Kane is standing at the gates of Arkadia, gaze shifting between the camp and the horizon. The guards under Bellamy's watch are walking along the fence, ready to fire at any sign of trouble. Inside, children, small number that has survived the whole ordeal, are playing, unaware of the fleeting serenity. They are running with the ball Lincoln's made out of animal skin. Sheltered from the bad blood, they regard Lincoln as a friend. If only they could all live like that. Together, united in peace. He looks back towards the woods where at times an enemy lurks and at times a helping hand providing them with supplies. He feels a warm touch on his shoulder.
"Marcus?"
"Abby, what's the matter? I was only-"
"Indra's radioed. She wants a meeting by the forest road. She's waiting."
It has to be something important if she radioed. She's reluctantly agreed to use technology, and only if necessary. "I'll go right away."
As he takes a step, Abby pulls him back. "Take the gun. Just to be safe."
That threatens to start the same discussion they've been having for weeks. "I'm trying to build trust here, Abby." he takes her hand, "Don't worry. I'll be back before you know it."
Begrudgingly, she lets go.
Many would and probably do call it madness, his insistence on meeting up with the Grounders unarmed. On many occasions Bellamy insisted on accompanying him. But Bellamy tends to be a risk when near their hopefully future allies.
Kane walks the well-known road to the forest. Still, he is mesmerized by the sight in front of him. Vast green spreading, living and breathing mechanism providing life itself. He remembers his mother's stories and of Earth which to him always seemed like tall tales. How wrong he was.
He doesn't walk long before spotting Indra with the pair of warriors behind her. As he is approaching, her grim expression comes into focus. He is wondering what bad news she bears. He prays it is not war, they would not survive another one. They greet in by now a familiar manner. The pair behind her only nods. To Kane's credit, he's tried engaging them in a conversation, but it seems that is not their way.
"Is everything well?" he asks cautiously. He knows Indra would not lie.
"You have been invited to the capitol."
"To discuss the treaty?" Kane's been looking forward to that overdue talk. He's been preparing for negotiations since the first sign of a somewhat peaceful contact.
"To discuss the place of Skaikru on this land."
Her response makes him weary. "When?"
"Time is of the essence." is all she says.
Immediately, Kane radios Abby telling her he's going to Polis. After the initial arguing which makes Indra roll her eyes, Kane persuades her to keep this a secret for the time being.
He mounts a horse, the magnificent creature he's still getting used to, and they ride. He knows there's something Indra's not telling. Usually composed and alert, she now appears distracted. There's much on her mind, that is evident. And Kane is positive it has all to do with the impending meeting. They ride hurriedly through the forest, taking every possible shortcut. As the forest is becoming less dense, he tries to fish some information out of Indra. After couple of unsatisfactory answers, she finally tells him it's not her place to speak on the subject, and though he doesn't like it one bit, Kane can respect that. Many possible scenarios run through his mind, he doesn't notice they left the forest behind. There are no more trees to shield them from the Sun. His eyes are fixed on ahead for a long time when he spots something rising in the distance. He squints to look through the specks of dirt floating in the air.
Unsure whether it is only heat playing tricks on his mind, he remains quiet. But it looks so real, the high tower from the Old World standing tall. There is something like a flame on top of it, burning strong. Like a lighthouse, guiding lost sailors into the safe harbor. Kane hopes that even if it is a mind trick, it is a good sign. His face must have been very expressive because for the first time that day it is Indra who speaks first.
"I see our capitol has already left an impression." she declares proudly, "Soon we will be there."
He nods in response, his gaze focusing more intently on the city revealing itself with every step they take.
Small houses, huts and dilapidated buildings begin to appear. Doors and window shutters replaced with wood and metal scraps. Strings of laundry hanging above their heads. A whole society built on the remnants of the world before. He never imagined the bombs would leave a stone unturned (then again, no one believed a single soul had survived). The noise is growing as they are rounding one corner after another. It is midday and the market place before him is stocked with people and things. They chatter, they haggle, an argument erupts here and there, but even with his poor knowledge of the language, Kane senses it is lighthearted. Indra is glowing with pride at his awe. And he truly is at awe. He doesn't know where to look first – at the blacksmith clanging at the candescent blade, a woman cutting some sort of water creature then tossing it on the grill. Perhaps at the couple of cheery merchants toasting under the once red sign with 'Dona' written on it. It is incredible to see them so relaxed and peaceful. He once thought them near-savages in their world of war and survival. Now he can see them as much more than he ever dared to imagine. Indra has to pull him couple of times as he stops by the old subway entrance, or to watch children with smudged paint on their faces, even the wall with a mosaic-like drawing.
When they step in front of the tower, Kane is thrown from one daze into another. He looks up, tracing the many floors strengthened like other constructions. Its peak is hidden in the clouds. He's seen Earth from space, crashed Ark, Mount Weather… but this is overwhelming, it leaves him speechless.
The two warriors accompanying Kane and Indra leave and they walk up the stairs through the arched entrance where two statues watch over. On the left is a male warrior with a sword in his hand, a vicious animal at his feet. On the right is an armed female, stars surround her headdress.
They enter the great hall, high windows letting the soft light fall on the columns on each side. The whole room is graced with tranquil silence disturbed occasionally by the soft steps of servants. They walk on the floor made of tiles arranged in a jagged pattern. They walk towards a burly guard who opens an ornate metal door leading into a tiny closet-sized room. Reluctantly, Kane follows. He trusts indra but as the door closes he gulps. The room starts to shake, he is gripping the wall, big eyes staring at his companion.
"This is the only way to the top." she explains calmly.
He relaxes only a little, enough to let go of the walls. 'It's an elevator!' He shouts in his head. It moves unsteadily, he wonders how. What mechanism would they use? They are so averse to technology.
His questions are put on hold when the door opens. They are met with a long hallway. He could peer all the way to the end where the double door is. The whole atmosphere felt intimidatingly solemn. They start walking towards it, Indra as always with purpose, Kane following suit and trying not to gape around as they walk past the couple of guards. Indra halts and turns a few feet before they would reach their destination.
"This is where we part ways. I hope when we meet again it will be in good spirit."
"That is my hope as well." he smiles.
As she leaves, he takes a deep breath before pushing the heavy door open.
The piercing eyes of the Commander welcome him. It puts him somewhat at ease that they are not circled with dark paint. A tall, bald man by her side bows his head slightly.
"Welcome, Marcus kom Skaikru." she doesn't smile yet there is soft appreciation in her eyes. She gestures to a seat next to her.
He sits at the long table. His seat is almost identical to hers. She is not at her high, elaborate throne looking down at him. It is a good sign, he believes, this sitting arrangement.
"Thank you for arranging this meeting. I look forward to discussing the treaty."
Not the one for unnecessary pleasantries, Lexa gets straight to the point, "I have a proposition for Skaikru. Not a mere treaty or an alliance. Something more – a bond between two people from our clans, to symbolize the unity of us all."
"A bond?" he repeats slowly, unsure if he understands the implication.
"Yes, a marital bond between two high officials. Everything is settled on this end – the other clans have agreed to the arrangement. It will allow you free trade with all the other clans, more land and what is most important mutual protection and support. We will be regarded as one people as long as I am here."
"As long as you…" Kane, who has been prepared for anything but this, is still struggling to form a sentence. Politically, it is an excellent offer, but there is the other side.
"Yes, I will be the person representing my clan." she explains determinately, her rehearsed speech, "As for your part, I would need a high ranking member, respected by not only your but my people as well. It is pertinent that they know how to defend themselves; I do not want to waste good men on protection. To have basic knowledge of the language as well, though that can be learned over time. Of course, it is not my intention to separate two partners. I wish to make this as… " her jaw clenches for a brief moment, but long enough for Kane to notice," agreeable as possible. Do you accept?"
As she was speaking, couple of people crossed his mind, but with every next word the list was getting shorter, "This is an unconventional political strategy for my people. And while I do understand I must ask, and I apologize for prying, but what other duties would they need to perform?" he hopes his tone of voice conveys the underlying message.
It doesn't because for the first time he sees Commander confused. Luckily, the man by her side whose quiet presence was almost forgotten whispers something into her ear.
"Oh…" she lets out and this is the closest to her age she ever looked. After a moment her expression returns to normal, "We will attend the important meetings together, they will serve as a delegate of the Skaikru. Yes, we will share quarters but nothing more."
"I understand. However, the only person that meets the criteria is Bellamy Blake."
She shows no reaction to the name and Kane thinks he said it too quietly. Just as he is about to repeat she replies, "Good. His actions in the Mountain earned him the respect of many."
"That precisely is the problem, Commander. Your actions at the Mount Weather, that is. Bellamy's distrust of your people is no secret. And as for his opinion of you… " he is trying to pick his words carefully, "He quite dislikes you."
"If this union does not happen, neither will peace." she assures him calmly, unfazed by his words, " It won't be long before I am forced to march on Arkadia."
Kane sighs, though her response is not an unexpected one, "I will divulge all information to Bellamy but I assure you he won't be happy about it."
"And I assure you that if you cannot persuade him in three days, there will be no hope of peace." she stands up, the meeting is over.
"We will speak soon, then." he gets up, "Goodbye."
They give him a horse and an escort to the forest, to where he met up with Indra. They do not utter a single word all the way. By the time he reaches outskirts of their territory, dusk has settled on the horizon. Commander's words go through his mind over and over again. It is a good offer. It is a great one. Sacrificing one man for the sake of hundreds of others seems like a small price to pay. He's sacrificed people before on the Ark, more times than he would like to remember. And he wouldn't be sending Bellamy into imminent death. But this isn't the Ark, he's trying to do better, to be better. He is unsure what to do.
He walks through the gates of Arkadia with heavy steps. Children, or once delinquents, are gathered around fire. Young Miller is telling a story, his boyfriend is pretending to be exasperated while others laugh. His heart swells at the sound of their laughter. If they can laugh after everything, there is hope.
He rushes to the medical wing, Abby will surely be there. When he tells her of Commander's offer, trying to sell is as best as he can, she is left dumbstruck. It is soon taken over by the mixture of anger and disgust.
"An arranged marriage with her?! You would trade a young man's life for what?"
"For peace. For future." he exhales slowly, "If you can think of any other way, tell me please because I've got nothing."
She shakes her head, unable to speak.
Better get this over with as soon as possible, "Can you call for Bellamy?"
She leaves without a word. She will understand, Kane tells himself, in time she will realize it was for the best. He flops into a chair burring hands into his hair. He's not sure how to go round this. His head is spinning, he wishes he could be the one to bear the burden. A soft knock interrupts him.
"Sir." Bellamy peaks through the door, "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes. Close the door and take a seat."