GROUNDER - The 100, B.B

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ⋅ᡣ𐭩 ་༘࿐ 010 - Alliance?

Sylva

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ⋅ᡣ𐭩 ་༘࿐

Anya's fury was obvious as I made my way through the village, her anger crackling like static in the air. After the sky people's stunt—the unprovoked attack that had nearly cost us our lives—her wrath was a force to be reckoned with. She had summoned me to the meeting room, alone, and I knew better than to keep her waiting.

As I hurried through the village, my mind raced with thoughts of what Anya might demand of me. I was so focused on my thoughts that I almost didn't notice the small figure darting in front of me until it was too late. The girl, no more than seven or eight years old, collided with my legs and tumbled to the ground, her small frame crumpling like a leaf.

She looked up at me with wide, fearful eyes, clearly expecting the worst. I knew that many of our warriors were not known for their patience or kindness, especially when interrupted by children. But I wasn't like them. I softened my expression and bent down, offering her my hand.

"It's alright," I said gently, a smile tugging at my lips. I recognized her as Vall, a small and quiet, but also very good to be around. Vall hesitated for a moment, as if unsure whether to trust me, but then she reached up and gripped my hand tightly. I pulled her to her feet, noticing the way her small fingers clung to mine, seeking reassurance.

As she steadied herself, I noticed her gaze shift to something behind me. Curious, I turned to see three other children standing a short distance away, watching us with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. They were clearly her friends, and I could see the bond they shared, the silent encouragement they offered her.

I gave them a reassuring smile before gently patting Vall's back. "Go on now," I encouraged. "Your friends are waiting for you."

She hesitated for just a second longer, then scampered off towards her friends. I watched as they ran off together, their laughter echoing faintly as they disappeared into the village. For a brief moment, a warmth filled my chest, a reminder of the innocence that still existed in this harsh world.

But that warmth was quickly replaced by a cold, gnawing anxiety as I straightened up and continued my journey to the meeting room. Anya's anger was a storm I wasn't sure how to weather, and the encounter with the children had only delayed the inevitable.

The meeting room was a stark contrast to the lively village outside. The large, empty space felt oppressive, the walls echoing with unspoken tension. Anya stood in the center, her back to me as she stared at something unseen in the distance. I could feel the weight of her authority pressing down on me, a reminder of my place in our clan.

"Ai gaf yu bak op Skaikru trap en hit em op." (I need you to go back to the sky people's camp and befriend them.) Her voice was cold, devoid of the warmth I had felt with the children moments before. The order hit me like a punch to the gut, and I could feel my body tense in response. My thoughts scrambled, trying to make sense of her command.

Why would she send me back there? After what had happened, after the sky people had shown their true colors, why would she want me to return? I pushed my confusion and fear aside, forcing myself to stand tall, projecting confidence I didn't fully feel.

"Na ai as op hakom?" (May I ask why?) The uncertainty in my voice betrayed me, but I needed to understand. There had to be a reason, a plan behind this. Anya was many things, but reckless wasn't one of them.

She turned slowly to face me, her movements deliberate, calculated. The anger in the room seemed to intensify with each passing second, and I felt small under her gaze. "Hon in bida... tiya getnes," (To acquire some... inside knowledge,) she explained, but there was something in her tone that made me uneasy, as if she was withholding something.