Chapter 2: The Return of Old Friends
Whilst she was finishing her preparations for the Nightblood feast Lexa was interrupted by her bedroom door opening unannounced, and she turned round to see the one face she'd least expect to see in Polis tower: Lincoln. He was dressed head to toe in smart black attire, three thin lines of war paint decorating the side of face, accompanied by a smug smile. "Given your last visit Lincoln I didn't think I'd ever see you here again" she said walking towards him.
"Well believe me Heda, after my last visit neither did I"
A brief moment of silence washed over them as they both were recalled with images of his last visit to Polis tower. He and another elder had gotten into an argument over some of the more "savage" punishments that the clan upheld for thieves, especially considering many were stealing for their families, and sure enough Lincoln had walked out of the senate in a rage declaring he wouldn't return to the council again. It was only after Costia was able to calm him down and talk some sense into him did he agree to remain councillor for the outer villages- much to his reluctance- keeping the peace and keeping Polis updated on news of the borders. So it was needless to say that it was a surprise for Lexa to see him standing before her. "What can I do for you Lincoln?" she asked.
"As much as it is good to see you Heda, it was Costia I was looking for. You haven't seen her have you?"
The happiness on Lexa's face faltered slightly. "No, not since this morning when the refugees entered the city" she approached her table and took a seat signalling for Lincoln to sit down. "I'm starting to become concerned, it seems nobody has seen her all day, and she never told me of any mission's or arrangements she had today"
Lincoln let out a short friendly chuckle to appease Lexa's worry before continuing, "I assure you Heda if it was this morning you last saw her you'll be pleased to her she's managed to stay out of trouble. I spoke to her not long ago in the downtown market"
Lexa's worry immediately left her system however she soon felt curiosity take its place, "What was she doing there?"
"When I stopped to speak with her she was heading to her family's forge, something about tools although she was being quite vague as to what for. Normally when we talk she'll tell me all about her projects but she seemed to be in a hurry. I believe she's been collecting various materials and tools from some of the builders in downtown all day" Lincoln said, and slowly reaching into the large pocket on his jacket he pulled out a small brown bag. "In fact that's why I'm here, she asked me to locate some of these for her"
Slowly untying the rope on the bag Lincoln dropped some of the contents on the table for Lexa to see, and as she looked she saw small metal objects: springs, coils, cogs, some shiny and new, however some looking older and rusted however all of drastically miniscule size. Lexa lifted a few of the objects and held them between her fingers inspecting them closer. "Any idea what any of these are for?" she questioned looking at Lincoln.
Lincoln had been expecting this question but was still caught off guard, and stuttered his answer, "Well see she didn't say exactly, but she didn't mention a… well, I don't think I should say"
"Lincoln" Lexa warned, switching from Lexa to the commander in a moment.
"Forgive me Heda, but I can assure you it's nothing to worry about," He said standing, and then added in a light joking tone, "And anyway I'd rather face the wrath of the Heda than the wrath of the Phoenix, despite her being my best friend"
Lexa rose from her chair to walk Lincoln to the door, laughing slightly at his humorous comment, ever since she became Heda it was rare for someone to joke with her. "Now Lincoln I think that's something we can both agree on"
They both share a pleasant smile before Lincoln begins to make his exit. "Lincoln!" He stops in his tracks and quizzically looks back at Lexa. "It is good to see you again"
"It's good to see you too Lexa, I'll see you at the festival" he smiled, before exiting leaving Lexa alone in the room and the undying tension of why he had made his return. Lexa brushed off her thoughts behind his motives as her being paranoid, which was not uncommon now she was Heda. Whatever Costia and Lincoln were doing she trusted them both with all her heart.
A/N: Sorry for the short chapter but I just rambled this together last night at 2am and thought I'd throw it in. Chapter 3 is written and will be up in a couple of days, and Chapter 4 writing is underway.