The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 109

"It was the Maunon. And they left a note."

I blink in surprise, not having expected that. "What does it say?"

Raven pulls out a few pieces of paper that have been stapled together. "The first couple of paragraphs are just them bragging about how they took the sentry without anyone noticing, especially since we increased the amount of patrolling guards. Cocky nomon jokas (motherfuckers)."

"What does it say after that?" Lexa prompts, leaning forward on the table.

Raven flips the page. "Right, okay. So next they talk about how awesome they are and they're like 'hey Grounders remember us? We've been kidnapping your people for a while.' Then they go into explicit detail about what they do to your people and let me tell you, it's not pretty. But they do let slip a couple of things about Reapers and how they work, so that's a bonus."

"Rae, get to the bad part." Luna murmurs.

"This isn't the bad part?" I question.

"Uh. Sadly, no." Raven flips around until she reaches the second to last page. "The last part is them making a proposition. They want thirty ArkKru or Skaikru people. In return, they will release Lexa's people and will never take another Grounder again."

"What would happen to the Skaikru and ArkKru people?" I ask.

Raven grimaces in response. "They'll take their bone marrow, something they don't mention is extremely painful. We asked Abby about it on the way here. They will take all of the marrow they can, meaning that they'll kill the people. Painfully. And then we will have our enemies be able to be outside without worrying about radiation poisoning."

"We are not taking that deal," Lexa says. She exchanges a look with me. "Anya, Luna. Gather everyone at the ArkKru camp. Skaikru, ArkKru, everyone. There will be more space at their camp than at the Skaikru one."

"What will the meeting be about, Heda?" Anya asks curiously. "And do you want me to mention the reason?"

"It will be about declaring war on the Maunon." It's deathly silent in the planning tent at Lexa's words. "Our plan has been pushed into motion. Do not tell them yet but make certain that the inner circle is all present."

The inner circle is what we have taken to calling the specific people we need for our Maunon plan. Anya and Luna bow their heads and head out of the tent.

I turn to Raven. "Is the platform ready?"

"Yeah. I'm glad you two insisted on its completion, otherwise I wouldn't have built it until later." Raven says.

The platform is exactly what it sounds like. We put it against one of the sides of the station, so we will be able to look out at everyone.

"Will you need a megaphone or something?" Raven questions.

I shake my head. "Our voices should be enough but keep one close by just in case."

Raven nods and walks out to set everything up. I look over to Lexa, who's expression is grave but determined.

"We should put on our armor." Lexa says.

"Alright, let's go."

We go to our tent and get dressed quietly, helping each other with tricky buckles and buttons. I take a bowl of Lexa's kohl (coal/warpaint) out. I gently apply it to her face, my fingers tracing the lines easily from memory.

"Mochof (thank you), Clarke." Lexa says softly. "Can I apply yours?"

"Mine?" I ask, sounding as shocked as I feel. I've imagined myself wearing kohl but have never actually done it.

"Sha (yes)." Lexa murmurs with a soft expression and continues almost shyly. "It is alright to say no, Clarke. It will show your authority and how you are a 'Grounder'."

"I was just surprised, Lexa." I say, reaching to touch her arm comfortingly. "Yes, I would love for you to do my kohl."

The way Lexa beams happily at me tells me I definitely made the right decision. She dips two fingers into the kohl and brushes the stray strands of hair from my face with her other hand. She studies my face with serious, calculating eyes.

"Close your eyes, hodnes (love)." She murmurs.

I comply and she gently presses her fingers to my closed eyes and drags her fingers slowly outwards. She pulls them away a few times to get more kohl.

"Why this design?" I whisper to her, trying to move my mouth and head as little as possible.

"It is simple and sharp." Lexa starts, taking her fingers from my face to dip them again. "Like you. Clarke, you are so complex it is almost simple and seems so to others who do not know you. You are wise and smart in ways that continue to impress me. This design will also bring out your eyes. Perhaps we can add more, discuss alternatives. But for now, this is perfect to me."

"I'm sure it will look great."

There's a few more moment of Lexa's fingers against my face before they retreat.

"I am done, Clarke. Wait for a moment while I try to find the mirror."

I stand still with my eyes still closed, listening to the swish of fabric as she moves around the room. I grin at the quiet but adorably victorious 'aha!' Lexa lets out when she finds it.

She walks back in front of me and stops. "Open your eyes, Clarke."

I do and almost don't recognize myself in the mirror. My eyes look piercing and even bluer than usual and judging by Lexa's sharp intake of breath, she thinks so too. The line across cheeks brings out my facial features, making them look more prominent. I look like a dreading warrior goddess. Awesome.

"Beautiful," Lexa murmurs.

I look into her gorgeous green eyes as she sets down the mirror, smiling proudly at me. I reach over and pull her closer to me.

"Clarke, we could mess up our kohl." Lexa warns half-heartedly.

"We won't. But if we do, it'll be worth it." I murmur back.

I lean in and kiss her, keeping it from getting too deep. We don't stop until we have to go talk to our people and tell them we are going to war.

Wow, heavy. And cute. :) The takedown of the Mountain Men will start soon! First, they need to announce the war to their people! Thank you all for reading and for your amazing comments! Stay awesome!