CHAPTER 7

The first conscious thought Lexa had as she woke was how warm Costia's back was. As Lexa's vision swam into focus she saw the girl's bare shoulders pressed against her face. In her sleep (or perhaps they'd fallen asleep like this) Lexa had wrapped herself completely around Costia's back so that there was almost no space between them. As Lexa inhaled she smelt all that was Costia, it only encouraged her to pull herself closer to the girl. She wrapped her arm around her stomach and found her fingers subconsciously drawing pattern's on the girl's smooth stomach. Lexa immediately regretted this action as she felt the girl begin to stir.

Costia rolled around so that she was facing Lexa and she slowly opened her brilliantly bright eyes. Lexa couldn't help but let a wide smile cross her face as the girl stared intently back at her. She leaned in a placed a light kiss on Costia's lips.

"Good morning." She said happily.

Lexa felt Costia smile under her lips and the healer wrapped her arms tightly around the Commander pulling her into a tight embrace. Lexa inhaled sharply as their naked bodies pressed together, it was not a sexual feeling as much as an intimate feeling.
She felt her fire of happiness burn brighter and more powerful. She couldn't image a way she could feel happier.

"Morning." Costia said burying her face into Lexa's shoulder and sighing contently.

Lexa shut her eyes and for a moment let these feelings completely overwhelm her. She found herself completely and utterly relaxed; something that she could not recall ever happening before. She always had worries, thoughts, and plans berating her mind but not now. All that mattered in this moment was the women she embraced and how happy she made her feel.

After a minute or maybe an hour Lexa had lost all concept of time Costia pulled away and proceeded to get out of the bed and began dressing. Lexa unwillingly released her and watched put on the clothes that had so violently been removed. The site of Costia's naked body gave Lexa goose bumps as she remembered the night before and how much pleasure the two had felt.

"You have to train with Anya." Costia said tying her boots.

Feeling the bubble slowly deflate Lexa nodded before rolling out of the bed. She felt Costia eyes on her as she dressed and smiled for she knew Costia was feeling the same emotions that were consuming her.

Once both women we dressed they stood facing one another. Feeling the last of the bubble disappear Lexa spoke.

"There is nothing that needs forgiving." She said before leaving the healer in the tent.

XXXX

Lexa swung the training sword with a renewed vigor as Anya lunged at her. Her sword clashed with Anya's and sent tremors of force along Lexa's arm. A feeling she loved, nothing made her feel more alive than a life or death battle. The two women grappled for a moment, each using their sword as leverage to push the other woman off her feet. Out of the corner of her eye Lexa glimpsed Anya's back knee bend slightly, that was all she needed. Lexa released the pressure on her sword, ducked down stuck her leg out so that it was behind Anya's. In a flash before Anya could respond to what was happening Lexa pulled her foot forward, successfully tripping Anya and caused her to land on her back. Within a moment Lexa was standing over her triumphantly pointing the blade of her sword at her Frist's throat.

For a moment the two women stared at one another, as if each considered what would happen should Lexa push the sword downwards. This was a common thought, the kill blow. The moment passed, Lexa dropped her sword and held out her arm. Anya took it and allowed the Commander to pull her to her feet. She was pleased at how strong Lexa had become in such a short time.

"Good." She said pushing against Lexa's left arm. The shoulder didn't seem to pain her anymore or at least visibly pain her and had enough strength in it for her to fight with.

"How do you feel." Anya asked prodding at Lexa's arms and stomach.

"I feel like the Heda." Lexa said confidently, standing tall. "I feel like I deserve to wear my war paint once more and sit on my throne in Polis. I feel like the Commander once more."

"Good." Anya said taking a step back and admiring her former apprentice. "My horses are rested the roads are cleared. It is time for your return."

"I agree." Lexa said placing her sword in her scabbard and began to lead the way back to Tondc. "We will leave tomorrow at dawn." She stated.

Anya glanced at the Commander, the woman's face was stony but clearly she was deep in thought.

"What of your healer?" Anya asked, knowing that she was being bold. It was a moment like this that she was thankful she had trained the Commander since childhood, for no other Commander would accept such prying.

"What of her?" Lexa said not releasing emotion. She was skilled at such feats

"Will you be taking her to the capital with you?" Anya pushed.

Lexa stopped walking and stared at her first.

"What are you asking me Anya?" She said through fiercely gritted teeth.

Anya did not waiver. She knew she needed to discuss this with her apprentice no matter her rank.

"I know of the girl Costia, Heda." She stated. "I know that the girl has stayed in your tent each night this last week while you required no medical attention. I've know you better and longer than any other. I see the way you speak with her and look at her."

Throughout her words Lexa stood more and more straight and her eyes grew darker and darker.

"You know not of what you speak Anya, you forget yourself." She spat.

Anya pushed her shoulders back and approached the fuming woman. " My eyes and ears do not lie, Heda. What have you done?" She looked at Lexa's eyes firmly.

Lexa held the gaze refusing to look away like the alpha she was. "Many Commanders in the past have been with others. I am not the first."

"Those Commanders made such bonds with kings or queens of other tribes to strengthen bonds between the clans." Anya said clearly and Lexa felt as thought she a child again being told the history of their people. "This girl strengthens no bond, she is no person of influence, she has no noble blood."

"Neither was I." Lexa hissed.

"Heda, the blood the runs in your very veins is the noblest of blood even if your parents were of no nobility." Anya sighed in frustration.

"But I was no one of power until the opportunity was given to me. I feel that same could happen to Costia." Lexa had no hint of doubt in her voice.

"So you wish to take her with you?" Anya said solemnly.

Lexa's hand toyed with the hilt of her sword, a gesture of un-sureness.

"What I wish is not what matters." The young girl said almost sadly. "It is what she wishes."

"You are Heda, Commander." Reminded Anya. "All are obligated to obey your commands."

Lexa laughed. "You have never truly loved another Anya." She said wisely. "If you had you would no that you cannot simply force such a person to obey you." Lexa sighed. "Should Costia accompany us to the capital, she will do so as the Commander's person healing attendant. That will be her title and purpose."

Anya raised an eyebrow. "You wish to keep her secret. Are you ashamed of her?"

"I wish to keep her safe." Lexa said loudly, almost shocking herself with such an outburst. " I will not have her fall victim to the life that was given to me. She will not suffer as I have seen those closest to me suffer. You remember I have no doubt what became of my parents?" Lexa shouted.

Anya chewed the inside of her lip and waited. Lexa slowed her breathing and regained her composure. She had not lost control with such immaturity in a time and felt ashamed to have done so in front of her mentor.

"Tell Gustus to ready an extra horse for tomorrow." She said her voice steady and confident, the voice of the Commander. "It may be used tomorrow and if it is not there is no harm done, we will use it for supplies."

Anya bowed slightly acknowledging the command. Lexa nodded and began to swiftly walk towards her tent.

"Heda!" Anya called after her. Lexa stopped and turned to face her mentor. "I may have no understanding of what love feels like. But I do know that if this girl feels to you what you feel for her you needn't worry. She will choose to go with you. Fear not."

Lexa nodded formally and continued on her way.

XXXXX

As Lexa continued to walk the Anya's words sunk in. She and Costia had discussed their relationship and its life within Tondc, which had resulted in Costia explaining to any who asked the she was merely tending to the Commander's training wounds which often involved working deep into the night. The two did not wish to have the village know of their relationship. Costia feared Nyko's reaction the way Lexa was concerned for Anya. It was strongly discouraged for a healer to fall for a patient and as a newly appointment senior healer Costia knew there would be punishment. What was not discussed between the two of them was the concept of ending the relationship. They always spoke of ways to avoid or resolve the conflicts that presented themselves. Something Lexa was extremely grateful for was the fact that nor she or Costia even considered the fact that the relationship should end based on their lives.

"Heda!" Lexa turned in the direction the voice had called from and was surprised to see Gustus jogging towards her.

"We've had a rider from Polis." He said breathlessly. "Nyko has requested you to join him in the council room."

Lexa nodded and all thoughts of Costia and Anya vanished. She was the Commander and her people needed her.