Chapter 3 – Aligning the Stars
Authors Note:
Hi Everyone! I would just like to thank everyone that has so far read my first ever story and have messaged me some feedback. I honestly really appreciate everyone's thoughts, it can only help my story grow!
I'm sorry if the last part of the second chapter seemed rushed. I had more plans for it, but I decided it was a little irrelevant in the end and wanted to get straight to the point. Lexa and Clarke have finally met now, so thank you for being patient with the two of them being apart. I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Italics = thoughts
Italics in quotation = Trigedasleng (Grounders language)
Star-crossed Prophecy
Chapter 3 – Aligning the Stars.
This morning's meeting at camp Jaha felt quite empty to chancellor Abby with the absence of some of their most important figures. As always, she did the best that she could to force her worries to the back of her mind; the role of a leader often proved difficult when separating the heart from the head. With the search team out, it only added to her nerves. She now had more lives to worry about, not just for political reasons, but they were firstly her friends.
Once the meeting adjourned, as usual, Abby headed straight over to medical. She walked in to find Dr. Jackson explaining some of different types of medicine they had stocked in their cabinet, to two apprentices. The chancellor listened and waited patiently for the doctor to finish.
"I don't want to fill your heads with too much information in one sitting, so please let me know if I'm going to fast. Now, there are a few people outside. I want you both, on your own, to give their vital signs a quick check over and write it on your charts. Just how I have been showing you all week". With that, the two apprentices did as Jackson asked.
Abby walked over to the doctor and smiled. "You're a good teacher you know?" Jackson smiled before removing the medical chart Abby held in her hands. "And you Abby, need to rest." The doctor turned around and placed the chart on a table behind him, adding to the stack of others. "Jackson, I'm fine! Now, I just need to check over th-" he interrupted her. "You have been working around the clock Abby. Take it easy today. Take the day off from being doctor. I'll shout you if I need you".
On any other day, the chancellor wouldn't even consider this. She thought about his suggestion and how physically and emotionally drained she was. She just nodded and placed her arm on his, as a thank you gesture. Abby knew that before she could try and rest, she needed to first speak to Raven.
"Wick, I'm not in the mood!" The new lab that Raven and Wick worked in was in a state. Raven was frantically searching high and low, throwing items off shelves while Wick sat in the corner of the room, chuckling behind his hand. "This isn't funny. Where is it?" Raven was getting more and more frustrated as she had clearly not found what she was looking for.
Wick stood up looking pleased at himself. "Looking for this?" He flashed the biggest grin and held up a tiny screw driver. Raven threw dagger eyes at him. "You're such a dick!" She stormed over to him, punched him in the arm and snatched the tool out of his hands before continuing her project. Wick rubbed his arm still grinning.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" The chancellor had been leaning in the door way for the majority of the conversation. She walked towards the table Raven was sat at and stared at the small device in front of her. "How is it coming along guys?"
Raven rolled her eyes whilst fiddling with the device. Without looking up at Abby she said, "It's still not finished if that's what you're asking". Dr. Griffin sat down sensing the frustration emitted by the girl. "Raven, what's wrong? Are you in pain with your leg?"
As soon as Raven heard the conversation change to her leg, she shot up from her chair and threw the screwdriver on the table. "No, it's not my leg. Why is it that I can't have a single conversation without it being about my god damn leg?! It's this stupid device, I can't get it to work."
The room was silent for a moment while the chancellor looked down, feeling guilty. "Raven, I just -" She was interrupted by the mechanic storming out the room "I'm taking a break."
Xxxxxxxxx
After a night of watch rotation, the grounded Ark's search crew had packed away their tents and were ready for some quick breakfast. They were soon all sat on the floor eating fruit. Bellamy broke the silence. "So, what's the plan?" he aimed towards Kane, as he finished his last mouthful of food.
"This is all new territory. We may have passed by here and there, but we haven't searched these woods. I think the most logical route would be to follow the river. Clarke would have known not to drift too far from water." Bellamy nodded in approval at Kane's plan.
Lincoln lifted his head to speak. "There is a river not too far from here, 2 maybe 3 miles. I know the way". He looked to his left at Octavia. She lent slightly upwards towards him and kissed his cheek.
A few minutes passed when Kane decided to stand from his sitting position. "Are we ready to leave?" he asked the group. The rest of them followed his actions, getting to their feet and collecting their belongings. Lincoln lead the party in the direction towards the river.
An hour must have passed when they finally reached the river. Kane grabbed Lincoln's shoulder and thanked him for his direction. He stepped forward to access the environment. Bellamy approached the river, crouched down and splashed his face. Where are you Clarke? He thought to himself.
Lincoln filled his flask up with water before suggesting they head north up the river. "North? Are you sure we should not head further East?" Kane asked. Lincoln shook his head. "The river doesn't run far East. It heads north past Tondc all the way to the capitol." Octavia took her place next to her man. "Good thinking. Let's go". With Octavia's lead, they continued their journey.
The crew kept within the trees with the river flowing to their right. Chatter was kept to a minimum as they had to have their eyes and ears peeled for anything. They had to remember that they were no longer protected by grounders after the Commanders betrayal.
After only a few miles, Octavia suddenly jumped off her horse and whispered for everyone to get down and find cover. The party rushed individually to hide themselves as silently as possible. They all held their positions and listened to what sounded like footsteps from nine, maybe 10 people.
Lincoln managed to see through a gap in the rock he was knelt behind. Ice Nation he thought to himself. He held is hand out beside him, gesturing to the team to stay hidden for a few moments. When Lincoln thought it was safe to speak, still at a whisper, he told the others to come out.
"It is the Ice Nation, they seem to be heading North as well." They all looked at each other in confusion with a hint of worry, especially on Monty's face. "Why would the Ice nation be so far away from their lands?" Octavia asked Lincoln with a puzzled expression. But before he could answer Bellamy threw his bag over his shoulder and replied "I don't know. Let's find out, shall we?" Without waiting for an answer, he turned around and begun heading in the same direction as the grounders had left in.
The search party followed the Ice Nation grounders for another few miles before they came to a halt in a clearing in the woods. Far enough away from the grounders to notice, the team stayed hidden and watched their every activity. Monty turned to Bellamy, with a look on his face that questioned why the Ice Nation had suddenly stopped.
What seemed to be the leader of the group before them, stepped forward and started to shout in Trigedasleng. "Show yourselves, we come as friends. Send out your leader." After the man's request, he took off the mask that was covering his face.
Lincoln gasped slightly and looked at Octavia and Kane. "Roan, Prince of the Ice Nation." The pair of them looked confused, Lincoln sensed this so elaborated. "It must be important if he is doing the whatever the goal is, himself."
They all lent a little closer as it seemed a large man fell from the sky. He walked towards the prince and knelt before him. "Prince Roan, we welcome you and your warriors to Tree-top clan. Sorry for the wait, it takes a while to get down."
Roan nodded, accepting the man's excuse. He walked over to the one knelt before him and pulled him back up to a standing position. "Dante of Tree-top clan, we have met before and you seemed like a good man. Tell me, myself and my friends here are searching for something, and I think you can help me."
The prince stopped pacing, looked at Dante and held his finger beneath his lips into a thinking position. "I am sure it is already known that my mother, the Queen, is looking for Wanheda. I have been informed that you might be able to help me on my search."
Dante shook his head with a confused expression. "I am sorry Prince, we have heard the news but no sightings in this area. If I can help in anyway, let me know." Roan failed in hiding the look of disappointment spread across his face and he bowed his head slightly.
The Tree-top leader sensed the vibe from the prince. "You all must be starving! 'Ere, let's get some food in your bellies, I insist!" Dante smiled at the Ice Nation trying to lighten the atmosphere.
Roan finally let out a small smile. "You are right, thank you, food would be nice. Oh… But before we eat, I was wondering if you could tell me your opinion on a certain marking I have come across." Dante nodded and walked towards the prince watching him pull out a knife from his coat.
"What do you make of this symbol on the handle here?" The prince pointed to the marking on the weapon. Dante studied it for a moment before shaking his head is dismay. "I'm sorry Prince Roan, I have never seen this symbol before." The prince smiled at the man to assure that he is not disappointed.
"Please Dante, let us eat, as you said. Lead the way." Roan gestured his hand out ahead of him so that he could follow behind. Dante smiled back and turned around to walk after a slight nod of the head. "Now, most importantly, does the prince prefer beer or wi-" Dante suddenly stopped talking as blood poured from his mouth. The prince had slit his throat.
Xxxxxxxxx
Lexa stared down at Clarke with a stern face, fighting to hold back the sense of relief in her stomach. Clarke was safe. She can be protected now in the capitol. The Commander turned around and sat on her throne. "Leave us!" She ordered to the guards in room. "Not you Titus." The adviser bowed his head, closed the main doors and stood in place next to Lexa.
Clarke felt that now was a good time to stand as she was assured, she wouldn't be quickly thrown to the ground again. The blonde was the first to open her mouth. "Do you mind if we speak in English now? I'm not yet fluent in your mother tongue." Lexa smiled slightly, she missed the girl's sarcasm. "Of course." She replied.
"You have hidden yourself well, Clarke of the sky people. I have been searching for months." The Commander felt that due to their last encounter at Mt Weather, proper formalities were in order. She knew there would be no chance of them picking back up where they left off. "I'm glad you're safe" Lexa added not much louder than a whisper. She cleared her throat and looked at the blonde for her response.
Ignoring Lexa's last sentence, Clarke was quick to respond as always. "Did you think that maybe I didn't want to be found? You couldn't even let me have that could you?" Clarke knew that she was here for a reason and it wasn't to repeat the betrayal Lexa had performed. But she couldn't help it. She could feel the anger, the hurt, burning her skin. "What do you want with me Lexa!?" She demanded.
The commander shot to her feet. "I'm trying to protect you!" Lexa tensed her fists as she became frustrated at the conversation. Clarke spat on the floor with disgust. "Protect me!? What, like the way you did at Mt Weather? I don't need your help, thanks. I've been doing fine on my own."
Lexa still hadn't released her tensed fists as the now added guilt knotted in her stomach. "Do not speak to the Commander like that!" Titus stepped forward pointing at the blonde. Lexa held her hand up at Titus which made him step back to his former position. The Heda's chest raised as she took a deep breath to calm herself down.
"The Sky leader is tired Titus, please excuse her and show her to the room she will be staying in". Titus nodded and walked towards Clarke. "What!? We are not done here Lexa." Clarke shoved Titus' hands off her arms, implying she could walk herself. "I'm sorry Clarke, I have much business to attend to today. We shall talk later." The Commander dismissed the pair before sitting back in her throne. She did have many things to do, but for the minute, she just needed to breathe.
Clarke was furious. All of her feelings from Mount Weather had rushed back like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. She felt like she had been banished to her room like a child. The Sky leader paced between the four walls of her temporary prison trying her best to calm down, but she struggled.
How dare she. How could she. She betrays me and my people and expects things to be back to how they were 3 months down the line!? Calm down Clarke. You're not here for revenge, you're here for information and that's all.
She tried to find some order in her thoughts. It was hard to hear them all over thumping in her head. I just need to figure out what this vision means. One conversation, that's all it will take. Then I can walk away for good. She straightened her thoughts as she poured herself some water that had been brought to her earlier. "Maybe I do just need some rest" the blonde sighed outload.
Lying on the bed, she took the time to appreciate the room she claimed her prison minutes before. In her whole time being on the ground, this room was the warmest she had seen. Clarke had almost forgotten that she hadn't slept the night before. The comfort of her head sinking into the pillow was her reminder. She had no intention to sleep, but to just rest her eyes.
A sudden opening of the door awoke Clarke from the slumber she didn't know she was in - making her heart rate that little bit faster. Lexa walked in with a plate full of food. "I thought you might be hungry." Clarke moved to the edge of the bed and remained silent.
The Commander stood in the doorway until she realised Clarke wasn't going to speak any time soon. She closed the door behind her and placed the plate on a nearby table. After taking a few steps closer to the bed, Lexa stood still and without realising started twiddling her thumbs in front of her as a nervous habit.
Lexa opened her mouth to speak but then soon closed it. She had been waiting to see Clarke for what felt like forever. All the conversations and the way they panned out in her head, yet when the moment finally came, she felt speechless. Clarke just stared at the leader before her, partly wishing she wasn't there.
"I'm sorry we couldn't talk before, but I was busy." Another long silence consumed the air around them. Lexa's nerves were at a peak as she struggled to hold her gaze. Clarke's eyes narrowed almost to a squint, triggered from the irritation that ignited every fibre in her being.
The Brunette wanted to give the conversation one last go before calling it a day. She thought this time that she would approach as The Commander as just Lexa didn't seem to be working as it once would. "The Ice Nation Queen Nia is looking for you. That's why I sent for you, like I said, to protect you. She wants you dead, so she can steal Wanheda's power."
Clarke's anger suddenly burst out of her. "Protect me!? More like control me!" Clarke jumped up to her feet causing Lexa to subconsciously step back in to an automatic defensive stance. Clarke followed her retreat and squared up to the Commander who responded with a simple chin lift, keeping her head high.
"Don't act like none of this is political Lexa. This wasn't for your own peace of mind, this is just to protect the crown on your head." The Commander had seen Clarke angry before, but never to this extent aimed at herself. She almost informed Clarke that she didn't wear a crown, but soon understood that it must be an expression.
Lexa too started to become frustrated at the situation as Clarke refused to believe her good intentions. If anyone else spoke to her in this manner, they would be imprisoned, if not killed. "Clarke you are not listening to me. I told you, I am trying to keep you safe."
"Bullshit!" Clarke snapped at the brunette, leaning even closer, almost knocking the leader's nose with her own. She turned around and started walking in the opposite direction, before she spun back after only a few feet. She had changed her mind, Clarke was not finished just yet. "If you cared so much for my safety Lexa, then why the hell did you leave me and my people out there? We needed you!" she yelled, before finishing in barely a whisper "…I needed you."
The sky leaders voice grew louder by the sentence. "You hurt me. Do you understand that? I thought we were friends. I thought we were more than just an alliance. I thought I was over this, but I'm not. Do you know how much I've suffered? I thought I could do this… see you, but I can't."
Clarke faced to the side to try and hide the tears already halfway down her cheeks. Lexa hadn't had a chance to speak, she had so much she wanted to explain, feelings to admit but she couldn't even begin form the right words. "Clarke, I had no choice! You cannot say that if you had the option to save your people from any pain, any deaths, that you wouldn't?" She finally managed to spit the words out.
"No, I wouldn't betray you Lexa." Clarke replied still looking away to the wall on her right. "Not even to save your people? Your friends? Your own mother?" The Commander knew that her reasoning was starting to sink in as there was no answer. Her judgment was wrong in trying to comfort Clarke with a hand on her shoulder. Clarke made this known by swiping Lexa's hands away and grabbing the scruff of her collar.
Lexa held in a deep breath. She didn't fear for her life, but the emotional strain on her heart almost killed her. The Commander too couldn't hold back her tears – this in itself struck Clarke more than coming words. "I'm sorry… Clarke… Forgive me."
The Sky leader gripped the collar in her grasp a little tighter before pushing Lexa backwards.
"Just go" Clarke whispered before turning away from the Commander again. Lexa nodded, despite it being to the back of the blonde's head and walked out the room. As soon as she heard the door close, Clarke dropped to her knees and broke down.
Xxxxxxxxx
It had been a couple of hours since Clarke and Lexa had their argument. The sky leader had managed to compose herself. She didn't want to admit it either, but the food helped; it wasn't until she began eating that it became painfully obvious just how hungry she was.
The girl remained seated once finished and slouched back with a sigh. She replayed what she could of the argument over and over trying to evaluate everything. It all happened so fast, she didn't have the time or energy to have processed much in the heat of the moment.
Clarke thought mainly on what Lexa said about if the roles were reversed, in a more logical manner. That is after all, how the Commander viewed situations. 'Pain is weakness', she thought to herself. Ultimately it came down to one factor, putting your own people first. Clarke had always struggled to see the betrayal as black and white as that. The problem is, unlike Lexa, Clarke lead with her heart and not her head.
She was starting to see things more clearly now. That the Commander wasn't heartless, but strong. She didn't make the wrong decision, but the right one for her people as a whole. The Blonde admitted that maybe she had been a little too harsh. She knew that at the very least, Lexa would have to earn her trust back, but she couldn't fault her choice that day as a leader. She was tired of hating her, it was exhausting.
Clarke lent forward, elbows on the table in front of her, rubbing her face with both hands. It was getting late. She looked over to the very tempting bed across the room and almost gave in to it. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep much tonight, despite running off no sleep already and that the vivid dreams would welcome her no more. No, she had to see Lexa and apologise first.
The leader finally lifted herself from the chair and went to open the door. Her hand lingered over the handle for a minute as the nerves rushed through her veins. It had always been hard to admit when she was wrong. Pull yourself together Clarke. Keep it quick and painless. She thought to herself. Gathering the courage to twist the handle, she finally opened her door and walked to the outside of the Commanders room.
"Just breath" she told herself followed by a few deep breaths. Her hand lifted above her head, hesitating at first, she knocked on the door. There was no response from behind the walls, so she took a risk and walked in anyway closing the door behind her.
Clarke stepped further into the room and found herself at awe of her current surroundings. Art on the walls of all different kinds, a large thick rug as the room's centrepiece, a seating area with the most beautiful sofa and to the far right, a huge bed fit for a queen.
She unexpectedly jumped out of her skin as the Commander appeared from what would assume to be a walk-in wardrobe, brushing her hair. Lexa's usual fast paced walk slowed at the sight of Clarke in her room, until she came to a final stop only a meter or so away. She had stopped brushing her hair at this point and held it with both hands slumped down at ease.
"Clarke? I did not expect to find you here…In my room." Lexa spoke calmly whilst raising an eyebrow expressing her confusion on the matter. "I'm so sorry! I…I wasn't thinking. I'm just gonna go…yeah." Clarke pivoted her body back to the door, squeezing her eyes shut with embarrassment.
"Wait!" Lexa said before Clarke had reached the door. "Please, stay." Clarke nodded at the Commander with a slanted mouth and followed her over to the seating area. They sat opposite each other in silence for a brief moment before the blonde couldn't take it much longer. "I came here to apologise. I thought about what you said before, about the roles being reversed, and I think I finally understand."
Lexa instantly looked down to her lap as she felt the familiar wave of guilt flood her stomach. "Lexa, you saved your people's lives that day. I know that the price was high for you and the choice wasn't made easily. I know that you care for me, I was just blinded by my own pain".
The Commander looked at Clarke with watery eyes and reached to hold her hand. Clarke almost pulled away, but she didn't. She found comfort in it. Instead, she smiled at Lexa, with her own tears starting to fall at their overdue reunion.
"Look, you're making me cry now" Clarke let out a small chuckle and sniffed. "Here, let me" She wiped Lexa's cheek before she could do it herself. "Thank you, Clarke" Lexa replied to her act of kindness. It was a very intimate thing for the leader to experience, but with the girl before her, it didn't faze Lexa.
"Lexa, why do you still have war paint on your face?" Clarke asked only just being able to notice through calm eyes. "The truth is, I have not fully taken it off since…that day. I need you to know that losing you was the hardest decision. I kept it on because I still felt at war…with myself." Lexa surprised herself at how much she had just opened up. She couldn't help but feel comfortable with the Sky leader.
"You haven't lost me Lexa…at least not anymore. I'm here now." She couldn't help but smile at the Commander. It wasn't a lie that she had missed her deeply. Clarke stood up and rinsed the cloth next to the basin with some water. She knelt in front of the brunette between her knees and took a second to just appreciate the sight before her.
"Clarke, you don't have to do-." Lexa was interrupted by shushing noises. She responded with a simple nod after a pause to think things through, giving permission. Clarke began slowly wiping the makeup off the Commanders face. Lexa closed her eyes and found herself instantly relaxed by the combination of the warm water on her face, and Clarke's delicate touch.
"That should do it" Clarke whispered causing Lexa to open here eyes. Her lips opened slightly subconsciously, as the pair held eye contact. She thought back to the time she kissed the blonde and how she promised herself she wouldn't initiate again.
Clarke couldn't help but find herself being pulled towards the Commander. Her sight repeatedly darted from her eyes to her lips. Lexa noticed that Clarke was slowly moving closer. It was proving very difficult, but she somehow managed to hold back. Clarke didnt understand what had taken over her. She took the leap of faith and pressed her lips against the Commanders.
It was a slow but passionate kiss. Clarke took control which made it clear to Lexa that she wanted it as much as she did in that moment. Lexa's right hand reached out and pulled Clarke closer by the back of the neck, forcing the kiss to deepen. The pace started to pick up a little as well as Clarkes breathing. Lexa squeezed her eyes tighter at the sound of the woman kissing her, being a little breathless.
Clarke held the Commanders head in both hands as she stood up, only to sit on Lexa's lap. The brunette was worried that the racing of her thumping heart could be heard over the kiss. Lexa had dreamt of this moment for so long. She found her hands automatically wondering along Clarkes waist when she suddenly broke the kiss, leaning her forehead on the blonde's chin and collected her breath.
Clarke kissed the top of her head as she tried to process what just happened. She didn't realise how much she had wanting the that until a couple of minutes ago. Lexa lifted her head to Clarkes eyeline and cleared her throat before she spoke. "It's getting late Clarke. I…as much as I would like to continue, you must get some sleep."
The Sky leader nodded and stood from Lexa's lap. Lexa followed her lead and stood up after her. It was silent for a moment, but not in an awkward way. Clarke reached out and held the Commanders hands. "I'm sorry if I…" she took a breath. "I wanted it too, Lexa. If I didn't than I wouldn't have kissed, you."
Lexa nodded and smiled slightly before lowering her chin to stare at the floor. Clarke sensed that Lexa didn't believe what she had just told her. She lifted her chin and gave her a soft peck. "I will say goodnight". Not allowing Lexa to respond, she left the room.