Our People (the Third Book of the Her Weakness series)

Chapter 138

Clarke's POV

Since it's already midday, we eat and pack up and then get right back on our horses. Lexa doesn't seem too stressed about time, so we must not be too delayed. Knowing her, she already suspected that we would start traveling again later than usual.

Octavia and Raven are relentless the entire ride. Either they're teasing us or they are giving Lexa knowing looks that I don't quite understand. Evidently, I'm missing something here but I know Lexa will tell me eventually. It seems important but if I need to know it now, Lexa would have told me last night.

I did get the impression that she's holding something back that is on the tip of her tongue. Like she really wants to tell me something or ask me something but wants to wait. And I won't push her, she will tell me when she's ready.

When Octavia and Raven take breaks from teasing us, they come up with wild explanations about our surroundings. They're actually pretty funny, but I won't tell them that because their egos are big enough.

"Rae, no. The cacti don't move when we look away." Octavia tells Raven, who's looking at the prickly plants suspiciously as we pass them.

"How do you know?" Raven asks and Octavia doesn't have an answer for her. "I thought so. Hey, Lexa. Is it really possible to drink cactus juice?"

"Yes it is. It is considered a delicacy in Sankru. I would not recommend drinking from wild cacti, for some cactus juice are poisonous, while others can cause hallucinations."

"Really?" Raven's eyes light up and I grin, shaking my head because I know exactly where her mind is. And for once, it's not in the gutter. "I bet cactus juice is really good when you're thirsty."

"It is," Lexa confirms. She speaks slightly slower than normal, noticing that Raven is referencing something that she doesn't understand.

"It's the quenchiest." Octavia chimes in.

Raven laughs and high fives as best she can while they're on horseback. Lexa looks confused and cocks her head to the side.

I meet her eyes. "I'll explain it later, it's a reference to a cartoon show."

"Only the best show. Don't worry, Lexa. Octavia and I can tell you everything." Raven says excitedly.

She launches into a description of Avatar: The Last Airbender with more detail than I would have added, but Lexa's a good sport and listens, nodding along. Raven and Octavia are finishing telling her the ending of the show when a town comes into view.

"That sounds like an incredible story." Lexa says, sounding fascinated. "I may have to ask you more questions about this later."

"Awesome! And hey, I think we're almost there!" Raven points at the outline of the houses on the horizons.

"We are," Lexa confirms. We are spending two full days there. You will like it, especially the water."

"The water? Aren't we in the desert?" Raven questions.

"Yes, we are. That town is right alongside a relatively small river that runs through the desert. There is also a pool of water in the center of the town. As far as they can figure it out, it is warmed by the sun but has not evaporated completely in anyone's memory."

"So it's like a giant hot tub?" Raven gasps out, leaning forward on her horse and squinting to try to get a better view of the town.

"If by that you mean a warm body of water, then yes. If it is another odd Skaikru thing, then I do not know."

"It's pretty much what you would think it is." I say.

"Okay. Then yes. And please, remember to be respectful.They are the one of the main clans that silently backed Nia when she went up against me with Costia. They seem to be better now but I would like to avoid another war."

"Don't worry Lexa, we will be good." Octavia promises and Raven nods seriously. "We wouldn't mess this up for you."

Lexa smiles at our friends. "I know that. Mochof (thank you)."

"Pro Heda (you're welcome Commander)." Octavia responds, dipping her head. "Should Rae and I address you by your title instead of your name?"

Lexa's shoulder sag slightly with relief. "Yes, that is a good idea. They can know we are friends, but Sankru people highly value respect."

"We understand." Raven says. "Does that mean Clarke should call you Heda too? 'Cause kinky." She winks at me.

I blush and Lexa answers, seeming a little less as flustered than I feel. "No, by now most people in the clans know of our relationship. Clarke, you can call me Heda or whatever you would like to. It is up to you."

"Thanks, babe." I pause for a second. "Maybe I won't use 'babe' so they don't think I'm calling you an infant." I grin at Lexa, laughing when she blushes.

"Clarke, it is an odd way to refer to someone." Lexa complains even though the corners of her lips turned upwards. "I did not know it was a term of endearment."

"You really thought I would call you a baby?" I laugh.

Lexa huffs, not answering. She shakes her head and sits up straighter. I look away from her to see that we're a lot closer to the town now.

The sun is starting to set again, the faintest pink starting to bleed into the sky where the sun is slowly going behind the mountains. We continue on, greeted by an enthusiastic person when we get to the border of the town.

"Heda!" The woman says happily. She's standing in the middle of the road, forcing our horses to stop moving. "Welcome to Sankru. Come, get down from the horses. We have some people who will lead them to our stables."

"Mochof (thank you)." Lexa says politely as we get off of our horses.

We grab what we need and the woman nods to some teenagers who were standing off to the side. They bow their heads to us and then gently guide the horses down the street.

Well, they have arrived at the oasis town! I'll describe it more next chapter :) Thank you all for reading and for your lovely comments! Stay awesome!