Returned

Epilogue

~Six Years Later~

The early morning sun shone brightly through the cracks of the curtains hanging loosely over the door that lead out onto the balcony. Lexa awoke to a familiar arm around her and warm breath blowing softly against her shoulder. She rolled over until she was face to face with the most beautiful woman she had ever known, a small contented smile gracing her features.

Clarke's eyes fluttered open upon feeling her lover stir and Lexa couldn't help but place a small kiss to her cheek. "Good morning my love." She murmured softly, her hand automatically reaching up to brush the messy blonde hair from her face. To Lexa, first thing in the morning was when Clarke looked the most breathtakingly beautiful although she knew the blonde would disagree.

Their brief early morning moment was quickly interrupted with a light knock at the door. "Heda, your presence is required in the throne room for the final planning of Unity Day." Lexa inwardly groaned into her pillow, simply wanting just five more minutes alone with Clarke. Begrudgingly she climbed out of bed, her duties always a necessity to attend to and she shoved each foot into her boots. She made herself look presentable in the mirror before momentarily returning to the bed to place another kiss, this time to Clarke's lips. "Join us when you are both ready."

Clarke gave a nod and just as she was about to rise too an excited three year old came bounding into their room. She crawled up onto the bed beside Clarke and immediately cuddled into her side. Apparently having already assessed Lexa's clothing she held up a hand and waved goodbye. "Bye Mama." Lexa smiled affectionately at the child and leant over to ruffle her hair which was followed by a delighted high-pitched squeal. "Behave for your Nomon, Akalya." Akalya's face turned serious for a moment and she gave a nod to match her expression before finally giving her signature cheeky salute.

Lexa couldn't help the chuckle that escaped as she began to exit the room. She hadn't known that life could be this good.

…

It had taken quite some time for the pregnancy of their child to take. They had spent many nights talking of the possibility of children and it was something they both desired greatly. The first thing they had to decide was who was to bare the child and evidently it had been decided together that Clarke would be that person. Their next hurdle to overcome was how to make it all happen. Neither had much experience in this particular field so they'd sought the advice of Abby who had come up with the idea of a donor.

The father chosen was a kind Trikru man named Orik who had happily agreed to help out Heda and her lover. He very rarely visited and seemed to show little regret at giving up the rights to raising the child himself which suited all parties involved.

Unfortunately the hard part was not over after they'd found a donor however, and it had taken just over two years until they'd finally been successful. Akalya was born a healthy and happy little girl just after midday on the 22nd day of Spring after several long and excruciating hours of labour. Lexa remained by Clarke's side in the duration of her labour, never once leaving her side. But of course in true life's fashion the labour didn't go quite as smoothly for Clarke as it did for their child and she had lost quite a lot of blood in the aftermath. Once again Lexa refused to leave her love's side and as Abby and her team worked to save her life she told her how beautiful their daughter was and how incredibly proud she was of her. Once again Lexa was grateful for her ability to remain calm in stressful situations because if she couldn't she knew she most likely would have lost it completely.

After an hour of trying to stabilize her they finally managed to stop the bleeding and finally informed Lexa that they had been successful. She finally allowed herself to relax but still did not leave Clarke's side.

Another hour passed, and Abby finally brought in their child, tears forming in her eyes as she gazed down in awe at her grandchild. After a moment Abby carefully handed the newborn over into Lexa's awaiting arms and as soon as she laid her eyes on her, it was as if her entire existence now had a purpose.

Lexa smiled proudly down at the infant, her finger lightly caressing her cheek. The room was completely silent except for the sound of breathing. Their daughter reached a tiny hand up and grasped onto Lexa's finger, her small fist just meeting in a circle. In a rare show of open emotion tears began to form in her eyes at her daughter's gesture and she knew then that she was smart, intelligent and special just like her mother.

…

A traditional naming day was held two week later, Clarke having made a speedy recovery during that time. All the clan representatives gathered, as well as many Skaikru faces alike. The entire City was eager to find out the name of their child and after quite a lot of thought they'd finally settled on a name. Even the donor they had used to conceive their daughter, Orik, stood at the very back of the room to watch the ceremony.

Lexa stood to address the room, their daughter cradled in Clarke's arms who stood by her side. The room fell silent as it so often did, all attention to the front of the room. "It has been many years since the Great War, and as we achieved peace we remembered the sacrifice of those we have lost. But with loss and death breeds new life in which we are to celebrate rather than grieve. Today's celebration is for the new life my love brought into this world just two weeks ago." Lexa paused, and her eyes sought Clarke's, a shared look of pride reflecting in the other's eyes. "We have decided on a name that reflects both of our Clan's. A name which will carry on for centuries after we are gone. Akalya komTriSkaikru, we welcome you into the coalition of the thirteen clans. May you become a warrior who is fierce and a fighter among us all." The entire room repeated the last sentence in a promise, their heads bowing in unison.

Clarke brought forth their child, her head held over the top of the bowl as a handful of water was poured over her head. This had been a custom Clarke had been adamite about, a custom carried from the sky. Once it was done and Clarke held her up the room began to cheer for the future of their people and the Unity they had accomplished.

…

Lexa walked gracefully into the throne room, her mind reminiscing of the day her daughter had been announced to the world. In the last three years she had watched her learn and grow into a fierce young child, she was everything they had hoped for and more.

Lexa finished the final preparations for their sixth Unity Day since the signing of the Coalition, and as time grew nearer people began to file inside the large hall until everyone was present for the celebration. "Six years ago on this day we signed a peace treaty outlining the coalition that would bring us peace and end the war between the clans for good. It took us many harsh years to overcome our differences but what I see standing before me has made every sacrifice worth it. I know we all lost a lot to get where we are today, some far more than others. But victory stands on the back of sacrifice and I could not be any prouder. So in conclusion I invite you all to eat, drink and speak between yourselves. For then we can overcome, heal and move forward with this new world."

The feast was presented before them in a banquet style celebration with each clan leader seated at the head table on either side of the Commander, her lover and their child. Lexa spoke easily with each leader, hearing of their requests and concerns. She could see Clarke from the corner of her eye and tried her hardest not to smile as Akalya stubbornly refused to eat her greens. Just like her mother.

All in all the celebration was a success and as the evening's festivities wound down for the night she found herself walking over towards the glass case that held the signed Coalition, the document that had brought them all together. Clarke reappeared behind her, having been talking with her friends in which their daughter was still chatting away to. She seemed to mix so easily in these gatherings, even at the young age of three. Lexa stared at the parchment proudly as she felt her love's arms wrap around her waist and her chin resting on her shoulder. She knew everything she had been through had been worth it for everything had finally all come together, and she knew she'd get to share it all with her soulmate. She'd been given a second chance at life, and by god was she going to live it.

AN: And this concludes the final chapter of this story. Just to clarify, the beginning of the chapter starts out with six years down the track since peace had been made between the clans which then recounts two of three key events that has happened between the last chapter and this one. Then the last part concludes what the first part started with of course, a happy ending.

Akalya pronounced Aka-lia

Again I intend on writing a follow up story which at this point without giving much away will be entitled 'Captured'. For anything more you will just have to wait and see.

Thank you all again for every kind word of encouragement, every favourite and every follow. You all have no idea how much it all means to me and how motivating it is.