-I don't have a Beta Reader so if you notice any mistakes, I apologize and please let me know so I can fix it-
A/N: Hi! So this is my first fanfiction in years so… please don't hate me? (Just kidding). Anyway I love love LOVE The 100 and due to the mystery that centres around the Grounders, Lexa's past and the lives of the Grounders we said goodbye to (too early if you ask me) I've decided to make this fanfiction with my idea of one of the many pasts that Lexa could've had, I also wanted to portray my headcanon of Costia: who I don't imagine would've been an innocent flowerchild (at least not in public anyway), instead I imagined her as an assassin (quick, talented, strong and calculating) and an ex-arena fighter (to give her that hardened past). Just to establish some more stuff before you begin reading:
-Lexa and Costia are both Nightbloods
-Costia trains the nightbloods when she's not off assassinating people (With this head-canon for the show- I imagine after Costia died Lexa took the nightbloods under her wing).
-Anya is one of Lexa's advisors and generals, she is not a nightblood (Who needs nightblood when you're just a general badass?)
-Gustus is Costia's uncle (even though we know this is uncanon in the show) and Lexa's bodyguard. He is a "retired warrior".
-Indra is Lexa's general and chief advisor, her husband was the last commander (who went a little mad and power hungry and was killed- that's a big part to play in the story so no spoilers).
-Lincoln is an advisor for the outside clans (to his reluctance), but also a talented scout and Costia's best friend
-Sorry for the long intro but I'd just like to warn, my ideas and style of writing are often really weird, so bear with me and I often tend to ramble a bit but I hope you enjoy this story and constructive criticism or your own ideas are always welcome-
THIS STORY WILL ALSO SEE A MORE LIGHTHEARTED SIDE TO THE GROUNDERS (AT THE START ANYWAY), AS *SLIGHT SPOILER BUT NOT REALLY* THE WAR TO COME CHANGES THEM INTO THE MORE BATTLE HARDENED GROUNDERS WE KNOW. (THEY'RE STILL THE SAME BUT MORE LIGHTHEARTED AROUND EACH OTHER).
Chapter 1
It was raining again, although to be fair all it had done for the past weeks had rained. Normally the tree clan would welcome this kind of frequent weather as in light showers it often benefited the crops, but this, this was torrential non-stop pours. A week ago Polis heard word that several villages had flooded, damage inflicted but no physical harm or deaths. However then the boat clan had sent word for help, their villages and trade were viciously suffering from the weather and there was nothing they could do. Luckily Lexa had decided to welcome refugees of flooded towns into downtown Polis, which was normally not a welcomed idea of the Grounder communities, but in times like this, where strength and wisdom could not affect the harsh nature of this world they stood together and helped their allies.
Lexa watched as the refugees were escorted to their temporary homes and was glad to see her people were accepting her decision. For 16-years-old Lexa was vastly considered a wise, faithful and strong commander, unlike her predecessor who had been a power-hungry tyrant determined to rule over all. As a result of his selfishness the alliance between the Boat-Clan and Tree-Clan had been broken- luckily Lexa had managed to mend it when she came to power- and many Trikru citizens had been forced into poverty and starvation, many families had even sent their children to the fighting pits- which Lexa later abolished- to earn more money. As the thoughts of the fighting pits stirred in her mind there was the one person that came to her mind, the one that should never have been forced into those savage arenas: Costia.
She looked up to where she had seen the young assassin moments ago but sure enough she had vanished, much like the phantom that the Trikru warriors joked she was. Lexa allowed a coy smile to appear on her face at the thought, though quickly hid it before anyone saw. People constantly commented on that, how Costia was somewhere one moment, gone the next then reappearing elsewhere, how she stood at senate meetings silent, rarely saying a word however allowing her eyes to analyse everything that was going on. It wasn't rare that Costia knew what was going on when others had no clue, her analysis skills were exceptional, she often knew what was going to happen before it did or before it had been planned, and that's what made her so good at her profession. That thought made Lexa shudder, Costia's profession: assassin, possibly one of the least safe jobs in an army. Sneaking into enemy territory often alone, taking out dangerous allies, Lexa, although she would never admit it to her face, preferred Costia, and the rest of those she cared for, by her side in battle so she could protect them. But sometimes her people came first, and she'd make these sacrifices, and as Anya had taught her "There's no protecting Costia from herself" and that was true, Costia's stubbornness was her own enemy.
Anya, who would also never liked it admitted to her, was also just as stubborn, but sometimes Lexa used her former role as the elders second to manipulate her into doing what Lexa wanted- although Anya had also figured out this tactic long ago. Lexa felt that smile begin to pull its way onto her face again as she contemplated those she was close to, and how thankful she would've been had someone offered them a safe place to be during these harsh times. In this world of fear, strength and danger, Lexa believed that the idea of peace could one day be a reality and her people could enjoy life for more than just an attempt at surviving.
"Something on your mind?"
The voice almost startled Lexa but as she turned slowly she realised it was just her former mentor. "Just focusing on what's happening right now that's all"
Anya gave a curt nod. "As usual then"
Lightning cracks through the sky and thunder shortly follows and so the two slowly make their way back to Polis tower. There was a savoured and relaxed silence between the two of them as they walked to the tower and descended upwards to the upper levels of the tower before Anya gently cleared her throat to pull Lexa out of her thoughts. "Luna sends her regards during these times" she stated, and watched as Lexa took in every word as they entered Lexa's bedroom closing the door behind them to allow more privacy for their conversation. "She states that through these acts the crimes against her clan made by Heda Busirus, can truly be forgotten and the Floukru and Trikru alliance is now and forever will be stronger than ever before"
"That is good to hear Anya. The more the clans can work together and use their strengths to their advantage, the more chance we have of peace"
"Your aim of peace is a foreign concept Heda"
Lexa lets out a slight chuckle at her comment, causing Anya to frown. "What?" she asked.
Lexa looked away for a moment before returning her gaze to her former mentor. "Costia said the exact same thing"
"With no disrespect meant Heda, Costia and I saw the effects of the previous commander's tyranny first hand. Our families as well as ourselves suffered greatly during his reign, and the people we grew up with, those of the villages and downtown Polis, the people I'm sure Costia and I would consider "our people" have a hatred to your spirit that may never subdue. After his actions, peace between the clans may not be achieved. After all your own people respect you but they're just waiting to suffer again, this idea of all being equal in your society, of strength being favoured over riches this is all new to them"
Lexa listened intently but felt her anger fuel when Anya mentioned the old commander. "I am nothing like the old commander!" she spat, allowing her anger to control her mentions. "I am showing the other clans the strength and prosperity of Trikru! Already 3 clans are beginning to consider our alliance! I AM NOT THE SAME AS THAT TYRANT!"
Anya's eyes saddened slightly at Lexa's reaction. It hurt her to see Lexa become so enraged, when she became this angered she often grew out of character and made impulsive decisions or said things she didn't mean. Her anger was one of the many things Anya had tried to mentor her to control, but how can you teach someone to change themselves? "Lexa… you know I never meant it like that. You have only been Heda for 3 months and already we've seen your strength, but don't let our people's powerful respect cloud your view on them. Those who suffered as lesser in his old society may take time, but they will see you as your own spirit one day" she said, placing a comforting hand on Lexa's shoulder. "I mean I lost my family due to his tyranny and I stand here not only as your mentor but your friend and ally, Lincolns family were tortured for trying to stand up to him and he would always protect you, and look at Costia! She would fight and die for you, despite how much she suffered"
Lexa's eyes saddened as she looked at Anya. It was true she had much to prove as Heda and many people to make things up to, but being Commander was like playing a game of power and loyalty and equality and secrets, she needed to know who to trust and everyday ensure she was making the right decisions. She was likely to make mistakes, but Lexa couldn't afford that the second she made a mistake was the second she made her people suffer again and she couldn't put them through that. Lexa had been so caught up in her thoughts she hadn't noticed Anya withdraw her hand from her shoulder and begin walking towards the door.
"I didn't mean to dishearten you Heda but these are things that you must always consider" she said looking back at Lexa who had now sat herself on the edge of her bed.
"I know, thank you Anya"
"You're welcome Lexa I look forward to seeing you at the Nightbloods Conclave Feast tonight"
"It shall be a joyous occasion" Lexa said, smiling slightly. "Anya?"
Anya stopped at the door and looked back at her. "Have you by any chance, seen Costia today?"
"Not since this morning no. Why?"
"Just wondered she didn't mention where she was going today"
"Probably preparing the nightbloods for the feast I'd imagine. Speaking of which I need to discuss preparations with Titus. I'll see you there"
And with short goodbyes Anya left and Lexa was left alone. Lying onto her bed enjoying the comfort of the soft furs Lexa turning to see that Costia had left her jacket along with various tools- most likely taken from her families forge Lexa imagined- lying on the bedside table. She lifted one of the tools up slowly marvelling at the craftsmanship gone into it, definitely one of Costia's. That was when two things came to Lexa's mind: One, Costia had left her jacket which, despite the fact she always had an abnormally high body heat and fought off the cold well, was odd during the harsh weather outside, and two, why had Costia taken the tools from the forge? Before Lexa could further focus on her curiosity of Costia's actions she heard a knock at her door and she shouted her maids to enter as they began laying out her war paint and attire for the evening.
Whatever Costia's doing is none of my business Lexa thought and allowed herself a small smile as she felt slight excitement grow as she thought of the festivities to occur that very night.
