Oh wow, it's been almost 2 years since my last update. Do you even remember this fic? Lol For those who actually *still* follow it, hi! Anyway, this was supposed to be the last chapter, but after I realized it was going to be too long, I decided to do it in 2 parts so I wouldn't have an excuse to prolong it. This could easily be the last chapter for some but if you want more there is a second part coming.
Here we will see how Lexa and Clarke go on with their lives and what else is in store for them. And of course, we'll see what's next for our dear General and other characters. I hope I still have my muse and you enjoy this chapter.
Three Months Later ...
Clarke sighs contentedly as she lies on the grass in their secret garden. She can't remember being this relaxed in, well, ever. For the first time she doesn't have to worry about anyone trying to kill her, wars, the end of the world, saving people, watching over people... she can finally just be herself.
Clarke lifts her eyes and watches Lexa who is a few feet away, practicing with her gun; the vision brings an instant smile to her face. Clarke still can't believe that she now can be next to the love of her life, the one she once thought she lost forever. More than anyone, Clarke knows how unpredictable life can be, and how everything she has can vanish like a puff of smoke in the air. But instead of worrying about what might have been, she decides to enjoy what she has and let the spirits lead her to where she is meant to be.
The last three months had been filled with bureaucracy, as Clarke wanted to get everything in order before leaving Polis. Luna, the commander, had insisted that Clarke stay in the main room at the tower while she helped her catch up on everything; something the blonde wasn't too happy about, but then again, she wasn't going to argue with the commander.
Lexa, for her part, was thrilled at the prospect of exploring the world and having adventures with Clarke, something she didn't have the luxury of doing when she was Commander. Her travels had always been with a purpose, never for pleasure or enjoyment. But now, free of any responsibility, Lexa is counting the days to start her new life beside Clarke. With that thought in mind, she looks back at Clarke and notices she is staring at her with a broad smile. Lexa can't help but mirror the gesture and decides to stop practicing and sit next to her love instead.
"Like what you see?" Lexa teases, leaning in for a kiss.
"Very," Clarke remarks flirtatiously as she responds to the attention.
When they pull away from the kiss, they do so slowly, letting it run through their bodies and hearts.
Finally, Clarke asks. "Are you sure you don't want me to come to your village with you?"
Lexa sighs with a grimace. "Yeah, I mean, I would love to be with you, but I really feel like I should be the one to break the news to them, you know?" She explains, hoping Clarke understands. "It's going to be hard for them, but I think everything should be clear before we start our life together."
"That's fair." Clarke agrees and caresses Lexa's head. After a moment of silence, she assures, "I have no doubt that everything will be fine."
"I don't know." Lexa sighs nervously. "It's just... it's hard, you know? I'm afraid of how they'll take it; if they'll feel betrayed that I didn't tell them, that I told Adam first, if..." She exhales loudly. "I don't know."
Clarke, not willing to let Lexa drown in her negativity, fills in. "Your parents are very understanding Lexa, they are gonna support you no matter what." She puts an arm around her girlfriend and kisses her on the forehead. "Deep down you know that. They'll be fine; you'll be fine. Focus on how much they love you, okay?"
Still hesitant, but willing to give Clarke a chance, Lexa concedes with a sigh. "Okay."
The couple lay together in the vast nature, enjoying each other's company and the silence they hadn't been surrounded by for a long time.
….
After the last training session with the young warriors before their holiday break, Octavia checks that everything is in order on the training ground. After a good while, she looks up and sees Anna with whom she's just getting acquainted, coming towards her carrying some weapons. She immediately gets a little nervous but tries to hide it.
"Hi, Anna." Octavia greets her, standing at attention with her hands behind her back.
"General." Anna greets back respectfully smiling nonetheless. "Your youngsters left this in the clinic... again." She fills in and shows the items at hand.
Octavia rolls her eyes. "I told them not to leave their weapons anywhere, it's reckless. I'm sorry, I'll make sure to correct that; let me..." She takes them from Anna's hand.
Anna hands her the weapons, but during the transfer, a sword falls to the ground.
Octavia tries to pick it up, but Anna beats her to it.
The healer lifts the sword and deftly wields it in front of Octavia. "Here you go." She hands it back to the other woman.
Octavia takes the weapon by default but is unable to utter a word, too stunned by such a display of skill.
"I need to get back to the clinic. See you later, General." Knowing exactly what she did and the effect it had on Octavia, Anna leaves the training area with a contrasting innocent smile.
"Uh-yeah-bye." Octavia manages dumbly, her eyes glued to Anna's retreating form; using most of her training restraint not to look down at her…
"Mind on the opponent, not the gutter," Esiry, who has been helping Octavia clear the training area, remarks with a smirk.
The words work to bring Octavia out of her stunned state. She glares at her second and voices with annoyance. "Shut up and help me." She pushes some of the weapons toward the girl.
"Yes, General," Esiry replies with a shit-eating grin.
Not liking the nightblood's mockery, Octavia counters with a sarcastic comment. "At least someone comes to visit me, I haven't seen Orita for a while."
It has the desired effect.
Esiry's demeanor changes, she suddenly becomes nervous.
"What? I... no... she doesn't... I mean, she doesn't have to come and see me or whatever, we're just friends." Esiry justifies lamely.
"Keep repeating that to yourself, maybe you'll believe it one day!" Octavia mumbles and starts to walk away.
Not having a proper comeback, Esiry huffs and follows Octavia.
Both warriors walk silently towards the armory, not wanting to touch the subject of visitors or friends anymore.
...
Lexa reached her village without incident.
At the entrance, she was greeted only by Jahnisce.
"Where's Dad? Adam?" Lexa can't help asking after hugging her mother.
"Your father was asked to help out in his old village a few days ago. He took your brother with him to learn about his work. But don't worry, they'll be here tomorrow." Jahnisce assures her daughter.
"Oh." Lexa is a little disappointed but doesn't show it. She just walks with her mother to their house, making small talk on the way.
A few hours pass, during which they catch up on their lives and Lexa's plans for the future. The whole time Lexa was fighting an inner battle. On the one hand, she wanted to wait for her father to tell them the news, that would be the most appropriate thing to do. But on the other hand, it would help a lot to tell her mother first, to get her opinion, her advice, and then to share it with Malku. Hesitating only a few more minutes, Lexa makes her final decision. "Mom?"
"Yes?" Jahnisce, who is making tea, turns to Lexa.
"Can we sit down... please?" Lexa asks anxiously, sitting down at the kitchen table.
Noticing her daughter's tension, Jahnisce wastes no time and sits down in front of Lexa. "Is everything okay, Strikon?" She asks worriedly and puts a hand on Lexa's.
Staring at the hand, Lexa thinks for a moment before answering. "Yeah, yeah. It's just... I have something important to tell you."
"OK..." is the only thing Jahnisce answers to give Lexa the time she needs.
Finally, deciding it is now or never, Lexa takes a long breath before expelling. "I know this isn't going to be easy to hear, Mom, and I understand if you're angry that I didn't tell you sooner, but..." She swallows. "... the rumors you've heard since I was a kid are... are true, Mom. I am... I am the former Commander Lexa." Lexa finishes with a dry throat; she stares at her mother, waiting for her reaction.
"Oh." Jahnisce straightens up in her seat, her eyebrows raised.
Xxx
18 Years Ago
Lexa slaps open the flaps of her makeshift tent in a remote village. She paces, angry and frustrated at yet another failed mission. This time she thought she was close to her goal, given the lead she received from her sources, but as has been the case for the past few weeks, Clarke is nowhere to be found. At this point Lexa is desperate. She's considering an option she wishes she hadn't, but she has no other choice. And as if the tough decision she'll soon have to make wasn't enough, Lexa notices that her pants are ripped on one side of her leg.
"Jok!" Lexa curses irritated.
With the rush of the lead she got, she didn't pack any spare clothes. Lexa could ask one of her warriors or a villager for another pair, but she doesn't feel comfortable wearing someone else's clothes.
So, there's only one option left.
"Guard!" Lexa calls loudly.
"Heda," a warrior makes his way inside.
"Bring me a seamster, now!" Lexa orders impatiently.
The warrior promptly does as he is told.
It doesn't take more than ten minutes before the warrior lifts the flaps of the tent. "Heda." He calls for Lexa's attention. "I got someone."
Lexa makes brief eye contact with him and nods, letting him know he can let the person in.
A woman in her mid-twenties timidly enters the tent. "Heda." She bows to Lexa.
After acknowledging the woman, Lexa remarks. "I need it fixed soon. Doesn't have to be perfect, just do it quickly, please." She points to her leg, making it clear that she won't be removing the item.
The woman wastes no time; she crouches next to Lexa and begins her task.
To Lexa's relief, the woman has excellent sewing skills, and the job is finished within a matter of minutes.
"This will hold you until you get to Polis, Heda." The woman informs. "In any case, I would advise you to be careful. But this should be enough for now." She finishes her explanation and stands up.
Lexa is about to thank the woman for her service when she suddenly sees she's losing her balance. With the instincts of years of training, Lexa grabs the woman's elbows, the force of her grip pulling the woman toward her.
Inevitably, their bodies collide.
Only then does Lexa realize something. "You are with child." She says, looking down at the small swelling of the woman's belly.
Instinctively, the woman takes a step back, holding her barely visible baby bump protectively. "I-I'm so sorry, Heda." She lowers her gaze. "I know this isn't the most appropriate time, but..."
"No!" Lexa suddenly interrupts. Her serious and somber expression changes to one of awe at the unexpected realization. "Life is always welcome, no matter what the time." She voices with conviction.
The woman risks a glance at Lexa's face, noticing the change in her demeanor.
Like a pull Lexa can't resist, her lips part. "May I?" She holds out her hand, making her intentions clear.
Still shocked but responding anyway, the woman nods slowly.
Carefully, Lexa places a hand on the woman's belly.
At that exact moment, her whole mood softens and an involuntary smile appears on her face. She doesn't know how to describe it, but Lexa is overcome by a feeling of peace, a kind of connection that soothes her soul. "Don't worry, everything will be all right," the voices of the spirits seem to echo deep inside her mind. It's all Lexa needs to calm the demons within her, and she decides to put all her trust in the spirit world.
With a heavy sigh, Lexa unhands the woman's belly. Then she assumes her usual stance as she says, "You have to be careful; we don't want anything to happen to the little one, do we?" But the corners of her lips rise slightly as she looks at the woman.
The woman swallows intimidated, but offers anyway. "Of course, Heda."
Lexa nods at the agreement and then soberly extends her arm. "Thank you for your services, you are without a doubt a skilled seamstress." When the woman takes her arm, she adds in a friendly tone. "I wish you luck in your endeavors and good health to your child."
They stay there for a few seconds, staring into each other's eyes, like a silent sign of trust, a tacit agreement that neither can comprehend.
When their little moment is over, the woman gracefully accepts the compliment and good wishes. "Thank you, Heda."
After they let go, the woman bows respectfully and begins to retreat when Lexa suddenly calls out.
"Wait. What's your name?"
The woman turns to face Lexa and with a gentle smile she offers, "Jahnisce".
Xxx
"Oh. You finally decided it was time to tell me." Jahnisce replies calmly.
Lexa blinks quickly, her brain not catching up with her mother's words.
Noticing that Lexa is too astonished to react, Jahnisce continues. "I know my little one, I've known it for a very long time."
It is something Lexa did not expect. Her mouth opens and closes several times before she manages to blurt out. "W-what..."
At the broken question, Jahnisce grabs Lexa's chin and stares directly into her eyes. "I would recognize those eyes anywhere."
The implication of her mother's statement confuses Lexa. "Wha... How?"
Jahnisce lets go of Lexa and sighing, proceeds to tell the story of how they first met.
Lexa listens to her mother in awe. She can't believe they actually met in her past life, especially since she can't remember a thing about it. Considering whose soul is in her mother, she concludes that it must be for a reason.
When Jahnisce finishes her story, Lexa remains silent, processing the newfound information and also with something else in mind. Then she lifts her eyes and says in an apologetic tone. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Jahnisce doesn't understand what her daughter is apologizing for.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Even if you already knew, I think the honorable thing for me to have done was to tell you, and I'm sorry for that." She looks down, ashamed.
"Strikon." Jahnisce takes Lexa's chin again and gently lifts her face. When their eyes meet, she speaks in an affectionate tone. "There is nothing to feel bad about. This was an important matter; I can understand your reluctance. You had to reveal it when you saw fit and only when you were ready, like now." Seeing Lexa a little less dejected, she adds. "I for one am just grateful to have been witness to the most beautiful love story in the history of mankind, even better than the ones in the Sky people's stories. I'm honored that your spirit chose me as your mother. No matter what happens, you'll always be my little one.
Her mother's words reach deep into Lexa's soul. Her throat closes and her eyes fill with tears. She feels emotional about the blessing of having this wonderful woman as a mother. "Thank you." Lexa manages to slip out before throwing herself into her mother's arms.
Jahnisce welcomes her with a strong hug of her own, happy to see her daughter relieved of the weight on her shoulders.
...
In the tower, Luna and Clarke discuss important matters concerning the role of the Commander, as has become their custom.
"OK, next." Luna looks at the list of tasks to be fulfilled. "They already want me to make some recommendations for future commanders." She sighs, annoyed. Admitting defeat, she asks Clarke. "Do you have any? You seem to be good at it." Luna gives Clarke a playful smile.
Clarke chuckles. "Very modest, I see." She replies jokingly but soon comes up with an option. "I think your son would be appropriate."
Luna huffs. "He will have to prove himself worthy of the title first", she comments in all seriousness. "But he's young, there's still plenty of time to train him." She concludes optimistically.
"True." Clarke agrees. After a moment of silent thought, she speaks up. "I have someone in mind; someone I think who would be perfect, based on the skill and wit displayed in recent events."
"Oh, I think I know who you're referring to," Luna points out. "I agree. Still a bit raw though, but just like my boy, there's still time for training." She finishes, making sure to write down the name.
Clarke nods, glad that Luna agreed with her recommendation. She hopes with all her heart that it will become a reality one day because in her opinion this person could be a great commander -humility aside- just like she was.
...
The days flew by without her noticing and soon it was time for Lexa to return to Polis.
This time her whole family is at the gates of her village to say goodbye.
But first Lexa needs to go somewhere else for a personal mission.
The last one to hug Lexa is her mother, who did it deliberately so she could have some private time with her daughter. "Now go and do what you have to do." Jahnisce encourages, patting Lexa on the back.
"I'm a little nervous," Lexa admits, shyly.
"Oh, don't worry Strikon, everything will be fine. Just be yourself and let fate take its course."
"Fine, OK, OK" Lexa nods quickly, wanting to believe her mother's words.
Seeing the hesitation still in her daughter's eyes, Jahnisce tries again. "This is the beginning of your new life, face it with courage and put your trust in the spirits, let them lead the way as they always have.
With these words, Lexa grabs her bag and is ready to leave when her mother lets out.
"Go conquer, Heda." Jahnisce says with a wink.
The action causes a huge smile to appear on Lexa's features. She chuckles and nods her head as she did in her former life. With a last complicit smile to her mother, Lexa waves to her family as she walks away.
...
To say that Lexa was missed in Polis is an understatement.
Clarke made sure Lexa knew how much.
Soon enough, they were back to their old routines, but now with the added bonus of Lexa's family being in the clear.
"I can't believe she knew," Clarke comments in shock after hearing about the conversation that followed when Lexa told her mother the news.
"Yeah, I was surprised myself," Lexa says, leaning against a tree in their secret garden with Clarke under her arm. She's mildly attentive, her mind preoccupied with something else.
"But I'm glad it's all out in the open." Clarke nuzzles Lexa's neck. "Now we can continue our plans for the future." She lets out a contented sigh as she relaxes on Lexa's body.
"Speaking of which..." Lexa suddenly clears her throat, sensing that the time is right.
Clarke leans back and watches Lexa's face. "Speaking of what?" Then she points something out. "OK, I didn't want to bring this up so as not to ruin the mood, but you've been a little tense since we got here, is something bothering you?" The question is tinged with concern.
Lexa exhales nervously, the last few weeks have been full of nerve-wracking moments for her, but this is by far the most.
The scariest, the most exciting, but also the most important. So, she leaves any worries behind and says. "Well, since we're talking about the future and where we're going... I was thinking we should do something before that."
Clarke is about to ask what that would be when an involuntary gasp escapes her lips at the vision in front of her.
Lexa pulls a small box out of her pocket and presents it to Clarke.
"Wha... I..." Clarke has an idea of what might be inside, she knows it because it's very standard, but her brain can't keep up.
Taking advantage of Clarke's momentary distraction, Lexa goes down on both knees and states. "Once I made a promise to you; with the weight of war and the weight of my betrayal on my shoulders. Today I want to do it again in this new life I've been given; and even though the part of betrayal is repeated..." She winces guiltily as Clarke rolls her eyes, but she continues. "...this time I will do it for us alone, surrounded by the peace you have brought to this earth and free of any responsibility to humanity." Saying that, Lexa takes Clarke's left hand and looking directly into blue eyes, she declares. "I swear fealty to you Clarke kom Skaikru. I vow to treat your needs as my own and to make you happy until the spirits finally decide to take my soul with them."
Clarke has a hand on her lips, unshed tears in her eyes. She can't believe the scene that touched her heart so many years ago is happening again under better circumstances. Not only that but the symbolism it carries isn't lost on her.
The first time it was done with her standing and Lexa looking up in a submissive gesture, now with her sitting and Lexa on her knees they are at eye level, they are equals.
Her emotions are all over the place; she doesn't know what to do or say. But before she can think of anything, Lexa opens the tiny box with her thumb, leaving Clarke speechless once again. "Wait...this..."
Abby is in her makeshift tent, revising her medical plan for the village she's working on, when a guard catches her attention.
"Dr. Griffin?"
"Yes?" She looks at the man expectantly.
"Lexa from Trikru is here to see you."
"Oh." Abby is genuinely surprised by the announcement. She wasn't expecting a visitor, especially not Lexa. Anyway, she leaves her things on the table and orders the guard. "Send her in."
A few seconds later, Lexa makes her way in.
"Good afternoon, Abby." Lexa greets as soon as she makes eye contact with the woman. She does her best to hide her anxiety.
"Hey Lexa, good to see you." Abby walks up to the girl and greets her with a warm hug.
The unexpected display of affection is what Lexa needed without realizing it. She closes her eyes and relaxes in the embrace before pulling away.
"So, what brought you here?" Abby asks straightforwardly, wondering if something is bothering Lexa regarding her health. Silently she invites her to sit down.
"Ah yes, I... there's something I need to discuss with you," Lexa explains as she sits down. And since Abby came right to the point, she does the same. "Well, uh, the first time we talked, you mentioned something that made me think. You were upset that I didn't mention to you that Clarke and I were together, so I don't want to make the same mistake." She takes a deep breath of courage before adding. "I'm here to let you know that I intend to ask Clarke for her hand in marriage."
Abby's eyes widen at the words. She remains silent for a few seconds, too stunned to say anything. But when she notices the fear in Lexa's expression, she hurries to answer. "Wow, uh, that's... that's wonderful. I'm sure Clarke will be thrilled." She clears her throat and says what Lexa wants to hear. "Clarke's happiness and approval are all that matters here, but if it's so important to you, you have my blessing."
Lexa felt her chest finally expand as she let out a long breath. Not that she expected Abby to make a scene or say no, but to have it said so warmly and with the best of intentions makes her feel validated. "Thank you, that means a lot." Lexa expresses sincerely, but Abby's next words threaten to bring back her initial insecurities.
"... but if you don't mind, I have a suggestion…"
"This is my mother's engagement ring." Clarke releases a sigh of disbelief.
"Yes... I might have visited her before I came back here."
Clarke shakes her head in confusion. "But when did she..."
A few days earlier
Lexa makes it to a nearby village where Abby requested to meet her.
During their first encounter, Abby asked her what kind of proposal she was planning and suggested a traditional sky-styled one. Lexa happened to be considering that option, so it was easy for her to make up her mind. That's why she's here, hoping to get the promised item.
Abby is in the center of the village, busy with something that looks like a health campaign.
Not wanting to interrupt, Lexa stands off to the side and waits for the woman to take a break.
Luckily, the wait is not long as Abby soon pauses her activities. "OK, I'm going to freshen up and we'll continue." She excuses herself and as she makes her way to her tent, she notices Lexa. "Lexa!" Abby calls out enthusiastically and waves the girl over to her tent.
Once inside and after exchanging greetings; Abby takes a small box out of her white coat pocket. "Here it is," she hands it to Lexa. "Clarke's father proposed to me with this." She fills in melancholically.
"Woah. It's so beautiful." Lexa exclaims, admiring the jewel with rapt attention, never taking it out of its container for fear of damaging it.
"It is," Abby confirms. Then, taking advantage of Lexa's awe, she continues to express her thoughts. "Ever since Clarke was born, I dreamed of the day when I would give the ring to the person she intended to marry. And I'm so glad I'm still alive to see that day." Abby finishes with a waver in her voice.
The emotional confession brings a small smile to Lexa's face, who feels completely validated by the woman who brought Clarke into the world and, like her, loves her unconditionally. "I truly appreciate this token of trust, Abby, and I promise you that I will do my best to respect its meaning and make Clarke happy."
There's nothing more for Abby to say or do than to hug Lexa. Now that she had time to process and fully accept who she really is, she knows that Lexa will keep her word. Of course, she will not say anything to the girl in case she creates unnecessary tension; instead, she chooses to forge a new bond that will benefit her relationship with her daughter.
With this final symbol of commitment, Lexa knows the deal is sealed; now all that's left is to actually propose to Clarke.
"She gave it to me a few days ago in a village not far from here," Lexa admits with a hint of mischief.
A choked laugh is all Clarke can manage at this unexpected turn of events. And the best part comes in the form of a question she hadn't imagined being asked in a long time.
"Clarke, will you marry me?" Lexa asks with all the solemnity and emotion she can muster.
The first attempt to answer gets stuck in a sharp intake of breath. Clarke swallows and takes her time to calm down before trying again.
Lexa's ears are drumming, her heart is pounding in her chest. But she waits patiently for Clarke to catch her breath and respond with the answer she has been waiting for.
"Yes." Clarke suddenly lets out, with a firmness that contradicts her condition. "Yes, I will marry you."
Now it's time for Lexa to expel a choked laugh. Her face splits in a huge beam, mirroring Clarke's. She wants to explode and scream into the void how happy she feels right now.
But first things first.
Lexa carefully removes the ring and puts it on a very trembling finger.
The ring fits perfectly on Clarke's finger. She looks at it for a few seconds, still not quite believing what just happened, but everything becomes clear when Lexa takes her hand and kisses it.
They share a deep look, a look that says more than words ever can. They are fulfilling a once elusive dream, they are uniting two worlds that were once incompatible, now they are whole.
That's all Clarke can take before jumping into Lexa's arms.
Lexa welcomes her eagerly and with the same feeling.
Never in this life or the one before could she have imagined such a feeling, filled with so much love, so freeing.
Clarke clings to Lexa, wondering if this is all a dream; one of many she had while imprisoned on the spaceship. But the smell of Lexa, the warmth of her body confirms this is reality. "I love you." She whispers into Lexa's ear, unable to contain the love inside her.
"I love you too." The answer comes naturally from Lexa's lips, herself overwhelmed with emotions.
Having Clarke in her arms is already wonderful, but something else would make it even better.
She leans back for a second to plant a soft kiss on Clarke's lips, a kiss that carries so much love and promises a bright future together.
(Do you like Avatrice? Marina? Bishova? Then find me in AO3 as Moreorlez ;))