Just as dawn broke, the two women prepared their bags to leave. Their horses awaited them at the entrance along with Legolas and a few other people.
He handed them wooden stakes, much to their confusion. "Those will protect you better than that." Pointing to the guns.
"Thank you for your generosity." Clarke stuck out her hand but he refused.
"Heda sends you on your death sentence."
"You're wrong."
"You should not go, turn around while can."
Clarke stepped forward to bring her voice to a whisper. "I believe that's my decision to make."
"Very well, you are welcome back here whenever you please. Safe travels."
The two women began to leave with Legolas last word of advice still ringing in Clarke's head. "That marking will only get you in trouble uphead."
To no surprise their journey started in silence. Only this was going to be took an arrow for her and she deserved some answers.
"What happened back there?" There was no doubt some secret communication was going on between the two, it was not comforting. Again there was no response so she altered for another choice. Accusation.
"That woman you drew is the Commander."
"Laura." Clarke warned but that wasn't enough.
"You love her."
"Loved." Clarke whispered. Immediately Laura could hear the pain and sadness laced in the comment.
"What happened?" Clarke debated for a moment if she should tell. There was no harm now. If Laura had known before she might have told Legolas, leader of the BroadLeaf Clan, that their commander was dead. Hopefully they would not run into anyone else.
"Silas has a healer and that's all that matters. We have to find them otherwise a war will break loose and tons of people will die."
Laura didn't question any further. She got her answer despite how unpleasant it was. Even if she didn't want to continue though, they had arrived and Silas was not what they had expected.
"You see that massive castle and the only cloud in sight hovering over it too, right?"
"It can't be that bad." Clarke attempted to reason only evoking a laugh from Laura.
"Everyone told us to turn around! There were even signs that warned us! One said 'Save Yourself' then the next read 'Ye who enters may not leave' and then to top it all off it said 'Bitch You Gonna Die' and we still continued going!"
Clarke only rolled her eyes taking in the sight ahead of her. Polis had a singular large tower that barely managed to withstand the bombs. However, this castle looked as if it were rebuilt after the war which seemed unbelievable considering many materials were completely destroyed.
"We can't stop now Laura." Clarke hopped off her horse and led it between the gates that slowly creaked open. If anyone didn't know they were here, they definitely knew now.
The area had been surrounded by a brick wall but upon entering it was even sadder and deadly on the inside. The grass beneath them did not raise nor did the trees stand tall. It was dark and gloomy despite the sun having been up for a few hours now.
The worse was the desolation, stirring angst within. Not a single soul looked as if they lived here nor as if anyone has been around for years. Clarke was ticked off immediately by the absence of animals. Not even a bird was in earshot distance. This was no ordinary place.
Laura could hear her father in her head if she told him where she was. "Oh my dad would kill me right now. He would have a heart attack just watching me a hold a gun. Now I am in some godforsaken place with a woman who has been branded with the name Wanheda, aka Commander of death, who is trying to bring someone back to life."
Laura continued to pace back and forth while talking aloud, "Yeah this totally normally. This is what heroes do right? Okay, okay Laura pull it together. You got a gun, the Commander of death is with you, and you've got some wooden weapons. You're pretty safe. Alright Clarke, what do we do now?"
"I have no idea." Clarke whispered flipping through the book.
"What?"
"The book only offered directions."
"Did you not think to ask the person who gave it to you what happens next?"
"No one gets this far alive."
"So you thought this was a good idea to bring me and not back up. We are going to die. Clarke let's just leave. Let's follow those warnings."
"No, we have to save our people."
"Our people or yourself?" Clarke whipped her head back at the comment knowing it wasn't completely inaccurate.
Clarke had to ask herself if this were for her people for herself. She couldn't fathom anyone else not following the same course of action. Miserable with death, Lexa had pulled something out of her she forgotten she had.
The truth was they were vibrant people before responsibility fell in hand. Neither had chosen the life for them but rather it chose them. For Clarke to find someone who knows what a tortured soul feels like, it was undebatable to make this journey.
So maybe Laura was right but she knew Lexa could keep the peace so that just maybe, just maybe, despite all odds they could finally have a chance together. Even if that chance small she would take it.
"I asked you before we left if you are in or not. You want to be some sort of hero then going into danger is the first part. You don't think I'm scared? Hell, I've been shitting in my pants the moment my mother sent me down to a planet we thought has been uninhabited for ninety-seven years to die. We have to put those fears aside if we want to get where we want to. So I will ask you this one more time. Are you in Laura Hollis?"
Laura would be out of her mind if she genuinely believed Clarke was wrong. She could not concoct what her experience has been like since she's been on earth. Yet here she is trying to save her lover, throwing caution to the wind.
If she wanted to make a difference and be remembered it started with throwing your fears aside for the greater good. So she locked her gun, giving a response. Clarke continued to glare though, not understanding.
"Oh the locking of my gun was saying that I'm totally ready. All fears aside! Did you not get that? I'm sorry thought I was being obvious. The clicking of the gun symbolizes preparedness, you know?"
"No, no. Now I got it. Geez, just say you're in or not, don't make it so complicated."
The women tied their horses to a tree nearby and decided it was best to walk straight into the castle and see what they could find from there. Attaching all their equipment to themselves, they held their guns in hand just in case.
A little further down the dirt road, Laura struggled to remain quiet because the lack of noise, including from nature itself, was making her eerie. However, that was broken when a loud crunching noise was made.
"Did you step on a leaf?"
"No, that wasn't me."
"Hello darlings." Both women began to circle rapidly upon hearing the new voice. Their weapons were drawn as their eyes frantically searched for the new person. Clarke stepped towards the direction of the castle ready to speak.
Only, she did not get a chance to. Out from the darkness, an apple core rolled out onto the floor to crash into Laura's foot. It took everything in her not to scream.
"Overhere cupcake." A new female voice announced itself this time making themselves more visible to the girls.
Clarke turned to make her way towards the voices with Laura on her tail. In the dim light were two completely opposite women sitting on a bench. The darker skinned woman sat elegantly dressed in a black blouse and red skirt topped with black heels.
The other woman was much paler in comparison, holding a carefree posture. One leg wide open remained bent on the bench while the other dangled to the floor, it was clear she rolled the apple core as she bit into a new one. She remained dressed in much darker clothing, with a black top, dark purple pants enclosed by a black cape attached at her belt. Her dark hair carelessly fell off her face with lips as red as roses. A look that could kill any innocent heart like Laura's.
Laura had to admit she was taken aback from the pure beauty of these women. Meanwhile, Clarke was trying to understand this new found material of clothing. It was odd to see some in bright colors when she is so used to earthy colors.
The flashback came to Mount Weather. It signaled a weary feeling within. That moment she did not trust either of the two for if memory serves her correct being friendly was the first phase. The real problem was that they were not dressed in protective gear which means they've been living above ground. They were special and Clarke was scared to find out how special.
It was clear they were in fascination mode because both were speechless. The chic woman stood up first to introduce herself. "I am Matska, but you can call me Mattie. This is my sister, Carmilla."
"I'm Clarke and this is Laura."
Maddie in turn evaluated the two women, well mostly Clarke. Evidently she was a leader of some sort. The way she held herself with no fear and respect revealed superiority, however, it was belittled by the sadness in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Carmilla circled Laura as she bit into her apple. She took into account the petite girl's features, a pure innocent child unaware of who she has encountered. How could she not have a field day with this one.
"Your gun is useless here, cutie." Carmilla whispered in her ear as she pushed down the weapon she had been gripping on to. Laura knew right away she was not going to like this girl.
"We must speak with the healer."
"Ah yes, mother. Everyone wants to talk to mother. Isn't that right Carmilla?"
"Mmhm." Carmilla continued to hold her gaze on the girl. She looked too cheerful to be living in a post apocalyptic world. How did she survive this long?
"Its urgent."
"Well how about we make you a deal? Tonight we have a wonderful ball, be our guest and you can speak with mother then."
Laura looked to Clarke unable to watch this woman stare any longer. It was clear she was weighing her options but Laura spoke first. "No."
She didn't have a good feeling and she always trusted them. "Why not sweetheart?" Carmilla challenged whilst licking her lips.
Was there a need to be so seductive? No, but it clearly was making the smaller girl uncomfortable. The brown eyes darted everywhere but at the woman in front of her. Carmilla was not incompetent to know what the large gulp Laura took meant.
She tucked the hair of the space girl behind her ear and let her fingers run down her jawline. Laura was very annoyed with her actions feeling incompetent her under her watch. She was just trying to get under her skin to bother her. Laura had to remind herself this was a game but she was already losing.
"We are here for business." Clarke spoke up stepping forward.
"Don't believe in mixing business with pleasure?" Carmilla for the first time glared at Clarke opting for a serious look. The two looked as if they were trying to strangle the other with their eyes.
"Now, now easy Carmilla. Clarke, I'll offer you this only deal. Only one of you can see mother, the other spends the evening with Carmilla. Then you will both attend and enjoy our ball this evening or you can walk away unscathe unlike many people before you. Do we have deal?"
Clarke looked to Laura who might as well would have been shaking under her skin. She couldn't blame the woman for being in fear. Afterall she had only just left the camp for the first time since she got to earth.
Clarke had to protect her under all cost while fulfilling this mission. Despite a rough start she had grown to like the girl which meant she could not afford to lose her either. So she added one more thing to their deal, "Allow us to keep our weapons and I'll go to meet your mother."
"Deal." Mattie did not hesitate motioning for the girls to follow as Carmilla trailed behind. Their weapons were useless, an idea neither of the space girls caught onto.
The walk to the castle on the cobbled road gave Clarke more time to evaluate the area. There was still no one in sight but the possibility of people in the shadows which were not surprising. As they got closer her fear began to melt away with the majestic and serene castle looming over them. A gem hidden within an area of desolation.
Clarke tried for a brief moment to wonder what earth was like before the nuclear war. Knowing Lexa, she would have them live in a big house after they traveled the world. They wouldn't have to worry about anyone but each other.
She'd like to believe Lexa would wear the chicest of clothing while playing with children. Her children would be well behaved and respectful because of how strict she is. Although deep down they all knew her soft heart and playful side that would come out more often than expected. Only this is was what she had read in the books and the odds of some happiness remained as imagination in Clarke's mind.
After walking up the large set of stairs, they passed through the double french doors painted wine red to enter a new world. The marble floors, each chosen with a specific taste in mind, lead them into a room with a twenty feet high ceiling and a double staircase that met in the middle up top. The room was decked in paintings of all sort. If she thought Mount Weather was mystical, it had nothing compared to Silas.
"How did this survive the nuclear war?" Clarke whispered dumbfoundedly.
"Why don't you ask mother shall we?" Mattie went up the left staircase but Carmilla grasped Laura's arm who attempted to follow.
"And where do you think you are going?"
"I uh...um..."
"You are stuck with me. Let's go." Laura looked to Clarke with pleading eyes afraid to be left alone with the stranger. Then Clarke did something that shocked everyone, including herself.
She ran down the stairs and embraced Laura in her arms. It were quiet for a moment before Clarke could hear sniffles in her ears. Pulling away she wiped the tears from Laura's cheek hoping her own would not shed soon.
"I will see you again Laura. We'll be okay." She nodded her head trying to convince herself of the words.
This time, the two separated without leaving with longing looks. Guilt consumed Clarke for letting the girl go alone. This is why she was branded with the name of Commander of Death. For all she knew she let Laura walk into her death and now into her own.
This was for Lexa. This was for Lexa.
"May we meet again." Laura called out before Clarke was gone with Mattie disappearing into a hallway.
They found themselves in the kitchen after a brief tour of the first floor. Carmilla stated a few facts about some of the artifacts but Laura remained uninterested constantly rolling her eyes or paying no attention.
Carmilla knew she was being stubborn but that didn't stop her from finding out more about this girl. Without a doubt she had become bored trying to avoid any connection with her. However seeing a new face was refreshing, so she was going to find a way through.
In the kitchen, Carmilla found some grapes offering it to Laura, but she shook her head. Starving herself? Fine, two could play at this game.
"So tell me about yourself."
"You act as if we are friends." Carmilla had to admit she was surprised she even responded.
"Is it so wrong to become friends?"
"No because I will not be here long enough for that to happen." Carmilla walked behind the girl to cautiously push away the strand of hair by her ear. She then let her fingers walk off her arm before crouching down to speak in her ears.
"How about we forget about everything. Let your friend worry about talking with my mother. Tonight it's just you, me, and no worries at all." The words musically played in her ears as Carmilla slowly pulled away. If temptation were true, Carmilla was the devil.
And to her luck, Laura was sinning tonight.