GRIM REAPER¹, bellamy blake

011 ━━ is it true

kind of a filler but iona being a kids role model is what i live for so here i am

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"WHEN SHE dies, so does the alliance," Lexa says, a toughness in her voice. "You will have your wish after all, Iona."

She'd just stepped into the tent, tapping on a wooden beam to announce her presence- but Lexa had not turned, for she knew who's eyes she'd be staring into, and eventually drown in the ocean of darkness sloshing against her lids.

A moment of silence settled between the pair.

Iona's always respected Lexa's decisions. She's always looked up to the woman, aspiring to be as good of a leader as she is. However, recently, she's noticed the changes in Lexa's behavior.

While Lexa was never a mass murderer, she knew when punishments needed to be given in multiples. She'd never been a woman that preferred her image be that of a kindhearted goddess rather than a strong and dedicated leader- one that was willing to do what it takes to get results.

Now, Iona isn't sure who Lexa; but one thing is certain: she isn't herself.

Iona momentarily zoned out, eyes burning holes in Lexa's neck.

"And that's it? Nothing else to say, Commander?"

Lexa briefly looked over her shoulder, eyes steely, "I have nothing more to say- and I believe it is in our best interests for you to stop demanding answers I cannot give."

"I ask for one thing," Iona takes a step forward, "I do not demand answers, I demand respect- one little shred of respect."

Finally, Lexa turns, looking up at the slightly taller woman with crossed arms. "I do respect you; I respect you more than anyone else. But we must change, Iona. You have one lesson still to learn: blood is not always the answer."

"And yet here we are, about to execute a girl."

Lexa's lips form a strong line, her head shaking side-to-side, "I want your support on this decision, Iona. Please... let this go my way. If it goes wrong, we can have this conversation- but for now, you must trust me."

Iona didn't respond, merely stepping towards the entrance of the tent. She sent one last look over her shoulder before leaving, heading towards the center of the town.

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"Commander, commander!" A voice echoes from a nearby tent. Iona glances to her right, eyes narrowing as she searches the crowd before her eyes land on a child frantically waving her hands.

"Leia," She smiles, nodding her head at the young girl.

She recognizes her from one of Lexa's training sessions. A nightblood, if she remembers correctly. Lexa usually took the children under her wing and trained them herself, hoping to shape them into great warriors for when their battle came.

Leia, however, had appeared rather clumsy in every sense. She dropped her blade several times, detached her arrow satchel, tripped, and seemed afraid of every movement.

She definitely wasn't built to be a fighter- alas, it's her destiny, and Iona hopes she's progressed further in her training for her own sake.

"Did Lexa tell you?" She asks excitedly, reaching into the left pocket of her oversized jacket. Leia pulls out a small dagger, the tip curved and sharp, with red paint running down the sides for added detail. "I made it!"

Iona smiles proudly, extending a hand and gesturing towards her new blade, "May I?"

Leia nods frantically, handing it over.

Iona inspects it closely, running her fingers across the steel. A rule Iona had discussed several times with Lexa had been implemented a year ago: mastery weapons for nightblood children. It was a simple idea, yet the results had been proving of the underlying complex idea.

If they're rewarded for progression and learning- and overall improvement- then they begin to feel more comfortable and confident. So far, Iona's noticed that each blade seems to mean something new to each student, but they're all meaningful nonetheless.

"A dagger, hm?" Iona hums, spinning the blade with her finger. "I'm proud of you, Leia."

"Thank you!" Her cheeks flame pink, a proud smile on her lips, "Me too, to be honest. I didn't think I could do it."

Iona handed the dagger back to Leia, and whilst maintaining comfortable eye contact, she said, "I knew you could. Congratulations."

Leia smiled, staring at the ground. She tucked the dagger back into her pocket, safely concealing the blade, before she sighed, seemingly hesitant to continue the conversation.

"Can I ask you something, Commander?"

Iona glanced at her from the side of her eye questionably but gave a quiet hum in response.

"Is it true?" Leia asks sadly, her eyes finding Lexa's tent. "Someone wants the commander dead?"

"Many people want Lexa dead," Iona answered truthfully. "She's a powerful, self-made leader with a lot of influence. I'm sure many people envy her- and envy is deadly."

"But one of them? I thought..." Leia's voice grows quieter and she frowns, toying with her hands, "I thought they wanted peace."

Iona turned, glancing down at Leia. She crouched down, looking up at the young girl and taking her face in her palms, "Some people lie. It is better that you learn this early, Leia."

Leia nodded, "Of course, Commander."

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