The Commander of The Founders: Book One

Chapter Four: Hakeldama

The warm sun rays hit Didrika's face. She felt the sun burning her cheeks and nose. Didrika was a redhead, which meant she burnt easily. Didrika never really put much thought to it. She was usually covered by her armor and clothes. She did care when she went swimming though. Some of her worst burns were when she dove into the ocean without a shirt on to protect her shoulders.

Poseidon trotted beside Lexa's horse. Didrika had her hands in his mane as she looked forward.

Lexa was bringing the Ice Queen to the Sky people to show that they had been given justice. Blood must have blood. That phrase alone was the one thing that was similar between Cavikru and the Coalition. Clarke was sure that this would put their people in a good place with each other. Didrika knew otherwise. People were not that forgiving. They would need time to be able to work with all the grounders. Didrika had seen the look in that older soldier's eyes. It was a look she was used to getting. Her whole life eyes were watching, closely monitoring her reactions and personality. Eyes that made her feel small and insecure. Eyes so full of hatred that she had wanted to end her life to make them go away. So, yes, Didrika knew that at least some of Skaikru would not be happy with the alliance. They would not feel justice. They would feel patronized.

The Queen's body was on a carriage being pulled by two solid black horses. Her body was covered by a sheer white cloth and white flowers. Guards had the spears at the ready to prevent any attacks on the group and the body.

Lexa, Clarke, and Didrika rode on their horses beside each other. They covered their heads with their own hoods. Clarke's blue hood from her jacket. Lexa's red cape from her shoulder plate. Didrika's gold hood from her jacket. Lorelei rode ahead with the scouts to scan for trouble, if there was any.

Clarke saw Didrika riding beside Lexa with a disinterest in what they were doing. She wondered if Didrika just did not care or if looking like she did not care was a defense mechanism. Clarke saw the wounds on Didrika's face and itched to ask her if she was okay. Clarke decided against that. Clarke found herself reminiscing about her home.

Lexa saw Clarke's face wrinkle like it did when she was in deep thought. Lexa felt warm inside as she knew that she could bring Clarke peace if Clarke decided she wanted Lexa's friendship. Lexa found it cute that Clarke could not hide her emotions from her expressions. She loved to see how Clarke's face changed as she thought or solved or worried or was angered about something. Lexa was curious. She already knew what Clarke was thinking, but she wanted Clarke to open up to her.

"Thinking about home?" Lexa asked Clarke.

Clarke looked at Lexa surprised. Her eyebrows raised as she realized Lexa was sincere.

"Thinking about whether Arkadia is home. When I left it had a different name. I was different," Clarke replied.

Didrika felt herself being pulled into the conversation. She was just as curious as Clarke was about her. Plus, Didrika wanted to add Skaikru to her allies and Clarke seemed to be their unofficial leader. Befriending Clarke would benefit Didrika, but she did not want to become someone's friend just for her agenda. She honestly and full heartedly wanted to be Clarke's friend. There was something about Clarke that made Didrika feel calm.

"A place doesn't determine where your home is. A home is where your people are and where you feel safe and cherished," Didrika chimed in.

Lexa turned to Didrika and nodded with a smile on her face.

"Yes. Clarke, you left a hero to your people. And you return one. The Mountain Slayer returns with the body of the Ice Queen. Arkadia is your home. You bring them justice," Lexa said.

"You bring them justice," Clarke told Lexa.

"We bring them peace," Lexa replied.

Lexa grinned with joy and Clarke was able to give a small gratiful smile in response.