A/N: 175 follows in just three chapters! That's incredible and the feedback last chapter was definitely encouraging, you guys are the best. Originally I wasn't even going to post this chapter but, Jellymankelly convinced me otherwise and I am glad they did. I received a review asking how the grounders felt about Clarke, although a bit of insight was given in chapter one. I think this chapter touches on that a little bit more. So let's head back to Polis. This chapter is definitely quality over quantity. All feedback is appreciated.


The horns blowing in the distance announce the arrival of Caris and the Desert Clan, a contingent consisting of what looks to be at least half of the Desert Clan's warriors, all dressed in the tan and white colors representing their people, riding in on their fearsome war horses.

Although their lands are barren, the Desert People have adapted to their surroundings and bred their animals to survive in the harsh conditions as well, especially their horses. The animals can withstand the extreme heat of the days and long journey's. The horses are also their main stay of trading for anything they can't grow or find in their lands as they are a favorite amongst warriors for their traits including an ability to form a cooperative relationship with humans. The breed is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please. They also developed the high spirit and alertness needed in a horse used for raiding and war this combination of willingness and sensitivity requires the owners to handle their horses with competence and respect. Many a warrior has been bucked off a horse for not treating the creature with deserved respect.

Luna and Gustus join Lexa at the gates to greet the leader and her warriors as they enter the city. Caris, the tall tan skinned leader has her long blondish-brown hair braided in the traditional style of the Desert Clan with strips of white ribbon flowing through her locks indicating her position amongst her clan, her dark brown eyes glinting with mirth at the sight of her friends and fellow leaders. She easily dismounts her horse and approaches the awaiting group.

"Why can't the Sky People choose to fall out of the sky during a more pleasant season?" Caris jokes pulling away from her greeting embrace with Lexa. The two leaders had formed a strong bond during their years growing up training as seconds, often coming out of sparring sessions heavily bruised.

"It is still warmer here than it is in your lands during the nights." Lexa quips in return always appreciative of Caris' humor even in times of stress.

"That is only after the sun has given way to the moon. The days still hold more warmth than this." Caris smiles coyly. She is only a year older than Lexa so she understands the burden placed on Lexa as the head of the alliance better than most. Anytime she can get the Commander to relax and smile even if for just a moment is a small victory. She turns her attention from Lexa and greets Luna.

Luna, the leader of the Floudonkru, and Caris, leader of the Bakkru, had both sent messengers a few days after the news of the 100's landing had reached them. The messengers relayed that the two leaders would be joining Lexa and her warriors in Polis so they could set off together for TonDC. Luna's messenger had also stated that Luna had some urgent issues to discuss with the Commander.


The days since the scouts left for TonDC and before the two leaders' arrival have been filled with preparations in the capital. Lexa has managed to keep herself busy with war meetings to ensure Polis would still be protected while half of its fighting force would be traveling with her. She went on extra hunts to ensure their journey would not be slowed by the need for food, and it would also lessen the burden of the residents of TonDC who would be supporting the bulk of the force. She knows they will also eventually be required to help provide for the rest of the Coalition, who would be taking up residence in the city and surrounding villages in few weeks' time.

She is thankful to have Gustus by her side, to keep her calm and focused in those moments when all she wants to do is run off to see that her wife is okay. He helps her plot the fastest course to TonDC and reminds her that Anya and Ryder will keep Clarke safe even at the cost of their own lives if the need to do so arises.

Lexa knows with a force this big, it will take longer to get there, but all the same she is glad for the company of her two closest allies in the Coalition and their armies riding with hers as one.


The three women head to Lexa's home, where she has ordered a breakfast prepared for them. Lexa brings them up to speed as they eat. The two leaders listen intently to what has been learned so far about the Sky People, attempting to hold back amused laughs at their seeming ineptitude. Both nod along as Lexa goes over Clarke's plan and what is hoped to be achieved through her infiltration into the young group.

"Skai Prisa honors you and the Trigedakru with her bravery." Caris comments as she finishes her meal. Luna makes a noise of agreement. Lexa feels pride swell in her chest at the compliments to her houmon. They also work to soothe her worries, knowing that such accomplished warriors speak so highly of Clarke.

Turning her attention to the leader of the Boat People, Lexa brings up another worry that has been on her mind. "So, Luna, your messenger said you bring important news with you, that must be heard before our meeting in TonDC."

Luna is only two years older than Lexa and they have fought many battles side by side, both as young warriors and as the leaders of their clans. Her travels throughout the land to help build stronger trade amongst the twelve clans has gained her favor and trust with many. As a result, she has become Lexa's eyes and ears in the far reaching territories.

Luna switches over to English mindful of the attendants who are clearing the plates from their meal. "My second, who was in the Ice Nation for a trade mission trip when the news of the landing was delivered, sent word of the malcontented mumbles of the people in the north."

"What do they have to be malcontent about?" Lexa questions, though she already knows the answer. Ever since they took Clarke in, the Ice Queen, Morana, has been her most vocal adversary, and has on more than one occasion voiced the opinion that Clarke be sent off to die so that if her people ever came looking for her they wouldn't find her amongst them. It comes as no surprise to Lexa then, that the Ice Nation would be the loudest yet again in these new developments.

"Morana thinks this has all been planned by Clarke and her people and that they have come to join with the Mountain Men, using what knowledge Clarke has gained of our ways to attack and kill us all. She will be sending her general Quint to represent her at the meetings - where she wants for all of the outsiders, Clarke included, to be eradicated as a message to the Mountain." Luna finishes.

Caris has to control the urge to roll her eyes after hearing what is being said by the Ice Nation. "Morana should swallow her tongue. Her fear of the punishments for her own crimes against my people and against you, Heda, keep her locked away in her palace, yet she still calls for more blood," she snarls out disgustedly. There's no love lost between the Ice Nation and the Desert Clan and it has been one of the more contentious relations within the Coalition. The irony of fire and ice being in constant conflict is not lost on the young leader.

"Regardless of how we feel personally about the Ice Queen or the way she chooses to lead her people, she is a member of the alliance and there are those that agree with her on many things and may see her plans as the easiest way to eliminate a potential ally to the Maunon." Lexa cuts in. She knows that if given the chance Caris will go on a rant and she would rather not have to deal with the memories such words might bring up. She needs to stay focused on the mission at hand and not the offenses of the past.

"Clarke is Trikru, she has earned her place amongst our people. She may be born of the sky, but her spirit was made for the Earth. As for the Sky People, I shall reserve my judgement of them until we know more. For right now they do not seem to be much of a threat to any of us." Luna speaks evenly, her words genuine, and Lexa is grateful for her honesty. Luna is well liked and respected amongst the majority of the clans, so having her backing going into these new meetings is important.

"I agree that Clarke is one of us, but considering the Ice Nation's accusations - baseless though they may be, is it really wise to have sent her there to try and integrate with them before consulting the rest of the Coalition? It could cause an uproar amongst the supporters of the Ice Queens plans." Caris adds gently and without any hint of a challenge to her voice. She is obviously curious as to how the Commander will silence those who oppose Clarke's strategy.

"We need to know what purpose these Sky People have and Clarke is the only one that will quickly be able to garner their trust since they will not see her as an enemy but as one of their own. Once she has done this, she will convince them to align with us. As I see it, if the Sky People truly meant to start war they would not have sent down a bunch of untrained children as their first wave of attack," Lexa easily counters, having had a lot of time to ask herself the very same questions. She finds the answers much easier to believe now than she had a few days ago. She just hopes Clarke and the 100 will prove her right.

"And if they do pose a threat to our existence, I assume Anya is the contingency?" Luna asks, and a nod is all that Lexa gives in return. It's a decision she knows will make Clarke unhappy even if she understands why it had to be made. Lexa hopes it doesn't come to that, but she knows they can't afford to fight two wars against people with more advanced technology than they have. The 100 would be easy enough to vanquish if the situation calls for it, and she needs all her warriors focused on the bigger battle ahead with the Mountain Men.

Victory often stands on the back of sacrifice, and Lexa will not hesitate to sacrifice the 100 for the sake of her people. She can only hope Clarke will understand.


fun fact: try as I might I couldn't find the trigedasleng name for the desert clan so I named them the Bakkru. Obviously this will be adjusted come season three if we get the tribe names.