A/N: Back to Clarke's POV. Enjoy!
Chapter 8: Deals
Clarke stormed down the corridors until she reached her rooms, followed by the guards that carried Raven and a stumbling Murphy.
She wasn't sure what she had expected when she saw the general pass the gates of the city, but she knew this was the last possible scenario she could have imagined.
Murphy had fled the dropship a couple of days before Bellamy tried to kill her, and she had thought he was wandering the forest, trying to survive much like she did until she met the Commander. Yet, here he was, most likely captured by this Anya general soon after he left the camp. How long had he been kept locked up - and tortured?
And Raven… She vaguely recalled the name and face from the Ark. Her mother had been sorry to hear Jackson had diagnosed her with a heart murmur when the Latina girl had been so eager to start training as a zero-G mechanic. She had enlisted Clarke's help in healing the girl, agreeing to Sinclair's plea for a second check-up – the man had been as disappointed as Raven by the news. Abby had made a show of sprouting a lot of medical terms to distract the depressed brunette while Clarke examined the girl – as a doctor trainee – and used this to place her hand near the chest and heal her until she stopped hearing the murmur. Then Abby had confirmed Clarke's claim that there was no murmur, allowing them to proceed on to an ultrasound that – obviously – came back negative.
Sinclair had mentioned several times afterwards that he was delighted that the mistake had been corrected, and that Raven was a pure genius.
So what was she doing on the ground? She had not been in the dropship.
She directed the warriors to lay the young woman on the bed and covered her with furs after dismissing them. She doubted they would go any further than the other side of the door – and perhaps even listen to whatever she said to report to the Commander – but she did not care about that right now.
''Murphy, you said Raven was sent by my mom?'' She asked the boy.
He took a step back. ''Wow, not so fast, Princess! I still want an explanation on what the hell happened in that room. I mean, thanks for the hands, really, but what sort of freak are you?''
With a sigh, Clarke proceeded to quickly explain her whole family history and also how she had stumbled upon the Commander. There was no point in sugar-coating things, as she doubted the boy would harm her – worst that could happen was him not wanting anything to do with her again, and she was not close enough to him for such a decision to hurt her.
''Jeez, you sure had an interesting time. Mine was a bit old fashioned – spending all days in a cell, not really new.'' He paused and raised his still tied hands. ''Any chance you can remove these? Since you're close buddy with the great Commander and all?''
She had not even remembered the rope until now. She buried her head in her palms, ashamed.
''Sure, Murphy, sorry.''
She walked to a table and grabbed the small dagger that had been brought with the food to cut the meat. She paused, and prepared a plate before walking back in front of Murphy. She cut the rope and handed him the plate.
''Eat up. I am not sure what the Commander is planning, but it can only be easier on a full stomach. And that girl, Tris, said that there would be water for a bath arriving soon.''
Murphy took the plate with a smirk.
''I say, Princess, you should go and save freaky Commanders of unknown populations more often. I could get used to that kind of treatment.''
Clarke snorted.
A few minutes later, a groan informed them that Raven was waking up. Clarke rose to stand by the bed, expecting the brunette to be quite confused.
She opened her eyes blearily, blinking at the fading light of the sun that filtered in from the windows.
''Er… Holy shit, am I dead?'' She mumbled and focused loosely on Clarke. ''God, I thought angels being blue-eyed blond-haired bimbos was a cliche!''
Clarke's jaw dropped while Murphy burst out laughing.
''I am honestly unsure of whether I should be flattered or offended by this statement.'' She finally said.
Shaking her head, she fixed another plate for Raven. ''I am Clarke Griffin, by the way.''
The brunette looked up at her. ''Crap, does that mean I am dead? Bellamy said you fell into some spiky trap. I went there, 'cause your mom said your wristband was still emitting when I left so it sounded a bit fishy. But I saw the blood on the spikes, others said the grounders had probably taken your body for decorating or whatever. What are you doing here?''
She looked around, apparently realizing for the first time that she was inside some richly furnished room in a concrete and wood building. ''Where the fuck are we, by the way? Heaven looks like shit so far. But the bed is very comfy.'' She added, wiggling a little and prodding herself against the pillows as she grabbed the plate Clarke was still offering her.
Murphy intervened in his usual drawl.
''Princess is a freaking immortal who spends her days saving mysterious hot leaders and healing tortured sky people.''
Clarke rubbed her temples. Somehow, Murphy had adapted to the knowledge of her abilities remarkably well. She would be grateful if he was not teasing her when she was barely stopping herself from having a fit at the current situation with Lexa and her general. ''I will tell you the full story some other time, but that's a good summary.''
Her head snapped up, belatedly registering part of what the boy had said. ''Wait, 'hot leaders'?''
The boy shrugged. ''Well, she is. I had bloody hands, but my eyes were fully functiunal. But the way she was looking at your and Raven's figures, I don't think she is into guys, so I'll just find my own grounder woman. What about you, Princess? There were a lot of bets going on in the Ark, you know.'' He commented.
Clarke just glared at him. She knew about the bets, of course. Homosexuality and bisexuality were not a taboo on the Ark, but same-gender couples rarely had children. None of the stations that had gathered to form the Ark had the machines necessary for in vitro fecundation, so the only way was to ask for one of the couple to have a child with someone else. Many elected not to have a child at all.
It should be a private matter, but before her imprisonment Clarke was expected to succeed her mother as Head Surgeon. And since most prestigious jobs were obtained through recommendation, they were pretty much hereditary. When she openly admitted to being bisexual, many people had started to take an interest in her love life, hoping she would settle with a woman and not have a child, therefore leaving her own succession as Head Surgeon open to other families in three or four decades.
Raven swallowed some meat before asking. ''So, does that mean this Commander is hot? You interested, Griffin?''
Clarke rolled her eyes. ''Seriously, guys, I'll do whatever I can do keep you alive and away from the torture chambers, but it would really help if you did not comment on the Commander's ass.''
''So you admit that she has a great ass?'' Raven exclaimed, pointing at her with a piece of carrot. ''When do I get to meet this hot chick again?''
''You already did, while you were mumbling nonsense.'' Clarke retorted.
A knock on the door interrupted them, and it opened before Clarke could ask who it was.
The Commander strode in as if she owned the place – which she actually did, Clarke reasoned, but wasn't she allowed some privacy as a guest? – and turned to Clarke after saluting the others with a nod.
''Rooms are being prepared for your companions. The water for their baths is being brought there as we speak. I promise you that no harm will come to them for now, but we do have many things to discuss. A village was destroyed, and my people want justice.''
''You know, you never really explained how you knew for sure it was my people and not the Mountain that did that.'' She observed, crossing her arms over her chest.
She was not letting Raven and Murphy out of her sight until she had cleared this mess. She wanted to trust Lexa, she really did, but that general had tortured Murphy despite her Commander's orders. Would she disobey her again?
''The village is away from the Mountain's usual reach, and too small to be a target – it was only four families. Its inhabitants talked of small missiles that did not explode but set their houses on fire. Thankfully, there were no casualties as the noise woke them before they were trapped by the flames, but some got badly burnt and all the village and its provisions for winter were destroyed.'' The Commander detailed.
''Er… From what you say, I think that could be our flares.'' Raven croaked from the bed. ''Never meant to harm anyone, I was trying to reach the Ark before they killed three hundred people. Didn't really take the time to think on where they would fall down. Are the kiddies okay?''
Clarke saw the Commander turn to glare at the other brunette, who looked genuinely apologetic and slightly worried.
''You are the one who sent them?''
''With some help to get everything ready, but yeah. Sorry again. I'm usually much better at the whole 'greet the neighbors' stuff. Saved my life, actually.'' Raven commented.
Clarke was confused by her last sentence. ''Saved your life?''
''My mum sold my rations for booze. Finn was my neighbor, and after I met him he shared his rations with me so I wouldn't starve.'' She explained with a shrug that contrasted with the tears in her eyes.
The Latina glared at the Commander despite her wet cheeks. ''One of your people killed him. Stabbed him in the chest when he went to rescue the girl he kidnapped.''
Clarke clenched her jaw. ''And you say my people were unprovoked? From what I have seen and heard, your people threw spears and daggers at mine, kidnapped and tortured them without cause, while mine accidentally burned a village – for which I am grateful there were no casualties, of course.''
Lexa seemed perturbed. ''I was unaware that one of my people had harmed one of yours. I will order Anya to find him, and he will be punished. My warriors were under strict orders not to approach your people. But I still need reparation for the families of that village. Unless you have something to offer me, I will have to ask for that one's life. They will demand it.'' She explained, nodding at Raven.
''Remember those quotes I gave you this morning? I will give you my favorite one. It allowed me to dream of a better future once my people returned to the ground. One were we could actually follow that quote.'' Clarke offered, hoping to reason Lexa and gain some time while she furiously searched for a solution.
The Commander clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head. ''I am listening.''
''Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.'' She quoted reverently.
''Jus drein jus daun – Blood must have blood – has always been the way of our people. We must have compensation for what was lost.'' Lexa persisted, shaking her head.
''But no one died. Why demand a life?'' Clarke argued. ''I can heal the wounded – you know I can, you have seen me heal worse things than that – and whatever else was lost can be built or crafted again. Raven is a mechanic genius. How about she offers her talents to you for a while to pay the rest of the debt?'' She offered.
Lexa furrowed her brow, mulling it over. ''That sounds… reasonable. There is no time to rebuild before winter, so the families are settling in Polis tomorrow – they followed Anya with what little they managed to salvage. I can provide them with what they need, essentially paying your people's debt, and then Raven will repay me through her work. It is… unusual but acceptable.''
She looked almost relieved that a peaceful solution had been found.
''Hey, don't I have a say in this?'' Raven called out.
Clarke rolled her eyes – she had a feeling she was going to do that a lot around the Latina. ''Would you rather be tied to a tree and executed slowly and painfully?'' She asked rhetorically, having heard of the way the grounders usually executed their criminals.
''Eww, no thanks, I'll pass. You got yourself a mechanic, Commander. How long am I gonna be working for you by the way?'' She inquired.
''We can discuss the particulars later. Warm water must be waiting for you in your rooms. The guards will show you there.'' Lexa replied, while gesturing for two warriors to come in an escort Murphy and Raven away. The boy snickered when Raven grumbled at having to get out of the warm furs.
The door closed behind them, leaving Clarke alone with the Commander.
''I liked that quote.'' She said unexpectedly.
Clarke rose an eyebrow. ''Do you really? It seems a bit contradictory with your traditions.''
''Not really. It does not say that death shall never be used as a punishment, only that one should be absolutely certain that it is the right one. It advises caution.''
She chuckled softly and shook her head at the brunette. ''It is really more complex than that.''
''How so?'' It was a genuinely curious inquiry. Settling the debt without bloodshed had allowed both young women to relax and return to their more friendly interactions.
Clarke tilted her head, trying to find away to explain it simply. ''Well… It is about the fact that we are humans. We make mistakes, and we just can't see the place of every single thing in the grand scheme.''
Lexa just looked more confused by her attempt at an explanation.
She let out a small laugh and indicated her bed. ''Sit down, this might take a while. I am gonna have to give you a bit more context.''
She waited for Lexa to sit down and then settled herself comfortably in the chair next to the bed, after turning it so she could face the other woman.
''I told you the story in that book was about a mission. Well, basically, the mission is to destroy a ring. But the ring is unbreakable, so the only way to get rid of it is to travel to a very dangerous land and drop it in a volcano – a pit of melted stone.'' She added when she saw the confusion at the last word.
''Why is this ring so dangerous?'' Lexa asked curiously, leaning forward.
''Er… Let's just say it is a focus for many things, and that destroying it before the bad guys find it will prevent a lot of troubles. Anyway, when the hero finally reaches the pit, he no longer has the strength to throw the ring. I know, it sounds weird when you say it like that, but it makes a lot more sense when you read the whole story.''
''You said luck saved them all in the end.'' Lexa reminded her.
''Yes. But, let's backpedal to the quote first, okay?''
''Backpedal?''
''It means return on another, previous part of the story. Sorry.'' She said with a smile.
''Don't be. I might need those words when you start handing me books.''
''Right. So. The hero knows he and his companions are being followed by a… disgusting person, who killed and maimed many people without real cause and has lost all its humanity. He says to the eldest and wisest in the group that it would be justice and mercy to kill that creature.''
''He is right.'' Lexa affirmed, clearly enthralled by the story.
''And that is when the old man says the things I quoted, and advises him not to kill it.''
''And? What happens?''
''The hero gets separated from most of his companions. When the creature attacks him, he manages to convince it to guide him to the pit where the ring can be destroyed. And when he is out of strength, the creature steals the ring, then stumbles and falls in the pit with it.''
She let silence reign for a minute before concluding.
''If he had not shown the creature mercy, he would never have completed the mission, and many people would have died as a result.''
Lexa nodded slowly, but observed. ''But the creature betrayed him in the end. It served a purpose, but it still deserved death. Fate killed it, along with this ring.''
''True.'' Clarke conceded. ''But isn't Fate more likely to understand all the consequences than us humans?'' She argued.
''I suppose so. But how can you enforce the laws if there is no strong punishment for those who break them? What sort of world is it where good people can be killed but the bad ones will be spared?''
''You just have to come up with other forms of punishment. Like we did with Raven.''
Lexa shook her head sharply. ''No. That is very different. No lives were lost, and there had been no intent to harm. A man who kills innocents cannot be allowed to walk around the others in exchange of a few months of crafting.''
''And what happens when you make a mistake?'' Clarke pointed out. ''When you confuse an innocent for a murderer, and execute him? The old world is full of stories like that, because humans make mistakes. Over time, many countries favored life-long imprisonment over death penalties. The culprits often doing some tedious work for the rest of their lives.''
''It sounds like an interesting concept. But my people would never accept that. In a few decades, if the Coalition holds and the clans remain at peace… Maybe it would be something to move towards.'' The Commander stated thoughtfully. ''Though I am not sure an innocent person would prefer a lifetime of imprisonment over a relatively quick death, so it does not fully solve this justice issue.''
After a moment of silence, she added. ''If you have more stories and wisdoms like this one, would you agree to teach them to my Natblidas? The concepts you bring up should not be forgotten with my incarnation, so that one of my heirs may act on them when the opportunity arises.''
Clarke hesitated. ''Er… I guess I could. If they are good enough at reading, I could point out a few interesting books for them as well – as long as you have copies in your library.''
Lexa thanked her with a small smile, and Clarke couldn't help but smile back.
''While I am here, do you mind if I ask a few questions?'' The brunette asked her. ''Our deal is still going, right?''
She nodded in agreement.
Lexa smiled again, more widely. ''Before I entered your room, I overheard Raven talking about a 'hot chick'. I have never heard this combination of words. What does that mean?'' She inquired innocently.
Clarke felt herself blushing, and could not stop her eyes from wandering along the Commander's figure. She was hot. But there was no way in hell she was going to answer this question.
''Next.'' She choked out, mentally swearing to hide all the books staged in the last century of the old world for safe measure.
Lexa almost protested, but Clarke shook her head vehemently. ''Next.'' She insisted.
''What is a mechanic, exactly?''
Clarke was surprised enough to push away her embarrassment. ''You agreed to the deal without knowing what a mechanic is?'' She wondered.
''Well, I understood that it was some sort of specialized craft, but I am unsure of how it would translate in Trigedasleng.''
''It means she can build or fix most things, er… technological? Machines from the old world?'' Clarke explained uncertainly. She had not seen any such things in the few villages she had been, so maybe they did not use them anymore. Or perhaps it was only in big cities like Polis…
Lexa frowned. ''The first Commander used such devices, but most were destroyed, or just stopped working by the time the second Commander ascended. My people have survived without those things, and many now distrust them because the Maunon uses them. They have guns, and missiles that have killed many of my people.''
Clarke waved her hands reassuringly. ''Yeah, but it is not all bad. There are many devices that were used to help healers, for example, or to ease the work of craftsmen, or communicate over long distances instantly.'' She argued, determined to sell the good points to the Commander.
Otherwise, she feared the offer of Raven's expertise would be rejected, and she had no idea what the Latina could offer instead.
The Commander hummed, thinking. ''I can see the interest of such things, but it will need to be carefully regulated. Most of the old devices were moved to the underground levels of the city, as people disliked them and the metal was too weak to be turned into good weapons. Your friend will accompany me and identify what each device is for, and I will decide what is to be fixed.''
Clarke nodded eagerly, relieved. ''Sounds good. Though I warn you that some things may be beyond repair.''
''I would not ask for the impossible.'' Lexa smiled.
She smiled back at her and slumped more comfortably in the seat. It was much more comfortable than the steel chairs of the Ark. ''Other questions?''
She saw the brunette bit her lower lip as she hesitated. ''I fear this is one you will not want to answer.''
Clarke shrugged. ''I swear I won't take offense if it is. I'll just say no.''
Lexa nodded and straightened. ''This boy, Murphy, called you a Princess. But you claimed your people elected their leaders. So what does that title mean?'' She asked seriously.
Clarke burst out laughing, only now realizing the kind of confusion the nickname Finn had given her could create for the Commander. Her laughter died and her heart hurt a little as she thought of the boy. Raven had said he was killed. How many more of the Hundred had died while she was away?
Could she have saved them if she had stayed? Finn had been a cocky and foolish boy, and infuriating as he followed her around, but he was also kind, and had defended her against Bellamy along with Wells. She had certainly never wished him dead.
She gave the Commander an apologetic look.
''Sorry, I just did not expect that question. Princess is not a title at all. It is a nickname the others gave me, because my parents were important people on the Ark. Privileged, in a way. Really, this nickname was almost meant as an insult at first.''
''Oh.''
Clarke chuckled again. ''Sorry. I was a bit preoccupied then.'' She sobered. ''By the way, I am still waiting for what justice you will offer for Murphy. Your general had no right to torture him, he never hurt your people.''
The Commander's face became a mask. ''My general did what she believed was right for the safety of her people.'' She declared in a warning tone.
''So did Raven.'' Clarke pointed out in a harsh voice. ''And she is paying the price for the consequences.''
''Are you going to ask for my general's life?'' The Commander asked.
And Clarke could see the pain and fear that she was trying to hide, but still shone in her green eyes. She would order Anya's death if it was necessary, she realized, but there was clearly a more personal relationship between the two as well.
Impulsively, Clarke grabbed Lexa's hand and rubbed it gently with her thumb. Softly, she replied.
''Murphy is not dead, and I think I have already explained that I do not care for this kind of punishments. I don't know him that well, but he has not had a great life so far, so I think it would be more than enough to offer him a new one. Preferably one where he can walk outside often, and be fed and treated correctly. He will probably be a sarcastic pain at first, but I think he can be loyal to someone who treats him right.''
Smiling, she concluded. ''If Raven can pay her debt through you, then I guess it would be acceptable for your general to do so as well. I'll leave you to decide her appropriate punishment.''
Lexa squeezed her hand briefly before retrieving it and folding both hands on her lap. ''Thank you, Klark.''
''Your general said the people from Mount Weather captured the others from the dropship. Clearly they did not take Raven because they couldn't save her, which means they need them alive for something. What do you know?'' She asked, worried.
The voice that answered her was apologetic. ''I told you before, the Mountain has captured my people for generations. The only ones we saw again were Ripas, monsters. It is mercy to kill them to free them of their demons. I am sorry, Klark. Your companions are lost.''
She shook her head in denial. Monty. Octavia. Harper, and all the others. ''No. No. They need them alive, that means we can still rescue them. You said you wanted to destroy the threat of the Mountain one day, right? And you want me to be your 'Healing Nymph' or whatever? So help me rescue them!'' She begged.
The Commander stood from the bed. ''I am Heda. A leader. I cannot sacrifice hundreds of warriors in a lost battle, to rescue strangers. I am truly sorry, Klark. But destroying the Mountain is simply not possible for now. We cannot even approach it, because of the fog. And who is to say that your companions are still alive now? It has already been days since their capture. Planning any kind of attack would take days, if not weeks or months. What are the odds of them still being breathing by the time we get to them, if we ever manage to enter the Mountain?''
She shook her head sadly. ''I am sorry, Klark. I cannot rescue your companions, and I will not allow you to try on your own either.'' The brunette turned and walked towards the door as she finished her sentence.
Clarke bristled, seeing red. ''And why the hell not? You do not own me! Give me one reason why I should need your permission to go against the Mountain? They can't kill me!'' She reminded Lexa.
The Commander turned on her heels to face her, and took a few steps until she towered over her, making Clarke regret that she had not stood up earlier. She contented herself with glaring up at the brunette.
''Because you are the 'Healing Nymph'! Whatever you do, Some of my people will follow you! If you go against the Mountain, they will follow! Do you want their deaths on your conscience?'' Lexa asked her, harshly.
Clarke deflated and sagged in the chair. ''No. I don't.'' She whispered, ashamed. ''But if the Ark never comes down, they are all that is left of my people. I can't just abandon them.'' She gripped tightly on the armrests to hide the quivering of her limbs.
Lexa softened. ''I understand. But as a leader, you must learn to choose your battles. I will let you search for a way to contact the Ark, and provide you with whatever you need to accomplish that purpose, on three conditions.'' She offered.
Clarke felt a small hope spark in her chest. ''Tell me.''
''One, no harm must come to my people as a result of your attempts – that includes your Ark falling to the ground and landing on one of my villages. Two, I do not want your people to invade mine, so you must promise that you will act as an ambassador between your leaders and myself until we come to some agreement. No matter how long this process proves to be.'' She paused. ''And three, you will remain in Polis, in this Tower, until it is done.''
Clarke could not refrain a scowl at the last condition. ''Why? Because you need your 'Healing Nymph' to keep assassins at bay?''
''I will not deny this is a part of my motives in asking. But mostly because I fear that you will try to rescue your old companions despite my warnings. Besides, you promised to sort the books from the library and teach some lessons to the Natblidas. And this 'Healing Nymph' status you seem to despise will serve to protect you and your friends.''
''Yes, but I never said when.'' Clarke argued, even though she knew it was pointless. ''As for my friends, aren't you the one who claimed that loving people put them at risk?''
''It will still be safer than being seen as an invader in a land of warriors.''
''Point taken.'' Clarke accepted with a grimace. ''I will probably need Raven's help to contact the Ark. And if the Mountain uses technology to defend itself, we might be able to help with that.'' She tried.
That seemed to give the Commander pause. ''I had not thought of that. I will consult you and your companions about the Mountain, and if you can use technology to learn about them without provoking them – much like they seem to observe us – I will allow it. But it doesn't mean I will focus on staging a possibly meaningless rescue, Klark. If at some point I believe we can attack the Mountain and win, I will attack. If your people are still alive then, I will be happy for you. But I cannot make their lives my purpose. Otherwise, I would be constantly attacking the Mountain to rescue my own people.'' She chided firmly but kindly.
Clarke sighed and nodded. ''I understand. And thank you, for letting me do what I can to save at least some of my people. The Hundred – my former companions – are closer, but there are over two thousands still in the Ark. I should focus on that.'' She grudgingly admitted.
She rose to her feet. ''For the record, I still hate that 'Healing Nymph' title.'' She stated.
Lexa shook her head – almost fondly Clarke thought. ''And I still don't understand why. You earned it, after all.''
''I don't want to be worshiped. I am a healer. I don't do this to gain something. I did nothing to have this ability, unlike you – I was just born with it.''
The brunette tilted her head. ''It was still your choice to use it to save others. Aren't you glad that they admire you, rather than fear you for your strangeness? Wasn't that fear the reason you and your ancestors kept it mostly hidden?''
''I wish it wasn't one or the other. It is… part of the whole thing, really. Throughout history in the old world, people like me were uncomfortable when others tried to worship them. Accepting gifts for healing makes me feel uneasy, but when they just ask for a blessing… My words don't mean anything, they won't protect them. It feels like a… fraud.'' She tried to explain.
''But now that the title exists, will you help me stabilize the Coalition and its peace by not denying it? I am not asking you to accept the offerings or encourage it in anyway. Just to protect me if I ever need it, as well as the Natblidas.''
She waved around to show the richly furnished room. ''These rooms are intended for the personal healer of the Heda and her Natblidas. It has stood empty for a long time, because my people do not have many healers, and Polis has been a mostly safe city since the third Commander, so the need for a healer so close at hand was slight.''
Clarke found herself staring back at green eyes when the brunette focused back on her as she continued. ''Healing, however, will not be your sole duty. There will be the books, and the lessons, and your duty to your own people. And I suspect many will apply for your talents, if you allow it.'' Lexa detailed.
Clarke grinned. ''Basically, you will keep me busy enough not to leave Polis?'' She mused. ''Okay, I accept. At least until the people from the Ark come down.'' She cautioned.
''It is agreed.'' Lexa confirmed with a smile and a small sigh of relief.
''Were you worried I would refuse?'' Clarke teased.
''I have spent enough time with you to know that I should never presume to know what to expect.''
She shook her head. ''Reshop, Heda. I am sure we can work out my timetable tomorrow.''
Lexa nodded. ''Reshop, Klark.''