A/N: This is a Slave AU; the word nigger will be used to keep it historically accurate; no other reason. You will notice Clarke rarely says the word throughout the story (monologue and dialogue).

A Fool's Love: The Beginning

It was April 12, 1864. The Battle of Fort Pillow had just finished down in Tennessee. It was a mighty win for the Confederacy. Over 300 slaves were killed, but the union general surrendered. It was a good day for the south. My father was giddy as he put on his vest. "Clarke, honey." He smiled and lit a cigar. "This is going to be a good day!"

I smiled. "Yes, Daddy. The news from Fort Pillow is wonderful."

He grabbed his gold cane, "Yes, but it is a shame so many niggers died." He gestured me out the door. All the slaves stood to attention. "Back to work!" he bellowed as we passed.

I gazed at them for only a moment. "Why is it a shame, Daddy?"

He ran his hands through his locks, "Because that's 300 lost."

"300 lost? They're just slaves."

He walked around the grand fountain, and turned around towards our plantation. "It's 600 free hands for pickin, baby girl. That's a profit loss."

"Oh, I see." I looked at the slaves who were currently hanging up Daddy's new sign. He had the entrance completely rebuilt on the plantation. 'The Arch' was carved into the beautiful stone entrance. The Arch was one of the biggest plantations in the south.

Dad walked towards the carriage and kissed me on the head. "We got a new slave. She's a from that trikru trader. She'll be a house slave. Too pretty and too pale to be having outside."

Once the carriage drove out of view I turned towards the house. I'd never heard of a trikru slave. And how pale was she? I opened our large door to be greeted by Jaha. "Miss Griffin, do you need any assistance?"

"No, thank you." I spoke politely and kept walking. Jaha had saved Daddy's life, and ever since then he's had a life of ease. I walked towards the slave's cleaning quarters.

Outside slaves and inside slaves were on different levels. It was confusing to me. Daddy always says "Niggers aren't worth nothing to nobody", but isn't placing a slave above another make them worth something? Outside slaves all slept on old double-bedded cots. They all shared one wash room and eating place. Inside slaves have to share their quarters too, but at least only 6 of them share and not 124 sharing.

I approached the wash room and opened the door. The new slave laid bare in the tub with my mother over her. I could see she was very pale. Just a tad darker than I, but her hair gave her away. She had the hair of a savage.

"Hello, Clarke." She rose to hug me. "I need to tend to supper, but I have checked her body. She doesn't seem to have any wounds."

"She's very pale."

"Ahhh, yes. Your father thinks that she may have some Indian in her, or maybe Mexican. Who knows?" Mom went to wash her hands, "But, please finish bathing her."

"Yes, Ma'am." Mom left in a hurry. She worked as some sort of doctor for the slaves. Women weren't suppose to work, but Daddy found away around it. Mom didn't legally work, but she saved money for keeping the slaves alive. It made them both happy.

I sat down beside the girl. Her hair draped and covered her face. It was braided tight, but the curly-thickness of her hair made it look messy. I grabbed the cloth and poured some hot water into her chilly tub. I scrubbed her shoulders and winced at her back. Her brand was giant. It went from the top of her spine to the bottom. I gently cleaned the brand. I felt the girl buckle underneath the pain as her face almost went to the water.

"Sorry." I breathed out. I hated that they branded them. They're not cattle. I pulled the girl back up by the shoulder, and moved her hair back. "Looks like Mom has already fixed your hair to the best of her ability."

The girl nodded. I turned her face to face me, and was taken back. She was so beautiful. Her green eyes were dazzling. She had a dark olive complexion. She was so beautiful, but her face was so broken. Jaha entered the room. "Your mother sent me with towels and clothes, Miss Clarke."

He sat them beside me, "Thank you.", I looked back towards the girl, "What's your name?" I asked her softly, but she did not make a move to speak.

Jaha rushed over and grabbed the girl by the hair, "Nigger, speak when your master speaks to you!"

I snatched his hand out, "Jaha! How dare you!"

He took a step back in shock, "Miss Griffin, I was just-"

"You were just leaving!" I spat angrily and he nearly leapt out of the room. I sat back down and sighed. He was right to do that. Slaves are supposed to respond when spoken too, and it was Jaha's job to enforce that.

I looked towards the trembling girl. She was scared, but she was defiant. She won't last long if she keeps this up. I knelt down, "May I know your name?"

She looked at me on her own this time. "I am Lexa."