"Heda!" Indra bowed deeply as Clarke rode into the village.

Swinging out of her saddle, she approached Indra. "Heya Indra kom Trikru, wocha kom TonDC."

"En's koma." Indra said raising her head, face solemn.

"I bring news of the Mountain and the Skai." Clarke said as she approached. She knew her guard as well as Tristan and Ontari, were behind her.

Indra nodded, her face serious and hard. "My home is yours Heda."

"Good," Indra led them into a hut that was clearly her home. It took a moment for all of them to gather in a loose circle about the room. Indra spoke carefully. "What news Heda?"

Clarke spoke calmly, almost conversationally. "The Skai people were little better than children. I've taken them as my wards." She ignored Indra's clear shock at this. "More people from the Skai will be coming soon. My new wards while children from our perspective may be able to help us take the Mountain. After the culling of the reapers, my army will be staying to deal with the Mountain once and for all. We will also have to be prepared for all the trouble the other Skai people might bring."

Indra spoke slowly. "What will you require of me and my people Heda?"

"The Skai children I have taken as wards will need firsts. I am planning on sending most of them to Polis where I can deal with them later but I left a few with Anya and I plan on leaving a few with you. They may be inexperienced and untrained but they show drive and potential. You know your people well and will know who is best suited to guide these Skai people and can be trusted to inspire trust in them. There is one in particular who is a partially trained healer whom is suited to work with Nyko." Clarke kept her tone easy. She was more than aware of the fact Indra was loyal to the bone, but that the woman took change badly. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jod and Lexa entering and standing to the side. "I have already sent word to Luna to provide food for the army that will be in the region till these threats can be handled."

"Do you need your army sheltered?" Indra asked, clearly already considering the logistics of having over two hundred of Clarke's rangers in her region as well as Skai children.

Clarke shook her head slightly. "Some will be quartered with you to bolster your own forces but a large force will be required to handle the Mountain as well as any threat the Skai people may pose. I will not require you to shelter all of them. Instead I will spread them throughout the region to provide a more balanced defense. I have sent word to King Roan of Azgeda as well as Balgruuf Khan of Boudalan. With their forces added to mine and yours in the region taking on a two-fronted war would be possible if inadvisable."

"You believe war comes from these Skai people?" Indra said with a dark look on her face. "Why take their children as wards? Surely we should kill them all as a warning."

Clarke waved away Indra's argument. "It is already done. I do not know if war comes with them or not. If negotiation is possible, it would be preferable. A show of force may prevent them from believing they could challenge us but it is more likely to enrage them and put them on their guard. No, if a strike is necessary it is better they underestimate us as much as possible." She settled her shoulders. "For now, you should be aware of the armies soon to be in the region. Once those Skai children who will make their home in TonDC are settled here I will leave a small garrison with you. I am willing to take any warriors you would see blooded with me when I return to Anya and begin the culling of the reapers."

Indra gave a short jerk. "Of course, many of the seconds could use the experience. Do you require Nyko to accompany you?"

"That may be wise." Clarke said, considering Indra's advice. An extra healer could never go amiss. "Will your village be well enough to handle the temporary loss of its healer?"

"We have had no illness in some time." Indra said proudly.

Clarke gave a nod. "Good, if you would send Nyko to my tent after evening meal, I would have words with him."

"Sha, of course." Indra said firmly.

Clarke stepped forward, offering Indra her arm. "It is good to have a chief of your caliber at my side."

Indra took the arm proudly, if it wasn't for her dark skin, Clarke wondered if the woman would have blushed. Either way, she was pleased by the reaction. Loyal generals were difficult to come by and worth their weight in gold. "And Indra, I would speak to you privately later on a more personal matter."

Indra didn't show much surprise. "If you command it Heda."

"Good," Clarke pulled her arm back and turned leaving the room. Tristan would remain to discuss details of the force they'd brought to the village and the various logistics involved.

Ontari was close to her heels as they left. "Why do you need to speak to Indra in private later?"

Clarke sighed, if it hadn't of been Ontari, she would have ignored the question. As it was, she supposed Ontari could be of assistance. "Josh will be arriving soon."

Ontari made a startled sound before grinning brightly. "I get to mess with him, right?"

"No," Clarke rolled her eyes. "I will need you to look out for him though."

"Of course," Ontari fell serious for a moment. "Clarke, I've been your second since you took the throne. I am a match for most warriors. How long will I remain your second?"

Clarke sighed and stopped walking and looked at Ontari. She was taller than her now. Truly, they had both grown and reached adulthood by each other's sides. For all that Ontari was her equal in many ways she didn't want to let Ontari leave her side. How could she let her friend, probably the closest one she had ever allowed herself, leave? Still, with every passing day it became more and more clear that Ontari was ready and had been ready for some time. Clarke sighed at the look on Ontari's face. It was cautiously hopeful, but there was also understanding and an expectation to be denied her request. Grimacing, Clarke pulled them aside to a slightly more private area knowing her guards would keep it that way.

"Second, we both know you have been ready for some time now to be a warrior in full; you will bear a burden far greater than most. I have only delayed your promotion in hopes you would be as ready as possible but you are right, I have put it off for too long." Clarke stared at her friend before giving a sigh. "Prove yourself to the armies during the culling and I will award you your marks."

Ontari stared at her for a second frozen in surprise before darting forward and hugging Clarke tightly. "Thank you."

Clarke hugged her back just as fiercely. "Don't forget that you are a member of the blood, you're not allowed to die by any hands other than mine."

Ontari let out a short laugh. "Of course, we protect the nightblida."

"Good," Clarke released her and tilted her head. "I wish I could keep you from this forever."

"What, being the Azgeda wocha kom Kongeda?" Ontari asked, stepping back.

Clarke shook her head. "Becoming someone important."

"I was born to be a leader of men, Clarke. As were you, as were all of us of the blood." Ontari said. "I am ready to leave your shadow Clarke."

"I know." Clarke said, squeezing the arm of her friend. "I will miss having you at my back. There are none I can trust to cover it so well."

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGLTLGLTLGTLG-

Lexa watched the village around her carefully. It was quite different from Anya's village. It was larger and more developed. The village seemed to be built around the remains of some old-world buildings. What truly interested her were the reactions of the people to their presence. The warriors that had arrived with Heda were treated with respect and some were even greeted personally. Her people however were given odd looks and she could tell that gossip about them was quickly spreading around the village. Other than the obvious interest the villagers were showing them, their reaction seemed to be neutral towards her people. The villagers were neither hostile nor welcoming towards them. It seemed they were waiting to see what to make of them. Lexa would have to ensure that their impression was positive.

Lost in thought, she nearly walked into Octavia who she realized must have been waving at her. "Sorry."

"What, lost in the important thoughts of one of Heda's guards?" Octavia mocked playfully.

Lexa shrugged. "A bit." Trying to find a way to phrase her concerns about how the 100 would be perceived by a wider audience of grounders. These people were loyal to their Heda. Still, the 100's place in this society depended a great deal on the goodwill of Heda's people. Heda could only do so much to integrate them if her people were unwilling to welcome them. However, these were not things that should concern Octavia, who seemed to be the most comfortable among the grounders. "Just…it's a lot." She settled on saying.

Octavia seemed to accept what she'd said. "Come on spar with me?"

"Of course," Lexa grinned and let herself be guided to where the warriors of TonDC trained. She kept her eyes open, taking in the way the warriors glanced their way before returning to their tasks.

She drew her sword and settled into a ready stance, waiting for Octavia to make the first move. It wasn't even a matter of guess work to know Octavia would recklessly charge. Octavia barely drew her sword before she was rushing forwards towards Lexa.

Lexa snapped her sword up into a block diverting the strike while pivoting and bringing the flat of her sword down across Octavia's back, hard. Octavia skidded to a halt, already launching herself back at her. Lexa stayed calm and moved in a pattern. Deflect, attack, deflect attack. Octavia used strong unrelenting attacks while Lexa had been trained since she was a child to hold a position. She used the flat of her blade to strike hard against vital points and against joints but Octavia was unceasing in her attacks. Soon enough she was panting as she caught another attack and shoved hard before sweeping Octavia's feet from the front and sending her face first into the dirt.

"Two mugs of ale on Lexa." One of the Trikru seconds called out over the noise.

Looking around the sparring area, she saw the familiar faces of the Trikru seconds in Tristan's rangers eagerly watching them. She returned her attention to Octavia barely in time to intercept a lunge. It forced her to lean backwards too far, leading her to stumble. Octavia pressed her advantage and Lexa dropped her sword and punched Octavia in the face, hoping to surprise her. The girl barely reacted to the hit. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed Octavia by the hair and twisted slamming her into the ground. "Give."

"Fuck you princess." Octavia growled, getting up quickly. "Going for the hair is rude" She stuck her tongue out at her before grimacing and rubbing at her chin. "Good match."

Lexa grinned and sheathed her sword before stepping over to help Octavia. "You took quite a punch."

"Lexa!" Jod's voice snapped her to attention.

"Sir." She found herself responding automatically with her heels clacking together as she came to attention.

He eyed her, clearly taking in the scene and coming to the obvious conclusion. "Did I order you to spar or in any way train?"

"No." She stood stiffly. The man was massive, built like a wall, and intimidating even if she thought his mustache was…odd.

"If you want to fight so badly I'll humor you this time then." He unsheathed a sword and pulled a small buckler off his hip slipping his hand in it.

Lexa felt her eyes widen. Drawing her sword again, she began to circle the man. She had come to have the utmost respect for his ability in battle. Using a lunge to generate power, she swung for his head. He caught her sword with his buckler. Before Lexa could blink he'd already shoved her sword away and swung his buckler into her chest. It was obvious he was going easy since he hadn't even used his sword yet. Stumbling back, she felt a sharp pain in her calf before she went crashing to the ground.

"Again." He commanded staring down at her.

Sweating she stood up and dropped back into a ready stance before attacking. She had not been apprenticed to him long, but she understood his basic strategy. He was clearly a guard, he held his ground and broke down his enemies piece by piece. It was impressive, and was quite painful. She loved it. She was self-aware enough to know that she had much to learn if she was ever going to be his match. Her training as a guard only helped so much. The guards on the ark were trained to take an opponent alive and subdue them. Also, shock sticks had far less follow through to their strikes than a sword, or axe required which meant that she had to relearn even the most basic of strikes. It was an interesting challenge and she was committed to getting better.

With a quick jerk, she feinted to the left before striking into Jod's guard. They exchanged a quick series of hits before she felt her feet kicked out from under her causing her to crash to the ground again.

Jad stared down at her critically. "Move your feet. A warrior is not a tree planted to the ground. Again."

"Sha." She said clambering to her feet and preparing to attack again.

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLG-

Wells stared at her in disapproval. "Do I want to know why you are one massive bruise?" He dabbed at her busted lip with some moonshine.

Wincing, Lexa tried to give him a look of innocence but could see how dubious he was that she would even attempt that, let alone on him. Slumping in defeat, she hissed slightly as he disinfected the cut along her shoulder. "Training with Jod. He was making sure I knew my place and that I had learned my lessons well."

"Did you at least hold your own?" Wells asked, sounding exasperated. It was a familiar sentiment between the two of them.

She grinned, "Of course."

"Well there is that at least." He said while giving the several cuts she'd accumulated a critical look. "You don't' need any stitches this time but be careful."

"I'm always careful." Lexa protested. She let out a sharp hiss as he purposely wiped moonshine along a cut without warning.

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you haven't been careful since the day you were born Kane. Don't think I don't remember the many 'adventures' you dragged me on when we were young."

"I didn't get us in that much trouble." Lexa protested lightly.

"Maybe not," He shrugged, "but you were always getting hurt following your dad around." Wells fell silent as he made sure the scrapes and cuts long her arms and torso were covered. Looking her straight in the eye, he spoke softly and seriously. "Do you trust this Heda we have sworn ourselves to?"

Lexa found herself answering automatically. "Yes, but I'm not sure if that is wise." She knew that Clarke was a leader and a good one. Still, her years on the ark had taught her that there was a level of dishonesty and secrecy being a leader required that meant that even the best were not to be trusted. Not to mention, she knew that if things went poorly with the ark they could easily become prisoners and hostages in truth. "What do you believe of our new people?"

"They're violent, cruel even." Wells began. "However, there is an honesty to it that our own people lack. We dress our cruelty and injustice up and make it clean. They know that their justice is cruel and do not bother to deny it. I don't know what I will think if I am forced to witness it fully but I think they're way is more just."

She pulled her shirt back over her head satisfied that Wells was done. The movement hurt and she had to stop herself from making a sound of discomfort as she pulled at bruised muscles. "Do you think any of us will do something stupid?"

"Undoubtedly," Wells said without blinking, "but I don't think they will be killed for it."

"We need to integrate, and quickly." Lexa said looking at him seriously. "When you are assigned to this Nyko you must prove yourself useful."

He grimaced slightly. "So, we're prisoners then?"

She looked at him in surprise. "You knew?"

"I guessed. I may not have met this Heda outside of a single meeting to discuss the Mountain, but I am still my father's son." Wells winced.

"There's more to it than just leverage over the ark." Lexa said, realizing from his expression he hadn't noted that. "I'm pretty sure Heda will only use us in such a way if it is truly necessary. I think her offer to give us a place is genuine. If we can prove ourselves, help take down the Mountain before the ark gets here, we can guarantee our place. Especially, if we show them that our loyalties lie with them."

He looked thoughtful. "Do you think we can do it? These people have been at war with the Mountain for generations."

"I believe that we have a chance. Heda was preparing to go to war with them even before our arrival and she does not seem the sort to fight a battle she can not win. If we can aid them in any way it will increase our standing. From the looks of things, we know the ways of the Mountain men better than they do. Any visible damage we can cause will grant us respect that we desperately need." Lexa hunched her shoulders slightly. "I barely have the respect of the other seconds. I am still useless at most of the woods skills. Octavia is doing well, same as Miller but the others are struggling."

"Bellamy?" Wells asked in surprise.

Lexa snorted. "He's the oldest of us and takes it hardest that we have to train with children who can wipe the floor with us. Still, he can hold his own better than most." She considered him and hoped he had some ideas that could make things easier. "So, any idea on how to help further integrate other than hopes for the Mountain?"

"Monty's moonshine?" Wells seemed to wince. "Honestly though, their drinks taste better. If Raven had time to build something useful other than gas masks and air tight suits maybe. For now the harder we work the less we'll be seen as a burden."

"So, nothing clever to endear us to our new people?" Lexa asked tiredly.

Wells moved so that he was sitting beside her. "Sadly, no." He bumped her. "Friendship and continued interaction is probably our best bet. Costia and Lincoln have merged into our group well. Some of the Trikru seconds have been interacting with Octavia. Or she's been forcing them to interact with her." He smiled wryly.

Lexa laughed. "She does have that effect."

"When does your first require you again?" Wells asked curiously.

"Not till after the evening meal." Lexa was glad she had a few free hours. "I think I'll check in on Murphy. If someone is destined to step over the line, it's him."

"I don't understand how you're friends with him." Wells said, looking truly confused at the situation.

Lexa stood up slowly being careful with her bruises, which considering they were everywhere was difficult. "He grows on you, a bit like fungus, but he's not completely awful."

"Not completely awful?" Wells asked with a smirk.

"Well, I have found humor in his awful." Lexa shrugged. Murphy was an odd sort and someone she had become fond of almost against her will. He wasn't all vileness and barbs. Sometimes, in the privacy of her mind, she compared him to a porcupine in her head. Maybe a skunk...She considered the options. "You should ask Costia if skunks and porcupines are still things here on the ground."

"Why?" Wells looked truly mystified.

She rolled her shoulders slightly trying to keep herself from stiffening too much. "Because I would rather not meet one."

Walking around the campfires about the army camp, she made her way into TonDC. If she knew Murphy, he would be as close to the food as humanly possible. As she made her way through the village, she saw a game involving a leather ball being kicked between the kids. Jon and Charlotte had joined in despite towering over the smaller children. She jumped over the ball as it came shooting towards her feet. She was nearly bowled over by the charging hoard of small feet before she got clear of the game. It was good to see her people happy, hell to see children of any kind happy.

Sure enough, she spotted Murphy, though not exactly where she was expecting him. He had clearly been conned into sparring with Octavia. She had to hide a smirk as she watched him let out a yelp as he fended off the force of nature that was Octavia. Checking to see if anyone was watching, she noted Jod was talking with Indra nearby them. Making a detour, she fell in beside her first.

"Lexa, not in the sparring pits again?" There was a quiver to his mustache that Lexa was quickly learning meant he was amused.

She shook her head, already she could feel a splendid black eye forming as well as her split lip. That was just on her face of course. Her torso was a patchwork quilt of bruises. "I believe I've sparred enough for today sir."

He gave a nearly silent snort, more of a quiver of amusement with a slight rush of air. She was proud to see the bruise and scabbed over cut along his eyebrow. She'd gotten in several good hits though nothing crippling. He turned to Indra. "You may wish to reconsider taking her on as your second. These Skai children are naught but trouble."

Indra kept her gaze focused on Octavia in the ring. "That one has fire, and potential. She could become great."

"She's a wild thing." Jod said in slight disbelief. "At least mine knows to listen."

Lexa rolled her eyes at how he was pretending she wasn't there. His implied permission for her to remain was appreciated though. Any chance to learn more was something she coveted greatly, and Indra was clearly important in Trikru hierarchy. Jod gave a low grunt. "At least you'll take a second. Tristan still refuses, though I believe he may do so if you do."

"Still upset I defeated him when he challenged me?" Indra asked, sounding unimpressed. "He's a fool."

Lexa frowned, trying to piece things together thankfully Jod seemed to recognize her confusion.

"Leaders must be great warriors. Tristan challenged Indra for right to be chief of TonDC and be general of our forces here. He lost and so Indra remains." He gave a tilt of his head in acknowledgment to Indra. "While his role as captain of Heda's rangers is impressive, it is not what he wishes. If Indra decides to take a new second, he will most likely do so as well. He is a proud man."

"Isn't that foolish? Why not challenge her again rather than attempt to demonstrate that he is her equal through posturing?" Lexa considered the problem. "He knows he would lose and is grand staging then?"

Indra let out a huff. "I do not know the term grand staging but yes Tristan is rash and a fool. Still, even he knows that challenging me again would lead to his death. I will not be merciful a second time and he knows it." The woman departed as soon as the match between Murphy and Octavia came to an end.

Jod gave a gesture for Lexa to follow him and led them towards the army's camp. "You should avoid sparring till the culling. The damage from our spar should mostly be healed by then."

Lexa nodded, recognizing the order for what it was. "Of course, sir."

"You will accompany me during guard rotations for Heda. I expect you to work on your sword work. The sooner you master a weapon the sooner you can learn others." He continued easily. "You will take the remains of the ripa armor you have to the tanner here in TonDC tomorrow. It should be fitted to you before we depart for the culling."

"Sir." She acknowledged, pleased at the idea of armor that would actually fit properly and not hamper her movements.

"Once the culling is complete, I will send you out with the hunters. You will need the right to several hides before the winter comes. We can see to equipping you properly for your post before the Skai people arrive." He ran a critical eye over her. "I expect you to work on your Trigedaslang in your off hours. If I hear Gonaslang from your lips outside of required situations, I will have you doing far more unpleasant tasks, is that understood?"

"Sir." She said stiffly.

He glared at her. She quickly realized her mistake. "Sha."

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGLTLGTLGTLG-

"Omi?" Lexa asked pushing her plate of chicken towards Miller with the offer, hoping he got it.

The ass just snickered at her inability to use English and took the offered food. "You going to get to speak properly ever again?"

Lexa growled at him and tried to form her answer. "Hofli, Jod bliden ailon."

Costia, who was nearby, doubled over in laughter. Gasping for breath, she looked over at Lexa with amusement. "I do not believe that your first is a bleeding island."

"Jok." Lexa spat in frustration at her inability to learn the damn language.

The grounder clearly was fighting off more laughter. "You should say 'meija fos'." She corrected.

"Meija fos?" She looked at Costia curiously hoping she'd understand the implied question.

Costia nodded. "Meija is hard, fos is first. Better to call him a hard first. Though I believe it is common for warriors to call their firsts 'joka kripa' or fucking demons."

Lexa repeated under her breath. "Jod os joka kripa."

"Ai op." The deep timber of Jod came from behind her.

Lexa felt the blood drain from her face as she turned slowly to face her first. He looked far too amused for it to be good for her health. Scrambling to her feet, she fell into a ready position and most definitely did not squeak as she said, "Fos! Chit yu au?"

"Heda konge yu." He said gesturing for her to fall in with him.

She ignored the howls of laughter of the others round the fire as she followed him towards the commander's tent. It had almost been silent long enough for her to have hope Jod was in a forgiving mood when he spoke up again. "I expect you to run laps through the woods after Heda is done with you."

"Sha." She said trying to keep some of the misery out of her tone. Jod had decided the fastest way to fix her inability to maneuver through woods was to make her run through them endlessly. At least her stamina was getting better. Thank goodness Jod was kind enough to use English for anything longer than about three words. It was difficult to learn an entirely new language.

Once they had reached the tent, Jod announced her presence before he stepped outside of the tent easily turning and taking up a guard position. Which confused Lexa slightly, she thought he would be going in with her, but she stepped into Clarke's tent alone. It was badly lit inside except for the desk. She really didn't understand why Clarke didn't use more candles to light the entire space. Still, if the Commander didn't think it was worth the waste of resources, then she wouldn't argue against her. The tent was as grand as ever with the war table set to the side with a detailed recreation of the region. The throne was thrown into shadow at the far end of the tent clearly empty. Approaching the table, she spotted Clarke shuffling some papers around looking rather tired. One of papers escaped her shuffling and fell to ground.

Lexa caught a glimpse of a beautiful drawing and instinctively she kneeled down to pick it up and return it to the desk. Clarke grasped it back quickly but before she did Lexa took in the detailed drawing of children sitting enraptured in a forest clearing. Still a bit stunned to see such a drawing among the papers of the serious Heda; Lexa just stood there as Clarke slipped it underneath other papers again.

"That was beautiful." Lexa finally managed to say. "Who are they?"

A dark look flickered across the Commander's face and she was once again the intimidating warlord. "That is none of your business." Her tone was low, threatening. Lexa took a step back. Heda paused and took a breath waiting a second before releasing it. When she spoke again her voice was less intimidating. "Next time you should not be so quick to touch, let alone look at the papers from my desk. This time no harm was done but my work often contains information that should not be bandied about freely. Part of the duties of a guard is knowing how to protect that which is confidential."

"Sha, Heda." Lexa acknowledged the clear command. She noted that the edges of Clarke's lips lifted at her response.

"Jod has you speaking exclusively in Trigedasleng doesn't he? My first pulled the same trick with me when I was learning Gonaslang. I won't tell him you slipped earlier and you may speak in Gonaslang for the entirety of this meeting don't worry." Clarke's tone lightened the atmosphere and Lexa felt herself relax slightly after the tension of witnessing the return of the warlord she had initially met. Clearly, the people in the drawing were important to Clarke.

Lexa returned her slight smile. "Why did you call me for me?"

"I'd almost forgotten that before you arrived." Clarke stood, carelessly sweeping out from behind her desk to stand closer to her throne. "Under normal circumstances I would leave it to the firsts to decide but I think these circumstances call for a different approach. Do you believe that your people should remain behind during the culling?" Clarke seemed to note her confusion and clarified. "Those that have been taken as seconds to warriors, do you believe they will be able to handle themselves in combat?"

Lexa nodded. "Yes, they survived in the reaper lands without your warriors, without training, and without foreknowledge. Being a part of a force designed to kill the reapers would be far easier. They have already killed. They won't freeze or endanger your warriors."

"Good. I will still ask their firsts if they think they are trained enough to work as part of a unit but I don't think it will be much of an issue." Clarke commented, clearly finished with the topic.

Before leaving the tent, Lexa spoke. "It really was a beautiful drawing." She said quietly, not sure if she should have said anything but somehow wanting to acknowledge the image she'd only glimpsed briefly.

Clarke seemed to hesitate for a moment before speaking again.

"They were the closest I had to family as a child. All but one are dead now but sometimes I like to remember when we were children." She seemed to stare into the distance at an image that Lexa couldn't see. Probably the image that had been captured in the drawing. It was amazing the transformation that came over Clarke's face as she watched. Gone was Heda, Commander of men, and in her place, was a sad wistful creature. For a moment, Lexa's heart broke for her. Then Clarke seemed to compose herself and put her grief away.

"Well, I won't tell anyone that you're secretly a sensitive artistic soul." Lexa prodded lightly, hoping to lighten the mood.

"You're odd." Clarke said, looking at her as she seemed to relax again. "Were you this free with the leaders of the people in the Skai?"

Lexa let herself remember the ark. "Yes and no. My mother was the head of the Medical wing and demanded respect. With my father though I was always more comfortable even though he was the head of the guards. Everyone said I was his little shadow, following him everywhere he went. The Chancellor was my godfather. I think it's hard to see your leaders as more than human when they changed your diapers as a child." She'd always been serious for a child, but a spark of fun and childishness had clung to her. "You have a far more intimidating costume than any of them though."

"Costume?" Clarke asked amused.

Shrugging, Lexa gestured to the tent in general. "The shoulder pauldron, sash, the throne. If it's meant to strike fear in the hearts of your enemies, it's quite effective."

Clarke smirked. "Yet it seems to have lost that effect on you?"

"You have charcoal on your fingers." Lexa said, trying not to smile too widely. "Between discussing the mountain and standing guard for you on occasion I think it was inevitable."

"As long as you don't spread word that I'm human, I'll allow you to survive." Clarke prodded. "Can't have my mystery ruined for everyone."

Lexa fell into a parade rest. "Did you need anything else Clarke?"

Clarke raised her brow in surprise but didn't seem angry. "Not tonight, but be sure to rest, it is going to be a busy time."

Lexa dipped her head into a slight bow. "Till tomorrow then Clarke."