revenant|c.g.|

xx

Many in the Hilltop were surprised to see the past Commander of Solaris on the road to their gates. Those on the post were used to seeing her, riding upon a horse, looking as if she was in control, which she usually was. However, as she came closer, they saw her fallen eyes and the softness of her voice when being asked to let in.

After Maggie started having a larger role within the community, she had established one of the first rules to be that Clary would be allowed in without a second thought. So, with that in mind, she was granted access into Hilltop, her footsteps soft against the dirt path as she looked up to see Jesus and Enid approaching. The thoughts in Clary's mind about the boy she left to rot in a cell seemed to fade for a little as Enid wrapped her arms around her best friend. However, as she pulled away, Enid noticed the dull eyes of her friend. "Hey, are you okay?" Clary nodded once, leaving Enid still unsure as she released her to hug Jesus. "What brings the mighty Commander to our doorstep?" Jesus asked her, noticing her soft frown but knowing her well enough to know she would reveal her troubles in due time. "Rick wanted me to come see Maggie and to check up on how Hilltop was doing." Jesus nodded, not surprised that the other leader wanted to send their previous ally. "She just went to speak to our blacksmith."

Motioning her to follow, Clary was about to start following until her eyes caught a man sticking to the shadows. As she met the gaze, she realized it was Daryl, causing her eyes to widen. Daryl looked to her for a moment before turning away, unable to hold her gaze just as he had been unable to at the Sanctuary. "I thought Daryl was at the Kingdom," Clary spoke softly, her voice showing her confusion. Jesus made his way to stand besides her as her voice died down, her eyes never leaving the departing figure. "He came a few days ago, said he couldn't just sit around and hide. He almost made a move against the Saviors with someone from the Kingdom. Thing is, Carol was going to be at the receiving end of it. I think that's what set him off." Clary clenched her jaw, looking back to Jesus at the mention of Carol. "Who made up the plan?" Jesus let out a short breath, wondering whether to mention the man that the both of them knew well.

With one last thought, he looked back to Clary. "Richard." The girl shook her head softly, knowing that nothing would stop Richard from protecting the kingdom. "Enid, will you—" the girl nodded. "Yeah, I'll go check on him. I'll meet you guys at the blacksmith." With both of them nodding in agreement, Enid departed.

As Jesus began to walk, Clary's minding racing at the realization of what Richard had tried to do, she followed the man before she matched his stride. "You and Rick will be happy to know that we're doing well. We've been holding trainings, mostly just with knives since we hardly have guns or ammo. Maggie's planning on trading with the Kingdom, seeing if we can exchange spears for armor." Clary nodded, proud of the woman as she seemingly stepped up with ease. "Ezekiel should agree, he's always been one to trade. At the off chance he doesn't, Carl and I went back to Solaris. We found some pieces that could help."

As Jesus looked to the girl, furrowing his brow in surprise at her going to her fallen community, a new voice sounded. "Clary? What are you doing here?" The two looked to the new voice, Clary smiling softly as she saw Maggie. The woman wasted no time making her way to the girl, wrapping her in the tightest of hugs. "I missed you, thought it had been too long." Maggie let out a chuckle before pulling away, cupping her cheek. "You can't lie to me, hon." Clary shrugged, letting out a soft laugh. "Not a total lie, but Rick sent me to check on Hilltop. So far I've heard only good things." Maggie nodded, giving a quick look to Jesus before looking back to the girl. "We're only getting better. Gregory of course is still against everything but it doesn't matter, the people are following so—"

Maggie stopped herself, a small frown upon her face as she looked at the girl. She could see the tiredness in her eyes, along with something else that seemed to be troubling her. "You must've traveled all night. We'll talk more later, but for now, you should rest. You look like—" Clary couldn't find out how she looked when a bell began to ring. As if it was instinct, Maggie latched her hand onto Clary, worry gnawing at her as a voice rang out. "The Saviors are coming!" Jesus made his way to the two women, placing a hand on an arm of each. "Go! Now!"