Opkepa Rattop Hedplei

Chapter 72

The Justifier

When everyone comes in the next morning from training there is a fresh stack of correspondence set beside Lexa's place at the table. Now this in of itself is not out of the ordinary. In fact, it is quite common to find each morning set out neatly beside Lexa's tea cup. Even as a rattop, Clarke had always remembered a stack of sealed paper being there for Lexa to work through as she ate. It was just one of the routines of Heda Lexa that Clarke grew to accept with open arms when she began this relationship with her wife. Lexa's people were always at the forefront of her mind and this early morning habit just helped exemplify that, well to Clarke at least. Nowadays with a toddler added into the picture this custom did not stop for Heda Lexa. Though it did take her a bit longer some days to complete than it did before. Either way Lexa was fine with this. It was a lesson she had taken from her Nomi Andrea. Lexa herself had never really thought back then that her Nomi WAS Heda. She never made her feel like she interrupted anything or that she had a lot on her plate. Always willing to come play or snuggle when asked without ANY hesitation. It was only later when Lexa asked Komfoni about did she learn about the stacks of paperwork she would put off to do this. How Andrea put Lexa and being present in the moment far more important of a task than paperwork. Clan leaders and her people had always been the same for Andrea. In fact, that was one of the first lessons Andrea had given to Lexa as a goufa. 'It's nice to get things done. But you mustn't get caught up in it and forget to live, my lovebug. Be fully present and enjoy the life you have.' The funny thing is that Lexa hadn't remembered that little talk until SHE became Heda. Able to access memories of past Hedas for advice and counsel. The majority was from her Nomi. Lesson after lesson in meticulous detail to a wondering toddler half listening. Like Andrea knew ALL ALONG Lexa would need this one day. And the most baffling, that her Nomi seemed to KNOW inherently how short her life really would be. That Lexa would have to go on without her. It was heart wrenching and incredible all at once. But when days got hard in those first few days as Heda, it was these lessons that Lexa would listen to. She'd done this so many times now Lexa has them all memorized by heart. Every word and even how her Nomi moved her hands when she said it. But she had NEVER noticed until Elisae how much these lessons applied to. That they hadn't JUST been for being Heda. But life in general. And this opened the door to reexamine them in moments like now. When Lexa chooses to just read a couple of those letters and leave the rest for naptime. Going back to that adorable pajama clad toddler currently dancing in her lap. Sipping her magic milkie smoothie from the favorite sippy cup and sneaking bites from Lexa's plate.

Later the brunette lets the toddler help pick out what her Nomons are going to wear that day. Well, within reason that is. Sure, their clothing is a BIT more colorful today but the squeal this got from that toddler was totally worth it. Downstairs Lexa soon finds Elisae busy playing with her friends and helping with Ryatt's P.T. session. Enabling Lexa to check on some of her other natblida. She'd started doing this more frequently after the Fleimkepa fallout occurred. Making sure to do one-on-one sessions with each of her natblida just to touch base and catch up with them. She'd never had the opportunity to do this as much as she'd like to when Titus was here. Always blocking her progress and efforts in this area. The moment he was out of the picture she made sure to take advantage of this. Heda Komfoni did as well and when Luna showed up, she joined in the effort as well. Each time they would update the other Hedas on what they did and or learned from each natblida in this time spent tighter. Clarke also joined in on this effort, well sorta. She claimed Yarla but it was more of mentorship with all the time they spent together painting. But it was something none of them objected against. In fact, it took a huge weight off their shoulders knowing Yarla was cared for. Being the oldest natblida she'd ALWAYS put her needs aside to care for the others. Shelter them from Titus and took the brunt of his vile ways. The trauma she had to endure with Titus that they uncovered was also something that all of them knew would need extensive counseling as a result. Being with Clarke and their 'mentorship' helped to ensure this was being done. Getting more attention and care when they knew it was greatly needed. Plus, with how long she was overlooked for everyone's concern for one of the younger natblida sibs. All them had unanimously agreed that the girl honestly deserved the extra attention. Even Amma, Fei and Rinta for that matter. With the school and lessons rotation now largely in place for the older natblida they had all agreed an hour of one-on-one time with the natblida would be the best fit. It allowed enough one on one time with the child but also did not disrupt their school schedule too much at the same time. Though Amma was very quick to mention that they were allowed to take more time if it was needed. Her only requirement was that they would speak to her about it first. That way Amma could notify the instructors of the classes they would miss. Gathering assignments to help them catch up on what they missed that day when they return.