Clarke dismounted from her horse in a smooth motion. She was going to be sore from riding so much recently she realized with a slight wince. Moving past any discomfort, she walked forward to greet her first. "Anya!" She gripped her first and friend's arm with pleasure. "It is good to see you once more."

"It is good to see you as well Heda. Welcome." Anya replied with a fierce smile.

Trusting that her party would be taken care of, she followed Anya to her quarters. Once inside the small building, she hugged her first. "It's been too long."

Anya snorted, "Not long enough, as soon as you sent word you were coming all manner of trouble started happening."

"I keep things interesting though." Clarke said, walking over to the map with the region drawn out on it. "What has happened since your last missive?"

Groaning, Anya walked over pointing to where the invaders had landed. "The Skaikru killed a great many reapers in a pillar of flame before running to us for protection. Their leader Prisa Lexa has requested an audience with you. Lincoln, one of Indra's scouts aided them in coming here."

"What can you tell me of these invaders?" Clarke asked curiously. She'd been relying on short missives and hearing what Anya actually thought would be instructional.

Anya frowned tapping at the map in thought. "I do not like or trust them." She started saying. "I've assigned Costia to integrate with them. No doubt, she'll report her findings to you later. They are strange Clarke. They are weak, untrained, foolish, and arrogant. Yet, somehow they survived far longer against the reapers than I expected."

"I heard a rumor on the road of the pillar of fire. Do you have any idea how it was done?" Clarke said, she'd been surprised at that news and had feared she'd underestimated the invaders badly.

"They turned their camp into a trap, using some sort of accelerant to burn everything inside of it. Surely by doing so they've attracted the mountain's eye." Anya said bitterly, though there was a touch of respect that peaked Clarke's interest. "Their leader is...interesting. She was certainly brazen to use a meeting with you as a way to guarantee her people's sanctuary here. Whether she is truly brave or just desperate I do not know."

Clarke sighed, dropping down into one of the chairs in the room. "Well we'll see what they have to say for themselves when I speak to this Lexa." She hummed in thought.

"How did Tris fair on her first journey with a coalition force that is not just of our clan?" Anya asked changing the subject clearly accepting that till Costia reported to her tent to give her report there was little else to say.

"She did well. I believe she learned some tricks from some of my guards and that she enjoyed her time at the Azgeda feast. You might want to watch out, she spent some time with Luna when she came to visit Polis. There might be some mischief in the air." Clarke relaxed in the presence of one of the few people who truly knew her not one of her many masks.

Anya moved to the corner of her home and began to dig around in her trunk before popping back up with a bottle of wine and two glasses. She settled down across from her, pouring them both a glass. Clarke accepted hers as Anya spoke. "I can't believe you let that fool influence my second."

"Luna is hardly a fool." Clarke defended automatically, "She just does not observe things as deeply as you would like."

Anya scoffed. "Please I realized you were a little schemer within a day of taking you as my second. Really, 'the weakest' one of you lot and some how all the injuries from your regular losses in sparing were superficial bruising." She rolled her eyes in nostalgic exasperation. "How no one ever picked up on your little act I haven't the slightest clue."

"They saw what they expected to see and did not bother looking for more." Clarke replied easily. "Titus still hasn't learned to see beyond his expectations after all these years. He fears Azgeda so he sees disloyalty and danger there no matter what the truth of the matter is. We are all biased by our perspectives. Gustus' loyalty to me is in part because he remembers how I was as a fumbling second learning my way. He sees that girl still sometimes when he looks at me and it strengthens his loyalty and affection for me."

"It's not that simple and you know it." Anya said with an amused lilt. "How is the old sour puss by the way?"

"As paranoid and egocentric as always." Clarke said. "I've forced him to take an apprentice finally."

Anya looked interested at that. "Which one of your little ducklings did you manage to foist off on him?"

"Meg, she's the most suited for the post." Clarke rolled her neck, feeling it crack in a couple of places after the long ride. "Aden will make a good Heda after me. With Meg as Flamekeeper, I need six other posts for the rest of this class."

"I can drink to that." Anya took a long gulp of her wine. "You will end the conclave Clarke, you need only live long enough for your students to be old enough to be apprenticed. Aden is old enough that he could be given to a first soon."

Clarke nodded. "I'm unsure of who to entrust his training to when I give him to a first. Peter adores Roan and he's already agreed to take the boy when he's old enough. Sara and Josh I both want to be taken by members of my guard. Luna could take one as well. Somehow, they all still seem so young to me but I know I was already your second by Aden's age. Meg, Josh, and Aden are the only ones I would consider apprenticing within the next year."

"Don't even think of foisting one of those little brats on me. Tris will make an excellent warrior and chief of this village when I'm too old to remain in the role. If I take another after her, it will be for my village's strength not the clan's." Anya spoke seriously.

Clarke had already assumed this but it was still disappointing. "Don't want to deal with the politics and lack of direct benefit of training a nightblood again?"

"Please, you've done more good for our people than any number of hunters in this village could have done." Anya waved off her concerns. "Still, my people need me here not in Polis."

A knock on the door distracted them both. Anya raised her voice. "Enter."

The dark skinned and soft looking Costia stepped in before dropping down on one knee. "Heda."

"Costia," Clarke acknowledged warmly. She hadn't spoken directly with her warrior in over a year. "What news do you have for me?"

"Where would you like me to begin?" Costia inquired while remaining on her knee.

"The rumors of the Boudalan Khan having a nightblood, are they true or false?" Clarke asked, getting directly to the meat of their discussion.

"False." Costia said firmly. "I spent two months as a healer for a caravan in their territory. The Khan keeps none who could be a nightblood near their person. In our stops along the major trade routes, there were no rumors of such a thing. In fact, the population seems pleased with your rule. The source of the information is most likely from the Khan's son who wishes to usurp his position."

"Do you believe he will act soon?" Clarke's jaw ticked. She didn't appreciate dealing with fools who would endanger the lives of her people for the sake of a power trip.

"Within a year most likely." She said with the quiet confidence that made her so valuable to Clarke. Costia was good at what she did and knew it but also did not let her confidence lead to arrogance.

"What advice on the matter would you give?" She leaned back, enjoying watching the surprised expression on the girl's face. It amused her that people were so surprised that she would ask for advice from the experienced and wise just because she was Heda.

Costia fell silent obviously considering. "If you were to recall the Khan and his son for a diplomatic meeting and the son were to fall ill and die on the journey, it would bring an end to the issue."

"You do not believe he can be discouraged from his pursuits in a less drastic manner?" Clarke asked, already knowing the answer and receiving the expected head shake in denial. Still it was necessary to ask.

"Do you believe yourself capable of poisoning the Boudalan prince without being caught or bringing suspicions on us?" Clarke asked, considering her options. Costia was very good at what she did after all.

"I could do it." Costia said without hesitating.

Anya shifted nervously. "Could you not discuss political assassinations in front of me?" She grimaced slightly. "I'm aware it's necessary but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Foes should be killed in the open field when possible."

Clarke shot an amused look at Costia, who seemed mildly off set by the expression before turning her attention to Anya. "Please I know you. You might prefer the honorable route but you would call me a fool if I let a civil war happen because I wouldn't assassinate one obstinate branwada."

"Maybe so, but I still don't like having to hear about it." Anya grumbled. "Where did you even learn this stuff? I certainly didn't teach you politics. I've always avoided them when at all possible."

"I've always found Titus' example very instructive. It taught me what not to do if nothing else. Costia, since Anya objects we can talk later about who provides a suitable replacement to the Boudalan prince as heir and who is likely to claim the spot if we don't interfere. Anything else of particular importance you learned while in the Boudalan territory?"

Costia shook her head. "No, Heda. The rumors and stories I heard I've written down but none of them are immediately pressing." The girl reached into her side pouch and pulled out the small coded journal inside, holding it out for her Heda to take.

Clarke stood and picked the book out of Costia's raised hands. "Stand then. It has come time for you to report on the reason I am here."

Costia looked vaguely confused and apprehensive but was doing an admirable job of hiding it. Clarke had no doubt that any emotion she was seeing was only because the girl found it nearly treasonous to hide her emotions from her Heda. "Sit." Clarke grabbed another glass and poured some of the wine into it and passed it to Costia before returning to her seat. "What have you learned of the Skai people?"

Clearing her throat, Costia began. "They are led by Lexa Kane. She is referred to as their princess but her parents are an adviser to their leader and the lead general of their people. The healer Wells is the one that is truly their prince but he is disliked by them. Their leader's name is Jaha, he seems to be remarkably unpopular and on the brink of losing power. The hierarchy amongst those here is fairly clear. Lexa leads with the one called Miller as her general. Jon is her chief, and a pair of siblings serve as her advisers. The one called Murphy seems to be her ears amongst the group. If you wish to render them helpless, those would be the first that would need to die."

Clarke smirked smugly at Anya's surprised expression. "Why are they here?"

"They are prisoners, instead of being executed they were sent as scouts to see if the ground was survivable. Their...home in the stars is dying and soon the rest of their people will be coming." Costia summarized easily enough.

"How did you learn all this?" Anya asked in shock.

Costia shifted slightly flicking her eyes to Clarke for permission before replying. "Healers are expected to keep their patents speaking to distract them from the pain. Skai people are not so different from us in that way. The boy Myles will require a proper healer if a treaty is made. He is ill and what I've done will only slow the process."

"So, you think we should give them a treaty then?" Clarke asked with great interest.

"They are not warriors. There are only three that were being trained as warriors before being sent here. The rest are tradesmen. They could have useful skills. Especially the ones called Raven and Monty. If we are to kill them all, I recommend that those two be captured." Costia evaluated easily enough. "I did not understand a great deal of what several of them said about Raven's and Monty's skills despite understanding gonaslang."

"It would seem we will have to wait to hear what this Lexa can propose before I can make a decision on their fate." Clarke closed her eyes briefly thinking over her vague ideas forming around these Skai people. She had been speaking to her family of the blood about the importance of compassion, but could she afford it here? They would be a drain on the resources of any village and from what she could tell there weren't many of the children who could contribute enough to make the drain worth it. It wasn't just the physical resources she had to consider, they would be a drain on the time and energy of anyone who was forced to train them so that they could learn the ways of the ground. Going against the advice of all of her advisers to save the lives of these foreigners would also cost her valuable political capital during a turbulent time. Was the loyalty of a few standouts worth the lives of the whole group? She would have to consider all the angles before she made a decision.

Standing, she glanced at the evaluating looks Anya was giving Costia and the way Costia was clearly nervous sitting in the presence of someone who had seen behind her facade. "Stay, finish your wine then return to the Skai people. Inform this Lexa she may bring one of her people with her when she presents herself to me tomorrow. You will accompany her as well. Anya I'll see you in the morning."

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLG-

It had been obvious from the moment the horns had blown that the Commander had arrived. There was an atmosphere of excitement in the grounders of the village as they ran about preparing. Lexa and the others hadn't gotten so much as a glimpse of the warlord but they'd been realizing more and more that to these people the figure known as Heda was more than human. It had been dark but the sound of an arriving group of horses had been clear enough. If she just squinted, she could see the tent erected on the opposite side of the village. Not long after the party had arrived, Costia had been summoned away by a girl with facial scarring that was clearly deliberate. The cold examining eyes the girl had flicked over their group had not been comforting. Once Costia had left, Lexa sat down near the others. After all, there was nothing to do but wait, and make use of their first chance to breathe since they'd landed.

Murphy was poking the fire with a stick. "So, who was the scary chick with the face stuff?" He asked while looking at Lincoln.

Lincoln's face paled. "You should not speak of her like that. She is Ontari kom Azgeda, second to the Commander."

Octavia's nose scrunched. "What was up with the face scars?"

Understanding seemed to flicker across his face, as he seemed to puff with pride. "There are twelve clans in the coalition and all serve Heda. Of the twelve clans, the two greatest are Trikru and Azgeda. Our people were at war for longer than any can remember but Heda Clarke brought peace and with that peace, forged the coalition. The different clans have different customs." He pointed to the tattoos visible along his neck. "Trikru use tattoos in black and green to mark their warriors. Azgeda use scarring."

"Ontari is the heir to Heda then?" Wells asked, sounding deeply impressed.

"No, she rescinded her right to the throne during the treaty with Azgeda." Lincoln explained. He seemed to think about how to word the next part. "There are few who are chosen as contenders for the position of Heda. If they are not trained under the previous Heda though, they are to be killed so that they cannot threaten Heda. Ontari was trained in Azgeda. In exchange for her life, she had to renounce her ability to make a challenge for the throne."

"Why is she second to the Commander then?" Monty asked, clearly confused. Lexa had to admit that she was confused as well.

"Because Heda is merciful." Lincoln replied while gaining the familiar look of awe that the grounders seemed to all have when speaking of the woman. "She is the first Heda to allow any who could challenge her to live and she has let two. Both are loyal to her for this and have made her and the coalition stronger."

"How do you even know all of this?" Murphy asked, sounding fairly disbelieving. "I mean if this chick is like the top of the grounder food chain, is this just propaganda or do you actually know this stuff?"

Lexa sighed, slapping Murphy over the head lightly. "Don't insult the warlord we are meeting with soon please. I'd like to live."

"Luna was an initiate in Heda's class but ran after the death of the last Commander. Heda Clarke pardoned her and now Luna is chief of the Floukru. I have spent many months with Luna's people." Lincoln explained with a soft smile. "The Floukru are much smaller and more peaceful than my people."

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLG-

Lexa was woken by her shoulder being shaken and Costia looming over her. Her heart beat out of her chest and she nearly attacked the girl before she realized who it was. Wide awake with her adrenaline still pumping through her system, she sat up and looked around the area. She'd apparently been snuggling with Murphy, which...was something she wasn't going to think about if she could help it. God, first order of business if they ever got a proper camp or home was going to be beds, pallets, something so piles of bodies wasn't an acceptable sleeping location. Picking herself up, she followed Costia, who was beckoning her. "What's going on?"

Costia spoke lowly due to the fact most of the delinquents were asleep in the still early hours of the morning. "You are to meet Heda after the first meal of the day." She made a sort of aborted gesture at her. "You and one companion of yours will need to bathe before that."

Her nose crinkled as she looked down at herself. Dirt, grime, and dried flaking blood were stuck to her skin and clothing. She had to be a sight. Flushing brilliantly at the realization she looked like death warmed over, she glanced at Costia in horror. Of course, the pretty grounder who was not only clean but smelled nice was the one telling her she needed a bath. Coughing to hide her embarrassment, she spoke. "Right, what do you mean by companion?"

"One of your people will be allowed to accompany you when you make your plea to Heda." Costia explained, looking amused. "Choose wisely, that rat faced boy would be a poor choice."

"Murphy?!" Lexa nearly choked at the idea of taking him anywhere diplomatic. "Who do you believe your Heda would respect more?"

Costia seemed to think for a moment before speaking. "I have not met Heda...often, but if you bring someone who does not show respect it will not go well. Nor if you bring anyone weak. She respects, ability, skill, and talent."

Lexa considered her people. The obvious choice was Miller. He and Wells were both who she trusted the most and genuinely considered friends. Both of them would be respectful but...neither would impress a warlord. Wells may be able to speak politically but the hard comparison of how outclassed he was even by someone who claimed not to be an accomplished healer had been apparent. Miller on the other hand was a loyal, brave, and dependable man, but sparkly advertisement for what they could offer the grounders he was not. Talent wise there were four members of their group with obvious contributable talents. Raven, Monty, Jasper, and oddly enough Jon. Jon's obsession with architecture manuals on the ark would not impress grounders, who had actually built structures. Jasper was a brilliant chemist, but he could barely avoid jumping at his own shadow. Which left Raven and Monty. Raven would make the larger statement though the possibility of her insulting the grounders was higher. "Which do you believe Heda would receive better, Raven or Monty? I know you've only just met them." She winced at asking Costia such basic things, but pride be damned her people's lives rested on this.

"Monty." Costia said instantly.

"Right, I'll be right back." Lexa smiled in gratitude at Costia before moving to where she could see Monty using Octavia as a pillow. Kneeling down, she shook both of them awake.

"Huh? Lexa?" Octavia groaned. "Why...?"

Monty just grunted vaguely while sitting up and blinking groggily.

Lexa spoke slowly and carefully so as not to alarm anyone. "It's time for two of us to meet with Heda." She reached out grabbing Octavia's hand before she could get excited or worked up about going. "I need you to wake up the others and have everyone ready."

"Ready for what?" Octavia asked, looking serious.

She winced slightly. "Anything."

Monty looked at her in confusion. "Why do you need me?"

"I need you to come with me to meet the Commander and apparently, we need a bath before they're going to let us in front of her." Lexa shrugged in depreciation at the mention of the bath.

Monty's eyes widened slightly in surprise before seeming to come to acceptance. Which was quickly followed by him raising his arm and sniffing it. He promptly wrinkled his nose. "Right, we should do that."

Lexa stood up and grabbed Monty's hand, hauling him up. Making eye contact with Octavia, she gave her a short nod. "Keep everyone together and calm."

"Got it Princess." Octavia gave her a salute in slight mocking, though she clearly understood the seriousness of her task.

"Come on." She pulled Monty with her back to where Costia had been waiting.

Costia led them to a bend in a creak creating a sort of pooling of water that was almost still. She looked at them critically, digging around in one of her medicine pouches before pulling out what was undoubtedly soap. "You'll have to wear your same clothes, that can't be helped, but this should help with...the rest."

Blushing, Lexa took the offered soap before stripping with an equally blushing Monty. They'd learned on the ground that modesty was a privilege and it was best not to think about some things. Lexa nearly made a sound of shock at how cold the water was when she jumped into it. Monty let out a shriek that she communicated through eye contact she would never mention. Scraping off the buildup of dirt and grime from weeks of life on the ground was freeing in a way. She could barely remember what clean felt like. When just taking your next breath was a fight, bathing hadn't been a priority. Ducking her head under the water, she did her best to get her hair rinsed out at least. The soap was hard but it was a luxury they couldn't often afford even on the ark so she made do. She and Monty managed to fumble their way through bathing without too much fuss.

Costia kindly offered them a drying cloth which made pulling on their dirty clothing on after their bath less uncomfortable. Now that they were clean, it almost felt wrong to be wearing such dirty clothes, but at least their bodies were clean. Well cleaner. She valiantly tried to pretend that Costia wasn't clearly amused by her and Monty's attempts to retain their dignity. While Monty shook his head like a dog to get the excess water out, the drying cloth Costia had given them already soaked from drying their bodies, she braided hers back into a standard french braid. There wasn't much left to be done to make them more presentable.

Costia was swallowing back laughter when she beckoned them to follow her. "Follow me then."

Trying not to let their teeth chatter, they jogged to catch up with Costia's retreating back. Lexa swallowed as she followed. "So what happens now?"

"Now you see Heda." Costia lowered her tone seriously. "You should not speak first. Do not threaten her. She will have several guards in the room but Anya will be the only person of rank who will have much influence over Heda's decision."

Lexa nodded processing the information as they moved. She was grateful for the help Costia seemed willing to give them. Unlike with Lincoln, whose constant mooneyes for Octavia were becoming increasingly apparent, she was unsure of the source of Costia's kindness. Maybe she was just a kind person? Either way, she examined the village as they walked through it. They hadn't been allowed out of their camp site and she was fascinated by what she was seeing. The people seemed to be just as curious about them. There were clearly warriors about but it was striking how obvious it was that most of these people were simple civilians. Monty was just as curious as she with his head seeming to move on a swivel.

Before she knew it, they were out the other side of the village and walking into what was clearly the Commander's camp. Lexa felt her spine stiffen as she realized this was a war camp. There were nothing but warriors here. Costia came to a stop outside of a large tent with two guards standing in front of it. Lexa couldn't see their faces, just their eyes looking out from behind masks made of bone and metal. The guard on the right reached out, pulling the fabric of the door open for them. Taking one last deep breath, she followed Costia into the tent.

The inside of the tent was large, clearly designed for their leader. The girl with the facial scars, Ontari, was sprawled in a chair, spinning a knife between her fingers, looking extremely bored. There were several large guards, who all seemed to be trying to kill her with their eyes. Costia immediately dropped to one knee her, head bowed, upon reaching the center of the tent. Anya was standing at the back of the tent glaring down at her. However, she saw all this with her first glance and out of the peripherals of her eyes. On first sight of the Commander, her attention had fixed to her.

She was young and not as big as she'd been expecting, but suddenly Lexa understood why the grounders spoke of her like she was a god. Sitting on a throne of twisted branches and the horns of animals, like she had been born for it, Heda seemed to ooze command. She radiated power from how she was sitting with her hands resting on the arms of her throne, to the black paint on her face. There was a great pauldron with a crimson sash coming down to the floor off her shoulder. Everything she wore declared her a warrior queen. This sight, more than anything else, reinforced that she was begging for her people's lives and their continued survival hung on this being's mercy.

Squaring her shoulders, head held high, she came to a stop beside the kneeling Costia. She was relieved that she could feel Monty standing strong behind her, seemingly un-cowed by the intimidating display.

"So, you're the one I've heard so much about." The woman drawled in a surprisingly low rasp.

Lexa's fingers twitched slightly. "And you're the one I've heard is deciding our fate."

The lips of the Commander quirked slightly at that. "Tell me, why have you requested to speak to me, Lexa of the Skai people? My advisers say that you are weaklings who do nothing but draw the eye of the mountain and that I should kill you all. Why should I not listen to them?"

"We have much to offer you, and you do not want my people as your enemies." She intoned evenly.

There was an instant tension in the room as the guards shifted. The Commander raised her hand, halting the movement. "Do you threaten war, in my territory, surrounded by my army?"

"No." Lexa swallowed, trying to organize her thoughts. "I am just stating the consequences you would face if you killed us."

"Your people did not come to help you with the reapers and if they were so powerful as to threaten me, you would not be here begging for my aid." The Commander stated, raising a brow pointedly.

Lexa pondered how she could make the forces coming from the ark seem intimidating without threatening the commander. It was also true that her words were just that words. It was important that the strength of the ark be shown not just spoken of if she wanted to convince the Commander. "The ark, our home is dying. It has been dying since our people first were forced to live there."

"I hardly see how this is important." Ontari drawled from the side.

Ignoring the comment, she continued. "There is not enough food or water, even the air is limited. My people are desperate for a place on the ground. They would be willing to fight and die for it." The tent was silent after that pronouncement. "You have seen what we are capable of when we are desperate. The reapers we killed in the flames attest to it. Do you really wish to make enemies of such a people?"

The Commander wrapped her fingers around the arm of her throne. "I have heard of your wall of flame and I am not impressed by it. You may have been able to trap mindless reapers but I would have to be a fool to fall for the same trick myself. I can see by the soot on your clothes that you were almost killed yourself. I will not be intimidated by a desperate people's ploys." The woman remarked.

Lexa narrowed her eyes slightly. She did not like the woman's easy dismissal of what they had accomplished in killing so many reapers with a comparably small force. "Our 'trick' killed many of our enemies and gave us a chance to retreat. We were a small unprepared force, my people will come down with many more such 'tricks'."

"What kind of cowards send their children unprepared where they fear to tread?" The Commander asked curiously. "No, I will not acknowledge such weaklings in any way. However, they are not the ones who sought audience with me, you are. Do not speak on the behalf of cowards who sent you to die, convince me of the merit of those you lead and show me what you have to offer."

Lexa was discombobulated by the change in the direction of the conversation, but she was very ready to sing the praises of her people. "We may not seem like much to you, but we were able to survive on our own with no supplies while trying to fight against a hostile force. Jon helped us to build a wall and tree houses and would have built more if we weren't under constant assault." She tilted her head towards Monty. "Monty here knows how to grow and tend to plants and the many uses they have. Not only that, he helped Raven to make the 'wall of flame'. We are all willing to work hard and learn how to survive on the ground. We can also offer the location where we think there will be a supply bunker that contains guns. We were unable to get to it but surely you could." The warriors surrounding the commander seemed to flinch at the mention of the guns. One seemed about to draw their sword before the commander halted him with a gesture.

"I have heard about your attempts to survive on the ground. You built buildings that could not protect you from the raging of a storm. You gathered food that was inedible and failed to store it properly. Even your wall of flame almost killed members of your own people. Now you insult us by offering us guns, the weapons of the mounmen. You know nothing of the ground." Heda concluded easily dismissing the skills Lexa claimed and the guns she offered. Lexa's heart sank. "All you have proven is that you are all still children unable to survive on your own. I suppose it is impressive that mere children managed to survive as long as you did. In any case, I have heard your defense and I will not dishonor my warriors by asking them to kill children who have done them no harm. There is no honor in slaughtering children who present no threat. Children are to be taught. As children of an unknown clan, I will grant you asylum and the status of wards of Heda. You will be given the opportunity to prove yourself as adults worthy of being granted citizenship in the coalition. However, as children of a foreign clan, you must forswear all loyalty to your former clan and swear loyalty to the coalition before you may be given this opportunity. Prove yourself and you may yet aid us in this war you joined in so unknowingly."

Lexa's heart leapt at the Commander's words. Perhaps there was hope for them after all. It might be a blow to her pride to be dismissed as a child incapable of surviving on her own but if it meant she and her people would survive, she was more than happy to be called a child. "Thank you. You will not regret giving my people a chance."

The Commander tilted her head slightly. "That has yet to be seen but you will get your chance. As for Lincoln, whose fate has been tied to yours, send him here once you have returned to your camp. I would speak with him." Seeing Lexa's sudden look of concern, the Commander continued. "Do not look so frightened for one whose case you did not even think to plead. His life has been spared along with your own. Go and enjoy your freedom, soon you will face the most arduous training to see if you are suitable."

Lexa heard the condemnation in the Commander's voice and suddenly felt ashamed that she had not plead for Lincoln's life. She wondered what the Commander could have to speak to Lincoln about but it was no business of hers. All in all, the meeting had gone remarkably well. For a moment, she had feared all was lost but this deal did not seem so bad. They might have to forsake the ark to claim this new life for themselves but the ark had forsaken them first. She was sure the rest of the 100 would agree.

"Surely you don't need to do that personally." Anya protested, looking at the Commander in confusion.

Heda grinned. "I came to handle the issues in this area personally, so I will do so." Turning her head, she looked directly at her captain. "You will see to it that they are made presentable for swearing their loyalty and are aware of all that it involves. I do not want them to be ignorant of what they are doing. Take Costia with you, she will know what supplies they need most desperately and how to get them."

Lexa allowed Costia to subtly pull her out of the tent. Once they were out of the tent, Lexa pulled her arm from Costia's grip, not quite sure why it made her uncomfortable.

"Don't worry about the preparations, I am sure they will be made later." Costia said softly, ignoring Lexa strange withdrawal. "I will make sure you are given a good meal before Anya descends on you. I know she can be a bit much for those unused to her ways."

Monty replied with good humor in his voice, no doubt partially due to the relief he was feeling. "Don't worry, we're used to cantankerous leaders. You should have seen Lexa's father when he was in a mood and I've had to spend enough time working with Bellamy to know the sort. We'll survive." He shrugged, smiling slightly. "You've helped us more than you know by helping Wells with the healing and being a listening ear for those who need it."

"It is no trouble. It is why I trained to be a healer." Costia demurred. She turned to Lexa and beamed. "That went well. Better than you could have hoped for really." Looking at the ground with a pained expression, she continued. "I hoped Heda would be merciful but this was a possibility I had not foreseen even from one as kind and merciful as Heda. I expected that those of you who could be of use would be taken as hostages and the rest killed."

Lexa swallowed bile at the thought of how close they had come to such a fate. "What will happen now exactly?" She asked, trying to distract herself from thinking about all the different paths the meeting could have taken that would not have been as pleasant.

Costia looked excited. "We'll have to clean all of you. It might be difficult, but we should be able to get at least most of you dressed in something clean. We'll probably have to wash some of your clothing in the river, but once you're all presentable you'll be taught the oath. Of course, now that you are to be wards of Heda, you'll be fed and taken care of as best we can on short notice. Some tents will have to be set up, probably amongst Heda's army for simplicities sake. Since your people don't speak our language yet, most likely you'll be allowed to make the oath in gonaslang. There should be a bonfire and the people of the village will gather to see it."

"So, we just stand before Heda and swear an oath?" Lexa asked briefly. This all sounded far too easy. She ignored the concerned look Monty shot at her due to her tone.

Either Costia didn't pick up on the skepticism in her voice or she ignored it. "You'll be expected to kneel while you give the oath. A brand of the symbol of the coalition will be given to all of your shoulders. Since you were born into another clan you must show physically that you are forswearing your old clan and becoming members of the coalition."

It was clear that Costia considered what was about to happen as a grand honor and Lexa had to bite down to prevent herself from objecting. If this was the other shoe dropping, it wasn't as bad as she had feared. Wells had burned some of their wounds shut before and those involved had survived the experience. They could survive this too. As she led them back to their camp, she knew she would have to sell this well to the others. Even with the branding, this was what was best for her people. Still, Costia saw her unease and rushed to soothe it.

"The brand is for your protection as much as anything. It is obvious you are not of the coalition and our people are not kind to those who do not belong. The brand will show everyone that your loyalty is to the coalition and that you suffered pain to prove it. It will offer you protection from naysayers and doubters." This speech reassured Lexa and gave her an avenue to use to sell it to the others. She could even understand a bit the idea of pain proving your sincerity. No guard had been accepted on the ark until they had made it through some hazing and suffered a blow or two from a buzz baton to prove their mettle. They continued on towards the camp in silence. When they arrived, she saw the tension and fear leaking off of the 100 and she accepted that she'd done the right thing. The dirty, hungry, fearful faces looking up at her were all she need to know that this was what was right.

"Lexa!" Octavia crushed her into a hug, relief clear in her tone. "God, we worried when you took so long. What's happened?"

Freeing herself from Octavia, she cleared her throat. "I've spoken with Heda." She felt every eye riveted to her. "She has given us an offer and I have accepted it on behalf of the 100. We will become grounders, swear our allegiance to the coalition, and forswear all ties with the ark. In exchange, we will become one of them and receive all the protection and teaching that entails. The ark did not care about us, they sent us here to die and have done nothing for us since. The grounders are offering to teach us how to survive on the ground. They are offering us a home and a future. If we must cut ties with the ark to claim this chance at a new life, I say it is not a terrible price to pay. Let's join these grounders and prove to them that the 100 are people you want on your side."

A small cheer went up among the gathered crowd and they all seemed to disperse to speak on this new opportunity among themselves. It didn't take long for her friends to approach her.

"So we're becoming grounders then?" Murphy snarked, breaking some of the tension.

"Exactly," She smiled at him, though it probably came off rather pained. "As grounders we will be apprenticed to those who can teach us. They would have no reason to kill us. We'd be safe, have food and shelter. A chance at a better life."

Wells frowned. "What about the ark?"

"The ark abandoned us to certain death twice now." Lexa said harshly. "We have no guarantee they would not do so again and again. I say that we are the 100, that we have bled and fought and died beside one another and that if this protects us, let the ark save itself."

There was a lot of nodding and noises of approval. She kept at it. She had to sway her friends completely. They were the barometers the others used to judge how well they were doing. "We will be taking an oath to the coalition and we'll be expected to obey their laws which I'm sure Lincoln here will spend the day informing us of so we don't' start off on the wrong foot. We'll be given a brand that will mark us as a part of them, as belonging here in an unassailable way. Costia says that it will protect us from naysayers and I believe her. However, before anything, apparently we all smell rather bad." She gave a self-deprecating smile as several of the delinquents laughed. "So it looks like our day is going to be filled with soap, laundry, and some food."

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLG-

A Costia Interlude:

Costia kom Trikru was born the child of a servant of the tower and the Heda of that time. As such her life was bound to the service of Heda from birth. It was expected she would come to serve as either a personal warrior of Heda or a servant inside the tower. As a child, this hadn't mattered much to her. The tower was a fun place to explore and there was always good food and play mates available. Her mother had explained to her from an early age that being a servant meant being invisible. At first, she had wondered how a person could be invisible but over the years she had learned that people had a way of looking over certain people and not even seeing them.

Costia enjoyed being invisible. It meant she got to listen into all sorts of conversations and see all manner of things that she would never have the opportunity to otherwise. She began to pride herself on noticing things that others didn't and knowing all that went on in her home. Which was why she was ashamed that it took her so long to notice the contradiction that Clarke, the youngest of the current group of nighbloods, presented.

When she was younger, she had tried to play with the nightbloods but they had no interest in playing with servants. She would have persisted in trying to make friends, if her mother hadn't explained to her that it wasn't worth making friends with nightbloods since they were bound to die in the conclave. There was a sadness in her voice that lent weight to her words. If any of the nightbloods had been open to friendship with a servant, she might have ignored her mother's advice but as it was, there was no point.

So, perhaps it wasn't surprising that it had taken so long for her to see past the facade the youngest Clarke, presented to the world but it still shamed her that she had missed something that was so obvious in hindsight. It had taken her finding Clarke practicing on her own in a much more competent manner than she normally showed for her to notice. Once she had though, the deception was clear. Clarke made herself seem weaker than she was so that the other nightbloods would underestimate her.

After finding out about the deception, she paid closer attention, her eyes always following her when they were in the same room. She watched Clarke and grew to admire her kindness to those in the city and her cunning and determination. So, when asked by one of her servant friends which nightblood she thought would win the conclave Luna or Garik, she had hidden a secret smile and refused to answer. She knew who would win the conclave and it wouldn't be Garik or Luna.

In this manner, her life had continued and she had learned to fight and to serve. Then Heda had taken ill when she'd been just reaching the age to be apprenticed. Like all of Polis she'd prayed to the spirits for Heda Erik to survive. It had been for not and the conclave had been called.

She'd stood out in the courtyard outside of the conclave with her mother's hands clenched on her shoulders like she'd float away if she let her go. Her mother had never forgotten how her lover had been ripped from her. So, she guarded her daughter zealously. Costia had grown to understand her mother's grief and protection though through the faces she'd grown up seeing around the tower that she knew would never be seen again. As a comfort to her mother more than anything, she stood in the cold and the flickering light from torches and fires with all of Polis, waiting for Clarke's victory to be announced.

Costia did not join in the crowd's exclamations of shock when the youngest nightblood was declared the winner. She had known how it would go for years. As would anyone who had the sense to look carefully. So, when Clarke came out to greet the crowd as their new Heda, it was not her young small stature that grabbed her attention but the dark blood on her face. She hadn't realized fully before the cost the compassionate Clarke who cared for the people would face in having to kill her family. It struck her as it never had before and she was in awe of the strength of their new Heda. It wasn't till a week later that she'd see the new Commander again.

She was cleaning the Heda's chambers after an assassination attempt had dirtied the room when Heda appeared suddenly in the door. "Costia, I'm sorry for the mess but I'm glad to see you. I have been waiting for an opportunity to speak with you."

Costia just stood there, shock clear on her face. She had not expected Heda to come in, let alone for her to notice her. She wasn't even aware Heda knew her name. Pale from nerves and fidgeting with the edges of her shirt, she waited to find out what would be required of her. It didn't take long for Heda to begin speaking again.

"Don't look so shocked. You are not the only one who notices things. I have been watching you for years. Ever since you tried to befriend the nightbloods despite their fate. I could not befriend you, the risk was too great." Heda said with a sigh. She did not clarify what the risk was but Costia knew enough to guess. She was still shocked by the perspective Heda's words offered.

"What can I, a servant, do for you?" She asked, unsure of why she was being told all this.

"I wanted you to know that just as you have watched me so have I watched you." Costia stiffened at being caught in her watching only for Clarke to wave off her fears. "It interested me that someone would pay attention to me when everyone seemed content to overlook my existence."

Costia ducked her head as she blushed in embarrassment. That someone like Clarke would have not only noticed her but have watched her as well was overwhelming.

Clarke continued her eyes seeming to pierce through her. "I know of your loyalty and your skill and I do not wish to waste such a resource. You are far too intelligent for me to let you waste your life cleaning this tower."

"How could I serve you as anything else?" Costia asked in surprise and then paled realizing she'd just interrupted Heda.

"I am in great need for a person who can recognize truth while remaining unnoticed. So few possess that talent and none that I can trust. I need information dearly if I am to survive for any time at all. You are cleaning up the evidence that I am not as protected as I would hope and that I need information." Clarke waved to the blood stains on the floor Costia had been cleaning.

"Heda, surely you have spies that can…" Costia found herself interrupting once again but she was interrupted herself before she could finish her thought.

"Of course I have spies but they are loyal to Titus and the previous commander not to me. Titus wishes for the flame to go to another Commander and I have not yet earned the loyalty of those who served Erik. I need people like you, who will serve me loyally." Heda spoke clearly and slowly. It was obviously an issue to which she had given much thought. Costia could feel both the weight of her expectations of her and the thrill of earning the trust of one so exalted, who she had long respected.

"I will serve you in any way I can Heda. My life and my service are yours." Costia meant every word. She would have served any commander but Clarke, who she had watched and grown to respect when she was a nightblood, she would serve gladly. Though how the girl knew of her loyalty she didn't know.

"I thank you for your life and service and value it highly. I have mentioned to a healer I know that you would make her a good apprentice. Healers are valuable everywhere and have the instinctive trust of their patients. There are few who are respected more and yet they are not seen as a threat. It will be a perfect role for you. I have no doubt that one day you will know all the lands as you have grown to know this tower. I will also see to it that you are trained further in combat so you can defend yourself properly." Heda informed. The opportunity to apprentice to a healer was not one easily gained. Costia was awed that she would be entrusted with it.

"Thank you for this opportunity Heda." Costia replied, bowing her head low.

"Do not thank me." Clarke said firmly. "It will be thankless grueling work and I can not guarantee your safety. Spies live dangerous lives and are forced to betray the trust of many. I do not ask this of you lightly and will honor the sacrifice you make by serving me in such a way." Costia understood the Heda's words but she had always enjoyed being invisible. This sounded like a task she was well suited for and she would get to serve her Heda and keep her safe from harm in a way far more direct than she had ever anticipated. It was truly an honor.

"Heda, it is an honor to serve you in any way but this is a higher calling than I ever expected to receive. I will do my best to serve you well. I will be your ears among the people." Costia spoke, determined that she would be the best informant any Heda had ever had.