Chapter 2

Clarke walked back into her house. She was angry. It was the angriest she'd been since she fought McCreary, and she knew that should do something to take care of it. She wanted to grab Octavia and throw her on their bed and not let her up until lunch time, but they didn't have that luxury. She wanted it, and she wanted it bad, but she knew that they had a settlement to run. Fun came after business. They were still trying to survive, but they were also thriving. She took another deep breath and looked up to see Ash studying her.

"I could clear the house and give whatever orders as you wish, Clarke."

"We don't have the time for me to..."

"You do, if you want it, Wanheda and you know it. There is no immediate threat, and if there was, I wouldn't be in the house right now. We both know what I am saying is true. But, if you don't want to do that, we could go spar to help you...calm...down," Ash told her, calmly.

Clarke just nodded. She hated that she still got battle lust so hard when she was angry. It was something that she was working on, but she couldn't remember ever feeling like that before she took the Flame. It made her wonder how Lexa and all the rest of them dealt with it. Or, was it just a side effect that she had? She took another deep breath and looked around to see who all had followed her back into the house.

There was Octavia, but she was in the back checking her pack. Her mother was standing nearing the door. Clarke knew that she was waiting on Octavia to head down to the Caves. They were checking on the convicts and to see how the mining operations were going. Abby was going to give them all check ups, but also to see Diyoza and check on the baby.

"Mom," Clarke started.

"What is it?"

"Take Kane with you, please," Clarke almost begged.

Abby looked at her daughter and just nodded. She knew that Kane and Diyoza had some sort of strange report together. Clarke fostered it and pushed it, hoping that it would foster more good will from the convicts. It seemed to be working. They trusted Kane and Abby. Diyoza admired Clarke, but she was also thankful that they were getting their own little village.

Octavia came back out of their bedding area and looked between mother and daughter. Clarke gave her a look, and Octavia crossed the room. She looked from Clarke to Ash and back again.

"What's wrong, niron?" Octavia asked her.

"Nothing that a good spar with Ash won't remedy," Clarke told her lowly.

Octavia cocked an eyebrow and smirked at her, knowing what Clarke wasn't telling her. "Really now?"

"You need to go. We both know it. Delaying any further might cause issues. Plus the sooner you go, the sooner you'll be back."

"Well, yeah, we both know that I'll be there a few days," Octavia replied.

"I know."

"My bedroll will be cold without you," Octavia said.

"Take Penn and Timo with you," Clarke stated, changing the subject as she shook her head and took another deep breath.

"OUT!" Ash called from behind her and everyone but Octavia left.

Clarke turned and looked at her guard.

"Talk to her, Clarke. Don't push her away for duty. Love her. If you bed her, bed her well. I'll make sure that no one disturbs you," Ash told her as she headed for the door.

"Tell Niylah and Gaia to work with Madi. And, make sure that Kane and the others are ready to go with Mom. Raven will be taking the rover and some of the equipment with Mom. Tell Bellamy that he is needs to be with you," Clarke ordered.

"Bell?"

"She'll make me pick another guard. I'd rather it be him, since Miller is with Monty and Harper. And, I am going to make her take Penn and Timo with her. Ivon is already at the Caves and has been as our representative. Besides, I have a little mission for our guards and Indra later. Nothing bad, just a little trip, but it'll have to wait for Raven to get back."

"She isn't staying?"

"Nope, she's got somewhere to be with Shaw tonight," Clarke answered. "But, you didn't hear anything about it from me. It's a surprise."

"You know I both hate it when you do that," Octavia interjected.

"Sorry, niron," Clarke replied and kissed her.

"As you command," Ash stated, with a wicked smile and finally walked out the door, shutting it behind her.

Octavia held Clarke around the waist and looked deeply into her eyes. They weren't her normal bright blue. They had a ring of gray around them.

"Still angry with that asshole?"

"Yes," Clarke answered.

"Don't, Niron. Just let it go. He's gone. We both know that Timo would put a knife in his back if we commanded it, but we didn't. He has a chance. He knew that law and still he used that word. And, on top of that, he picked the wrong girl to mess with. Everyone knows better than to pick on you or anyone you care for. Those that do, usually end up dead, so he got off light," Octavia told her.

"He might still die," Clarke added.

"But, it won't be by your hand. It will be nature's. Let the Earth claim him. We don't anymore," Octavia said.

"He is one of the few that I don't feel guilty over," Clarke replied.

"Who are the others?"

"Dante Wallace, Carl Emerson, Paxton McCreary, and Kara Cooper."

"Well, those are all reasonable. I can add Pike to that list. I am not sorry I killed him. I am sorry that I didn't do it sooner, but I'll never get Lincoln back."

"I killed a guard for the Mountain by shooting Lincoln."

"I know," Octavia told her as she pulled Clarke into her body tighter.

"I could have told you that vengeance only gets you so far. The rest is up to you. At least, we both have moved on from that path," Clarke said.

"I wouldn't have listened to you, then, Clarke. I was too far gone in my own issues. I was still so angry by the time I took over in the bunker. It fueled me. I kept me alive until I heard you. Then, I looked around the bunker and realized that I was becoming something I hated. I had to do better. I had to make sure that we made it. I had to save us all. It was up to me. I was afraid, knowing the climate and the mindsets of most of those in the bunker, if I died, that you'd find a blood bath when you finally got it open. I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't let you find that," Octavia explained.

"I am thankful that you didn't let that happen," Clarke replied.

"Well, I am, too, but talk to me, Clarke. What's going on? You seem edgy," Octavia told her.

"I am. I am angry. I thought that we were good. I thought that people realized that we were going to do better, that we would have peace here, and that we are thriving. Why do they have to be so damn stupid about things like that?"

"They don't understand things that. They are superstitious. We aren't. We learned science and could explain things like that."

"Blessed Keyron," Clarke mumbled.

"Exactly, they believe in the spirits and what they can do. It is just like Kane's mom believing in a tree, Clarke. We all need something that is bigger than ourselves to believe in, but it is going to take a while for them to deal with it all. Just like you are with the Flame, niron. Give it time. This was a lesson I had to learn, too. We'll get through it. We have to, but they'll see that we're right. We just have to give them time," Octavia said.

"A month isn't enough?"

"Okay, let's think about this another way. How long did it take for jus drein, jus daun to stop? Hmm? Did Lexa just stop it? She tried, but even you found that there were still times that it was needed. We can give them change, but we have to prove that the change is for the better. They have to see it. They have to live it, so they'll believe it. For some, it will take a lifetime. For others, it will take their children showing them. And still, for others, they will see the benefits of it and change immediately. But, I know you know all of his," Octavia explained. "This isn't about that, really, is it? What are the voices telling you? What are you so afraid of? Right now, Clarke. What are you so afraid of?"

Clarke didn't answer with words. Instead, she leaned forward and captured Octavia lips. It wasn't a soft kiss. It was hard and possessive. It was dominate and passionate. And, to be honest, Octavia didn't want it to end. She was more than happy to let Clarke claim her, own her and mark her. She knew it was just something that Clarke felt she needed to do. Hell, she did, too, sometimes, but this was more carnal.

Clarke finally broke the kiss and backed up from Octavia just a little, making sure the pull away from her, too. Octavia opened her eyes and looked into her eyes again. The gray was fading, but it was still there. Octavia knew what it meant. She knew what Clarke needed, but she wondered if Clarke would ever take it. She knew that the blonde had a savior and sacrifice complex. She never really took for herself. So, Octavia decided that she would help the blonde.

Reaching out she pulled Clarke into her again, making sure not to let her go. She dropped her pack on the kitchen table and looked deeply into Clarke's eyes again. Blue met green and held. She could see the depth of Clarke's emotions swirling. She could feel her vibrating with need and desire. She knew that her heart and her head were at war for the moment.

"Take Timo and Penn, please."

"Only if you pick another of my guard for you. It isn't that I don't trust Ash, I do. But, I would be happier, if you had more."

"I always do, but I know you want someone from your guard, too. I'll ask Bellamy. I am sure he won't mind it."

"Are you sure?" Octavia questioned.

"Take Timo and Penn. Niylah, Gaia, and London will protect Madi. And, we both know that you wish that Miller was here, but we sent him with Jackson to help protect Monty and Harper. It was the best thing to do, and we both know."

"I don't have to like it."

"I know that he was the best and most loyal that you had, Octavia. He still is, but even he needs to be with his loved ones. Jackson agreed to be the main doctor in the bunker. It wouldn't be fair to leave Miller here with him there," Clarke explained.

"I know. I agreed with you. Miller was hella surprised, but it is the best. At least then, I know that the bunker is protected."

"And, that is why I sent Ivon to the Caves. I knew that he could handle himself and them. There aren't a lot there, but him being there gives me an inside man. The fact that he is mine gives them some peace of mind. They are still wary of you and your men. They know me and mine."

"You didn't slaughter then all. That alone earned you some loyalty. Watching you destroy McCreary earned more. Then, you gave them a choice. That was something that they haven't had since they were put on that ship. Those that stayed and agreed to move there and make their settlement will follow you until you die or kill them all, Clarke. They have reason to believe you. You showed them that you cared about them as individuals and as a collective gift. They would be fools to cross you, and most of them know that."

"That doesn't make it any easier. I feel like they are afraid of me. I don't want to lead in fear. We both saw what that does to the people. I want them to want to live, to want to survive, to want to survive. I don't want them scared of me to do that," Clarke replied.

"A little fear never hurt anyone," Octavia started. "But, I know what you mean. I'll take Timo and Penn because I know that it will make you feel better. I also know that you have a small army already sworn to you. Ash is clever and good at her selections. She was also smart and didn't take anyone from my guard. She hand selected most of them."

"You need to go," Clarke said as she pushed Octavia back.

"I know you are sending Raven out. I'll ride in the Rover with her," Octavia told her. "Go to the bedroom. I'll be there, soon."

Clarke gave her a look, but Octavia pushed her towards the back of the house. Clarke took a step or two and turned back around to see that Octavia had stepped out of the house, leaving the door open, and was talking to Ash. The taller woman looked over Octavia's shoulder at Clarke.

Finally, Clarke heard Ash tell Octavia, "Go bed her well, Skairipa. Ease her mind. I'll get them moving and let Raven know to wait for you."

Octavia shook her head. Ash gave her a strange smile and leaned forward. Clarke gave her a scolding look as Ash's eyes met hers over Octavia's shoulder. Clarke knew immediately by the look in Ash's eyes that she was repeating her words in Octavia's ear, just loud enough for the other woman to hear her. When she finished, she backed up and looked back into Octavia's eyes.

"You are giving me lessons in this language when I get back," Octavia ordered, turned, stepped back into the house and slammed the door.

She took three strides until she was in front of Clarke. The blonde looked up at her. Octavia wasted no time. She picked Clarke up and held her over her shoulder as she carried her back into their bedroom. Unceremoniously, she dropped Clarke on the bed before getting on top of her. Still not letting Clarke say anything or do anything, she moved until she was straddled over Clarke's hips. Her green eyes locked with Clarke's now bright and vibrant azure blue eyes. Her fingers moved down and removed her shirt over her head before she leaned forward to captures Clarke's lips again.

"Stop thinking so hard," Octavia said between kisses.

Clarke growled. Octavia giggled. Clarke didn't want to be dominated in that moment. She wanted to dominate. She moved her legs just enough to get Octavia the slightest bit off center. She used the slight movement to flip Octavia over and hovered over her prize.

"Don't tempt me, O."

"There is no temptation here, Clarke. Just me loving you," Octavia told her as she leaned her head up and captured Clarke's mouth in a soft kiss. "We've got time, if you need me, niron. I'll ride with Raven out there."

Clarke didn't care. She was still trying to deal with her internal fury. Looking down at Octavia's skin, she realized that she hadn't marked her in awhile. A lascivious smile came across Clarke's face as she leaned down and captured one of Octavia's breasts with her lips, sucking the nipple into her mouth, hard.

"KEYRON, KLARK!" Octavia cried out.

Ash tried not to smirk as she moved away from the house. Her eyes met Raven's first as she was trekking back into the village to finish packing up the Rover. She knew that the mechanic hadn't really been that worried about when they were leaving because she was driving. Abby could ride with her, but the rest of the team going with Octavia would be walking.

She moved across the plaza area quickly until she found Raven and Abby talking. Abby looked up, cocked an eyebrow, and just shook her head. She could already tell what was keeping Octavia now.

"Raven, you are going and coming back tonight?" Ash asked her.

"That was the plan, yeah? Why? Something come up?"

"You are going to wait to leave for Octavia. She'll be riding with you and Abby. I'll send Penn as well. I am sure that oso Osleya will have some more information for you soon. Please be ready to leave with her," Ash stated.

Raven had the decency to just nod at the commands. She knew that if Ash was delivering that O and Clarke were together...relieving tension. She didn't need to know anymore. She'd made the mistake of walking in on them already in the past month. She couldn't fault them for being together, but she could fault them for never wanting to be out of bed.

Ash gave a smile and turned to find the next few people that she needed to talk to. She saw Gaia and Niylah with Madi in one of the small vegetable patches in the village. Madi had been showing the farmer with it over the last few weeks before they started digging their fields. Ash knew that the fields wouldn't be ready until spring, but that didn't stop them from preparing for it. Fortunately, Clarke and Madi had already had the presence of mind to preserve and smoke most of their bounties over the last few years. They would survive on their stores through the winter and whatever meat that they could find. Hunters were already setting up blinds in a protected part of the Valley and forests. Farmers were already taming some sort of boar or pig thing. They wouldn't starve, but they would have to ration. The people would live through for a better year next year. Madi was already leading some of the farmers. She was proud of the girl, and then realized that she'd follow her in battle if and when the time came.

"What's wrong?" Niylah asked her as she neared them.

"Nothing."

"Then, why are you here with out them?"

"O is dealing with a very angry and passionate Skaifaya right now," Ash told her with a smirk.

Niylah through her head back and laughed. She knew that Ash purposefully hadn't used any of Clarke's normal nicknames because Madi was there. Shaking her head, she bit her lip before looking back up at Ash from her spot to see what else Ash had to tell them.

"She wants you two to stay with Madi and London."

"O or Klark?"

"Both?"

"Are we supposed to teach her something or just protect her?" Gaia asked her as she turned to look at Ash.

"I am sure that she wouldn't mind you teaching her more, Seda. She respects you, but I also know that she has a lot to learn from you. As it is, you both should be proud that she trusts you both so much to be with the Prisa," Ash told them.

They knew that it was a silent command. They were glad that Clarke trusted them enough to be with Madi, but they also knew that Octavia made sure that the girl had her own guards. Clarke was trusting them as guards. They were both unassuming and anyone that challenged them would be fools. Clarke knew what Gaia was capable of with her just being a Flaimkepa, but everyone would underestimate the former trader. Niylah was stronger than anyone really knew. She hauled all of Clarke's kills like they were nothing. She was also, like Madi, teaching the warriors how to survive in this land.

Not all of those that were saved had the skills to keep them alive. There were farmers, but they were from all of the twelve surviving clans and very few in number. This meant that while they knew their craft, they knew their craft for their region, and it didn't always translate well in the Valley. They were learning, all of them, what it was going to take to live and thrive in the Valley as one people. And, Niylah was among some of the skinners that were helping them prep for the coming winter and snows. Madi and Clarke had warned them that they had weeks. Preparations had started in the Valley and the bunker. They all knew that they had a seven day march to the bunker if the Winter became too harsh, but they were trying to let Monty and Harper deal with those that already stayed behind.

Now, that things were mostly ready for the trip of the Osleya, Ash knew that she had one more person to directly talk to. She made her way over to the Meeting Hall. Raven told her that it was once a church, or that was what Shaw told her. It was perfect for meetings out of the weather, as it could hold them all and boasted a big kitchen for Murphy to cook in with the other ranzis. It no longer had most of its religious items, but no one from Wonkru or Wanhedakru cared. She knew that Shaw did, but he was one of the few. She'd already seen him staring at one of the windows in the front of the building talking to it. She didn't disturb him. She let everyone have their own beliefs, even if hers were still wavering.

"Ash, why are you here and not with Klark?" Indra asked her as she looked around for Bellamy, Penn and Timo.

"I need to speak with Timo, Penn, and Bellamy about oso Oselya en Wocha."

Three heads that were hunkered over one of Indra's maps popped up at the mention of their names and stared at Ash. They knew that she wasn't just there to be there. If Ash was there looking for them, she had reason, and usually that reason was Clarke and Octavia.

"What's going on?" Bellamy asked.

"You're staying behind with me. You've been promoted to Clarke's personal guard, too," Ash told them all. "Well, until Timo gets back from the Caves with Octavia. You'll still have to deal with the Guard of Eden, but you'll be on Clarke with me."

"I'm going with oso Osleya?" Timo asked.

"Yeah, it seems that Klark wants you to protect her since she isn't going. The only way that Oktevia would agree is if Belami took your place here. She trusts him and she understands why Klark is insisting that you go with her."

"Why is that, Ash?"

"She doesn't have Miller. Timo is the only other guard that Clarke knows is loyal, completely, to Octavia. Penn is going to stay back until Octavia is ready to go, but Timo needs to lead the rest of the mission out as soon as he is ready."

"Bellamy, do you have your guard rotation rota ready?" Indra asked him.

"Yeah, I do," he replied as he pulled out a piece of parchment.

Indra looked it over and smiled. He was learning his place, but he was also learning the guards. She approved of the rotation.

"I'll replace you with one of my lieutenants until Octavia comes back," Indra stated.

"Why?" Ash questioned, sure she already knew the answer.

"Because we all know what a handful oso Wocha en Wanheda can be," Indra replied with a rare smirk.