Recognition

[Lexa]

@kevah

294

It was nearing the end of a long day. The duties of a Commander were numerous, and she did not always have time to personally oversee what needed to be done. Her dear Natblidas could step in as her eyes from time to time. When Clarke needed distraction, useful distraction, it was arranged to have the Skywoman paired up with a knife instructor. Lexa hadn't looked into who exactly would be the 'lucky' person to teach Wanheda, but made sure a few of the children were there to keep an eye on them. Some of the older children, like Aiden, were skilled enough to intervene on her behalf.

After the training had been done, the children returned to report to her. They were like her little spies, repeating some things they observed, and anything interesting of note. What impressed upon the Commander was the lack of impartiality from one of her warriors; remarks made about Wanheda the killer. Were there mountain sympathizers in her camp? It seemed unlikely. Most people were upset it wasn't their Heda who had stayed to destroy the Mountain.

Unless...

She stood inside the war room, going over a parchment that detailed her army division. Another beneath it was the detachment of three hundred in the battle against Skaikru, all deceased.

Kevah - Trikru- Sister of Arlen
Arlen - Trikru- Killed by Skaikru

There was a knock on the door. Lexa expected it. She had sent a messenger to call Kevah to her. Usually, high ranking warriors or chiefs could have the privilege of meeting the Commander alone. "Min op," she ordered, telling them to enter. She set the parchment down on the large table beside her over a map of the twelve clans and their territories.

Here we go!

♡

[Deleted]

IT'S SURVIVAL

Of the fittest

 When Kevah had received the news that Heda Lexa wished to speak with her privately, she'd been honored. Excited, even. She'd strode her way confidently into the Tower, head held high with a small smile imprinted against her lips. Her mind immediately assumed that she'd done something noteworthy, and since she'd taught Wanheda earlier how to throw knives, she was probably getting rewarded for doing so. It hadn't yet struck Kevah how odd the situation was. The realization dawned on her when she'd knocked at the Commander's door, ignoring the messenger that lurked at her side. They had lead her here, but Kevah had been so excited to speak with Lexa that she'd always been literally two steps ahead. 

What jolted Kevah was the "come in" that followed. The Heda had answered in such a formal tone, not that the Grounder girl had expected otherwise. But for whatever reason her response sent Kevah in a frenzy of nerves, causing her mind to start spewing out numerous paranoid thoughts. What if I did something wrong? What if Wanheda complained to Lexa, and I'm getting punished? She made a mental note to kill Wanheda the next time she saw her. 

For a moment Kevah stood immobile, eyes fixed owlishly over the only thing that stood between herself and the Commander. A small cough from beside her proved effective in tearing her from her thoughts, and Kevah shot a fleeting glance towards the messenger before opening the door, trying to force herself to appear in control of herself. "You called for me?" Kevah inquired. Maybe this had been a mistake. Maybe this was just a misunderstanding and she wasn't really in trouble. But the more she thought about it the more convinced she grew that she'd done something seriously wrong.

Lexa

made by jellyfish princess @ adoxography

[googlefont="Oswald:300"][googlefont="Source Sans Pro:200"]

[Lexa]

@kevah

262

Her gaze went from Kevah, to the escourt, and she gave a small nod to the latter. The Commander and the warrior were left alone when the messanger left and closed the door behind them. At the question, she looked back at Kevah with her impassive green eyes. "Yes," she confirmed, and gestured for the woman to come closer.

As Commander, it was almost useless to thank people for following orders. She wouldn't thank Kevah for coming when called. It was expected. That didn't mean she would never show gratitude for a job well done. She drew forward as well, to meet her not quite half-way but to lessen the gap between them all the same. "I heard that you've done a commendable job training Wanheda," she said, which was to say she heard that Kevah had managed it. "You did what was asked of you, and I expect no less from a warrior of Trigedakru," she said with a touch of pride, and the barest hint of a smile.

"But," she began and the smile fell to a more serious expression. "I didn't realize I was asking you to face a person who took your brother away."

She sighed softly through her nose. "I hope it wasn't too taxing an experience." She wanted to hear what Kevah had to say about it--if she would share her feelings on it openly. Her eyes scanned her face, looking for any tells.

♡

[Deleted]

IT'S SURVIVAL

Of the fittest

 The door closed, leaving Kevah alone with the Commander. Her throat constricted, and the Grounder girl had to wring her hands together to stop them from fidgeting. Lexa's unreadable expression didn't do much to help her jumbled nerves, either. Still she managed to remain still as if pretending that everything was alright. Kevah obliged when Lexa wordlessly beckoned her forward, silently taking a few jerky steps forward until she was reasonably - but respectfully - close to the Commander. Kevah felt as if she were being trapped in a cage. The air around her was heavy and her stomach was undergoing a series of nauseating exercises. Still, the warrior didn't exactly dislike the attention... 

At the Commander's praise, Kevah nodded once, eyes flying up to meet the other woman's. It was a habit for Kevah to maintain eye contact, and she couldn't seem to shake it even in the presence of the Heda. Where else was she going to look, anyways? That was swiftly answered when Lexa's lips twitched up in the slightest of smiles. The warrior's gaze flew away, and she directed her attention stubbornly to the wall. 

"But-" This was what Kevah had been waiting for. The punishment for whatever she'd done wrong. Oh, she definitely should have killed the girl when she'd had the chance. "I didn't realize I was asking you to face a person who took your brother away." At this Kevah's teeth gritted and her attention was once more redirected to the Commander. Was this... an apology? A means to sympathize? Criticism? Criticism would have been expected: Kevah disrespected someone that her Clan was allied with. But Lexa's expression wasn't critical. Not that Kevah was any good at deciphering emotions or thoughts. 

The girl reached up an arm, scratching vehemently at the back of her neck. "I managed," was all that she dared to say. What was she supposed to answer? Was she supposed to spill her guts to her Commander? She bit nervously at the inside of her cheek, then decided on adding in, "Of course, I wanted to stab her on more than one occasion, but watching her fail was satisfying enough." Kevah couldn't tell whether or not that response was a good one, so she assumed it was okay and left it at that. 

The girl dropped her arm, only now realizing that she was still scratching. She took in a small breath and managed to calm down in the slightest. It was hard, though, with Lexa staring at her so intently. She cleared her throat (which sounded more like a squeak, not that the warrior would notice) and pressed a smile to her face. She had no idea how to behave here. 

Lexa

made by jellyfish princess @ adoxography

[googlefont="Oswald:300"][googlefont="Source Sans Pro:200"]

[Lexa]

@kevah

262

Lexa could see the nerves but they were not unexpected. The Commander had power and authority and she knew that answering difficulties of such a prominent ally could easily border treason. That Kevah could add the fact that she thought of stabbing Wanheda was either brave or foolish, but Lexa did not hold it against her. Emotion, and action, could be seperated. That didn't mean Lexa planned to leave Kevah alone with Wanheda just in case temptation got the better of her.

"The hazards of making allies of our enemies," she said, implying it was an understandable response. "Do you understand why it's necessary?" she asked.

"There are only two ways to achieve peace; to destroy our enemy, or to ally with them. I need Wanheda, just as I need Azgeda, to prevent any more death. Warriors loyal to me are precious. Peace can so easily be broken, and I need as many of you to enforce it... and fight for it again should it fail."

The entire point of calling her wasn't to lecture, but she did want her to understand. "Are you satisfied with your role? Are you comfortable in Polis?" she asked. There may be an opportunity to transfer her back to Trigeda, if she would prefer. Lexa knew whatever she offered was small compensation for her loss, but it was something all the same.

Sorry if it's rambly~

♡