Chapter Twelve
Octavia can't recall ever feeling quite this excited before in her life.
Well, that's not exactly true, she reminds herself. The first day she set foot on earth she experienced a rush like no other and for a second it was too much. Kissing Niylah and being with her certainly caused an excited surge especially the first few times. Being with Lincoln too, of course, though there were so many other emotions and tribulations going on when they first got together.
But today Octavia dresses in her leather battle gear that she'd gotten from Trikru, affixes her scabbard, and places her sword inside of it.
"I still don't believe it," Niylah says, by her side. She is similarly outfitted, sliding her knife into its holster.
"I can't believe it either," Octavia breathes. "This must be how children used to feel on Christmas morning." She shakes her head. The analogy is all wrong, but no matter. It is all beyond words.
Trikru survived Praimfaya. Well, 1,187 members of Trikru survived, that is. Under Indra as Chief. As the delegation led by Gaia explained to Kane, Trikru had located an underground bunker beneath Polis and they rode out the five years there. The bunker had all the key accouterments: a hydrofarm, water recyclers, air scrubbers. When asked how they managed to operate the equipment, Gaia almost snorted and said, "We are not idiots. We can read instruction manuals."
Gaia then, apparently, smiled and softened her tone saying that Indra as Chief of Trikru was eager to see Octavia and Kane. She added that Indra would be glad to hear that Skaikru sheltered Niylah as well.
Kane had then replied, "So shall we head out to Polis then?"
Gaia had shaken her head. "No. We live in Shallow Valley now."
"Shallow Valley?"
Although the valley had not been Trikru's before Praimfaya, they all had known of it. Indra had suspected that because of its location, it might have been safe from the death wave. And she was right. As the Council members' jaws had dropped, Gaia explained that a lush, thriving valley was now home to Trikru.
"And yet," Clarke began, "you came here for us?"
"For the reasons I mentioned," Gaia acknowledged straightforwardly. "Indra wished to see how Octavia and Kane were getting on. She is open to discussing plans to share the valley. Understanding, of course, that it belongs to Trikru."
And that is why Octavia and Niylah are getting their gear on and getting ready to head out. It is agreed that they will join Kane, Clarke, Miller, and a handful of guards to head to Shallow Valley to speak with Indra and to see the valley.
"Thank goodness," Niylah murmurs, "that you built that relationship with Indra."
Octavia nods. "Kane too, gotta give the chancellor credit." She takes a breath and tilts her head back. "I'm so happy that Indra's alive!"
"And Trikru survives! Our culture and our people."
The two women do as they've done many times since they first got the news. They hug again. And although Octavia is most happy about Trikru in general and Indra particularly, the fact that the overall human race's odds of surviving have just jumped up too is not lost on her.
"It's time," Octavia says. "Let's go."
Bellamy takes a second to mull over the fact that since he and Clarke got engaged, everything is the same and yet everything is different. Their love is the same. The same as it has been since they first got together and since the time before they even acknowledged that they were meant to be together.
But being engaged feels different too. They will marry. They will make a statement to their community that they intend to spend the rest of their lives together.
First, though, Bellamy has to make himself more comfortable with the fact that Clarke is leaving on this mission to Shallow Valley. For the past five years, he and the rest of Skaikru have lived in peace - with the exception of Cooper's poisoning of Kane and Jackson. Their lives have been uneventful and at times downright boring, but also blissfully quiet. All of that will change when Clarke leaves with Kane, Octavia, Niylah, and Miller on this mission.
"We've discussed this a hundred times. If they wanted to attack us, then they would've attacked the moment we let Gaia and the others inside," Clarke says firmly.
"I know," Bellamy replies. "And we have a lot to offer them."
"From everything Niylah tells us – and from what we ourselves knew from before Praimfaya – we are far ahead of them in terms of medicine and technology. That's knowledge they can benefit from, knowledge that will help keep all 1,187 of them alive."
"And knowledge that we can't share with them unless we're alive," Bellamy adds. He takes a breath. "I hate that we're outnumbered ten-to-one though. Assuming everything Gaia and the others told us is true."
Clarke nods. "I do wish Indra herself had come instead of Gaia since we know her – and we hardly know Gaia. I'm confident with what Kane says though. The bond that he and Octavia have with Indra is going to be enough."
"I'm so glad she's their chief."
"But what if it's a trap?"
"Jackson, we talked about this. It's not a trap. If they wanted to get us, they would've attacked full-force instead of sending a delegation."
Jackson listens to Miller's voice. It's firm and resolute. And he knows that Miller is right – at this point they are just repeating things that they have said to each other since the moment Gaia and the other members of the delegation left the Ark.
Jackson takes a breath and shakes his head.
"What?" Miller asks, not unkindly.
"I was just thinking back to the last time I almost lost you. Right before Praimfaya. I took some drastic action."
"Please tell me you don't have any drastic action planned for today," Miller says. He still sounds bemused rather than irritated though Jackson wonders if he's at the border. "Are you going to…forbid me to go?"
"That would never work," Jackson says. "Though part of me wants to."
"We'll be safe. I promise."
"You and the others are no match for 1,200 grounders."
"No. Which brings us right back to…."
"I know," Jackson says, this time smiling. "If they wanted to attack us they would have done so already. If they had hostile intentions, they would've grabbed Kane and held him as a hostage instead of sitting down and talking with the Council." He takes another breath. "As soon as you leave, I think Abby and I are going to have a long talk in med bay. She's equally worried since Clarke and Kane are going on this mission too."
"You're good at comforting each other. Do that." Miller pauses, and then smiles. "Aren't you glad we learned Trig?"
"Definitely." During Jackson and Miller's discussions with Octavia and Niylah about possibly becoming parents, the women had let the men know that they wanted any potential child to learn Trig. Jackson and Miller decided to learn it themselves and are now fluent.
Jackson is quiet for a moment. "They're going to want a Trikru man to have the baby with, now. Not us."
Miller touches a hand to Jackson's arm. "Jacks. We're getting ahead of ourselves."
"Sorry," Jackson says, shaking his head. "You're right. And heck, if they do decide they'd prefer a Trikru father, maybe we can find another woman to have a baby with." He shakes his head. "I'm just a mess at the thought of you leaving. I need to pull it together."
Miller gently touches Jackson's forehead with his own. "We're going to be okay. I promise. I love you."
When Clarke steps out of the rover, she almost cannot believe her eyes. The deathwave somehow skipped over this entire valley.
And it's beautiful. Green grass and trees boasting colorful leaves. There are cottages and bushes and flowers. And most stunningly, there are people. Lots of people. Families, children, and even a few older adults. Off to the side, a group of warriors trains. Ahead there is what Clarke instantly recognizes as a schoolhouse – through its windows she can see children seated and Gaia standing at the front of the class. Laundry hangs out to dry on clotheslines, and Trikru members go about their tasks, only briefly pausing to eye the Skaikru delegation. It has been five years since Clarke has been around this many people. It's not overwhelming for her – she can handle it – it's just different. A bit exciting too.
Clarke continues to make as many mental notes as she can, eager to share all of it with Bellamy. He would love to see this, she knows. But she keeps her mind focused. Although Octavia and Kane will lead the discussions with Indra and her fellow leaders – clearly the two of them will be best-suited to this task – Clarke knows she needs to stay sharp too.
And then suddenly a group of people who were standing around seems to part, and Indra can be seen in the center. Clarke watches as Indra and Octavia stride up to each other. They hug heartily and unabashedly. Clarke knows what this moment means to Octavia, and she can't wait to tell Bellamy all about it. And then Niylah and Kane are also exchanging hugs with Indra, though slightly more perfunctory ones.
"Right this way," Indra says, gesturing to what Clarke can see is the largest structure in the valley. Clarke takes a breath and follows the others inside.
"They should be arriving in the valley just now. Based on the coordinates and how fast the rovers can move."
Abby speaks the words to Jackson and Bellamy. The three are sitting inside med bay; it's as good a place as any. Most of Skaikru is a bit too buzzed right now at both the prospect of someday living in the valley as well as their fears of grounders, so the only work being done today is of the essential type.
"And the readings still look good. No sandstorms," Bellamy says, looking down at his tablet.
Jackson glances at Bellamy. Bellamy has been glued to the tablet, and the radio has been faithfully holstered at his side. Abby has one too, and so Jackson hasn't left Abby's or Bellamy's side much since the rover set off this morning. His mouth feels a bit dry but he's not about to speak. What is there to say that hasn't been said? There's - 'It feels a bit too good to be true.' But there's also – 'Indra has been a solid ally'. And the ever-popular - 'If they want our medical and engineering help, they can't kill us.' But that inevitably leads to – 'What if this turns into a hostage situation?'
"We have a lot riding on a woman we haven't seen for five years," Abby murmurs, summing up Jackson's thoughts for now. It really all comes down to Indra. Is she the same Indra they knew from before? Are her bonds with Octavia and Kane – and possibly Niylah – enough?
Raven pops her head inside med bay. "Anything?" she asks.
"Nothing," Jackson answers. His mouth is dry as paper. He's already drunk half of his day's water ration, though he can always ask for more if he needs it. He lets his heart lift just a bit. If this all truly works out then water won't be an issue. They could be swimming in fresh water within a few weeks, or taking showers that last more than five minutes. Breathing fresh air, eating fresh meat.
Both radios suddenly chirp, and Bellamy and Abby each instantly reach for them.
"It's writing. No audio," Bellamy says, clutching the radio. "Remember, we expected that," he adds, reminding Jackson that the use of writing instead of audio doesn't inherently mean anything has gone wrong.
"It's still coming in," Abby adds, staring at her device.
Bellamy reads what his screen shows. "Clarke says – 'So far so good. Negotiations going well'."
Jackson breathes a sigh of relief. He looks up to see Bellamy, Abby, and Raven looking equally relieved. Abby, in fact, is smiling, "I know, I know," she says. "It still doesn't mean nothing will go wrong. But…."
"But still," Bellamy finishes for her. "Good news. She wouldn't have sent this message unless she was confident that things were going well." He exhales again.
Once again, Miller is glad he learned Trig. Most of the negotiations are conducted in that language, with just a few instances when Kane has had trouble keeping up and needed something translated. Miller was grateful each time – he certainly is nowhere near being able to think in Trig.
It's going well though, Miller knows. Indra has offered to share the valley with Skaikru. As Clarke and the others had suspected, Trikru would like Skaikru's medical and engineering expertise. And Trikru sees no reason to attack or harm Skaikru.
Skaikru will, it seems to Miller, need to accept that Trikru will run the show though. Indra says she will be happy to work with Octavia and Kane as Skaikru's reps, but Skaikru will need to understand that this is a grounder village and they will live here as "respected allies". Miller listens as the group discusses Trikru laws and rules. Kara Cooper's situation comes up, and Indra scoffs at the idea that she's been jailed – instead of executed – for attempted murder and tampering with the food supply. However Trikru does have a stockade where they place those who have committed lesser crimes, and Cooper will likely be transferred there when Skaikru moves into the valley. And it looks like a foregone conclusion as the negotiations wind down. Skaikru is going to move here.
Although the valley is spacious, housing is in short supply – Skaikru will need to build their own structures. Trikru won't help with the labor or materials, but they are giving Skaikru the land, and that's good. Miller knows they have some construction equipment in the Ark though he also sees aching shoulders and sore arms in his future too. But that's okay. If the work will be outside in this beautiful valley with its fresh air, he'll take it. If he gets to build a cottage for himself and Jackson not far from the lake, that's a good thing. Even better if it will be near the cottages of all the people they love.
He knows that his father died hoping that Nathan might live to someday see something like this. Miller can't wait for Jackson to see the valley. The doctor has spent almost all of his life inside the Ark's walls, but Miller is sure he will enjoy the fresh air and colorful scenery here. He bites his lip and reminds himself to focus on the negotiations.
The day's hunting is done. Octavia and her team hand off their catches to the crew who will take it from there.
"Blood all over you," Niylah says, with a slight shake of her head though not hiding the satisfaction on her face either. "Come on. I'm drawing you a bath."
"It's still warm enough. I prefer the lake," Octavia insists.
"You'll be bathing in the lake up until the moment in turns into ice," Niylah says. She shrugs. "Suit yourself. I will get the fireplace going so you can unthaw when you get inside."
Octavia is, once again, officially Indra's second. As such, she and Niylah have their own cottage, not far from Indra's. It's nothing special, nothing large but it's homey and cozy. Their blankets from the Ark are atop the bed and one of the puzzles from Mount Weather is spread out on the table. They still enjoy doing them together though their leisure time is not as abundant as it was during the Ark years.
Niylah gets to work on the fireplace, making sure it will be roaring when Octavia returns. Despite her partner's bravado, Niylah knows the lake is chilly this time of year. She reaches for one of the furs and flings it over the chair closest to the fireplace. Octavia will have something warm to wrap herself in when she returns. Meals are taken communally but their cottage has a small burner. Niylah puts the teakettle on and readies the red clover blossoms, which will be steeped into one of Octavia's favorite teas.
Not long afterwards, Octavia is wrapped up inside the fur and sitting by the fire. Niylah is buzzing around, pouring her tea and fetching her socks.
"Would you get back here and just sit next to me?" Octavia asks. "You don't need to wait on me."
"I like doing so, and you know it," Niylah says, placing the socks over Octavia's feet. She then finally settles down into the other chair. "You are a respected hunter and Indra's second. You deserve to be waited on a bit."
"Nah," Octavia says. "Sounds like something out of ancient earth when a wife was something to be owned instead of loved." She stretches. "I am tired from that hunt though. But exhilarated. It was a good hunt."
"It's so nice to be here," Niylah says. "Can you believe that it's been six months since we left that metal Ark? That we both spent time living under its floor? I'm glad it sheltered us but sometimes it all feels like a long dream."
"We survived it." Octavia tilts her head up and takes a breath. They're currently indoors but she's savoring her long and productive day outside. "And now we have the best of both worlds."
It's true. Trikru has put Skaikru ingenuity to work; Raven and her team have been building and installing solar panels which make everything easier. Abby, Jackson, and Niylah – along with Trikru's healers – have medical running smoothly.
As if on cue, Niylah's radio buzzes.
"What is it?" Octavia asks.
"It's Olina. She needs help in medical." Olina is Trikru's most junior healer.
"Is it urgent?" Octavia asks, sitting more upright.
"No," Niylah says looking at her device. "But I'm the one on-call as her backup now, and I should go."
She slides her feet back into shoes, and bends down to kiss Octavia.
"Hey." Octavia says. "We're still in agreement, right? Tomorrow we go talk to Miller and Jackson."
"Right. It's about time."
Skaikru used a simple lottery system to determine the order in which their cottages would be built. Jackson was very lucky, drawing the number three. The cottage he now shares with Miller was the third one built by Skaikru. It's smaller than Octavia and Niylah's but just as warm and cozy. It's certainly the best dwelling either man has ever lived in, and they are just steps away from the lake. Skaikru members whose cottages haven't been built yet sleep inside tents in the interim. The tents are not ideal, but it's universally agreed that living in the valley surpasses everything – the tents are a minor inconvenience until every cottage can be built. Most every member of Skaikru was happy to bid farewell to their metal, sterile walls and enjoy the planet their ancestors were born on.
"Worst morning person ever."
Jackson laughs as he bends down to kiss the back of Miller's head.
"I'm up, I'm up," Miller groans. He turns over and opens his eyes. "Really, I'm up."
"The canteen opens in ten minutes for breakfast," Jackson says with a smile. "So you need to be at least functional soon."
"You know I never miss a meal."
On the days when neither man is needed for an emergency, their mornings have a pattern. They head to the canteen for their breakfast. They often walk back to their cottage with their food so they can eat together, sitting on their porch. So far, neither man's radio has buzzed and they are able to enjoy this moment on the porch.
"I hope we never take it for granted," Jackson says, gesturing in the direction of the horizon. The morning sunlight hitting the fields in the distance, the birds singing their songs to each other. He and Miller both treasure this porch, this space they have together.
"We won't," Miller says. "We spent way too many years boxed up inside the Ark." And then in the distance, two men can be heard loudly yelling in Trig. It sounds like it's escalating and might come to blows. "Although this place still isn't exactly a paradise either," Miller mutters. He truly does not intend a dig at grounders – Skaikru has always had its own share of unpleasant people such as Kara Cooper – but overhearing a fight still disrupts his morning nonetheless.
Just as Miller is getting ready to set his tray down and intervene in the fight, he hears Octavia's voice joining in. She's telling both men to cool it, and it sounds like they are obeying her. Moments later Octavia and Niylah appear on Miller and Jackson's porch.
The two couples greet each other. Miller is not sure if this is a social call, but both Octavia and Niylah have facial expressions that can be described as unusually eager. He leans forward, wondering if he should stand. Glancing at Jackson, he sees that Jackson's curiosity is equally piqued.
"Niylah and I did some talking," Octavia begins, and Miller certainly appreciates that her communication style has always been no-frills. "If you're still willing, we're ready."
"Let's do this," Niylah says.
Miller and Jackson exchange a look and then jump to their feet. "Yes, we're still willing!" Miller says, smiling broadly. The group hugs each other from there.
Trikru has always performed wedding ceremonies en masse, twice per year. Once in the spring, once in the fall. No one is sure when or why this tradition started, but any couple that wishes to wed has the chance to do so - alongside others – at one of the two annual events.
Spring is finally here, and Clarke and Bellamy will be joining two Trikru couples during this ceremony. They agreed it would be a nice show of unity with Trikru. And if spring's first couple of weeks are any indication, spring in the valley is beautiful. They also finally have a finished cottage of their own to live in, and can say goodbye to their tent forever. During the months they slept inside their tent, their friends were good to them – oftentimes Miller and Jackson or Octavia and Niylah would swap with them for a couple days at a time so they could enjoy their cabins and get a break from the tent.
Clarke can't stop walking around the cottage, touching every wall and every surface.
"Eager to start drawing on every wall?" Bellamy teases. After five years, their room inside the Ark was truly covered floor to ceiling with Clarke's work.
"Yes," she laughs. "But mostly just glad to have this place of our own." Although Clarke's head is usually grounded in reality, she also knows that right now she is living the dream. Her own cottage, to be shared with the man she loves. The man she is soon to marry.
"The window's my favorite part. The tent didn't have that," Bellamy murmurs, his gaze focused outside the window.
"Mine too. Well, that and the bathroom!"
"How could I forget that?"
Clarke's voice turns serious as she stands at Bellamy's side. "So. Are we ready for tomorrow?" She places her hands on his chest.
"I think so," Bellamy answers. "Just one thing - are we going to observe the old custom of not seeing each other the day of? Trikru doesn't do that."
Clarke thinks for a moment. She and Bellamy have been approaching wedding preparations the way most of Skaikru has always done so. It's an important occasion, for sure, but not the madhouse bonanza it was pre-apocalypse. Obsessing over details for something like this is not a luxury that either Skaikru or Trikru has ever had.
"Well, in order to do that, one of us will have to go back to the tent. Or sleep on someone else's floor. So…." She lets her voice trail off, and they both laugh. An easy decision.
There is one detail that Clarke has paid special attention to, and that is her dress. Abby and Niylah have been working on it as a wedding gift for Clarke, and Clarke has to admit that she loves the gown and is looking forward to wearing it. It's the sort of indulgence that she's never really had before.
She had her final fitting two days ago.
"A bit tight here," Niylah had said, raising her eyebrows as she gently patted Clarke's belly.
"Not as tight as yours would be!" Clarke had shot back. Her tone was friendly but she was seeking to deflect. Niylah was already more than five months pregnant and easily "showing" in her lighter spring attire.
But as Clarke spoke the words, Abby had gasped. "Clarke. You are thicker there!"
Clarke held out both of her hands, trying to get Abby to put a lid on her excitement. "My period is late. But mom, please don't go getting excited. It could mean anything. It could be a fluke."
"Does it tend to stay on schedule?" Niylah had asked evenly.
"Yes," Clarke admitted with a tilt of her head. "It's usually really timely. But I still say this could mean anything. Maybe it's stress over the wedding. Maybe our bodies are still getting used to living in the valley."
"After almost a whole year?" Abby asked. "Clarke."
"You are with child," Niylah said definitively. At Abby's look, she continued, "Yes, both of you taught me the scientific method, and I appreciate it. But I know that you are expecting a baby, Clarke. I believe your body needed to get into a natural environment where we humans belong, in order for the conception to take place."
Clarke had smiled at Niylah, thinking for just a second how the two of them had been friends with benefits so many years ago. And now they are friends still, each in a passionate and loving relationship with one of the Blake siblings. She noted that Niylah was wearing, as she often did, the necklace Octavia made for her years ago. A few new baubles were on the chain.
Abby crossed her arms over her chest, sticking to the matter at hand. "I'll refrain from commenting that Clarke herself was conceived on the Ark. As was I, and as was almost every member of Skaikru."
Clarke again held her hands up in a gesture to indicate a halt. "Just don't say anything to Bellamy," Clarke insisted. "We've all seen the data. Even if this is an early sign of a pregnancy, we know how common miscarriages are."
"Does Bellamy suspect?" Niylah asked with a smile.
Clarke had to exhale and purse her lips together. "He knows every damn thing that's going on, even though I haven't said anything. We'll talk about it after the ceremony." She had then added, "If I'm not pregnant, then let's hope my period doesn't decide to show up late - just in time to stain this dress during the wedding."
The three women had laughed and gotten on with the fitting.
And now, it is time. Clarke and Bellamy are being united at the same ceremony as the two Trikru couples, and the ceremony will blend traditions from both groups. Gaia performs part of it, with Kane also speaking a few words. There are several things that both groups have in common. Family members walk and stand with the brides and grooms, so Octavia is at Bellamy's side and Abby at Clarke's. And in both groups, brides and grooms exchange vows with each other.
Bellamy's heart pounds when it's his turn. He's been working on the words for weeks, pretty much at any point when he can grab a break from teaching and construction work. He has been advised to make sure he keeps it concise, having been gently warned that grounders don't go on and on with this sort of thing. Bellamy's not sure how well the vow will flow, but he knows he has all the right concepts down. The fact that Clarke is his soulmate. And his best friend. The fact that she's taught him how to use both his head and his heart, one to strengthen the other. Just as the two of them complement each other seamlessly.
When it's his turn, he waits for just a second. He takes a look around. All of his loved ones are there, smiling. Octavia, Niylah, Miller, Jackson, Raven, Abby, Kane, the Skaikru kids and teens who he's spent the past six years teaching. They were blessed with a gentle spring day and the outdoor auditorium is lush with colorful flowers. And there is Clarke standing before him, holding one of his hands as he glances at the paper he's holding in the other.
Bellamy knows that life from here on out won't be easy. It never is. The ghosts from his past still haunt him; it gets easier to bear but the trauma never really disappears. He knows he can't get lulled by the beauty of the valley, and he knows that he and the other Skaikru leaders will need to continue to work every day to maintain their peace and stability with Trikru. Who knows what future awaits them and what might drop from the sky? But Clarke is at his side and life feels very good.
THE END
Thank you for reading all 61,000 words of this! Please let me know what you thought. And there might be an epilogue too. After all, sharing the valley might become difficult, and the Eligius is about due.