Disclaimer & Notices

Copyright: See the prologue.

AN: Sorry for the delayed update! I'm happy to see everybody is enjoying the story. This chapter gets into Polis more and part of the next chapter too. I do plan to respond to reviews this coming week. I haven't had time to reply to anybody, sadly. But I do appreciate the feedback and will do my best to stay on top of the story. We have a long ways to go still. I'm personally looking forward to Clarke's return to Camp Jaha. :)

Please enjoy!

Anonymous Reviews

Guest (from May 31): Thank you for the awesome vote! I hope it stays that way through the whole thing. Thanks again for the review!

NikLovesLove (from Jun 6): It is nice having more of the lovey-dovey interactions. It was hard to start it that way considering Clarke's reaction to Mount Weather. But they steadily will get there as they work things out between each other. I'm happy you've enjoyed the story so much. I do try to stay consistent with the weekly'ish updates. Thank you very much for the feedback!

Guest (from Jun 7): Mochof! :) There's much still to go. These next chapters won't be action packed, but that will be coming our way soon. I'm terribly addicted to fight scenes. I hope you continue to enjoy the story. Many thanks for the feedback!

Website: www . redhope .net

Started: March 3, 2015

Series: One Shot


Hedatu

by Red Hope

Chapter 11

Ares turned in a circle a few times then finally settled into a comfortable spot on the foot of the bed. He stayed near the corner edge so that his human friend had plenty of room. He let out a low groan and closed his eyes.

Clarke had taken the left side of the large bed. She was comfortable under the covers and finished toying with the smart phone. Indeed they were in former Annapolis, Maryland. She had a lot to ask Lexa about Polis and the grounders' history. There was so much to learn tomorrow.

After a low sigh, Clarke sunk into the soft bed. She briefly wondered what the bed was filled with that made it so soft and even warm. Clarke turned on her left side but opened her eyes and studied the gold ring that sat on the nightstand next to the smart phone. Behind the ring, her father's watch softly ticked each heartbeat.

Clarke considered the Commander's Ring that Lexa had given her. Grounders believed it held a power or direct connection to their war god. If Lexa wore it then she would be consumed by the lust for battle, or so how Clarke interrupted it. However, Lexa had gifted it to Clarke in hopes it would protect her. Somehow that seemed silly to Clarke that a ring could possess such ability. And yet, as she rolled onto her back, her distressed thoughts returned to the last month. After Mount Weather, Clarke wanted to let go of her people, but even Clarke knew it was impossible. She cared, deeply, for her people.

Eventually Clarke dozed off into a restless sleep. Her mind and body battled for control through the night and filtered into her dreams. Gradually her distress appeared to ease, but it was only a ruse. First, her heart accelerated from slow to a feverish beat. Clarke sharply stirred and sat up in fear. The bedroom was quiet yet Clarke felt as if enemies were bearing down on her. Now sweat beaded down her face, and she struggled to breathe. Death was coming directly for her.

Ares lifted his head when he smelled his friend's fear. His green eyes reflect the room's low light.

Clarke shoved the sheets off her hot body. She stumbled in her first steps. She was hardly in control of her body. Her legs moved on their own will. Clarke made it to the door and leaned heavily against it. She panted and clung to the door's ring.

Ares hopped off the bed and paced next to his friend.

Clarke was losing to the terror. She barely managed the door open. Lexa was her first and only thought. Normally the few steps to Lexa's room would be so simple. Tonight it felt like a climb up a mountain. Clarke lost air in her lungs, and she gave up next to the door. Her weakened body brought her to the floor, next to Lexa's sealed door.

Ares whined at Clarke's distress. He paced again then looked at the sealed door.

Clarke dropped her head against the wall. She inhaled deeply and whispered, "Breathe." She drew her knees up to her chest. She could wait out the panic attack. Just being slightly closer to Lexa gave a sliver of comfort. Clarke worked on her breathing, but her heated skin suddenly cooled off. She began shaking as if she were in subzero temperatures.

Ares nuzzled his friend's leg, and her cold skin worried him further. He looked at the double doors and moved forward.

"Ares," Clarke called. She wished to halt him, but she was too weak. She groaned after the wolf slipped into the bedroom.

Lexa was already rising after the wolf entered her room. She sensed his concern and followed him out of the jarred door. Her eyes narrowed at Clarke's huddled form against the wall. Lexa knelt down and touched Clarke's arm. Several trembles passed from Clarke into Lexa, and it worried Lexa.

"I'm okay," Clarke stated, but her voice quaked. She still struggled for air. "I'm just… having a… p-p-panic attack."

Lexa frowned and reached forward. Her arms easily slipped under and behind Clarke's fuller body. With great strength, she stood up with Clarke safely in her arms.

"Lexa," Clarke pleaded, but she made no other protest.

Lexa pushed open her bedroom door wider using her hip. She slipped into her warm room then shut the door with her other hip after the wolf brushed past her legs. Lexa crossed the short distance to her bed and lowered Clarke into it.

Ares had snuck in and decided to sit on the floor beside the bed. He curiously watched the humans snuggle into each other on the bed.

Lexa had pushed two pillows upright against the bed's wrought iron headboard. She had Clarke between her legs similar to a few nights ago. Once she and Clarke were settled into each other, she drew the furs around Clarke for warmth even though there was heat from the fireplace.

Clarke rested her head against Lexa's shoulder. She closed her eyes and worked on her breathing in hopes it would alleviate her panic sooner. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Do not apologize." Lexa had one arm across Clarke's stomach. With her freehand, she adjusted the pillow at her back. She then placed her hand on Clarke's flushed chest that was bare above the tank top. "Tell me about your life before the ground."

Clarke was amazed Lexa requested her to talk, especially since she already did so often. "It was a quiet life in space… mostly."

Lexa attempted another direction. "Tell me about your father."

Clarke swallowed hard, but she inhaled deeply and slowly let it out. She continued the pattern and spoke in between her long breaths. "His name was Jake… Jake Griffin."

"What did he look like?" Lexa encouraged.

Clarke sadly smiled as her father formed in her mind. "He had brown hair that was several inches long. Often a few strands would get in his eyes until he got a haircut." She continued remembering her father with careful detail. "He had hazel eyes and a soft complexion… Dad's smile always made me feel better." She pictured his smile now. "He was taller than me. Whenever we hugged, he would rest his chin on my head."

Lexa imagined Jake Griffin as Clarke painted him in her mind.

"My dad was very bright. He was the Senior Environmental Engineer on the ship so he…" Clarke considered how to explain it to Lexa. "He managed the different ship systems like air, water, waste, and such."

"He taught you to read maps," Lexa brought up. "Did he teach you other things?"

Clarke's sad smile remained in place. Her breathing calmed to normal. "Maybe they seemed like silly things at the time, but he taught me how to tie knots, read a clock face, read a compass, read maps, boil water to purify it, and knowing moss mostly grows on the north side."

Lexa had a faint grin about the mention of moss.

"Dad taught me how to play chess too." Clarke cleared her throat after her heart further slowed in speed. "It's a two-player strategy game."

Lexa tilted her head and mentioned, "I have read about it and seen pictures of it in old books."

"My favorite game," Clarke admitted. She leaned her head against Lexa's own. She felt much calmer, and it was the first time she noticed the soft, constant tap against her chest. In the past, Lexa had done the same, and it soothed Clarke's mind. "Next to Bullshit, that is." She felt Lexa's chest vibrate, perhaps from a silent laugh. "My dad spent a lot of time teaching me soccer. It was his favorite sport, and I was good at it too. I was picked the captain of the team a few years."

Lexa was hardly surprised by the news. "What happened to your father?"

Clarke sighed and softly went into the story about her father's end. She kept her emotions in check other than her voice shaking a few times. She explained why she ended up in the Sky Box after everything.

"Ai laik kore, Klark."

Clarke lifted her head and considered the only unknown word in Lexa's reply. Behind Lexa's tone, there was sympathy and Clarke understood enough. "Ai ogud," Clarke attempted.

Lexa had a thin smile. "Em ogud," she helped but translated, "It is okay."

"Em ogud," Clarke softly repeated. She now felt exhausted after the panic attack expelled from her body. "Lexa…" She bit down on a yawn.

The commander heard the weariness in Clarke's voice. She helped Clarke lay down in the bed. "Sleep here tonight."

However, Clarke struggled to get up, her hands flat against the furs. "I shouldn't-"

"Lay down, Clarke." Lexa's firm press against Clarke's shoulder made her go down into the bed.

Clarke snuggled into her spot on the bed. She was warm and safe. Once settled, she drifted off quickly.

Lexa had adjusted the pillows and nearly lay down until she noticed Clarke's bare hand. She slightly frowned at the fact the Commander's Ring was off Clarke's finger. However, Lexa calmed her concerns because similar to the ring, Clarke's watch was gone. Most likely Clarke removed them prior to sleep, but Lexa mentally noted to discuss the ring further in the morning.

Lexa lowered onto her back and adjusted the blankets over them. She released a heavy breath then allowed her muscles to relax. It was a rare treat to be in her bed where she still felt safe even after years of war, blood, and death. For a short period, she could leave the heda outside of her bedroom door, mostly.

Even though Lexa felt safe in Polis, her night was hardly quiet due to Clarke's restlessness and battle with nightmares. Lexa drifted in and out of consciousness most of the night then finally gave up. Her movements stirred Ares, and she petted him where he rested on the fur beside the dead fireplace. It only took a few moments to rekindle the fireplace. Lexa sat on the fur beside Ares and watched the fire grow and start warming up the chilly bedroom.

Ares lifted his head then lowered it onto Lexa's thigh. He gave a low huff.

Lexa studied the wolf then ran her fingers through his thick fur. She held his green eyes with her own green ones. She silently thanked him for finding and watching Clarke before she could find Clarke. She ruffled the fur around his shoulders then looked over at the mat covered window. There was no indication of sunlight so it was well before dawn. Lexa had free time, and she knew sleep was out of the question now. It was hardly Clarke's doing, but it was Lexa's dark memories.

Three years ago today Lexa was forced to accept her commander spirit. It was the last day she had cried because her human spirit had been broken in half. Her commander spirit arrived as a frozen gift from the Ice Nation. In crystal clear ice, Costia's head silently cried out for Lexa. To this day, Lexa's heart rate still thundered in her ears at the memory of Costia's death. She gritted her teeth and shook away the horror. She realized her right hand was strangling the rug's fur.

The sudden need to be free of the constrictive bedroom washed over Lexa. She patted Ares's side before she stood up. She silently moved through the room and gathered old clothes from the dresser. She went into the bathroom, turned on the light, and shut the door. She changed from her sleeping attire into clothes she used for training years ago. The dark clothes hugged her skin tightly, and they were light weight. Lexa washed up next and used homemade toothpaste to brush her teeth. After she was ready, she stepped out and put the other, folded clothes on top of the dresser. Lexa then retrieved a soft black jacket that had a hood on it. She quickly worked the toggles so she would stay warm. Her eyes were trained on Clarke, who was more peaceful.

Quietly, she left the bedroom but kept the door ajar. She slipped into Clarke's room and located the Commander's Ring on the nightstand. Lexa exited the room just as fast and returned to her master bedroom. She stood beside the bed, on Clarke's side. For a beat, Lexa studied the gold ring that had been coated in enemy blood many times over by past commanders. However, Lexa was different than the others, and she preferred it that way.

Clarke was gently stirred awake by soft words. She sat up onto her elbows once she focused on Lexa knelt beside her. "What time is it?"

"Early," Lexa replied.

Clarke blinked more sleep away then finally noticed how Lexa was dressed compared to last night. She had a concerned look. "Where are you going?"

"I need to train," Lexa explained. "I will be back later for you."

Clarke started moving except a sure hand on her shoulder made her still.

"You need more sleep, Clarke."

Clarke fully sat up and glowered at the commander. "You're the one to talk."

Lexa ignored the remark and instead held up the Commander's Ring. "You must always wear this."

Clarke sensed the depth behind Lexa's order. She held her tongue and instead lifted her hand, palm up.

"Never take it off unless you are returning it to me or…" Lexa hesitated and placed the ring into Clarke's hand.

Clarke slid it on her finger again. She curiously focused on Lexa.

"Or to pass it onto the next commander," Lexa finished.

Clarke's lips parted, but she failed with words. She merely nodded.

Lexa was satisfied and stood up. "I will see you in a few candlemarks." She went to a small door to her right. She opened the closet and retrieved her sheathed sword.

Clarke watched the commander leave before she settled under the furs again. She considered what Lexa would do to train. Perhaps one day soon she would find out if she chose to become Lexa's second. Clarke cleared away her thoughts and allowed sleep to greet her.

Lexa planned to eat breakfast later. She wanted to train first. The brisk air outside awakened the rest of her senses. She started walking west, into the city streets. Her pace slowly increased as she weaved through the quiet streets. Her boots hardly made any noise. As she approached the sealed gates, the lamps overhead revealed her to the guards on duty.

"Heda," a guard greeted. "Do you require company?"

Lexa tightened the sheath's strap across her chest. The sword was snug against her back. "No, but I will return in two candlemarks or so."

The guard dipped his head and accompanied the commander to the sealed gates. He signaled another guard to open the locked door within the gate's iron body. "Be safe, commander."

Lexa said nothing and simply passed through the door. She heard it shut behind her then the heavy iron bolt that slid into place. Lexa paused a few steps beyond the walls. Behind her, she sensed the wall guards that curiously watched her.

Another deep breath filled her lungs with the cool night air. She loved this time of the year. The open landscape in front of her called for her. Lexa took the invite and started into an easy jog. All her thoughts that plagued her started falling away from her body as she increased her speed. She had a destination in mind though.

Eventually the jog turned into a run that exhilarated Lexa's muscles and made her feel so alive. She sprinted up a small hill, and her heart pumped wildly against the demand for more strength. Once at the top, Lexa was greeted by a beautiful apple orchard, one of three that offered a great harvest this fall. Such sweet smells tickled Lexa's senses, and she sprinted between two rows of trees. Even in the dark, the beautiful apples gleamed a bright red or green.

As she weaved through the apple trees, she was greeted by warm memories of Costia. Lexa sadly smiled when she heard Costia's old laugh echo from the neighboring row of trees. She increased her speed, just as she did as a kid, and tried racing past Costia. It was one of her fondest memories with her childhood best friend and later lover.

Lexa was adept at running since it was her favorite thing. As she sprinted between the trees, the commander spirit fell away. The slight smile grew on Lexa's lips after she out raced her spirit. She was free from everything. Nothing, including her commander spirit, could touch her now. Only Costia's memory followed her through the last of the orchard. Once she burst through the trees at the end of the row, Costia vanished and Lexa was truly alone again.

Lexa ran and ran until she was nearly a candlemark from the city. She slowed into a jog again and continued through a large cattle field. She was hard pressed to jump or dance around meadow muffins, unless she wished to bring home the smell of cow on her boots. Many times she had done so with her brother as a kid. One too many times Vern had pushed her into one, but she suspected today he would fail to best her.

After a headshake, Lexa cleared away Vern's face. She increased her speed when the wired fence appeared in front of her. Lexa jumped over it and neatly landed on her feet. She continued up a steep but short incline to the wooded area above her. Lexa entered a dark woods, but she knew where to go. Shortly, Lexa arrived in a quiet glade where her opponents awaited her.

Lexa extracted her sword and warily eyed her six unmoving opponents. She sized them as she breathed heavy. She gave a cry and came at the wooden opponents. Lexa moved with grace and speed that Anya had instilled in her. Her opponents kept their wood swords in their makeshift hands.

Metal slammed against wood, over and over again. Lexa's brief cries rang out while she trained against the wood dummies. She sliced at them, stabbed them, and hacked when she was close enough. As the routine continued, Lexa's commander spirit returned to her, and she fought harder. Her sword cut through the air and sliced into the dummies' heads and arms. Lexa was ruthless with them and yet never drew blood. Once spent, Lexa completed her routine by hurling her sword across the glade. The sword whooshed through the air then sunk into one dummy's helmeted skull. Its handle briefly shook before it went still and quiet.

Lexa panted hard and stared coldly at her supposedly dead enemy. She straightened up and started pacing through the glade so that she could cool off. She still had certain exercises to do before she could return to the city. She spent a quarter candlemark doing the rest of her routine. She ended it with a few stretches then collected her sword. Lexa harshly yanked the sword out of the dummy's metal helmet. She eyed the new slice left in the helmet. She would need to sharpen her blade.

Lexa sheathed her sword and started out of the glade. She walked briskly through the woods until she was at the crest of the hill. She gazed down at the cattle field and breathed in the cows' scents. Distantly, the city glowed from the torch lamps but beyond it the sun's first light crawled over the horizon like fingers. Lexa needed to return.

At a steady run, Lexa made it back to Polis at daybreak. She was greeted by the guards again, and she bid them good morning. Lexa debated returning home, but she knew her sister and Clarke would both be asleep. The city's streets were still very quiet. At an intersection, Lexa made her choice and went to the left instead of right. She headed north in the city. Her destination suddenly formed after two passing between two homes.

Lexa halted beside the house and gazed upon the tall structure that seemed to reach for the heavens. Its three tall, pointed roofs reached high enough to pierce the morning sun's fingers. Lexa's eyes slowly drew down the structure to the pure white front doors that warmly welcomed people to it. Even though the grasses and plants were soft invites, rarely did people go into the beautiful temple.

However, Lexa knew every detail about the temple, especially the side door. She reached behind and freed the hood tucked between her sheath and back. She drew it over her head and quickly slipped away before people started stirring from the daylight. Lexa went to the temple's side and found the entrance door still unlocked after all these years. It was as if the temple waited for her.

Lexa went in and quickly scanned for anybody, but it was empty. In front of her was a grass walkway that led to a stone pool, which was full of water. Lexa approached the pool but looked up at the stone columns that held lit torches from the front entrance to the altar. At the altar, there was a large stone table connected to an even large stone fire bowl. The bowl was burning, always. Beyond that, a beautiful giant statue of a woman stood behind it.

To this day, Lexa was still drawn to the statue, and she headed to the altar. Her gaze was fixated on the statue's eyes, made from blue gems. The statue's long, wavy hair flowed past her shoulders. Her arms were stretched out in welcome, and her body covered by a simple robe. In the statue's right hand, she held out a twelve pointed star made from gold. There was something tender about how she gazed upon those in her temple. Her blue eyes held promise.

Lexa stood at the altar table, hands against the cold stone. She gazed up, her own eyes bright from within the darkness of the hood. Lexa brought up her right hand and tapped her three fingers against her chest then her forehead and last to the back of her head. She muttered a single word then bowed her head. She leaned heavily against the altar, the weight of her nation showing for the first time. Her earlier thoughts returned to Costia, who lost her life today but many years ago. Lexa bit her lower lip and continued praying to Costia using Staurra as her channel.

Lexa inhaled deeply but her prayers were cut off by a soften movement.

A tall woman dressed in shades of goldenrod linen formed out of the darkness. She kept her blond hair tied back. Her full cheeks grew as she smiled at her visitor. She seemed to glide up the altar's side steps thanks to her long gown.

"Heda," she warmly greeted.

Lexa tensed and took a step back from the table. "Priestess, I…" She took a deep breath. "I should not be here. I apologize." She turned on her boots and started down the steps. Her face was well hidden from the priestess.

"Have you finally given up on Staurra?" the priestess called.

Lexa was off the altar's steps. She halted in the center of the grass walkway, halfway to the pool.

"She has not given up on you, Heda."

Lexa turned her head sidelong and remained still. The priestess's words echoed in her head and stirred a tremble in her heart. She never heard the priestess coming up behind her.

"To be at war with your heart is the hardest challenge you will ever face."

Lexa faced the priestess and reached up with both hands. She slowly removed the hood, and her dark, braided hair shined under the firelight. "Hello, Eirene."

The priestess bowed slightly in respect then straightened up. "It has been many years, Lexa." Eirene remembered Lexa as a child, better than many in Polis. "Why now?" she breathed.

Lexa shifted on her boots then softly replied, "You were right."

Eirene slowly revealed a pleased smile.

"She has flown down from the stars and burned the mountain."

Eirene studied the commander's features, but they were calm as ever. She listened carefully and felt the commander's concerns. She could hardly control her smile. "And I see she has melted your heart."

Lexa was perturbed by the priestess's perception and true words.

"Sit with me," Eirene ordered, before Lexa could escape her. She indicated one of the stone benches by the pool. "Tell me about her."

Lexa sighed because she owed this much to the priestess. She joined Eirene on the bench. "You were right," she repeated again. She stared at the pool then met Eirene's curious gaze. "About all of it." She swallowed hard. "She flew down from the stars. Anya faced against her. We tried killing her people with disease first. She healed them."

Eirene dipped her head and continued listening to the commander.

"She commands fire and burned three hundred of my men." Lexa still saw her burned warriors around the drop ship. "Finally she demanded an audience with me after escaping the mountain with Anya. She had melted Anya before me."

Eirene chuckled at this because she knew much about Anya. "What does Anya say of her?"

"I do not know." Lexa bitterly stared at the pool of water. "Anya is gone."

Eirene placed a hand against Lexa's thigh and softly offered, "I am sorry, Lexa." She knew how close Lexa had grown to her mentor over the years. "Anya is it peace."

Lexa gave a low nod then looked at the priestess. "We formed an alliance after she proved she could turn reapers back into men."

Eirene was clearly pleased and nodded. "And what of the mountain? Did she give you her fire to destroy the mountain as I promised you?"

"Yes." Lexa remembered when she had pulled the lever and reversed the outdoor air into the mountain. "I burned them all." The mountain men's faces and skin had been scorched and blistered by the radioactive air from outside. Lexa remembered each of them as they walked through Level 5. "Their legacy finally came to an end."

"They butchered our people," Eirene agreed. "They hid from the world they created by their hands. Their debt is paid in full so that we may now have peace." She released a low breath. Like many, she was relieved that the mountain was put to sleep. She curiously studied the commander's calm features. "What is her name?"

"Klark kom Skaikru," Lexa replied.

Eirene moved her hand back to her own lap. She nodded and asked, "Will you send her to me?"

Lexa met the priestess's gaze. Many years ago she recalled finding security in the priestess's arms after her mother's heavy hand. For all that Eirene had done for her, she could honor such a simple request. "Sha," she whispered.

Eirene smiled brightly, which made her cheeks larger. Slowly her smile faded into worry. "Have you spoken of the truth to any?"

"No… never." Lexa was adamant. Even what her sister had learned last night was only a glimpse into all that Eirene told her years ago as a child.

"Our people must continue believing the prophecy is from Woraun." Eirene shook her head. Long ago, the first Priestess of Staurra learned the prophecy of Hedatu. Yet, the priestess was clever and knew that their people would only latch onto hope if the prophecy came from Woraun. Nobody believed that Staurra had any powers like Woraun. However, Staurra required no belief to be able to cast down her hand from the heavens and carry out her prophecy. Soon her people would have their first hedatu, who could command fire or heal with the other hand.

"I have never spoken the truth," Lexa promised the priestess. "What will come from the prophecy further?"

Eirene went serious and laced her hands together. "I am afraid Staurra has never told me. But…"

Lexa slotted her eyes at the priestess's hesitation.

"Never forget that she commands fire," Eirene sternly reminded her. "Fire will burn Ice and if enough Ice is melted then there will be a Flood upon us."

Lexa retained each word of the priestess's warning. She had to read between the words and understand what it truly meant for her people.

"You must balance Fire," Eirene added.

Lexa released a low sigh but nodded. She looked to the slit in the wall and saw the sunlight coming through it. "I must go."

Eirene understood and stood up. "You may go through the back entrance. It will be quieter." She guided Lexa through the temple and down a long hallway. She stopped at the door at the end. "I am glad you came to see Staurra." She sadly smiled. "And me… even if that was not your intent."

"You are Staurra," Lexa reminded the priestess.

Eirene silently agreed but softly promised, "And so are you, Heda." She clasped the door's ring. "You may carry the commander's spirit, but your soul belongs to Staurra."

Lexa bowed her head in acceptance. Since a child, she prayed her soul would go to Staurra in the heavens.

Eirene was about to open the door and waited as Lexa pulled her hood back over her head. She had forlorn features as she considered why Lexa had entered the temple. Today was the anniversary of Costia's death. Similar to Lexa, Costia had been a devoted believer in Staurra and often ventured to the temple when she was still alive. Eirene was heavy hearted today, and she knew it was much harder for Lexa. She fisted her freehand in hopes it would contain her natural desire to hug Lexa. The young girl that she had helped raise was long replaced by a dark commander.

Lexa fidgeted a beat and before the priestess opened the door, she went in for a hug. She softly whispered, "Thank you, Eirene."

Eirene released the door and hastily returned the hug before it was too late. "Visit me again soon, my Little Heda."

Lexa broke free first and pulled open the door. Without another look or promise, she hurried out into the alleyway. She refused to look back even though she felt Eirene's eyes on her. She vanished at the end of the alleyway.

Eirene heavily sighed and asked Staurra to look after their commander. She believed that hedatu was a gift, especially for Lexa.

The morning sun had already started warming the air and awakened many in the city. Lexa only removed her hood once she was far from the temple. She was greeted often by people until she made it home. Lexa hurried up the steps and followed the voices to the kitchen.

"Lexa," Alex first greeted. She was seated on a stool, opposite of Clarke, at a stone table. She slid off the stool. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Lexa returned. She looked at Clarke, who was obviously feeling better since last night. "Hello, Clarke."

"Commander," Clarke offered, too formally. Yet there was softness in her eyes. She lifted the steaming mug in front of her.

"Are you hungry?" Alex asked her sister. "I can make you something while you clean up."

Lexa nodded. Her attention flickered briefly to Ares. He rested on his stomach beside Clarke's stool. She noted the empty bowl in front of him. She said nothing else and left the kitchen.

Alex curiously watched her sister leave. She bit the inside of her mouth, in worry. She wanted to be excited about today, but Alex knew better. Today had once been special, but no longer after Costia's bloody death.

With a distraught look, Alex went over to the countertop where she had fresh fruit pulled out for Clarke earlier. She found solace in making the meal and tried focusing on the present, rather than the past.

Clarke seemed to sense a strange tension since Lexa's arrival. She wanted to ask why, but she knew it was hardly her place. She instead continued sipping on the warm cider. She had long ago finished her breakfast and looked forward to walking it off during the tour. A month ago, today would have been very different day for Clarke. She would have faced the council, but she was instead free and with blood on her hands. It was hardly a cause for celebration.

Clarke swallowed hard and decided a conversation was better than her bitter thoughts. "What will you do today?" she prompted.

Alex continued prepping a meal for her sister. "I have much to do for the ceremony, but I will join you both for a midday meal."

"That's perfect," Clarke agreed.

"You will enjoy the city," Alex commented. She was cutting up apples and cheese. "Have you been on water before?"

Clarke tensed and lowered the mug. "No."

"Lexa loved to boat when she was younger." Alex neatly organized the apple slices and cheese on a plate she took from the cupboard overhead. "She will most likely take you out then." She pulled three fresh eggs from a wire basket to her left. "Sail along the shoreline for a little ways then come back."

Clarke was breathing hard and tried calming her heart. She bowed her head until she heard the iron pan hit the grading over the small, burning fire. She looked over at Alex cooking the eggs over the fire.

"When Lexa was about ten," Alex started. "She decided to take the sailboat out on a rather warm day in early April. The boat had been onshore all winter."

Clarke studied Alex's profile from her spot across the kitchen. She focused on the story rather than her nerves about a boat ride.

"The boat is made from wood, of course," Alex explained. She glanced over at Clarke for a beat then picked up a fork and started scrambling the eggs. "Before you can use a boat for the first time in the spring, you have to let the boat sit in shallow waters so that the wood planks can swell up."

Clarke grinned because she knew what Alex was going to tell her. She pictured a young Lexa out on the waters in a small sailboat.

"Lexa was impatient and launched the boat anyway. She sailed out into deeper waters, and it took on water."

Clarke shook her head and asked, "What happened?"

Alex ran the fork through the fluffy eggs. She carried the iron pan over to the plate and started pushing the eggs onto the plate. She then dropped pieces of goat cheese onto the eggs. "She was lucky because a fisherman was coming out and saw her in distress." She set the pan aside then picked up the plate. "Lexa made it back to shore but not the boat." She omitted how badly Lexa paid for it too.

Clarke chuckled several times and pictured the girl from the family portrait going through such an adventure.

Alex collected a clean fork from a drawer and came over to the stone island. She set the filled plate to her right. "Do not let her fool you into thinking she is patient." She picked up a honey jar, opened it, and lifted the coated spoon from it. She allowed the honey to drizzle over the apples and cheese. "Perhaps she has learned some, but she will still rush the boat out into the deeper waters before it is truly ready."

Clarke peered up from the plate of food and curiously studied Alex serious expression. She considered if Alex was speaking of other things than just a sunken sailboat. She lost her chance to ask because the commander returned to the kitchen.

Lexa had taken a quick shower, and the soap washed away all the grime from her training this morning. She wore tight gray pants and a red shirt, but it was mostly covered by her long, black jacket that was secured by several belts. It was the same jacket she had worn during the battle against Mount Weather from many days ago.

"Sit down." Alex indicated the spot to her right. "Eggs are hot."

Lexa nodded and took a spot beside her sister. Before she could even ask, Alex handed her a grinder of spices.

Clarke had a small grin because it was obvious the sisters still knew each other. "The cider is really good, Alex."

Lexa returned the spice to her sister. "I hope it is not the same cider from last night." She received a linen napkin from Alex next.

Clarke glowered at the commander. "It's my fourth mug of it," she chided.

Lexa raised an eyebrow and held up a piece of cheese. "You would not be on that stool if that were true."

Clarke rolled her eyes.

Alex chuckled at the pair. "Clarke will fit right in," she commented to her sister.

Lexa shook her head and picked up the fork. "Do not encourage her, Alex." She noted the flushed look on Clarke's face. "Have you seen Octavia and Lincoln?" She hoped the change of topic helped settle Clarke's discomfort.

"Sha," Clarke replied. "They left just before you came back."

Lexa nodded and mentioned, "Indra will arrive tomorrow."

"Back to being Heda," Alex stated. She could tell her sister enjoyed the breakfast, which was much better than what the army provided her sister. She was happy to cook for Lexa.

"How was training?" Clarke asked.

"Leid," Lexa replied in Trigedasleng. "Ha rid yu op?"

Clarke took a beat to understand Lexa's question, the words going from Trigedasleng to English. "Nou foto," she replied.

Lexa nodded.

Alex grew wide eye and asked, "You are learning Trigedasleng?"

Clarke shrugged and replied, "Trying."

Alex smirked and pointed at her sister. "And my sister is teaching you?" She laughed and ignored her sister's dark glare. "Lexa is the worst-"

"Alex," Lexa cut off. "Shof op."

Alex hardly knew any Trigedasleng, but she knew that order and especially the look. She bit her bottom lip then slid off the stool. "I have to go to the capitol building." She grinned over at Clarke. "Good luck with Trigedasleng." She could barely control her chuckles on the way out of the kitchen. "See you at sun high," she called on the way out of the house.

Lexa released a heavy sigh. She returned to her meal.

Clarke propped her right elbow on the table and leaned her head against her palm. "So you suck at teaching?" She received the same earlier glare. "And you want me to be your second?" She was hardly threatened by the dark, narrowed eyes and instead softly laughed.

"You are becoming too comfortable with me," Lexa commented. She had finished the eggs and went to the last of the apples and cheese.

"Is that really a bad thing?" Clarke countered. She had a smile despite the conversation. "I respect you as Heda. Isn't that better than fearing you as Heda?"

Lexa dipped her head and eased up about her concerns. If she were to make Clarke the second commander then they both had a lot to learn.

Clarke swung her right leg between the opening of the island's legs and kicked Lexa's boot. "Don't worry." She had the commander's full attention. "I rather keep the woman behind the war paint to myself." Again she tapped Lexa's boot with her own.

Lexa was chewing on a bite of apple.

"I'm bad at sharing too and don't get into the whole threesome thing."

This time Lexa choked on her mouthful of apple. She patted her chest and coughed heavily against the pieces in her throat.

Clarke felt guilty and quickly pushed the mug of cider over to the commander.

Lexa accepted the peace offering and drank several mouthfuls. She cleared her throat, which was raw from the hard coughs.

Clarke pointed a finger at the commander and smirked. "That's for teasing me about strip poker."

Lexa shook her head and returned to the last of her food. She muttered something in Trigedasleng that Clarke missed, thankfully.

Clarke hopped off the stool and took Lexa's empty plate right after she picked up the last apple slice.

Lexa was taken aback by the sudden rush. "Haukom?"

"Teik oso gyon au." Clarke deposited the plate on top of the other dirty ones.

Ares was already with Clarke. He wanted to go too.

Lexa pushed off the stool and followed in the Sky Princess's wake. She and Clarke left the house together. "Does he need a walk?"

"He already was outside," Clarke replied. She continued down the street from the house. She had a slight idea where the gates were located already. She partially zipped up her jacket. "It'll get colder in the mountains, right?"

"Yes and more snow." Lexa placed her left hand on her sword, which was strapped around her hip. Today she forewent her war paint, happy that her black eye was gone. "The ocean warms the air so Polis has less snow. Also the elevation is lower here."

Clarke nodded and smiled at Lexa's knowledge. "So tell me about Polis's history." She and Lexa stepped onto a sidewalk. "You said it started out as a safe haven."

Ares remained on the street, right next to Clarke.

Lexa refreshed her own memory about Polis's past. "After the bomb fell on Washington D.C., people scattered in many directions depending on what side of the Dead Zone they were located at the time."

"So some went west or south… north and east," Clarke summarized.

"None went north," Lexa explained, "Because other bombs were dropped north." She nodded once and agreed, "People spread west, south, and east but few went east because of the water here. They believed it was unsafe, but it was safe and that belief was what gave Polis a chance to be…"

"Ignored or missed?" Clarke helped.

Lexa nodded. "Not many knew of its existence until the first walls were built. Eventually word spread about Polis as a safe haven, and it was rather small." She made a turn to the right down a busy street. "At that time, people were at their worst from radiation, starvation, polluted waters, and crimes."

Clarke imagined the sheer chaos and how it would bring out the ugliest in humans. "Polis was a paradise then," she guessed.

"Well kept secret too," Lexa added. She and Clarke passed people along the street. She returned a greeting every time and managed to still talk about Polis. "The safe haven grew into a city as it opened its gates to certain people. It also attracted enemies who wanted our resources."

"I guess by then other clans were starting to form," Clarke guessed.

"Sha." Lexa's pace slowed until she came alongside the entrance to a busy market. She faced Clarke and explained, "Polis had a small military that we now call the Garda. But, we did not have an army until Trikru joined our nation."

Clarke nodded and looked past Lexa at the busy market. She smiled at all the people in and around the stands.

Lexa turned on her heels and studied the people. "This is the market."

Clarke shifted closer to Ares and petted him. She loved watching the people, who had some normalcy that was lost beyond the walls. She studied a woman making an exchange with a food vendor. "How is she paying?" She saw a flash of metal pass hands.

"She pays with hodon," Lexa replied. "It is our currency here." She entered the market with Clarke. "We all earn hodon through labor." She reached into her jacket and retrieved a hodon from within a hidden breast pocket. She held it out to the Sky Princess.

Clarke stopped and turned the coin through her fingers. It was made from a silver metal but nothing of true value like silver or gold. It was fairly heavy despite it was only as long as her thumb. It was elongated too, easy to hold in one's palm. "Are there different values?"

"No." Lexa looked at the hodon in Clarke's hand. "It is all the same. One side will have a symbol of Thrigad then the other side has the Senate's seal."

Clarke studied what she assumed was the Senate's seal. It was a cross with equal length arms and each end terminated with a bottony. She liked the design and considered where it may have derived from for the Senate. Clarke flipped the hodon over and looked up from the spiraling sun symbol.

"Staurra," Lexa explained the Thrigad symbol.

"I've seen this before." Clarke held up the sun symbol at Lexa. "In Tondc."

Lexa dipped her head. "You will often see the symbols of Thrigad painted everywhere." She received the hodon back from Clarke.

"So how do people earn hodon?" Clarke prompted. She and Lexa continued through the market. She listened while she watched people barter over supplies.

"Citizens earn hodon through labor and supplies," Lexa explained. She walked closer to Clarke so that they could talk over the din of the lively market. "No citizen earns more than another, regardless of position and duties."

"So you are paid the same as a farmer?" Clarke checked. After Lexa's nod, she was amazed and checked, "But you don't produce any supplies like a farmer or fisherman."

"Sha, but I supply a service in the army just as a senator supplies a service to her people." Lexa noted Ares's captivated attention by all the smells. She focused on the topic. "A citizen supplying goods must turn in what they produce. However, if they maintain a garden on their own lands that is their own business."

"What if they fall short of producing the supplies?" Clarke countered.

"They are not punished for it. You cannot punish a farmer for a dry season." Lexa shrugged and added, "Just as you cannot punish a warrior for fighting less one year and more the next."

Clarke nodded and understood the system's basic workings. "Who actually makes the hodon?"

"The Senate elects certain blacksmiths to produce hodon. The casts are kept secure so that they are not duplicated without the Senate's order."

Clarke curiously peered up at Lexa. "Has anybody ever counterfeited the currency?"

"It is extremely rare, but it has happened in the past." Lexa followed Clarke's line of sight to a merchant's clothing stall. "For every hodon that is stolen or counterfeited, the criminal loses pay for five years and is subjected to home inspections."

Clarke cringed and peered over at Lexa. "Do they starve?"

"They are kept fed, but not paid," Lexa replied. She then started over to the stall that had caught Clarke's eye earlier. "The most difficult part of any crime is that the person and even the family lose face among the city. Often times the entire family leaves Polis to save face."

Clarke imagined so and realized how similar Polis was to the Ark. She was drawn into the stall's clothes, which were bright in color than what she normally saw from the Trikru. She smiled at how it made her feel.

Lexa carefully watched Clarke go through the items. She peered down at Ares, who sat next to her. She petted him on the head and toyed with his left ear. She slipped behind Clarke and softly asked, "Anything interest you?" She noted the vendor had come to them, and he was excited that it was the commander.

"I love the colors," Clarke replied. She patted a folded cotton dress that was a burnt orange. "But, I don't think it's quite me." She twisted her head around and crinkled her nose a little. She watched a faint smile tug at the corner of Lexa's lips. "I prefer darker colors." Her eyes dropped though, to Lexa's exposed chest where the red material showed through. She had come to realize that only the commander wore red within the grounder culture. "Except reds and blues."

Lexa inclined an eyebrow, but she was cut off by the merchant.

"Anything I can help with, commander?"

"No… but thank you." Lexa touched her companion's arm, in hidden signal.

The merchant dipped his head in respect and watched the commander leave with the outsider. He curiously studied the two tailed wolf that followed them into the crowd.

"Where to now?" Clarke asked.

"To the Senate." Lexa wished to show Clarke the heart of their government.

Clarke enjoyed seeing the market, but she was grateful to get away from all the noise. She was able to hear Lexa better now. "So how is a Senator selected to be on the council?" She softened at the amusement in Lexa's eyes.

Lexa was pleased with Clarke's interests in Polis. She placed her hands behind her back and continued the walk to the capitol building. "Originally there were twelve Senators in the city. But as it has grown, so has the Senate. Today Senators are both voted in and also inherited."

"Which is Alex?"

Lexa glanced at Clarke then ahead of them. She stepped around two people coming in the opposite direction. She then ducked under a low hanging flag that had the symbol of Woraun. "Alex inherited our mother's seat."

Clarke watched Ares moved ahead of them with his head down.

"Those that inherit their seat are trained by other Senators that have inherited their positions." Lexa freed her arms from behind her back and instead returned her left hand to her sword's hilt. "They are educated on the city, its people, how the politics work, and our ways. But those Senators that are voted in are from every branch of citizenship… farmer, fishermen, blacksmith, warrior, and many others."

"Everybody is equally represented," Clarke concluded. She was impressed because the Ark lacked such foresight.

"Everybody must be represented or else the city will not function properly." Lexa eyed the brick building that held their Senate. She indicated it.

Clarke's steps lingered because she took in the beautiful building that probably predated the nuclear war. She counted six white columns at the front and long steps carried up to the six columns. Past the columns, the mouth of the building was lit by torches. There were numerous windows that made the two floors distinct. But what moved Clarke's eyes up was the enormous white dome that was tiered by subsequently smaller domes until it reached a peak point with a bronze cap and then a rod. A flag with the Senate's symbol flew at the top of the rod.

"Masta ai op," Lexa ordered. She guided Clarke down the street to the capitol building. She sensed Clarke's excitement to see the Senate.

Clarke hurried alongside and her imagination tried fathoming what the interior looked like of the old building. So far she was enjoying the tour of the city and knew there was much more to see yet. Briefly ideas about a sailboat ride teased her, and she pushed away her fears, for now. She could only hope it was simply a joke from Alex, rather than a promise.

To be continued.