If they like the benefits that the Coalition provides them, why do they have it in their minds to rebel?" Wells asks as Anya swaps her trench coat for a Azgeda one.
"They don't care unless it benefits their own agenda," Anya points out. "Nia never had a problem with her people making violations last year, like their poaching activities last autumn. Now with what happened in Mount Weather, they have become more brazen and are using it to undermine Lexa's power in the Coalition."
"Lexa was there when it happened, and she also had a hand in it as did I, Clarke, and Bellamy," Wells surmises. "It doesn't make sense that they think it was just Clarke that did it single-handedly."
"Since she was the one that disappeared and that you have remained with your people, that's why such thoughts run their heads and due to their belief that doing a thing of that magnitude by oneself indicates strength; that having assistance is considered weak," Anya points out. "Then again, most of Ice Nation will believe anything to further their cause."
Roan comes in, appearing to have dressed down in private. Since he's crown prince of his clan, it shouldn't surprise me that he would think dressing down with other people in the same room was beneath him. Apparently he swapped outfits with one of his sentries , including the dual swords.
"Hopefully the three of you have finished with completing your masquerade," he says. "If you want to do this, we better make it quick. It would be a shame if they caught up with her first."
It's like the blood has been drained from Wells' face due to his widened eyes. Clarke getting killed by Queen Nia is undoubtedly one of his worse fears.
"We don't intend to dawdle," Anya drawls.
The four of us exit through the backdoor of the tower and weave through the city's back allies before stepping into the frozen and snowcapped wilderness.
"Does anyone from Trigeda know that we will be coming back in Azgeda wear?" Wells asks as our boots crunch through the snow.
Anya is the one that answers. "Aside from the Commander, Tristan strongly recommended it. In fact, he's going to be there when we return to greet us."
Roan looks at Anya. "Have you two made up your minds yet? It's rather tiring to witness two people who never disclose their mutual attraction."
"I would watch your mouth if I were you," Anya threatens. "Prince or not, I'll rip your vocal cords from your throat."
Despite Anya's defensive reaction, it just confirms to Roan about the extent of their relationship. Anya has gone from sharing a tent with father to moving into our house early this month. Anya said that it was getting tiring living in that two story house alone, though I have seen her exiting father's bedroom during the mornings.
Not very subtle.
A few miles into our walk from Polis, Anya hands Wells and I headpieces as we near a puddle of slush and mud. Anya, Wells, and I fasten our headpieces while Roan sticks his hand into the mud before running over his face. Ice Nation warriors and dignitaries are scarred a certain way to showcase status. And so Roan would cover his scars that reveal that he's the prince.
"Alright, since our identities are concealed, it's safe to venture in," Roan states as he stands up. "Don't wander if you want to live."
Of course, since it would be dangerous as right now, Azgeda is hostile but there is something about his tone that indicates that there are other people in Azgeda that would be considered a threat other then Queen Nia's warriors.
It's like Wells caught on too. "One of the twelve Ark stations landed in your clan's territory, did they?" Wells deduces. "And they are still alive."
Roan hesitates before answering, "Yes, there were survivors among the group that fell by the capitol of Azgeda. Half of what came down and if you ask, I think you would have to take it to the Commander to convince my mother to let them travel to Woods Clan territory without trouble."
Anya's eyes scowl at Roan, like she doesn't trust a word he just said. He could be lying but one never knows. There could be survivors who managed to pick up what they do and blend in without trouble but that would be a miracle.
We trudge through the snow in silence until we reach the wooden sign that bears the hand with the swirl circle in the palm, which is the Ice Nation symbol, and on the sign in both Trigedasleng and English it reads, You have reached Ice Nation territory. Proceed with caution.
"As I said, stay with me," Roan warns. "Wandering could only mean death."
We follow him and Wells looks back at the other side of the sign with Trigeda's clan symbol and the statement that they have reached Woods Clan territory before looking forward.
"Keep your eyes peeled," Anya advises. "Watch out for scouts and bounty hunters."
"Got it," Wells postulates. "So, we're going to look in the trading posts first?"
"There is one two hours walking distance from here and if she's not there, we'll go to Berman's trading post," Roan explains. "They will know if they have seen her."
Of course, since Lexa drew a rough sketch of Clarke on a piece of cloth. Lexa doesn't have the skill of drawing like Lincoln does, as he would create a accurate likeness of Clarke like he did with Octavia and Luna in his sketchbook.
As we pass by shrubs, I thought I see movement but it wasn't there when I looked. Probably just an animal.
The first stop was unsuccessful, as no one there has seen a girl with that likeness. Though we encountered a bounty hunter who had the same objective. Finding Wanheda.
"I'll accompany you," he offered. "That way we'll split the award when we bring her to the Queen."
The award that Nia offered was more stupendous then any usual bounty award. If there is a bounty, the reward is usually one piece of domestic animals like a horse or livestock of your choice. If one captures Clarke, they will receive a box of metal items.
We steer clear from Azgeda settlements, since it wouldn't be logical for Clarke to be there. Not if she wants to hide. We all eat what's in our provisions bags and after the second trading post was a fail, we stop at a third trading post when the sky is close to dark.
The wagon is gone, indicating that the owner was out on a supply hunt but the candle lights were outside. Indicating that someone was in there.
"Roman's daughter Niylah holds down this trading post when he's gone," Roan explains. "Since he's not here, we'll see her."
"You lead the way," Wells offers as Anya eyes our bounty hunter with unease. I admit, just the sight of him makes my skin crawl. I'm just lucky at he hasn't thought to remove our headpieces.
Roan puts his hand on the door and it creaks open. Stepping inside the warm building, a red haired girl moves away from the desk where a blonde haired woman stands behind. She looks at us and asks, "You got something to trade?"
Roan ignores her and looks at the red haired girl with interest. Her back is turned as she looks at a fur hat.
"I asked you a question," says the woman. Something is peculiar about the mysterious girl too but I can't peg it.
Roan steps towards the desk as Wells pulls out the sketch and slides it towards Niylah. "Have you seen this girl," Wells asks her.
Niylah analyzes the sketch as Roan and Anya wait for her reaction. She hesitates before answering, "That's not a very good likeness."
"Then you have seen her?" Roan deduces.
"She was here two days ago," she answers. She lifts up her wrist to showcase one of those metal wristbands. "That's how I got this. Said she was going north, following Eden's Pass."
Eden's Pass is a trail which follows from the Blue Cliff territory all the way to Ice Nation. And one of its stops is Gara, the capitol city of Ice Nation.
"Gara," deduces the bounty hunter. "We have to hurry."
He walks from the building as Anya gazes at the red headed girl who is looking at the crates. Wells is looking too.
"Thank you," Roan says. "You've been more helpful then you can imagine."
He walks towards the door as the three of us linger. Anya analyzes the mystery girl further before we file out the door.
We didn't see that girl's face but it's suspicious that she purposely didn't look at us.
Roan dismisses the bounty hunter, telling him that we'll be remaining here for a few hours to which he answered, "and I'll arrive back here tomorrow."
It doesn't sound good, since he interprets it that we think that Clarke is here. It probably won't end pretty for the woman inside the building.
"Is it possible that the other girl was Clarke?" Wells asks hopefully. "I mean, the post trader's daughter hesitated before answering, and that other girl purposely didn't look at us."
Anya hesitates before answering, "It's possible that she could have used berries to change the color of her hair. People use that and other elements for natural hair colorant."
"So, we're actually going to wait in the cold for her?" I ask. "It's going to be a while."
"She will have to come out sometime," Roan states.
The four of us stand against the building, watching and hearing for a door to open. Hours pass and I feel like nodding myself to sleep though I keep awake. Anya and Roan seem to not be tempted.
Hours pass and the door doesn't open. In what seems like the wee hours of the morning, I hear the creak of the door and the red headed girl comes out. I pay attention to her side profile. Though her face is smeared from dirt, I could recognize that face from anywhere.
"It's her," Wells whispers before walking towards her. Clarke looks at him and her reaction is immediate. She takes out a knife and poises it at him.
"Wait!" Wells exclaims before he removes the headpiece from his face. To show that it's him and nothing to worry about.
The urgency and caution on her face is replaced by ease and relief.
"Wells?" she asks, stepping forward.
And as you noticed, I didn't make Aden a member of Trikru. It would be too predictable to make him Trikru, so he hails from the Plain Riders in my fic.
Yes, going after Clarke by herself would have been more dangerous for Lexa then for Bellamy considering her status but having Roan kidnap Clarke was done in bad taste. Lexa could have had some Trikru alongside a friend or two of Clarke's go find her instead.