Lexa aka Leska kom Trikru was training with the young Nightblood Aden kom Trikru when Anya kom Trikru and Tris kom Trikru arrived.

Lexa halted and suppressed a smile she greeted Anya and Tris Welcome Anya leader of Trikru and Tris second of Anya, allow me to introduce you to the most promising Nightblood and my potential successor Aden kom Trikru.

Tris smiles and so does Aden they were about the same age. Anya faintly smiled but kept up her stoic mannerisms and Lexa did the same.

Anya spoke Heda, it’s good to see you taking on the role of mentor, it suits you. And I take it you are passing on my teachings to the boy.

Lexa nodded and said Yes, Aden here is a quick learner. Aden’s skill already surpasses my skill level from when I was his age.

Anya tries to keep a stoic look but a smile of pride creeps up Well that doesn’t just testify to his learning but your teaching as well Heda, it helps that you have the wisdom of the Flame as well to help guide you in teaching the boy.

As the children make small talk, Lexa asks Tell me Anya, how is Tris’ training going?

Anya answers as if giving a report Tris proves to be one of my bravest warriors yet, braver than some of the adults even, her skill in battle is good though she still has much to learn. But Tris reminds me a lot of you, she’s smart, wise, resourceful, she’s got fire in her heart, she is duty bound, respectful and cares for her people.

Lexa nods and asks How are things with the Trikru clan?

Anya answers They are good Heda, the harvests have been great this year. Since you made the Coalition the trade between the clans has greatly increased efficiency and productivity. And without the ice nation attacks there has been peace. You’ve done well Heda

Aden and Tris laugh as they converse, laughter was rare for grounder warriors and usually corrected but Lexa and Anya let it slide.

Lexa lets herself be vulnerable I miss you An.

Anya goes rigid at the nickname and replies Heda we discussed this, duty comes before sentiments.

It hurt Anya every time she pushed Lexa away and distanced herself but she knew they had their duties and that there was no room for vulnerabilities even if it meant they both had to be alone.

Lexa frowned her eyes becoming heavy as she sighed I know. Love is weakness. Believe me, I know that more than anyone after Costia was captured, tortured and decapitated solely to be sent to me by Ice Queen Nia of Azgeda I learned this. But it’s hard Anya, I need your guidance, it’s killing me, this isolation, this detachment, I’ve never felt more alone

Anya’s heart broke but she objectively replied You have Titus and you have the Flame seek them for guidance, I’m your servant Heda, I no longer guide you, I merely follow

Lexa looked down and answered They don’t understand me like you do. The Commanders haunt my dreams trying to push me to repeat the past instead of make a better future. Titus he supports me but his wisdom is just a repetition of grounder tradition. There’s no wisdom in their words that I don’t already know myself. They are cold and echoes, not like you, you’re warm, inspiring, you made me what I am more than anyone else.

Lexa wanted to tell Anya that she viewed her as a mother but she restrained herself but the unspoken mother-daughter bond was felt by both Anya and Lexa.

Anya put a hand on Lexa’s shoulder and says You’re stronger than you know… Anya drops the formalities but only because she knows her baby girl is in need of comfort … Lexa. So strong, you always were, I’m sorry you carry all this weight as it is the curse of leadership but I will always be with you and even if I don’t show it I lo— Anya’s pride kept her from saying love care about you

Lexa weakly smiled and hugged Anya, which caught Anya of guard but she returned the hug and it felt warm down to her soul. Anya rubbed Lexa’s back in a motherly way and soothed her.

Tris and Aden joined in the hug and then Aden said Mom can we go hunting?

Lexa smiled yes