The grand entrance to Polis Tower stood tall and imposing, adorned with an intricate display of colorful banners and ribbons that represented the various clans in the coalition. Arriving guests filed past rows of bright torches that invited them towards the tower where they were greeted and led toward the festivities.
This initial celebration between Trikru and Skaikru honored the upcoming marriage, but it was no less spectacular than any could have imagined. Within the tower's great hall, tables were laden with culinary delights depicting an impressive display of venison, fish and other delectable dishes. Blossoms of flowers were placed strategically on table surfaces which were adorned with elaborate fabrics, carefully draped so as not to touch the floor.
Guests filed into the room with awe, greeted with the performer's harmonious melodies sweeping throughout the large structure as they took in the extensive design and attention displayed within. Nothing had been forgotten for this momentous occasion, an event so special that it would surely live for eternity in the minds and hearts of the people.
Clarke felt herself being swept up in the joyous occasion from the moment the doors had swept open to reveal the crowd of familiar faces and resonant cheers at her arrival as she and Lexa had strode through the tide of people to reach the front of the hall.
'Friends and family, we stand humbled and grateful to have you all gathered here on this momentous night,' Lexa's voice resounded through the crowded hall, instantly hushing the room into an attentive silence. Her presence alone was enough to command attention, but her powerful words hypnotized the captivated audience.
"Tonight marks the celebration of unity between our two great clans," she declared, her gaze encompassing the entire assembly. "It is a night that we have eagerly awaited and worked tirelessly to achieve. We stand proudly together, combining our strengths to forge a future of prosperity for our people."
The room erupted with a wave of cheers and applause, members of both clans grateful for the ongoing peace between them. Too much blood had been shed in the past and now it was time to live, not just survive.
"Yet, this celebration bears an even deeper significance," Lexa continued, her expression softening as she extended her arm towards her beloved. "For tonight, we also honor a personal bond. Clarke and I will unite in marriage, a ceremony to bind our love and further unite our people."
At her words, Clarke's eyes sparkled with affection, stunned by the knowledge that this incredible woman would soon be her wife. She could barely withdraw her eyes from the enticing silk dress that accentuated the Commander's every movement, a material crafted to catch the light and dance mesmerizingly in the reflections.
"However," Lexa's voice took on a hint of insistence, drawing the distracted blonde back to her words, "now is not the time for lengthy speeches. Tonight, let the joy of this union be felt by all. Eat, drink and enjoy your night.'
The hall erupted into a joyous uproar and festivities continued passionately. Goblets were filled to the brim with wine and merriment infected the room as people from both clans mingled, sharing the common ground of allies and friends in this new chapter of survival.
Seated side by side on the lengthy table situated to the front of the room, Clarke and Lexa looked on with joy as their people merged together harmoniously as one crowd, greeting new friends and allies as they were brought together by this momentous occasion. Despite this overwhelming unity, In the midst of the jubilant crowd, a handful of reserved individuals lingered at the edges, observing the festivities from a distance. It was not unexpected, these two clans would need time to adapt and accept the differences that made them unique.
Change could be daunting for those who welcomed it, near impossible for those who resisted. The two women could only lead by example and demonstrate that unity between the clans could only bring prosperity, an end to the suffering and bloodshed that had cursed their people throughout history.
Clarke leaned towards her lover, her voice hushed despite the loud surroundings. "It's incredible to see everyone come together like this. I never could've imagined it."
Lexa nodded, her eyes drifting away from the crowd as she spoke. "We have come a long way together."
A wave of emotions was visible on the blonde's face as she recalled the struggles and challenges that they had faced to reach this moment. Conflict, bloodshed, betrayal. Life had not been easy but they had persevered and made it to this magical time. She tenderly remembered the moments shared between the madness, their kiss high in the canopy of trees, their profession of love and commitment to each other as the darkness had raged around them.
Her gaze was torn from the green depths of Lexa's eyes as her mother waved pointedly from the crowd, beckoning the blonde girl over.
"Your presence has been requested," Lexa commented with a smile, "You should go to them."
Rising from her chair, Clarke's elegant gown cascaded with grace, its sweeping length adding to her regal appearance as she gracefully circled the table and made her way through the gathering. The crowd parted effortlessly until she reached her mother and was abruptly drawn into a warm embrace.
Bellamy, Octavia and Raven lifted their glasses in welcome and propped a glass into her hand.
"We wanted to tell you how proud we all are of you,' Abby explained, one hand remaining on her daughter's arm. "You deserve everything that makes you happy, and you have found it."
Clarke took a deep drink to hide her embarrassment at the speech. Surely this could wait until the wedding.
"Well I just came for the free alcohol and food but yeah, you've done alright for yourself," Raven said playfully, clinking her glass against Bellamy's as he chuckled.
The blonde smiled halfheartedly, not in the mood for further speeches, sure that she would hear enough of them on her actual wedding day and had only a singular burning question on her mind.
"How long have you all known about this?"
Eye contact was very fleeting all of a sudden as a series of mumbles were omitted and it was Abby who attempted to save the situation.
"What matters today is that we celebrate this magical time-"
"Bullshit," Clarke whispered forcefully, her voice hushed as she stared at them each individually. "You were all in on this weren't you?"
"Well, we wanted to make it special-" Bellamy's words were cut short as Clarke erupted into a short burst of laughter.
"You're not upset?" her mother inquired nervously, aware that her odd behaviour may have caused some suspicion over the past few weeks.
"Of course not, I find it all quite amusing," Clarke grinned, sipping her drink with satisfaction as the party around them continued merrily. "I can just picture you all, running around trying not to get caught."
Abby let out a sigh of relief, grateful that their surprise hadn't been spoiled. "I'm just thankful that you didn't suspect anything."
Octavia scoffed and twirled her drink in the glass. "She almost did! Stubborn as anything, it took all of my effort to put her off the scent."
A loud chorus of cheers interrupted the conversation and Clarke arched her head to see Jasper and Monty clapping each other on the back, engaged in a fruitful conversation about their moonshine no doubt. They noticed the attention and waved enthusiastically.
"Someone's enjoying themselves a bit too much," Abby said with a frown, hoping that they could behave themselves for such a special night but her daughter smiled openly at the theatrics.
"They're happy. Let them be, that is why we're here."
Clarke conversed with the group a while longer before returning to her position of honor at the table. A mild disappointment settled over her to see Lexa engaged in a discussion with Indra at the edge of the room. In the lapse of conversation the blonde relaxed into her seat, letting herself truly experience the joy that the night brought her. Family and friends were celebrating her upcoming marriage, an event that she was still coming to terms with, overwhelming tenderness filling her heart at the prospect.
Her floating sense of presence was interrupted and she was pulled back to clarity as a figure ascended the small step to reach her table.
"These people sure do know how to throw a good party," Murphy drawled, hardly dressed for the occasion in his dark shirt and trousers, he clearly had no intention of staying.
"You're not here to cause trouble are you?" Clarke asked in a dry tone, noting with a hint of a relief that the man held no glass in hand. "I believe that's why you left Arkadia in such haste?"
"Hardly," the man scoffed, extending his hand in a wide gesture at the celebrations continuing around them. "I knew there would be more fun to have here."
Clarke wasn't so sure of his story, having heard rumors of his behaviour in Arkaida, although it wasn't hard to believe that boredom of the camps confines had encouraged his outbursts. Perhaps this was the best place to make himself useful.
"Besides, I came here to wish you the best and pass along a message. The King would like to see you, he is waiting in the throne room."
Clarke's curiosity piqued at the mention of King Roan's request. "You work for the King now?" she inquired, trying to discern any information from Murphy's unexpected appearance.
The man shrugged without interest, refusing to divulge any details. "He saw potential in me and I had skills that he needed."
"Is being vague one of your skills?"
He smiled mysteriously and bowed halfheartedly. "Enjoy your evening Wanheda, let me know if you ever need to utilize my skills."
As quickly as he appeared, Murphy blended back into the crowd, vanishing like a shadow. His cryptic message had been delivered, and Clarke could not resist curiosity involved in King Roan's request.
Reluctantly leaving the Commander and their lively event behind, Clarke made her way to a quiet corridor, accompanied by a vigilant guard who had been tasked with protecting his leader that night. Ignoring the constant presence at her back, the blonde made her way through the path of corridors to the throne room where the King awaited her. He was seated in one of the ambassador's chairs, his gaze lifting with a slight smile as she entered.
"Wanheda, you are here."
"You invited me," she countered, slowly moving further into the room. "Did you think that I would not attend."
Roan sat thoughtfully and gently stood up. "It was a possibility. You have not viewed me in the best light recently, ever since we intercepted the network of traitors."
Clarke was well aware of the tension that had escalated between them, largely her fault as she had suspected the King of keeping vital information from the alliance and having a careless attitude about the treacherous group originating from within his clan.
"These have been difficult times,' Clarke acknowledged.
"Agreed, and I would like to dispel these negative connotations in place of a more cooperative bond between us."
He did not wait for a response as he procured a small wooden box from his pocket, adorned with delicate carvings that displayed sacred Azgeda symbols. He gently thumbed the lid open as he approached the leader, displaying the contents for her to see. Clarke was in awe to see the exquisite amulet that lay within, a mesmerizing blue hue glinting in the faint torchlight, accentuating the silver etchings along it's perimeter.
"It's beautiful," Clarke intoned, reaching to take the box in her grip so that she could better visualize the gift.
"This amulet carries blessings and the strength of protection from my clan," Roan explained, watching as she admired the item.
"Thank you," Clarke replied sincerely, touched by the unexpected gift.
Roan gestured toward the balcony beyond the imposing throne, inviting her to join him in the fresh night air. As they stepped outside, Clarke shivered at the sudden change in temperature, but the cool breeze was a welcomed break from the heat of the crowded hall.
"I understand your reservations after the actions of my mother," Roan began, addressing the tensions that had strained their relationship, "but I can assure you that Azgeda will be ruled under my hand as a fair and just nation. The alliance will benefit us all, and I want you to trust my intentions on upholding it."
Clarke listened intently to the sincere words, sensing the genuine intent to create a stronger relationship between all of the clans. Azgeda were widely distrusted after Nia's legacy of bloodshed and treachery, she could understand why Roan would be eager to dispel any further negativity from the alliances most powerful leaders.
"This time of peace has been exceptional, a reality we once considered unattainable," the King continued, gazing over the vibrant streets below them. "Members from all the clans live in this city and tonight they celebrate together. Not so long ago they were slaughtering each other."
The city was uncharacteristically busy in the late evening, crowded with people as they welcomed the news of their leaders union. It was a day of joy for many.
"You have helped to achieve that Clarke, you and Lexa have shaped the future of this land. But you never know what the future may hold," the King continued, his words holding an edge of warning as chill as the cold air. "Violence, lies, chaos, it can come about within a second. You have seen this first hand and we must remain vigilant."
"What's your point?" the blonde inquired, sensing a stronger meaning to his words. He turned to face her, shifting his attention away from the bustling streets for the first time since their conversation had begun.
"I will be returning to Azgeda territory and I don't know what awaits me there. We have quenched much of the resistance but it will never be fully eradicated. When you hear lies of Azgeda treachery, of their King's passion for violence and need to rise in the shadow of his Mother's legacy, I want you to remember my words. I have sworn allegiance to you both, to uphold this alliance until my dying day, for the sake of my people and those to come. I have proven my loyalty to your cause and I expect you to similarly uphold your word. Will you do that for me Clarke?"
Clarke felt the gravity of the King's words, realizing that this was no casual request. The weight of lives and the future of their land rested upon the success of the alliance. Roan was an honorable King, he had demonstrated his dedication to the alliance and was well within his right to make such a demand.
"Why do you speak to me and not Lexa?" Clarke inquired, discerning a flicker of frustration from the man at the mention of the Commander's name.
"Lexa has a long, dark history with Azgeda as you well know. We were barely accepted into the alliance let alone trusted to be members. She will not forgive my people so easily."
"You seek a pledge of trust?"
"I want the support of my Commander as I return to my land to eradicate all and any threat against her alliance, regardless of the cost. Is that too much to ask?"
Inspired by the King's earnest display, Clarke replied without hesitation, "You have my word, Roan. We stand beside you as unwavering allies." She understood that trust would be the foundation of their success, and Roan's support would be crucial in the times to come.
"Then I will take my leave and let you enjoy the rest of your evening," he said, retreating from the window abruptly, this would be his last night within the city and he had a long ride ahead of him. "Thank you Wanheda, I will not forget this."
Her thoughtful gaze returned to the busy streets below as the man departed, a sense of awe washing over her at the progress that she had seen within the city. Peace and unity were prevailing in the once war-torn land, the clan members had been shown a more prosperous way of living in harmony. There was much to celebrate that night.
Safely returning the treasured amulet to her room, Clarke retraced her steps to rejoin the heart of the festivity. The warmth of the room enveloped her and fought the lingering chill from her time on the balcony. Merriment and laughter continued from within the great hall as she slipped through the unobserved door and made her way back to her seat.
Lexa was waiting patiently at the head of the table, keenly observing the girls arrival until her last step, taking note of the pensive expression and flushed cheeks. "He should not have interrupted, not tonight."
Her objection was waved away as the blonde resumed her former position at the table, gesturing for the serving team to refill the Commander's glass.
"Tonight we celebrate, everything else can wait until the morning," Clarke insisted, lifting the drink to her lips, relieved as the cold chill on her skin dispersed. "So be nice, or else I may be forced to drag you out there for a dance."
Lexa's gaze flickered towards the revelers dancing with carefree abandon and suppressed a shudder at the idea, deciding to remain quiet for the moment. She would honor this night as it deserved to be, a magical night to remember. If Clarke wanted to dance then it would not be conducted in the view of anyone else. For now, any lingering concerns were set aside and the Commander let herself relax into the ongoing harmony of music and noise of the hall. The festivities blurred around her all while her heart eagerly awaited the anticipated moment when she could finally steal away to be alone with her beloved, a moment that would hold an intimate allure all of its own.
Thank you for reading this chapter! I am back with this story again after a break so please forgive any discrepancies in the writing at the moment. It is amazing to be continuing with this story and I hope you are all excited for the chapters to come!
Let me know what you thought and if you're enjoying it! Your comments inspire me to write a lot faster.
Have a great week and look forward to the next chapter :)