No Hero: Lost Among the Flame

The ground clan

Clarke

ONE MONTH LATER

I ducked into the tent where I was sure to find Aden. As it had no windows candles cast a warm glow on the space. Aden was laying face down on the table as Gaia finished tapping ink into his back. I clasped my hands together and stood next to Bellamy to wait for them to finish completely.

"They've been here for hours" he said quietly.

Gaia paused as she glanced at him with a playful smile. "Like I've told you before Bellamy, it is a symbol all commanders must carry and it takes as long as it takes" she said lightly.

"Mmhhm" he rolled his eyes in the same playful manner.

I managed a small chuckle but my attention was set on the tattoo. There were no tattoos on my skin. Skaikru hadn't practiced them. But Octavia and Freya both wore them proudly because they had found their people on the ground. The emptiness where my friends used to be never went away. I sighed as I thought of them.

"The symbol is complete" Gaia told Aden. She wiped the extra ink off his spine then began to gather her tools.

Aden stood up and stretched. His movements exposed more of his muscles. There was no question whether or not he looked good without a shirt. "Thank you, Gaia" he said facing her. I caught a glimpse of the thin cut on the back of his neck. So Gaia successfully implanted the flame? If only Lexa's spirit was in there to help guide him.

"Alright alright put your shirt on" Bellamy said. Gaia laughed and rolled her eyes. It was nice that Bellamy finally found someone. They seemed happy together.

I looked up at Aden once he was dressed. "Are you ready?" I asked.

He let out a long sigh, the kind that allowed his shoulders to relax. "I am" he said. This past month I've watched him develop a few of Lexa's qualities. For instance now he was masking his expression. He came across as serious and confident. However, I know how much he misses his family. Lexa and Freya's pyre left us all raw.

"Here we go" Gaia said. And like that they stepped out of the tent calling for everyone's attention. They walked to the center of the valley for all to see. People were already gathered in the main area getting ready for the celebration. Bellamy and I stood off to the side. The chatter quieted instantly. "I would like to officially introduce the new commander" Gaia spoke loudly.

Aden bent to her as a new gear symbol piece was placed on his forehead. "I swear to treat your problems as my own and protect you all. It is an honor to be alive in this valley today, one I do not take lightly" he started to speak. He had to take a moment to sigh before continuing his address, "There are many people that could not be here with us today but their sacrifice will not be forgotten. It is because of them that we live. And for them we will flourish." People began to clap and he held his hand up to quiet them. "Lastly I'm naming my successor, Madi, as the only other born natbleda she will take over for me in the event of my death. Also I have been in deliberations with my advisors, Indra formerly of Trikru and Clarke formerly of Skaikru, and I welcome all of you to Graunkru."

A cup was placed in his hand which he raised, "To us, the people of the ground."

Cheering broke out as people toasted with him. Within a minute the celebration was in full swing with music and lively chatter.

"I guess in the end we all became grounders" Bellamy shrugged.

"Right, who would have thought?" I agreed. I bet the chancellor never imagined this is where we'd end up when a hundred delinquents were sent to earth. Such a long battle for survival when it could have been shortened by years.

Bellamy nodded, "It feels good to be at peace." He obviously wanted to say more but he kept it to himself. We talked about Octavia and the others sometimes but he didn't share much. I suspect its been Gaia who's really helped him grieve.

"Hey Clarke Bellamy, you coming?" Murphy waved. Him, Emori, Monty, Harper and Gaia were grouped around a table. The jug and cups reminded me of the first batch of Monty's moonshine.

When Bellamy noticed I didn't make a move to walk over he turned back. "You coming?" he asked, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.

Its getting harder to muster a smile. Especially with my friends happily celebrating. I just wished there were more of them. Raven would be challenging Monty and Murphy into a drinking contest. Octavia would be happy to get Lincoln drunk. Lexa would be just as happy to watch Freya do the same to Anna. There were so many missing friends. "You go ahead I'm gonna hang here for a little bit" I said.

"You sure?" Bellamy asked.

I waved him away, "Yeah go have fun you deserve it."

Bellamy smiled once more and called out to the table, "Hey pour me one, Monty!"

Around me everyone was happy to celebrate, it wasn't just my friends. I spotted Madi outside the cabin Lexa had stayed in. When we came back the first thing she asked was if we could move in there. With her were two other kids around her age. Seeing her making friends made it easier to smile.

I watched Aden socialize with several people. He stayed serious but accepted every gesture of welcoming. He ended every conversation by gripping their arm. Aden was going to be a fine commander.

Everyone had someone and I was left alone. There was no one to blame but myself though. I had something with Finn but it ended badly. Then Freya and I had something and while it didn't end badly I still let it get away. Truthfully I wanted what her and Lexa had. That was the purest love I've ever seen.

Eventually I sighed and glanced at my friends table. A chorus of laughter sounded. They poured a full cup and pushed it towards Harper, who pretended to be upset. I should just join them and quit feeling sorry for myself.

"Hi, would you mind if I joined you" someone new said.

I looked away from my friends surprised to find a woman standing next to me. When I tilted my head to see her face clearly my mouth almost fell open. She was admittedly very beautiful with light brown hair and sharp features. "Uh no that would be fine" I said turning to face her a little more.

"I have seen you with heda and wanted to speak to you. Now that I see your beautiful eyes up close I know I made the right choice" she smiled softly.

The blush that warmed my cheeks felt odd at first. "Thank you" my smile was a little more genuine. "Where are you from? I haven't heard an accent like that before?" I asked. Her voice was smooth like honey.

"I was a plains rider. We told stories of the vast blue ocean that bordered the commanders home land. I think now I understand the interest in something so blue" she said, carefully tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. Her fingertips only ghosted over my skin but I couldn't help the shiver that ran down my spine. "Would you like to have a drink with me?" she asked, anticipation shining in her eyes.

"I would" I answered a little too quickly and a little too excitedly. Great job Clarke.

She didn't say anything right away. Instead she just smiled a little wider as she looked into my eyes. Eventually she held her hand out to gesture towards a table where someone was pouring drinks for people. "I am Brenna" she said.

I fell into step with her and for the first time in a long time felt like the future might just be alright. So I looked up at Brenna and introduced myself, "I'm Clarke."