Fixing Clexa's story to give them an ending they deserved (an *ending, not the journey they deserved). They are clearly endgame but it turned into a bit more of an adult-themed journey to get there so just a warning it takes a slightly dark turn ar...
Lexa sent the nightbloods further back into the group for the remainder of the journey. As planned, two factions have broken off to flank and encircle either side of Arkadia when they approach. Archers line the front of the group, their only ranged defense against any guns, as Lexa presses forward on high alert. Her eyes dart between trees, deciphering every shadow, every creature's movement. Deep breaths keep her heartrate steady, being jumpy will do her no favors.
Scouts are sent ahead to check out some caves, but soon frantic voices calling for her pierce the quiet forest air.
Lexa hears the clanging of swords as she rounds to the front of the opening, one scout already lying dead while the other two are in heated combat with a figure she recognizes instantly and shouts for everyone to stop.
The parties all back away to put distance between them, all eyes on the commander.
"Heda, she is Skaikru!" One of the scouts barks, pointing. Lexa shoots him a glare that shuts him up and orders both scouts out of the cave.
The girl's face has blood and sweat smearing her warpaint into a giant black and red mess over her face. "Where's Lincoln?" Lexa asks.
The hostility from Octavia catches her off-guard. The girl gestures further back into the cave.
"He's not good, you can thank your own people for that."
Lexa follows Octavia further back into the cave. Around the corner there's a few torches providing just enough light to see how severe Lincoln's state is. He is covered in wounds, in varying stages of healing. The stab wound at his shoulder is still bleeding through its haphazard bandaging, several smaller cuts on his face and arms have long scabbed over. His shirt is cut open at his right ribcage, with a deep gash that looks like it only recently clotted and might re-open with the slightest movement. A slash across one of his calves should have had stitches and will now leave a large scar. His strong frame had never looked so weak, but his face remained stoic.
"What happened?" Lexa demanded as she continued to look him over in the dim lighting, reaching out but afraid to touch anywhere.
"All of them were locked up when I got back." Octavia's voice cut sharp. "Kane, Abby, Raven, all of them. Anyone who was willing to work with the grounders."
"They are prisoners?"
"Yes, I saw them being dragged off before anyone could see me and made it back out into the woods, but thanks to your kill order, your army immediately attacked. So Lincoln.... Lincoln he...." Her voice began to crack as she knelt next to him protectively, causing Lexa to take a step back.
Lexa strains her face to conceal her guilt. How could she not have considered her allies within Arkadia possibly needing safety from Pike and Bellamy as well? All she had done was trap them altogether.
