Author's note:

Hello everyone! Apologies for the delay in posting this new chapter. My co-writer and I have a busy few days behind us in which the balance between real life and writing leaned awfully close to the former. As a gift to all of you, we decided to give you a longer chapter today, instead of breaking it into two seperate chapters. Enjoy!

Chapter 3 - "The Lessons of the Blood"

Lexa woke that night bathed in sweat and salt trickling down her cheeks, burning at her forest-green eyes, as she had every night since the day her love's head had been brought to her bed. None knew of these panic attacks, although she suspected Indra knew, but the dark-skinned woman was too smart to say anything about it, simply standing a reassuring watch outside the Heda's tent.

She had dreamt again, of weeping faces, haunting her, stalking her. The voices of thousands ringing through her mind as they chased her, demanded her blood as compensation for their deaths. Costia's rang loudest above all. A constant reminder of Lexa's failure, her weakness. What had happened the one time she had placed herself first and her people second. Such a mistake would not, could not be made again. Slender fingers angrily rubbed the salt form her eyes as she swung her legs out from the nest of thick furs she had slept in, stepping to the pitcher of water and drinking until she was somewhat refreshed. From the filtered light emanating from the tent's opening, it was the early hours of dawn. Pink and red shadows cast along her armour stand, glinting off the blades resting thereon. Lexa knew what had to be done. Bring the Sky People into the fold of her coalition, for a war between them would surely be costly. Wiping out the Skaikru and most of her own standing army, as well as annihilate the unity of the clans. No, she had to make this work.

A young girl entered her tent, bowing low before the Heda as Lexa nodded. She allowed the child to help her bathe, braid her thick, unruly ebony locks into the intricate style of an army commander, adorned with small, white flowers before shedding her shift and donning her armour. "Thank you, child. Fetch your Heda some fruit, will you?" Lexa had always had a soft-spot for the children she reigned over, taking care that their needs were met, that those who trained to succeed her as Heda were strong and just. It was the one 'weakness' she allowed herself that morning. Sitting with a group of children surrounding her throne while she, herself, told stories from a tome. It was a different sight to be sure, the softness of Lexa's expression as the hint of a smile tugged at full lips. Clarke would find Lexa like that, seated upon her throne whilst reading from a tome to a company of children who clung to their Heda's every word.

"Clarke, meet my successors. The children of the Night Blood."

Clarke had spent most of the night crying and thinking. Octavia's and Raven's words were still in her ears, as if someone forced her to hear them over and over again. They didn't understand why she had killed Finn and why she hadn't done anything to save his life. Clarke was sure that those two weren't the only ones who didn't understand and who'd hate her for what she did. So when she left the camp in the morning, she felt weak and tired. The blood had been washed off of her hand, but Clarke could still somehow feel it.

She was about to meet Lexa again for a final negotiation. If that wasn't going to bring peace to both sides, then Finn's death would have been for nothing. Clarke made up her mind and decided to tell Lexa right away, but that fire seemed to extinguish the moment she saw Lexa surrounded by those children. It was a picture she didn't expect to see as it showed a different side of Heda. The blonde blinked some as she looked around the group of children before her eyes wandered back to Lexa. "I suppose I should come back later then?" She asked, obviously still a bit confused and unable to tell what to say or do. She couldn't help but to think of those who were unable to sit there and listen to Lexa. Those who died by the hands of Finn, the man she used to love and the man Clarke stabbed to death only a couple of hours ago.

With a raised hand, the Heda dismissed the guard that had escorted the blonde Sky girl into her tent. It would do no good to needlessly bring the troubles of the outside world into the lessons she taught her successors. While the previous commanders had cared little for others outside their own clan, Lexa had known that her people needed one another. That they would be stronger and had a better chance of surviving this world together. Those were also the teachings she preached to the children, instilling important lessons into their minds that had cost Lexa dearly, but would help her people's future.

"No Clarke, come, sit with us. I wish for you to see this side of my people, for thus far you have seen the threat of looming war. Now, it is time for what comes after." Lexa's voice was softer than it had been the day prior, gentler in the presence of the children but not less instilled with the authority of the Heda. The children scooted to the side, allowing the blonde a seat upon the plush furs that lined the tent's floor while Lexa turned to the next page of her tome.

"This journal will belong to my successor someday, inside it are my thoughts, my experiences and the wisdom I have gathered to lead our people to prosperity. Our last lesson for today is that, even when it might not immediately be clear, a smaller sacrifice can prevent more on the long term. A Heda's duty is always to her people, first and foremost. We are chosen by our Night Blood, yes, but it is the people that are the true source of our power of office. Without them, a Heda is nothing. You must always see beyond the situation at hand, explore the different possibilities in your mind for every choice you make, for the first option is not always the right one. Sometimes a single death can spare those of hundreds. Even the way you go about that single death may produce different outcomes. A Heda shows strength and wisdom, even if her people do not always immediately see it like that."

Lexa's words rang through the tent, impassioned and so very different from her usual mask of neutrality and impassiveness. The children nodded their heads, seemingly pondering the words and forging their own vision and opinions on the matter. And for the next hour, the Heda patiently discussed each question with the young crowd before her, giving advice and tutelage where needed and praise where it was due. It was a healthy distraction from the world outside, of the tension and latent anger. In the Heda's tent it was as if there had been none of that, simply a peaceful morning between teacher and students.

When a matronly woman entered the tent and bowed to Lexa, the brunette nodded and bid the children goodbye. Curious brown eyes regarded the blonde before the group retreated from the tent and Lexa stood, walking to her war table and pouring crystal clear water into two intricately carved cups before handing one to Clarke. "Not what you had expected of my people, Clarke?"

It was impossible to feel much hate and anger when those children were sitting close and probably not having an idea what had happened the night before. Clarke didn't know how much they knew about that war between them, but she was definitely not going to discuss anything with Lexa for as long as the children were still there. Clarke was getting ready to leave when Lexa offered her to sit with them. For a moment, the blonde didn't think it was a good idea, but she didn't say a word and changed her mind only moments later. So she kicked off her boots before her feet touched the plush furs and sat down between two of Lexa's successors.

She listened carefully to what the Heda was telling those children, and she couldn't help but compare what Lexa said about making small sacrifices with the scene from the night before. Clarke had killed her friend just to make sure that others wouldn't be hurt.. not anymore. But was it right to sacrifice a human life to protect others? Clarke was still not sure about it and she was sure that some of her people, including Raven and Octavia would disagree. So perhaps Lexa was telling them a story about Clarke and what she did to bring peace to both sides. Listening to the Heda actually provided some distraction, but not for too long.

As soon as the children had left the tent, Clarke got up to join Lexa at her war table. When she was handed the cup, Clarke finally realized how dry her mouth and throat were. So she quickly downed the content before being able to speak. "No, but I'm not surprised you care much for your own people. That's what a Heda does, right? Anyway, you know why I'm here. So?" Clarke spoke in a rather soft tone herself as she looked down at her hand holding the cup. For a moment, she could see the blood again as if it was still there. She closed her eyes for a moment and the blood was gone. The blonde sighed and looked back up at Lexa.

The way that Clarke gazed intently at her hand and the subsequent closing of her blue eyes reminder Lexa of how she had gazed at her own hands much the same way, often in the dead of night, at the skin that had been thoroughly scrubbed but still felt slick with the blood of the ones she had brought death to. It was a thing that she understood well and thus did not comment on. Such a pain would only lessen when the one who carried it realised it for what it was; a weakness, but a useful one. Reminding one of the choices they had made and the lessons that could be drawn from them.

Forest-green orbs gazed slightly down at those deep azure pools, the Heda's gaze softening ever so lightly before she replied. "Sha, it is what a Heda does. What she is to her people. We are the ones that always choose the lesser of two evils, must choose what will benefit our people most, even though it brings pain to ourselves."

Lexa took in the war table beside them, the strategic positioning of her own troops around a wooden diorama of the Skaikru camp, its tactics clear even to the blonde. "Do you wish to broker a treaty with me for your people's safety, Clarke kom Skaikru? My coalition will not attack yours, yet there must be no repetition of the slaughter at the village upon my people. That is the basis of the treaty; no more bloodshed. We have lost enough. Both of our people have." Lexa had easily slipped back into her role as commander, the cup brought to her lips to sate her parched throat as she allowed the blonde Sky girl some time to ponder the first rules of the treaty.

Clarke had learned a lot about what it meant to be a leader. She had become one even though she never wanted to and now, she was the one making decisions for her people. Of course, Kane was still considered the head of the camp, but to their children, Clarke was the one in charge, the one they followed. But for how long? The blonde knew that there was an easy way out, but it would only make things worse. Still, what if she just left to be on her own? Perhaps the atmosphere would lighten up again with Clarke no longer around. So indeed, she began to consider it. But first, she'd have to make sure that Lexa's clan wouldn't keep attacking them.

Clarke listened to the first rules of the treaty and shrugged. "That's exactly what this treaty is all about. No more killing. No more suffering." Her eyes wandered over the map and she could tell that they were still ready to attack whenever it was necessary. They were prepared for that war, much more than Clarke and her friends. So another battle could only result in everyone's death. That was what the blonde had to prevent. After a little while, she looked back at Lexa, somehow looking like she was scanning the other's features which told Clarke that Lexa was still pretty young herself and certainly not ugly at all. But she quickly wiped off that thought and spoke. "I can tell there is more. I want to listen to all your demands before I make a decision." Actually, the decision had already been made, but Clarke wanted to think that she still had some control of the situation, even if it wouldn't be much.

The hint of a smile twitched at the brunette's lips. A knowing smile, one that betrayed that the Heda had already known that the Sky girl would accept the treaty. It had undoubtedly be confronting, to gaze upon the imposing war table and see the outcome of the battle that could begin to unfurl. Lexa had not left a single thing to chance. Every wooden figurine had been carefully placed, the dark wood betraying droplets of dark colour here and there. This had been the very table that would have signified the defeat of the Sky people and a good number of Lexa's, had this treaty not seen the light of day.

"That is what a leader would say, Clarke. Good. You are learning." The words were softened, without sting or subterfuge. It was as if the brunette spoke to one of her young successors, motivating and instilling important lessons into their minds. "There is no doubt that your people need food and water. For the time being, I propose a quarantine area of fifteen kilometres surrounding your camp. It should provide ample room to scavenge food from the forest and water from the river. Your people will not starve, nor will they have a war upon their doorstep. The quarantine gives us the room to breathe, hammer out the details for trade negotiations and more." Lexa slowly walked about the table as she spoke, pointing out the landmarks she included in her words, highlighting areas of the forest ripe with edible plants and where animals frequently drank and foraged.

It was clear that the Heda had thought her plans through, for she had already discussed them with her generals and emissaries of the twelve clans in her coalition. While not easy, they had ultimately seen things her way and had agreed. Truth be told, Lexa liked the spark present in the blonde's eyes as they negotiated. She had found a purpose here, no matter how small or insignificant, but it would better the lives of her people and took her mind off of the death of the boy. "Winter's Breath is a few weeks away, Clarke. Your people are not prepared. If you wish it, I will instruct my hunters to help you replenish the food supplies of your camp, create fur tents and blankets to stave off the white death. We are at the precipice of peace, therefore I ask things in return as well. Your mother, she is a fissa, yes? A healer I want her to instruct my own healers, for while your people could learn about our medicine, knowledge like this should be shared. It will be the first step toward peace. Come spring, when the snows melt, we can revisit our treaty and adjust it where necessary."

While they talked and bartered, several trays of food were brought in and sat on small tables for the Heda and her guest. Richly filled bowls of fruits, vegetables and smoked meats lined the plates. A feast fit for royalty. Lexa gestured towards the food, taking an apple in one hand and unsheathing her dagger in the other. Forest-green orbs held azure counterparts as she deftly sliced through the fruit and held out one half to the younger woman. An offering between them, the unspoken words lingering in the forest coloured depths of the Heda's eyes.

The more she listened to Lexa, the more Clarke felt that there had to be a catch. The Heda was surprisingly generous, offering the blonde much more than just a truce. Of course, her people could use the help to survive winter and gather food and water. But where was it coming from? Given the hostility that Clarke got to feel a couple of hours ago, Lexa offered her more than she could ever ask for. Did it mean that the Heda was a good person after all? Probably so, but it still sounded too good to be true. The fact that she wanted her mother to teach her clan members wasn't really a surprise and it didn't seem to be an issue. But could that be all Lexa would ask for in return? Clarke got something to think about while the food was being delivered. Before she'd say anything, Clarke accepted the other half of the apple and ate it.

"Hm.. forgive my distrust and I certainly don't want to appear ungrateful, but that all sounds a bit too good. I can hardly believe that your people would accept such a treaty, when you are giving more than you get in return. I mean, it's obvious that I should accept without a second thought, but still.. there's got be something else that you want, Heda." Clarke raised a brow and almost seemed to smirk as she continued. "Okay, what is it? Want me to kiss your feet or lick your boots in front of your people? I mean, don't get me wrong, but something about your eyes tells me that there is still a catch. Something that I should think about before offering my hand to you."

Lexa laughed at the words, truly laughed. Were it any other person that had said those words, she would have sliced their necks without a second thought. If Indra had been present, she would have had to lift a finger to achieve the same result. No, only this blonde Sky girl could say those words and get away with it, provided she and her were alone and none would hear it as a challenge to their Heda's authority.

Forest green orbs swept down to meet azure depths, mirth swiftly replaced by the careful neutrality of the commander that was necessary in these decisions. To rule and decide with one's mind, rather than their heart. "Do not tempt my patience or hospitality, Clarke kom Skaikru. You will find either swiftly fleeting if you press these words." Lexa gave a cool stare before stepping back and sitting into the comfortable wooden embrace of her throne. She had to remind the blonde of her position, the difference in power and where the scales lay in their balance. While it was certainly enjoyable to verbally spar with the younger woman, boundaries needed to be set.

"Indeed. I wish for your Commander Kane and you to pledge fealty to me as your Heda, to the twelve clans. It will mark the start of this peace, all united under a single banner. When one wages war on another, it means to wage war on all of us. It would provide your people the protection they seek, while giving me the reassurance of peace that I seek for my people." She gestured to the chair in front of her throne, inviting Clarke to sit. Those blue eyes of the Sky girl truly spoke of a genuine concern for her people, something Lexa could admire. Not to mention that those gems were sat in a pleasant face to gaze upon. The time spent with the blonde that morning allowed a slight shimmer of warmth to seep into the Heda's heart, making her more forgiving and lenient. However, they had to negotiate and she had vowed to place her people's needs in front of her own. Not that she felt a need towards the blonde, oh no. Certainly not. Didn't she?

"What do you say to that, Clarke? I hereby invite your people to join my coalition. To become…allies."

Clarke knew that not everyone could handle that loose tongue of hers. No matter how smart and considerate the blonde used to be most of the time, it just sometimes happened that she didn't think before opening her mouth. So it happened in this case, but she was lucky that Lexa rather laughed it off than anything else. But it was clear that the Heda was not all amused, Clarke could tell by the look in her eyes. For a moment, Lexa looked just like the cold-hearted leader Clarke thought she was in the beginning. It actually made the blonde shiver some, but she didn't mention it.

So instead, she took a seat across from the throne as Lexa told her what else she expected from the Sky People. Well and there was the catch she was expecting before. Lexa wanted them to pledge fealty to her as their Heda. Considering how stubborn some of her people were, Clarke could tell that this would be a difficult thing to explain to them. "Well, that will be the tricky part then. Convincing my people to pledge fealty to you. I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that some still fear you, still hate you.. Well and myself, I don't feel everyone's support at the moment. I thought you should hear the truth. What I did last night...they just.. some don't understand. So they consider me to be more of a Grounder than one of them. Their words, not mine." Clarke was aware that this could change everything. A promising treaty could still fail to happen, only because some were too stubborn and proud. "This is not supposed to be a warning or anything. Really. I doubt that any of them would dare to try to harm you. If anything, I might fall with a knife in my back eventually. So perhaps, I should have a word with Kane, just because the people seem to trust them more than me. But I don't blame them, really. I have not been a good leader."

The words were not unexpected to Lexa, for she had known that forming such a treaty with the sky people so shortly after the execution of one of their own would place them on strenuous footing at best. Compromises had to be made, something that she had already considered and formed within her own mind during the display of outrage behind the metal fence of the Sky people camp. It would be a difficult road for both their people to walk down upon, yet a necessary one.

Clarke's shiver did not go unnoticed and for a moment the Heda's forest green eyes betrayed a hint of regret at the hard words. She had to enforce those boundaries, because no matter how much she wanted this treaty, if one of her people caught the blonde disrespecting their commander, her head would roll before Lexa. "Clarke, a leader thinks of their people before she thinks of herself. You have shown to me that you are able to do so. You came here today to broker for a treaty, regarding any hate you may feel towards me for placing you in the position I did yesterday. We must think with cool heads, decide with our minds rather than our hearts. When I last spoke with your Commander Kane, he displayed the same ability."

Lexa folded one leg over the other and leaned back into the intricately carved wood of her throne, one hand rising to rub at her right temple in small circles. It was clear that beside the dark war paint the young Heda sported the evidence of sleep deprivation, resulting in a dull pounding inside her head that reverberated to her eardrums. "Talk to Kane, to your people. Decide and bring me your answer. Only then may we usher in a peace between us, Clarke. Even the Heda is bound by the law of her people. If this treaty fails, I fear so will any chance at peace." Lexa's gaze had softened, relieved at the chance to have a proper discussion regarding the terms with the blonde. One corner of her full lips betrayed a hint of those rare smiles, giving a glimpse of the young woman behind the Heda upon her throne.

Clarke was not entirely sure why, but with all those different feelings she had for Lexa, none of them was fear. There was still the possibility of another battle, just in case neither her nor Kane would be able to convince their people to agree to such an alliance. Of course, Clarke hoped that they could, not only because it would save so many lives, it was because she thought that Lexa wasn't such a bad person after all. The blonde then found herself watching when Lexa folded one leg over the other and she kept her eyes down there for a few seconds before she'd stand up and look back at the Heda's face again.

"I will talk to him and let him speak to the others. He will listen to them and only if he feels that they agree to this, I will come back and let you know. I will do my best to convince him and the others, because I feel that pledging fealty to you is the best thing that could happen to me.. I mean us. You made me kill one of my closest friends last night, but.." She took a deep breath before saying another word. "..I would still bow to you, Lexa." Just when she spoke those last few words, Clarke blinked a bit and shook her head some. "Um.. yeah. I should get going." So before Lexa could say another word, Clarke left the tent and went straight back to her camp. It was just odd to even think of it being 'her' camp since the blonde couldn't really tell if it was still a home to her. There was also that thing about what she just said to Lexa. On the other hand, the Heda certainly understood, didn't she? Well perhaps she did, but Clarke couldn't really say the same about herself. Anyway, all that mattered now was to convince Kane and hope he could convince the others.