POLIS - THRONE ROOM
Lexa stands in front of Costia pressing a blade to her throat. She tries to stifle her breathing, heavy with exertion and adrenaline. Everyone in the room waits in silence, waiting for Lexa to slit Costia's throat. It is their way, once chosen, a nightblood becomes Commander and the others must die.
Lexa stares at her extended arm, her hand, the beads of sweat on Costia's throat, and finally the bright blue eyes staring back at her from beneath the black hair. Staring at those blue eyes she has known since childhood, that she has loved since childhood, Lexa couldn't help but remember the first time she had set eyes on Costia.
Flashback
Fourteen years old, Lexa and two grounders were riding to Titus in Polis to join the other nightbloods. Riding at full speed Lexa and the two grounders nearly crashed into Costia with her one. Horses reared as they nearly collide. Spinning her horse around Lexa takes in the attire of the other group, Trikru.
"Ice Nation" Lexa shouts pointing in the direction they had just rode from, "keep riding"
Kicking her horse into a full gallop, Lexa led the group through the forest until she found the spot she was looking for, "We fight from here" Lexa stated simply as she dismounted and drew her swords.
Costia swung down, hitting the ground next to Lexa.
"You, with the bow. Take point in the tree and take out as many as you can while they ride." Costia nodded approval at Lexa's orders.
Ice Nation came riding in, falling off horses as arrows flew. Swinging swords, the grounders cut out the legs of the horses as they rode by, too fast to slow at the ambush. Standing shoulder to shoulder Lexa and Costia slaughtered the Ice Nation as the fell from their horses. The group was small, easy to overpower given the element of surprise.
As the last Ice Nation fell, Lexa stood rigid staring at their faces, 18. Eighteen dead by her hand. She did't have the kill marks to prove it but she remembered every one of their faces.
Lexa finally looked at the grounders that came with her, both seemed to be fine. Only a cut on the arm which was being bandaged. Turning her head, she looked at the girl who fought next to her. Costia was standing tall, her hair hung loose over her shoulders, pieces stuck to the sweat on her brow. She wore a long sleeve shirt and slim leg pants, all as black as her hair. A tattoo crept up the side of her neck, starting somewhere under her shirt. A small gasp escaped Lexa's lips, as Costia looked her in the eyes. Lexa had never seen eyes so clear blue, almost white. They stood staring at each other.
Costia was the first to move, putting her sword away, she strode towards Lexa, arm extended. As she approached, Lexa noticed the height and age difference, not only was Costia a couple inches taller but probably a year or two older too. Lexa grasped the extended forearm, admiring the muscle.
"Costia"
"Lexa"