Hope

Chapter 3

Daenarys POV
I watch quietly as the other ambassadors discuss their trade, and sit back and stare as they grumble when Clarke makes the decision for them. Once they've decided on who will get what, the agenda turns to who will be the next commander. Clarke informs everyone that they will present their candidate to the others, and then each candidate will have a chance to big themselves up. The vote will take place this afternoon.

The Tension and anticipation rise as people await the names of the candidates. One by one, each ambassador stands up to say who they're putting forward. Anton from Sankru steps up.
"My nomination is for me, Anton", he says. There are a few tuts around the room, but then every other ambassador does the same. Thankfully, Luna, Roan and Indra all place their nominations on me. Clarke, as expected, does the same. Now their are only nine of thirteen ambassadors to compete with for the title. In turn, everyone steps forward to make their case. Its all the same. Every other candidate steps forward and says they should be heda because they're the best.

However, Anton makes an effort. His speech includes reference to the principles that our culture was founded on and how we shouldn't repeat the horrors of the past. By the time he finishes, I'm sweating. And the look on Indra's face doesn't help; Even Roan breaks into applause at the end. Clarke just watches closely as he skirts around the room, smiling at each ambassador. I vaguely acknowledge Clarke calling for me, but I'm steadfast in my seat. Roan places a hand on my shoulder and I jump sky high. Summoning all of my inner strength, I rise from my chair and stand in front of my fellow 'colleagues'. Looking around the room, I look at all the expectant eyes and impatient elders, and I start to panic. Clarke shoots me a look and motions a deep breath. I take her advice and fill my lungs, letting the words fall out of my mouth with the air.
"We all know the Rocky past that our communitt has had. For years the clans fought one another over menial things, then when skaikru fell from the sky our war started with them. Since then we've faced betrayals, futuristic foes and death at every turn. But I'm not here to tell you our story. Because Anton has already told you all of that. Instead, I'm going to tell the tale of a young girl, who was inspired by the actions of another. A girl who heard the story of how another managed to take out a force so large to save her people, that I wanted to protect my people the way she did hers. Wanheda inspired me to become the ambassador of Azgeda in order to protect the peace we have. And I promise you that if I am made Heda, I will see to it that all of your people are safe too. And I will always protect the peace that you ahve worked so hard to forge. Thank you for your time, and I hope that I can be assured of your vote". I finish, give a weunine smile to the ambassadors before returning to my seat. Wanheda looks down at me with a face that shows both empathy and pain. I know as well as anyone that she hates the title of Wanheda, so it probably wasn't a good idea to use it as opposed to her real name.

Clarke quickly dismisses us, reminding us to reconvene in an hour to vote, then she floats out if the room with Bellamy close by her side. The ice king leans over my shoulder to whisper in my ear.
"You nailed it kiddo. They have to vote for you", he says enthusiastically.
"Yeah, unless they vote for Anton", I roll my eyes. He goes to respond, but I've left the room and am making my way to the ground floor. The rush of the people outside oddly helps clear my head and I join the flow of people. I keep with the stream until it thins out and I'm the only one walking.

A quick glance around confirms the fact that I'm lost. Nothing looks familiar, and I can barely see the peak of the capital building in the distance. On a whim, I just walk in the general direction of the building. Along the way, buildings block my path. Eventually, I come to terms with the fact that I'm not going to make it back for the vote. Accpeting this, I slow my pace and reflect on how well I think my speech went.

Firstly, Anton said everything I was planning on saying. Then I had a meltdown in my chair. Then I  called my biggest supporter the one name she hates being called. So all in all, a twig has a better chance of becoming Heda than I do. It could be worse. Word has it that one of the last Azgeda ambassadors were thrown out of the window by Lexa. I round a dark corner and spot a small child playing with the flowers along the path. I call out to her and ask if she knows how to get to the capital building. Without a word, she takes my hand and runs me through the streets back to the square. I look up in amazement at the tower above me. Then there is a light tug on my gown, and the little girl extends a flat hand. Of course she wants a trade for her service. I sigh and pull a pin out of my hair, placing it delicately in her hand.

With another deep breath to gather myself, I march inside.