A/N: This chapter connects with both 1 and 2, so give those a read first if you want more backstory. Also, FYI, once my spring break finishes on Sunday, updates will slow down.

He looked on as the golden-haired healer dove under the water for more of the blue-purple weeds that glowed brightly under the night sky. Fewer stars than usual were visible this night and with the moon only half full, it was the perfect time to harvest the conception preventative plant. His second was quite interested in the affects of the birna, as she felt her people were not ready for new life. Her lists of the health concerns she wanted to focus on was quite diverse, ranging from slight fevers to amputations. The birna was where she wanted to start, though they had had to wait until they could be harvested and he was also required to teach her how to swim properly. As he told her when she had first attempted to see the weeds up close, It should not take so much energy not to drown. Nor should you be making so much noise.

She was a fast learner, though he knew this already from hearing the stories Lincoln shared about her work as the 100's healer and watching her bring Lincoln back from death. This latter occurrence was the main reason why he took her on as an apprentice, though the ghosts in her eyes when he first came upon her in Tondc also reminded him of his own. One of her people had cost him his village, but the one called Finn was dead now, his ashes joining those of his victims. It was time to find peace, but he knew Polis was not where he would find it.

The Commander had been angry that her Grakra refused to join the clan's withdrawal to Polis for the winter, but he had reminded her of his right as First Healer to purify the land that had been drenched with the blood of innocents, both in his village and in Tondc. Lexa could not argue against this reasoning, and so had allowed him to stay until they returned once the flowers started to bloom once more.

The timing of their yearly pilgrimage proved beneficial in more ways than one. The Woods Clan could take the time to renew their connections to the other clans at the capital. The Sky People could have three months to finish constructing their camp and attempt to survive the harshest weather of the year. And finally, he could have the space to heal the land and his own soul after the loss of so many of his people, including his young brother.

One loss that was not made permanent by death but by choice was that of Lincoln. Nyko had not been surprised when Lincoln was found to be missing the morning after their retreat from the Mountain. Lincoln had shared many stories of the Sky People since the day they first landed. It took less than a week before most of his stories centered on the dark-haired beauty who fearlessly explored the Earth, battling against a river serpent and walking amongst the thousand butterflies, a site sacred to the Air Clan.

It was when he had treated the wounds inflicted by the brother of Octavia that he knew Lincoln would soon be lost to him. Lincoln might be uncommonly peaceful for their clan, but he had never walked away from one who had perpetrated such an act against him. That fear, for one of his people and his sister, had caused Bellamy's actions did not excuse the torture he had inflicted on his friend.

And yet, Lincoln had made no move to hunt down his torturer. Instead, he became one with his sister and began working against his clan. Lincoln's compassion towards Sky People was well known and scorned amongst their people, making his decision to return to the Mountain and give up his life as Trigedakru surprising to few.

Nyko watched as Clarke climbed back onto land, many strands of birna grasped tightly in each of her hands. As she sat down to dry off and begin organizing her harvest, Nyko's mind turned to the message he had found in his dwelling the week before.

Nyko,

I have given the First of the Union Mark to Octavia. We wish for me to receive mine as well, but she does not yet have the skill to make this so. We would be honored if the Grakra would consent to do this in her steed. If you are willing, join us on the next half-moon night. If you are unwilling, we understand but ask that you tell no one of our location. If this is the case, then, Goodbye my Brother.

May We Meet Again.

He had not been surprised that Lincoln had trespassed on their land, as his friend knew what the turn in weather signaled. He was also not surprised that the Union Mark had been begun, as Lincoln and he had once spoken of Octavia's lack of a home and wish for permanency. While Nyko had no issue with Octavia, she did not come alone. Lincoln was willing to accept his torturer into his family, but was he willing to do the same?

Looking at the reason for the destruction of his village as she worked to learn his ways, he knew what his answer would be.