Chapter Text
All 44 of the remaining 100, were shuffled out of the drop ship, and out into the cool open air of their former encampment.
They were surrounded on all sides by an army, over 3 times the size of the one Clarke had just laid to waste 24 hours ago.
With the single push of a button, Clarke had taken responsibility for the lives of over a hundred grounder warriors, and also claimed the life of her best friend Wells, who remained outside the drop-ship doors when the blast hit.
Clarke was nominated as leader of the group, and used the safe return of the warrior called Anya, and a promise to broker peace between “Skai-Kru’ and the grounders once the Arc landed on Earth, to negotiate a truce of sorts with their leader. It was her only bargaining chip, but thankfully it was a good one.
Now, she could only hope that this ‘Lexa’ was a woman of her word, and that all of her people would be allowed to live.
The High Commander, or Heda, as her people called her, had promised to let all 44 drop-ship survivors live. With the condition, that they volunteer to be separated and integrated amongst the 11 clans who fought under Lexa’s banner. It was meant, as a way to assure peace, until the rest of Clarke’s people came down from the sky.
Four people would be assigned to each clan. A single marriage within each group, to seal their new alliance, and ensure their future loyalty with children.
Clarke, as designated leader of ‘Skai-kru’, was automatically chosen to be one of the spouses. She would have to be paired with someone of equal importance within the coalition, as was customary when a new clan joined their ranks, and as they were only a short breath away from being wiped out completely, Clarke felt like she was in no position to argue.
Lexa eyed the delinquents slowly after exiting her tent. Taking in their ragged appearance. How on Earth did they survive this long? They looked half starved, frail, filthy, and not a single one of them would be considered battle ready. Her people would struggle to accept them, but in the end they would have to.
This so called “Arc” would have weapons capable of decimating her entire army, with just the single push of a button. Just as this “Clarke” had won their first battle, Lexa couldn’t allow the rest of Skai-Kru to win the war. She wouldn’t let her pride get in the way of keeping her people safe from such a threat.
Peace was the only option, for now.
She took a step forward from the line of warriors that had accompanied her, and made her way towards the center of the now scorched base camp.
A small fire lay burning a few feet from the ship’s entrance, the ground blackened by the blast wave and covered in an ominous ash. The air thick with the smell of unclean smoke.
Skai-Kru had been given the full run down already by Clarke. They weren’t thrilled, but most agreed to the terms, if it meant their survival.
Murphy thought the truce was bullshit, and insisted he be put into Clarke’s group, just in-case any of the volunteer brides or grooms backed out in the last minute.
Lexa’s people didn’t take the news well either. Several of her warriors tossed out what Clarke could only assumed were foreign curse words, spitting on the ground and beating their chests wildly while chanting “Jus drein jus daun! Jus drein jus daun!”(1) Lexa seemed unphased by their apparent anger however, and with one cold stare, and the raise of her blade, she silenced them all.
“Warriors! My decision is final! This is not up for dispute! The Skai people have weapons which could wipe out entire villages with the single push of a button. Our children cannot afford to be enemies with these people.”
With a voice that echoed for miles around, she walked the line of the crowd. Her Sword pointed outwards, towards the faces of her own men. “We need them. They are to be our allies in life, and in battle.” She dared someone to disagree with her. “Nau, ge osir teina as won!” (2)
“Roan, Haihefa kom Azgeda, and Bellamy Blake, Haihefa kom Boudalan, step forward.” (3) Lexa shouted so as to be heard amongst her thousands of warriors.
Two men eventually stepped from between the ranks of Lexa’s army, and out into the open. Neither one of them looked pleased to be there, but both complied with their Heda’s orders, and stood on either side of her silently.
As the only two male Clan Leaders in the coalition considered unspoken for, they had a pretty good idea of why they were being called to step out.
“Clarke” Raven whispered as she gave her friend a worried look, “Are you sure you want to go through with this?”
“Clarke Griffin kom Skai-kru, step forward.” Lexa’s voice boomed over the crowd.
“What choice do we have?” She whispered back, hesitantly stepping out from her small group to join them. She felt a shiver down her spine as the eyes of an entire army followed her towards the center of the circle. She felt out of place, and resented being thought of as their group’s leader.
She looked up into the two men’s faces for the first time, and instantly regretted it.
They looked like they wanted to slit her throat right then and there, and it was all she could do, not to turn and run back to her friends.
On Lexa’s left hand side, stood King Roan. Ruler in the North. White and Grey fur lined the entirety of his armor. Making him appear at first glance like a wolf prince from an old fairy tale. He was rugged and gruff. His face cold and unmoving. His fingers played with the hilt of a large ax at his side as he stared down at her smugly, noticing the worry on her face.
Clarke half wondered if he meant to gobble her up.
He was big, he looked strong, he seemed cold, and something about his eyes told Clarke that he was very dangerous.
The one called Bellamy, stood to Lexa’s right. His armor was black, with buckles and fur strapped in various places. His wavy black hair, hung just above his ears, and it seemed to match his dark mood perfectly.
He carried with him the largest broadsword Clarke had ever seen, it’s sheath looked worn from use, and Clarke could tell just by looking at him, that King Bellamy Blake Kom Boudalan knew how to wield it.
He had a small scar just above his lip, a cleft in his chin, tanned skin, and piercing crow black eyes.
Unlike King Roan however, Bellamy’s face was not devoid of emotion. He looked completely put off, Glaring openly at her wandering eyes. He made no point to hide his distaste in this matter. The muscles in his cheek twitching as he stood seething next to his commander.
Clarke felt the heat rise in her cheeks. Embarrassed that she was caught staring, she quickly turned her head to avoid eye contact, wincing at her own awkwardness.
“You’ve got to be joking Heda” He growled. “Emo laik enti gon jus!” (4)
Lexa smiled cunningly. “I’ve never been more serious in my life my Yuj-Maun Gona.” (5)
He sighed deeply as he folded his massive arms across his chest.
“At least she’s not ugly.” Roan offered, head tilted to the side as he examined her. “Her breasts offer up more than a hefty handful, and that mole above her lip makes you want to bite it.” He grinned wickedly from above her, feeling no shame in his honesty.
Clarke’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“Don’t act surprised sweetheart.” he flicked a loose strand of hair from her face. Clarke swatted at his finger as it passed by.
The corners of his eyes crinkled at the gesture.
“I think I’m going to like her.” he grumbled.
“Yeah, well I don’t like you.” Clarke spoke before she could stop herself.
Bellamy gave Roan a long sideways stare, before returning his gaze to Clarke.
“Em's nou klir in Ai stegeda, Heda.” (6) He waved a free hand back towards the crowd. “Jus drein, jus daun. Ai Kru wan’er Stedaunon.” (7)
Clarke didn’t understand a word of what he was saying, and she was pretty sure that was intentional on his part.
She felt his eyes wander from her hair down to her toes, lingering momentarily over the aforementioned mole. The blush in her cheeks unavoidable, as she tried to hold in her embarrassment.
A slight smirk snuck its way onto his features, as he noticed her blushing, but he shrugged the smile right back off again as he shook his head in dismay.
“It’s going to be a pain in the ass keeping her, and her people, alive.” He added after the fact.
Clarke felt the anger rise in her chest, but said nothing.
“I trust, that one of my two strongest clans, will surely be up to the task.” Lexa offered coolly.
“Of Course, my Heda.” The men said in unison.
“May I?” The Azgeda warrior offered.
After a pause without protest, Roan began circling Clarke, every bit the wolf he appeared to be. He let his hand grab a small sampling of her golden hair, as he stepped in front of the young woman. Inhaling deeply, as though memorizing the scent.
“I wasn’t planning on getting married this year Lexa, but I’m beginning to see the benefits of such an arrangement.” He laughed gruffly. “If she’ll have me of course.” He smirked wickedly.
Bellamy cut in, unfolding his arms and allowing them to drop to his sides. He didn’t circle her as Roan had, instead he stood directly in front of her, looming down ominously. When Clarke refused to meet his eyes directly, he grabbed her by the chin and forced her head upward.
Clarke reached up with both hands, grabbing at his arm, attempting with all her strength to get out of his grasp.
“Let go!”
His eyes pierced hers deeply, ignoring her request.
Clarke’s eyes refused to make contact, darting from left to right, as she continued to struggle against his grip on her chin.
“Is she to be trusted Heda?”
“For the sake of the safety of her people in your care, I would hope so Lord Blake.”
“How can I trust a woman who won’t even look me in the eyes.” He half whispered.
“It’s not in a woman’s nature to trust a man she does not know Bellamy. Perhaps you will have to gain her trust first.” Lexa offered calmly.
He grunted a nod, his eyes never once leaving Clarke’s face.
“Brave Princess” He muttered once they finally locked eyes. He traced the mole above her lip with his thumb absentmindedly as he allowed his eyes to wander towards her lips. At least she was pretty, indeed.
Roan chuckled from over his shoulder. “See what I mean Maun Pauna? (8) You want to bite it too, don’t you?”
Bellamy’s stormy eyes flashed momentarily, as he let go of Clarke’s chin with a jerk.
“Disha gada mebi ai houmon. Yu beda shof op, nau sha!” (9) He growled in response to the Ice-King. Glowering down at the frightened young girl in front of him. His deep voice reverberating down her spine like an earthquake. Casting Roan a cold stare of his own a moment later.
“Enough” Lexa spoke calmly.
“Clarke, it is your right to choose.”
Clarke shook her head slightly, She didn’t want to pick between these two.
“This is an Honor Clarke.” Lexa was losing her patience.“Despite what you may think of them, these two men are the strongest Warriors in my entire Army. It is considered a privilege to be tied to one of them. You would be advised to treat it as such.”
Clarke nodded shakily. Her nerves getting the best of her, as she wiped her now sweaty palms on the tops of her thighs to dry them.
“Your children will have the protection of an entire clan to support them as they grow. They will be strong, healthy, intelligent, and as safe as any child can be in this world. The survival of our species through offspring is the driving force behind everything we do Clarke. There are many women who would give anything to be in your position. Don’t insult them by refusing this offer.”
Clarke straightened her shoulders, and cleared her throat loudly. Finding every ounce of courage she had left to respond.
“Fine, an honor it is.” She glanced back at her friends behind her. Their lives depended on this. On her. She couldn’t back out now, no matter how intimidating these people were. No matter how absurd the situation seemed. She had to be brave. Like her father was. Do the right thing… no matter what. Even if it get’s you floated.
But how was she to choose? Her heart was beating frantically in her chest. Usually people were allowed time to sort through these sorts of decisions. Here she was given only a few minutes to make a choice that would change her life forever.
“The decision is yours.” Lexa swept her hands between the two men. “Ice or Mountain”
In this moment, it felt like everyone was holding their breath, not just Clarke, as the world around them became silent.
“I….”
Clarke gave herself a moment to think, dragging the silence out for only a moment more, as she reflected on her father, and the type of man he was.
Who would he choose for his daughter now? What qualities would he even look for?
And, it was in that moment, that Clarke knew what she would ultimately do.
“Okay...” She breathed. “Okay.”
Without a word, Clark walked directly towards the small fire burning a few feet behind them. Creating an equal distance between both men.
She turned to face them; Roan folding his arms across his chest in amusement, Bellamy’s brow questioning her every move. She bit her lower lip nervously. And slowly, wordlessly, Clarke closed her eyes.
She folded her arms across her chest and breathed in deeply, calming her nerves.
“Clarke? What are you doing?” Lexa asked hesitantly.
‘Relax…’ exhale.
‘Just Breathe...’ inhale.
“Clarke” A deep voice commanded. It was Bellamy’s.
‘Breathe’ exhale.
‘Everything is going to be okay.’ inhale.
‘Breathe and…Trust...’ exhale.
Much to the surprise of everyone there, Grounder and Skai-Kru alike, Clarke began falling backwards into the fire pit. It was just like the trust exercise she used to practice with her dad. She would fall, and he would catch her, over and over again. Time after time.
If she was going to have to choose a husband today, right now, she would want him to be one that would catch her when she falls, every time.
A man she could trust with her life.
Always.
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(1) “Jus drein jus daun!” – Blood must have blood. (Literally Blood drained, Blood put down)
(2) “Nau, ge osir teina as won” – Now get us entwined as one (essentially- Now, let us unite!)
(3) “Roan, Haihefa Kom Azgeda, and Bellamy Blake, Haihefa Kom Boudalan.” - Roan, King of Ice nation, and Bellamy Blake King of The rock-line.
(4) “Emo laik enti gon jus!” - They are hungry for blood.
(5) “Yuj-Maun Gona” – Strong Mountain Warrior.
(6) “Em's nou klir in ai stegeda, Heda.” - She’s not safe in my city, commander.
(7) “Ai Kru wan’er Stedaunon.” My people want her dead.
(8) Maun Pauna – mountain gorilla
(9) “Disha gada mebi ai houmon. Yu beda shof op, nau sha! - This girl might become my wife, You better be quiet, now yes!