Abby came back about an hour later, and looked better for the break. "She wants me to come to Polis," she told Clarke.

"I know. I sent Murphy for seaweed, he should be back soon. Did you get something to eat?"

"Yes, we sat and ate while we talked. She's..."

"She's heda," Clarke interrupted, and moved her eyes toward the guard while she finished tying off the last suture. "How many are out there?"

"Not many, and they mostly need stitches. Murphy triaged them for me. Why is he here?"

"Long story," Clarke told her mother, and gave her patient instructions.

Another guard appeared in the entry. "Wanheda, Heda wants you to join her."

"On my way," Clarke answered. "I'll see you later," she told her mother, and rinsed her hands in a bucket before following the guard.

Ontari waited in her tent, and someone followed Clarke in. While Clarke sat, a plate was put in front of her. "Mochof," Clarke said to her server.

"Eat, Wanheda," Ontari instructed.

"Mochof, Heda," Clarke answered, and did as instructed.

"You must take better care of yourself."

Clarke's palm itched again, but she stayed focused on her plate. She didn't want to see Ontari's eyes change color, but she couldn't stop Lexa's whispering. Safe. Ste yuj. More.

"Your mother has many ideas."

Clarke nodded.

"She argues that there may be other sky people out there and that disbanding Skaikru is premature."

"There may be. The last two years we were up there were bad. Stations failed and fell." Clarke looked up. "Farm Station landed in Azgeda land, and many of them were killed. That's why Pike was so adamant in his argument that Skaikru should kill and take land."

"Nia was shortsighted. There was much we could have learned."

"Sha."

"Where are the rest of them?"

"I don't know. I haven't had a chance to ask Marcus or my mom."

"Who is Marcus?"

"He was a chancellor on the Ark. He took the brand for Skaikru. He was going to be the next chancellor, but Pike wouldn't listen to him. He told lies and made people afraid. Fear is a powerful motivator, and logic is easy to discard."

"I will speak with Marcus."

"You should. He's smart and good at politics. He and my mom are a good team. They complement each other."

Ontari nodded. "Why does Titus fear you?"

"I don't know," Clarke lied. She rubbed her palm against her thigh, seeking relief from the itching. Protect you.

"You will return to Polis tomorrow after Heda Lexa's funeral pyre is done. Haihefa requests your presence. The Skaiskat will stay here to assist your mother."

"I'll tell him."

"Heda Lexa's pyre is being prepared. You may assist if you wish."

"Mochof." Clarke pushed her plate away. She ate half of what was on it.

Ontari pushed it back to Clarke. "Finish it. You have not eaten today."

Clarke suppressed a sigh and worked to finish the food while Ontari watched. When she finished, Ontari told her, "Your guard waits to take you to TonDC."

"Mochof," Clarke answered, and left.

100 – 100 – 100

Helping Trikru gather wood was a welcome change from the constant talking. She saw Lexa everywhere, though and clearly heard her, but they were memories. When she returned with her third armload of fuel, she saw Octavia and Indra.

Clarke dreaded talking to them, but knew she had to. Both women stared at Clarke, who saw the fury in both sets of eyes. They looked at each other for several seconds before Clarke said, "I'm sorry."

"You're sorry?" Octavia exploded. "That's all you have to say, Clarke?"

Clarke nodded. "I'm sorry for everything that happened."

"What happened to Heda?" Indra demanded.

"I can't tell you. It's not safe. I tried to save her. I tried and I couldn't." Clarke didn't try to stop her tears this time. "That's why I didn't leave with you. We said goodbye, and I was getting my pack and." Clarke stopped. She had to protect them, keep Titus focused on her and Murphy. She knew fear made people reckless. "I'm sorry," she repeated.

"Bellamy?" Octavia asked.

"He's dead, too. I don't know what Ontari's going to do with their bodies."

"Did anyone survive?"

"Miller, Harper, and my mom got about 50 people out. They're together at the back of the Azgeda camp. My mom and Murphy are with the healers."

"Murphy? That cockroach is still alive?"

"Yeah."

"What about Jaha and his cult?"

"I don't know. I didn't see any of them, so maybe they left, too." Clarke wiped her face. "Stay with Trikru, Octavia. I'll send Lincoln to you as soon as I can."

"He's alive?"

"Yeah. Tell me where you'll be and I'll send him to you."

Octavia and Indra exchanged a look. It was clear they didn't trust Clarke, and Clarke didn't blame them.

"Tell him to come here," Indra said. "We'll make sure he knows where to find us."

"Ok." Clarke cleared her throat and repeated, "Ok. I'm sorry for everything."

"That doesn't change anything, Clarke," Octavia said, and stalked away. Indra followed her.

Clarke walked in the other direction, into TonDC. A guard stood at Lexa's tent. Clarke didn't recognize him, but he knew her and held the flap open so she could enter.

It was as Lexa left it. Clarke found matches beside a lamp on the map table and lit it. She stood and turned in a slow circle, but stopped when she saw the bed and the trunk at its foot. Exhaustion and grief caught up to her, and Clarke got into Lexa's bed. It smelled like her, like the forest, wood smoke, and leather, and like Lexa. She inhaled deeply and began to weep. Lexa whispered in her brain. Safe. Meet again. Ste yuj. Your heart. Don't be afraid. Klark. More. Ai hod yu in. Don't be afraid.

Ste yuj. = Stay strong.
Ai hod you in. = I love you