Thank you everyone once more for all of your support. A quicker update compared to my last one! Be warned that there will be violence and blood in this chapter.
Chapter 7 - Os en Foto
The embrace between the two women lasted for a few moments. Lexa watched them closely, a small sympathetic smile formed on her face. It pleased Lexa that despite the issues between the two they could still share a kind moment. She had heard all of it, not from the other side of the village as she claimed, but from outside of the building where she intended to have a talk with Nyc. However he only got as far as informing her that Octavia was also present before the verbal barrage between Clarke and Raven began. It hadn't made her words any less true, however. TonDC was not meant for them to use as a verbal battlefield. They will have to find a way to get past their differences in another way, a way that doesn't consist of just yelling at each other.
Clarke and her mother made the first step in this at least. It was nice to see mother and daughter sharing a hug. Lexa knew nothing of family, having lost hers at a very young age. But she knew very well that a simple hug was not going to solve whatever issues Clarke and her mother had. It was a nice first step though, and perhaps after mending some of the wounds, Clarke could tell her mother about what she and Lexa were feeling for each other.
Her gaze drifted past the two women where she saw Octavia standing. She was leaning back against the wall with her arms folded. As soon as Octavia noticed Lexa looking at her she immediately pulled herself away from the wall, straightened her shoulders and dipped her chin down to greet the Commander. Lexa held her gaze for a few moments, studying the young girl. She knew why Octavia was here, Nyc had informed her but she wasn't sure yet what to do about it. It was probably best to hear out Octavia first before she would make her decision, lifting Lincoln's kill order after disobeying her in front of her entire army was not going to be easy, but not impossible either.
The two women in front of her broke their embrace and brought Lexa's attention back to mother and daughter. She saw Clarke smile wearily at her mother before stepping away. Abby cleared her throat and faced Lexa.
"Commander, my apologies for my behavior earlier. A mother sometimes forgets her manners when she worries for her daughter."
Lexa forced her Commander mask to surface but nodded at Abby. "I understand Chancellor, but I meant what I said; I cannot overlook it a second time."
Abby nodded in understanding. Lexa saw her looking up when she heard footsteps behind her. She didn't have to turn her head to know it was Nyc so instead she turned her attention to Octavia.
"Octavia, Nyc told me why you are here. We will discuss that later, for now I would like you to report to Anya, you will find her at the training grounds here in TonDC." she told the brunette.
"Heda?" She said confused.
"I did not banish you, did I?" Octavia shakes her head. "Then you are still Trikru and as long as you are here I will treat you as such. Report to Anya, Octavia kom Trikru."
Lexa noticed the proud and relieved flash in Octavia's eyes. "Sha, Heda." She said and then made her way out of the room.
Once Octavia left Lexa turned to a pile of crates that had been fashioned into a makeshift table and walked over to it. "Please, Clarke, Chancellor, join us so we can discuss the upcoming winter and the current threat our people are facing with the Coalition being broken." She said, hands clasped behind her back, head high and shoulders straightened in a formal stance.
As Nyc stepped next to her Clarke and her mother took their place on the other side of the makeshift table. "Nyc told me you were willing to help rebuild TonDC and you have tools that will help the process greatly ." Lexa said, addressing Abby.
"Yes, as well as ways to find fertile ground." The older woman added.
Growing food has always been difficult for her people. If Skaikru had ways to assist them in this Lexa would gladly take their assistance. "With us teaching your people how to hunt efficiently and giving you supplies for the winter I believe it is a fair trade. As you have already discussed all of this with Nyc I believe we should direct this conversation to the Ice Nation and the threat they pose us now that the Coalition is broken."
Lexa noticed Abby's eyes narrow, thinking through what Lexa just said before speaking up. "But we've never been part of the Coalition, we just want to live our lives, stay out of your politics, how can that put us in danger?"
It was not Lexa herself who answered this as the brunette heard Clarke shrug. "Mom, we helped defeat the Mountain Men, we have guns, technology, the clans fear that. Ice Nation sees us as a threat, you should not take this lightly."
"All the more reason for them to leave us alone, they will never get through our walls and our guns will make sure they never get close." Abby said.
Lexa shook her head in disbelief. "With all due respect, Chancellor, your guns won't protect you forever, you will run out of bullets eventually. Even if you didn't, Nia's army far outnumbers any force Trikru could rally together. No wall or any amount of bullets will stop that."
The doctor's eyes widened at Lexa's statement, it clearly had an impact on her opinion. "I… didn't realize that." She said softly.
"Your base is located near the border with Ice Nation, claiming you are neutral will have no bearing on the fact they will see you as an enemy." Lexa added, making sure her point came across.
"And the Alliance we are about to make, that will include your protection?"
Lexa swallowed deeply, knowing her response might not be fully what Abby wants to hear. "The laws of the Kongeda will not allow this. If you are not part of the Kongeda we cannot protect you." She paused shortly and was surprised Abby was willing to hear her out before speaking up. The scowl on her face however did not go unnoticed.
"However, with the Clans siding with me or Nia, the Kongeda is broken and we could compromise. But not without approval from the remaining clans on my side. The agreement you made with Nyc can remain, but for any other matters I cannot make any agreements until the remaining clans agree. I have sent out riders to all of these clans to have their leaders or representatives come to TonDC."
"How long will that take?" Clarke asked her.
Lexa locked her eyes on the blonde. "My guess will be around three or four weeks."
"And how will I know that you will not betray us again?" Abby suddenly asked.
"Mom… " Clarke warned her mother.
But it was a question Lexa had expected the Chancellor would ask. Maybe not right now but she expected it sooner or later. Now that it was just the four of them Lexa could tolerate it. A quick glance to Nyc showed he too had expected this and in all fairness she couldn't blame the older woman for bringing it up. Because it was a question she'd anticipated, Lexa also already had an answer ready for it.
"I am bound to do what is best for my people, Chancellor. What was best for my people that day at the mountain was for me to take the deal. My people have suffered from the mountain for generations. Look me in the eye and tell me you would not have done the same had the deal been offered to you instead of me."
The Commander saw Clarke look at her mother with curious eyes. Silence took over in the room and Lexa too studied the Chancellor. She was deep in thought, though her eyes remained on the Commander her mind was elsewhere. It was evident by the multiple emotions ever so slightly showing on her face that she was conflicted by Lexa's words.
"If what you did was for your people, why is it that your decision made the coalition fall apart?" Abby asked instead of answering Lexa's question.
Lexa decided to answer her truthfully. "Because unlike me there are people who only crave power, people who do not care about the coalition or its people and only care about themselves. They say I should have gone to war instead, blood must have blood. But that would not have guaranteed the lives of my people inside or outside of the mountain."
Abby looked at Lexa, eyes narrowed and eyebrows scowling. "So you took the deal at the cost of my people and because of you Clarke was forced to take the lives of hundreds of innocent people." She said angrily.
Nyc did not seem to appreciate Abby's tone and from the corner of her eye she could see Clarke's worried eyes aimed at her mother. As Nyc was about to speak up Lexa held up her hand, silencing him.
"Let the Chancellor speak, Nyc. I will allow it for now, we best talk this out before making any other arrangements." She said and turned back to Abby.
"So what guarantee do you have Chancellor, that if I had not taken the deal, none of it would have happened. If we did go to war, would chances not be higher for some of your people to have died too. Would things not have ended with Clarke eventually doing the same thing and burn every Mountain Man alive? With this course of action all of my people survived and almost all of your people inside the mountain did. But yes at the cost of a terrible act that Clarke had to commit. We will never know what would have happened if I had not taken the deal. Clarke might still have had to kill all those people. You and many others could have died. The past is behind us, we must focus on what lies ahead. The only promise I can make you, Chancellor, is that whatever happens, I will always put my people first and so should you."
Abby's frown was replaced by a look of concern and disappointment at the almost apathetic speech from the Commander. She looked Lexa right in the eye, she showed no emotion. She couldn't, as Commander she could not allow herself to show any expression of weakness no matter how small. Though her face remained deadpan she had a curious glint in her eye. It was the Chancellor's expression; she had seen it several times before but in a much younger face. It was that moment that she was able to see perfectly that Abby and Clarke were Mother and Daughter. They both gave off their expressions in the same way.
Lexa looked closely at the older woman and saw her lips tremble in an attempt to speak up. Her eyes moved to Clarke who eyed her mother carefully and tried to read what exactly was going through her mind. Their eyes remained locked for a moment before they were directed back at Lexa and showed a hint of content.
"You are right, Commander. I can never know what would have happened if you hadn't taken the deal. The situation could have been worse, as you said. But you must understand, our cultures, they are nothing alike. It is difficult for me, for many of our people to accept this. I can only speak for myself when I say it requires time for me to get over our differences. But I will try, for my people and for Clarke, to set these differences aside and do what it takes to protect my people."
Lexa nodded. "I understand, Chancellor. But before we continue I feel I need to express to you again to think how you address me in front of my people. Outsider or not, disrespecting the Commander could have serious consequences. No matter what you think of our laws, they will have to be followed."
Abby nodded back. "Understood, Commander."
Lexa directed her gaze towards Nyc. "Now that we have cleared this, Nyc, tell the Chancellor about our scouts."
Nyc nodded at the Commander and turned his gaze towards Abby. "Our scouts are keeping close watch of the area around Arkadia as well as the border between Azgeda and Trikru and the area around Polis. They report any activity back to us, that way we can act quickly should Queen Nia decide to attack us or you. But for now an attack is not likely to happen." he explained.
"Why not?" Abby wondered.
"Forces are divided, Queen Nia may have an army surrounding Polis, but the armies of her supporters are not here yet. For now war is out of the question and both sides will try and use politics and as similar to last night, assassinations to lure each other out." Nyc continued to explain.
Lexa saw Abby suddenly diverting her gaze towards her bruised neck. "I was wondering what caused those bruises around your neck." she said.
"An assassin tried to kill me last night, yes." suddenly Abby glanced at Clarke, eyeing her daughter with worry. "Don't worry, Chancellor, her intent was only to kill me. You daughter is safe."
"How can I not worry? An assassin managed to get into your village and almost kill you, if she did go there with the intent to kill Clarke my daughter could have died. Had she been in Arkadia, inside our walls she-" Abby stopped herself and swallowed deeply, realizing she almost forgot about the promise she made moments ago. "Apologies, Commander. If you say my daughter is safe I should trust that."
"I am safe, Mom." Clarke said before Lexa could. "I can take care of myself."
Abby smiled. "I know, and I am really happy to see you again."
A smile was aimed back at Abby but Lexa noticed it held some hesitancy, clearly showing Clarke still had a lot of problems to talk about with her mother. But now was not the time for that and Lexa was certain that Clarke didn't feel like talking about it right now either.
"I believe we have talked enough for today, Chancellor. Nyc will show you where you and Raven can stay for the next few days. Tomorrow you and Nyc can discuss how to best execute our arrangements." Lexa said and motioned for Nyc to show Abby out.
Nyc immediately complied and asked Abby to follow him out of the building. Abby offered Clarke one last smile and then thanked Lexa before following Nyc outside. The moment she was gone Lexa saw Clarke's shoulder slump and a frustrated groan escaped her lips.
"Maybe Anya was right." she said, running a hand through the unbraided parts of her hair.
"What do you mean?" Lexa wondered.
"Anya said I was stubborn, maybe she's right and I inherited it from my Mother."
Her words made Lexa smile. "Stubbornness can be a good quality to have, Clarke. I am certain your stubbornness has saved the lives of many of your people." she said and walked over to the blonde.
Clarke peaked an eyebrow at her. "This should have been the part where you would have said I'm not stubborn, Lexa."
Lexa chuckled and reached forward, planting a soft kiss on Clarke's forehead. "Very well, you are not stubborn, Klark kom Skaikru."
"And you are a terrible liar, Leksa kom Trikru."
Both women laughed briefly before Lexa stepped back and slowly headed towards the staircase leading to the exit of the building. "Come with me to see Anya, I will need her to begin Echo's interrogation."
At the mention of Echo's name Clarke immediately stopped Lexa, gently placing the palm of her hand on her arm. "Lexa wait. About Echo." she said, searching for Lexa's eyes before continuing. "Would you please let me tend to her injuries after you are done. She's in terrible condition, broken bones, infections that are causing a fever-"
Lexa didn't let her finish. "No." she immediately said.
Just as she expected and with them not being in public, Clarke objected. "Lexa, please. You need information from her, what good is she if she's dead."
"Nyko already went to check on her this morning. He did what was necessary to keep her alive, nothing more. We'll see first how true her words were about her loyalty and if I'm satisfied I might let you treat her injuries." she said. The tone of her voice made it clear to Clarke there was no room for discussion on the matter and without another word the Commander walked outside, where she knew Clarke could not object even if she wanted to.
Clarke was anything but pleased with the response Lexa gave her regarding Echo. The Commander didn't even give her a chance to say more than two sentences about it. They were outside now and Clarke knew she wouldn't be able to openly challenge Lexa and thus she remained quiet. But her silence and frustrated look made it clear to Lexa that she would bring up the issue again when possible.
However, her thoughts on the matter were pushed to the back of her mind once they were in sight of the training area in TonDC. She spotted Anya and Octavia observing a sparring bout between three warriors. She noticed that Anya would occasionally point a few things out for Octavia but her attention quickly turned back to the fight. A female Trikru warrior was facing off against two male warriors and fending them off with what looked like little difficulty. The two men could barely land a strike on the woman and she seemed to have no trouble hitting them.
Clarke was about to ask who the woman was but stopped herself once she noticed Lexa increasing her pace, looking rather displeased with what she saw.
"Hod op!" she yelled as she reached the sparring ring.
The fighting stopped in an instant and all three warriors turned to face Lexa. Without a word she gave the two men an imposing stare, they nodded in acknowledgement and left, leaving the woman alone to face the Commander. Clarke now had a good view of the woman and took a few moments to study her.
The first thing that immediately stood out was the woman's staggering height. She towered over herself and Lexa by a good six or seven inches, Clarke had never seen a woman stand so tall. She looked to be around the same age as Anya though the battle scars on her face made it difficult to estimate. Her choice of attire was a little surprising to the blonde, she was used to the grounders wearing mostly black and long coats but this woman seemed to prefer far lighter weighing clothing.
She wore a dark green shirt with the sleeves torn at odd lengths; her exposed arms showed that they were almost completely covered with tattoos, far more than Clarke had seen on any other grounder. A matching scarf around her neck that looked as though it could be used as a mask to partially cover her face should the need arise. Around her waist a black leather belt, two large knives sheathed on both sides of her hips with three smaller blades tucked in the back, likely used as throwing knives. A pair of tight fitting dark brown pants, with several tears and covered in dirt, showed a hint of impressive leg muscles, Her boots had seen better days, Clarke couldn't tell for sure what colour they were behind the dried mud, leaves and how tattered they were.
Even though she continued to do so, Clarke felt incredibly uneasy inspecting the Trikru warrior, even as Lexa continued to scold her. Her face held a permanent sullen expression. She would occasionally take a quick glance at the Skygirl. Her eyes, as grey as a storm cloud about to erupt sent an almost paralyzing sense of dread through Clarke. A feeling that, so far, no grounder had ever made her feel. The blonde now understood her choice of attire though; the colours would make her almost impossible to spot from a distance in dense woodland.
"I told you to report to me as soon as you returned."
The warning and disapproval in Lexa's stern voice interrupted Clarke's thoughts. When Lexa spoke this way to Gia earlier the girl practically cowered in fear, this woman seemed completely unfazed by Lexa's authority, her face expressionless and showing no emotion.
"You were busy, Heda, I did not wish to disturb you." She said, her voice deep and hoarse.
"That would mean you were to wait outside the council room until I finished my business there, not instigate a sparring session." Lexa said, voice filled with warning and yet the woman once again showed no emotion.
"It will not happen again, Heda."
It dawned to Clarke that any other Grounder by now would at least have said sorry once. This woman had not said it yet but still somehow managed to keep a certain level of respect towards Lexa.
"It had better not, Keara. At least tell me your mission was successful, I did not expect you back for at least another day or two."
"I was successful. He was taken into one of the holding cells."
"Then you will take me to him now." Lexa said and Clarke saw her aiming her emerald eyes at Anya.
"You come too, Anya, we will interrogate Echo once this matter is handled."
Both women nodded at her and proceeded to follow her in the direction of the holding cells, but not before Keara gave Clarke one last look. It was more than just a quick glance, their eyes met for a couple of seconds sending a shiver down Clarke's spine. Keara gave her an unimpressed sneer before turning away, Clarke sighed with relief. She had a feeling she wasn't going to get along with her and the Trikru woman had just made it clear the feeling was mutual. Movement from the corner of her eyes made her look back and saw that Octavia was walking towards her.
"Hei, Clarke."
"Hei Octavia."
"Shopta?"
"Os. Yu ? En Linkon, ha em lin?"
"Yes he is fine, so am I. Could be better if we could both be here instead of Arkadia. I see you gotten the hang of Trigedasleng." Octavia said, holding a slight smile on her face.
Octavia's kindness surprised Clarke. After the missile and what happened at the mountain Octavia wasn't that happy with her, but now she was kind to her and she stood up for Clarke when Raven and her mother were talking about her.
"I had some time to practice." She said, answering Octavia's observation.
"Did you do all that here? Have you been with the Commander since you left us?"
The question sounded more harsh than Octavia intended, but she didn't show it and maybe Clarke was too quick to assume the youngest of the Blake siblings had forgiven her. Either way, it was still a lot less hostile than her talk with Raven, so she answered her.
"No, I spent two maybe three months in the woods. Until Ice nation found me and were about to take me to their queen had it not been for one of Lexa's warriors saving me and offered to bring me to the Commander. I realized the amount of trouble I was in and I took it. Only when I got here I learned about what happened to the coalition and the danger it would pose to our people, I decided to stay and do what I can to protect Arkadia."
Octavia frowned. "So if you only been here for a few days, how come you speak the language?" she wondered.
"I visited a trading post, the woman there taught me the language and she taught me how to hunt and better survive in the Woods." Clarke explained.
"A grounder helping someone from Skaikru, just like that?"
"She figured out I was the one who killed the mountain men, she wanted to help me."
Octavia chuckled. "yeah I've heard what they call you now, Wanheda." She said.
Clarke wasn't as hurt by it as she was when she first heard it, but she still just preferred to be called by her real name. "Yeah not by my choice."
"What you did is terrible, I can understand."
Clarke really couldn't ignore Octavia's kindness anymore.
"Octavia, last time we saw each other we weren't exactly close and-"
She already interrupted Clarke. "I know Clarke, I know. But just like you I've had time to think. And I've had Lincoln talking some sense into me. I still don't fully agree with your decision on the missile and with you leaving. But I get it, Arkadia feels as little as home to you as it does to me. All I'm wondering about is how you managed to see past Lexa's betrayal and side with her again. I think out of all of us she hurt you the most."
Her words made the blonde sigh but she spoke up nonetheless. "I didn't, not at first. I was a wreck the first weeks in the woods. Nightmares, I barely ate. I cursed her for leaving us. But in time I began to realize that she wasn't to blame. She did what was best for her people, people who have suffered from the mountain men for generations and she had the chance to end it all without further bloodshed. We are not her people. And frankly had they offered it to us, I'm fairly sure we would have done the same thing. Especially with how many of our people still don't like the Grounders.
"But I knew that I was lucky after the Ice Nation captured me and my best bet was to go to Lexa. I didn't expect the Coalition to be broken and once I heard it I offered to help, to make sure our people would stay safe. Apparently having people call you Wanheda gives you quite the influence. Though that title doesn't sit easy with me, I got it by killing innocent people, people that helped us."
"You did what you had to do to save your people, those people that helped us spent years doing nothing, they weren't completely innocent, Clarke."
Clarke nodded. "I know, and I think I've given all of this a place. I did what I had to do to save our people. Lexa did what she had to do as Commander to save hers."
Octavia swallowed while she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, away from her face. "She did and I accept it. I mean I want to spend my life here, among Trikru, with Lincoln. But sometimes I think of all those people that died here and how she just walked away from us at the mountain and it's difficult to look at her. Or you, for that matter." She admitted.
Clarke showed she understood. "We are used to our way of life on the Ark, no one was prepared for life on the ground. No matter the schooling we received. It takes time, for some more than others."
The brief moment of sadness that Octavia held in her eyes disappeared and a small smile formed on her lips. "Speaking of life on the ground, Nyc said you were at the training grounds outside TonDC. Has Heda been training you?" she asked curiously.
It made the blonde chuckle. "For the first time today. She pointed out we couldn't rely on our guns forever and I agreed." Clarke explained.
"Want to put what you've learned today to the test?" she asked, looking at the sparring circle next to them.
Worry crept into Clarke's eyes. "Octavia, I've only had one lesson. A lesson that basically wrecked every bone and muscle in my body. I won't stand a chance against you."
"Come on Clarke, I promise I will go easy on you, and I can give you some pointers if you like. Not as good as the Commander no doubt, but I can try." She said, and honestly sounded like she wanted to spar with Clarke.
Clarke thought it over for a few seconds. She was really tired but she liked how things were between her and Octavia. It was surprising, something she hadn't seen coming. Maybe she should have, she was with Lincoln after all. In a way they were in a similar situation. They both felt like they didn't belong at the Ark, they both stood open to the grounder culture. And they both had feelings for someone from Trikru, though that was something she left out for obvious reasons.
"Fine, fine. Let's do this."
The two women walked inside the ring. Octavia unsheathed both her swords and handed one to Clarke. The blonde took it and tried to remember her earlier lesson from Lexa on how to properly hold it, followed by remembering the correct stance.
"Ready?"
"As I'll ever be, I guess." Clarke answered.
She braced herself as Octavia swung at her, to her own surprise she managed to block the strike. The metal of their swords coming together made a loud clang. The brunette gave off a quick grin, but Clarke did not share the same expression, the force of the two swords striking vibrated down her arms causing her some discomfort.
"Shit." she said, rubbing her left arm that seemed to have suffered the most damage.
Octavia grinned. "I'm sure Heda told you this already, you're holding the sword too tight. You need to be more relaxed or you could injure your muscles, Clarke."
Clarke huffed. "Yeah, yeah. You're right she did tell me this already."
"Then relax your stance and grip, come on let's go again."
Clarke did as Octavia suggested. The brunette was right, she did hold it too tightly and eased her hands on the handle and relaxed her shoulders. The sword however, was a bit heavier than Lexa's and soon Clarke realized her grip was too relaxed when Octavia practically slammed it out of her hands with her own blade, sending it a few meters across the arena.
"Not too relaxed, Clarke." Octavia joked and watched how Clarke went to pick up the sword.
While picking it up she noticed the two Trikru warriors who had been fighting with Keara earlier had returned and were watching the two women spar with amusement.
"Wanheda, tich oso op ha yu na gon raun." One of them cheered at her.
It made Clarke smile. "Ai nou bos raun." She said back.
The two men smirked and then their eyes widened in warning which told Clarke she was being attacked by Octavia again. Too late to avoid it Clarke once more was sprawled on her back with the air knocked out of her lungs for a few seconds.
"Oh for the love of God." she mumbled while getting back on her feet only to see Octavia's cheeky grin. She even heard the two men laugh. "Can't you at least wait till I'm ready?"
"Would your opponent in a real fight wait till you are ready?" Octavia retorted.
"You're enjoying this a little too much."
Frankly, Clarke had enough. Her little skirmish with Octavia told her that she was still exhausted from her training with Lexa and she really didn't have much left in her. Luckily for her one of the Trikru men stepped forward.
"Okteivia kom Skaikru!" he roared, "Oso gon em daun nau."
Octavia looked at him; his face showed focus and intensity. Clarke could see he was much taller than she was but it didn't seem to concern the Blake girl.
"What's your name?"
"Ai laik Vorgal and I will make sure it is you who will be lying in the dirt, beaten. " it wasn't a genuine threat to her life, more like a show of confidence.
Octavia didn't seem to be impressed by this and just smiled at him. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. Vorgal." she said with a slight grin.
Clarke quickly handed Octavia her sword back and stepped out of the ring. Vorgal and Octavia immediately started their fight and Wanheda watched them closely, hoping to pick up something from their fight. Where Octavia obviously had no trouble against Clarke, against Vorgal it was different. The Trikru warrior, who looked only a few years older than her, was stronger and more experienced. The youngest of the the Blake siblings was having trouble against Vorgal and Clarke flinched when a punch from the man sent Octavia stumbling backwards.
Vorgal had caused her lip to split and Octavia wiped away the blood while he stepped back, nodding at her and giving her a few seconds to recover. Clarke had to admit that the training the Grounders do can be harsh, however it would also toughen them as a warrior. If this had happened to Octavia after they'd just landed on the ground the young woman would have cried out, maybe even be a bit frightened. But now Octavia barely flinched and acted like it never happened. Clarke couldn't help but be amazed how much she had changed over the time they spent here on the ground. All she could do was be happy for Octavia and proud of the woman she had become.
His nose looked broken, dried caked blood below it. A partially treated cut rested above his right eye. That same right eye was swollen and his lip was split. Keara had been anything but careful with his capture, just as Lexa had ordered her. He looked at her wearily, his one good eye showing fear as soon as she laid eyes on him. Not surprising, she looked into the eyes of a traitor. She looked into the eyes of the person responsible for Polis being in Nia's control.
He was leaned back against the stone cold wall of the prison cell. His shirt torn and covered in blood, his pants covered in dirt and blood and his feet bare, battered and bloody. His feet dug into the leaves and dirt below him, he licked his dry lips before he attempted to speak.
"Heda ai… "
That was all he managed to say before Keara backhanded him, causing a tear in his eyebrow, blood seeping out of it. "You will not speak to Heda unless she tells you to." the woman responsible for his capture said.
Lexa allowed it, of course. This man is a prisoner and he should know his place, especially after his betrayal. The message came across, his head lowered in fear, his eyes now facing the cold damp floor.
Lexa stepped forward, offering a quick look at Keara. The tall woman understood immediately and unceremoniously hauled him to his knees before taking a step back but staying close to him should he attempt to harm the Commander. But Lexa knew this man well enough to know that he wasn't anywhere near skilled enough to cause her any harm. Clasping her hands together in front of her she addressed the traitor.
"Rylan." she said. "I do not even know where to begin."
She waited, reading his expression carefully and half expecting him to speak up again. But Keara's warning had clearly knocked some sense into him and he remained quiet but kept his one good eye aimed at Lexa.
"We have known each other since birth. We played in the fields outside our village. We practically had each other's back even after I was one of the chosen. You came to Polis just to see me, exploring every entrance, every tunnel to make sure no one caught you. When I became Heda I called you to serve me because you knew every possible entry into the city. I had you draw maps only for me to see and use. Somehow those maps found their way into Nia's possession and you will tell me how."
Her words caused tears to fall down his cheeks. "Heda, please. I can explain." he said, his voice hoarse.
"Then do so, Rylan." she commanded.
Rylan nodded and immediately did as Lexa demanded of him. "I-I don't know how but she found out, Heda, she found out I know of all the secret entrances to the city. Azgeda warriors, Ontari, she… I came home one day and she was there. My wife she… " he paused and swallowed deeply before he continued. "Ontari killed her and just stood there with my baby boy in her arms… "
Tears flooded from his eyes now and Lexa sighed, realizing the reason behind his betrayal. If what he says is true that is. Lexa believes him though. She's known Rylan all her life and she wouldn't be Heda if she couldn't read people properly. That didn't mean she would take him for his word, while she did know he had only just become a father, she would need proof first before she could take the next step.
"So the life of your son is used as leverage to do what Nia tells you." she said and he nodded to confirm. "Where is she holding him?"
Rylan shakes his head. "I do not know, Heda." he replies. Of course he doesn't know, Nia would be a fool to tell him incase he would get the idea to try and rescue him. "But a man comes to my farm at sunrise every ten days with new demands from Nia." he adds.
"How many days before this man arrives again?"
"Three."
If all of this is true this could be very useful information. Idea's were already forming in her head as she faced Keara.
"Keara." she said and the tall woman looked at her. "Take Rylan to Nyko, have his injuries treated. Then take him back to the farm, confirm his story. Take Senho and Vern with you. If what he says is true, let this man hand Rylan Nia's demands and then follow him back, that could lead to his son." Lexa said.
"What of his injuries, Heda? The Azgeda warrior will be suspicious."
Lexa had anticipated that. "Find an Azgeda patrol, kill them and use the bodies to stage an attack at his farm. Make sure it looks like they were merely bandits, mutilate their faces should they have Azgeda scars on it. Rylan isn't the most skilled fighter he is a farmer, the injuries he has should show he took quite a beating. I do not need to tell you how to stage an attack, you have done so many times before."
"Sha, Heda." Keara grabbed Rylan by his neck and forced him to his feet.
"After the man leaves, return to TonDC with Rylan. Tell Senho and Vern to come back to TonDC after they confirmed the whereabouts of Rylan's son."
"And if he has been lying to us?" another question followed that she anticipated.
But the answer to that question was not easy to say, though Lexa didn't show it. "If he lied he will get the punishment suited for a traitor, now go." she said and stepped aside so that Keara could pass.
Anya, who had simply been observing from behind Lexa did the same and Keara pushed him forward. Lexa watched as he stumbled and struggled to stay on his feet but didn't complain about the way he was treated. She really hoped he was telling the truth. If it turns out her life long friend is a traitor it would break her heart. It almost did already when she found out how Nia had taken Polis and that only Rylan could have been the one responsible in providing the knowledge of the secret tunnels to Nia.
"It does appear that he is telling the truth." Anya said.
Lexa nodded. "I believe so too, but I would like it to be confirmed first. If we can locate where the boy is held we can mount a rescue mission and then keep Rylan and his son here and we can use him to try and get control of Polis again." she said. Motioning Anya to follow her they both made their way to the cell where Echo was being held. "But first things first, it's time to have a talk with Echo."
Echo looked up immediately, sitting slumped against the wall similar to Rylan earlier on. Only Echo's condition was worse. It made Lexa think back to her conversation with Clarke about Echo's well-being. Lexa had cut it short quickly and went outside so that Clarke couldn't question her further. But the look she gave Lexa for it hadn't gone unnoticed, the blonde would no doubt confront her again as soon as they are alone. Whatever was going to happen, Lexa will face it and push the thought aside to focus her attention on Echo.
Anya had already opened the door to her cell and forced Echo to stand. She barely managed to, her legs shaking and arms clinging to the wall to try and get herself some extra support.
"It's time for you show your loyalties no longer lie with your Queen, Echo."
"I thought I already been doing that, Heda."
Anya punched her in the stomach, her beaten body immediately slumped down. "Have you not been paying attention to what just happened to Rylan? You weren't asked to talk." the blonde sneered at Echo while she forced her to stand back on her feet again.
Echo managed to, just barely. She was clearly too tired and injured to stand on her feet but knew it was demanded of her right now and it took every sore muscle in her body to do that. She coughed, trying to recover from the brutal punch in her stomach but remained silent, as requested of her.
"Do you know anything of Nia's plan to use Rylan to take control of Polis?" Lexa asked her.
"No, Heda. I was trapped in the mountain for a long time. And when I was released I returned to Queen Nia she told me to find Wanheda and bring her to her. I refused because I knew she wanted to kill her to gain her power and after what she did for all of us that is not a fate she deserves. I tried to run, I got caught and that his how you found me at Selin village."
What she was saying made sense. Echo had shown she respects Clarke and even said she is loyal to her. But Lexa wants to test how much Echo is willing to share. Echo was Nia's spymaster, she must also know of names of spies among Trikru and maybe other clans.
"You were Nia's spymaster. If you truly no longer hold loyalty towards her you should know she has spies among my people. I want names."
Echo remained resolute, showing zero emotion on her face and remaining silent, unwilling to give the Commander any names. Lexa let out a frustrated sigh and looked over her shoulder to the cell opposite of Echo's. There sat Kensi, legs crossed and eyes open. Her condition had improved substantially; she looked a lot better than Lexa expected her to after the effects of the poison. The hallucinations were long gone, she must have still been in quite some pain but she didn't let it show. Lexa admired her for that.
The Commander turned back, a plan already forming in her mind to get Echo to talk. She looked at Anya and the blonde knew exactly what it meant. Once again Echo was on the receiving end of Anya's fist. First she hit the former spy in this ribs, Echo slumped to the floor but Anya immediately lifted her back up and punched her again, a fresh wound showed on her already beaten face and once again Echo lost the strength to stand on her own feet. Anya let her this time, waiting for Lexa's instruction.
"Stand up, Echo kom Azgeda and tell me the names of the spies Nia has placed in my ranks." Lexa commanded, the tone of her voice low and with warning.
Echo attempted to stand up with no success, she lacked the strength to even stand on her own. Anya had no hesitation in hauling her up and keeping hold of her so she would remain standing. It was almost cruel to force this upon her, but Echo was only doing this to herself. All she had to do was give up the names the Commander demanded. But maybe the right incentive would motivate her.
"You must have heard what happened to Kensi last night, Echo." she said and saw Echo turned her gaze to Kensi. The look in her eyes clearly showed she knew what Lexa was referring to. "A price to pay for failing her Commander. As a trained spy I am fairly sure you know we used trikova torcha for it and you must also know what it does."
Lexa paused and once again read Echo's expression which confirmed her suspicions and Echo knows what the poison does.
"So I can make you a deal, Echo. I will have a healer tend to your injuries, make sure your body will recover. After that two things can happen. I will put you back here, give you food and water and have a healer check on you twice a day, if you tell me names. Or after my healer finished tending your wounds and tells me you recovered enough I will tie you up to the same pole Kensi was last night and let Anya cut you with the poison over and over again until you beg her to stop and give us the names we asked for."
She saw her words had the right effect on Echo. She looked at Kensi again with worried eyes. Lexa did the same and saw Kensi smirked wickedly at Echo. Kensi knew exactly what fate would await Echo should she decide to remain quiet and showing Echo how much that pleased her probably didn't make the Azgeda woman feel any better about it. Echo sighed deeply, she lowered her head and closed her eyes, her lips trembled and she swallowed away a lump in her throat before facing Lexa again.
"There are three of them. I only remained silent because one of them is my brother, Heda."
Anya huffed at that. "You give up your brother to save your own life?"
Echo looked at her with a defeated expression. "I find it hard to believe I have a life left, Anya. I only give him up in the hopes it will save his life."
"How would telling us he is a spy save his life?" Anya wondered and Lexa had the same question lined up.
"Because, he is nowhere near as loyal to Nia as I was. He only did it to impress his older sister. He is only happy if he can impress me. If you find him and tell him what happened to me, you can use him against Nia."
Lexa frowned at these words. It could be useful to have a spy from Nia turn on her. "We shall see, first I need names."
"Otta." Echo answers.
Lexa knows who that is, head guard at the Polis gates. She shrugs, also another explanation on how Nia got into the city. Who knows what else she's managed to get into the city over the years by having Otta guarding the gates.
"Racu." Echo continued.
She didn't recognize that name. Lexa tried to know as many of her people by name but knowing them all would be impossible. But it didn't go unnoticed to her to see Anya's eyes widen at the mention of that name.
"Anya, you know him?"
Anya nodded. "Not directly, I've heard of him, a merchant I believe. We should talk with Nyc about this, he knows him."
Lexa nodded and turned back to Echo, waiting for her to give her the last name. She figured that will have to be her brother because she hesitated for a moment but eventually made up her mind.
"Gara."
Her body froze at the mention of the name and she knew Anya reacted the same way without even looking at her former mentor. "Rivo's second." She heard Anya say.
After Rivo had arrived back at TonDC and brought Marcus Kane in as a prisoner, Lexa sent him and Gara to Polis. An easy mission to deliver an update to Tys and afterwards he would have the opportunity to spend some time with his family. With Gara as his second, she now feared what might have happened to him and his family. It was sad to not know his fate, but Lexa knew she couldn't dwell on it.
There was always the possibility that Echo was lying but it was highly unlikely and difficult to prove right now. Two out of the three spies were in Polis and the third one a merchant. She would have to talk to Nyc about him and see what he knows. If he really is a merchant he might not always be in Polis and she can send scouts to find him. But for now she had heard enough and decided to live up to her part of the deal.
"I have heard enough for now, Echo. I will have a healer tend to your injuries." she said and saw relief in Echo's eyes. "This does not clear you however, I will need proof of what you say first."
"Understood, Heda. But you will find out eventually that I told you the truth." she said in return.
"Take her to Nyko and have Wanheda help him." she said to Anya.
"Heda, should we not treat her here. Nyko's tent is close to where you arranged the Chancellor's accommodations."
Lexa knew what Anya was trying to say but she shook her head. "I don't care. They are our guests here, they will have to deal with anything they see. I am not hiding our culture from them. Besides, when Rivo arrived back to us after he had been held captive by Skaikru he clearly showed signs of abuse, they might not know it but we are more alike than they think."
Anya showed she agreed and then dragged Echo out of her cell. The former spy barely managing to keep up with Anya's pace as they headed outside. Lexa didn't follow them just yet. She looked at Kensi first, noticing the young woman was still sitting with her legs crossed. Their eyes met,
"Did Tys come and see you yet?" she asked her.
"Sha, Heda. Not long before you arrived with Anya." Kensi answered. "We… talked."
Lexa knew what she meant by that. It was all she needed to know, whatever the details were she didn't care. "Good. You'll stay here until tomorrow morning, no food just water. Once you are released, report to me immediately."
She dipped her head in acknowledgement, confirming she understood.
Her brown eyes looked on at the campfire before her, the flames licking at the air offering a welcome warmth on this cold day. In her moment of anger Raven had stormed through TonDC until she stumbled upon a quiet area she could use to try and calm herself. She expected her reunion with Clarke wouldn't be smooth sailing but how quickly it devolved into conflict really surprised her.
What she said about Clarke's father was out of line, she could at least admit that to herself. But what Clarke said before that wasn't exactly kind either.
Shortly after she had sat down an elderly woman went to sit on the opposite side of the campfire facing Raven. In her haze of anger she hadn't realized the fire was directly outside of this woman's home, she gave the Trikru woman an apologetic look and attempted to leave. Just as she made it to her feet the woman spoke up.
"Hod op" she said softly. Raven looked at the woman, she was gesturing for the Skygirl to sit back down, after a quick moment to consider it she obliged. The brunette figured the woman spoke little to no English at all and just offered her a gentle smile before turning her gaze back to the campfire.
The area of TonDC that Raven found herself in was very quiet at this point in the afternoon, just the sound of the fire lightly crackling and the wind gently blowing through the trees. Raven looked up at the woman opposite her who was not simply sat there with her thoughts as she was, she was working on a coat and doing her best to fix some of the holes it held. The young woman watched her for a few moments, admiring the tact and efficiency of the Trikru woman, Raven being an engineer could somewhat appreciate that.
"You are Skaikru, aren't you?"
A sudden voice pulled her eyes away from the woman and Raven found herself looking at a young boy around the age of fourteen. He had blonde hair and held a slight smile. She also didn't fail to notice his arm was in a sling and his wrist was slightly swollen and bruised. She didn't feel like talking and was about to dismiss the boy with a sneer as she had done so with Nyc, but quickly realized she couldn't treat a child like that and forced herself to smile.
"I am yes." she said and felt her body tense when the boy increased his smile and went to sit next to her. Somehow she hoped the boy would be content with her answer and keep moving.
He looked down at her leg, noticing the brace. "You are injured?"
It was more a statement than a question and Raven found that her body relaxed a little and the smile remained on her face. "Yes, I have permanent nerve damage." she said and as soon as the words left her mouth she realized he probably had no idea what that meant.
"What is nerve damage?" he asked, confirming her suspicions.
"It basically means I can never walk normal again." Raven explained to him. "What happened to your arm?"
If this boy wants to talk to her because she is one of the many people that came from the sky, she might as well do her best to get the conversation away from her leg, his answer however was not something she saw coming.
"I made Heda angry and she broke my wrist." he said and what worried her the most was the way he said it.
He made it sound like it was the most normal thing in the world, like he deserved what the Commander had done to him. "Breaking a kid's wrist, how fucking brave of the Commander." she said and saw the eyes of the boy widen in shock.
His reaction was followed by the elderly woman raising her voice; she pointed an accusing finger at Raven and chastised her in Trigedasleng. She might not have been able to understand much English but she knew enough that what the Skygirl had said was insulting towards her Commander. Raven meanwhile couldn't understand a word of what the Trikru woman was shouting.
"She's not very happy with me, is she?" Raven asked the boy.
He shook his head. "You insult Heda, you disrespected her." he said and the look in his eyes showed he agreed with the woman.
"She broke your wrist but you look like you don't like me saying that about your Commander either."
He shrugged. "I deserved it, I was blinded by rage and attacked someone loyal to her."
Now there is something she recognized. When angry, people tend to do things they regret later on. The older woman continued her speech, moving her accusing finger to the boy for a few seconds before aiming it at Raven again.
"What's she saying anyways?" the brunette wondered.
"That I learned my lesson and know now not to anger Heda. And that you should stop judging us and start being open to our culture, we are not as bad as you think." he translated for her. "Oh and that she will let your insult towards Heda go just this once."
He paused a moment when the woman said something else while pointing at a branch and then had told back his laughter, which made Raven frown with suspicion. "Why are you laughing?" she asked, suddenly regretting not knowing their language.
"She says if you insult Heda again, she will get that branch and put it well… uhm-"
Raven's eyes widened. "Point taken, Kid. No need to say more." she said.
It made her smile but realized at the same time the woman and the boy were right. She really did need to be careful with her words when among the Grounders, it made her think back to the warning the Commander gave Abby after she talked back to Lexa in public.
The elderly woman was right, as was Abby back in Arkadia. She had been judging the Grounders without knowing them, yet here she sat having a pleasant conversation with a young boy and in a way an older woman who were being anything but the savages Raven thought the Grounders to be. It made her think that maybe it couldn't hurt to open herself to them and their ways a little more.
"So… uhm, I am Raven." she said introducing herself. "What's your name, kid?"
"I am Aden and I am not a kid."
"No?" Raven asked with a smirk.
Aden shakes his head. "No, I am training to become a warrior, I am already a second." he said and looked at her leg again. "If your leg will never heal, will you not be able to be a warrior again?"
"I never was a warrior, Aden."
"Then what do you do?"
"I uhm… I'm an engineer, a mechanic. But you probably don't know what that is, do you?" she said, refraining from telling him she's also good at making things explode. She really didn't want to upset the older woman again.
He already showed he didn't, but he also showed a look of intrigue. "No, but I know Skaikru uses guns, does it have to do with guns?" he asked.
Raven felt her eyes widen, shocked that guns was the first thing that came to his mind. "No Aden, it doesn't have to do with guns. Not for me anyways." she quickly said.
"Then can you explain what you do, I want to know. Maybe you can teach me something and I can show Wanheda what you taught me."
The look in Raven's eyes was replaced by surprise. Aden sounded like he wanted to impress Clarke. The smile on his face when he spoke the title the Grounders had given her showed happiness and care. This was surprising and not what she expected.
"You like Cla… Wanheda?" she asked the boy as one of her eyebrows rose up.
The mention of Clarke's title made the smile on his face grow even wider.
"Yes. She saved our people." he simply replied.
"Not that I am complaining because she saved me and a lot of my people too. But many innocent people died in order to achieve that, your people are not offended by that?" she wondered.
But before Aden could answer the older woman once more spoke up in Trigedasleng, her words again aimed at Raven. They didn't sound angry like before, even though she couldn't understand the words the brunette paid attention to the woman's expression as she spoke. She showed relief, followed by respect and finally grief and sadness filled her eyes.
"What's she saying?" she asks, turning back to Aden.
"Heda first rescued our people from the mountain and then Wanheda made sure no Mountain Man would ever harm us again. For many generations the Mountain Men have hunted us, including her lover and daughter. She has lived without them during five different Commanders. Hundreds of thousands of our people have died over that period. The innocent lives Wanheda has taken to achieve our freedom from the mountain was a sacrifice that had to be made. Blood for blood."
As soon as Aden finished translating the woman continued talking, but suddenly in English, though it wasn't very fluent.
"Gada, you easy to read. You many hate inside. Not only for Heda or Wanheda, but for you also."
"I don't know what you're talking about." she said, barely believing the words she spoke and hating the fact this woman was right about her.
She could feel herself becoming defensive, a tense feeling slowly making it's way through her body again, her gaze diverting back to the fire to avoid eye contact with Aden or the older woman.
"You speak not true. I live long to know this. I hated me also once."
Raven looked back at the woman as she went back to speaking Trigedasleng and waited for Aden to translate, which he immediately did once she had finished talking. But as he did she held her gaze and couldn't look away from the stern and yet friendly set of eyes.
"Heda did at the mountain what she had to do and now with the Coalition divided she suffers the consequences. Wanheda also did what she had to do, but her mind was not trained for it like Heda's. Wanheda sought refuge in the woods to heal but eventually turned to Heda to help bring the twelve clans back together. You judge us, you know not of our culture, or ways. But what Wanheda does know and Raven of the Sky people doesn't, is that since the day your machines landed and your boots connected with the dirt, grass or any other surface it first set foot on, you became one of us."
Raven felt her mouth turn dry as a dessert as she listened to the woman's lecture. She was completely taken aback at how this woman was speaking to her. Of all the people alive to leave her speechless it came down to an elderly woman who barely spoke the same language and a young boy, who at this time had a rather smug look on his face.
"You are enjoying this, aren't you, kid?"
"A little bit but she speaks the truth. We really are not as bad as you think. Queen Nia, the woman who tried to take control from Heda, she is far worse. Our harsh ways are to make sure our laws are followed. Were your laws in the sky any different?" he asked.
And that was a good question. They might not have tied people up against a tree to be cut by people, but floating people is a punishment she wouldn't wish upon anyone. A person will suffer first until they finally meet death. She sighed and hated it when she had to admit she was wrong.
"Actually, we might not be no. A punishment we upheld at the Ark was to execute people by floating them."
"What is that?"
"An extremely painful death that, unfortunately for the condemned, is not instant. There is no air so you can't breathe, your skin will feel like it's on fire and if you're unlucky enough to still be conscious when it happens, you may feel some of your insides explode. Why am I explaining this to a kid."
"I told you I'm not a-"
"You're not a kid yeah I know." Raven said as she stood back to her feet.
"Where are you going?" Aden wondered.
"To make amends." She said and turned to the elderly woman. "Thank you, miss and I'm sorry for being an ass."
The woman just smiled at her and nodded before turning her attention back to the coat she was working on. Raven sighed as she headed back into the village and started drift away with her thoughts. She was willing to be more open minded about these people now. The Commander had left them behind on the mountain and it wasn't something she could easily forget. But she showed the willingness to help Raven and her people through the winter and that must mean something.
Clarke also had been able to tolerate the Commander and Octavia seemed to have chosen her side in all of this. Which of course wasn't a complete surprise judging from her relationship with Lincoln and her history on the Ark makes it understandable she doesn't feel at home at Arkadia. Besides they were here now, on the ground, just as the elderly woman had said. They are on earth, living an isolated life was not an option. They had to adjust and if this Queen Nia really was as bad as Lincoln and now Aden had said, maybe it was for the best that they once more sided with the Commander.
As she was walking back from the holding cells Lexa could see the training area in the distance, where she saw Octavia and Vorgal fighting. Clarke sat a few meters away looking on. The blonde didn't notice Lexa approaching as she sat with her back facing the direction she was approaching from and seemed to be concentrating on the bout between the two.
"Good Octavia!" she cheered as the brunette managed to land a punch on Vorgal's cheek.
Lexa stepped next to Clarke, the blonde slowly made it to her feet, indicating she was still tired and in some pain, to show the proper respect.
"Commander." She said, slightly dipping her head down.
Her arrival also made Octavia and Vorgal pause their fight and face Lexa. "Heda." They both said, unsure if they should continue as she stopped the sparring earlier today with Keara.
"Don't let me stop you, continue." She said and clasped her hands behind her back.
They nodded and Octavia and Vorgal continued their duel. They both looked battered and it made Lexa believe the fight so far had been even. Vorgal was a formidable warrior, if Octavia managed to stand her ground against him she had progressed as a warrior nicely since she saw her last at the mountain.
"How has she been doing so far, Clarke?" Lexa asked the blonde to confirm her suspicions.
"Started out rough for Octavia, but she recovered nicely. Seems a pretty even fight though I can't understand how they manage to keep going, they've been at it since you left for the holding cells."
"A fight can last a long time. This way they can work on their stamina as well as their fighting skills." Lexa said.
Clarke huffed. "I still have a lot to learn, don't I?"
"Yes you do, Clarke." She replied. "But for now I believe Nyko will require your services. Echo will be there and you both can treat her injuries to the best of your ability."
This surprised Clarke and a smile formed on her face. "I appreciate that Commander, thank you."
"No thanks needed. Echo provided us with the information we requested and in return I promised to have her injuries treated." She said. "Now go, her injuries are severe, Nyko could use your help."
Clarke immediately thanked Lexa again and headed in the direction where she knew Nyko would be. Lexa turned her attention back to the sparring and it didn't take her long to easily notice mistakes the two of them were making. Before they could continue Lexa stepped forward. "Both of you, up!" She said and they didn't hesitate to do so.
Lexa turned to Vorgal first. "You are too eager, Vorgal. Your movement was good, you knocked her down and that made you believe you already won. Remain vigilant and calm, never rush."
"Sha, Heda. Mochof." He responded.
Lexa then turned to Octavia. "I called Clarke out on how she showed what she intends to do before she strikes. You do so too, don't make it too easy for you opponent to read you, Octavia."
Octavia offered Lexa a respectful nod. "I'll work on that right now, Commander."
She wanted to get back to sparring with Vorgal but Lexa stopped her.
"No, another time. You'll come with me now."
Without further explaining herself Lexa advanced into the direction of her tent and without hesitation Octavia obeyed her command. Once they reached her tent Lexa glanced at the guards outside before stepping in and motioning Octavia to follow her. Lexa sat down on her throne, crossed her legs and just stared at the Skygirl in silence.
Octavia stood roughly two meters away from the Commander feeling rather nervous and tense, she wasn't sure what to do. Should she speak up first or wait for Lexa to address her? As she said outside, Octavia was easy to read and Lexa could tell she was feeling uneasy. The young Skygirl couldn't maintain eye contact with Lexa and would constantly shift her gaze to something else and even though the Commander couldn't show it, it slightly amused her.
"Look at me, Octavia." Lexa ordered. She complied immediately. "Nyc told me you came here to talk to me about Lincoln's kill order."
"Yes, Heda, I did." She answered.
"I see no reason why I should do that, he disobeyed me in front of my army after being given a second chance. This is the price he pays."
Worry ran through Octavia's eyes but it was quickly followed by determination. "Please, Commander. There must be something he can do, or maybe I can do for you to lift it. He is now forced to live somewhere where he doesn't belong, where I don't belong either." She pleaded
Lexa shook her head. "He brought it upon himself with his actions. Yesterday I had someone punished for disobedience too, not to the same extent as Lincoln but she still had to be punished. What you ask of me is to look the other way for Lincoln after he failed to obey me in front of my army. The Coalition might not be intact anymore Octavia but that doesn't mean I can let things like this go. He failed to follow a simple command and then he ran. It is something I cannot let go unpunished."
Octavia immediately took a step forward, not taking no for an answer. "Then can you please give him another punishment, something that means we can at least leave Arkadia. Please Commander, is there no other way?"
Lexa uncrossed her legs and stood up. "Do you realize what you are asking me, Octavia?" she asked, slowly taking a few steps closer to her. Octavia in turn took a couple of shaky steps backwards, whether the intimidation was intentional or not, it was certainly having an effect.
"What do you mean?" She asked but Lexa was sure she had an idea of what it could mean for Lincoln.
"Lincoln would be better off in Arkadia. If not a kill order the ways to punish Lincoln will cause him nothing but pain, extreme amounts of pain. But I am not telling you something Lincoln must have already discussed with you, he knows our laws, the price for disobedience."
"He did tell me, yes." She said softly, lowering her head for a few moments before facing Lexa again with a new wave of determination. "But he also said he would do anything to make me happy. And we are not happy at Arkadia and I am not happy without him. So we agreed for me to come and talk with you, Commander. He said it's better to suffer and be happy then to be unhappy and trapped in a place where we both don't want to be."
Lexa kept her eyes locked at Octavia and thought about the words the Skygirl just spoke. So Lincoln was willing to suffer through any punishment if it meant he and Octavia could be happy afterwards. Lexa hadn't realized how much they were in love. She wondered if it was wise for Lincoln to do this though. Lincoln has often been at odds with their ways. Maybe he was better off with Luna and her people. But if this is what he and Octavia want, Lexa figured she could give it some thought.
A few moments of silence passed, Octavia now was staring intently with a pleading expression, whereas Lexa showed no emotion. A few seconds later she turned around and sat back down on her throne . "Very well. If this is what you both want I will think about it." She said.
"Thank you, Commander. Thank you so much." Octavia said excitingly.
But Lexa shook her head. "Don't thank me just yet, Octavia. I said I would think about it, I haven't decided anything yet. And trust me when I say this, if I think of a suitable alternative way to punish Lincoln for his disobedience he will suffer greatly and so will you, Octavia."
Octavia's eyes widened at Lexa's words but she recovered quickly and nodded at Lexa. "Whatever your decision will be Commander, Lincoln and I will face it." She said.
"Very well, Octavia. You are free to remain here until I've made a decision, report back to Anya."
After another thank you aimed at Lexa Octavia left and Lexa remained alone in her tent. She took the moment to think through today's events. It was a great day that started with Clarke admitting her feelings for Lexa. They kissed, Lexa trained Clarke and they shared another embrace.
Words could not describe how happy that made her but Lexa knew to be careful with this. Though politically it could be an advantage to be together with Clarke but for now it was probably best to not tell anyone about it. At least not until the clan leaders had arrived. She cares for her and letting it know they are together would also mean that Nia would want to take advantage of that just as she had with Costia. Lexa would do anything in her power to prevent that.
But keeping this a secret from Nia was not going to be possible for long. Ontari was most likely back at Polis by now and likely informed the Ice Queen of her suspicions. Though knowing Nia, she would want proof first before taking any action. All Lexa can do is try to anticipate Nia's moves and train Clarke so that she can fight back should the Ice Queen make a move to try and capture Clarke. The very thought of that happening frightened her but she refused to dwell on it. For now Clarke is here and safe. Security has been increased since Ontari's attempt to kill her but Lexa doubts the Azripa would return anytime soon.
"Heda! Can I come in I have urgent news!"
Her train of thoughts was interrupted by the familiar voice of one of her scouts.
"Enter, Severna." The young woman immediately did as Lexa ordered and stepped inside. "Speak." Lexa said after Severna respectfully greeted her Commander.
"I would like to request warriors to travel East, Heda. We have discovered a group of refugees from Polis. But not just any. An elder, someone from Skaikru and seven novitiates."
This news made Lexa jump from her throne and hastily walked closer to Severna. "How far away are they?" she asked.
"Not far Heda, if I leave now I can be there and back before night fall. They are hiding in a cave with Jaret at the moment, hiding from Ice Nation scouts who are looking for them. If I can take warriors back with me we can escort them to TonDC safely. But some of the Novitiates and the Skaikru are injured."
Lexa nodded and agreed. "Then we cannot risk waiting out the night. Go find Tys, bring him and twenty warriors with you and go right away. Report to me as soon as you arrive back."
Severna quickly nodded at Lexa and then hurried outside to do what Lexa ordered. Lexa ran her hand through her hair. Seven novitiates, that meant two were not there. The elder would likely be able to tell Lexa what happened to them and who they were as soon as they arrived. She wondered which of the four Elders it would be and she also wondered who the person from Skaikru was. Severna wouldn't have known. Not many people get to see the elders, let alone know them by name. She obviously also wasn't aware of who from Skaikru was with them or else she would have mentioned the name already.
But only knowing that most of the novitiates are alive was already heartwarming to Lexa. She expected Nia to have already dealt with them and end the legacy of Commanders so that she could rule Polis and the twelve clans, declare herself their leader. Lexa suspected they were alive still because she wanted to make a show of their deaths in front of the people of Polis, to incite fear. She had waited too long with her barbarous idea and the Elder found a way to escape with them. Either way, the brunette will have to await the story behind their escape. For now she was just glad that most of the possible future Commanders were still alive. She just hoped it stayed that way and Severna would make it back with Tys and the warriors before the Ice Nation scouts find them.
I'd like to point out, if it hasn't already been obvious, that I am using my own version on how to become Commander. There is no nightblood in my story. In the next chapter some of it will be explained. Thanks for reading and I am still more than happy to hear your feedback.
Translations:
Os en Foto - Good and Bad
Shopta - how are you
Os. Yu? En Linkon, ha em lin? - Good. You? And Lincoln, how is he?
tich oso op ha yu na gon raun. - Show us what you can do.
Ai nou bos raun - I am not that good yet
Oso gon em daun nau. - We will fight now
Name explanations:
Vorgal - thought of this one myself.
Keara - Keara court located in Manassas Virginia
Rylan - from Maryland
Senho - Eisenhower East, Alexandria, Virginia
Vern - Mount Vernon
Otta - Ottawa, Canada
Racu - Syracuse, NY
Gara - Niagra Falls (Though some familiar with Naruto might recognize it from there.)
Severna - Severna Park, Maryland
Jaret - Jarretsville, Maryland