It took everything in Lexa to hide the fact that her hands were shaking. The entire encounter with the Skai Leader had been unsettling.
From the minute she'd first glimpsed her in the distance in the middle of the fighting pits, the sense of familiarity that swept over her had been confusing.
But that sense of familiarity had been stronger when meeting the girl face to face.
The bright blonde hair which shone in the sun and those deep sea blue eyes had pulled at something within Lexa that had been dormant for so long.
But Lexa breathed out evenly to not draw the attention or concern of Gustus and Ryder who remained stationed inside the door.
She could feel their gazes upon her.
"What was your impression of the Skai Leader Gustus?" Lexa inquired calmly, giving nothing away.
"She's not as soft as she appears." Gustus answers reluctantly.
"Explain?"
"Yes, from her display this morning. We know she can fight, she would be a formative opponent..."
"But?" Lexa pushed.
"There's something about her... She's … Strong." Gustus finished fumbling for words, which was incredibly not like him.
"I agree. She's determined and I think committed to ensuring peace. And if she lives up to her promise as a leader and fulfills the goals she has set for herself within the context of the alliance, she may become a worthy ally to have." Lexa expanded.
Suddenly a brisk knocking came from outside the door. The confusion evident on her face, Lexa nodded her head to indicate for Ryder to check who sought an audience without prior notice.
When Ryder opened the door, Alec stood at the other side, his face expressionless.
"Leave us," Lexa ordered the others. Nodding in acknowledgment, while Alec entered through the door and walked towards the dais. As Alec came to a stop and bowed deeply, the two guards left silently.
When the doors closed, Lexa didn't resist the smile that spread across her face "Alec." She whispered.
"Commander." Alec murmured in greeting, but as soon as he straightened a wide smile filled his face.
Without thought, Lexa sprung to her feet and down the steps, walking fully into Alec's open-armed embrace.
Being swept up in Alec's arms felt like coming home. Lexa felt completely and utterly safe and sheltered from the outside world.
"I'm sorry, it took me so long to come back," Alec whispered.
Pulling back to look at his face, Lexa silently shook her head.
"Don't, you- you needed that time away. I can see it. The sadness it's still there-"
"It always will be," Alec interrupted.
"Yes, but it longer seems to crush you beneath its weight, the way it had before." Lexa finished.
"You always see so much more than anyone else. You always did." Alec admitted.
"Come, sit with me. Tell of your life at Floukru." Lexa urged as she kept a hand on his arm and guided him towards the small table off to the side where food and drinks were spread out.
Once seated, Lexa served him a plate of food.
"Shouldn't it be I who waits upon you?" Alec joked
"As Commander, and the first War chief, yes. But as Lexa and Alec no. Now stop delaying and tell me your news."
Alec's eyes dropped, breaking his gaze with Lexa.
"There's not much news to share. I let the grief of Costia's death consume everything. I made no attempts to befriend anyone, I fulfilled my share of the chores but it wasn't until Klark..." Alec trailed off.
"Things changed after she arrived." Lexa finished.
"How I've missed you," Alec confessed quietly.
"Regardless of what caused it. You seem different, not peaceful but … Calmed, like after a storm." Lexa replied thoughtfully.
"Speaking of what caused such a change in you... After this morning's demonstration and the negotiations I just finished with Klark of the Skai People, I'm starting to believe you've done more for Klark than providing simple knowledge and training." Lexa said rhetorically.
"Perhaps, I have come to believe she is worthy of it."
Pausing briefly before continuing. "By the gods, Lexa. She reminds me so much of you."
"We are nothing alike?" Lexa rebuffs.
"No, not physically. Which you knew well what I meant. Her potential, her intelligence, the drive she has, I've never seen a student, even one with previous training, come on so quickly. And the sense of duty she holds upon herself, for her people, it grows with every passing day."
"You admire her. Even after the display this morning."
"Yes, well that wasn't an uncontrollable temper that you witnessed," Alec admitted.
"I'd gathered that. She baited him quite spectacularly."
"I know I should have stopped her. If I had of said anything she would have. But..."
"But you still grieve, maybe not as deeply as before you left. But it's still there nonetheless. So you let your anger dictate your actions and didn't interfere."
"You both share that blinding insight as well. Clarke knows I harbor anger at Azgeda over Costia."
"She knows of Costia?!" Lexa demanded in shock.
"Only of my connection to her, nothing more. It wasn't my place to share any more than that." Alec reassured and watched in relief as the anger that flared in Lexa's eyes dampened.
"Of course you wouldn't. Forgive me. I jumped to conclusions." Lexa admitted.
"Which isn't like you, Lexa. Perhaps you too, feel Clarke's effect." Alec joked, half-seriously.
"Come, I would like you to tell me more of your impressions of Klark of the Skai People and I'd like you to join me on my visit to the Night-bloods?" Lexa requested as she stood.
"I would be honored," Alec replied as he rose to his feet, gesturing for Lexa to lead the way.
Clarke thought back to her conversation earlier with the other members of the Skaikru party who had traveled to Polis with her and the other through the radio, as the quieter of the two guards from The Commander's throne room guided her through the corridors and stairways to the archives which were located in one of the basement rooms of Polis Tower.
Flashback:
Clarke sighed as she entered their rooms, the others jumping to their feet, faces anxious.
"Well, how did it go?" Octavia demanded impatiently.
"Let's get the others on the radio first. I'd rather go through everything once and with everyone present. I spoke to Bellamy earlier and Monty connected the radio up to the P.A system in the mess hall. The others are waiting to hear how it went as well." Clarke delayed, rambling quickly.
After a few minutes of fumbling with the settings, Bellamy was on the connection and following Monty's earlier efforts, all the 100 could hear as well.
"Give us the news Princess. How'd talks go?" Bellamy prompted once the connection was established.
Nodding Clarke replied. " I think it went well, their leader wasn't exactly like I expected her to be."
"Oh, no way the Commander is a woman. Hell yeah!" Octavia burst out, Clarke could hear girl members of the 100 began whooping in the background as well at the news. Clarke muffled laughter as Octavia used the back of her hand to hit Lincoln's shoulder who stood beside her. "Seriously you couldn't even tell us the Commander was a girl?"
"You never asked," Lincoln replied in confusion.
"She was younger than I expected. A couple of years older than us I guess."
"Not totally surprising." Bellamy interrupted. " I mean Luna is the Leader of the Floukru and she's about our age. And I mean you lead us, even though Raven and I are both older than you."
"So, was it just an introduction kinda thing?" Raven asked over the radio.
"No, we discussed terms. And I'm pretty sure we've reached an agreement, just some amendments to make before we both sign."
"Cool, we'll be part of a coalition of grounders." Octavia laughed.
"Not exactly," Clarke replied.
"Huh?" Bellamy questioned
"We agreed on terms of a peace alliance, but not for us to join the coalition."
The confused murmurs of the 100 could be heard in the background.
"I thought that was the goal?" Bellamy pressed.
"It was, it still is. But Bel, we're strangers to this planet, to these people. And we're only a section of our people, not the whole."
"And?" Octavia pushed.
"And we haven't proven ourselves to be trustworthy," Clarke replied
"What the hell do you call what we've been doing with the Floukru from we arrived?" Bellamy argued.
"Finding our feet." Clarke rebutted
"Be honest, Bellamy." Clarke continued. "Let's all of us think before we answer ourselves. What have we done to deserve a place within the Commander's coalition? Yes, we have things, skills, and abilities to offer but... with the rest of our families and our people stuck in space. What happens if and when they return to the ground? Some might start to feel torn?"
"The Commander must ensure the safety of her people, above all else," Clarke explained quickly.
"Like the princess does for us." Cut in Murphy.
"Exactly." Raven backed him up without delay.
"So for now. We agree to a peaceful alliance. We continue to live with Luna and her people and we adhere to the laws and traditions of the grounders. As we have already been doing. But we are also granted protection from attack from coalition clans, we'll be able to trade and barter through Luna's people anything we need. We will also have a representative here in Polis, to share concerns. For now, I propose that's me. It makes more sense for me to stay instead of traveling back and forth and Bellamy will act as the go-between us if anyone has any concerns. A copy of the agreement will be sent for you all to read before I sign it." Clarke reassured
"And I have an idea of how we can prove our worth and provide our way in as the 13th Clan of the coalition, that's what I'm going to be working on in the meantime until the first draft is ready for review. Raven, I might need your expertise for some elements."
"Anything you need Clarke. Just let me know." Raven confirmed.
"This is the archives, Skai Heda." The guard mumbled as he came to a stop at a set of large double doors, pulling Clarke out of her memories from earlier.
"I will show you the medical section inside and stand guard, to ensure you are not disturbed."
"Thank you, I'm sorry. I don't even know your name?" Clarke admitted suddenly embarrassed she had yet to ask.
"My Name is Ryder Kom Trikru."
"Thank You, Ryder," Clarke replied nodding her head in gratitude as he opened the door and ushered her inside.
"Is this.." Clarke trailed of in shock at the library full of books journals, scrolls that filled the shelves, and almost every straight surface throughout the darkened room.
"These archives contain books and texts from both before the old-world ended in Praimfaya and afterward. Our history is written and recorded right up until the formation of the coalition three years ago. If you will follow me, I'll show you the medical section and specifically the part dedicated to any previous attempts undertaken to heal the Ripas." Ryder explained as he guided Clarke through the numerous stacks of shelves.
"Is there anything else you require?" Ryder asked after showing Clarke the specific shelf.
"Some paper and something to write with if possible?"
"Of Course Skai Heda."
Clarke spent hours wadding through numerous accounts of healers who had attempted to save the lives of the reapers. And after the first few accounts, it became horribly clear to Clarke.
That these men had each suffered awful and painful deaths.
Not only were all the accounts about men, but they were also all of similar age and build. Lending weight to Clarke's theory of the use of a drug to induce this altered mental state. And each death was a carbon copy of the death accounts she had already read. These men died suffering from horrific and extreme withdrawal symptoms.
It was times like this Clarke wished her mother was here. Yes, Clarke was a skilled healer. But her knowledge of chemical formulas and drugs was limited. Whereas her mother had a lifetime of experience and knowledge to draw from. Saying that Clarke doubted her Mother had ever encountered something of this nature before either.
Eyes burning, Clarke brought her cramping hands up to cover her eyes and dragged them down her face as she sighed.
"Exhausting yourself by throwing yourself into achieving something never done before won't help you succeed. You'll just burn yourself out." A soft voice spoke from behind her.
Recognizing the voice, she jumped to her feet and couldn't help the squeak in her voice.
"Commander."
Clarke was thrown by the shocked widening of the Commander's eyes and her huff of laughter that filled the quiet.
"Forgive me. But, it is not yet time for war paint, Klark of the Skai People." The Commander replied, her smile growing wider at seeing the growing confusion on Clarke's face.
"What?" Clarke asked.
Fighting to remove the smile she could feel on her face, The Commander retrieved her dagger from her waist and held it out by the handle to Clarke, nodding encouragingly for her to take it.
When Clarke did, she spoke again.
"Look at your reflection." The Commander explained.
Reluctantly Clarke took the dagger and angled it so that the candlelight highlighted her face.
"Crap, again?!" Clarke swore quietly.
"This is a habit of yours?" The Commander questioned, her tone full of mirth.
"Unfortunately, it's becoming one. At least this time someone told me. Raven let me walk around nearly a full day the last time before someone realized I didn't know and told me." Clarke explained.
"This Raven. She is a friend of yours?" The Commander asked in confusion as she held a handkerchief out to Clarke.
"You could say that we didn't really know each other on the Ark. She's a year or so older than me and well. Let's just say we're from different sides of the Ark," Clarke explained as she nodded in thanks and went about trying to remove the smeared charcoal from her face.
Seeing the Commander's confusion Clarke continued. "Raven was raised in Mecha station of the Ark, her mum, well she didn't take care of her the way she should have. And I grew up at the Alpha station. My dad was a chief environmental engineer, my Mum chief of Medical. Worlds apart really." Clarke rambled on.
"Did you need me for something?" Clarke asked desperately as an awkward silence fell over them.
"Yes, the treaty is ready for your review, and as I understand the other members of your traveling party were looking for you." The Commander explained.
"Oh right. Sorry, I didn't realize how late it was. You didn't have to come to get me yourself." Clarke rushed feeling guilty.
"I didn't mind. In fact, I was curious about your thoughts so far. About the Ripas. But that can wait for tomorrow. I'm sure you're tired. Its been a busy day. Why don't I escort you back to your rooms and we can meet tomorrow? I would like to hear your thoughts so far?" the Commander requested.
Smiling Clarke nodded before speaking. "I would like that Commander," Clarke said as she held out the handkerchief to return it.
"If unknowingly giving yourself war paint has become a habit of yours, perhaps you should keep it, Klark of the Skai People. And it's Lexa. At least when it's just you and I."
The Commander finished, a small smile pulling at her lips.
Surprised, Clarke fell silent before returning the smile. "Then it's just Clarke."
"Shall we?" Lexa murmured sweeping her hand to indicate Clarke to proceed her out.
Freezing Clarke half turned towards the pile of books, texts, and scrolls she has strewn across the table-top.
"If you wish you may leave the texts and books as they are if you are not finished with them," Lexa reassured.
"Thank you," Clarke said as she gathered her pile of handwritten notes and led the way out of the archives.
The walk up the stairs and along the corridors to the Skaikru's rooms was quiet but not uncomfortable, as they walked side by side.
"I will arrange for your party to be moved to the ambassador floor once the treaty has been reviewed and signed, if that is agreeable to you," Lexa asked as they slowed their pace as they walked down the corridor towards Clarke's room.
"That's not necessary, really the room is fine." Clarke rambled out.
"Yes, that may be the case, but your stay has been extended due to your task that you've set
yourself and I didn't realize that Alec and Lincoln would prefer to stay with their traveling party. Therefore, you need more room to accommodate you all. And once the treaty is signed it would be more appropriate for you to move to the ambassador floor with the others. It'll allow you to meet the other ambassadors and begin creating relations with them."
"Then we would be grateful for the move."
Reaching out to grasp the door handle Clarke half-turned back to face Lexa and smiling said,
"Goodnight Com- " Lexa noisily cleared her throat interrupting her.
"I mean Goodnight Lexa." She corrected herself, blushing lightly.
"Reshop Klark," Lexa replied and only once Clarke opened her door and entered, did Lexa turn and start making her way back down the corridor.
And as she approached the elevator shaft a small smile spread across her face.
Klark
Lexa repeated silently to herself in her mind.