My first Clexa Multi-chapter fic. Comments and suggestions are welcomed.
"You know that I don't believe in that crap," Octavia comments from her place next to Clarke's throne "but if she's half as skilled as the rumors are saying, I absolutely want her as my second; I'm in need of a good warrior that can challenge me and gimme something to look forward to, since everything else around here is so damn boring."
Clarke replies with a mixture of humming and grunting; she's too lost in thought to really pay attention to what her friend is saying. The rumors have been ongoing as the competition of the young warriors approached and it had managed to unsettle her a bit, making her question many things that in the past she would've considered ridiculous or impossible, igniting a little spark of hope. But still she tried not to let it get to her; after all, rumors are rumors until proven otherwise.
The doors of the throne room suddenly open, cutting into Clarke's reveries.
"Everything is set Wanheda" Indra informs "we should get going so the competition can begin."
With a nod, Clarke rises from her throne and marches to her destination, accompanied by Indra and Octavia by her side and followed by two guards.
….
"Welcome to the Fifth Young Warriors competition, where each year the best young fighters of each village have the chance to be trained here in Polis by the General herself and perhaps have the opportunity to become the future general of the Commander's army," Indra enunciates with a strong and firm voice on the platform- just in front of the arena- where Clarke, Octavia and the rest of the guests from the thirteen clans are already sitting. "May the best and deserving warrior win." She finalizes by signaling with her hand for the event to initiate.
The people who had gathered in the arena start cheering with excitement.
The warriors of two villages are summoned into the arena which begins the first combat of the day.
All seems to be running smoothly until the sixth combat. It is when these two villages are called and the warriors approach the arena that murmurs and gasps can be heard amongst the crowd.
This gathers Clarke's attention, who leans in to take a better look at the two teen combatants approaching.
The boy and girl stand right in front of the platform, both look up to pay their respect to the authorities.
"Holy fuck" Octavia exclaims in shock.
The ever stoic Indra's jaw slackens and her eyes are bulging.
The guests on the platform look just as surprised as the two women.
But not so with Clarke. She just straightens up in her seat with a hard expression on her features.
The girl who is causing all the commotion is tall, slim, with long wavy brown hair –tied in a ponytail- and has piercing green eyes that light up her young face; not exactly the vivid image of Lexa but the resemblance is there-especially for those who knew her.
"Wanheda" the girl makes eye contact with Clarke briefly before bowing solemnly "General, counselor." She does the same to Octavia and then Indra. And just like that she and the boy move to the center of the arena to initiate their confrontation.
To everyone's surprise and delight, the combat doesn't last very long. The young girl defeats the boy in four swift moves of her blade; and that same display of skill is shown throughout her subsequent battles.
While her guests couldn't stop talking about what they were witnessing, Clarke remained impassive without saying one word.
As expected and among cheers and chants the brunette girl is proclaimed the champion of the competition after beating every single opponent.
It was customary to invite the victorious young warrior onto the platform to publicly receive the sword of the commander's army; given by Clarke herself. But on this occasion Clarke requested Octavia to do the honors instead which the general complied without an argument.
After the protocol ceremony, the girl was whisked away to what would be her chambers for the remainder of her training, to get her ready for the celebratory meal at the commander's tower.
….
"It is such an honor to be here sharing this table with you Wanheda. So nice of you to recognize my daughter's ability with such a grandiose meal" the girl's mother voices with appreciation.
"We want to thank you for giving our kid an opportunity to grow as a warrior. She's a good one Wanheda, you won't be disappointed, we are very proud of her" the father adds with a sly bow of his head, then ruffles his daughter's hair.
Clarke can only watch in fascination at the interaction of this family, how they occasionally hold hands, the way they tend to their other kid – a little boy - and how they silently verify their daughter's feelings 'They seem like a happy family' Clarke concluded before replying "it is my pleasure to celebrate the future and always give talented people a chance." She then turns her attention to the girl to address her personally for the first time "and what's your name champion?"
The girl stops eating at once, placing her fork next to her plate. She cleans her mouth off and lifts her head to answer her commander's query. "My name is Lexa"
Loud gasps and the clattering of tableware take possession of the room.
Lexa's parents exchange gazes then the woman starts speaking. "We named her after the mighty commander. I was pregnant when she died tragically. I always admired her bravery and strength, her constant search of peace; she was such a wonderful human being. I was so devastated by her demise that when I finally gave birth and was blessed with a little girl I knew I had to name her after the commander, in hopes she would grace my daughter with her virtues." She then faces Lexa caressing her cheek "and I'm forever grateful she did."
The story earns the murmurs of the people at the table. Not even Indra and Octavia can resist succumbing to the coincidences; both having a silent conversation with their eyes.
Not knowing what to do with the commotion that was caused, the woman carries on. "I'm glad you continued with such a noble mission Wanheda and I'm full of joy at the fact you succeeded in uniting our clans. You gave us the peace the mighty commander always fought for; I'm sure that wherever she is, she's very proud of you."
"She certainly is," Lexa remarks with her chin up, gazing intently at Clarke.
Now the room turns silent.
Nobody could put a finger on it, nobody had been able to prove it, but word had spread that Wanheda had been in love with commander Lexa and it was that love that ultimately led her to save the world with such dedication and determination.
The tension becomes too much for Clarke to bear; but most importantly the green eyes staring back at her are becoming too much to endure.
"Excuse me." Clarke stands up abruptly and leaves the banquet hall quickly.
Only then does the room fill up with noise and voices discussing the unexpected turn of events.
Clarke doesn't stop walking until she reaches the nearest bathroom in the tower. When she enters she immediately splashes water on her face. Her heart is pounding in her chest, she's feeling slightly dizzy. She is mad at herself for letting something as ridiculous as this to affect her. 'Don't be stupid, it's not real; it can't be, it's impossible' Clarke repeats like a mantra in her head. And it's working, it is certainly calming her down enough to convince herself that she can't let her emotions take possession of her, especially ones based on false hope. She takes a deep breath, almost feeling reassured, when all of a sudden a shiver runs down her spine. There's no need for her to turn around, she knows exactly who is standing behind her; her heart and soul know who the person is, but her mind refuses to admit it. Denial is her best ally at the moment. Clarke doesn't move a muscle, doesn't say a thing even when the sound of a familiar voice resonates like a sweet melody in her ears.
"And we meet again, Clarke."