Hey guys. Fan girling The 100 pretty hard lately. I know i have other unfinished stories so if you are following me and are annoyed that i still havent finished the others i sincerely apologise. The Wall gets me pretty hard some times.
Anywho... Clexa fic, cause i mean... its Clexa... I dont own the 100 though i wish i did cause id totally write more Clexa into it for season 3. Alas Lexa is off to LA to fight zombies...
Reviews are always welcome and highly encouraged. Any mistakes are my own! Got beef, let me know =)
Turns out it was two simple sentences that continued to drive Clarke Griffin, keeping her on her feet, along with the over whelming guilt she felt when she was idle for too long. It was the first sentence spoken, first from her lips and then from Jaspers not long after that has her returning to the mountain.
Mount Weather was no longer a home, or a prison or work station. No now it was nothing but a tomb. Cold, lifeless and forgotten... no not forgotten. There was a large number, grounders and Arkers alike that would forever remember the underground station. Some more than others.
It was coming into the winter months that drove Clarke, perhaps recklessly, through the mines and into the open door of the Mountains once liveable areas. She needed clothes if nothing else to keep her warm, the leathers she wore were growing warn and the furs she had collected over the previous months she didn't know how to fashion into clothing.
The smell was strong and it seemed almost like it drove at Clarke in waves but she refused to let her stomach roll, knowing the smell intimately and accepting it for what it was. Death. Death she had caused. Killed the many to save the few. It was backwards even to her and she was the one that pulled the lever.
Innocent children, teenagers, parents who didn't deserve there fate remained now nothing but decomposing flesh and hallowing bones. Rotted skin beneath festering clothes. Looking upon it now, even after so long, with faces unrecognisable, Clarke could tell. She did not know there names, but each bodies face remained even in death in the blondes mind.
Swallowing Clarke pushed on through the hall littered with purification and up into the dorms. Avoiding the rooms she knew held the worst of her memories, held but did not contain. That would have been too easy, to simply walk out of a place and forget. She moved into some of the less ransacked of 'homes' going through draws to find clothes, that's really all she needed. And Ink and paper.
It didn't take long for the young woman to find what she needed. Clothes, tight fitting but thick that would keep her warm and still allow her to wear her leathers. One making warmth and the other protecting it. She put on some tight leggings and a shirt before pulling her leathers back on. This would do for now as she shoves the rest of her bounty in her hide pack before slinging it back over her shoulder.
Travelling back, retracing her steps the words seem to shimmer in her mind again. Words that she almost choked on. She tried hard not to think of them, to remember the woman she spoke them to first or that sorrow in the man's eyes, accusing. But she had to, her mind forced her to face the reality of it.
What did you do?
Jaspers words still ring in her ears. She hadn't realised it until now, months later, just how those words can cut sharper than any knife. What had she done? She knew full well what she had done, she had killed hundreds of innocent men woman and children. Again.
Suddenly realisation hits her and grudgingly months of hate and resentment are forced out of her body, her soul, like the tide from sands only this time the tide doesn't turn and come back. No this time it leaves the beach dry and empty and nothing but sand, each grain a face or word said in heated anger or resentment. In fury and rage.
What Clarke had done was chose her people. Choose her head over her heart. She was not a cruel person to kill so many just to make it easier for her. She killed them to save her people. It was the logical step, the smart solution. Neither death by irradiation or blood loss was quick in this case and both were agonising The only solace Clarke gets from this is that irradiation killed a lot faster than having marrow removed.
Outside now, in the clean cold air where her head can clear, is where Clarke comes to yet another realisation. She had made the exact same choice for the exact same reason as Lexa herself had. She chose her head over her heart to save her people. She wanted to hate, to resent, but it was all gone, its all left in the underground station.
No longer can Clarke blame the Grounders Commander for the choices she made, for the choices Clarke herself made. She had no one to blame but herself, but blame she did. Every single day, ever single hour and minute she was awake. She had pulled the lever. She had saved none but herself and Lexa from the missile. Lexa wasn't heartless, she was simply right more often than Clarke wanted to admit.
"Float you Clarke." She muttered to herself, she was alone still as always since the day she had left the camp. Saved her people from death only to leave them to there own devices. She was coward and she knew it, she just didn't know why no one else couldn't see it before now. She hadn't wanted to be a leader. Born into it, Lexa had told her.
Shortly after Clarke had left Camp Jaha she had tossed her gun and scavenged First she made a spear for the benefit of its feeble protection. Then she had come across an abandoned camp site. One of the grounders camps. She had only managed to come up with another dagger, totalling three now.
For a few days it was nothing but Clarke and her spear. She had survived one of the 'scaly panthers' and so had food but she was not so good and drying meat and the cooked stuff refused to last long unspoiled. It was when she couldn't sleep that she stumbled upon a grounder village. Small and not very well protected by the few warriors that were there.
It must have been a celebration night or something as Clarke was able to sneak into the village and take a small amount of food, a bow with a quiver of arrows and a old slightly rusted sword and sheathe. This was her saving grace. The petty theft of a few crucial items early in her exile.
Now she stands with her back again, and for the last time she hopes, to the doors of the hell that is Mount Weather. Bow in hand arrow knocked but not ready, this is how she travelled. She had spent my a day simply practising with the bow and, then when she deemed herself good enough the sword.
Moving away finally Clarke slipped back into the dark of the woods knowing it isn't safe in the open, from either her own people or Lexa's. The alliance was technically broken the moment Lexa made her deal though from observations Clarke had made it seemed tentatively still in place. There were no threats to the Ark or attempts of combat made.
Grounders left the Arkers alone and the Arkers stayed to themselves. In fact from the few times Clarke had spied from the safety of the tree line it seemed like the Arkers were well off for themselves. They continued to salvage and build things to accommodate there numbers. A pavilion was raised for food preparation when the hunters were successful. The graveyard was few in occupants.
Moving deeper and deeper into the woods Clarke took the time think. She wasn't in need of food right now or a camping space as it was still early so she let her mind wander. Wondering about her mother, and the Blake siblings. She even wondered how Jasper was before shaking her head deciding she had no right after what she chose to do to him.
She passed by where she had stashed her furs and food picking them up and stringing them over her shoulders without hardly missing a step. She was aiming to move farther from Camp Jaha. She couldn't stay around any longer, she wanted to put the Camp and its inhabitants out of her mind and the best way to do that was to leave for good.
Camp Jaha
"Bell, you seen Lincoln?" Octavia asks of her brother who had been dozing by the gate where she usually ate his lunch between his shifts as a guardsmen. Today like most days was slow and he was taking his time on break as Miller stood and peered out into the tree-line
"He went out with the hunters this morning early. Think he has been going stir crazy in here. He said to tell you that he could be home around noon. Kane still wants to pick his brain about how bad these winters are here." Bellamy explains with a slight sigh at being disturbed.
"Thanks. I'm off to see Raven if you could tell him when he gets back in." The youngest Blake doesn't even say goodbye before she is off again. Moving through the milling people on there way for lunch rations Octavia manages not to tread on anyone. In fact most people know she is more grounder than Arker and seem to get out of her way quickly.
She revels in the fear she sees in some of there eyes. She doesn't feel at home here in this derelict space craft and the only reason she stays is because she and Lincoln were exiled from the grounders. This is sanctuary to both of them but it will never been home.
Striding into the workshop Octavia stops seeing the seemingly ever frequent Chancellor sitting across from Raven. Turns out Wick hadn't had the metal to stick with Raven and her attitude and the pair had broken up almost two months after the events of Mount Weather. Since then the only company Raven really seemed to have was Octavia herself and the Chancellor.
"Hey guys. Any luck?" Octavia asks when she is sure no one else is in the workshop.
"None so far. But i'm working on it still, I just need to make a small enough power source and a tiny transmitter or it wont fly at all. Everything else is ready." Raven explains as she tinkers with something in her hands, Octavia notes that it seems like Abby was simply there for the company.
"What's the range you are hoping for?" Abby asks curiously she seems almost bored except for the interested glint in her eyes.
"About 15 miles is the most I can make. Any more than that and I will lose the feed and flying the drone blind means losing the drone. I wont risk more than that, id have to move with it and i'm not sure that's safe if I were to go further." Raven explains to both brunettes.
"That will do for starters. Obviously we still have to get it started and flying." Abby says softly the shine dimming a little.
"I'm honestly not trying to be that person but... do we really think she is still alive?" Octavia asks carefully the shine snuffing from the chancellors eyes and the Ravens concentration breaking in favour of looking at the Arker turned Grounder.
"Its crossed my mind. Its been 5 months. But its also Clarke... if anyone can survive out there, you know its her. There hasn't been sign of her around camp in about two months and she knows the woods better than us. Not even Lincoln was able to track her so I have faith she is just fine." Raven says after a long moment of silence in favour of contemplating her response.
"Ravens right, I said hurtful things to my daughter, told her I didn't know who she was. But I do know and there is no way she would let the ground beat her. Look what she has done already. Being alone is not going to bring her down." Abby agrees with Raven it would seem odd if Octavia wasn't aware of how close the two are.
"What if the grounders have taken her?" O points out gently not wanting to rouse either woman's ire on the subject.
"I haven't wanted to think about it. I don't know what they would do to her. The alliance was broken with the Commanders choice but they have no moved against us. Maybe the Commander had enough compassion in her to spare Clarke." Abby sighs not knowing how to answer this, her words simple speculation and hope.
"We will find her. We need our sky princess back." Raven states with such determination in her voice that it completely ends the discussion.
All three of them had there reasons for getting Clarke back, first and foremost was to apologise for heated words. But they also wanted their friend and in Abby's case there daughter back where they knew she was safe. Where they could show her she is not feared and hated but loved and needed. Show her what they should have from the start in stead of simply expecting the blonde to take away all there problems.
Grounder Army Camp
Indra strode up to the Heda's tent barely sparing a glance at the guard at the opening before stepping in herself. She notes the absence of the Heda in the general area and moves over to the nook that holds the commanders sleeping furs. Peering in she notes yet still the absence of her Heda. With a frown she touches the furs and realises they are cold.
Leaving the tent she glances around at the milling populace for a sparse moment before looking at the guard to her right. Odd. When Heda leaves her guard is supposed to leave with her. With a disdainful sniff Indra she turns to the man.
"Where is Heda?" She asks bluntly and to the point.
"Sleeping?" He says gruffly and if the question wasn't in his eyes you'd have thought he was sure of the commanders position.
"No, she is not. Hasn't been for hours by the feels of her furs. Are you telling me you do not know where she is?" Indra's tone has dropped to a deadly quiet and the guard shifts slightly before ducking into the tent coming back a moment later.
"General I do not know. I have been here all night, she has not come out. I did not rest, I take my duty as guard serious." The man states seriously.
"Find a few men and search the camp for her discretely. Send Malik to me." Indra instructs before turning back into the tent ending the conversation.
Upon closer inspection of the tent Indra didn't notice anything amiss or disturbed. She was just turning to the commanders bed when Malik entered the tent standing stoic when she turned him but the question in his eyes was obvious.
"Malik the Heda is missing. Take a small party out to search the woods around here return to me here when you have circled the area. Do not speak of this to anyone you do not trust until after the search." Indra instructs flatly her tone broaching no argument and Malik nods and leaves.
Turning back to the bed the general inspects the furs closely seeing a few small spots of dried but relatively fresh blood. Frowning she looks around more until the sight of frayed rope at the corner of the space catches her eye. Looking at the rope she realises it was cut and and opening created and then refastened. It became clear, the Heda had been taken. But by who?
Clarke
Clarke has spent the last day and half travelling hard and resting little, wanting to put as much space between herself and the Camp as she could. So far she had held strong but she could see storm clouds blowing in from the north. She had to stop so she travelled a few more minutes before finding a dense set of trees.
Perfect. She sets down her gear and begins to gather branches and what vine she can find and within an hour she has a suitable lean-to set up big enough for herself and perhaps one other but it would be tight. She lays her furs and then digs a small fire pit at the entrance to her lean-to. She covers the back side of the fire with a small wall of rocks which will keep potential enemies from seeing it.
She is just gathering woods and sticks and kindling for the fire when it begins to rain promptly turning her back to her shelter as the wind begins to pick up. Lighting her fire she stokes it feeding it just enough to keep the flames low.
Not long after dark she turns into her furs to sleep everything remains on her body and her sword lays close to allow her the ability to leave in a hurry without exposing herself to the elements and still stay protected relatively with her sword in hand.
She knew when she woke that she had not been asleep long but for once it wasn't the nightmares that woke her. This time it was a familiar yet foreign sound, something she hadn't heard since the last days spent with the Grounder Army. The familiar whiffle of a horses snort is what had roused the blonde and she silently got out from under her furs.
Soft gruff and masculine voices were soon heard. Clarke could hear two separate voices and she frowned, perhaps scouts but it seemed odd they would be on horse back and why were they travelling in the dark when such a storm had just passed? Clarke held her sword silently unsheathing it though the voices never drew closer.
Waiting until the voices began to fade Clarke decided, possibly against her better judgement, to investigate a little. She had to make sure she hadn't been compromised right? Right. Slinking as delicately out of the lean-to as she could she gathered her quiver and bow putting her weapons in there usual places, quiver across her back and sword at her hip.
The faint tread of horses hooves even on the soaking leaf litter on the ground was enough to allow Clarke to silent track the pair of riders steadily and quietly gaining ground on them. They were completely unaware of her presence but then its not as though she was visible to them or they to her. With her curiosity pushing her she moved quicker but still carefully until the hoof beats stopped and the men spoke in hushed tones.
Clarke couldn't speak the language but it became clear when she found a vantage point that the men where setting up a camp. She was just casting her gaze on the scene slightly below her one of the men shoved something large and heavy off the back of one of the horses. There was a distinct thud and muffled 'oofing' sound that drew her attention to the lump now unmoving on the ground.
One of the men gave the lump a kick before tethering the horses, there hair mated with dried sweat even after the storm. Obviously the horses had been ridden hard for a time before allowed to ease up. Once the horses were tether the man that kicked the lump checked it over and then went about helping his comrade gathering sticks to make a fire.
It didn't take much for Clarke to begin to realise that these men had abducted someone, but why? And Who? The Grounders were at peace, all 12 clans. Lexa had made sure of that. So who were the lump and why were the men riding so hard, and to where? Far as Clarke could tell she had been heading north.
Making the decision Clarke settled in keeping her eyes on both men, she would figure this out and if necessary she would help the lump, she just needed the light of day to help her do that. The Material she had around her neck she pulled up wrapped around her dirty blonde hair and she knocked an arrow in a rested position as she continued to watch the men slightly below her on the incline of a subtle hill.
Grounder Camp
"Listen up Warriors! I've gathered you as I hold the most trust with you. Our Heda has been taken against her will." Indra informed the 16 warriors surrounding her and she waited for this news to sink in, the men and women all shifted and looked questioningly before a man stepped forward.
"Who would take our Heda?" He asked savagely already prepared to exact any revenge necessary.
"The warriors of the Ice Nation have broken off from us in secret over the last two days, heading north. It is my belief that it was they who have taken our Commander. I will send you after them, they have head start but there tracks are easy to follow." Indra explains matter of factly.
"General, they are too many for such a small group to take." A younger man says looking a little nervous, he had been a second but was now a warrior in the clans eyes after the battle for the mountain.
"This will not be a rescue party, I will send a rider a half day behind you, find the Ice Nation and find out if they have our Heda and send word by the rider. For now our course will stay as it is. Rin and Farik, you both will take horses and return to Sky Peoples camp, find out through peaceable means if they have taken our Heda, I doubt they have but we can never be too sure." Indra orders and the two in question nod and leave immediately.
"We have rested here too long, letting our returned heal and stocking for the winter months but now we must leave. In the morning I will have everyone ready for the trip to Polis. Should you return and we no longer be here that is where we will be. News of the Commanders abduction will spread soon but I hope to be on the move before that happens. If this was a strike by the Ice Nation then we need to move quickly and defend the capitol." Indra says seriously and the warriors nod and murmur their agreement. With a last nod the group disperses leaving only Indra and Malik.
"We will get our Heda back or we will melt the ice." Malik says savagely and Indra nods.
Camp Jaha
"Grounders!" Was the waking shout that had almost everyone within ear shot jerking awake. Bellamy shouted some orders and a nearby guard left to fetch Chancellor. The gates were opened at the Blake boys instruction and the riders came to a stop just outside it. It was about an hour before dawn.
"We wish to speak with your leader." Rin called down from the top of her steed the horse pacing side to side restlessly, obviously still having energy to burn.
"The Chancellor will be here soon. Do you come under peace?" Bellamy calls back and both Grounders nod.
"For now." Farik mutters but in the calm still of pre dawn Bellamy manages to catch the words and frowns.
Before further questioning can happen Chancellor Griffin and surprisingly Raven arrive at the gate looking curiously and guarded at the two warriors. They seem to size each other up for a moment Abby refusing to speak first as she regards the riders.
"Chancellor, we wish to speak with you in private." Rin calls down, obviously the voice of the duo by unspoken agreement.
"You will leave your weapons at the gate." Abby calls to them in acceptance.
The riders dismount and remove there swords and daggers throwing them down at the gate and Bellamy waits until they are without weapons before stepping forward and taking the horses reins from the warriors.
"Raven go and get Octavia, bring her to the work shop." Abby says softly to the young dark hair girl who simply nods and leaves.
Abby gestures the two warriors follow her and she leads them towards the fallen Ark and the entrance to Ravens workshop. She still outside the door and turns to Bellamy who had followed after tethering the horses and ordering a fellow guard to get the beasts some water.
"Bellamy you will stand guard, only Lincoln, Raven and Octavia are to enter." Abby orders and the Blake boy nods his ascent taking up post beside the single entrance to this part of the Ark.
Abby pushes the door open and gestures the two warriors enter before her and they oblige before she follow them in, she leads them to the centre of the space where there is more room. She doesn't get a chance to speak before the requested young women and Octavia's love enter the room. Octavia and Lincoln tense slightly but move towards their chancellor.
"Speak your minds. Why are you here?" Abby finally asks when she if flanked by her people.
The two warriors regard the four in front of them for a moment obviously both knowing Octavia and Lincoln but unsure of Raven. With a shift of her feet Rin squares her shoulders and settles her gaze on their chancellor.
"Where is Clarke?" Rin asks surprising the four.
"We do not know. She exiled herself after the fall of the mountain. We have not seen her in some time." Lincoln answers truthfully after a moment.
"A pity, she was a true leader." Farik says uncharacteristically displaying respect for the young blonde.
"Yes, she was, but she isn't why you are here." Abby bites out not wanting to speak of her daughter at the moment.
"The situation is sensitive Chancellor and we request onto your honesty and discretion." Rin states and it is a moment before the Chancellor nods.
"I understand." She declares verbally.
"We do not ask the question lightly, but after the events of Mount Weather we can never be too sure and it wouldn't be entirely unexpected. The Commander has been taken." Rin explains her tone almost questioning. She notes the stiffening of the two once-grounders, shock she assumes.
"Lexa's been taken?! And you assume it was us?" Octavia is the one to voice the questions on everyone's minds.
"We do not assume. Lexa hoped the peace between the Sky and the Ground would remain even after the choice she made, we are not here to accuse. We are here to ask." Rin states almost boredly.
"Of course. In all honesty we do not have your commander. We have no reason to take her, our forces are small, we all know this, your army far out mans our own. We are not stupid enough to incite a war by taking the commander for any reason." Abby states sincerely and Rin is inclined to believe it but she must ask.
"I would request permission to search your Ark for our commander. We believe we know who took her but we hate to simply ignore that it may have been Arkers." Rin says and Abby is sure she can see the hesitation in her words as if she doesn't wish to insult the Skaikru.
"I will have Bellamy assemble an armed escort, you will be allowed to search anywhere you wish but the escort will be with you for your own safety." Abby states and Raven shifts like she might like to argue this but she holds her tongue.
"We appreciate your compliance Chancellor." Rin says a small amount of soft appreciation seeping into her tone.
"Of course. You have no reason to distrust us." Abby nods before moving to the door and speaking to Bellamy briefly.
"It was the Ice Nation wasn't it?" Octavia asks the Warriors softly.
"That is our belief." Farik admits after a moment.
"That is good news." Lincoln says and the warriors and the sky people present alike all turn and stare at him.
"And just why is that good news Link?" Raven asks exasperatedly.
"He is right, the leader of the Ice Nation will want Lexa alive. To taunt her about Costia no doubt." Octavia says and it makes a relieving sort of sense to the others present.
Clarke
Clarke was growing tired but thankfully the sun was on its way as told by the dull ring of light growing ever present on the distant horizon. The men had taken shifts getting sleep or knocking about the lump that for the most part didn't seem to move much if at all.
With the light Clarke made two startling discoveries. The first was that the two warriors were from the Ice Nation, identified by insignias painted on there armor. The second was the most worrisome and yet the true reason Clarke hesitated. A distinct red material slid from beneath the fur wrapped around the lump on the ground. It was a material Clarke was highly familiar with.
She had seen the material along with the one who wears it every time her eyes closed, it soothed and irritated her. Taking a deep breath Clarke didn't think about her actions, instead she creeped as close as she dare and knocked her arrow pointing it toward the watching warrior. With a soft exhale Clarke released the arrow and the Warrior dropped dead.
Unfortunately the slumping warrior dropped his blade with a rattle against the rocks around the fire waking the other Warrior who leaped to attention as if he had no been asleep seconds before. Inspecting the situation quickly the warrior took cover disallowing Clarke to use her bow. It was too quiet to try to find another vantage point, she would give herself away.
With gritted teeth she dropped her bow and withdrew her sword stepping into the small clearing and she heard a chuckle before the warrior stepped back into the open. A stupid move if anyone had asked Clarke, how was he to know she wasn't simply bait to lure him out to become arrow fodder. Moron.
"Nothing but a little girl Challenges me? This will be an easy kill." He spits out savagely sizing her up.
He may have realised just who she was if she didn't have her hair covered with a soft cowl. Oh well. Clarke would fight for this, Clarke would risk her life for the red material though she would admit that to no one. Not after Mount Weather. She dips her head in challenge and the man lunges forward.
She parries his sword but his fist connects with her jaw and she grunts stumbling back. She had not had any real close proximity fights with the sword or even hand to hand and she knew she was at a disadvantage. Perhaps she should have simply waited the warrior out. His next swing was more reckless and as Clarke parried she managed to kick out at his knee.
He grunted and stumbled back the pain in his furious gaze as he steadied himself and lunged again this time quicker than Clarke anticipated and she received a glancing blow across the ribs as she turned out of the way. She could feel the blood seeping under her clothes.
With a silent snarl she feinted to the right and thanked her good luck when the warrior fell for it and with skill she didn't know she possessed she spun for momentum and sent her blade slicing through flesh, bone and sinew. The warriors head rolled towards her foot and stopped face down as the body fell forward.
"Yu gonplei ste odon." Clarke says lowly before wiping off her sword and sheathing it at her hip again.
Slowly, almost fearfully she moves over to the lump that still had not moved Clarke kneels by the fur covered body before gently unwrapping it. She gasps at the sight before her. Lexa, Heda, The Commander, lay as if dead her face free of war paint but adorned with cuts and bruises. She was so still Clarke may have thought she was dead but for the soft groan that left split bloodied lips.
Snapping into action Clarke stands and strides back into the woods to retrieve her bow and then the arrow still sticking from the first warrior to fall. She hooks the bow over her shoulder and head across her back and sheaths the arrow before moving back over to the unconscious commander. Stooping down the blonde picks up the brunette with surprising ease.
In the back of her mind Clarke notes just how light the compactly muscular commander is. Not eating right perhaps. Thankful of the adrenaline in her blood the Sky girl starts back for her lean-to, determined to settle the commander and check for worse or life threatening injuries in the relative safety of cover.
It takes longer than Clarke had thought it would to get back to the lean-to but when she does she in extremely thankful as the slim commander was getting heavier with each passing minute. Gently Clarke lay the commander down on her thankfully still dry furs and unwrapped her. She discovered that Lexa is not wearing the shoulder guard and red sash but it is simply wrapped up with her.
"She must have been sleeping." Clarke murmurs softly to herself.
She covers Lexa with the furs to keep her warm and sets about relighting her fire and then gathering more water from a nearby stream she had passed the day before. On returning to the lean-to she squeezed into the surprisingly warm cover and gently set about her work of checking the Heda over.
Grounder Camp
"Rin, speak freely." Indra orders the moment the two warriors approach her around noon.
"General, let it be known the Skaikru do not have our Heda. They were most gracious about letting up search and answering our questions. Even they agree it must have been the Ice Nation. Aware of Heda's late lover they believe the Ice Nation would keep the Heda alive for some time to taunt her over Costia's death." Rin explains in full and Indra considers all this information.
"They speak true. It is a relief and yet a concern that the Ice leader would indeed keep the Heda alive though I do not wish for her torment in any way." Indra states her tone low and considering. "We will have to inform the populace."
"We will gather the warriors General." Rin states and the two warriors move off after Indra nods her ascent.
The general paces back and forth Malik watching her closely but without speaking as the General seems lost in thought. It takes almost an hour for the warriors to gather and Indra seems only more and more concerned. Finally turning to the group of warriors Indra lets out a sigh.
"Warriors, you have been gathered for the need to inform you of the abduction of our Heda." Indra calls loud and firm, those furthest away will not hear but she knows that word will spread like wild fire though the gathered fighters and clan leaders.
"Who dare take the Heda?" Calls one of the elder warriors, one solely loyal to Lexa.
"It could have been anyone, she deprived us of our vengeance!" Another called boldly and Indra contemplated having his beaten.
"It was the Skaikru!" Called yet another warrior, a woman.
"The Skaikru have been question and there camp searched by myself and Farik, they do not have our Commander but they are smart enough to come to the same conclusion as we... look around and tell me if you see anyone of the Ice Nation among you." Rin calls loudly from her place ahead of the group of warriors and Indra gives the woman a grateful look.
It seems almost like slow motion to Indra that the warriors do as suggested and look around and a moment later before a loud shout from each of them exclaiming the truth of the claim. Ice Nation broke the peace Treaty and took the Heda.
"What does this make of the peace treaties?" A clan leader calls from somewhere in the pack when the noise finally dies down a little.
"The treaties will remain until Heda is returned and then they will be discussed. Our first priority is getting back to Polis with our rescued men and women. I have a team of warriors searching for the Ice Nation and our Heda but until then we must return to Polis and increase its defences" Indra calls to the crowd and surprisingly this appeases the masses.
"In the stead of our Heda we follow her lieutenant. Indra!" Rin calls loudly and this is followed by a united shout of ascent.
Clarke & Lexa
It was late afternoon and Lexa still had not woken. Clarke was sitting outside the lean-to cleaning a small boar she had killed earlier in the afternoon preparing to cook it over her small fire. Lexa had mostly been bruised of body but had a broken rib that Clarke had wrapped tight to help the commanders breathing.
Along with a broken rib the Heda also had a broken arm which Clarke had reset and splinted appropriately with the meagre supplies she had with her and strait sticks she could find. She settled the commander on her back beneath the furs after forcing some tea she had made that morning into her and then left her sleep.
Clarke moved over to the entrance of the lean-to, beside the fire, and placed the small pig over the flames on her small makeshift spit. She sat for almost an hour as it began to darken turning the small animal over the flames until it was cooked and then she cut some of the meat off it and ate it with a soft appreciative moan as the fatty fresh meat melted on her tongue.
The blonde ate a decent portion of the pig before returning the remainder to the fire this time staking it in ground beside the fire to keep warm but not cook. Checking her surrounding and supplies Clarke moved into the lean-to and checked over Lexa, still sleeping like the dead and then lifted the furs and slide under them close to Lexa but without touching or jostling the woman. She lay on her back with her blade in her hand over her chest beneath the fur and slowly fell asleep.
Clarke had spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon trying to sort through her feelings. She had come to the conclusion she harboured no ill will towards the Commander. Yes Lexa had betrayed Clarke and the alliance with the Skaikru but she had spoken the truth. She hadn't made excuses. Regardless of her feelings for Clarke, Lexa had showed strength in her ability to put herself last after her people. Clarke realised she admired that about Lexa.
May we meet again. Even after the accusatory questions and the hateful betrayed look Clarke had given Lexa it was still clear there was something there and Lexa, for the first time, briefly, showed the true depth of her hope with that simple comment. Hope for acceptance, for forgiveness, for a second chance.
Clarke had decided that afternoon that this would be there second chance, but it would not come easily for either of them. It wasn't just the alliance that was broken that day at Mount Weather. It was also trust that would need rebuilt. Clarke hoped Lexa was truly as patient as she made out to be. Clarke was ready for the physical, though she had no intentions of starting with that, but she would struggle with the emotional with Lexa, things needed mending.
Clarke jerked awake some hours later after another nightmare. They were consistent if nothing else. She groaned and opened her eyes letting them adjust to the dark only to close them for a moment before opening again. Green stared back. Clarke's eyes met Lexa's in the still silence of darkness.
"Id think I was simply having another dream if my body didn't hurt so much." The words were muttered, confessed, for dry and damaged lips beneath green eyes but the next word was spoken soft and full of emotion, anguish, happiness, regret. A plea. "Clarke."
Camp Jaha
"So someone abducted Lexa?" Monty asks distractedly as he sits in the workshop with Abby, Raven, Lincoln, Octavia and Bellamy that night.
"Yeah that's what Rin was saying. Need to know, Monty." Octavia says as she frowns watching him tinker with a little computer chip.
"Do they know who it might have been?" Bellamy asks as he hadn't been present for the conversation with the grounders earlier that day.
"They wondered if it might not have been us, which is dumb because we are grunts, we don't know stealth. But they also primarily suspect the Ice Nation." Raven shrugs playing with the tiny drone she had made, it was capable of short range flight but they needed a radio transmitter to increase its distance of flight.
"Ice Nation... Man we missed so much in the Mountain. I think Monroe said something about Lexa ex being killed by them?" Monty questions curiously.
"Yes, Clarke said that Lexa's late lover Costia was taken by the Ice Nations queen simply because she was the commanders." Abby explains leaning on the table near Raven and Lincoln.
"Yes, the Ice Nation were ruthless before the treaties, took her killed her and cut off her head. The Heda became someone else after that. Cold, Strong and entirely about the people. I'm not sure anyone else could have ever formed peace treaties within the 12 clans." Lincoln says watching Raven with the drone before flashing a small smile at his love.
"I wish she had not betrayed us. Lexa was someone I could respect." Octavia sighs almost sadly.
"I think Clarke got the bum end of that deal." Bellamy mumbles after a pregnant pause within the group.
"No ones really talked about it, what Clarke was like after she got out of Mount Weather." Monty set down the chip the question clear in his eyes as he looks around at his companions.
"She was... different. Driven. She had found the grounder prisoners, she managed to free Anya actually and together they escaped. Sadly we, us scared fools, shot Anya before we knew better. After that Clarke was all about getting her people out of the mountain. The rest is public knowledge. She made choices she shouldn't have had too, choices that made some of us ashamed of her." Abby explains her voice soft almost shaky with sorrow.
"We were harsh, it just sucks that it took us this long to figure out how hard we were on her. Even Abs who didn't want to relinquish leadership expected way too much of Clarke. Too much for someone so young to handle, but she did, she made choices, hard choices that the rest of us wouldn't make. I sent Clarke to her death and then blamed her when she took a different path." Raven says regretfully and the group look at her wondering what she means, except Abby who understood.
Raven had handed Clarke a blade, expected the blonde to kill Lexa instead of let anything happen to Finn. Expected Clarke to make everything better but it wasn't until later, when the grief and anger lessened that she realised what she had really asked Clarke to do. She expected Clarke to kill Lexa at the cost of her own life. There is no doubt retribution for the murder of the Heda would have been swift and if not, agonising.
"I wanted her to kill Lexa, to save Finn. I expected her to give her life for Finns even though I wouldn't have been able to do that and I blamed Clarke for it, for the choices she made. It wasn't until I was accused of poisoning the Heda at the funeral that I realised Clarke had made the right choice." Ravens shoulders dropped at her confession, her voice laced with shame.
"We all put too much pressure on Clarke, she was just trying to make the right choices to insure the rescue of the 47 and keep the Arkers safe at the same time. We pushed and pulled and accused but none of us really offered anything." Octavia mumbles her elbows on the table her face in her hands.
"Now she is gone, who knows where. Maybe even... dead." Bellamy states flatly though the shame and regret swims in his eyes.
"Nah, she's not dead. Come on guys, this THE Clarke Griffin we are talking about. She forged alliances with Savages, protected her people and made the hard choices. Clarke is absolutely still alive. We just need a couple more days and we can work on finding her." Monty says seriously a small smile on his lips, his faith in Clarke's ability to survive is infectious and soon the rest of the group are nodding and smiling in agreement.
Clarke & Lexa
"Commander, you're finally awake." Clarke mumbles dumbly before carefully rolling and getting on her knees instantly checking the brunette over.
Lexa doesn't speak again, she cant. The moment it became clear to her she wasn't simply dreaming of the blonde she clammed up unable to speak for fear of sobbing in relief, in regret, in shame, in happiness. A commander does not sob so she decided it safest she simply remain silent until she can rein in her emotions.
Clarke notices, regardless of how hard Lexa tries to conceal it her eyes speak volumes, so the blonde busies herself making the commander some herbal tea. Clarke hadn't sat idle during her exile. She needed paper and ink to record her findings. She had discovered poisons and cures. Even stumbled upon a nasty hallucinogenic that had messed her up for almost two days. One of the plants she had found was quite a handy pain reliever.
So she pulled out a metal cup she had acquired early on and poured in some water before adding some dried leaves and placing the cup in the coals of the small fire before grabbing some small bits of wood and placing around the cup stoking the fire a little.
Lexa lay and watched too weak still to really do much else and regardless of her betraying Clarke she felt safe with the blonde. She knew, unequivocally that she trusted the blonde, perhaps more than she trusted anyone else, even Indra. It was dangerous, the commander in her knew that, but Lexa the woman didn't care.
The woman in her, not the commander, wanted to fall to her knees before the blonde and beg and plead and cry for forgiveness she knew she didn't deserve. She had no idea how to truly separate, though, the commander and the woman. They were, for better or worse, one and the same. She didn't realise she was crying until Clarke leaned over her and gave her a sympathetic look.
"Lexa... are you in that much pain?" Clarke's voice is so soft and gentle, like Lexa had never heard it.
"Everything hurts Clarke. Everything." Lexa puts emphasis on the words regardless of her voice being barely more than a whisper.
"Put it out of your mind for now. Lets fix your body before worrying about anything else." Clarke says gently brushing the hair back from Lexa's face.
Lexa simply nods pursing her lips together and drawing in a deep calming breath, well its kind of shallow from her broken rib but its calming none the less. Blinking a few times she manages to clear the tears from her eyes without letting them fall.
Its a few short minutes later that Clarke is propping Lexa up gently shifting to sit on her knees behind the commander so she has something to lean on. Lexa hesitates a moment before leaning back into Clarke's front but relaxing her body she feels better simply from having the blondes warmth against her. She sips the offered tea, wrinkling her nose at the flavour but drinking it none the less and feeling better minutes later.
"What is that?" Lexa questions curiously looking at the cup having never had such a concoction
"I've been busy. I found a plant that relieves pain. It will last about four or so hours before you might need more." Clarke explains setting the cup down.
"How did you happen to find such a plant?" Lexa asks turning her head a little to look back at the blonde.
"Stupidity probably. Its a long story that should wait. I want you to rest more Lexa. You are pretty beat up." Clarke says her hands gently rubbing at the commanders temples.
"I feel like I was riding on the wrong side of a horse." Lexa confesses softly enjoying the fingers in her hair.
"You look it." Clarke says and Lexa can actually hear the tinge of amusement in the blondes tone.
"Who was it? And where is the rest of my rescue party?" Lexa finally, for the first time, seems to look around and realise just how small the space she is in is.
"Ice Nation, two riders. There was no rescue party Heda, I was out here alone when I heard them passing by not far from here. I followed them and at day break I saw your red sash. I figured it was you in the furs so... I killed one with arrow and fought the other. I got lucky." Clarke admits almost hesitantly and suddenly the commander is sitting up turning to face the blonde.
Before Clarke can protest Lexa's eyes drop to the bloody cloth wrapped around the blondes midriff. Lexa reached out with her broken arm only to pull her arm back into her with a hiss of pain before looking accusatory at the younger woman.
"Lay down commander and rest. It's just a flesh wound. I will clean it properly when the sun rises." Clarke states before the commander has a chance to form words.
Clarke moves where the furs and gently pushes Lexa back down with a firm hand on the brunettes shoulder. Clarke checks the splint on the woman's arm before the pressure wrap around Lexa's middle. Satisfied everything was as it should be she sat back on her knees before the Commander and gave her a serious look.
"You can rest or you can eat. I killed a small boar last afternoon." Clarke's tone brokers no argument.
"I will sleep." Lexa states grudgingly and Clarke actually smiles at the Commanders disdainful tone.
Clarke doesn't say anything else, simply stoking the fire again and adding another piece of wood before sliding back beneath the furs beside the prone Commander. She is both surprised and pleased when Lexa's hand finds her own beneath the furs. Clarke sees the touch for what it is, a plea for contact, for soft comfort and she quickly realises she needs the simple touch just as much as the injured Commander.
Camp Jaha
Octavia paused by the table in the workshop and sighed softly at the scene before her. Looking around for a moment she smiles and picks up a wrench before dropping it on the table. The loud clanging is plenty enough to startle the two sleeping forms out of their slumber and they both sit up startled. Two sets of eyes look around fearfully before resting on the brunette by the table and with a groan the Mechanic and the Chancellor flop back on the bed side by side.
"So you plan to tell Clarke when we find her right? Or I don't know, telling anyone? Its not like people would care." Octavia speaks without any sort of greeting, deeming the wrench enough.
"Clarke will be the first to know. I want her to hear it from me not accidentally from some silly Arker." Abby states grouchily beside Raven who is rubbing the sleep off her face as best she can.
"Besides I think apologies should come before confessions. I hated her for loving my boyfriend and Abby kind of got Clarke's dad floated." Raven points out after a moment before finally sitting up.
"That's fair. She's going to flip anyway." Octavia says nonchalantly as she sits at the table.
"What makes you think that?" Abby asks confused her hand rubbing Ravens back in a rare show of affection in front of anyone.
"Well I hate to say it, but even though she killed Finn, was the person he cheated on Raven with and the person he was in love when he died... Clarke has always really liked Raven, considered her a friend, a close friend. Now I don't know about either of you, but if I found out one of my best friends was sleeping with my mum, I'd be pretty pissed off about it. Besides its like you said, you floated her dad." Octavia just shrugs and both brunettes still on the bed groan.
Octavia had found out about Abby and Raven a couple of months ago when the budding romance between the two had been fresh. O had walked in on the two sharing a rather intimate embrace, lip-lock included. They had forced her to secrecy on the matter not that Octavia had any plans to tell anyone except Lincoln and the only people he spoke to were Bell, Kane and Monty, none of those needed to know and Link wouldn't tell.
"I wouldn't stress it. Clarke has a major capacity for forgiveness and acceptance." Octavia reassures the couple gently.
Abby and Raven had become close to the Arker turn Grounder and her lover Lincoln and Octavia definitely saw both women as close friends and confidants. The trio were never far apart and Raven and Abby were both comfortable showing affection in front of Octavia. Some people thought the time Abby spent with the younger brunettes was a little odd but most understood that all three had bonded over the loss of Clarke.
"How come you are up so early anyway?" Raven asks with a frown and Octavia chuckles.
"Its not that earlier. Actually a couple of grounders showed up a moment ago and wanted to see the Chancellor. When Kane couldn't find Abby I thought it best I come fetch her myself. Kane doesn't need to see you two spooning." Octavia states with a slight smirk.
"Grounders? What do they want now?" Abby asks exasperatedly as she gets out of the bed still in her clothes. Both Abby and Raven had decided to leave the relationship at an over the clothes level until they could speak to Clarke.
"I'm not sure, Rin is back with them. There is about 7 in total." Octavia shrugs watching as both women move and pull on their boots.
"Maybe they have found the Commander and she needs help?" Raven speculates out loud.
"With how tense and angry they all look, I doubt that is the case." Octavia states and stands when the other two brunettes look ready to leave.
The trio walk in silence to the gate where a few meters outside seven warriors sit astride horses waiting patiently. Upon seeing the Chancellor Rin urges her steed forward a few strides and the trio of women meet her.
"Chancellor, Indra has ordered us stationed here at Camp Jaha as a means of protection against any potential attack from the Ice Nation. The queen of the Ice Nation grudgingly signed the treaty but her warriors and field commanders were always very vocal about their dislike of an alliance with the Sky people. Though it is unlikely at present that the Ice Nation would be so foolish as to attack Camp Jaha Indra did not wish to leave you with so few defenders." Rin proclaims honestly and Abby nods before frowning.
"Rin, I am grateful for the support, we will have tents erected within our walls for you and your warriors to rest." Abby states loudly so the surrounding crowd of Arkers can hear and though there is a mixed reaction none speak out against the Chancellors decision.
"Correct me if i'm wrong Rin, but wouldn't you and your warriors be of better use looking for your Heda?" Raven asks stepping forward and speaking lowly to only the three women around her.
"You would be correct Raven and we also feel this way how ever we follow the General in the Heda's stead and she has requested us return here until further notice." Rin explains her tone also quiet so only the women before her can hear.
"Of course, come in we will find somewhere for your horses." Abby says and Rin nods and gestures the warriors dismount and lead there horses inside the gates.
The sky trio watch after the Warriors feeling slightly perplexed but also appreciative that the alliance did not seem completely abolished after all. Perhaps some good could come out of all of this like it seems to have from the initial alliance.
Grounder Army
Indra was towards the head of the long procession of warriors and the survivors of the mountain when a rider rode back into camp. A space was made for the horse to pass through to the General and Indra looked up questioningly as the rider dismounted.
"General, word from the warriors is that there was no sign of the Heda with the main group but word is that two other warriors were the ones to take the Heda, they rode hard ahead of the main group." The rider informs urgently.
Indra curses and stands still for a moment in quiet contemplation before growling and looking up at the rider. She glanced at the warriors surrounding the pair and then back at the Rider before speaking.
"Get food and water and a fresh horse. Return to the group and tell them to stay out of sight of the Ice nation but to follow them. We need information." Indra commands sternly and the rider leaves with a nod.
"General, we should send men after the Heda." A nearby warrior says gruffly and Indra turns to him.
"You heard what was said, the two that took our Heda have large head start. We stay the course and return to Polis to fortify." Indra states gruffly.
"So we just abandon the Heda?" Another warrior asks angrily.
"No, but I need to think on it for a time. If they are taking the Heda to the queen then we have time. They will not kill the Heda immediately." Indra growls out irritatedly.
"Yes General." The warrior nods.
"Keep moving." Indra orders and the army begin to move again.
Clarke & Lexa
Clarke was standing knee deep in a small stream cleaning cloths for bandages after having cleaned her own wound. Lexa sat leaned against a tree idly picking at what was left of last night boar as she watched Clarke. The two had not spoken much that morning, it was still early and Clarke had given the Commander the order to rest as much as possible. The brunette had insisted on going to the stream with Clarke though.
"What do we do now Lexa? I'll go and get the horses but where do we go?" Clarke asks finally walking out of the stream and drying off her legs and feet as she sits beside the Commander.
"Indra would have continued on to Polis when they realised I was missing and who had taken me. We wont catch up with the Army, for now we go to Camp Jaha, it is closest." Lexa says after a short silence having thought about this as she ate.
The Commander didn't miss Clarke's hesitation at the mention of returning the Camp Jaha but the blonde didn't voice her opinion only nodding in acceptance. Lexa turned fully towards the blonde and fixed her eyes on the soft, now clean but slightly bruised face.
"Why are you alone Clarke?" Lexa's voice is soft, hardly more than a whisper but its the question that startles Clarke who hesitantly turns to face Lexa.
"After you left with you army from Mount Weather... I refused to turn back, I refused to let my friends continue to die. I went through the mines and found Octavia waiting by the door. Bellamy showed up and let us in. We found Jasper, Maya and Monty. Octavia was caught and Emerson was trying to get into command room where Monty, Bell and I were." Clarke looked at the ground and took a deep breath composing herself as she relived that day out loud for the first time since it happened.
Lexa simply sat and listened curiously the only thing in her eyes right now other than interest was regret. Lexa had a feeling she was about to be rendered into two by the blondes words but she needed to know just as much as Clarke needed to talk about it.
"We had Cages father with us, I tried to bargain with him but it didn't work out and I shot him, executed him for no real reason at all. Cage didn't seem to be planning giving up and they had gone to Jaha and taken people that were left there. My mother. Cage started to extract the marrow from my mum in retaliation for his father. One parent for another I guess. I couldn't let that happen, I couldn't let him keep killing them. So... I irradiated the whole level." Clarke chokes on the last words and Lexa has to restrain herself from reaching out to comfort the blonde.
"Emerson and Cage were the only ones that survived but later, after Lincoln escaped your camp, he found Cage and killed him. We don't know what happened with Emerson. But... I killed them Lexa, men, women and... there were children Lexa, practical babies and I pulled a switch and made the choice to snuff there lives. Over three hundred people dead to safe less than 50 of my own." Clarke could feel the tear streaming down her cheeks but she refused to acknowledge them, she had cried for the innocents of the mountain so many times in the last few months.
"I never wanted it to be like that. All i've ever wanted was to save my people, save the innocent. I... I'm so sorry Lexa." Clarke choked out the sincere apology but it had Lexa's eyes widening in shock and confusion not understanding.
"Clarke you have no reason to apologise to me. It was my choices that forced you to make such decisions. I should be the one apologising to you." Lexa says in a pained voice and Clarke nods confusing Lexa more.
"Yes Lexa, you do need to apologise. I realised though, that it was unfair to you. The way I acted when you left the mountain. I was hurt, I felt betrayed. We'd had a moment, we'd kissed. I said I wasn't ready but I hoped it wouldn't be the end of it. I needed time. But then you turned your back on me and... and it shattered me Lexa. I hated you, I wanted never to see you again. But then I killed them. I chose my own people over how it would make me feel, but you were wrong Lexa." Clarke stares at the ground in front of herself her fists clenched in her lap.
"How was I wrong Clarke?" Lexa prompts gently when it seems like Clarke may not continue.
"There is weakness in my heart. I couldn't face them Lexa, after what I did. I killed so many, so many children. Jasper... god he was in love with Maya, the look on his face when he saw me as he held her body... I'm so weak Lexa. I couldn't look at my people and not see the faces, the lives id taken with the simply pull of a lever. So I left, I exiled myself when we returned to Camp Jaha. I've been alone ever since." Clarke sniffles and wipes angrily at her face.
Lexa stared at Clarke for a long moment and she wasn't wrong, she shattered inside for the pure sorrow and shame the blonde felt for herself. The Commander struggled to her feet and held out her good hand for Clarke who looked up at her with wet curious eyes.
"Stand up Clarke, i'm about to hit you but I cant do it sitting down." Lexa states flatly and Clarke looks like she might question this as a frown creases her brow but the blonde silently does as she is told and is immediately met with a hard slap to the cheek.
"I never want to hear you speak of yourself like this again." Lexa is in full Commander mode right now and Clarke looks at the ground in shame only looking up when Lexa roughly grabs her chin and forces her too.
"Look at me Klark kom skaikru. You are not weak! You might be a fool though. Your feelings were well placed when I turned my back on you. I felt the same way but I chose my people over my own feelings, just like you did. I forced your hand Clarke and I know I have a lot to do to earn your forgiveness and trust but i'm glad you don't hate me. I'm not glad you understand, I never wanted you to have to make the choices you made, but its a true testament to your strength that you were able to make them at all. So many would have simply given up when I left. Did your people not turn back to camp?" Lexa asks, her tone hard and questioning, demanding an answer.
"Yes but it seemed so hopeless I cant blame them." Clarke speaks softly after a moment her eyes still wet but locked on the green ones before her.
"I stand by my words after we escaped Pauna, your heart shows no weakness. I am a coward Clarke. I cannot handle my own feeling so I simply ignore them. You show such courage when you make the choices you do and still feel how you feel. Your strength is in your ability to accept the way you feel no matter how much that hurts. I cannot do that. It would kill me, it has been killing me." Lexa state the last words a confession and it confuses Clarke.
"What do you mean?" The blonde questions softly her frown deepening as she continues trying not to focus on the hand that is now gently cupping her jaw as opposed to gripping it.
"I haven't been eating Clarke, I barely sleep any more. I don't wish to talk to anyone. I spent most of my time in my tent thinking about you, feeling the way I do. Feeling because I couldn't shut you out if I tried. I died a little when I turned and walked away from you. It was harder than accepting Costia's death." Lexa explains in a small earnest voice.
Clarke stares at the brunette for a long silent, shocked moment her mouth hanging a little before she bites out a sob and without thinking she steps into the commander and wraps her arms around her. Lexa stiffens slight from pain but wraps her good arm around the blondes shoulders as Clarke buries her face against the Commanders neck sobbing silently gentle not to squeeze too hard.
It quickly becomes apparent that both women needed this, this silent display of acceptance. The first step on the road to there recovery. A soft, comforting embrace that soothes both souls more than anything has previously in either woman's life. The subtle touch of true love, how ever unspoken and unacknowledged.
"I wasn't lying either Lexa, when we were in Pauna's cage... I do need you." Clarke mumbles against smooth skin.
Lexa remains silent but the tightening over her arm pulling Clarke that little bit closer is louder than anything she could have said. Clarke understands, they need each other. Its still a long road but with the simple shared embrace its obvious that they are both willing to walk it together to get to the end.
Dont forget to Review, especially if you you like the fic as it motivates me.