Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Thanks to Miss. Pixie. M for beta reading.
Not far from Camp Jaha.
During the night, Bellamy followed the group of Sky people who had been acting strangely since his announcement. They had left the camp and walked for almost an hour before stopping in a forest clearing, they seemed nervous and were clearly waiting for something, looking around at the slightest noise. Bellamy was hidden behind a tree, far enough away so he could spy on them without being noticed.
He didn't have to wait long, three Grounders came into the clearing on horseback. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but their talk was animated, finally, they shook their hands, as if a deal has been struck and the Grounders left in the night. The group of Sky people was getting closer. He remained hidden, most of their conversation was unintelligible. He still, however, make out a few words. There was something about a 'trap' 'Clarke' and a 'reward'. He was frozen in place, even after a long time had passed and it was safe to leave, he still didn't move. He didn't hear enough to know where and when but a disaster was going to happen. His own people had betrayed them and he was afraid it was already too late to do something. He thought about his sister, about Clarke…he eventually came out of his torpor and ran to the camp, maybe with Abby and Kane's help he would be able to prevent it.
The next day, in the Heda's childhood village.
It was early morning, a light breeze blew gently on her face, humming a melody softly she learned on the Ark, while they were walking side by side in the streets of the village. The normally stoic woman by her side was greeting the villagers more kindly than usual, their hands were touching lightly and discreetly while they were talking with the villagers. Some furtive glances were exchanged between them, the warm eyes of the Commander had a hard time leaving the beautiful girl by her side, especially when Clarke had such a joyous expression on her face and was looking and smiling at her as if she was the only person who mattered to her.
Behind them, Indra and India were rolling their eyes at the 'idiot' couple who was supposed to stay discreet, it was going to make their job of keeping them safe a lot harder.
They stopped at the corner of a street and watched children playing with a ball, one of the kids saw them and after greeting the Heda, turned towards Clarke and asked with enthusiasm:
"Clarke, can you come play with us? We have practiced what you showed us yesterday and you promised that you would show us some news moves today! "
Clarke laughed happily and after taking the Heda's hand, moved toward the children.
Indra watched all this in total disbelief, with a scowl on her face she turned her head towards her sister; or at least where her sister should have been standing. "How dare the Sky girl...India? "
"India! Pass it! Pass it!"
Indra's face turned so quickly that she heard a crack in her neck, she watched with murder in her eyes as her sister was making a fool of herself with the children. She almost took out her sword when her Heda was tackled to the ground by Clarke. She gritted her teeth when the children, who had been at first afraid and intimidated by the Heda as they should be, were now playing happily with her. She wouldn't let this pass, it was inappropriate for her Heda and a clan leader to play like children. She would have to have a serious conversation with both of them and her sister. They didn't realize that what they were doing could have dire consequences...
"Indra!" the Heda said severely, making her come out of her thoughts.
" Sha!" Indra answered immediately, standing straighter.
"Come play with us! " ordered firmly the Heda.
"Sha!" Indra sighed as she joined the game. Even a stupid order was still an order, she was feeling as if she was the only adult taking care of children, powerful and charismatic, but still children. Finally, it wasn't so bad, even if she would never confess it, she had some fun, always thinking about politics and battle plans could become tiring, maybe a little break from time to time… As long as it stayed occasional and without spectators since she would never allow anyone to mock her Heda, then yes, it wasn't so bad.
"Indra, we are going for a walk in the woods with Clarke, alone. I need to talk with her about some serious matters. "
"Heda, you can't go alone with the Sky girl, you need to be protected! " replied Indra.
"Indra! Do you doubt my power? " Indra was quick to shake her head negatively. "I can take care of Clarke and myself, Indra. You and India will stay in the village until we come back."
Indra watched both women walking towards the forest, she felt torn between her desire to protect the Heda and her duty to follow orders, finally her duty won and she moved with her sister towards the provisory camp that had been put up close to the village, to welcome the new warriors of the Eagles clan.
Lexa was deep in thought when they entered the forest, she didn't know how to approach the subject with Clarke, to make her listen to reason. Giving up Lincoln could seem heartless but she had to protect Clarke as well as every Grounder under her command. It was the logical thing to do, sacrificing one man's life against so many others, it wasn't easy, but as a leader you had to be able to take those hard decisions. Her gaze found Clarke, who was still happily humming a song by her side, she frowned and shook her head, with anyone else it would be so easy, she just had to give an order and they would follow it without question. But with Clarke? She could already feel the start of a headache.
"Clarke you can't go after Lincoln, you have to think with your head, not with your heart. "
Clarke stopped humming happily, joy was replaced by a defiant glare, Lexa was struggling to find the right words, maybe with a softer approach than she was used to, she would be able to reach Clarke.
"I promise you that I will do everything in my power to see him released but I will do it through diplomacy. Think about all the people you will put in danger if you go to war, it's not only me and my men, but the Sky people too. When the Queen sees that it's you who is leading the attack, she will have no pity for the Sky people. She will think they work with you. Peace is already so fragile. Don't take this decision on a whim, you could regret it later. Think carefully about what is at stake here, Clarke. "
Clarke stayed silent, looking her in the eyes, she gave a small nod of her head and they kept walking until they reached a beautiful lake.
Lexa sat down against a tree to observe the scenery, it was so peaceful here, Clarke sat against her, her head resting on her shoulder while she took Lexa's arms to enlace her midsection. Lexa gave a contented sigh, she was yearning for this kind of peace.
They stayed like this for a long time, enjoying the moment of respite in their tumultuous life, finally Clarke gave her an answer, her tone of voice hesitant:
"I know I need to trust you ... in my heart, I know that you will never do anything to hurt me again, your eyes weren't lying last night, your love and worry are genuine. But Lexa, it's Lincoln! Is there really nothing else we could do? I just can't let him be the Ice Nation's captive and be tortured, he helped me so much …he doesn't deserve this! Nobody does! "
Lexa gently kissed Clarke on the cheek, "I know Clarke, I know. The people we sacrifice as a leader for peace, I'm not going to lie to you, makes us feel dirty and it never goes away, but what other choice do we have? You saw the villagers and the children, how carefree they are, I'm responsible for a lot of villages on my territory, it's for them that I want to keep the peace Clarke, so they can remain carefree and maybe the new generation will not have as many wars as we had. "
Clarke sighed against her, "Okay, okay, I will wait, I can't put everyone in danger … I will wait." She turned her head towards Lexa. "But I will not wait too long. I'll give you some time to try your diplomacy and if it doesn't work…"
Lexa smiled a little, she liked the fierce temper of her girl. "That's good enough for me, just give me some time, okay? " After a nod from Clarke, she leant forward and kissed her gently.
They had to interrupt their kisses and fondling, they couldn't stay away any longer from the village. Indra and India would start to worry and send some warriors to search for them.
Not being able to help it, they exchanged some kisses in the forest on their way back. They wanted their moment to last a little longer before they had to go back to the harsh reality. Eventually coming out of the forest, the smile on Clarke's face was quickly wiped off, an expression of horror taking its place. Fire and smoke were rising from the village, they heard some screams asking for help. They ran as fast as they could towards the village, some villagers were lying on the ground, bleeding, while others villagers were trying to help them, it was chaos everywhere. One of Lexa's warriors' came quickly over to them to make his report.
"Heda, the tattoos of the Eagles clan on the warriors from the Ice Nation were false, it was a trap!"
"What? How is this possible? They wouldn't have found this place without it! " said a bewildered Clarke.
"I agree. " confirmed the Heda.
"I know, someone must have betrayed us Heda." replied the warrior severely. "They took us by surprise, but we were able to chase them, they still hurt some villagers while they were escaping."
Lexa was deep in thought, this attack didn't make sense to her. She knew from the last war that the Queen was an excellent strategist, she was mad and power hungry, but all her motives and moves had made sense! Here, she was winning nothing from this. Was it to show her that she knew she was vulnerable? Was it about Clarke? Then, why not go after Clarke directly? What was she aiming to do? Lexa was mad at herself, she should have never dropped her guard, all of this was hiding something bigger, much bigger.
She looked around. "Where is Indra? She should be the one to make a report."
The warrior bowed his head. "We can't find her, Heda, as well as her sister, we think they were taken."
"We have to go after them Lexa! They can't be far!" exclaimed an extremely worried Clarke. She was already moving towards the horses when she heard Lexa scream. "Stop! "
Clarke came to a halt, turning her head to glare furiously at Lexa, "Why? So they can be taken as prisoners and tortured like Lincoln? I don't think so! I will go after India whether you want it or not!"
"You don't understand! They want us to follow them! It has been their goal since the start. Think about it Clarke! Nothing of this attack makes sense. They will lead us in their territory to gain the advantage of the ground and while we have only a few warriors, their entire army will be waiting for us! If we are captured and the Queen kills us, she will win the power of the Heda and the Angel of Death, she will be unstoppable! ". Lexa had now caught up with Clarke and was putting a hand on her shoulder, she would not let her leave, even if she had to force her to stay.
Clarke didn't resist, she had tears falling from her eyes, she turned around and let herself fall into Lexa's arms. "What are we going to do Lexa? India is my best friend! I can't let something happen to her, I just can't." mumbled Clarke against Lexa's chest.
Lexa held her tenderly, "I know Clarke, I feel the same about Indra. First, we have to find the traitors, then we make our move. I'm going to send some messages to the clans and accelerate the preparations for the army. "
In the sky , the eagles were crying in sorrow, then a beautiful golden eagle let out a powerful cry before landing on Clarke's shoulder, making her jump and leave the security of Lexa arms. The others eagles landed in the trees around them, Clarke watched carefully the eagle on her shoulder, listening to the sounds he was making, she stroked his feathers affectionately and smiled at Lexa.
"Your messages are ready to be sent Lexa. And I know where they are taking Indra and India, we can start to make a plan! "
For once, Lexa was the one with her mouth agape, the warriors around them had all put a knee on the ground and were bowing their head in respect. The golden eagle on Clarke's shoulder was staring intently at her, it made her feel as if he was judging her, he must have found her worthy of his companionship since his gaze moved to another prey. She hadn't felt so uncomfortable and weak for a long time, not since she was a child, she looked reverently at Clarke, who was gently patting his head, she couldn't help but think that maybe this time the Queen had made a huge mistake, Clarke was a lot more dangerous when she was pushed into a corner and with her by her side? Who knows what they will be able to do.