"What is the meaning of this," Lexa coolly demanded, laying a hand on Rook to stay her hand.
"Moba, Heda," Ryder apologized quickly, bowing his head. "She charged in before I could stop her."
"My daughter was attacked and nearly died not two days ago," Abby seethed, glaring between Rook and Lexa. "She should not be out of bed cavorting about in nothing but her underwear!"
"I was not cavorting," Clarke bristled at her mother's tone but grabbed the extra robe Rook had brought. Putting it on, she continued, "Rook was upset over something I said. It's called comforting, mother. You know, what I wished you had done for me after Dad died instead of ignoring me for a year."
Abby slightly paled at the accusation, "Clarke, I—"
Stepping around Lexa to stand next to Rook, Clarke interrupted her, "Don't. Mom, you can't just barge in like you did. This isn't the Ark. We are guests here and rules we need to follow. Our relationship with the Grounders is strained enough as it is. We don't need to add to it."
"Clarke," Abby took a step towards the blonde, but Rook immediately stepped between them and growled menacingly, "Know your place, Abby."
Abby's face darkened as she addressed Rook, "I am the Chancellor, Ms. Michelson. You will treat me with respect."
Rook took a threatening step forward, twirling the dagger between her fingers, "Ai laik Ruk kom Trikru, Pakripa, Shila kom Heda en Skai Heda. If you were here as Chansla, I would respect the title. You, Abi Griffin kom Skaikru, lost my respect a long time ago."
"Em pleni, Ruk," Lexa coldly replied as Heda. "Abi kom Skaikru, you were not brought here as Chansla, simply as a fisa to assist Naikou. This still does not give you the right to enter my presence without announcing yourself. This is your only warning. And I am only asking you this once, why are you here, fisa?"
Abby blinked, feeling the aura of authority that emanated from Lexa. She quickly glanced between the three young women and realized she was vastly outnumbered. With an imperceptible sigh, she answered, "I would like to check on Clarke's injuries. Her wounds need to be cleaned and rebandaged."
"Klark," Lexa grabbed the blonde's attention. "Is this permissible?"
I'd rather throw my mother out of here, Clarke thought to herself.
That can be done, Rook replied through their bond, sounding gleeful at the prospect.
Lexa leveled a stern look at Rook as she thought back, Your mother can be removed if that is your wish, Klark.
Shit, I forgot you could hear me, Clarke's cheeks tinged pink. No, I'd better let her look me over, or she'll make everything worse. After that, then she can leave.
Both brunettes subtly nodded as Clarke answered, "It's fine. We'll just be over here."
"Let me get you the salve and bandages, Prisa," Rook said, moving to where Nyko stored the salve.
Clarke sweetly smiled at Rook, making the girl slightly blush, "Thank you, Rook." She walked over to the cot she had been recovering on, "Mom, are you going to look me over or what?"
Abby replied in an angry huff as she walked over, "Of course, but you need to fix your attitude, young lady."
Clarke simply rolled her eyes and removed the robe, letting Abby instruct her movements. Rook set everything they needed within reach before taking a protective stance next to them. Lexa moved to speak quietly with Ryder as they waited. Much like Lexa, Clarke's wounds showed a vast improvement leaving Abby perplexed. Even if Skaikru had never experienced being attacked by wild animals before, Abby knew that they shouldn't look so good with the severity of Clarke's injuries.
"I don't understand," Abby mumbled. "These look as if you received them at least a week ago, not two days. This shouldn't be possible."
"It is the salve," Rook said in a practiced manner. "The radiation has mutated the plants in ways we can only imagine. Even producing new uses. Bioluminescent fungi and flora. Flora that produce new colors or more vibrant ones for dyes. The world has rebounded in beautiful and deadly ways, fisa. You only need to explore to see it."
"Rook speaks true," Lexa joined in, overhearing. "But Rook has only seen a small portion of Trikru and traded with few vendors here in Tondc. The other clans each have their beauty, and once we are free from the Mountain, it is my hope Skaikru will have the chance to witness it for themselves."
Clarke grinned at Lexa, "It would be an honor to be given that chance, Heda. I know that I am looking forward to visiting your capital, Polis."
Lexa returned the grin with a slight uptick of her lips, "It would be a pleasure to show you my home, Klark."
"We will be busy with the camp and settling our people," Abby interrupted them and determined to keep Clarke with their people.
"I am sure something can be arranged," Lexa flippantly replied.
"You can try," Abby muttered under her breath, but all three heard her.
"Are you done, mother," Clarke icily asked, ready to rid the tension her mother's presence was causing.
"Yes," Abby replied, fiddling with the bandage around Clarke's shoulder for a bit longer. "The stitches can be taken out in a week. Until then, you need to continue with bed rest and avoid any unnecessary stress."
"I beg to disagree," Rook glared at the older woman. "Klark can move around tomorrow and attend to her duties. The stitches can be removed in a couple of days. If you do not believe me, you may confer with Naikou, but he will tell you the same."
"You are not a trained doctor," Abby confronted Rook, straightening to face the brunette.
Rook smirked, "I may not be a doctor by your standards, but I am trained. Especially in injuries such as Klark has suffered. And now that you are done, your presence is no longer required, fisa. You will leave."
"You don't have the authority—"
"But I do," Lexa stated. "The three of us have important matters to discuss that do not require your involvement. Ryder will escort you back to Rook's cabin, where you are to stay until it is time to return to your camp. There will be a guard placed outside. I suggest you take the time to begin thinking of what Skaikru can offer to continue this alliance, Abi kom Skaikru."
"Am I your prisoner now," Abby mocked back to Lexa.
"Only if you continue to disrespect mine and Skai Heda's authority, fisa," the green-eyed Heda coldly replied, and with an imperceptible signal, Ryder opened the door. "This is your last warning."
Clarke had donned her robe again and grabbed Abby's arm, "C'mon, Mom. You've seen for yourself, I'm fine, and I am safe here."
"Fine," Abby bit out, letting Clarke drag her to the door. "But we are having a serious discussion when we get back to Camp Jaha."
"Sure, Mom. Now, please. Go," Clarke replied.
Abby gave one last glare before Ryder nudged her out of the way and closed the door. Clarke let out a hefty sigh, leaning against the wall in relief. Rook cleaned up and put everything back as Lexa rolled her neck to relieve the built tension. With the mood changing, the three young women decided to focus on the Mountain and the maps Raven had provided. That reminded Rook of the radio, and she quickly fished it out of the bag.
Turning it on, she and Clarke had a long, cringe-worthy lecture from Raven about the importance of keeping her informed. Luckily, nothing new had occurred since Rook left Camp Jaha, and there hadn't been any contact with Bellamy yet. Once Raven had settled and somewhat forgiven them for leaving her to worry, they signed off and went back to studying the maps.
They tossed around ideas until Nyko returned and set everything aside to eat dinner. Then it was back to planning while Rook helped Nyko. By the time they called it a night, several plans were hashed out, and they felt prepared to bring them to the generals at the next war meeting.
As they slept, they dreamed. And as they dreamed, their spirits merged even more with those of the wolves, bringing them ever closer to becoming Spiritwalkers. Even growing the bonds between the three and bringing them closer together. The Mountain indeed had something to fear now. For wolves were dangerous when their pack was threatened, and these three were the most dangerous.