Here we go, Clarke's ceremony. Hope you all enjoy. If you wish to see my idea of what Clarke's back brands and tattoo look like, or the cuff in this fic, go check out my tumblr! ladyofblessedpain - just search for Understanding or AbsorbingMisery and it should come up. :) Thanks again for all the reviews, follows and faves!
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TonDC – Kwin Klark kom Trikru
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Raven follows Octavia down a few stairs and into a small room. There's still faint sunlight coming through the few windows but the majority of the light is due to many candles and a few torches on the walls. She looks around, taking in the room before her eyes settle on Clarke and she can't stop a gasp from leaving her lips.
Clarke turns and shrugs slightly eyeing her friend. "Well, what do you think?" She walks towards Raven and holds her arms out from her body just slightly, waiting for her friend's response.
"Clarke, you look…" she pauses, words briefly escaping her, "you look beautiful- like royalty." Raven is truly in awe at the sight in front of her.
Clarke is a beautiful woman, there's no denying that. She has a beautiful body, her hair is bright and catches the sunlight and her eyes stand out and sparkle in the clearest blue. No matter how she had seen her in the past, on the Ark, covered in blood, worn clothing or otherwise, nothing could have prepared her to see her friend looking as she did standing before her.
Clarke's hair was shiny and soft, all of it mostly down with the addition of several new braids. Two main braids started at her temples and were pulled back, much like her normal style, and locked together at the back of her head. Three more braids lay above the rest of her straight hair, but underneath the two tied together. Her face was clear and bright, her eyes coming to life and standing out with the help of her clothing.
She wore dark form fitting pants that were a deep grey, just a couple shades from being black. A lighter grey top could be seen underneath the long cape style jacket she wore, which was much the same as Lexa's. It too was dark being the same shade of her pants and buckled just over the swell of her breasts and down to her waist. The ends trail behind her as she walks over to Raven. She stops and waits as Raven takes in the rest of her appearance. She has a shoulder guard over her right shoulder, opposite of how Lexa wears hers on her left and wears a long red sash attached to it that reaches the floor.
Raven steps around her, to take in the full view and can't help but to shake her head and smile. Clarke's sash, while red like the commander's, has two long silver stripes that trail the length of it. "The commander wears one like this, only hers is solid red," Raven muses as she comes back to face her blonde comrade. "What does the silver represent?"
Clarke looks to Echo who steps forward and answers for her, "Only the commander may wear the solid red, but the commander's chosen life partner always wears one with a silver stripe. Klark's has two, as this signifies not only her place as our Heda's love, but also shows her position of Kwin. In the ranks of our people, she is second only to Heda."
Lexa chooses that moment to step into the room having been frozen at the doorway taking in the creature before her that had stolen away her breath. "But forever first in my heart." Lexa breathes out and crosses the room in three quick strides, placing her hands softly on Clarke's neck, "You are enchanting, Klark." Her whisper is soft, but not too soft as to not be heard.
Clarke swallows places her hands on Lexa's and steps into her, connecting their lips tenderly. Pulling back, Clarke releases a beautifully wide smile and steps back but takes Lexa's hand in her own as she takes in the commander. Her face is clear of war paint and her own braids are flawless and intricate. Clarke swallows feeling her mouth going dry at the site of her. Lexa looks fierce and powerful as if she can take on the world but when Clarke looks into her soft green eyes, she see's nothing but undying devotion swirling in their depths. She opens her mouth to speak, but is interrupted.
"Okay, seriously, give us like five minutes and we'll leave the room and come get you two before the ceremony." Octavia starts, stepping up to the two of them, feeling the temperature in the room beginning to grow steadily warmer. "Beja," she tries again and raises an eyebrow as Clarke turns away with a sigh and looks at her.
"Time starts now," is all she says and gives Octavia her undivided attention.
Octavia turns to Raven and hands her the box she had asked her to give to Clarke what seems like a lifetime ago. "You're here now, it should come from you."
Raven nods and turns to Clarke, holding out the small box. "I made this for you but never found the right time to give it to you. I asked Octavia to bring it and then everything got crazy so…now I can give it to you."
Clarke releases Lexa's hand in order to step forward and take the box. "What was to be the occasion?" She's curious; as a gift now would make sense she supposes, even though it's unnecessary but if she had it to give to her previously...then why?
Raven shrugs a little, "You didn't seem to notice how lost in your thoughts you would get back at the dropship when you thought no one was paying attention. Every single time something was bothering you or weighing on you, you'd start drawing. Whether it was on the ground with a stick or using a knife or coal on the walls of the ship…you were always drawing and it seemed to calm you for a while." She smiles, looking to Lexa and then back at her friend. "When you told me about your dream and we discussed it that night, it all started adding up. The rest, well, just open it."
Clarke takes a deep breath and opens the box, a gasp falling from her lip as she lifts the metal cuff. She hands the box over to Echo so that she can fully take in and appreciate what she's holding. The metal was obviously salvaged from pieces of the Ark, but had been polished flat and heated to make it curve. On the top was a detailed replica of the tree that she would draw over and over again. The same tree she now wore on her back. The tree Lexa told her was very much real and she would see soon.
The tears were pooling in her eyes against her will but she didn't bother to wipe them away. They were tears of joy and appreciation, not sadness or pain. To the left of the tree etched into the metal were the numbers 3 and 19 and to the right was the number 2148. "Raven," she whispers and engulfs the surprised girl in her arms, hugging her tightly. "Thank you," she voices with as much emotion as she can before pulling back and sliding the cuff over her left wrist into place, finding it a perfect fit.
Clarke shakes her head, watery blue eyes sparkling bright as she connects with Raven's, "I can't believe you actually remembered the date."
"Of course I did Clarke. That night was the beginning of the rest of your life. You may not have known it yet, but it's a day you will never forget. I just wanted to immortalize it as best I could for you." Raven blushes and then turns to punch Octavia in the shoulder, hearing her snicker behind her.
Clarke shoots Octavia a glare and smiles when she raises her hands up in defense. Turning to Lexa, she holds her left arm out, showing her the wrist cuff. "I know the Trikru don't keep track of the years much anymore, let alone the days and months, but this is the day I started having the dreams."
Lexa takes her hand in her own, raising it to her lips and kissing her palm. Lowering her hand she turns to Raven and offers her a soft smile and nod of her head. "Thank you, Raven. This gift not only means much, not only to Klark, but to me as well. And it compliments her already gorgeous attire."
Raven smiles and nods back to the commander before feeling her arm being grabbed and Octavia is pulling her and Echo towards the door. "We're out of here before any more of your heart eyes and sappy words poison us all." Seeing Clarke roll her eyes and Lexa look at her quizzically, Octavia just laughs, "You've got five minutes lovebirds and then I'm sending Indra and Abby in here after you!"
Lexa looks back to Clarke, still confused. "Is she serious about sending Indra and your mother in?"
Clarke only raises her eyebrow as she steps in closer and wraps her arms around Lexa's neck, sighing at the feel of her warm arms around her waist. "I wouldn't bet against it." Leaning forward she rubs her nose against Lexa's, drawing a soft smile from the brunette. "You look ravishing," Clarke admits, trailing her fingers down Lexa's shoulder and playing with the sash attached to her shoulder guard.
Lexa swallows, feeling the heat around them growing thicker, her hairs standing at attention. "We must not speak of ravishing right now," her voice drops as she leans forward, eyes looking heavy with desire, "We have a ceremony to attend." Her lips hover just over Clarke's, the heat from them drawing her in.
"Leksa," Clarke breathes out, pressing her lips against the tender ones above her own. Despite the heat and the raw desire they both must feel, the kiss remains soft and sweet, simply content to feel the other close and share the same breath.
A throat clearing at the door draws them out of their haze as they slowly pull back but keeping their hands laced together as they face the door. Lincoln stands there awkwardly and gives them an uncertain shrug, "Okteivia made me…"
Clarke laughs and see's a small smirk on Lexa's lips. "I'd much rather it be you than my mother or Indra," Clarke replies.
"They were the next in line if I failed," Lincoln jokes back, but despite the teasing tone, they all know his words were true.
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The group from the sky knew the looks on their faces must be priceless, but they don't care.
Abby herself can't believe the show of support she's seeing from the grounders at the initiation ceremony of a Skaikru, as they called them, into their clan. She gasps, hand going to her mouth as she sees her daughter being led to the raised platform by Lexa. They both look like a couple out of an old movie she used to watch as a child on the Ark. While the clothing is still random pieces made out of leather and found clothing, they stand out amongst the other villagers and warriors. They look like a power couple, Abby thinks, and she supposes that's a fitting assessment.
She expects to feel fear or apprehension as they begin, but finds herself oddly calm and looking forward to the proceedings. The smile on Clarke and Lexa's faces certainly help.
"Kru kom Tondisi," Lexa calls out, raising her hand and immediately silence takes place. "You have witnessed the trials overcome by Klark of the Skaikru and now you come to witness her become Klark of the Trikru!" Cheers and noise erupts and Lexa's smile is contagious. Abby finds herself seeing a little more of the woman that her daughter must see in that smile. She welcomes it with a smile of her own.
"I have sought out Neeka, one of our most fair and wisest of elders to take on this task. She has helped bring many of our children into this world and has saved many of our lives," Lexa turns to the woman and gives her a grateful smile, "and it is my honour to have her welcome one more into our fold." Lexa steps back and takes her place to the side next to Indra who stands beside the weapons rack.
Neeka approaches Clarke and speaks to her, but loud enough that those gathered can hear her words. "By joining this clan, you become part of a greater family. As such, you are part of an endless circle of kinship, hospitality and protection. We give thanks to the ancestors who watch over us and to those who may follow."
She directs her hands out in front of her and Clarke takes her cue and kneels before her, tossing her long coat out behind her to sit on her heels and resting her hands on her legs. Neeka then turns to address those gathered, "Here before you kneels Klark, soon to be a sworn part of this clan and to be forevermore known as Kwin Klark kom Trikru."
Neeka turns to dip two fingers into a dark mixture before facing Clarke once more. "Klark, the mysteries of this world are many. We can never hope to learn them all but we can follow them on our journey through this life and the next. As one of the Trikru and as our Kwin, you will learn, grow and evolve every day. You will seek knew knowledge and attain it in direct proportion to your efforts." She takes a breath, her old age causing her to tire quickly, "Are you willing and able to uphold the values and principles of this clan and to remain true to our Heda, our Last Heda, from this day until your last day?"
Clarke lowers her head and nods, looking up to connect her eyes with Lexa's. "And in any and every life that comes after, wherever our spirits may move us." She turns back to Neeka and closes her eyes as the old and soft fingers tremble slightly as they draw two tear tracks down her cheeks from her eyes with what Clarke now realizes, is war paint.
"Then rise and be reborn, no longer bound to the name Clarke kom Skaikru, but tethered to your true life and true love as Kwin Klark kom Trikru." Her voice is warm and her smile lights up her eyes as she takes Clarke's hand and helps her to her feet. "The sash you wear is yours alone, showing not only that you are of our clan, but your tethered status to our Heda." She lowers her eyes with Clarke's hand in hers and presses her forehead to her hands and then kisses them. "Mochof, Kwin, for allowing me to preside over this ceremony. It is my great honour to do so."
Clarke smiles and lowers her own eyes in a show of respect. "Mochof, Neeka, for your participation."
Clarke stands up fully and turns towards Lexa as Neeka is assisted down from the platform and Indra steps towards her. Indra directs her attention to the crowd and calls out, "We are near the end of this journey but before we conclude to celebrate with a feast and wine, Kwin Klark must make two final decisions." The murmurs quiet to only those of the Skaikru, who weren't aware of what was to happen next.
Indra turns back to Clarke and holds out her hand, pointing to the rack of weapons that stand beside Lexa. "You must choose your weapon or weapons of choice, to be trained in their art for the protection of yourself, your love and of your people. What will you choose?"
Clarke knew this would be asked of her and so she doesn't hesitate to walk with her head held high over to the rack of weapons, her eyes glancing over them. She knew what her primary weapon would be, but surprises even Lexa when her hands reach out and take the two daggers in the center and slides them down into two well placed holding straps on the outside of her boots. She raises her body once more and reaches out.
Lexa can't deny that she was a bit shocked that Clarke chose the two daggers, thinking that she would of course take a small blade or throwing knife. She's further stunned when Clarke's hand bypasses the staff and grabs a sword, much like her everyday weapon and grips it in her hand, feeling its weight before stepping back and nodding to Indra. Lexa feels her mouth go dry and can do nothing more than watch.
Indra nods, "Kwin Klark has chosen the stealth daggers and sword as her weapons of defense and protection. She will be trained until they feel as if they are an extension of herself." She steps back and allows Echo to take her place.
"Kwin Klark will now choose a duty to perform for our people. Most of our people are assigned to their duties, based on ability and watching them grow from a young age, but since Klark is grown and now Kwin, the choice is hers alone." Echo steps towards Clarke with a smile on her face. "What will you choose, Kwin?"
Clarke smiles and mentally reminds herself to tell Echo not to call her Kwin as if she is royalty. Echo is her friend and that's how she wants it to stay. The choice, she has already made and seeing a pleased nod from Lexa, she smiles back and announces her choice. "I choose the role of healer as my duty to our people. I wish to heal, to learn more of our healing ways and to share those I have learned in return."
The sounds of cheers and applause sound around them and Echo leans forward as if to nod to Clarke, but finds herself in the arms of her friend; her little sister. "We're talking about this addressing me as Kwin business later," Clarke huffs into her ear, drawing a smile from the warrior.
"As you wish, Kwin," Echo replies with a grin.
Lexa takes a step forward then and takes her place beside Clarke, feeling the backs of their hands brush together. "Kru kom Tondisi, Klark has not only completed the cleansing trials but is now known and accepted as Kwin Klark kom Trikru from this day forward!" Lexa smiles as her people erupt into cheers and began chanting "Kwin Klark, Kwin Klark". She turns her head when she hears a few people calling out questions over the chants and cheers.
She can't make out their words and so raises her hands in a request for silence and lowers it back down as the noise settles. "Speak your questions and then let us celebrate."
"Heda, when will your bonding ceremony be?"
"Heda will you pledge your vows to her at the sacred tree?"
"Is it true you are the Last Commander and Kwin Klark will help bring us to peace?"
The questions continue to fire out at her and Lexa briefly considers which one she should respond to first, but before she gets a chance, however, another younger voice sounds out.
"Kwin Klark, do you want to be tethered to Heda Leksa for always?" His voice is young but his eyes are wise as he stares at Clarke, waiting for her to answer.
Clarke steps forward, not noticing the silence that surrounds them now as everyone has stilled to watch this exchange. She does something no one expects as she bends down on one knee so that she is closer to his eye level since she's standing on a platform.
"You are Jovan, yes?" Clarke asks, recognizing him as the young boy from her trial who placed his cut for his father upon her wrist and drew a tear on his own cheek for her.
"Sha, Kwin." He responds, his eyes light and his hair fairer than those of the others.
"You wish to know if I want to be tethered to your Heda," she begins, seeing his nod, "You want to know if I wish to be with her, in love and in pain, for all the rest of my days?" He nods again and she holds out her hand.
He considers her for only a moment, his eyes seemingly worried about something but he doesn't hesitate as he raises his own hand and places it in hers.
Clarke smiles and covers his hand with both of hers and his eyes widen at the heat he feels from her hand. "I have wished to be with Leksa since the first day I dreamed of her when I was still a prisoner to the stars."
Gasps are heard from many of the grounders around them, intrigued by this new knowledge.
She raises her left hand and ruffles it through his shaggy hair. "Nothing can ever feel more right than being by her side, for always."
She sees the smile in his eyes before it takes over his lips and he nods, pulling her hand forward and placing a kiss upon it. "Mochof, Kwin."
She pulls back and stands, nodding her head to him. "Mochof Jovan, for accepting me."
Clarke raises her eyes in awe she pulls her focus away from the boy and looks out amongst the crowd. To her shock and surprise everyone gathered has lowered themselves down on one knee and bowed their heads in a show of respect. Even the warriors that were on guard of the ceremony, while still standing, have turned in her direction and lowered their eyes.
She turns back, seeking out Lexa in this turn of events and feels a pounding in her chest and a heat fill her body for everyone, every single person there including Lexa herself, were all on bended knee before her.
Not moving from her position, Lexa raises her eyes to capture Clarke's and she doesn't need the heat thrumming through her body to feel the things that single look brings to the surface.
She feels complete.
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