Disclaimer & Notices
Copyright: See the prologue.
AN: Happy New Years! I hope everybody's holidays went well. Mine were busy, and I'm glad to be back on a routine. As such, I was able to get the next chapter done. It's about normal length. It's not a super exciting chapter, but I'm looking forward to the next one for sure. That one will have a lot of grounder culture to it. I do want to thank y'all for the wonderful support on this story. I noticed the story pushed over 900 followers, and I've never seen one of my stories do that. Just really cool to see such fandom support.
Second, some may have already noticed and seen the cover for Hedatu. A wonderful artist SieniVirhe did fanart of Clarke & Ares together. You can find the image over at deviant art if you search either the artist's name or Hedatu. It's also on tumblr under the Hedatu tag. Please be sure to the leave the artist some kudos for the wonderful artwork. I thought it was so badass to see Ares and with Clarke. :)
Third note, for any of those that are on tumblr, feel free to add me. I'm lilredwings on there. There are times I'm tempt to post more previews on tumblr, but I don't know if any readers are interested in that. Otherwise, I do post a lot of gay stuff. lol.
Last, down below are anon replies for chap 24. I have replied to all the users, and if I missed you, please give me a hard time. Thanks again and hope y'all enjoy the update!
Anon Reviews
SummerStormWar: That fight scene was intense... to read and write! lol. And I'm glad you noticed the fire scent going on with Clarke. That'll continue to reoccur and be explained as the story progresses. I won't give much else away with it. :) I'm happy you enjoyed the update. Fight scenes always worry me. But thank you for the support. And Happy New Year!
Guest (from Dec 21): I agree that was some nice fluff at the end of the chapter. I'm not sure Lexa would have said that if Clarke were awake, at least at this time. In the future, I'll try to include kleenex tissues with any fluff chapters. haha. No crying unless happy tears! lol. Thank you for the feedback. Glad you liked it! Happy New Year to you.
Guest (from Dec 21): Thank you for the compliment on the fight scene. They're always tricky scenes to do... them and battle scenes. You just don't know how well things translate onto paper. It's good to hear you liked it. Thank you for following the story. I hope you have a good week and Happy New Year!
Keyla (from Dec 26): There is def always more to follow. We have a long ways to go in this story still. Hopefully that's a good thing. lol. Thank you for reading it and sending feedback. I hope you like the new update. Happy 2016 too! :)
Series: One Shot
Hedatu
by Red Hope
Chapter 25
Clarke of the Trikru stirred awake when her furry companion, Ares, shifted against her side. She released a soft groan and turned head towards the black wolf. She forced her eyes open and first realized it was daylight. She confirmed Ares's presence then she looked over her right shoulder next.
Lexa was gone.
Last night, Clarke had briefly woken up when her warrior had joined her under the furs. She had her answer to her earlier question about where the commander would rest for the night. However, it was hardly an intimate night since Clarke had to keep her back to Lexa and sleep on her broken ribs. It made it much easier to breathe. And Lexa, she remained in her own space because her second was still healing.
At some point, Lexa had risen, cleaned up, and outfitted herself in the last minutes of darkness. She vanished from the tent but not without leaving her second a note, which resided on the table close to the bed.
Clarke caught sight of the message, but she felt little desire to get up. She wanted to stay in bed for another week, if it were possible. Yet, for her, duty also called now that she was indeed Trikru. For a moment, Clarke took stock of her body and sighed in relief that her fever was gone. She vaguely remembered Lexa's callused palm against her forehead several hours ago.
Ares sat up when his human friend did the same. He greeted Clarke with his tongue and wagged his two tails.
"I might need your help, boy." Clarke gathered her strength and started moving out of the bed, on Ares's side. She placed a hand between his shoulder blades, which provided support as she stood up. She shifted her hand to his head, still in need of balance. Her blue gaze landed on the table, which had the letter with a cup of water. Beside the cup was an empty bowl that had not been there last night. Most likely Lexa had fed Ares after their dinner.
Clarke bent forward and collected the yellow, rough paper. She focused on the neat handwriting that was new to her. It dawned on her that it was the first time she had seen Lexa's handwriting. Everything was in English because Trigedasleng was only a spoken language. Clarke cleared her throat and began reading the short message. After she was done, she cut her eyes over to the right and zeroed in on the clean clothes that Lexa left her.
Clarke set the letter back down then slowly made her way over to the trunk. She was glad Ares stayed right at her side the whole time. She stood in front of the trunk and fingered the soft material of black pants. Then she stretched her hand to the left and picked up the black jacket, which unfolded and presented itself to Clarke.
The black jacket was a heavy canvas with a short collar that would stay up. The jacket would probably go just below Clarke's hips. Its black belt adorned a worn metal buckle that had a slight shine to it. There were a few worn spots on the arms, shoulder, and back. One larger tear over the right shoulder had been reinforced by metal. Each bone toggle had aged from the center out to the edges, from constant use. But what made the jacket desirable for this winter was the wool lining that would retain body heat.
Clarke released a low breath. She considered how many years Lexa had worn the jacket. How many times had the jacket been stained with blood, especially Lexa's own. Clarke brought it to her face and inhaled the distinct sandalwood scent that was often Lexa. She set the jacket down beside the clothes and sadly smiled at her warrior's care.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Clarke went to the tent's flap. She poked only her head out and smiled sheepishly at Ryder. She was grateful he was still here.
"Heya," Clarke greeted the warrior.
Ryder canted his head in silent question.
"Can you bring Raven to me?" Clarke wrinkled her nose slightly. "I kind of need her help."
Ryder took one step forward. "Sha, Hedatu." His gait widened as he went on his search for the Sky girl.
Clarke had a lost expression after Ryder called her Hedatu. She hastily ducked back into the tent and looked down at Ares. "Did you hear that?"
Ares was seated beside his friend. He wagged his tails.
Clarke shook her head and went over to the table. She collected the cup and note. As she sipped on the water, she reread her warrior's letter from her seat on the trunk. She had the clean clothes in her lap and neatly folded up Lexa's letter. She tucked it within the jacket's pocket. For a moment, she considered Lexa's offer in the note.
"Finally," an aspirated Raven declared. She took a limped step into the tent and folded her arms. "You're awake."
Clarke sadly smiled over at her friend. "It's good to see you too." She tilted her head back a degree when Raven neared her. "You haven't blown anything up while I've been out?"
"I was seriously this close." Raven held up her index finger an inch close to her thumb. "Maybe more like this." She moved her index closer, almost touching her thumb now. She dropped her hand to her side. "Your fucking commander is a thorn in my side."
Clarke rolled her eyes and made a mental reminder to discuss it further with Raven, later. "Warriors are protective over their seconds," she brushed off.
"Yeah well… she fuckin' wins the prize," Raven complained. She then indicated the clothes in her friend's lap. "Need help, huh?"
Clarke sighed and patted the clothes. "I'd like to take a bath first."
Raven gave a low hum.
"Have any free time?" Clarke checked.
Raven grinned. "All the time in the world… especially for you, Griffin."
Clarke chuckled and shook her head. "Thanks." She leaned forward and looked towards the tent flap. "Ryder?" she called.
Ryder entered one step into the tent and waited for Clarke's request.
"Heda asked that you clear out the bathing tent for me." Clarke made sure she indicated their commander had created the order, not just Clarke.
Ryder merely nodded then departed the tent.
Raven watched the grounder before she focused on Clarke again. "Is your fever gone?"
"Yeah… it's gone." Clarke cleared her throat. "I need a towel, cloth, and salve too." She was staring across the tent. She visually located the items "See that pack over there? Look in it for a jar of white paste."
Raven went over to the pack, which rested on a chair. She searched through the items until she had a gray colored jar. Once the lid was off, she confirmed it was a salve. She closed up the pack and curiously checked, "Is this Lexa's stuff?"
"Yes."
Raven stiffened and looked back at her friend.
"Don't worry." Clarke grinned at Raven's concerned features. "Over there is a clean towel and cloth." Again, she pointed but at a wrack that had linens on it. "Just grab a folded set." Just after Raven rejoined her, Ryder came into the tent again.
"The bathing tent is empty," Ryder informed. "I will also accompany you."
"Mochof." Clarke rose, carefully. She left the cup on the trunk but took her clothes and Lexa's jacket. She moved to her boots beside the trunk and shoved her bare feet into them. She left them untied and looked at her friend. "Let's see how this goes," she muttered under her breath.
Ryder exited the tent first. He waited until the women came out.
"Clarke, you'll want to put on that jacket now," Raven suggested. She had her own red leather jacket, but it hardly kept her warm. She had grown use to the cold anymore.
Clarke conceded and had Raven hold her items for a moment. Cautiously, she put on the jacket, but it hurt just as she expected it. She gritted her teeth and sighed once the jacket was on her. She almost felt worn out simply from such a normal task.
Raven encouraged her friend with a smile. She suspected the bath would greatly help Clarke feel better.
Clarke followed Raven out of the tent and Ares was behind her. With two people and a wolf, Clarke felt secure in her walk to the bathing tent. She received many looks and stares from other Trikru. Clarke was tense and uneasy because she had only garnered such attention when she first entered the Trikru camp when she forged the alliance months ago. Had she somehow regressed to this after joining the clan? She inwardly sighed and tried focusing on the dust of snow that still blanketed much of the camp. It was almost peaceful, but Clarke happily escaped into the empty bathing tent.
Ryder took post at the entrance and would ensure nobody could disturb the two women.
Clarke breathed in the steam that was much warmer than the chilly outdoors. She studied the large above ground bath that had wood panels around it. She sure hoped the water was cleaner, especially with her wounds. However, she had brought the salve for a reason.
Raven helped her friend remove the jacket and put the clothes on a bench near the bath. She and Clarke silently worked together until Clarke was bare of any clothes. She cringed at Clarke's low gasp after Raven pulled the tunic over Clarke's head. Raven moved away from Clarke's bare backside and went to the bench. She hoped Clarke could make it up the steps.
Ares was seated next to the bench. His green eyes were locked on his friend, who was climbing the steps to the bath. He drew his attention away when Raven petted him.
Raven turned her head sidelong when she heard the water's movement. She waited another moment then went over to the bath. She sadly smiled at her friend's relieved features. "Better?"
"God," Clarke muttered. "A lot better." She could feel her muscles loosen under the warm water.
Raven's smile grew wider. She leaned against the bath and studied Clarke's marred features. She suspected Clarke's black eye would be gone by tomorrow. "You look like shit, ya know."
Clarke groaned and focused on her friend. "Thanks," she deadpanned.
Raven grinned. "Real friends are good for the truth."
Clarke was tempted to splash Raven, but it required too much effort in her current state. "But I passed the challenge."
Raven considered the fight from the other day. "Barely."
Clarke narrowed her eyes but saw the twinkle in Raven's brown eyes.
"How much did Commander Badass train you?"
Clarke lowered her head against the tub's side. "Two weeks." She missed Raven's awed look because she had closed her eyes.
Raven was amazed by Clarke's skills with only two weeks of training. She released a low breath.
Clarke lifted her head and asked, "Do you see the soaps?" She scanned the interior of the small tent. "I think they're over there on that table."
Raven indeed spotted the assortment of soaps. She limped over to it and studied each of the colored soaps.
"Brown one," Clarke called.
Raven picked it up from the right end. She brought it to her nose. Pine tree scents with a hint of wood filled her senses. She hummed at the earthy volume to it. She liked it a lot more than what they had at Camp Jaha. Raven came back to her friend and handed it to her. She then went to the towel that had a cloth.
"It's fir tree oil mixed with cedarwood shavings and clay," Clarke explained. She had been well schooled by Octavia on the different soaps made by the Trikru. She had quickly noticed that the Trikru focused on more woody scents in the winter and fall. By spring, they would add a few soaps and oils that had floral or fruity hints to it. Nothing stood out more in the winter than sweet smells that an animal could pick up.
Raven gave her friend the linen washcloth then took her spot against the tube again. "Abby is going to freak out about you being a grounder now."
"Trikru," Clarke corrected.
Raven sighed and watched her friend soaping the linen cloth.
"It's better than being a Mountain Man," Clarke muttered. She set the soap onto the side of the tub. She began cleaning her body, carefully.
Raven shook her head. "Your best option is to tell her in public so that there are witnesses for when she tries to kill you."
Clarke had an amused look and glanced once at her friend. "Mom will handle it fine."
Raven narrowed her eyes. "Are we both talking about Abigail Griffin here?"
Clarke sighed and warily studied her friend. "She will freak out, but she'll be fine."
"Who are you trying to convince? Because I am far from convinced."
Clarke ignored Raven's warning and instead ordered, "Turn around." She waited until Raven's back was to her then she stood up in the bath. With the soaped cloth, she thoroughly cleaned her body from her seated spot on the edge of the tub. She counted at least ten bruises, and she imagined more were on her back. Her side was angrily discolored from the brunt of strikes.
"I know Mom and Kane will be upset," Clarke agreed.
"Try mad," Raven corrected. She folded her arms and continued staring at the closed door. "Right now, she's upset that you're gone."
Clarke tossed the linen cloth into the water then carefully slid back into the water. She swallowed her whimper of pleasure. "Are you mad?"
Raven heard the water settle so she faced her friend again. "Not mad enough to blow you up."
Clarke went stiff and grimaced at her friend's reply.
Raven saw the play of emotions across Clarke's face. She folded her arms and tried being more open than normal. "I'm upset that you disappeared on me… after everything we've been through."
"I know," Clarke murmured.
"No… no you don't," Raven snapped.
Clarke flinched and looked down at the water rather than Raven. "Then tell me," she whispered. She nervously peered up at her friend.
"I just thought we worked through our bullshit," Raven started. She thought of Finn and how his life ended, with Clarke's hand. She shifted on her feet. "I get you needed space after what happened, but you gave up on us… and me." She held out her hand at Clarke. "And now you've switched sides."
Clarke remained quiet and decided to wet her hair. She sunk under the water, which gave her more time to think. She pushed the water out of her face once she came up for air. With the soap in hand, she started cleaning her hair really well.
"I'm not switching sides," Clarke finally spoke.
Raven looked up after staring at the steam coming off the water. She studied Clarke's hardened profile.
"I'm on both sides," Clarke further revealed. She was scrubbing her hair well, with the ends out of the water. "I can help our people a lot by being Trikru too." She left it there and went under the water again. Similarly, she worked the soap out of her hair.
Raven grumbled as she considered Clarke's possible plans to help their people, especially with being a grounder now. She hardly doubted Clarke's foresight, but it was still difficult for Raven. She glanced over when piercing blue eyes locked on her.
"I wanted to die, Raven." Clarke picked up the soap from the edge and again lathered her hair. She wanted to be sure all the grime and blood was gone. "And maybe I did," she confessed. "I'm not the same Clarke Griffin that went into that mountain."
Raven swallowed hard and nodded. She had feared that she would never see Clarke again after the mountain. She was grateful for here and now.
Again, Clarke rinsed out her hair and was glad that she was clean.
Raven left the large tub and went for the linen towel. She opened it up while Clarke stepped out of the tube. She met Clarke at the base of the steps.
Clarke carefully dried off and found it a slower process than normal. She noticed she needed to shave again, but she had no energy to do so today. Tomorrow or the next day she could probably manage using a blade for such a task. Instead, she made her way to the bench with the towel wrapped around her body.
Raven had taken a seat on the bench and allowed Clarke to get dressed at a snail's pace.
Clarke first put on the clean underwear that had come from her tent. Earlier, she had noticed a wrap rather than her bra. Her bra was nearly worn out and replacing it with another was impossible. Like Octavia, she had to give into the wrap support that the grounders used every day. Thankfully she had learned from Octavia how to use it.
With the folded wrap in hand, Clarke turned her back on Raven and removed her towel. She tossed the towel onto the bench then unraveled the cloth in her hands. The soft cotton material easily went around Clarke's chest, below her breasts. After a few times around, Clarke brought the material up higher and neatly covered her breasts. The pressure across her chest was minimal so her ribs were comfortable. Clarke had the end piece at her right side where the beginning of the wrap poked out from underneath.
"Raven…"
Raven stood up and came closer. She understood Clarke's trouble so she took the two ends and neatly tied them off. "Need help with the clothes?"
"I think so," Clarke softly admitted. "But can you put that salve on my wounds first?"
Raven gave a low nod. She grabbed the salve, opened it, and gently applied it to Clarke's wounds. Then together, they put Clarke's clothes on one by one until Clarke had her feet in the boots. Clarke was seated on the bench again and breathing hard from the flare of pain in her body. She was thankful when Raven tied her boots for her. She remained hunched forward on the bench for a moment.
Raven sat beside her friend and read Clarke's weak posture. "He really banged you up," she whispered.
"It wasn't just him," Clarke argued. She straightened up. "Two weeks of nonstop training then the hunt and finally the fight." She sighed and looked at Raven. "It could have been a lot worse, honestly."
Raven had a slight frown. She stood up when Clarke did the same.
Clarke faced her friend and gathered Raven's hands into her own. "I'm sorry I just left, Raven." She tightened her grip to reinforce her apology. "I'm so sorry," she hoarsely whispered. Her chest tightened with emotions.
Raven briefly closed her eyes when they stung in reaction. She nodded once and looked at Clarke again. "I'm just glad you're okay." She freed her hands then pulled Clarke into a gentle but long hug. As she breathed in Clarke's scent, she oddly noticed the soap's earthy tones but mixed with a trace of smoke.
Clarke rested her head against Raven's own. She held her friend close and waited until they both were calm again. She withdrew after a minute and straightened out her black shirt. "Feel like breakfast?"
"I ate with O earlier, but I'll come with you." Raven helped Clarke gather her things.
Ares sat up when the two women started to the door.
Clarke shrugged on Lexa's jacket after she was outside. She ran her fingers through her damp hair and gave Ryder a low nod. "I need to go back to Lexa's tent first and get my weapons then drop my things off at our tent."
Raven silently agreed. She helped Clarke make the short trips between tents. Ryder eventually broke from the pair and went in search of their commander. When Clarke and Raven made it to the dining tent, they were pleasantly welcomed by the smells. The tent was mostly vacant since it was midmorning. Clarke was thankful that a chef put something together for her. She did her best to get to a table with Raven despite the chef's chatter. The chef was exceptionally friendly than normal.
After the meal, Clarke followed her friend out of the tent and mentioned she needed to see Lexa. She knew Lexa was probably still in a meeting with the clans' generals. Clarke hoped she could weasel her way into it since she was the commander's second, even if Lexa had invited her to it in the earlier letter. She had to stop hiding behind Lexa when it came to politics. After a quick bye, Clarke left her friend's side and started to the meeting tent. She dreaded it.
Clarke had taken her swords to her tent and only carried her dagger at her back. She wanted to spare her strained muscles from the swords' weight for another day. But, the odd stares from other warriors were making her edgy and wanting her swords. She came to complete halt when one warrior stepped directly in front of her, rather than avoiding her. Clarke fisted her left hand and wondered what he planned to do.
Ares remained at Clarke's side. His fur bristled, but he kept calm as he sniffed the air around the warrior.
The warrior towered over Clarke. He had a shaved head and dark brown eyes that bore through his mask. He reached up and removed his mask to reveal his scarred features. "I am Bluemont of the Tree People."
Clarke was frozen with surprise. She finally came out of it when Bluemont held out his arm to her. She clasped it, firmly.
"Welcome to your clan," Bluemont offered. He broke their contact and walked away with his mask back in place.
Clarke blinked once then peered over her shoulder towards Bluemont's receding figure. She was unsure that had just happened to her. "Wow," she breathed. She then played with Ares's ears and soothed his own tension.
After a headshake, Clarke continued the rest of the walk to the meeting tent. However, again another warrior stepped into her path, but it was a female this time.
The female warrior had long brown hair past her shoulders, but a hair band kept it back. A few braids were in her hair, unique to her southern clan. She carried a filled quiver across her back. She was close to Clarke's age. She gave a thin smile and held out her arm. "I am Caris of the Desert People," she spoke in English.
Clarke recalled Caris previously, especially in Tondc. She had seen Caris with Octavia on a few occasions but never had time to meet Caris, until now. She took the offered arm.
"Welcome to your clan," Caris added. She had a thin smile, freed arms, and winked before she left Clarke.
For another beat, Clarke collected herself and hurried the short distance to the meeting tent. She was thankful that Ryder was there because he may let her pass. She steeled her features after the few warmly awkward welcomes from clan members and focused on Ryder.
"Heda hir?"
"Sha," Ryder confirmed. He rested his hand on his sword hilt.
Clarke gave a low nod and moved forward in hopes Ryder would allow her. She was pleased when she was able to enter the meeting tent. She just hoped it was the best decision. Once past the flap, she found all eyes on her and the only sound was her heart's frantic beat. She easily landed her gaze onto the commander.
Ares entered in next and stood beside Clarke. He instantly wagged his tails when he saw Lexa.
Lexa was seated on her throne, legs crossed, and her arms settled on the arm rests. She sat with a straight back and hard features. Her war paint was in place to show her strength. Her eyes softened a shade when Clarke entered the meeting tent. With a slight tilt of her head, she studied her second's worn yet clean features. She bit back a grin at how well her old jacket fit Clarke so perfectly.
Clarke was doing her best to ignore the stares from the generals in the tent. She kept her eyes locked on her warrior and silently relayed her wishes.
"Klark kom Trikru," Lexa announced.
Clarke did her best not to roll her eyes. She could tell Lexa was savoring the fact that Clarke was now Trikru. It was obviously shameless advertising of a warrior's second, especially the commander's second. She could only guess what else Lexa had in mind to parade around Clarke's success.
"You honor us with your presence," Lexa stated.
Clarke remembered such words over a month ago in Tondc, but with no sarcasm this time. She cleared her throat and took a step closer. "Sorry for the delay, Heda."
Lexa slightly incline her head and reminded, "You accepted my offer." Her appreciation was hidden in her words and shined across her features. She had expected Clarke to merely rest rather than attend the meeting that she mentioned in her letter. She finally indicated the vacant spot to her right because Indra stood on her left. "Please join me."
Clarke considered her warrior's request to join her on the dais rather than the generals down on the ground. She understood it was an honor among the grounders. She was almost leery, but she moved forward with Ares behind her. All the generals eyed her, but Clarke kept her attention locked on Lexa. She ascended the steps then stepped past her warrior's red sash that cascaded over the left side of the dais. Clarke then took her spot to the right side of the throne. She was glad when Ares sat down in front of her feet. She may need him for support, mentally and physically.
Lexa plucked her dagger from her lap where she had placed it upon Clarke's arrival. She tilted her head to the left and caught Clarke's figure from the corner of her eyes. "We were coming to the end of the meeting." She placed the dagger tip against the armrest. "And we are making arrangements to reconvene in Polis in the next moon."
Clarke gave a faint nod and continued scanning the faces of the generals spread out in the meeting tent. She knew a few faces, but several of them were new. Many, but not all, the generals were killed in the Tondc explosion. Also there was Quint that had been The Wood's Clan general after Anya's death. Now he was gone and that void seemed empty, as if filling it again was too difficult of a task. Clarke suspected that Lexa would official choose Indra when the time came for it.
"But first, let us further discuss about the Meukre activity," Lexa ordered.
Clarke stiffened at the mention of the Meukre. Briefly her eyes cut to Lexa then focused on the general who spoke first.
"They are becoming more active," the general, Carolina, repeated, after being interrupted by Clarke's arrival. "Scouts are reporting that the Meukre are hunting further away from their nests."
"In what direction?" another general questioned.
"West, east, and south," Carolina better explained. "They do not go north."
Another general, a heavy male with distinct furs, huffed and stated, "Azgeda is too cold for Meukre."
"They are looking for food," Indra concluded.
"It would appear so." Carolina shifted on her feet. She focused on their commander. "My clan has reported increased activity in our territory too."
"Is this normal?" Clarke softly asked from her quiet spot beside Lexa's throne. She looked more at Lexa for the answer. "Have Meukre ever shown activity like this?" She recalled how she was attacked by several of them. Her heart thrummed in memory.
Lexa removed the dagger from the chair arm. "The Meukre were a serious threat many generations ago." She understood her second lacked the history about the Meukre. She could go into further details later and simply glazed over it for now. "We beat them back into their nests." She ran her thumb across the dagger's edge and relished its sharpness. "It is hardly uncommon for them to hunt wider ranges as winter approaches."
"But not this far from their nests," Carolina supplied to the discussion.
Clarke considered this and guessed, "So something triggered it then." She reached forward and threaded her fingers into Ares's thick fur.
"An early, colder winter," Carolina suggested.
"Have there been other winters like this in the past?" Clarke countered.
Carolina was unsure since she was from a southern clan.
"Yes," the Azgeda general reported.
Clarke nodded and concluded, "Then something… or somebody has caused them to become more active."
"There could be a number of reasons," Lexa reminded her second.
"I don't know," Clarke admitted. She hardly had any understanding of the Meukre, but she suspected her clan also lacked knowledge too about the creatures. "But…" She looked towards her warrior and added, "They sound like a bees' nest that just got agitated."
Lexa released a soft sigh at Clarke's point. She placed the dagger into her lap. "Trikru will further investigate the Meukre. Other clans are to continue watching the nests in their area and send reports to me." She heard several agreements from the generals.
"And the assembly in Polis, Heda?" a quiet general prompted.
Lexa focused on the general, who was a male warrior from the Wodakru. "The next new moon," she decided. "Both leaders and generals must attend." She needed to be certain that the political figure heads and military ones were well represented for each clan. It was her only chance to rebuild the coalition before winter weather. If she waited until spring, she was almost sure most if not all of the coalition would crumble into twelve pieces.
"And what of the Skaikru?" the Wodakru general prompted. "Will they be present at the assembly?"
Clarke twisted her fingers in Ares's fur. She saw many generals looked at her as well as Lexa. Her own tension chewed at her remaining strength. She realized she was placing her physical weight against Ares, but he thankfully became her anchor. She silently prayed Lexa's answer was ambiguous.
"It is currently undecided," Lexa answered. She read several hints of frustration among the generals' faces, but she remedied it easily. "However, Klark kom Trikru will be heading talks between the Trikru and Skaikru in the coming days. We will have more information at that time."
Clarke's heart jumped into her throat, and she briefly was wide eye. Instantly she clamped down on her shock and hid it before the generals caught her. She was hardly surprised by the din of murmurs among the generals.
Lexa remained calm but canted her head to the left again. She noticed Clarke's heavy lean against Ares for support. She suspected it was a combination of shock, worry, and weakness. The meeting needed to come to a close so that Clarke could rest. Lexa turned her darkened eyes on the whispering generals. Her cold stare silenced them in a few heartbeats.
"Indra will assist those clans departing in the next days," Lexa declared. "We will assemble again at the next new moon in Polis."
"Sha, Heda," the generals agreed with a dip of their heads.
Lexa watched the generals filter out one by one. She sheathed her dagger and nearly stood until the Wodakru general approached the dais. She lowered her chin slightly and locked hard stares with the general.
"Heda," the general properly greeted. "I have heard many things about your second."
Lexa understood the general's unspoken request so she held out her right hand towards her second. "Klark, this is the general of the Wodakru."
Clarke glanced over at Indra, who stepped off the dais from the side. She then offered a smile to the Wodakru general.
"This is Bay," Lexa continued to introduce. She placed her hand back on the arm. "Bay is Luna's twin brother."
Clarke softened after the introduction. She connected the resemblance between Luna and Bay, as siblings. "It's nice to meet you, Bay."
The Wodakru general, Bay, slightly bowed again then straightened up with a smile. "It is my pleasure, Klark kom Trikru." He rested his left hand on his sword hilt at his side. "My sister sent word that she had met you in Polis briefly."
Lexa barely withheld from rolling her eyes. She remained indifferent and instead listened to the exchange.
"Yes," Clarke agreed, "It was nice to meet her after hearing great things about Wodakru."
Bay smiled, almost boyishly. He was tall and lean, much like Luna. Similarly, his hair was jet black and tan skin that brightened his smile. His long hair had one silver braid from the center that went down the full length. He wore black leathers and a black cape that was clipped to his short pauldrons.
"Luna wished I reaffirm her invite to the Wodakru territory to you and Heda." Bay studied both their features. "Perhaps after the assembly in Polis you can visit then." He centered his main focus on Clarke of the Tree People.
Clarke felt a few beads of sweat roll down her temple. She struggled with ignoring her legs' weakness and continued using Ares as support. She cleared her throat, but her voice still held a strained timbre. "Thank you, Bay. I'm sure Heda and I will consider it."
"If the waters are not frozen," Lexa interrupted.
Bay parted his lips, about to argue that their great ships could break ice. He thought different of it after the commander slotted her eyes at him. He instead nodded and took one step back. "Perhaps I will see you at the celebration tonight."
"Perhaps," Lexa echoed, darkly and with finality. She wished him to go because she knew Clarke was straining to stay upright.
Bay bowed to the commander but looked at Clarke once his back was straight. "Welcome to your clan, Clarke of the Tree People." He offered a last smile before he turned on his heels. He exited the tent and left the two women alone.
Lexa popped up from her seat and quickly went to her second. She was grateful when Ares moved out of the way. She caught Clarke's arms with her own.
Clarke released a pained moan and muttered, "I need to sit."
Lexa supported her second and guided her off the dais. She went over to a chair tucked under the table that had the model of Mount Weather. She kicked out a chair and made sure Clarke sat in it.
Ares came over and sat beside the two humans.
"You should have rested," Lexa concluded. She should have dismissed Clarke from the meeting.
Clarke was slouched in the chair and released a low whimper. She closed her eyes and leaned heavily against the chairback. "I just can't stand for long." Her legs were quite weak and strained after the Right to Honor. She tiredly peered up at her warrior. "I thought I'd be okay." She noted her warrior's displeased stare. "I just wanted to come and support you."
Lexa gave a low sigh and nodded. She appreciated Clarke's attempt, but Clarke's health was more important to Lexa.
Clarke winced as she straightened up. She took a few deep breaths then finally asked, "So what the Hell was that about me spear heading the talks with the Skaikru?" Normally she would raise her voice, but she was too drained right now. She promised to do it later.
Lexa leaned her hip against the table. She kept her arms folded and explained, "Talks must begin with Skaikru about a new alliance, as I promised them."
Clarke sympathized and decided she could help with it. "So when do we leave?" She shifted in the chair again.
"You will leave in a few days," Lexa replied.
Clarke went still and narrowed her eyes at her warrior. "Me?" She shook her head and checked, "You're not coming?" Lexa's silence was enough answer. Clarke grounded her teeth and sat up better so she could lock her laser glare on her warrior. "You're joking right?" The continued silence from Lexa grinded on Clarke's patience. She stood up from the chair, even though she still needed more time. "I just…" She growled low and walked past her warrior. She muttered a few cuss words in both English and Trigedasleng until she made it to the tent. She half turned towards her warrior, who kept her back to her. "I totally want to throttle you but…" Clarke took a deep breath. "I'm going to go and let you think about an apology for not asking me first."
Ares had his head twisted around in Clarke's direction, behind him. He popped up and followed her out of the tent.
Lexa had a tight grin, which she had well hidden by keeping her back to Clarke. Once she heard the tent flap go still, she dragged her teeth across her bottom lip and hid her amusement at Clarke's anger. There would always be a part of Lexa that enjoyed battling wills with Clarke. With another war over, Lexa still needed some pleasures from battles. Clarke was her favorite opponent.
After a moment, Lexa pushed off the table and reclaimed her cool commander facet. She drifted out of the tent and sensed Ryder on her heels. She had much to organize for Clarke's celebration including preparing Clarke for it. And it would be a celebration fit for a commander's second.
To be continued.