Hello to those who still follow this story and apologies for the terrible lack of updates. It was not without good reason!
On may 29th 2017, I received a review and a Pm from a reader to talk about this story. What I didn't expect was to become best friends with a woman half way across the world. Friends turned into something more and lets say I was oblivious that she felt the same until 24 of the biggest red roses I have ever seen in my life ( no joke) arrived at my door.
So here I am. A 5"8 English loner geek, in a long distance relationship with a badass American cheerleader who is convinced she is 5" on the dot but we both know that's with her boots on. There's been lots of up and downs.. Awkward cringy moments ( mostly all me) Overtime, plane tickets, tons of 4G, video calls, lonely nights, time differences, teddy bears ( or red pandas), falling asleep on the phone and being constantly connected to it. First kisses, Lots of tears, laughs, airport kisses, gift boxes, house moving, job swapping , coming out , family fall outs , engagements and proving Cadbury is better than Hershey's.
3666 miles apart isn't easy but she's worth it all and more :)
I Love you Princess, always and forever.
Chapter Inspiration - Home - Gardiner Sisters
Guilt Trip
Octavia lay across the bed like a starfish as she watched Clarke lace up her boots for the ceremony. "I cant believe you told Titus you are going to wear your fur jacket to the ceremony instead of the matching one. I thought the poor guy was gonna have a fit right there on the floor."
Clarke shook her head as she smiled. She couldn't deny she had found the man irritating to say the least. The man was relentless, it had taken her a good ten minuets to encourage him leave. For a moment she was sure he was going to stay and braid her hair himself.
"Well at least he's gone for now."
"You know he would have gone right back to Heda right?" Octavia sat up on the bed and stretched her right arm over her shoulder.
Clarke just shrugged. She knew Lexa would let her wear what she liked, She had given her options to choose but she would never force her. If Titus went straight to Heda, she would more likely find the situation amusing or a waste of her time.
"Well at least we know Heda has fine taste in dresses." Octavia said as she lent forward and touched the silky fabric . "It looks expensive."
"Its different to what I have been wearing for the past few months." Clarke looked down the grey dress before fastening the soft wolf fur jacket that matched. She had no doubt it was expensive and Lexa more than likely had it specifically made for her.
"Looks... fancy." Octavia said in between crunches.
"O, are you eating again?..." Clarke said in disbelief. By the amount the younger girl ate she should be like a fat boar, yet she was still physically fit. "What is it your even eating? never mind that where did you even pull it from?""
"Ummm." she said as she looked up guiltily at Clarke as she held the pouch. "Its the crunchy bits off the boar, they roast the fat and it crackles. Its really good. Wish we had this on the ark."
"Where do you even put it all O? If I ate like you I would be huge."
"Raven said it all goes to my fat head." Octavia pouted. "I keep telling her it just because my hair gets fluffy." She frowned." I blame living on half rations at the ark. You know...living under the floor, with just one stuffed toy...and only Bell for company." She threw her arms in the air dramatically spilling a few chunks of meat.
"Guilt trip much?" Clarke rolled her eyes as she stole a piece of the crackling before making her way to the mirror. Octavia had a way of making any food look appealing, even if it was bland.
"You could have just asked." Octavia sighed as she followed Clarke who sat on the dresser chair.
"So where is Eska if you are here? " Clarke asked as Octavia started to braid her hair. "Please don't tell me you have left her. Lexa will be pissed.."
"Indra collected her. She said it was alright for me to come and help you as they have to run through Azgeda issues. Indra..still looked pissed with me though."
"Give her time." Clarke watched as Octavia nodded in the reflection. She didn't know Indra as well as Octavia did but she knew she was a proud stubborn woman from what she had gathered. She just hoped that with time she would forgive her friend.
"I am surprised you left her with someone else other than you."
"She isn't my biggest fan but I trust Indra, she is honourable. Plus Kane will be there. He was a right prick on the ark but down here he seems to be less of one." Octavia answered honestly. Clarke nodded in acceptance.
Clarke observed Octavia in the mirror as she started braiding the sides of her hair. She herself could do simple braids but nothing like how the grounders do. She couldn't help but be slightly jealous of Octavia, she always seemed to pick up grounder skills faster. She was almost fluent in Trigendeslang, could fight far better than she could and she was more educated in traditions.
She belonged with the grounders, there was no doubt about it.
"So, you and the Ice princess.." Clarke shuffled her eyebrows at Octavia's horrified reflection.
"Oh for arks sake don't you start too. You sound like Raven."
"That's what happens when you spend days in her company. Anyway, stop changing the topic and spill."
"There is nothing to spill. We are just friends." Octavia's face hardened as she came to the intricate part of the braid.
"Just friends?" Clarke said slowly emphasising on the friends.
"Yep just friends. Friends , Buddies, Amigos. You know."
"Mmhm."
"Yep."
Before Clarke could continue grilling Octavia, Lydia entered the room with the pins she had requested. The woman placed the pouch on the side table.
"I have a message for Wanheda from Heda." Octavia stepped aside so the girl could speak to Clarke. " Heda wishes for you to meet her your quarters before the ceremony."
"Okay, thank you. Tell her I will be there." Clarke confirmed. The blonde nodded before leaving the room. Octavia made sure the door was closed behind her before returning to Clarke.
"I don't like her, she's a right oddball ." Octavia sniffed the air. "And she smells funny too."
"How old are you O?"
"Stop with the sarcasm clarkey. I was just saying."
Clarke rolled her eyes as her friend continued her air. "So you like her?"
"Ewww no way. I don't do blondes." Octavia fake gagged before she notice Clarke stare at her with a raised eyebrow. "Whoa, hold on princess. Im not saying your unattractive, because your super hot. But the brunettes are where its at. Like hello? Have you seen Raven, Thesda and even Lexa? All brunette and super hot. Its like they have that mystery thing going on."
"Like Eska?"
"Yeah like Eska-"
"HA So you do like like Eska?" Clarke smirked.
"Duh. We wouldn't be friends otherwise." Octavia rolled her eyes trying to brush the question off.
"I mean as in deep feelings. More than friends?"
"Nope, just platonic."
"Interesting."
"Enough about her. More about you. Are you not nervous at all? You are about to get on your knees for your girlfriend, in front of everyone..and get branded like cattle along with the guy who wants a piece of momma G."
"O!" Clarke cringed. "Your so crude. You've been spending too much time with Rae."
"You love me, I chill you out. If i wasn't here, you would be flapping like a fish out of water. Love me." she pointed at herself.
"I cant deny that." Clarke gave the younger girl a smile. She was right, if it wasn't for her she would be more nervous.
She was about to sign her people away to Lexa, in front of all the clans yet being with Octavia made her forget her problems. "Your a great friend O."
"I know im awesome."
"Don't let it go to your head."
"Too late."
...
Thesda attached her cape to her pauldron , threading the fabric through the leather strip to keep is secure. Lexa had had her cloths delivered to her room , but instead of accidentally waking Raven, Luna had offered for her to change in her quarters as not to disturb Ravens rest.
Luna had arrived in polis and sent her warriors to the barricade to assist Trikru. Being leader of Floukru and a friend of Heda, she wanted to be present for the ceremony.
"I do like the colour." Thesda commented as she messed around with the straps. "Lexa chose well, it fits perfectly."
Thesda tightened the last part of her cape and assessed her outfit. There was no doubt it was expensive, with the black and blue leather combination, It would have cost her sister a pretty penny. It was far more superior to her last armour. Her old gear was modest but practical, and would have still used it if it hadn't been ruined in the battle with Roan.
This however, screamed authority.
"I believe it is Heda's way of saying she cares." Luna replied as she pulled a jar of war paint and placed it on the dresser.
"Sounds like Lex." Thesda agreed. "Thank you for braiding my hair Luna. Its far better than anything I could have done." Luna had previously braided her hair in a braid hawk style making her look every bit of the warrior she was.
"You are very welcome." "Luna gave her a sweet smile before removing the jar and opening it to reveal the black paint." Would you like me to apply the paint? I remember your design, not like i could forget it."
"Are you sure you would like to?" Thesda questioned. Applying another's war pain was usually reserved for there loved one. Warriors chose to have there partners apply the paint as a symbol of luck, in hopes they would return home.
"Sha it would be an honour for me to do so." Luna replied. And Thesda gave a nod of approval.
"Have you had word from Echo?"
"Not for some time now." Luna's face fell ."She should have been back by now."
Thesda gave her a sympathetic look. Echo was on of the most bravest women she had ever met. If it was not for her, she would still be in Azgeda. After rescuing her, Echo continued to work as a informant for Heda. The woman had even been captured by the maunon and still made it out alive. She had a close relationship with Echo, more so after her rescue. She was one of the few people who treated her normally and didn't smother her.
She had often been left with Costia or Echo as a child as Lexa and her mother had been busy with forming the coalition. It was for the best, as no young child wants to be in meetings that lasted days.
Thinking about it, she hadn't been raised by just one woman. She was raised by many.
When her mother was away it was Costia who would mother her, reading her bed time stories and sewing her bear when it had torn. Anya could be soft when she wanted to be, but Costia always was.
Echo on the other hand was more.. aadventurous. Being half Azgeda and half Trikru .It had taken many years for the people to accept her because of her Azgeda blood. It was rarely heard of for people to have children outside there clan. Of course after the coalition it wasn't as much of an issue.
Thesda had known the woman all her life. To be honest, she was like a aunt she never had.
"I remember when I was a small goufa, Echo taught me how to swim." Thesda closed her eyes as Luna applied the paint. "My mother was .. well you know how she is.
Flash back
"You either swim or sink like a rock.."
"Nomon I don't want to." Thesda mumbled as she stared at the slow moving river, clinging to Anya's leg.
"You will be fine little one..At least it is summer. When I was a goufa, my father taught me in winter when there was snow on the ground." Thesda whined as they stood at the water side.
"Remember what I told you to do?"
"Sha. But-" Thesda screeched as Anya pushed her in.
Thesda went under the water, flapping her little arms and legs around trying to get back up to the surface, but in doing so she spun herself around making it even harder to determine which way was up. She finally stabilised her direction and started to successfully move to the surface, only to be pulled down by something holding her leg back.
Anya stood at the river side watching like a hawk awaiting for Thesda to come up for air. She waited uncomfortably now, noting when she did this with Lexa she had come up by now.
"Jok." Anya grunted as she threw her jacket to the side and dove in. It didn't take long for her to realise the issue.
Thesda watched as her mother dove in the water and quickly made her way to her side .She unsheathed her dagger from her side cutting the weeds that trapped her leg. As soon as she was cut free, she felt herself being pushed to the surface."
End flashback
"That sounds like Anya." Luna continued to chuckle
"I know. I sank like a rock, got trapped and she had to pull me out." Thesda let out a laugh. "She was not happy. We were both soaked and I remember my nose burning from the water so I stood there and cried. It was unpleasant."
"How old was you?" Luna spread the paint over her eyes, making sure the wings on her temples were perfect.
"Five winters old." Both of the women bust out into laughter. Only Anya could parent as she did.
"It took me ages to even go near the water again. Echo persuaded me to try again. I remember clinging to her like a young pauna. I learned to swim that day though."
"Sha Echo is patient." Luna agreed.
"She is. That is why I believe she is okay." Thesda said as Luna finished her war paint. "She will come back to you."
"She has too." Luna gave a sad smile. "She promised."
Thesda nodded. "She is Echo we speak of."
After a few moments of Luna helping her with her finishing touches she was ready.
"Lexa wanted intimidating..she certainly got it." Luna noted as she gave Thesda the once over before pulling her to the full mirror. "Take a look."
Luna was right. She looked as intimidating as Heda herself.
"Well we best get moving." Luna said as she gave her own appearance a nod of approval.
They didn't have to walk far as Luna's room was just across from the lift. Thesda pulled the lever and waited for it to reach there floor.
"I will have to meet you in the hall. Lexa has requested my warriors to be present at the ceremony and I have to go and inform them as they are unaware."
"That's perfectly fine." Luna agreed. "I hear they are doing well. Echo told me you have taken a seken last time we spoke...Im thinking of taking on a seken."
"Sha i have, his name is Rune." She smiled fondly. "He will make a fine warrior. I shall introduce you to him once we have free time."
"Id love to meet him." Luna smiled.
"Are you looking for a seken in floukru or just in general?"
"I don't really mind what clan they are born under. I just will know when i know you know?"
"I know." Thesda replied making them both grin. "Well this is where I leave you. Thank you for your help Luna."
"Anytime Thes." They both grasped arms before Thesda left the lift and made her way to her warriors quarters. It was on the same floor where the nightbloods lived. Lexa wanted the future Heda to have a good relationship with there future guards so she had them all live on the same floor.
Thesda could here the younger ones through the door already as she made her way through the hallway. Thesda marched down the hall with purpose, looking as regal as heda herself with her blue cape trailing behind her like a river. She needed to get them prepare quickly as she was already running behind.
She opened the door to the main quarters, causing them all to stop and get in line within seconds. Her seken, who was the youngest of the group trailed behind.
"Seda!" (Teacher) They bowed there heads in union. She gave a nod of approval in response.
"As you may have heard Skaikru ill be joining the coalition," There where a few nods between the small group. ",the ceremony for the union will be today as all of the council members are already present, all council members will be present. As i am sure you are all aware, there are those who oppose the idea, those who believe skaikru are a threat."
Thesda made eye contact with them all, making sure they understand. "This is good for the coalition, we will have better healing equipment and tek for us all to utilise. The only problem is the general believes this to be a good opportunity for our enemies to strike at Heda.." Thesda crossed her arms behind her back as she paced in front of her elite warriors, her blue cape dragging on the floor behind her.
"You want us all present seda?" Petra asked as she stayed in formation with her team.
"Sha. I need you all there. Heda has asked for the Blue bonds and the Elite, so they will be joining you."
"Sha Seda.."
"Few people are aware of your existence and I wish to use that to our benefit." She looked at her warriors that stood in line.
Petra and Asher, the twins stood side by side as always. They where twins, but they looked nothing alike. Petra who's long hair was black as night stood taller than her sibling, who had hair as white as snow. Asher had always sported short hair since Thesda met her. The girls hair was cropped like a small child, shaggy but practical. She barely spoke, only when absolutely necessary or when addressed by heda or herself. Otherwise she was more than happy to let Petra be the voice of them both.
It was strange at first for Thesda to take on students close to her own age, but in the end they respected her like any teacher.
Thesda looked to the right of the girls where Firnen, Ebony and Rune stood in line. Firnen arrived a few months after the twins, he wanted a new life. A life of honour unlike his outcast parents who cared little for him. He used to watch the twins train in the grounds through a small gap in the wall. Of course Thesda was aware of him being there and after a few weeks passed by, she decided to put him to the test, and now here they are.
"Seda."Firnen said and lowered his head in respect, his auburn braids falling forward as he moved.. "It is my honour to be beside you to protect Heda.." Thesda smiled and rested her hand on his shoulder before moving on.
"Does this mean i get to go too?" Ebony questioned quickly before being nudged in the side by Firnen. "Sorry Seda." she said quickly to cover up her eagerness. Ebony unlike the others came with the building.
Literally.
Her mother was a handmaiden for a previous General and the result of the union was Ebony. Being close to firnen's age , they became friends and complimented each others skills.
"I accept your apology but do not let your tongue slip tonight."
"Yes Seda." Ebony said quickly before giving a smile which Thesda couldn't help but return.
Thesda moved down the line, having to drop her gaze lower to find the last warrior.
"Hi ." the small voice said as Theda looked down to see two huge brown eyes peering up at her. Thesda bend down on one knee so she could be closer to Runes height. "I don't gets to go do I. Because im not growed up yet." the small boy pouted.
He was young , but he was no fool.
Thesda bit her lip to hide her smile. She couldn't deny she had a soft spot for the boy, since she had found him she had treated him like he was her own.
"I can not take you because I have a very special task for you. One only I trust you to do." Thesda said quietly so he thought the others couldn't here, but they just smiled at the boy fondly.
"Weally?!" He gasped and shuffled on the spot in excitement.
"Sha. I need you to be a personal guard for Raven kom skaikru. She is injured at the moment so she needs a strong warrior like you to keep her safe. Do you think you could do that for me Rune?"
"SHA!" he squeaked before resuming the stance.
"Very good." Thesda replied as she stood to her normal height. "Firnen, Ebony.I want you to go with Petra and Asher. They know where you need to be. I want a sweep of the room before you take your places."
"Sha Seda." they sad in union.
"You may leave." Thesda said as they gave a nod before exiting the room. Thesda bend down to pick the boy up. "I think Raven will enjoy your company."
"WAIT!" The boy screamed as she left to exit the room. He tugged on her cape in panic. "We lefted baloo!"
Thesda scanned the room looking for the bear she had made for him. "There he is." She carried him to the sofa where the boy had left him. "Would you like any more toys from in here to take with you?" She handed him the brown teddy and he shook his head.
"Alright then. Lets go and meet Raven."