Clarke collapsed onto her bed of furs. Her orders were given. The warriors who had not participated in the initial assault on the mountain would be hauling great poles of metal and carts full of dirt and rock to the main entrance of the mountain. The rotations for guards was done. She felt the soft furs under her. Finally, she could allow herself to sleep.

Her sleep was peaceful for once, the Flame not interfering with her rest. The sound of her tent flap opening was enough to wake her. The first thing she was aware of subconsciously was that she recognized the sound of the footsteps. Clarke remained completely bonelessly relaxed in her warm furs. Not even opening her eyes she spoke, her voice thick with sleep. "What has happened?"

The voice of Jordis her guard that she knew had the last night watch responded. "Heda, the Khan and his forces have arrived. He has requested an early audience with you."

Clarke squeezed her eyes shut as tight as she could. Apparently, a long and peaceful rest was too much to ask for even after a great victory. "Escort him here in twenty minutes."

Knowing that in her war tent that she actually had some privacy, she allowed herself to remain half asleep as she crawled out of her bed. Her hands automatically opened her chest and rummaged through for her clothing. Since the Khan apparently couldn't arrive at a decent hour, or wait till one to speak to her, he was just going to have to deal with a Heda who was not in full regalia.

With that in mind, she pulled on the clean black clothing of a nightblood initiate. She'd never stopped wearing the guise of her family. From the bottom of her trunk, she hauled up the folded spare coat. It was identical to the one she generally wore, only without all the grime from the tunnels soaked into it.

That done, she brushed her hair out before pulling it back into a single braid. She could wear the braids of her position at a later date. Stuffing her feet into her boots, she stepped to the entrance to her tent. "Send for some tea."

With that, she collapsed on her throne and scrubbed at her face. Pulling herself together, she leaned back in the throne in a way that was properly intimidating while also allowing her a more relaxed posture. She accepted the hot tea that Jordis brought before he stepped behind her throne. They remained there in silent companionship till the outer guard opened her tent flap and the Khan strode in.

He wasn't a tall man, but he was broad. His head was shaved revealing the tattoos of his rank twisted around his skull. When she'd met him previously he'd always seemed a gruff and authoritative type. Looking at him now, she could see grief lining his face. Any irritation at the early hour fled. After all, it was on her orders his son had been poisoned.

"Heda." He intoned while bowing stiffly.

"Khan Bast, I assume my men aided you in setting up your camp?" She asked before sipping from her clay mug of tea.

His fists tightened. "Yes, I apologize for the lateness of my arrival." The man's voice had a strained quality to it.

Clarke waved at Jordis. "Bring him a chair. Khan, would you join me in a morning mug of tea?"

He looked slightly surprised before relaxing ever so slightly. "Sha, thank you Heda."

"Of course, you've had a long journey." She waited till Jordis had dragged a chair out from the map table to before her throne and poured a second mug of tea, before speaking again. "Now, tell me of this plague that struck your army."

Bast swallowed thickly. "It was just before the Ouskejon border crossing. Something must have been in the water. Half my army was confined to their furs within hours of the evening meal. Most of the men were sick if not mildly in the night. Some recovered quickly, but others." He had to pause to gather himself. "Four died. My son amongst them."

Clarke kept her emotions tightly reined in. There was a sense of guilt that she had ordered this, but also relief that it had worked exactly to plan, and pride in Costia's work. "I am sure the spirits were with him. I had heard impressive reports on your heir. His loss will be deeply felt."

"I..." He cleared his throat. "We continued on our course as soon as the dead were burned, but we are too late. You took the mountain in our absence."

She tilted her head. "I did not summon you here for the mountain. I will hold a counsel with Roan and yourself after the festivities today are over. In brief, I expect a clan from the Skai to invade soon." Holding up a hand to stop his protests, she continued. "I'm aware it sounds unbelievable, but already some have fallen. They were just children so I have taken them as wards. They will not be the last. Whether it comes to war I do not know, but a show of force when dealing with a new clan is wise. I do not trust a clan that would send out their children first in such a way. For now go, care and organize your men. Take this day to grieve and prepare. Your men are of course welcome to participate in the festivities, but if they prefer not to it will not be held against them."

Khan Bast stood from his chair before dropping to his knee, his head bowed before her. "Your kindness will not be forgotten Heda."

Clarke stood, setting her tea aside and approached him. Reaching out, she pulled him to his feet. "Your loyalty in continuing despite the tragedy of your journey will not be forgotten either."

He dipped his head in acknowledgement before leaving the tent. Clarke watched him leave. "Send for Roan, we have much to discuss."

It didn't take long for a sleep rumpled looking king of Azgeda to come grumbling into her tent. "Want to tell me why I've been woken before the first day watch?"

Clarke looked up from where she'd been studying Costia's notes on the regions she'd traveled through. "If I am to be up this early, you are not going to avoid the same fate. We have decisions to make before the festivities start. Also, Khan Bast arrived in the night as I'm sure you know. His army was hit by plague and several warriors including his son died. I've given him and his forces permission to not attend the celebrations of the victory at the mountain. In the meantime, I've already given orders for Raven to report to my tent at the calling of the first morning watch. Her plans for cutting the eyes of the mountain off completely need to be addressed."

"It still could have waited for a more decent hour." He grabbed the chair that the Khan had been in only recently. "What do you want to discuss first?"

"The Skai fallen need to be sorted before the rest of their people can fall." She said seriously. It was a problem that had been eating at her.

Roan tapped his finger against the table. "You could send them to Polis? Get them out of the area for any conflict."

She shook her head. "A handful perhaps, but several have already proved their loyalty. Still, I don't trust their loyalty to remain in the face of Polis politics."

"So you need to spread them out amongst your forces so they can be watched, but also integrated fully." He concluded following her thought process. "You implied they were mostly tradesmen. That many apprenticed tradesmen in just one area… I see the problem."

Clarke pulled out the sheet of paper she and Lexa had filled out after the Skai fallen had first sworn themselves to her. "I can release them from my service to the service of another leader inside the coalition."

He stared at her for a second. "You were serious about giving some to me." Scratching at his chin, he seemed to think. "That would work. I could take a few. The necessary tradespeople in my army that came with us could take perhaps ten? Khan Bast might take more to help fill the holes his losses will have left."

"I intend to send those that haven't found apprenticeship here, or with your forces to TonDC. From there Indra can perhaps spread them out further. Some can stay with me to apprentice at Polis when I return there but not many." She said while indicating the names marked down for not having a first yet.

"Tomorrow would be a good time for organizing this. I'm sure Ontari could manage it, and it could be good experience for her." Roan suggested.

Clarke shook her head. "I can't. I've given her orders to manage the building of the foundation on top of the front entrance of the mountain. I intend to have a fort built on top of it to watch the mountain for a generation. Your forces are already assisting in dragging rocks and dirt into what's left of the tunnels. I will need someone to be in charge of securing that access point specifically."

"Turning their fortress into a tomb." He grimaced in horror at the thought. "Perhaps not as reassuring as burning the mountain to the ground, but far crueler. I doubt you'll face any challenges to your throne after word of this spreads."

"Let us hope." She pulled out a fresh sheet of paper. "For now, which of these Skai fallen do you think you could find positions for in your army?"

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLG-

Lexa regained consciousness and while in pain, didn't feel like death warmed over. The events of the mountain felt like a nightmare she'd been woken from. Shifting slightly, she realized she'd been laid on her stomach on what seemed to be a cot in the healing hut. Turning her head, she found herself looking straight into Myles' eyes.

"Hey Princess!" He smiled widely showing his teeth.

"Hi." She didn't really know what else to say to the boy. Since they'd arrived in the Trikru camp he hadn't been conscious whenever she'd visited the injured. The last they'd spoken was while she was hauling his half-conscious bleeding form back to the drop ship. Of course, she was aware of loss of his leg but she hadn't honestly expected him to survive.

He didn't seem to recognize any awkwardness. "The newbies to the hut been asking after you. Did you really rescue them all?"

Reaching up, she rubbed at her eyes. "I… I helped but I didn't do it on my own."

"That's not how they tell it. Apparently, they've been calling you Wangona. Which is super cool!" Myles gushed at her.

That was… well that translated to Death's warrior. Huh… she wondered if Jod had had anything to with that after their talk in the woods on the way to the mountain. "Was anyone injured badly?"

Myles snorted. "Naw, no one was really bad off. Two of them had gunshot wounds, but they were minor. Nyko and the other's cleaned them right up. Then they've all been given orders to eat nothing but porridge, broth and maybe some bread. Lots of sleep too. Nyko says they'll all be alright after they get a chance to regain their strength. Though, I can't believe you slept through it when they took that beacon thing out of you last night!"

"Ah." Now that she was noticing her body properly she could feel the slight scratching of bandages wrapped around several areas. "Do you know what all I hurt?"

"I've got nothing better to do yet. I don't get a wooden leg for another two months." He pouted slightly before perking right up. "You were a bit of mess, especially your ankle!"

"That's enough of that young Myles." Nyko's soft tone came from the entrance to the room.

Lexa shifted slightly so she could see the bearded man. He gave her a glare at the movement.

"As for you Wangona, you'll need your bandages checked." He walked over and she felt him probing at her leg, which was surprisingly tender.

She frowned. "What's wrong with my leg?"

"You broke your ankle, badly." He informed her. "You also managed to tear three sets of stitches out. I burned them closed since you clearly can't be trusted to allow your wound time to heal. We got the beacon out as well."

Lexa shifted her leg. It pulled and hurt, but it wasn't too bad. At least by her standards. "Can I get up?"

The man stared at her and shook his head. "Yes, but I expect you to be careful especially with your ankle. It has been bound but you still shouldn't put any weight on it. You'll be on crutches and I expect you to use them. I also expect you to sleep in this hut for the next week. With all your injuries and the dirt you've been getting in them you're drinking tea to prevent infection every night. No alcohol. You won't be training till I give you permission. If you can't agree to that, I'm not letting you out of this bed Wangona or not."

"I can do that." She accepted dutifully. The idea of getting to sleep and not be on the edge of desperation was amazing. She wasn't going to argue about it.

He crossed his arms. "Well let's get you up and dressed. I'm sure your comrades will help you out. As the hero of the fight you'll want to be out for the festivities." Crouching down, he helped her turn over and sit up.

Lexa sat still and let him check her bandages on her back. "Um… I don't have any clothing?"

"Your friends brought some by for you." He said lifting a pile of clothing and dropping them on her lap.

Myles spoke up. "Didn't think we'd let you wear that crappy beige stuff you came out of the mountain in did you?"

"Thank you." She ran her thumb along the seam of the guard jacket Murphy had to have returned. It was deeply touching to see the kindness of a group of people who just a year ago would have stabbed her in the back.

Nyko straightened up. "I'll go get a new batch of the tea on while you get dressed. No standing on that leg of yours."

She pulled a shirt of somewhat soft material. It struck her that it was likely Octavia's as she noticed the lack of grease stains and the stitched sections from what looked like sword tears. Smiling fondly, she pulled it on. The stretch pulled at her back and she keenly felt the new area's she had bruises. Getting the wool socks on was a bit of an adventure with her various injuries. She got a look at the thick wrapping and splint around her ankle. It looked like she wouldn't be moving that for a while.

The pants involved a bit of puffing and wriggling since she couldn't just stand up and they had to be pulled over the thick padding around her ankle but she got them on. They were the pair she'd left behind. As such they fit well and she felt significantly more human once she was properly clothed. Her old ark boots had been set by the bed and she pulled one on her left foot. There was no way she could get the right one on over her injured ankle "Myles why do I hear drums?"

"It's a party! The mountain's been defeated." He exclaimed. "Lots of food and stuff all day."

"Are you going to get out there?" She asked. If not, she wasn't going to leave him.

Myles nodded excitedly. "Finn and Jon are coming by to help me head out.

Nyko came back in holding a clay mug of steaming tea. "Drink this."

She accepted it and forced it down her throat. It was foul, rather slimy actually, but she gulped it down as quickly as possible. Her face twisted in distaste. "Am I free to leave now?"

He grabbed a pair of wooden crutches and handed them to her. "I don't want to see you putting any weight on that leg. And be back here by the start of the first night watch."

She saluted him. "Got it." Using the crutches, she got up and swung herself forward. Not too terribly bad, she could get around on these. "Thank you for caring for me Nyko."

"Thank you for returning so many of our people." He said before heading over to Myles. "Now, let's see that stump and check how it's healing."

Lexa gave a grin of commiseration to Myles before swinging herself out of the healing house. Breathing in the fresh air, she tilted her head back basking in the sunlight. She was outside and free. There was excitement and noise as she looked around the village. The villagers and warriors were mixing about, a loud drum rhythm thrumming through the air.

"Lexa!" Miller called while jogging towards her.

She laughed and braced herself for the hug he wrapped her up in. "Are you all alright?"

He lifted her up, crutches and all. "You idiot! You're never allowed to do that ever again!"

"Thanks." She reached up and straightened the beanie he was wearing. "You're going soft on me."

"Yeah well you're losing your mind." He moved to her side so that they keep going toward the celebration. "The others will want to see you."

"Is everyone doing okay?" It was unlikely they'd gotten into too much trouble while she was gone, but they were her responsibility.

Miller scratched at the back of his head. "Well, Bellamy, Murphy, and Wells burst into Heda's tent without a summons or permission. Not totally sure what happened but Bellamy and Wells both got five lashes. Myles has requested to be taken on as a herbalist. Apparently, he's been helping to crush herbs and is really into it. Harper was excited to take the apprenticeship with the trader that he should have gotten. Think she's getting a bit of wanderlust."

"Why on earth would they burst into her tent! Are they alright?" She asked sharply. Who thought that was a good idea?

Miller stopped and looked at her seriously. "You just disappeared Lexa. We got it out of Wells what you did. If I'd thought it would have gotten you back, I'd have marched into her tent with the others."

She swallowed thickly. "That's not… you can't just risk your lives like that. Not over me."

"That's not your choice to make. We'd leave all of this and head to the dead zone with you if that was needed. We're the hundred." His jaw was clenched as he stared at her.

Lexa gripped his shoulder and squeezed. There was nothing she could say to that. Instead, she started moving herself towards the celebration. As they moved, she found that people kept touching her. Gentle pats and and nods of acknowledgment. "Um…"

"Wangona."

Shifting, she spotted Echo approaching. "Echo." She hopped over. Checking that Miller was following her she stopped so that he wasn't isolated. "This is Miller, Miller this is Echo. She helped get us out."

Echo stared at her incredulously. "I unlocked a few cages with the pick she gave me." Shaking her head in exasperation, she kept speaking. "I wished to thank you. My king has accepted me back into his service."

Lexa smiled. "Good. You're a warrior, right?"

"Assassin actually." She said carefully.

That was… surprising. From her understanding, one didn't proclaim that sort of profession. Well, she guessed she'd seen stranger things since coming to the ground. "Still, congratulations."

Echo tilted her head. "You're an odd one Wangona. Come, you should have a seat at the celebration."

Lexa glanced at Miller who shrugged. Oh well, seemed he didn't understand either. Instead, they just followed her towards where the sounds were louder. As they got closer, she could see people spinning around in a dance. Stopping at the edge of the dancing, she watched in wonder. This was nothing like the dancing of the ark. No, this was wild and exuberant but seemed to have strict steps.

A gentle nudge from Miller and she followed his gaze and spotted Wells attempting the steps with a fond but amused Costia. Monty holding a mug of something that was likely alcoholic was cheering them on from the sides. The skittish Jasper standing in his best friend's shadow looking more relaxed than he had since he'd been speared.

Arms wrapped around her and Miller's shoulders. Lexa glanced in amusement as Raven popped up behind them. "Well, look who I've found. The stupid hero and her faithful sidekick."

"Raven." Lexa relaxed, pleased to see the other girl. "You really saved my butt in the mountain."

She scoffed. "Of course, I'm awesome! Anya and Heda have me slaving away on my next project already. Just popping out to grab some food."

"Already?" She asked in surprise.

"EMPs. I can't make a huge one. I already made a few small ones but we'll need a dozen or so to take out every camera from the mountain. Heda doesn't want them seeing the world outside. Shouldn't take long. I've got plans for tonight that I'm not missing for basic tech like that." She wiggled her eyebrows meaningfully.

Lexa sighed. "Please say it's not Finn."

"Nope." Raven grinned. "I've officially joined team grounder pounder."

"Stay safe." She breathed out in relief it wasn't Finn though. Damn boy needed to grow up.

"Octavia and Bellamy were arguing by the stables, if you were looking for them. Murphy's sulking by the firewater. Mostly everyone else is enjoying the party or doing chores for their firsts." Raven reported happily, and somewhat amused sounding.

A horn blew and the sound died down as every eye turned to where Clarke was standing from her throne that had been placed on a dais. Lexa sucked in a breath at how the woman was dressed. She realized that this was Clarke when not in war regalia but in formal wear meant for peace. It was similar, but far neater. The war paint was missing, her face clean, a metal gear the only adornment. Her hair was pulled back, practically glowing in the sun.

Lexa felt her face heating up. Sweet spirits she'd kissed Clarke… twice! Clarke hadn't seemed put off. There could be a chance? Maybe? The woman made her heart beat faster in her chest. She was extraordinary, brilliant, and capable. Beyond all that, she cared for her people with a strength that was often hidden behind her intimidating veneer. Lexa knew if there was a chance she'd do almost anything to have a shot with her.

Clarke stood proudly looking over the crowds before speaking in a loud voice that carried across the area. "People of Kongeda! Today we celebrate the defeat of the Mountain. We may not have burnt their fortress down, or soaked the dirt with their blood, but we have buried them in the ground they infested. There is no way out for them. Their eyes are being cut. Their tunnels filled. Their front entrance will become a fortress that will guard their tomb till the earth is swallowed in fire! May their souls be trapped in the dark beneath the ground forevermore!" The crowd roared. "Let us rejoice that their shadow will no longer fall over our people, our land, or our homes!"

With that Clarke returned to her throne as the sounds picked back up only louder. More instruments than just the drums were brought out and played. Lexa could see warriors carrying out meat on spits towards the fires out of the sides of her eyes. Her attention remained riveted on Clarke however. She noticed a man in an ornate chair beside her throne. The two of them were speaking quietly to each other. "Echo, who's that beside Heda Clarke?"

Echo looked at her in confusion. "You don't know Roan?"

She shook her head. "I've never seen him before."

Echo shrugged. "He's king of Azgeda, and Heda Clarke's bonded."

"Bonded?" Lexa asked with a sinking feel of dread.

She nodded. "They're bond united Trikru and Azgeda. I believe the term in gonaslang is married."

-TLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLGTLG-

Roan Interlude

Roan could only assume that he once loved his mother but he could not remember such a time. All he could remember of his mother was a cruel woman obsessed with power who had never had much time for her son. Her expectations for him had always been perfection, and failing to achieve them had earned him brutal punishments. Still, he'd survived, exceeded every other warrior in his age group. As he'd clawed his way through the ranks, he'd gained freedom as his mother's focus turned to other things. One message from Polis and that changed.

So here he was, in Polis of all places. "My queen you can't seriously be considering peace with this child? She's hardly fourteen summers. Any deal you make won't last the year, her own generals will turn against her if she makes a deal with you."

"That's why we're not forming a simple treaty." Nia drawled from where she was eating her evening meal. "We're forming a union that is binding to both our peoples."

"A union?" He felt his face pale. His mother couldn't possibly be that cruel. He was a man grown and the commander was a child. He would not be part of such a depravity.

"Yes. You as my son and heir to my throne will be bonded to this 'Heda'." Nia's eyes were sharp and hawkish as she glared at him. "The child you produce will be of the line of Heda and of our blood. You will give me an heir who will rule the clans."

"She's a child!" He protested feeling sick.

Nia stabbed her dinner with her fork. "Exactly, and a foolish one. You will bond with her, protect her from her generals and advisers and make her ours. Once you have a child, well mothers often die in childbirth."

"You would of course train such a child and rule in their stead till they came of age." He snarled in fury. This whole plan was disgusting. There wasn't a word strong enough for the loathing he felt for his mother at trying to force it on him. As if he would ever hand a child of his over to his mother. He'd sooner throw himself on a sword.

"This is an order from your Kwin." She declared. "If you won't do it, I have no need of you as a son."

Roan's fists clenched, his tendons straining in fury. He forced it back. "As you command, my Kwin." He jerked his head in a semblance of a bow and slammed the door shut behind him. Stiffly, he strode through the tower and out into the city. He headed for the training glade he'd spotted during the 'tour' their party had been given on entering.

Breaking through the branches he grabbed a stick and began to slam it against a log as hard as he could. A stream of profanity and treason came pouring from his lips in his fury. He was seeing red as he bludgeoned the log over and over. The stick snapped flying to the side and he hit the ground on his knees. Gasping for breath, he stayed there trying to regain control before heading back to the public where someone might see him. Already he would have to beg forgiveness for how he'd left. Clapping, interrupted his thoughts.

He spun on his knees grabbing a dagger knowing he had to kill whomever had heard any of the things he said in his rage. His plans for murder halted and he paled at the sight of the Commander.

She was a short girl he'd only seen in passing. Looking at her now without her war gear it was striking to him how young she was. Barely old enough to be part way through with her training as a second really and he was to bond with her and have a child with her. She was wearing the black of the night bloods as she stood there clapping while unflinchingly meeting his eyes.

"You..." He said hoarsely.

"Me." She sounded amused as she approached him like a predator. It was disconcerting seeing such cunning in the eyes of one so young. "Now, are you going to stab me with that knife or are we going to talk?"

Roan sheathed his dagger and stood up warily. "What do we have to talk about?"

"A lot apparently." She remarked as she circled him. "Perhaps, we should start with how apparently you wish to kill your mother more than I do."

He spluttered. "You're signing a treaty with her?"

"Of course, our goals are mutually beneficial at the moment." She commented as if it were the weather. "When it stops being so, one of us will succeed in killing the other. I was assuming I'd have to kill you as well."

Roan choked, he'd severely misunderstood who exactly they were dealing with. "You, you're a child."

"And yet here we are. I have the voices of every Heda before me speaking into my mind and have killed my brethren in the blood. Do you really think me as innocent as that?" She waved her hand absently. "Tell me Roan kom Azgeda, do you love your people?"

The conversation that had followed would remain one of the most surreal experiences of his life. Three hours later he made his way back up to Nia. He'd left a pawn of his mother's and returned one of Clarke's. What she'd laid out in front of him was a patchwork of war, political maneuvering, assassination, illusion, and manipulation. Yet, somehow, he could almost believe it was possible. Opening the door, he took in the sight of his mother.

No, he would not regret the betrayal. After all, it would be what was best for his people. "My apologies mother. I will accept your command."

She eyed him suspiciously before jerking her chin. "Don't disappoint me."

"I won't." He lied.

The next week when he and Clarke took the mark of the bonded, they shared a look of understanding as they took the mark of brotherhood instead.