I Know Places

X

      Lia shuffles back to her tent, a new found respect for the sky girl looming over her. More and more, her trust in this girl was growing; Lia didn't quite know how she felt about that. Clarke clearly cared for her people - she was a great leader, even if her heart and head didn't agree.

The sounds of shouts arise outside Lia's tent, a horde of galloping horses making there way to the commanders tent. Lia stays back, cautious. No meetings were to take place today, not with Grounders at least. Lia peaks through the slits if her tent, four strong horses stand before Lexa's quarters. This would go one of two ways. Lexa knew of the unrest within the Coalition. The other clans didn't agree or want the alliance, and that put Lexa in a lot of danger. They didn't trust these creatures from the sky, and Lia did not blame them.

Lia scoffs; who would be stupid enough to cross Lexa? The one true commander would never be defeated by the likes of traitors. She was special. She was strong. She knew her people.

The air turns cold, and as the last light disappears, Lia forces herself to sleep. She was no good to anyone whilst tired.

**

Lia awakens to the sound of commotion. Shouts and screams fill the camp and Lia's mind turns to the Skaikru. Only they could cause this trouble.

A large body pushes through the tent.
"Nikius." She turns almost too quickly, losing her balance. Of course, he catches her - as he always did.
"I thought you were.." She can't bring herself to finish the sentence. It hurt too much to say it. Instead, she burrows herself into his chest. Nikius kisses the top of her head.
"I know." He mumbles into her hair.
He let's go momentarily, grabbing two chalices of wine. Smiling softly, the two drink.
"I love you." She says softly, her dainty had caressing his face, "I thought you were gone."
Nikius sweeps Lia into his arms, and off of her feet, carefully placing her on her bed. She smiles sweetly as the warrior climbs over her. She'd almost forgotten the way he looked. The way he felt.
He kisses her softly, a small smile pushing at her. He was alive - here with her. Again.
Lia cuddles up to him, his shoulder not nearly as comfortable as Bellamy's. Not nearly as soft. Lia had forgotten how difficult it was to become comfortable in Nikius' presence. He had an overpowering aura, making Lia feel small and helpless. It was easier with Bellamy. She shakes her head. Ignoring her own thoughts.
At a time like this, why did her mind wonder to that Sky Rat? He was nothing.
Lia sighs, pulling herself closer to her loved one. After all this time, she felt safe again. Too safe to be real. Something was wrong.
No. She let her guard down too easy, once again.
"Why are you here?" She pushed herself away, stumbling to her feet, "Lexa said your crew disappeared. You're meant to be dead. You aren't meant to be here."
Nikius stares at her blankly.
A warriors face.
"Nikius," She raises her voice this time, reaching for her dagger, "What's going on?"
He scoffs at her, rolling his eyes.
"The Queen wants her payment, Lia." He sneers.
Lia stumble backwards, confused. She knew nothing of a payment, or why one should be needed.
"Where is Heda?" Nikius demands, his eyes narrowed.
"I don't know." Lia stutters as she is pushed towards the tent wall, Nikius' patience now depleted.
"Where is she?" He bellows. His shouts striking fear through Lia once more. No, she wouldn't be weak. Not this time.
"I don't know," She pushes him back, holding her breath, "I guess your queen will have to wait."
He narrows his eyes at the girl.
"It's not the Heda that she wants, my love."
Lia holds his iron gaze.
"What would Roan say?" He tuts, shaking his head, "Do you think he'd be proud to call you his sister?"
Lia stumbles, taken aback, "How?"

No one knew - not Anya, not Lexa. She'd joined the village as a child with her father. Posing as desperate refugees; hoping to be away from the Ice Nation conflict. Their queen, Lia's mother, had sent them to get information from the Trikru. Their bases, their plans. Lia - of course - had no idea of this. She was a child, barely 5 years of age. She didn't understand the conflict. When her father died, she lost all contact with the Nation. She became Trikru. Honest Trikru, this time. It was her life now.
Over the years, the clan became her true family, her true home, her true friends. Lia had almost forgotten about her Ice Nation connections.
Until the they attacked.
Costia's beheading was Naalia's fault. A punishment for abandoning her clan or getting close to the enemy? Lia would never know.

"Naalia," he chuckles menacingly, "Did you honestly think I didn't know?"
She swallows.
"I'm honestly hurt that you thought I was that stupid." Nik squares up to her, sliding a strand of her hair behind her ear, "You're the spitting image of her."
Her heart stops. Nikius had known the entire time.
"She wants you back." He says sternly.
A hot flush. Dizziness. Her knees went first - her balance soon after. She pushes against the floor, her strength depleting.
"The wine." She struggles.
"You've always been slow, Lia."
Her vision fades to black.