Once the noon meal was set on the center table, it looked more like a small feast. Roast beef and bourbon-glazed ham were the main dishes. A small variety of vegetable dishes such as au gratin potatoes, a three-bean salad, and an autumn chopped salad. I smiled at the looks on Skaikru's faces, including Charlotte's, as they gathered around the table.

"It all looks delicious, Bas," I addressed my head camp cook, Sebastin. "You did not have to go to all this trouble, though."

Sebastin slightly bowed at the waist, "It was an honor, Wocha. Especially to see the looks on these faces."

Chuckling, I replied, "I cannot disagree, Bas. The noises they make are quite entertaining. Mochof for this meal."

"Pro, Wocha," he warmly replied. "I also prepared some Yujleda sweet tea and chilled apple cider. The twins expressed that Skaikru is unfamiliar with wines."

Nodding, I replied, "Sha, they did not have the resources to spare. But I believe one or two of the goufas had a still. It was very potent but effective for disinfecting."

"Perhaps you should introduce these goufas to Knucks," Sebastin offered. "You know he is always looking for someone to share his passion instead of simply drinking it."

Smiling, I said, "That is an idea. I will pass the suggestion on. Mochof, Bas. For this meal and your insight."

Sebastin bowed, "A pleasure, Wocha. Enjoy your meal."

I nodded, and he took his leave. Turning my attention to the table, I softly smiled, "My apologies. Sebastin is our current head cook and is not often afforded a chance to stretch his culinary skills. So, he took this opportunity to treat us to this small feast. Please, enjoy."

Like they had begun to practice in my hut, the teens passed dishes back and forth, helping themselves to what looked good. Deke served me as Artemis served Charlotte.

"You know," Raven said as she took some roast beef, "it's still rude to hold a conversation in a different language, Harlee."

I smiled, nodding in acknowledgment, "I am aware, Reivon. Sebastin understands some Gonasleng, English, but only speaks Trigedasleng. I was simply praising him for taking the time to prepare this meal."

"That seemed more than simple praise," Octavia grumbled, glaring at me from the far end of the table.

I felt my mood shift as Octavia seemed to continue sounding like a petulant child. Adopting a more impassive façade, I said, "You are right. It was not simply praise for going above and beyond his normal duties. Bas learned that your people are not familiar with drinking wine at meals and chose to make alternatives. I told him about the still Jasper and Monty made and how strong the resulting alcohol was. Bas then suggested that an introduction might be made with a local distiller. One who is very passionate about his work and enjoys speaking with those just as passionate."

"Jasper would love that," Clarke said, glaring at Octavia. "Monty would too, but he's interested more in computers than plants."

"Then, when I officially introduce Reivon to Danyel, I will ask Monty to join us," I replied.

"Who is that again," Raven asked after swallowing some food. "God, this is so fucking good."

I smirked, "Danyel currently heads a small team of engineers here in camp. Their main duty is to maintain the tek we utilize." Chuckling as a thought occurs, "I think they have more fun figuring out ways to disguise the tek than inventing it."

"Disguise how," Raven leaned forward on her elbow, clearly intrigued.

Smirking wider, I gestured to the walls of my tent, "Look closely, my Valkyrie. Not everything is as it appears."

The fiery brunette studied me for a long moment, then got up. Everyone watched as Raven walked around the public section and occasionally lightly ran a hand over several objects, including the tent wall. She made a circuit before ducking into my sleeping quarters. Deke made to follow, but I waved him off. We may be at odds, but I fully trusted Raven not to pry into my privacy.

When the Latina came out, she fell into her seat with a stunned yet giddy look on her face. It took her a minute or so to regain her bearings before she settled an excited gaze on me, "Your tent is incredible, Harlee. It felt like ten degrees cooler in your sleeping area. And the light I thought was coming from all these candles is actually coming from strategically placed LEDs. But how are you powering it all?"

"The roof of the tent is lined with specially designed solar panels," I happily explained. "The electrical box that powers my tent looks like one of my chests. And to control everything, I use a remote."

"That's incredibly ingenious," Wells spoke up, impressed. "You'd never know just looking around."

I nodded, pride filling my chest, and I leaned into my seat, "Which is my clan's aim. Danyel's efforts have saved many lives over the years, including my own."

"How is it that you have been able to maintain this level of technology if the infrastructures and knowledge have been forgotten," Clarke asked.

"As I said earlier, after the clans' defeat the reigning Heda, Wanheda, en Trikova Heda established Trikovakru," I reiterated. "The capital of my clan is Norfolk. Which, if you are unfamiliar, was a naval base before Praimfaya. The base was home to some of the most advanced sciences and technologies found in the military. Those advancements are what saved the base and much of the surrounding area."

"Which made it the perfect staging area for your clan," Wells stated, and I nodded, slightly smiling.

"Yes, and even though the resulting radiation still killed many knowledgeable people, there were enough to maintain and teach others," I told them. "Plus, the knowledge was kept both digitally and physically."

"Where is Norfolk," Charlotte quietly spoke up, hesitantly looking around at everyone.

I smiled over at her, "It is south of us, strikon. On the coast of the lanik, uh, ocean. It would take roughly a week on foot to get there."

"You live next to the ocean," Charlotte excitedly asked, forgetting her shyness.

Nodding, I replied, "In a manner of speaking, I do. My home is about ten miles from the ports, but I can see the lanik from the roof."

"I'd love to see that," the young blonde beamed at me.

"That can be arranged, strikon," I said, glancing at the table. "Once things have settled a bit more. Alright?"

Charlotte nodded, looking a little crestfallen, "Alright, Harlee."

I reached over and tucked a braid behind the young girl's ear, smiling, I said, "Do not fret, strikon. If you wish to see my clan and home, you will. But we can discuss everything at a later time, sha?"

Charlotte returned my smile, albeit much smaller, and nodded, "I understand, Harlee."

"Charlotte," Clarke spoke from the opposite side of Artemis. I looked over to see worry and nervousness on her pale face. "Do you like it here?"

Charlotte nervously looked between Artemis and me, and when we both reassured the girl, she answered, "I do. Harlee's people have been really nice to me. And so have the villagers I've met. I've learned so much, and it's not boring like on the Ark. The stablemaster in Tondc has been teaching me how to ride and take care of the horses. That was really scary at first because they're soo big. My favorite is this black and white horse. It's shorter than Harlee, stocky, has long hair on its legs called feathering, and a long tail and mane. She's adorable and likes to follow us around in the paddock."

"That's wonderful," Clarke replied, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Is that something you want to do? Work with horses, Charlotte?"

Charlotte shrugged, "I'm not sure yet. I've also spent some time with Nyko, he's a healer in Tondc, and Ben, he's Harlee's healer. They've been showing me the plants they use and how to make medicines. They're both nice, and Nyko may look scary, but he's like a big teddy bear. I've also started defense training with Devin. At first, I didn't want to, but Artemis explained that it wasn't for fighting. Everyone learns how to fight, but it's so that they can defend themselves and others, especially those weaker. And I've been helping my friend, Tris, learn English while she's been helping with Trigedasleng. That's the language everyone here speaks. Oh, and they call English, Gonasleng. It means Warrior's Language. Right, Harlee?"

Seeing the girl look at me expectedly, I smiled and nodded, "You are right, strikon. Very good, and I barely detected an accent. You are a natural."

Charlotte blushed at the compliment, and to hide her embarrassment; she took a drink from her cup.

"I'm glad to hear you are doing so well here, Charlotte," Wells said, smiling from the other side of the table and much to the young girl's surprise. "And that you've made a friend. I know it must've been tough to make friends when everyone at the dropship is older than you."

"Thank you," Charlotte stuttered, clearly in shock that the Chancellor's son was being nice. "It was a little scary, at first. But the guards assigned to me told me funny stories about some of the people they knew. That helped a lot. But I still get overwhelmed sometimes. When I do, Artemis and I usually take a quiet walk. It's nice."

"You don't really believe that line of bullshit, do you," Octavia snarked, heatedly glaring at me.

"Octavia," Clarke hissed, looking worriedly between Charlotte and me.

"Oh, come on, Clarke," Octavia retorted, gesturing down the table. "It's obviously a ploy. The kid just happens to show up and has nothing but good things to say. Harlee probably put her up to it."

I could feel Charlotte's distress and humiliation rolling off her. The Keryon within me roared to life, and my fist slammed onto the table. The force broke the table in half, sending everything crashing to the floor. Everyone scrambled back as my guards entered with their swords drawn.

"EM PLENI, OKTEIVIA KOM SKAIKRU," I roared, standing to my full height as the Keryon threatened to take hold. I could feel the temperature drop around me as I stared murderously at the brunette. "I gave you your chance to air your grievances. I even tolerated your continuous jabs at me. I will not tolerate you attacking one of my own out of your foolish need to continue this childish game. Apologize."

"Or what," Octavia sneered, putting up a front that I quickly saw through. "Lock me up? Banish me? Please."

"Apologize," I growled, stepping onto the mess and stalking towards her, my hand going to the hilt of my dagger.

"Octavia," Clarke chastised, grabbing the girl. "You've taken this too far."

Octavia shook the blonde off, "Only because you're too blinded not to see what she's doing. Harlee doesn't care about us. She's just trying to control us. Manipulate us into doing what she wants."

"And what is it that I want, Okteivia," I growled, less than a foot from her now.

"You want us to fight the Mountain Men," Octavia snarled out.

"Everyone in the Kongeda fights the Maunon," I retort. "They are a bane to our survival. Taking and killing us, turning us into monsters. They are the sole purpose of my clan's existence. I have spent my entire life fighting them. But what I do not want is to put children in harm's way. I do not want to see children tossed aside as if they were garbage. And I certainly do not want to see children with no hope for a better life. That is what I want."

"Bullshit," Octavia spat, going to take a step, but my guards grabbed her. "Stop lying and tell us the fucking truth!"

"Harlee's not lying," Charlotte yelled from Artemis' embrace. "You have no idea what Harlee's been through! The sacrifices she's made. The life she's given up. The hate Harlee has to put up with. And yet, she deals with all of it so that everyone in the Coalition is safer. So, you are safer. So what if she lied. If she hadn't, Bellamy would have hurt her, and you would be at war right now. Instead, you're safe, given a warm place to sleep, enough food to eat, clean clothes, and a chance to learn something useful. You get everything while Harlee gets nothing in return. Where do you think everything came from, Octavia? It wasn't the Commander, and it wasn't the Trikru. It all came from Harlee. Grow up!"

Pride welled up within me, and I felt the Keryon rumble in pleasure at the young girl's words. But looking at Octavia, the anger returned, seeing the obstinate look on the petite brunette's face.

"You want me to be the bad guy, Okteivia," I lowly growled. "Fine. I will be your worst nightmare. Put her in the stocks and ready the whipping post. At dawn, Okteivia kom Skaikru will receive fifteen lashes for disrespecting my authority and verbally assaulting my kin. Once she is healed, Okteivia will be remanded to Skaikru's camp until further notice. All weapons will be removed from her person and tent. She is no longer allowed to train as a gona or honta. Okteivia will be assigned to Devin to help him maintain and clean the training pit. Linkon kom Trikru is forbidden from entering Skaikru's camp and from speaking or nearing Okteivia kom Skaikru."

"You can't do that," Octavia vainly struggled against the guards' hold. "Clarke, you can't let her do this!"

"Klark has no say in what I can or cannot do," I said before Clarke even so much as opened her mouth. "I warned you about continuing this absurd behavior. You chose to ignore it, so you will suffer the consequences. Be grateful I am not having you executed. Take her."

"Sha, Wocha," the guards replied in unison and dragged the struggling girl out.

Staring straight ahead at the tent flap, "Deke, escort Skaikru back to their camp. Klark, there are two prisoners you must render judgment on. Mary, the girl I replaced, and Finn Collins. I will send a messenger when it is time."

"You have Finn," Raven exclaimed.

"Not now, Reivon," I growled, glancing at her. "Beja, I need time."

Raven swallowed her retort and nodded, a worried look taking over, "Alright, Harlee."

"Mochof," I replied. "Deke."

"Sha, Wocha," Deke said. "Reivon, Klark, Wels."

I closed my eyes and started my breathing exercises as I heard the crunch of their feet move. When silence ensued, I took a slow breath, opened my eyes, and turned to face the young girl I had hoped never to frighten.

"I am so sorry, ai yongon," I apologized as my heart broke seeing the tear-streaked face of Charlotte.

"Wh-why w-would Oc-Octavia say things like that," Charlotte heartbrokenly questioned, pulling Artemis' arms tighter around her.

I carefully walked over to them, stepping over the broken table, "Okteivia is angry, yongon. At what, I am not so sure anymore. But it does not give her the right to attack you the way she did. And it was an attack, Sharlot. I want to make something clear, alright?"

I paused until Charlotte nodded, then continued, "This was not your fault. You did nothing wrong. You were asked questions, and you answered them with honesty. And I cannot adequately express how proud I am of you. Not only for facing your fears by having lunch with them but also for coming to my defense. You have come such a long way from that angry and sad child I first met, ai yongon. Do you believe me, Sharlot?"

"You're proud of me," the girl whispered, slightly skeptical.

I smiled and crouched in front of her, "So proud, ai yongon. You have shown true strength today, and I would be proud to call you my kin, my family. If that is something, you would like."

"Really," the young girl stuttered, eyes wide in surprise.

My smile widened, and I nodded, "Really. You can ask anyone here, and they will tell you how selective I am when letting people close to me. And I'm even more selective with whom I call family. Seingeda."

"I, I think I'd like that," Charlotte quietly nodded, looking hopeful.

Grinning, I said, "I'd like that, too. Are you feeling a little better?"

Charlotte nodded, "You broke the table."

I snorted and nodded, "Sha, I did. My Quartermaster, Alice, is not going to be very happy with me, and I will be lucky if I get a tray once she learns what I did."

Charlotte giggled, and I felt myself relaxing at the sound.

"Harlee," Charlotte spoke up once she'd calmed.

"Sha," I looked at her expectantly.

"Are you really going to lash Octavia in the morning," she quietly asked.

I sighed, shifting to ease my knees a bit, "Okteivia has done nothing but disrespect me since this morning, Sharlot. I understand that she is upset that I lied about who I am and why I was in the Skaikru camp. And I thought I clearly explained myself, but apparently, it was not enough for her. But Okteivia turned her ire on you, and that was not something I could let go. If she wants a life here, she needs to learn that there are repercussions for such behavior. Imagine if Okteivia treats Heda in such a manner, Sharlot. Heda has killed people for fewer insults."

"But isn't everything else enough," Charlotte persisted, slightly frowning. "From the sounds of it, you're taking everything she enjoys away. Wouldn't the lashings make her angry at you even more?"

"It may," I admitted, frowning myself. It would hurt if today broke the bond we had built together. But, at the same time, Octavia needed to learn that who I was at the dropship was not the same person she had disrespected. That she couldn't behave in the same manner. Here, I am Trikova Heda, Wocha, and Commanding Officer of the Riders. Harlee only appeared when my duty was done for the day, which wasn't often.

Looking at Charlotte, I could see that the girl was torn. She had been learning about the clans and our way of life for only a short time. Everything I had learned about Skaikru pointed that their views of leadership differed from ours. While their leaders used fear to instill compliance, the people were allowed to voice their objections. Not only amongst themselves but also in front of their leaders. Here, though, no one would dare speak to their leader with such familiarity. They respected the title if not the person. And the last thing, as a leader, would be to show such weakness by allowing it when others were present.

I sighed, deciding to compromise, "How about this, Sharlot? If Okteivia is sincere in expressing remorse in the morning and apologizes to you, I will consider amending her punishment. But, if I do not feel that she is being genuine, the punishment stands as is."

Charlotte thought about it, then slowly nodded, "Okay. That sounds fair."

"Alright," I stood up. "I believe it is almost time for your afternoon lessons, Sharlot. And as much as I would prefer otherwise, I have duties I must attend to. Not to mention, I need to find some help to clean up this mess and carry the table away. Unfortunately, that means that you will not be able to visit tonight. But we will see each other at dawn."

"Okay," Charlotte replied, looking a tad crestfallen. "Thank you for having lunch with me, even if it did get ruined."

Walking them to the tent flap, I said, "Lunch wasn't ruined, ai yongon. I still enjoyed spending it with you, and that is all that matters to me."

"And Raven," the young girl looked up at me in question.

I smiled, "And I enjoyed having lunch with Reivon, as well. Any time I get to spend with the people I care about is enjoyable. Have fun at your lessons, ai yongon."

Charlotte beamed up at me, "I will. See you tomorrow."

"Until then," I replied, then whispered to Artemis, "You will let me know if today causes any setbacks, sha?"

"I will, Wocha," Artemis promised.

"Mochof," I walked outside of the tent with them and watched as they headed towards the training pits.

I turned back, and the moment I stepped inside, I let out a loud groan. My tent was a mess, and I was not looking forward to the lectures I was sure it would cause. But better the table than Octavia.