Fallen

Chapter Forty-One: Kom Tain Den

 Ash walks with her father towards the throne room. An ambassador meeting is planned for the day. It is most likely when Rafel is going to try and challenge Roan. Might as well ensure all the ambassadors are there to witness a challenge. She is worried how Rafel is going to do this. So her and Marcus decided to go early to the throne room. When they enter, Roan is sitting on throne, contemplating something. He sits up when he sees them enter. 

"What was Rafel's response?" he asks.

"He won't listen," Marcus states.

"So then I'll fight."

"Or I will," Ash states. "You act as if there is no other option."

"There isn't," he tells her. "Either I fight or the coalition will fall apart."

"Or you die and no one will be there to lead."

"There is someone who could lead in place of me." Ash's eyes widen as she stares him down. Now is not the time for this discussion. Especially with her father there. Roan looks away after a moment. "My decision stands. I will fight if I am challenged."

"Stubborn ass," Ash mutters under her breath. soon, other ambassadors start entering. Ash moves towards the back of the room, leaning on the wall near the door. Multiple people flood the room, all under the symbol of the Coalition. A group baring the symbol of Trishanakru enter. They are different than the usual ambassador delegation of the clan. The one in front kneels before the king as Octavia enters.

"Where is your ambassador?" Roan asks.

"He is dead," the new person states. Ash looks at Octavia, who just shakes her head slightly. She must have had something to do with it. Part of her is glad she did though. That means no fighting amongst them. Or at least it will be delayed. That's what is needed. At least until there is more stability. 

"Very well," Roan responds. "Let's begin if everyone's here."

*****

Ash packs her bag. She needs to head back to Arkadia. Apparently something went wrong but Bellamy has been sparse on details. So she needs to see if she can be any help. She is a bit worried. She shoves her clothes in a bag as the door to her room swings open. Echo enters, closing the door behind her.

"Knock next time," Ash orders. "Could've been changing."

"You don't have anything I haven't seen," Echo states. She leans on the wall. "Tell me the truth. Now!"

"About?"

"Praimfaya."

Ash stops for a second, processing it. She tries to play off the pause as if she was looking for something. But Echo still notices.

"So it is true?"

"If it even was, who told you?"

"Roan."

She takes a deep breath, turning around. 

"Apparently. Now I'm heading back to Arkadia in order to ensure all of our people will live."

"How do I know you're not lying?"

For some reason, this is what causes Ash to just snap at her. 

"By trust. I know it's a foreign concept. And I don't actually blame you for that. But you need to stop fighting us and start working with us."

Echo seems taken back a bit by her outburst. She needed to say that though. It's about time Echo had heard it. She has been making it more difficult to get anything done since day one. The other warrior seems to finally process what just happened. 

"I need to protect my people," Echo finally responds. 

"I understand. I'm in the same situation. But at least I'm trying to help save as many people as possible." She picks up her bag and weapons. "Now if you don't mind, I need to figure out what's going on."

She pushes past the spy and go to leave. She finds Roan wandering the halls, thinking. He looks worn out. 

"I'll be back before the next ambassador meeting," she swears.

"Kom taim den," he tells her. She nods her head.

"Until then," she echoes. As she goes to walk away, but he grabs her wrist.

"We do need to talk about the proposal," he tells her.

"When I get back," she promises. "I need time to consider it."

"Of course."

She gently pulls away and leaves the tower.

*****

Bellamy watches as Clarke stares at the list before her. Him and some others blew up the only hydro generator they could find in order to save people. Then the back up bunker they had hoped to find was destroyed. So only a hundred people will be able to survive in Arkadia. And Clarke has been tasked with forming a list. He looks at the list being formed. Clarke sees him looking.

"You and Ash have a spot," Clarke promises. "So does Octavia."

"Put yourself on the list," he demands, noticing her name isn't on it. "We've all been through enough together for you to just kill yourself."

"But-"

"No buts. I won't be there if you aren't."

Clarke agrees before writing her name on the list. Over the walkie, it is announced that Ash is arriving at the gate. Bellamy hurries out to see her dismount the horse. The two embrace each other, briefly kissing. She pulls away, looking around.

"Catch me up on what I missed," Ash demands. 

"In the morning," Clarke promises, walking over. She gives Ash a hug. "But I think everyone here needs a drink."

Bellamy slings his arm of Ash's shoulder and the three of them walk towards the spot where alcohol is being served. Just a moment of peace perhaps before any more shit goes wrong.