The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 54

Lexa and I head to the elevators hand in hand. She doesn't seen to notice or mind that some guards are staring at our entwined hands in shock.

We wait as the elevator descends, slowly making it's way to the ground floor. I can practically feel Lexa's excitement radiating off of her. When the doors finally open, we continue out of the Heda's Tower and into the street. It's as busy as it was when we first came here, if not busier.

There are a lot of vendors nearby, shouting about their wares and selling a wide variety of things. Lexa leads me over to a clear spot where it's not too loud so we can hear each other without raising our voices.

"Polis has always been a great, prosperous city. There are many different places for different people. There are places where mainly people from Azgeda live, a place where mainly Trikru live, a place for all of the clans so the ones that live here do not get as home sick. There are also areas for different crafts, like a row of stores that sell and make any kind of clothing. There are rows of blacksmiths, ones that specialize in weapons-making, ones who specialize in armor, and ones who specialize in making different everyday things."

"That's incredible!" I say when she pauses.

She smiles at me happily. "Most of it happened before I was Heda. Polis mainly used to be a refuge for those fleeing war or their home clans. Since I became Heda, I worked on something the previous Heda told me was a good idea, but impossible. I helped turn this city into the center of the clans' trading. You can buy and sell nearly anything here. I consider it among some of my greatest accomplishments."

I can see the spark of pride in her eyes as she watches the market. "You did a great job."

"Mochof (thank you). Now come, I want to show you some of the things that you can buy here." Lexa takes me to a nearby stall, greeting the seller by name. "Mars, it is good to see you again."

Mars, a tall dark tan woman with braided hair, grins widely at Lexa and the clasp forearms. "Heda! Welcome back. I just got restocked, if you and your friend are interested."

We just got "gal pal"ed. I didn't think that was a thing anymore, let alone something that existed out of old books that Wells made me read.

"Yes, thank you." Lexa responds.

Mars opens a container and an odd smell filters into the air. I glance inside and see a few dead fish and some other sea creatures that I don't recognize (they could've mutated).

"I will take the usual." Lexa states.

"Good choice. I will have Juno bring them to your kitchen."

With that, Mars bows and accepts a few coins from Lexa. The form of money they use is mainly coins, but they trade goods as well. Lexa seems to prefer coins. Mars turns around and yells for Juno to come here. Lexa and I walk away when she starts ordering him around in Trigedasleng.

"What did you get?" I ask.

Lexa raises my hand to her lips, playfully kissing the back of my hand. "You will find out tonight, hodnes (love)."

I want to tell her that I know what hodnes means but I don't want to get into a conversation that's bound to be incredibly emotional when we're in public. Especially since it seems like some of her people think love is weakness. And... I'll have to get used to calling them our people because they're more welcoming and accepting of me than the Ark ever was. We'll talk the love thing soon. As long as I don't chicken out.

Lexa shows me around to some seemingly random shops with different wares. There's one that has seashells, including ones that you can hear the ocean in. Though as someone who knows a bit about the human body, I know that it's just the blood thumping in my ears. I love it regardless and Lexa buys one for me, despite my insisting that I don't need it. I kiss her cheek as a thank you (I'm not sure if she would be okay with me kissing her on the lips where anyone can see just yet). Lexa blushes so hard the vendor has to cover his mouth to (badly) hide his laughter.

Lexa luckily doesn't mind, she's too busy looking at me with these soft eyes that make me want to lie down with her and kiss her for hours.

I laugh when Lexa lights up at the candle store, which is larger than I thought it would be. I chuckle at the thought that maybe Lexa's giving them enough business to afford this.

"Heda!" A woman says happily. I'm guessing she's the owner or something. "It is good to see you back! And you are in luck, I just finished a few candles with a new scent a few days ago."

After an hour of debate, Lexa ends up buying two candles with the new scent and three others. Lexa puts them with my shell in a bag she brought. She seems happy and content while she leads me around the city, showing me the area where blacksmiths are and the barracks where most warriors stay when they come here or are stationed here.

There's a gleam in her eye as she leads me somewhere in Polis, not telling me where.

"Lex, come on." I say, exaggerating my whine. "Where are we going?"

"You will love it, Clarke." Is all she says and then Lexa gives me such a beautiful smile my brain stops working for a moment.

I gasp, realizing where Lexa has taken me.  It's the art area, with paintings and sculptures and sketches hanging up to display the artist that lives there's talent.

I look at Lexa and see that she's smiling softly at me. I open my mouth but find myself unable to find the right words to thank her for today, for this beautiful sight. Giving up, I lean in and kiss her, hoping she doesn't mind showing off our love to the people of Polis. She grins against my lips and then pulls me closer.

Well, that was cute! Hopefully it was good :) I just love Lexa the candle slut so much that I have to add her to almost every story I write! Soon, things will happen and there will be action... Next chapter is probably going to either continue with this or have them traveling back to TonDC. Thank you all for reading and for your amazing comments! Stay awesome!