Things had quieted down between the Grounders and the Outsiders. It was peaceful for a time, and now that things had quieted it gave everyone the chance to get to know one another better. Octavia spent most of her days with Indra learning the necessary skills she would need to become a warrior, she was one of the biggest reasons why they hadn't killed each other yet. Raven spent most of her time working on radios and Clarke spent most of her time with Lexa and Bellamy trying to solidify battle plans for the spring. Today however was the first day of spring that they had had since the chill of the winter had set in months ago. Most people were milling outside but in the middle of everyone sat a group of girls. Octavia, Raven, and Clarke all sat around together in a circle enjoying some of the freedom of being outside once again, the sun warming their skin in the early afternoon. Thanks to Lexa and the Grounders, they had survived the winter.
Since Finn's death in the fall Raven had done everything she could to stop talking to Clarke but after a showdown between the two several months ago that had ended in a fist fight things had been worked out as they had slowly patched their friendship. There was still tension and everyone knew not to bring up Finn, but the camp was finally glad to see the two be at rest.
"Where's Lincoln today, Octavia? I haven't seen him at all." Clarke laid on her back staring up at the endless blue sky as she voiced the question with a hint of teasing. They had gotten Lincoln off of the Red for good. It had been difficult for them, the fights a showdown but the make ups fireworks. Clarke was happy for their peace now, glad that Lincoln could be free of one of his demons, thought she wondered if he ever truly would be.
"He's out with the hunters today. It's a rite of passage for them." Octavia answered trying not to let the joy slip into her voice.
"What?!" Clarke sat up looking at her friend excitedly knowing exactly what this meant.
"You mean they'll let him back in? He won't be considered a traitor anymore?" Raven continued over Clarke.
"Yep! After everything he has done and been through Indra has decided to relinquish her title of traitor. However he has to go through all the rites of passage again, which in my limited understanding there are a lot." Though the idea of him having to redo everything he had worked for was disheartening Octavia couldn't help but be excited. Being cut off from his people had weakened him and having that back gave her joy.
"Well, that's excellent Octavia. Now if this one would just admit that she likes her boy we'll be all good." Raven smirked at Octavia, as they teased Clarke about Bellamy. It had been a little weird at first, the idea of talking about her growing feelings for him with his sister but she didn't seem to care.
"Hey!" Clarke yelled
"Right?!" Octavia smirked back at Raven and watched as Clarke tried not to blush.
"For the record, I have admitted it but he won't so we're at a bit of a standstill." Clarke flopped back down letting out a heavy sigh. She didn't like keeping things from her friends, especially after everything that they had been through but after all the teasing she thought it would make a nice surprise.
"What? What are you two plotting? Oh goodness, this can't end well." Clarke hung her head, the two girls had matching devious smiles and of course they were plotting.
"We weren't plotting anything." Octavia says in a sickly sweet voice.
"We're innocent." Raven finished in just as sickly sweet a voice.
"Uh huh, why do I not believe you. Either of you. At all?" Clarke shook her head before trying to change the subject. The conversation moved on to how peace was being handled and whether or not Octavia would ever survive Indra, which she would but with more bruises and scratches than she cared for. After that the conversation moved onto lighter things and finally Clarke asked who had shown Octavia how to braid her hair back like that. It was out of her face and much easier to manage. Raven agreed having braided her hair back before pulling it into a pony tail has made things infinitely easier. The conversation continued this way for some time before Octavia offered to braid Clarke's hair back for her.
Octavia and Raven got to work, making sure the braids were even and tight as Raven followed Octavia's instructions for each section. Using small rubber bands the girls tied off the intricate knot they had created from weaving the multiple braids together to create a braided tiara. They were just about done when Bellamy cautiously walked up to them, knowing that the three of them together could be trouble. He stopped and stared at Clarke, her hair had always been pulled back out of her face but Octavia and Raven had taken three braids and woven them together around her head before bringing them together in the centre to look like a knot. It was beautiful work and it suited Clarke well.
"So what do you think Bellamy? Do you like it?" Raven teased. Clarke swatted at Raven to stop it before Octavia joined in.
"Yeah Bell, you think it suits our Princess." On the last word Octavia almost purred, Clarke turned around to look at her astonished. If they hadn't still been holding a few strands of her hairs she would have walked away, as it were the blush that was making its way from her ears to her chest made both girls chuckle. The continued to pass looks between the other as Bellamy and Clarke rolled their eyes.
"Will you finish my hair; I have to go meet Lexa." Clarke whined. Both girls snorted as they quickly tied off both strands releasing Clarke from their teasing.
"I'll come with you; I have a couple of questions for her about training." Bellamy quickly added as he waited for Clarke to pass before shooting a death glare at his sister and Raven as they made remarks and gestures of what they really should be doing.
"That won't help. Trust me." Clarke spoke, grabbing his attention.
"I take it you haven't told them yet?" Bellamy gave her a sidelong look.
"No, I figure they can wait until the feast for the news. It'll be our little surprise." Clarke smirked and Bellamy just shook his head, sometimes she could be just as devious as the other two. That was when they had planned to tell their camp. Lexa already knew she had been the one to suggest it, uniting of powers through a relationship such as marriage. She had said that among the Grounders a betrothal and marriage was one of the strongest bonds. If they wanted to show they were strong and united this would be the best way to do it. When the idea had first been presented at the beginning of winter they both had considered it, though more for political reasons than anything else, but as time had passed politics slowly left the equation.
"You three are ridiculous." Bellamy laughed as he thought about it. He was going to say it was a miracle that they hadn't gotten themselves killed but that would be a lie. Raven was fantastic at anything technical she could make anything out of the barest spare parts. Octavia was strong and a fighter she could help protect them with just about anything and with her recent training, she would keep them safe. Clarke was good on her feet, she was a quick thinker, a good fighter and a healer, and if he ever got trapped it would be those three he would wish to be saved by. Clarke had to admire how all three women was the reason he was still alive. Yes they were children, Octavia and Clarke were both still under eighteen but even still they had proven how vital they were to everyone's survival.
Upon entering the camp they were greeted warmly. Most of the other Outsiders did not venture into the camps made by the Grounders but Clarke had taken to spending most nights in the Grounder camp with Bellamy and Lexa. The guards had gotten to know them better and had slowly come to respect them. Some still wished for open war, hating the idea of peace but Lexa was young and a visionary, if anyone had the strength to pull this off she would be the one to do it.
After the pleasantries had been dismissed they sat around the fire talking about strategies to get their people back from Mount Weather. "You'll tell them the night of the feast, won't you?" The conversation had come to a lull as they had no more ideas to hash out, Bellamy had given Clarke a look and for the past several minutes they had been conversing silently. Broken out of their trance by her words, Lexa smiled at the pair. "I'm surprised you can keep it hidden from them. The way you two look at each other." Her smile was sad, as if pulling on old memories that still hurt.
"Yes, we'll tell them tomorrow night." Clarke spoke strongly before nodding at Bellamy.
"Lexa, we would like to learn about the betrothal ritual from your people. We would like to show a sign of respect by showing your people we are open to learning their culture and customs." Bellamy's voice was strong, inspiring.
"Of course." Lexa smiled, she knew in heart it had been right to make peace with these people. They did care, maybe not the adults, they didn't understand what the younger ones had gone through but she could see that Bellamy and Clarke were willing to sacrifice almost anything to keep peace. By standing in front of her people and performing this ceremony they would be solidifying the alliance.
For the next few hours Lexa spoke of the betrothal process. Clarke would be taken to be cleaned and dressed beforehand, it would be a special dress, usually it is made from the furs of the animals she had killed as a huntress but Lexa explained since she was not a huntress they would find something else to represent who she was. Bellamy would be cleaned as well, before being put in an outfit that would represent who he was as both leader and guard. Then Clarke would be led out on a horse before the two would be brought together before a great fire. There they would be marked, matching symbols would be painted on their faces that would mark they were betrothed. One representative from the Outsiders would speak of the couple on their bravery and commitment to each other then Lexa would speak about the importance of this bond, she would speak on the sacredness of the union and how no matter what may come they will always remain tied. On the next full moon they would unite completely through the bonding of the marriage ceremony. After detailing how it would go she taught them what to say in her language with the appropriate response.
The sun had set when they finally emerged from the tent where they had been talking and the Grounders around them noticed a difference. They sensed that something had changed and that something would be announced. Lexa departed from the pair as she spoke with Nyko and Indra about the events of the feast. Though Indra was still angry with the Outsiders she listened to the commands given and spoke with several of the village women about finding something suitable to wear for Clarke. The women spread word across the camps and suddenly there was a renewed sense of happiness. The women worked together to make a dress of a light cloth material, what was often used for the skirts before beginning a design with Clarke in mind as leader and healer.
"You have made the people happy." Nyko approached the pair as they were finishing up the meal with a smile on his face.
"Thank you." Bellamy and Clarke replied together.
"You have gained their respect by asking to follow our traditions instead of your own." Nyko continued. "Are your people aware of your betrothal?" His voice was inquisitive.
"They aren't. Tomorrow will be the first time we speak of this." Clarke answered for both of them.
"Does he not need to ask permission for your betrothal?" Nyko looked scandalized at the idea.
"It is custom among our people to ask the father for the hand of marriage but my father is dead." Clarke finished the sentence quietly, the images of him being floated still too fresh in her mind.
"How did he die?" Nyko inquired lowering his voice.
"He was sentenced to death for trying to save my people." Clarke's voice broke as she continued to speak. Though she and Bellamy had gotten closer he knew that she didn't like bringing up her father, he had never heard the full story before and now as they sat together he was glad to be by her side. Reaching his hand over he squeezed hers gently encouraging her to continue on. Taking a deep breath Clarke continued, "Our home was dying, we were running out of time to save it. He wanted to tell all of our people so that we could find a way. My mother told our old leader what my father's plan was and he was sentenced to death. I stood and watched as my father was pulled out into the void for trying to save his people." Clarke ended and Nyko took a moment of silence before speaking.
"You are just like him, he would be proud of you Clarke." Nyko was angry for her, but he understood her a little more now. Understood why she cared so much for her people. "Thank you for telling me." Nyko stood after another few moments of silence feeling that couple should be alone to discuss what had been said. He had watched Bellamy's face while Clarke had been talking and he saw the visceral reactions.
"So your mother is the reason why you got sent to prison." Bellamy shook his head, things made a lot more sense now. Especially has most of the time there was an uneasy tension between the two.
"Yes she is. She is also the reason my father is dead." She followed with barely any emotion in her voice.
"I am sorry." Bellamy turned her face towards him trying to catch her eye before kissing her deeply. He could see the pain ran deep, that she had more scars that she let anyone and see and for a moment he wanted to erase her pain. Wrapping his other arm around her to draw her close Bellamy slowed his kisses on her lips. Pulling her lips back Clarke rested her forehead against his while basking in the comfort of his arms around her. Lexa watched as they settled, resting against one another before falling asleep next to the fire.
The next day began the day of feasting. Winter was over and spring had begun, the feast would celebrate another winter survived and another spring to come and fill the Earth with food and bounty. As preparation were being made on both sides and tables being set up in between the two camps Bellamy and Clarke were taken away to begin preparations for the night's events. Once washed and cleaned the women of the village began looking at Clarke's hair asking would had created such an intricate design. Once she mentioned Octavia the women nodded leaving it as it was. Clarke thought it a bit curious but left it alone as the dress was brought out before her. Staring at the material Clarke reach forward letting it run through her fingers before looking up to Indra and a few of the other women with a huge smile on her face. "Thank you. It's beautiful." At this Clarke looked the woman who was holding it in the eye to show all her sincerity. The woman nodded before nodding her head to the robe that they had given Clarke. Though she felt exposed she disrobed before stepping into the dress. The material was light and soft, falling against her in just the right way. The woman who had made this was an artist. It fit her perfectly. Turning her around all of the women began clapping, exclaiming in their own language that she was beautiful. A few moments later a horse was brought out; helping Clarke on the horse Indra walked her out, leading her towards the bonfire that was a short distance away.
It had felt like he was getting married instead of being betrothed. He hadn't been allowed to see Clarke since the morning and as he stood waiting by the fire he was getting anxious. Everyone had asked him what had been going on, but he had said they would have to wait for the feast. Still there was an air around the camp of surprise and happiness. Octavia smiled at him reassuringly while Raven looked on confused. Lexa and Octavia stood in front of their people together. Though Abby was the leader Clarke has requested Octavia be the one to speak, and for Octavia it was a great honour. Slowly the crown parted as Clarke rode in on the horse and Bellamy could nothing but stare. The dress they had put her in was cut modestly in a v-neck that came just above the top of her breasts before continuing down in an A-line that was slit to her mid-thigh on both sighs. The Grounders were surprised as they noted the ceremony while the Outsiders were confused as they watched their two leaders come together.
The Grounders knew better than to interrupt a ceremony like this but the murmurings of the Outsiders was growing too loud. Raising his hands to quiet the people Bellamy spoke, "Please trust your leaders, you will understand soon." With that Bellamy turned back toward Clarke who now stood on the other side of Lexa. With that the ceremony began, Octavia spoke of how brave both of them were, speaking to their strengths and their weaknesses and how they complimented one another so well. Then she spoke of commitment even in the toughest and hardest of times. Octavia made sure to speak slowly enough so that Lexa could translate for her. They wanted to make sure both sides understood everything that was being said. Then Lexa began to speak, she spoke about what this commitment would mean for them, how strong it would bind them together and how nothing could break this apart. Indra translated for her as Octavia's knowledge of their language was not enough to do the job, though she was learning.
Finally as the ceremony came to an end Lexa painted their faces with the same symbol, it was a symbol that represented strength and commitment. She interlaced their hands with a thick strip of fabric before tying it off. The two looked at her startled while a rumbling laugh echoed throughout the Grounders.
"You have to keep your hands bound until you can figure out a way to untie the knot. You have to do it together without cutting it. It is the final piece of our ceremony." Lexa gave them a sly smile before adding one more thing. Standing before both everyone Lexa spoke to the crowd this time. "It is customary among my people to seal this ceremony with a kiss." Bellamy and Clarke were smiling until Lexa had continued; though they were together they had been trying to take it slow physically. They had kissed a few times but now in front of everyone it felt awkward. Clarke hesitated but Bellamy pulled her forward pressing his lips down on hers softly before moving to nip at her bottom lip. It was a soft spot of her's, when Bellamy did that, and so she pushed back eagerly kissing him and nipping at his lips as he was hers. After a few moments they remembered that they were in front of a crowd, one that was loudly cheering them on. Octavia couldn't keep the smile off of her face and Raven ran up to congratulate them both.
The evening continued with merriment on both sides as they ate and drank together. Clark and Bellamy worked through having their hands tied together, though at the moment they didn't seem to really mind being attached at the hip. Grounders continually came up and congratulated them or nodded their heads in acknowledgement. It was a sign of respect, they had done this right and Clarke sighed happily as she rested her head against Bellamy.
"We did it." She smiled up at him.
"Yes we did." Just as Bellamy was about to kiss her again, Abby came running up, having been detained with a patient earlier.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" The crowd around them quieted as they stared at the Chancellor and her daughter. Lexa made her way over but Clarke put her hand out indicting her to stop. This was her battle to fight and she had to do this.
"I believe I am betrothed to Bellamy now." Her response crisp and tight, giving warning to those around her. Raven and Octavia stood to one side as the scene unfolded.
"Do you know what you are doing? Do you understand what you have agreed to?" Abby broke, now understanding the ceremony that had taken place. They were engaged, or rather betrothed.
"I would not have entered into this if I did not completely understand the task that was before me." Clarke's voice was determined. "I understand that what we call a betrothal they consider a bonding. The bonding that we agreed to is not for people who are in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together. The bond that the ceremony spoke of was the bond that comes with willing to die for one another, to hunt for one another, to commit to them so completely that no matter what may come your way you go to them. It spoke of enduring hard times, as they are about to come. It spoke of enjoying the peace but more it spoke of bonding two people as one to live together, work together, think together, and move together as one. It speaks of something deeper that just love." Clarke eyed her mother, wanting to say something about her father but knowing this was neither the time nor the place.
"I understand as much as she does what we agreed to. You have no idea what we have been through, what we have seen and done. We came divided, unable to stand one another and look where we are. If we can do this amongst ourselves we can do this with the others." Bellamy continued, reassuring Clarke of his choice as well as their reasoning. Octavia smiled at both of them, they were both strong leaders and now they would be even stronger together.
"What do you know of love? You speak as though you are bound eternally together. Love can die and whither and betray." Abby's words were harsh and cold though Clarke thought she might be directing them at herself just as much as her daughter. Still the words stung, her mother knew nothing of the time
"We are bound by friendship, pain, death, murder, sorrow, regret, strength, and love. But most of all we are bound to each other by commitment. You were not here when we landed and you were not here when we had to learn how to survive. Bellamy was. They all were and while you sit there and tell us how to live here you forget one very important detail." Clarke's voice had darkened but now Bellamy stood by her side looking like a king and she his queen.
"What have I forgotten child?" The word was supposed to be an insult but missed the mark.
"You forget that we have been here longer than you. We have learned how to survive here. And you forget that we stopped being children the day we were forced to leave our home. You gave up the right to call us children that day there's no going back." Abby took a moment then to really look at her daughter and see her for what she had become. She had lost the edges of childhood and replaced them with the scars of this world, the reminders of what being a leader meant and the blood that was on her hands.
"As long as you understand what have you committed to I will not stand in your way." Abby raised her hands in surrender as Raven's words hit her again and again. She was no longer a child and there was no going back. Instead there was a wall between them. Separating Clarke from forgiving her mother, she still cared and it was a gift to know that she was alive but the anger of losing her father was still between them. Clarke nodded her head in agreement, ending the conversation as she turned towards Bellamy. They knew this would not be easy, they didn't expect it to be. That was not why they were doing this. Moving as one the crowd split before them allowing them a close seat to the spit where the deer was being roasted for the feast. Their friends joined them then, sitting around close as they spoke of their surprise at the announcement, everyone except Octavia who was currently swaying to the music in front of Lincoln.
"Octavia, how did you know?" Clarke inquired after a short lull in conversation. Octavia titled her head up to Lincoln, meeting his gaze and smiling.
"Some things are just easy to see. How did you know I knew?" Octavia smiled at the pair, she had never quite seen her brother as happy as he was next to Clarke.
"When the women were dressing me they asked who had done my hair and then once I said it was your they all began laughing, I assumed you must have known otherwise why this style?" Clarke explained logically. Lincoln pressed a kiss to Octavia's forehead before smirking. "Octavia, what exactly does this hairstyle represent?" Clarke hesitated, the looks passing between Lincoln and Octavia spoke of mischief that Clarke wasn't sure she wanted to be a part of.
"Loyalty, leadership, and commitment the knots are specific to the meaning behind the style." It was the same words used in the ceremony. She gave Octavia a warm smile understanding that her friend had seen things between her brother and Clarke that she herself had not. As the night drew on and the festivities grew Clarke and Bellamy found that they didn't want to untie their hands, they would at some point later in the evening but for the time they enjoyed the closeness to the other. Their actions were seamless, it was not a challenge to accomplish tasks and they both knew when to give and take, there was a few moments where it would become tense but they would reason it out as they always seemed to do.
Lexa watched on from a short distance pondering the couple as they walked among the Grounders just as much as their people. She could see they were trying to learn the language, making an effort by greeting the people in their native tongue. Nyko chose that moment to come and join her, bowing in respect before taking a seat a pace away.
"They will be strong leaders." He spoke quietly as he watched them over to a group of their own people again.
"Yes they will be." Lexa thought as she knew as well tough times would come but they would survive, they would endure and preservere like they always had, but now they would do it together. They were stronger now that they were united, there was shift in their relationship that some of the Outsiders leaders had noticed. A change that showed the wisdom of children that had experienced much and now as they were about to march on Mount Weather Lexa thought that is was wise to go in with unitied leaders. They would not fail, for the strength from Bellamy and Clarke was contagious and everyone would find their own.