Clarke was sweating heavily and enjoying the warmth running through her blood as she sparred with her second. Sparring with Ontari was more fun than anything else. She was only a few years older and honestly they were quite evenly matched. Ontari would already be serving as a warrior in full by now if she wasn't determined to make sure Ontari was the best warrior in her army first.

Striking out with her arm, she caught Ontari across the face but hissed as she jumped back and Ontari's dagger nicked her arm as she dropped back. Grinning fiercely at her second, she twisted around the oncoming attack since Ontari was pressing her advantage. She hit the inside of her arm hard with the but of her sword causing Ontari to drop the dagger she'd been holding in her non-dominant arm and forcing her back.

Ontari ducked as Clarke's sword whistled above her head. Spinning, she brought her leg up, kicking out for her center of mass. Clarke brought her free arm down, catching the leg and turning with the blow, yanking Ontari forward and off balance. Using her elbow, she stepped into the still moving form of her second and drove it into her gut hard. Ontari went down gasping for breath. "Well done."

Clarke sheathed her sword and stood, waiting for Ontari to get her breath back. "You took a risk and it was a good one. Against most opponents it would have worked."

"I still cut you." Ontari wheezed from where she'd managed to shift so that she was on her hands and knees gasping dryly.

Clarke glanced at where blackblood was dripping slightly down her arm. "You did, you'll need to do better than that if you want your own war band anytime soon."

Ontari grunted. "I hate you sometimes."

Leaning down, she laughed and grabbed at her second, helping to haul her to her feet. "I didn't break anything, did I?"

"No," Ontari grimaced touching at her gut where she'd been hit tenderly. "An inch up and you would have crushed my sternum though."

"I'm aware." Clarke laughed, turning and removing her training armor. "Jod, spar with my second."

Her guard stepped forward drawing his sword. "It's my honor."

"Work on your kicks, you're getting better." Clarke said, stepping out of range as Ontari held up her sword prepared to go at it again. She beckoned Jordis, one of her guards, forward. She had been keeping Lincoln from approaching during her spar. The woman came forward guiding Lincoln towards her.

"Heda." Lincoln bowed deeply.

She examined the warrior who had seen something in the Skai children worth risking his life. He was tall and he appeared respectful towards her. "Tell me, Lincoln kom Trikru, where does your loyalty lie?"

"With you Heda." He said, desperately paling at the implication it could rest anywhere else.

She watched him curiously. "And yet you brought invaders into our land. You broke your orders, making contact with invaders I ordered left alone. Why?"

He squared his shoulders. "It was wrong to leave them to die. They had done nothing to have earned such a fate. I couldn't stand by and let those that did not deserve death be slaughtered without even knowing the crime they were committing."

"Compassion." She sighed, staring at the man. It was an unusual weakness amongst her people but one she preferred to see than many others. Compassion when paired with wisdom was a great boon. This man needed to be taught a lesson in circumspection but perhaps his compassion could be useful. "You let your compassion blind you to all else. Tell me Lincoln, what do you think their people will do when they come?"

He looked confused. "They can be treated with surely."

"You are a scout Lincoln." Cleaning her sword, she considered her next words before sheathing her blade. "When they come they will want, and what they will want will be our land, our food. War will be nearly inevitable. Saving a few dozen children will not give us more than a flicker of goodwill if that. Would you allow spies to take hold in our camps and enemies to infiltrate our forces for the sake of outsiders? I do not give my orders without reason and I expect you to remember that." She made eye contact and held it. "Since you care so much for their fates, you will be assigned to assisting with these Skai people since you brought them to us. Your fate is still tied with theirs. If they betray us, you will receive a traitor's death along with them. The next time you act against my orders I will not be so forgiving."

"Heda." He ducked his head.

She began to move past him before pausing. "And Lincoln, you are no longer an independent scout. The rights of the position are stripped from you as of this moment until you re-earn the right."

-TLGTLGLTLGLTLGTLGTLGTLGLTLGLTLG-

Lexa poked at her jacket that was drying over a fire hoping for the best but it was sadly still damp. Still, it was actually black once more instead of a mud caked mural. They hadn't taken their oaths yet and already things were improving immensely. All of the kids under the age of sixteen were in new clean clothes. Sure, most of the clothing was made for adults and the kids were basically swimming in them. However, they were clean, warm, and in clothing that wasn't more grime than cloth. A pale Lincoln had returned and informed her he'd been assigned to assist them for the time being. She gripped his arm in gratitude, sure that there was more to it than that, but she knew it wasn't the time to ask.

With Lincoln back, they'd been fed. Anya her scowl seemingly ingrained, had been insistent that they all eat porridge. Something about it being available and easy to keep down even for their injured members. She didn't care either way, just glad for them all to be full. It was probably the first time in her life she'd ever felt completely satisfied and full. Even as the equivalent of a princess, she was only allowed the minimum of food necessary. She wasn't alone in the sensation which was made apparent by the wide smiles that were starting appear on her people's faces. Murphy was half passed out with a hand on his stomach, leaning against a tree with a smile on his face.

Her eyes fell on Costia again and she considered her unease. Something about the girl had pinged her senses and she felt on edge allowing her access to her people. Not that she had much of a choice in the matter. She frowned, she was being paranoid. The pretty grounder had been nothing but kind and yet something wasn't quite right. Shaking her head, she stood up, leaving her jacket drying as she walked over to where Octavia was arguing in hushed tones with her brother. "What is it this time?" She asked in resignation.

Bellamy looked somewhat guilty at least as the two acknowledged her. "Nothing."

"Nothing?" Octavia hissed. "You have no right to tell me I can't be a warrior."

"What?" Lexa asked, feeling a headache coming on quickly.

Octavia's eyes were flashing. "If we're all to be apprenticed, I want to be a warrior. Bell thinks I should be a seamstress."

She held her hand up, stopping whatever Bellamy was about to say. "We don't even know what Heda means for us to become. If you even get an option, it will be your choice." She sighed as Bellamy seemed to puff up in indignation. "She's going to do it whether you want her to or not. I would think you out of everyone would have accepted that by now."

He seemed to sag. "It's not safe. I'm supposed to protect her."

"If you're given the option, I'm sure you'll make a fine warrior yourself and protect O's back. However, she's going to do what she wants and at the end of the day, neither you nor I hold the power to do anything about it."

Bellamy crossed his arms but seemed to relent. Lexa sighed slightly in relief and turned to a gloating Octavia. "You need to go help the younger kids memorize the oath. They look up to you and you're patient with them."

Once Octavia had left to go help, still glowing from her victory, Bellamy groaned. "I can't let her get hurt."

"So, make sure she knows that she's valued and has people who will watch her back." Lexa said while reaching out and squeezing his arm. "She's talented and smart. Give her something to stay alive for and she'll do fine."

Lexa headed out of their camp and to the healing house in the village. It didn't escape her that Anya's eyes had locked onto her as she'd left the main camp. Anya had been gruff when explaining the oath and it was obvious she didn't trust the sky fallen. She and Raven had almost gotten into a spat when Anya insulted Raven's work and claimed that it was a coward's way to fight. Luckily, Lincoln and Wells had been nearby and had been able to calm both volatile women down before it came to a fight.

The seriously wounded had been moved to the hut shortly after her audience with Heda. She had visited it often, checking on her people who were most at risk. It felt weird to be going on her rounds without her jacket. She felt exposed in just a thin still damp shirt and a pair of pants that fit loosely around her hips. The pants were the only new part of her outfit. She'd kept the rest of her clothing, the others needed what clothing the grounders could spare for them more. She knocked on the door frame of the healing hut before entering as a warning.

Finn was sitting up playing a sort of dice game with Chris. Finn's leg was elevated from where the arrow had ripped through it. Chris meanwhile smiled dopily up at her. He was clearly high off of pain medication. She dropped down beside them. "Hey, how are you guys holding up in here?"

"We're awesome!" Chris said happily. "I feel like I could fly away." His whole shoulder and arm had been burned badly in the tunnel and were wrapped up in bandages. A green past slathered on up the side of his face where the burn continued.

"That's good." She said, checking him over and satisfied with his treatment. Finn's multicolored face was puffy. The handsome boy from the drop ship was almost unrecognizable but he had risked everything for their people. She found she couldn't hate him even if he was a dick. "You doing alright there Finn?"

"Just peachy." He replied. "The grounders patched me right up."

"Myles?" Lexa asked, looking around and noticing the boy wasn't in the hut. The four other seriously injured of the 100 passed out on cots.

Finn winced slightly. "The healer moved him to the other hut an hour ago. Said they need to take the infected flesh."

Lexa cringed, she'd known Myles was getting worse but hearing he would be losing more of what was left of his leg was still awful. Still, there was hope if they were treating him, finally a shred of hope. Standing, she decided to address the main reason she'd come here now and not later on in the day. "Have you all memorized the oath?"

A groan from Chris came out. "Yeah we know it. Nyko made us recite it under Anya's supervision. 'I forsake all bonds of blood and birth, blah blah blah, I swear my life, my blood, and my soul to the Flame.'" He waved his hand sarcastically. "I'm not sure what the Flame is, but whatever."

Resting a hand on the kid, Lexa let out a relieved sigh. She wasn't sure what the Flame was either. Anya's explanation had been less than clear. Something about always following the Commander whatever life. Not that that made any sense. Still, she didn't think it mattered. They understood enough. "Good, make sure you leave out the blah, blah part when you give it. According to Lincoln, you'll get to swear it to Heda after the general ceremony since you're unable to kneel properly."

"How much longer are we Arkers?" Finn asked curiously.

Lexa glanced out the door at the position of the sun. "A half hour now, maybe before they call us. The bonfire is already lit." She didn't mention she'd seen Heda's throne being set before the fire while she'd walked to the healing house. "I need to go." She said regretfully.

"Murphy going to insult a grounder if you don't?" Finn quipped lightly.

She nearly snorted. "Possibly."

With that, she left the healing house and headed back to the camp. The grounders were out and about more cheerful than she had ever seen them. The town was full of curious and excited bustling people. She respectfully avoided running into any of them as she finally made it to their camp. Her people were doing what they could to make themselves more presentable. Lincoln and Costia seemed to be flitting about everywhere making sure they were ready. Lexa eyed the area glad to see everything was mostly in order before pulling her still slightly damp jacket off of the two sticks it had been propped up on, and pulling it on in a practiced move.

The guard jacket settled heavily on her shoulders. She'd once aspired with pride to wear this jacket and protect her people. Even after years of following her father around and learning about the corruption and the injustices that the guard helped uphold, she'd still seen it as an honorable profession. Sure, there were issues, but she could help change them, regain the purpose and pride of the guard. Then her girlfriend had showed up to their date with one of Jaha's prized possessions and she'd known that future was at an end. However, she'd loved her, so she'd taken the fall regardless of the cost. Only to find out that she wasn't loved in return. At least not in the same way as she loved. Then she'd been on earth, EARTH! It had been her second chance. She'd shaped her people into a group that held each other's backs. A group where everyone was equal. Finally, she'd been able to wear the jacket with pride. However, after this, after swearing her loyalty away from the ark, she knew she could no longer wear this jacket. The bump of a shoulder against hers distracted her from her morose thoughts.

"Whatch'ya doing looking like the end of the world over here?" Wells asked her while looking at her empathetic eyes

"I just realized I'll never be wearing this coat again." She hardened her face, accepting the weight of it for the last little bit she could enjoy it.

Wells seemed to think for a minute before replying. "You know you've done more for everyone here than any member of the guard has managed in their history." He nudged her again. "No, seriously, think about it. The guard have only been there to stop organized theft and for riot prevention for generations now. You led us."

"I just did what had to be done." She deflected, feeling uncomfortable being given credit for failing so many of her people only to be trusting the rest of their fates to a warlord. Oh, Heda Clarke may have been beautiful and young but Lexa knew that she was probably the most dangerous person she'd ever met, or would ever meet. Trusting her was a risk, a massive one, but the only path available to her.

Wells shook his head. "No, you went above and beyond. You've worked yourself to death for us, and we all know it." He rubbed the back of his neck. "If anyone deserves to be considered a guard, it is you. And hey, it's a nice jacket. I'm sure we could modify it so it doesn't attest to your loyalty to the ark."

She felt her throat clog up with emotion but she still managed a thick, "Thanks."

"Anytime." Wells said gently while he remained standing by her side in silence.

Lincoln approached her and tilted his head slightly. "It's time."

Lexa straightened her shoulders and placed her fingers in her mouth before letting out a sharp whistle getting every one of her people's attention. She held her head up as the one hundred looked at her nervously but with trust. "It's time, I know we're all ready. So let's go and do what needs to be done. I'll be going first. If you're nervous, let the older members of our group go first. Remember everything you've memorized and been told."

She followed the guard she recognized as one of Heda's into the area between the village and Heda's war camp. The area was full of people gathered to see the new wards of Heda make their oaths. She eyed Nyko who was standing by the large fire that had several metal rods sitting in the flames. The brand was going to hurt. Gritting her teeth, she came to a stop in front of the where Heda was standing. She checked quickly that her people were at least standing in a respectable clump. It relieved her that her guard were standing towards the edges of the group. Hopefully, it would keep everyone calm. It had been a good idea of Miller's.

Heda Clarke raised her hand and the crowds fell silent. "Today, we gather to acknowledge and accept the oaths of these Skai children." She stood proudly before them, clearly revered by those there. Lexa was relieved that her authority was so clear and commanding. Maybe the innate respect she inspired just with her presence would reduce the possibility that any of her people would do or say anything stupid.

The Commander's eyes fell on Lexa. "Prisa Lexa, will you take the oath?"

Lexa stepped out from beside her people and did as she'd been taught by Lincoln. Slipping her coat off one shoulder, she dropped down on one knee. Clearing her throat, she spoke, "Hail, Commander of the blood. I forsake all bonds of blood and birth. No longer do I serve them. I swear my life, my blood, and my soul to the Flame and the coalition. Let me no longer be known as a member of the ark but as a servant of Heda."

"I accept your oath." Heda Clarke gave a short tilt of her head towards Nyko while projecting her voice. "Give her the brand that her allegiance may be known."

Lexa grit her teeth refusing to show how much it was going to hurt. She was tense as the collar of her shirt was yanked to the side before the brand was pressed into her shoulder. It was a hot and cold, agony all at once. However, she forced herself to not so much as twitch as it was applied. They could not appear weak, her most importantly. As soon as it'd begun, it was over and she rose back to her feet. She caught the eye of the Commander and noted the approval in the woman's eye for the first time since she'd met her. Stepping back, she stood before her people as Raven stepped forward. She'd volunteered to go second, or in her words to 'get it over with as quickly as possible.'

The process took well over an hour as they all swore their oaths individually. Lincoln had explained that since they were not a clan of their own the oath to Heda must be made personally and a leader could not make it on their behalf. The loyalty of the leader of a clan was the loyalty of a clan he explained. Those who had no clan or were swearing their loyalty separate from a clan must do so for themselves alone. As she watched her people take the brand, she was proud as only a couple of the youngest made any whimpers of pain when they received it. Finally, the last, Charlotte as their youngest, had stood after taking her brand. The Commander raised her voice. "Let the meal be served!"

Lexa smiled as her kids eagerly watched as food was brought out before them. Catching Miller's eye, she spoke quickly to him. "Keep an eye on everyone, I need to go watch the oath being given by the kids in the healing house."

"Got it." He clasped her arm. "We're going to make it Princess."

"Yeah," She returned his look with warmth, "we are."

She followed the Commander and her guards as they moved towards the healing huts. There were four truly intimidating guards flanking the Commander. It didn't help her nerves that they all seemed to be highly aware of her position. The Commander looked at her briefly. "You did well, after this remain with me for a time. We need to discuss what apprenticeships my new charges are suited for taking."

"Of course," Lexa agreed. She was thankful that her people would be given places in society where they would be less vulnerable. She wasn't stupid, not being contributing members of society left them incredibly expendable.

Clarke barely acknowledged her answer as they made it to the healing hut. From her spot behind Heda, she glared at Finn, who'd attempted a charming smile as soon as he'd seen the Commander. She was relieved that thanks to his facial injuries she doubted anyone thought it was an attempt to flirt. It didn't take long before the injured had all taken their oath save Myles who was passed out and could not yet take it. Fortunately, no one thought it was a good idea for him to be woken for the purpose of making an oath while drugged out and not fully aware of himself.

Lexa breathed in relief as they finally made it to Heda's tent. The smell of burnt human flesh clung to her nose, her shoulder ached, but the stress of keeping her people alive had lessened. It left her feeling wrung out and she was ready and eager to get the opportunity to sleep for a year. She stood slightly awkwardly to the side while the Commander began to pull out rolls of parchment and ink.

"Come," Heda spoke waving her over. "Fill out the names of all of your people in a column. We can discuss apprenticeships for them after we have them listed."

It was logical and Lexa could see how it'd make the work easier and stepped to the table. Looking at the pen, she could see it was a type of dip pen that would never have been allowed on the ark. With care, she dipped the end into the ink jar and then began to carefully write out the names of her people. It was startling to her that she knew all of their names, she'd feared she'd forget one of them. She supposed it made sense though, their time in the woods and the stress of having to keep track of them all had had led to her learning about them, and fast.

Even as she wrote she could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She was intensely aware of the presence of the woman. Being sworn to this woman had not made her unease go away. Having a single human hold her fate in her hands was frightening. She wasn't sure why it was different than the ark holding complete control over her life but it was. Finally, she set the pen down and looked down at the list of names. Turning, she faced the Commander, who, she was surprised to see, had removed her shoulder pauldron and had washed her war paint off her face. "It's done."

Heda Clarke stepped over and looked at the list briefly before pointing to a name. "This Raven, she would make a blacksmith correct?"

Lexa nodded relaxing slightly. "Yes that is probably the role most similar to her skill set that you have."

She watched as the Commander's finger trailed down the paper. "This Monty could work with an herbalist. It is good work." The woman picked up the pen and dipped it into the ink before making indications at the end of Raven and Monty's names. She then proceeded to make small notes at the end of what Lexa realized quickly were her guard. Not all of them, but the better members and two members of the hunting team as well. "You agree they would make viable apprentices for warriors?" The Commander looked at her with a raised brow.

Lexa frowned slightly. "They would." Leaning over the table, she pointed to several other names. "These one's as well."

With a sharp nod, more notations were added. Then a different notation was put at the end of Myles's name. Lexa couldn't help but ask. "What does that mean?"

"If the boy recovers, he will be unable to serve in many positions. A trader would allow him a profession without the heavy physical demands he will not be capable of due to his injury." Clarke replied easily, already scanning other names.

At last, the puzzle pieces started to make sense. Clarke knew too much. There were all sorts of ways she could have found the information out now that they were in the village. Still, for some reason, Lexa was sure she knew where Clarke had gotten her information. Even as Clarke looked at her curiously, noting her sudden stillness, several things were clicking into place. How neatly the negotiations had gone and in Clarke's favor. The way she seemed to just know things about her people. Of course, there were a dozen explanations of how she'd gained the knowledge but Lexa was sure she wasn't wrong. It was involuntary as she breathed out her conclusion. "Costia's your spy."

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLG-

Clarke felt her eyes widen as she let her entire attention fall to the leader of the Skai people. That was not what she'd expected. She'd had Costia inside of seven clans. She'd had her move throughout her land and territory and no one had ever put the pieces together, despite the months Costia spent there. However, this Skai girl realized the truth of the matter in a handful of days. This girl had just become far more interesting. "Why do you believe that?"

Lexa seemed to steady herself before replying evenly. "After today, knowing this about my people is easily explained." She gestured to the parchment. "However, you're sure of yourself. You've held this knowledge for longer than a few hours. During our negotiations, you already knew what you were going to offer us. Everything was an act to move me into a position where I'd be obliged to accept. It was all too neat, too well orchestrated. You could have only done that if you'd been informed of everything ahead of time. Details, that scouts spying on us would not have known. Which means Lincoln and Costia. Of the two, Costia is the one who was in a position to ask questions of us without suspicion. As a healer, it was expected of her to ask questions. Am I wrong?" Lexa stared at her more seriously in the eye refusing to be ignored.

It was startling to hear and impressive that someone to so easily make eye contact. Oh, she knew that Lexa respected her, feared her even to some degree, but she was not cowed by that. She felt the corners of her lips turn up slightly. "Your evidence is flimsy but your instincts are good. Nothing you said would have mattered in that meeting, it's true. I was only interested in taking a measure of your character. Still, I think you overestimate the importance of having a detailed knowledge of your workings. I did not need to know the skills of your people to know they were of little use to me. There was little you could have said that would have any impact on the factors influencing my decision. Your leap from preparedness to spies is quite astounding though. I'm not sure what I make of it. You have surprised me though which does not happen often. Well done." Leaning back against the table, she crossed her arms. She was curious how much this girl understood. Lexa could be a valuable resource. "Tell me why do you believe I have taken you and your people as wards?"

Lexa clasped her hands behind her back, falling into what Clarke was realizing must be a formal or possibly routine position for her. Maybe even a stance held by their warriors. "We hold minimum value to your society and it will take months of training to change that. In that time, the majority of us will be burdens. Especially our youngest members and our injured. Though perhaps the most difficult to assist will be those like myself that are nearly adults and are set in the ways of a different culture and will have much to unlearn." She shifted slightly. "This means you must be gaining something from us worth the burden. You did not take us on for what we can offer in your fight against the mountain nor for the weapons we can offer. While I do not doubt you will use anything we can offer against the mountain it is not your primary gain. You intend to use us as prisoners against the ark."

"Why would I do that?" Clarke asked, fascinated by how she was working out her motivations.

"Because you listened when I said my people could be a threat. More than that, you already knew that a war could easily break out if they came without warning like we did. With us amongst your army, how can they attack you without the risk of killing their own children? Better yet you hold the Princess and Prince of the Ark now sworn to your service." There was a bitter tinge to the word Princess as Lexa spoke it, like it almost pained her to hold that rank. "It gives you an advantage in negotiations when the Ark comes down. Beyond that, you now have hundreds of opportunities to learn everything you ever need from any one of us on how to deal with and take advantage of the Ark."

"Is that the only reason you see for me taking in your people?" No one had quite picked up on this much without her explaining and she was eager to see if Lexa had understood more nuances of the situation.

Lexa's eyes narrowed slightly. "While initially we'll be a burden it does not change the fact you have a sudden influx of replacement bodies for any holes in your armies that wars may have made. Manpower is important and the lack of cost of raising a child from birth is significant. The fact we hold no loyalties to any clans means that you will have limited worries regarding us working against you for a clan." She seemed to pause, "Clearly, you are aware of the value in Raven's skills as well."

A smile spread across Clarke's face. She was surprised and pleasantly so. The woman before her would be highly valuable. She had not divined all her motives but she had seen deeper than most. Clarke would only expect Roan to see deeper and that was because he knew her. Lexa had of course seen most of the direct motives but she had failed to understand quite a few of her less direct motives. She had not considered the effect on inter-clan politics nor how Clarke must be conscious of how every decision taught others to lead. Her choices and leadership decisions would be the example leading the next commander and the next generation of clan leaders. However, Lexa could not be expected to know that nor could she know that on a personal level Clarke preferred mercy to cruelty. Still, Lexa had shown a surprising degree of leadership potential. What had only been vague idea of competence and the show of some promise had suddenly turned into an immediate reward. "Impressive, what were you trained for on the ark exactly?" She walked to her throne and sat down on it, watching the woman curiously.

"I was a guard cadet. It was expected I would become the commander of the guard after my father retired." Lexa replied succinctly.

"Leadership and warrior training then?" Clarke enquired while wondering how to put her to her best possible use. She had not expected someone like this, though she supposed she should have.

"Yes, I was within a few months of finishing my training." Lexa informed her.

Clarke drummed her fingers curiously. "Tell me, how much can you really offer against the mountain?" She smirked at the slightly affronted look on Lexa's face at the question.

"I am unsure of what exactly the mountain's capabilities are. If I am informed of these things, I could better know what my people can offer." Lexa reported.

"They make fog that burns a man's skin and lungs. There is no healing those caught in the fog. Though some may survive hours after being exposed to it." Her face tightened at the reminder of her enemy. She had her own plans to deal with the Mountain but it would be interesting to see how these Skai people influenced her plans. "They take our people. Most are never seen again but some come back as ripa. Foul beasts without mind or thought, filled with nothing but blood lust. They do not even recognize their family and loved ones. If a monumen leaves the mountain, they are dressed in strange suits their faces covered by glass. They use guns and metal canisters that release orange smoke that puts any who breathe it to sleep. Finally, before my time, they used a missile to bring fire and ruin to an entire village." She could feel anger in her bones. The anger of the commanders before her and her own anger on behalf of her people mixing together and burning through her veins.

Lexa blinked in horror. "The reapers, they were made to be like that?" She asked, her disbelief and revulsion at the thought apparent.

"We've captured many in an attempt to return their minds. However, they soon fall into seizures, foaming at the mouth till they die." Clarke said sharply. She'd ordered more attempts at saving the reapers than any other commander when she'd first come to the throne. All had been failures and she carried that guilt with her. "Now we cull them whenever they gather in large numbers outside of their territory. You've drawn a large number of them out and we will be culling them. It's one of the reasons I came on this visit personally."

The horrified look on the brunette Skai girl fell away as she turned thoughtful, anger was there as well though. "I'm unsure exactly but to do that to a person breaks every oath a healer on the Ark must take." Her arms dropped to her sides, fists clenching. "The fog though, we can get you through the fog."

Clarke felt her heart thud with shock and excitement. The fog had one of the persistent problems in all of her plans to deal with the mountain. She had thought of one or two workarounds but they were in no way certain. If her people could get through the fog for certain, her plans had a much better chance of working. "Since I became the Commander I have ordered the land around the mountain abandoned so that they can not so easily steal my people." She clenched her hand around the arm of her throne. "Are you certain you could get my people safely through the fog?"

Lexa nodded. "Yes, Raven would be the most qualified to talk to you about how. Those suits you described that they wear, they protect a person from weapons like the fog. I don't know if we could get you into the mountain though. We were told it was an abandoned military bunker. Breaking in would be nearly impossible, and with our fuel used to protect our rear while we made for your territory I don't know that we have an accelerant that could do enough damage."

The possibilities raced through Clarke's mind, but for now she had time. First she had to secure the loyalty of these Skai fallen and deal with the aftermath of Nia's death, then she could deal with the mountain. "As of tomorrow morning, you will report to Jod my personal guard for training. You will bring Raven as well as any of your people you believe hold knowledge that will be useful to a discussion of the mountain."

"Yes ma'am." Lexa said, snapping her heels together. Clarke inwardly decided it was a trained stance and not simply a quirk of the woman's.

"And Lexa, if you endanger Costia's life by spreading your suspicions to others, I will have the tongue cut from your head before I have you executed.

Surprisingly, Lexa didn't blanch just gave her a serious nod and was gone from her tent. Clarke breathed out and stood up from her seat. She had much to do and little time for it. If what Lexa had told her was correct, they may be able to move forward her plans for the mountain. To truly defeat their foes. She closed her eyes and considered what had been said and what it meant for the future of the region. Regardless of the future with the mountain, soon the Skai people would be coming and they would want land. Lexa had been exactly right at least with that part of her reasoning for why she'd taken the Skai children. They would make excellent hostages and informants on their people.

Striding to her table, she pulled out several new sheets of parchment. Quickly, she began to write a missive to Roan. He already would be traveling to Polis to take the brand. It would not be an inconvenience for him to bring an army with him and head to TonDC instead of Polis. The added forces would be necessary if a show of force was useful against the people from the Skai. Once it was written she sealed it and set it to the side. Taking the next sheet, she began to address a letter to Luna. An army of this size would need food brought in from outside of Trikru land and Floukru could provide it.

She gave the typical greetings but skipped to the business of her letter easily and earlier than was typical. They'd need food, transport, and it would have to paid for with a lifting of taxes for a period of time equaling the cost of what they could provide. It was a short letter in the whole and she sealed it with sharp movements before pulling out the next letter. This one she had been putting off since her words with Anya.

Addressing Gustus, she informed him of her actions and decisions in regards to the Skai children, her new wards. Next, she detailed that the information Lexa gave her and the fact an attack on the mountain may be possible sooner than they'd hoped. She made sure that he was aware that he needed to be prepared to send any tools that her new wards may require to aid in that endeavor. Finally, she came to the part she'd been putting off for too long. Swallowing down frustration, she continued and requested that he send Josh of the nightbloods to her so that he could be seconded to a warrior and instructed that Gustus take Aden as his second. It was time to begin preparing her children. Keeping them sheltered would not lead to their survival. With a final jerk of her hand, she signed the bottom of the letter and sealed it and added it to the stack of letters.

Frowning in thought, she considered what she knew. She may need a larger army but gathering more than just her own forces, the local forces, and Roan's was a risk she did not wish to take unnecessarily. She couldn't ignore the fact that a show of force here could prevent war. Plus, if it came to war, it was best to be in a position to destroy her opposition ruthlessly before they could prepare themselves for it. At most, she could risk calling one other clan's army to the region without an immediate threat or guarantee of war. So, the question became, which clan to summon. Any of the leaders would send her an army if asked but alliances and trade spoke volumes. She frowned, Boudalan had that fool of a prince that needed to be removed.

Dipping her pen in the ink, she began another letter. This one was more formal and addressed to the Khan of the Boudalan. She requested his presence at the mountain with an army. It was carefully worded so that the invitation to give his son experience and political contacts was there but not demanded. The Khan needed to see this as an honor being bestowed upon him in acknowledgement of recent shifts in power. When his son perished, he needed to believe her a friend, or at least favorably tilted towards him and not a suspect. Once that was done, she set her pen aside and gathered her missives. Walking out of her tent, she was pleased to see Jod was still on duty amongst her guard and hadn't switched out yet. "Jod."

"Heda!" He ducked his head towards her in easy respect.

She held out her hand with the letters in them. "See to it that these are sent on the wings of our fastest messenger pigeons."

"Sha," He began to move when she held up her hand.

"Hod op." She had an idea looking at him that she was sure was a good one. "Would you be willing to take Prisa Lexa as your second?" Noting his confusion, she relaxed slightly. "You may talk freely. Tell me your concerns. You will not be punished for them."

He straightened and seemed to consider the request. No doubt he knew if he asked for the task of training the Skai girl to be given to another, she would allow it. "Why me Heda?"

"She's the most trained of them and she also has training in leadership and has proven herself to be...insightful. I am curious about what she will become capable of if given the chance. She has the potential for greatness" She explained to him.

He scratched at his chin. "Of course, it is an honor to train a second to join your guard Heda, but she is an outsider, is that truly wise?"

"I'm unsure if she will become a member of my guard when she takes her marks." Clarke admitted. It was a risk letting an outsider train amongst her guard but one she found herself willing to take. If Lexa fulfilled the potential she showed here today, then there were endless places she could fit her inside of her armies, or even inside of Polis' politics.

Jod nodded solemnly. "Then it would be my honor to train her."

"Thank you, and Jod, keep me appraised of her abilities. I believe our Skai Prisa may have more surprises for us yet to come."