The sounds of soft footsteps woke Lexa from sleep, turning over she found the space beside her void of the usual warm body that slept there. The bed that Clarke once took residence in had been removed two weeks before when she'd repeatedly allowed herself to fall asleep beside Lexa. Sitting up the warrior moved to the divider and pushed it aside to see Clarke softly walking across the tent, her feet bare against the dirt while her arms were full.
The child that had been delivered in the enemy camp a month before resided with them. Clarke didn't want to part with the child until she personally delivered the small girl to Tomac herself. The healer and leader was often found giving the child milk from one of the goats in the camp or holding the child in her arms. When busy in the healing tent, the child usually rested against her chest in a sling. Lexa found herself often smiling at the scene of Clarke bent over the baby, speaking to her and causing smiles to appear from the tiny being. Part of her feared Clarke's growing attachment to the child, of how she would part with the baby upon reaching Tomac.
"Did we wake you?" Clarke paused in her walking and moved closer to Lexa. "Lexa..."
Lexa shook her head and reached out, touching the little girl's cheek with her finger. The baby was on the verge of sleep yet she grasped the leader's finger strongly. "She will sleep soundly in moments."
"She always falls asleep when she has your finger. I think she knows she's safe with you."
"Even when we hand her over to her new family upon reaching Tomac I shall inform them that if they have need of anything they must ask. Her new family shall be under my protection, so that she is as well. She will always be safe."
Clarke smiled at the little girl, "you hear that Costia, you'll always be safe." The name had been supplied by Clarke during the walk back to the village, stating the child needed a name and while her namesake hadn't survived war, the child would and live the life Costia should have had. Lexa merely nodded, knowing it was out of love for her that Clarke gave the child the name.
Lexa smiled slightly and took the baby, careful to support the child's head. "Rest ai prisa, will put her on her furs." The leader moved towards the small living area with a smile on her face, her finger gently running across the child's cheek. "You shall always be safe, I shall see that you are shown interests other than battle and war. When the day is right you shall join us again as a healer."
The rustling of the tent flaps was followed by Drax and Lincoln entering the tent with a tied woman. "Apologies Heda but we found her during a night patrol."
Lexa subconsciously held Costia tighter as she looked down at Ella, the Graunkru Heda was on her knees with her hands bound. She looked up at Lexa, surprise in her eyes while the orbs concentrated on the baby in her arms. Clarke had yet to move, having been mesmerized by Lexa's soft voice and smile towards the child. She quickly took the baby from Lexa and moved into the living area. Minutes later she emerged and starred down at Ella as Lexa did.
"Why would you risk entering my camp? How many are with you?" Lexa looked at Lincoln, "tell the men to search every tent and account for every warrior and skillsman."
"Sha Heda." Lincoln left immediately.
Ella moved to stand but Drax kept his sword at her throat, "do not move or you will find your head removed."
"I have come alone to make an offer." Ella looked up at Lexa.
"You have nothing to offer. You declared war and I answered but the blood spilt lays on your hands. You shall suffer death by a thousand cuts, enduring the pain for every warrior and child you sent to die needlessly."
A smirk crossed the woman's face, "my death will cause my houmon to retaliate. He is prepared to burn every Trikru and Skaikru village if I do not return to him." She starred Lexa in the eyes, "hear my offer, it is one you would wish to take."
