He wasn't surprised to see Ontari at the table when they entered the suite, and nodded to her on his way to the bath.
"Where's Raven?" Clarke asked while pouring some water.
"I believe she is awake but I have not seen her. How was your training?"
"I didn't fall down today," Clarke grinned before emptying the mug. "I sparred with Murphy, and we sparred together against two sekens and beat them."
"You and Murphy defeated two sekens," Ontari repeated.
"We got them on the ground and they yielded." Clarke got some more water. "It wasn't really fair to them. You and Lexa helped train me and Roan helped train Murphy." She drank again, slower this time. "As soon as Murphy's done, I'll get him and Raven out of here so we can get to work."
"Raven is supposed to rest. Nyko will be by later. Gather what you need. Marcus will meet us in my rooms."
"I need Murphy to talk to Skaikru," Clarke answered with a slight frown. "Can we ask Raven to stay in her room until we're finished so he can do that?"
Ontari considered for a few seconds before agreeing. She got up and went to the door to tell the guard to have breakfast for four delivered here instead of her quarters, and when she returned to the table, told Clarke, "I will speak with Raven."
"Thanks. As soon as Murphy's done, I'll get cleaned up."
Murphy came out a few minutes later, clean, shaved, and dressed. "Need anything else before I head out?"
"Nope. Just come back and keep Raven company when you get done."
"OK, I'll see you later."
100 – 100 – 100
"Who is it?" Raven asked when Ontari knocked on the door.
"Heda."
"C'mon in." Raven put a marker in the journal and closed it. She was trying to sit up when Ontari opened the door.
"Do not get up," Ontari said sternly. "You are to rest."
"Right."
"I came to tell you that breakfast will be here soon. I will bring it to you, and ask that you remain in your room until Klark and I finish our meeting."
"Breakfast in bed?"
"Sha," Ontari smiled at her.
"For breakfast in bed, I'll do what you want."
"I will remember that."
Raven laughed. "I bet you will."
"How is the reading?"
"She was amazing. The things she was doing, she was generations ahead of everyone else."
"You understand her?"
"I do. Clarke gave me a notebook, so I'm keeping track of the important stuff I'll need to know, and all the sidetrips my brain is making."
"When Fair and I read it, we may need help."
"That sounds like Clarke's department. I'm tech, she's the boss."
"We should understand the tek, too."
"I'll do my best to explain it to you, Commander."
"I know you will. Nyko will come to see you today, and you may return to your duties when he gives his approval."
"You're a bigger mother hen than Clarke."
"You are important, Reivon."
"Thank you, Commander."
"I will return soon with your breakfast."
"Thank you," Raven repeated, but her mind was asking questions as her eyes followed Ontari's exit.
100 – 100 – 100
The room was empty when Ontari returned. She hoped that meant Murphy was gone. He would never be one of her favorite people, but he had a way of making himself useful. Clarke seemed fond of him although her mother clearly didn't like him. Raven tolerated him, too, and Marcus was courteous, although he acted the same toward everyone.
Ontari was tired, although she didn't show it. After taking care of Clarke, she waited for the blonde to sleep before closing her eyes. Throughout the night, Heda Leksa spoke with her, stopping sometimes to drive other hedas back into hiding or stop Clarke's nightmares. Ontari got the important points: Protect Clarke and her friends. Keep the peace and the coalition. Do not fear any challenge. Keep Titus locked up and under guard. Stay away from him and do not let Fair near him. Trust Clarke and take care of her. It won't be long until Clarke leaves, and things will be much different when she returns.
At the last, Lexa smiled at her. "You have done all I have asked, Ontari, and done it well. I will return with Klark and spend the rest of my days as your Fleimkepa."
"And Klark's beloved."
"Sha. There is someone here who will love you. You will not be alone. I give you my word."
"I love her."
"I am sorry you bear that pain with the other you carry, but when you recognize the one for you, your heart will become lighter."
"Klark," Ontari began.
"Klark does that for everyone who loves her," Lexa interrupted. "Watch her with others. Many say people follow her because of fear, but it is love. The rest do not understand that her power over death comes from love. Nia was wrong. Titus was wrong. Fear makes you weak, but love." Lexa paused to comfort Clarke. "Love will keep you going when it seems all hope is gone, when you think there is nothing good left, and it will guide you when fear tries to push you in the wrong direction. Do not fear love, Ontari. Embrace it. Follow it. Share it. There are many kinds of love, and each will keep you strong."
Lexa waited for an answer that didn't come. "Sleep now. I will watch you as I watch Klark."
Hard as she tried, the best Ontari could manage was intermittent dozing. She woke when Clarke moved and wondered how it was possible for pain that wasn't physical to match that of the worst injury.
When she saw the sky begin to lighten through the window, she left the bed and returned to her quarters to bathe and put on fresh clothes. Clarke and Murphy were gone when she returned, and Raven continued to sleep. Ontari took her seat at the table to wait for Clarke to return, determined to spend as much time as possible with her before she left on her quest.