Traveler's Blessing

Chapter 14: Love that Spans Two Lifetimes

There was a banquet after the initiation, and anyone who is someone is invited. Lexa is seated at the head of the dining hall, flanked by two of her leading bodyguards, Gustus and Nya. She is wearing a long black gown, with the ceremonial tribal face painted around her eyes, complete with the Commander's emblem between her brows. She takes a sip from her cup. Her expression is emotionless, with a few nods here and there acknowledging her warriors and ambassadors. Still, Lexa is feeling particularly sour tonight despite the momentous occasion.

Love is weakness.

The seventh clan would not have joined the Coalition if Lexa hadn't successfully separated her personal feelings from her duty. In fact, she almost failed. Lexa was spiraling when Costia was unconscious and had marched with the intent to slaughter all of Shallow Valley to get the antidote. She would have seen through the trick and the setup if she was in a sound mind, but she panicked and was blinded by rage. Good thing Costia woke up in time. She also almost cut Levi down when she saw him carrying Costia's blade, assuming the worst instead of the better. Sighing, the Commander takes another sip of her wine. She will not allow Costia to become her distraction again.

It is easier said than done. For the past two weeks, Lexa has been avoiding Costia whenever she can. It would be much easier if the Commander simply assigns Costia to a different post. One far away from Polis, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. So she reduced herself to this cat and mouse game, hiding and dodging Costia at every corner. Now at this banquet, Heda had no place to hide, and tonight Costia is particularly striking. She is wearing a gold silk dress that runs bare in the back, showing off her spine. To the side of her shoulder drapes the red sash that Levi gave her. The two colors highlight Costia and scream for attention. She is practically radiating, sitting next to Han and Levi. Her eyes glow with joy in her conversations with the two men.

Costia rarely looks this happy.

Lexa takes another gulp of her wine, seething that Costia had confided in Han when she first woke up instead of her and throwing herself into danger. Rationally, Lexa knows Costia didn't have the luxury during that moment, but she can't help but feel salty about it. To the side, a weary side-eye glace was exchanged by Gustus and Nya. They have noticed their Commander is in a lousy mood of late, but they are unsure why. The Commander never wears her emotions on her sleeve.

"Can you bring your daughter to Polis, so I can meet her?" Costia asks eagerly.

"I'm sorry, Bringer of Peace, the child... is still young, perhaps when she is older..." Levi smiles weakly.

Costia immediately realizes why Levi refuses her request. Right, she is a Natblida. It is best to keep her away. Being a novitiate is a doomed fate, even if it may bring the clan honor. Costia is glad Madi has such loving parents. She is also relieved that Levi's status will help keep Madi safe. Despite this, Costia still can't help but look crestfallen.

"... but you can come to visit," Levi offers. He just couldn't deny Costia and feels like he can trust her.

"I can?" Costia practically jumps out of her seat in excitement. "In the meantime, can I send you back to Shallow Valley with gifts for your daughter? Do you lack in anything?" Costia asks.

"Enough already, Costia," Han laughs. All night Costia had bombarded Levi with questions about this newborn child, "if I didn't know any better, I would have mistaken you as the mother."

This made Costia blush, "I--I never have a baby dedicated to me. I just want what is best for her."

Levi puts his hand on Costia and gives it a squeeze. He is so grateful for Costia and the love she has shown him. "We don't lack anything, Costia kom Trikru. Do not worry."

"Is this a private conversation?"

A smiling warrior approaches the company of three. It is a familiar voice.

"Lincoln!"

Costia leaps up and throws her arms around the tall warrior. Lincoln hugs back, lifting her up and chuckling. Han immediately starts sulking; he hates the man. Han had confessed his love to Costia, but she turned him down, saying she was in love with someone else. He is sure that person is Lincoln.

I love you, Costia

You only think you do.

No, I do. I've been in love with you since we trained together in TonDC.

I'm sorry. I can't. Because ... I love another.

Does that person love you too?

...Not yet.

Then I still have a chance.

Han had hope time away from TonDC would allow Costia to fall in love with him and forget Lincoln. But here he is, crashing his dinner, hugging Costia for seconds too long. He admits Lincoln is handsome, but he is not so bad himself. What does Costia see in him anyway, besides being older, darker, and a bit taller? Levi notices the immediate mood shift and smirks knowingly at why his young friend is pouting. Had Levi look at the end of the room towards the throne, he might have noticed another person frowning too.

"Levi, meet Lincoln kom Trikru. He is one of my oldest friends." Costia introduces.

"Heya," greets Levi.

"Lincoln, meet Levi kom Louwado Kliron Kru. He dedicated his daughter Madi to me earlier today." Costia beams, sharing her excitement.

Lincoln smiles and nods towards Levi. "Costia, I heard you were poisoned. I see that you are feeling better?" Lincoln sits down next to Costia with concern in his voice. He has always been a man of few words and may look intimidating, but there is always something gentle about him. "I'm fine," Costia reassures her friend.

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The evening is coming close to an end, and some of the guests are starting to leave. For the most part of the night, Han was his usual unfriendly self around Lincoln. Levi was amused at the whole situation. And Lexa was drowning her angst with the bottom of her cup while desperately holding onto her inhibition. As Heda, she has to stay until the end to demonstrate her commitment to the Kongeda; otherwise, she would have left already.

"Listen, guys, Lincoln and I have a lot to catch up on," Costia reaches out to hold Lincoln's hand, tilting her head, signaling him that it is time to go. "Best tree girl, I will see you in the morning?" Han stares at the hands touching and has a sudden urge to beat Lincoln to a pulp, but he knows better. Undermining the Coalition with a fight during the celebration will earn him some severe lashing or even death. "Yeah. Ok," Han grunts.

"Good night, Levi." Costia ignores her grumpy friend. She hates it when Han gets like this. She proceeds to stand up, and Lincoln follows her.

"Good night, Costia, and it is nice to meet you, Lincoln."

"Likewise."

Leading the way, Costia and Lincoln exit the room. Costia has so much to ask Lincoln. For once, she was too occupied to notice the pair of green eyes watching them as they leave.

"You know Indra would have love to see you," Costia informs Lincoln as they walk down the hallway. "It is too bad she was sent to aid the Podakru for a potential upheaval within that region." Costia sighs, "You know, she misses you."

"I miss her too," Lincoln replies.

At the end of the hall, they come to a stop outside Costia's room. She opens the door and steps inside. Lincoln follows behind and closes the door behind him. With the door closed, they can finally have their privacy.

"So Madi, huh?" Lincoln asks.

"Yeah, Madi," Costia answers, her face softens, "guess somethings are meant to be. That certain love can span across two lifetimes." Costia looks up at her old friend thoughtfully, "that is something we have in common, Levitt."