"What about Titus?" Clarke asked.
"He will remain in his quarters. Do not go to speak with him. He has overstepped his last boundary."
"Ontari, he didn't touch me."
"He threatened you, Klark, after he swore an oath to Heda Leksa to protect you, after I told him that you are under my protection. Jomp em op en yu jomp ai op," Lexa finished.
Clarke put her fork down and looked at Ontari. Lexa looked back. Without looking away, Clarke said, "Murphy, will you watch in the hall for Raven and Mom?"
He looked uneasily at them before getting up and leaving them.
"Lexa."
"Klark."
"Tell me what you want me to know and leave Ontari alone. I'm doing the best I can."
"You are nearly there, Klark." She reached for Clarke.
Clarke didn't move. It was Ontari's body, but Lexa's body language, and Lexa's touch she felt when Ontari took her hand.
"You have been so strong, Klark, just a little longer. We will be apart, and then we will be together." She squeezed Clarke's hand. "It will be a long time before I let you go. Ai hod yu in, Klark. I am sorry I did not tell you earlier."
"What if I can't do this?" Clarke whispered.
"You can." Lexa put her other hand under Clarke's chin and raised her head. "You can do this, Klark."
"OK," Clarke answered shakily.
"Don't be afraid."
Clarke slowly closed her eyes. Just after, she felt Lexa's lips, and kept her eyes closed while she kissed Lexa back, fearing despite Lexa's words, that it would be the last time. Clarke put her hand on Lexa's neck to hold her in place.
Pounding on the door made them jump apart. Ontari's eyes returned to their usual color, and Clarke took a few seconds to get some control over her emotions. "I'm sorry."
Ontari nodded as the doors opened. The room filled with people again. Murphy hovered around Raven until she was safely seated. Abby and Marcus stood until Ontari waved them to the table.
"Somebody say something," Clarke said.
"I need to get back to work," Raven said.
Clarke pushed the journal across the table to her. "When you finish this, we'll talk about what needs to be done next."
"Sweet." Raven opened the journal. "Can I take it to bed? I need to lay down again."
"Sha. Return it to me when you finish," Ontari replied.
"Thanks, Commander."
Before she could ask, Murphy was there to help her stand.
"Thanks," Raven told him. "You wouldn't think enforced rest would be so tiring."
"What's that, Clarke?"
"One of those things you don't need to know about," Clarke answered her mother. "For your safety."
Another knock on the door temporarily prevented any more questions from Abby. A guard entered, his eyes glued to the floor. He held his palm out toward Ontari. In it were four pink chips.
Ontari took them. "Search him again," she ordered. "Different guards. And again in the morning. If you believe anyone accepted one, lock him up, too."
"Sha, Heda." He hurried away.
Ontari put the chips on the table between her and Clarke.
"Where did they come from?" Abby asked.
"Jaha," Murphy answered for Clarke.
"I thought you talked to him," Abby said to Marcus.
"I did. He gave me one. I gave it to Clarke earlier." Marcus paused. "He probably took another one."
"I'm not," Abby started.
"Wasn't going to ask you," Clarke interrupted. "I have stuff to do. I'll catch up with you guys in a day or so."
Marcus stood up and tugged Abby's arm so she, too, stood. "Good night, Commander, Clarke, John."
"Join us for breakfast, Marcus," Ontari said.
"Of course, Commander."
"Good night," Murphy said.
Clarke stared at the chips on the table for several seconds before getting out of her seat. She left the room without saying anything.
"Is something going on?" Murphy asked Ontari.
"Nothing to worry about." Ontari got to her feet. "Klark trains before breakfast. Go with her."
Murphy nodded. "Good night, Commander."
She left without saying anything, and Murphy sat at the table wondering what happened while he was in the hall.
100 – 100 – 100
Clark sat on the edge of the bed and slowly removed her boots. She knew Ontari would be there in a few seconds and had no idea what to say to her. She wanted to believe Lexa, wanted to believe that she was close to finding a solution that would bring Lexa back, but all she saw was obstacles.
Ontari hesitated in the doorway. "Klark."
"I'm sorry," she said for what felt like the thousandth time.
"There is no need for that."
"She uses your body and I," Clarke faltered. "I miss her so much," she said, her voice shaking with the effort not to cry again.
Ontari quickly came to the bedside and knelt so she could see Clarke's face. Clarke recalled Lexa in that position, and couldn't keep back the sob that came. Ontari said nothing as she put her arms around Clarke's waist. Clarke bent onto her shoulder and wept so hard her entire body shook.
As she began to calm, she felt as much as heard the humming come from Ontari's body, and it continued when she sat up. Ontari left her for a few moments and returned with a cool rag. She carefully washed Clarke's face and set the rag aside. Ontari moved silently to Clarke's wardrobe and got sleeping clothes for her.
She knelt before Clarke again, and the humming continued while she removed Clarke's boots and socks and set them aside. She stood and coaxed Clarke to do the same, and got her changed into lighter weight pants for sleep, then got her to change her shirt. Ontari threw the furs back and carefully guided Clarke into the bed and pulled the covers to her shoulders. She blew out most of the candles and quickly removed her boots and pants. Ontari got into bed, still humming, and wrapped around Clarke.
She and Lexa took turns guarding Clarke's sleep.
Jomp em op en yu jomp ai op = Attack her and you attack me.
Ai hod yu in = I love you