Chapter 3-Gratitude
Luna could feel her companion become tense next to her, feeling all the stares on her as the two of them moved through that part of the village.
Luna hadn't told anyone who she believed the woman with her was. But she knew that the stares would increase when word got out, not to mention the whispers and the clamoring to try to get a better look at Wanheda and to speak with her.
Luna knew she'd need to put an order on the rest of the tribe, to leave Klark be. Klark likely would not react well to be crowded and being bothered.
When Luna and Klark reached the house which Luna had meant for Klark to be, three figures greeted them there, which surprised Luna.
She had been expecting there to be people by the hut where she would be taking Klark. But not the person that had been there. Saija, one of the few people in this part of the tribe that had lived here for years. This part of the Flou's land, was specific to outsiders who had become part of the tribe, and tended to be recent additions to the tribe. But Saija had lived in this part of the tribe's land for literally years. She stood by the hut, seeing Luna and Klark. She nodded her head to them both.
"Luna," Saija greeted her leader, appearing displeased about something. She was tall and muscled. She was nearly fifty-two years in age. Her hair was long, straight and smooth. Dark, not black, but very dark brown, with a few grey streaks in it. Her skin was dark copper, and her face round, but far from soft, as she stared at Luna with impatient dark brown eyes.
She wore dark brown clothing from leathers and furs, with knives slipped into her belt, like any person of any of the tribes in the coalition.
"Saija," Luna greeted the other woman. Luna watched as Saija turned to look at Klark, and was startled when she saw the expression that formed on Saija's face, when the other woman looked at Klark.
Luna observed Saija's expression carefully.
Saija appeared surprised by the presence of Klark, but Luna was certain that Saija didn't know who Klark was, so, she reasoned that that wasn't why Saija appeared the way that she appeared at this very moment.
No, it was something else.
Saija seemed surprised by Klark, but there was a strange expression that was forming on her face which Luna was sure that she recognized but wasn't entirely certain how to place it.
Saija, Luna found, always had been difficult to read.
Saija had been born and raised amongst the Trishana. But after several battles between the tribes, before the coalition, broke out and Saija had witnessed many of her family members killed for needless wars, she had left, trying to bring some of her remaining family with her, but they refused.
Saija had come here, to this tribe, which had been neutral even then. That wasn't to say that just because Saija didn't like needless wars, that she was weak or a coward. She would be the last person besides Luna that you'd want to engage in a fight with. A tall woman, broad-shouldered and muscled, with almost endless kill marks on her back, showing just how many people she had killed in battle.
She hadn't had any children that Luna knew of, and Saija kom Trishana, now Saija kom Flou, had made it clear she had no children, and most of her family, consisting of her father, her two older brothers, her younger sister and her younger sister's lover, all had died in battle.
What few family members Saija had left? Her nephew, the son of her younger sister and her sister's lover, and Saija's mother's blood parents and Saija's father's blood parents, refused to leave for the Flou tribe, when Saija suggested they leave.
Saija wouldn't live there, surrounded by death. So, she left.
Luna suspected that Saija's blood family likely considered her a traitor. But she wasn't.
If war was the only way Saija's family knew how to live? Knew how to experience the world? That was nothing that could be helped.
That was how they saw the world. But the world didn't have to be that.
It could be peaceful. Those that suffered the scars of war-not just scars on the body, but scars on the heart, could be healed. They could find peace.
Luna cautiously told Saija that Klark was Wanheda, and she watched as more surprise covered Saija's face.
Clearly, Saija hadn't expected that.
Saija eyed Klark more, then said, "Klark…..Wanheda, it's an honor to meet you."
"Is it?" Klark asked, staring at Saija, "I guess I appreciate that. It's Saija? It's nice to meet you."
Saija tilted her head, and Luna spoke to Saija, curious still about Saija's reaction to Klark. She explained to Saija that she needed to bring Klark to a bathhouse to bathe. Saija nodded, and Luna then told Saija that she needed some more healing equipment if Klark needed it.
Saija assured Luna that she would and hesitantly left, her eyes never leaving Klark, as she left.
Luna turned to Klark then. "Klark," she said, "I'm sorry if telling Saija who you were or anyone else here who you were."
Klark shrugged. "It's fine," she said, "I don't really think you Grounders are modest about anything, so, it doesn't surprise me."
Luna sighed. Ah, so another sign of proof that all Grounders were not to be trusted, save for that Trikru man, Linkin?
"We won't hurt you, Klark," Luna assured the younger woman.
"Sure you won't," Klark said, snickering and the smile on her face exposed teeth and Luna got the feeling she was facing a grinning predator of some sort, "And as soon as I do anything that is interpreted in any way as threatening, even when I'm just existing, you'll put a knife in my back. Because that's who you Grounders are. That's all you'll ever be."
Klark began to slowly walk threateningly around Luna, staring at the older woman angrily as if she were contemplating lunging at the tribe leader.
Luna watched Klark carefully. Even if Luna had not been told that Klark was Wanheda, and even if Luna were unaware of how many people Klark had killed? Luna could see the deep intelligence in those blue eyes.
All humans were intelligent. In one way or another.
But Klark, Luna got the impression, was intelligent in a way a predator was. Like a pantha ready to tear open its prey.
Luna was also under the impression that Klark was not someone that she would want to betray.
Even if Klark wasn't currently enraged at being backstabbed by Leksa, Luna knew that she would feel threatened deeply, should she ever betray Klark. Klark didn't react peacefully to personal betrayals.
Luna watched Klark and while she was cautious, she thought to herself sadly, (Leksa, you really damaged this woman, didn't you?)
Luna had always respected Leksa. Before the Conclave and Leksa had won the fight and Luna had fled, Luna had respected young Leksa's fighting prowess. And as a commander, Luna still respected her fellow nightblood.
Leksa's methods Luna certainly didn't agree with, especially not leaving the mountain, as it would inevitably lead to the Mountain Men gaining the ability to rise above ground, and attack all those tribes.
Honestly? Luna had no idea what Leksa had been thinking, giving the Mountain Men bone marrow to go above ground.
What exactly had she been thinking? Luna began to think that Leksa wasn't that smart. Really, what an idiotic move!
Still, Luna was able to respect Leksa somewhat.
Until now.
How could anyone do this to another person. Leave someone to be this broken?
Luna thought to herself, thinking about how Leksa probably came by the tribes to try to find Klark after the mountain, (Funny, isn't it, Leksa? That you went looking for Klark, only after you left her people for dead at the mountain. Funny that you only care about Klark when you no longer have her.)
Klark growled at Luna, actually growled, "You Grounders…you only care about someone when they're of use to you. Otherwise, we're all worthless to you." Clarke still had that disconcerting grin on her face as she kept speaking, "I know that you could kill me easily, Luna, but I really want to beat you bloody."
Luna's jaw tightened. "I would not advise that," she said, "You have not eaten much, and you haven't been looking after yourself. I do not doubt that you are a fierce fighter, Klark. But if you attack, I will overpower you. I d-"
She almost said, "I don't want to hurt you," but she knew that saying that would be a mistake. Klark had already assumed that Luna meant to worst possible for her.
Instead, Luna tried again, "It would be a waste of energy on your part, Klark."
Klark stopped circling Luna like a shark, feet halting but she still glared at Luna.
Then she turned away.
"Where is the bathhouse, anyway?" Klark asked, as if she hadn't just threatened the leader of the Flou tribe.
Luna tried not to chuckle. It was actually humorous, in a way.
"To the right of here," she said, "In the longer hut, with the dark blue painted door."
Klark looked at where Luna had said the hut was, seeing the longer hut to the right of her.
Klark sighed, "Fine. I'll try to get clean. But alone. No one else joins me in there," there was that sharp and accusing glare from Klark again as the younger woman said, "And I want to be armed when I go in."
"No one will attack you there," Luna said, "Or anywhere in the village." Luna was also slightly concerned that given Klark's mind right now? She might attempt to hurt herself in some way.
"And I'm supposed to just believe that?" Klark asked, voice holding a mocking tone, "Yeah, I don't think so. I'll go in there. But I'm going to be allowed access to a knife or sword, at least."
Luna tried not to feel disheartened.
Not just at the thought that Klark might hurt herself, but at this amount of distrust.
Yes, she had accepted that the commander had betrayed Klark. All of the tribes knew this, and were sure that Wanheda would be bringing her wrath against the commander any day. But this sort of nonstop distrust, looking at every person from any tribe as if they would put a knife in Klark's back?
That worried Luna.
"Alright," Luna said finally, trying to ignore her concerned thoughts, "I will provide you a sword. And you will be left to bathe without anyone else present. However, I ask that occasionally, I be allowed to go inside, and make sure you are well the whole time."
Klark snorted, smirking at Luna. "What?" She asked, "Afraid I'll drown in the bath?"
(No,) Luna thought to herself, (Concerned that you might slit your own throat in there.)
Then again, Luna was under the strong impression that Klark was the petty sort. Klark likely would not kill herself, if it meant that in her mind Leksa would "win."
For all Leksa's ridiculous logic, Luna suspected that Klark killing herself, would destroy the other woman.
But Luna would not voice this to Klark. As long as Klark believed that her staying alive was a way of hurting Leksa? Then Luna would keep that suspicion on her part, quiet.
Luna said, "Please go to the bathhouse now, if you'd like. I'll bring you the sword from the house here," she gestured to the hut next to them, "It holds a few spare weapons."
Klark snickered. "Uh-uh, I don't think so," she said, "I don't trust you. I'll follow you inside this hut and get a sword from you. Then I'll go to the bathhouse."
Luna sighed, fighting a disappointed smile.
Somehow, she wasn't surprised.
Clearly, it was going to take a very long time before Clarke started trusting any of the people from any of the tribes, outside of Linkin.
"If you insist," Luna said, smiling, trying not to appear saddened at Clarke's caution.
She nodded to Clarke then, gesturing for the younger woman to follow her to the bath house. She said, "Please follow me. I'll bring you a sword soon."
Clarke nodded to her and cautiously went into the bathhouse that Luna was escorting her to.
Clarke looked inside. The bathhouse was larger than she thought it would be. Longer too.
She walked along the smooth stone floor, feeling the warmth that filled the room. The long, large bath had dark water in it, but obviously just because of the roof and there being no lights available, save for the small windows where the sunlight came through and the few candles that were soon to be lit.
Luna gave some orders as she ducked out from the doorway of the bathhouse, and a few of the Floukru came in, Clarke vaguely wondering where in the hell they came from, and they started starting up small flames on long matches, lighting the candles, then waved the matches around, putting the small flames on the matches out.
Luna ordered them to leave then, save for one of the warriors, who Luna said something to in the native Floukru language and the warrior looked to Clarke, his light brown eyes startled, then he nodded to her, almost respectfully, and he reached behind him, pulling the sword he hand slung over his back off, and handed it to Luna.
He then walked out of the door and closed the leather hangings that was the door.
Luna turned to Clarke and held the sword out for Clarke to take.
Clarke looked down at the sword.
It was a short sword of some sort.
The leather sheathe was tough looking and made of dyed dark blue leather.
Clarke reached out, as Luna turned the handle of the sword to her. She grabbed the handle and pulled the sword out.
She saw the sharp blade. Very sharp.
She nodded to Luna. "Thank you," she said quietly and asked, glancing at the length of the pool that was the bath, "There soaps and shampoos?" She added, recalling when Lexa would look at her with confusion one time Clarke had used a bath at one of the Trikru camps, "Shampoo is basically soap for hair."
"There is," Luna said, "There are glass bottles at the opposite end of the bath from here. The soap for the body are in green and amber glass containers. The soap for the hair is in dark blue glass containers."
Clarke nodded. "Thank you," she said, surprised that she felt she actually meant the words, actually meant the gratitude. "Sorry for all this."
Luna chuckled, "There's no need to be sorry, Klark. If this makes you feel safer here, I'm happy to do it. But I will tell the others not to come in while you are bathing. May I bring you some new clothes to use while you are bathing?"
Clarke nodded after a second. She didn't like the idea of anyone coming in while she was in such a vulnerable situation, but she'd need clean clothes if she was going to be living amongst people again.
She had avoided human beings like a plague for months. She rarely ever grabbed any supplies that she could use to bathe herself with, and rarely had clean clothes.
To a certain extent, she understood the reason for it.
The main reason was trauma. Clarke might have had more experience as a physical doctor, rather than a therapist, but she understood the psychology.
She avoided being around human beings, avoided changing her clothes, avoided bathing, all because she felt like she didn't deserve it.
And the core of that, of course, was trauma.
From Mount Weather.
She wasn't an idiot. She knew that was the case.
Why she was changing the situation now? Well, something about the way Luna treated her, made her feel like she was safe.
But then, she'd thought the same thing of Anya and Lexa, hadn't she?
She tried to push that thought into the back of her mind-way, way into the back of her mind.
She didn't need to think about those two right now.
She stepped away from Luna, as she said, "You can bring me the clothes. But put them on the floor, far away from where I'm bathing."
"Understood," Luna said, smiling as she backed out of the bathhouse, "I'll leave you to it then."
Only after a few minutes ended, and Clarke was sure that Luna was away from the bathhouse, did Clarke go to the end of the bath and start to undress. As she undressed, her eyes never left the doorway of the bathhouse.
She honestly wasn't sure why she was here. Why she had chosen to come back.
Did some part of her really think that these Floukru were going to be so different from the Trikru?
Yes, she had heard not just from Lexa and Anya, who Clarke without question, no longer trusted, but also from the only reliable and trustworthy Grounder she had ever met, Lincoln, that all tribes were different, and that all of the tribes treated outsiders differently.
The Trikru, the Sankru, the Ingranronakru and the Boudalankru were the most unruly when it came to outsiders.
The supposedly worst tribe of the bunch, the Azgeda, treated even their trusted warriors with caution. And outsiders, while treated badly like anyone, were allowed certain luxuries, after they proved themselves.
Almost like the tribes liked to make the Ice Nation into the "enemy," all because the tribes didn't want to look at themselves and admit that there were things they did that were inhuman. Almost as if they didn't want to admit that they were as bad as the Ice Nation. Or perhaps, worse.
The Floukru, however, Clarke could safely say, she didn't know much about before now.
She just had known what Lexa, Anya and Lincoln had told her.
That Luna, a nightblood, like the traitor, Lexa, was the one in control of the tribe. Luna had evaded the conclave after her brother's death and had run to here and had become the tribe's leader.
And she knew that the Floukru was a tribe that took in a lot of people that had deserted the life of a warrior, to find peace after living with the trauma they had experienced after war.
And that this tribe had access to boats, that helped bring in the livelihood of the tribe.
That was about it. That was all she knew about them.
A disgusted smile crossed her face, as she realized that that was similar to a lot of what she'd heard about the other tribes.
How little information the commander and Anya had allowed her to know about the tribes.
They gave her just enough information to get her to think that they trusted her with the secrets of the tribes, but they had withheld so much, so that she and her people couldn't seek help from any of the tribes.
So that any deeper information that was required, would be out of their reach. So, all that Clarke and her people could do, could go to the commander for help and information.
Clarke knew now that all of Lexa and Anya's choices had been deliberate and calculating.
They had withheld certain information, to control her and her people, long before ever selling her people out to the Mountain Men.
Clarke growled, as she tossed some of her filthy clothing to the floor.
If she ever saw either of those women again? She was going to cut out their traitorous tongues. Even if it killed her.
She would do it, to make sure they never spoke another lie to her or to anyone else, ever again.
She got into the water, closing her eyes at the enjoyable warm water she felt all around her, enveloping her.
The warm water slid up her legs, up her thighs, embraced her groin, her buttocks, her stomach, her lower back.
When finally, she was all the way in and the water came up to her shoulders, she placed the sword right on the side of the bath, right within her reach, and she moved back just a few inches to where the shelf of glass bottles where, that held the soap and shampoo.
She noticed Luna come in and did as Clarke had instructed her do.
Luna dropped some new clothing on the floor, next to the bath and then stepped out respectfully.
Clarke, relieved, began to empty out some of the bottles and bathe herself, still cautiously watching the doorway to the bathhouse.
Outside, after she had dropped off the set of new clothes for Klark, Luna walked over to one of the nearby huts. One that belonged to Saija.
Luna had some questions for Saija.
She reached the door to Saija's hut and knocked on the older woman's door.
Saija answered soon afterwards and let Luna inside.
The two women sat down at the wooden table across from each other as Saija began, "So, that was Wanheda? She…didn't appear as dangerous as I imagined she would."
Luna chuckled, "No, I suppose she did not."
Luna then asked, "You reacted oddly to Klark. Can I ask why?"
Saija sighed, appearing like she wasn't sure how to answer that herself.
"I really don't know, Luna," she confessed, "She just…she is so vulnerable. In such pain. I don't know why I felt like I wanted to protect as much as I did when I met her."
Luna nodded.
She had never seen Saija look at anyone that had entered their tribe, the way she had with Klark.
"Do you want to help her?" Luna asked, though she was guessing what the answer was, going off of how Saija had looked at Klark.
"Yes, of course," Saija said, "Will you be opposed to me speaking with her?"
"No," Luna said, smiling at the older woman, "But be careful. Even if she's Wanheda, she's fragile. She's very fragile."
Saija gave a sad, small laugh, "Oh, Luna, I think I could have guessed that. Just by looking at her." Saija then added, "And you're wrong, by the way, Luna."
At Luna's curious look, Saija said, "Klark isn't fragile despite being Wanheda. She most likely is fragile exactly because she's Wanheda."
Luna smiled sadly at Saija's insight.
Well, Saija most likely wasn't wrong about that. Having become Wanheda, most likely had come with many painful scars on Klark's heart and soul, indeed.