The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 14

"Perhaps sometime you can train with Clarke and I." Anya offers to Lexa.

"Sha. That way I can show you how much I have improved. We have not fought in years."

"Not physically." Anya remarks, smirking.

"You argue with Titus more than you argue with me." Lexa points out.

At this point, I'm kind of lost and don't really understand exactly what they're talking about.

Anya snorts, "Titus thinks he is so great because he has served five commanders. I merely tell him the truth."

"You once asked if him being bald is a result of the stress I cause him."

I fight the urge to laugh at that. I don't know who this Titus is, but it's still funny. Though from what I've seen, I don't know how much stress Lexa could possibly cause him. 

"It is probably true, Heda. When you took power he had a few hairs left, now he has none. Your recklessness has caused stress to many."

"I am not reckless." Lexa protests.

She's wise for her age, but I can believe she's only a few years older than me when she bickers with Anya like this. They're both acting like children, and it's interesting to see. Their dynamic is odd, kind of like Anya is an older sister to Lexa.

"You have no regard for your life." Anya says matter of factly.

"My soul will be reincarnated, Anya. My life does not matter."

"You know as well as I do your spirit does not always choose as wisely as it should. The clans need you, not another Heda." Anya says honestly, staring into Lexa's eyes.

"Do not worry, Anya, I do not plan for my fight to be over until the Coalition is more stable and the threats to our people are removed."

"That is not reassuring." Anya grumbles, "You better not die until years after I do."

"You know I cannot make promises about that."

Now I feel like I'm intruding on a heartfelt conversation. I'd try to leave to give them time to talk, but I know they'll notice.

Anya nods and lets out a breath, her eyes flickering to me. "Would you like to train with us today, Heda? It may bring your spirits up for tonight." At my confused expression, she elaborates. "There will be a feast to celebrate Heda coming to TonDC."

I frown, trying to figure out exactly what she meant. I turn to look at Lexa. "Do you not like celebrations?"

"I do, Anya just knows that traveling is something I find draining. Despite my guards, I like to stay alert to keep an eye out for enemies and assassins. Training is relaxing for me."

"Assassins?" I blanch.

I'm used to talk of enemies (though I'm not really certain exactly who or what they're referring to ninety percent of the time), but assassins? Who would want to kill her?

"Sha. I have had only twenty three attempts on my life."

"Only?"

"My predecessor had over one hundred by the time she was Heda as long as me. With the Maunon and Reapers more active than ever, there are worse enemies for them to focus on." Lexa explains.

"Someday you'll have to explain exactly what those are to me. Anya's given me a vague idea, but nothing concrete."

Lexa glares at Anya, who shrugs. "I thought you would like to explain them to her. Out of anyone in the twelve clans, you are the most knowledgable about them."

"That may be so, but keeping her uninformed could kill her. She needs to know what our enemies are."

"Then explain them to her. But would you rather train or explain that?"

I can see the conflicting expression on Lexa's face (in her eyes really, I've noticed she doesn't really show much expression with her face). "You can tell me another day. I don't want you to be going to a feast in your honor stressed."

"Thank you. I will tell you tomorrow. I will send Artigas when you are to come to my tent."

Anya's grinning (it's still weird to see her smile) at Lexa, looking between her and me, as she glares back. I think I'm missing something here.

"I hope you will have an... Informative time tomorrow in Heda's tent." Anya drawls, her grin turning to a smirk as Lexa sighs exasperatedly.

"Anya, the training ring is free, and there is already a crowd gathered." Artigas says, opening the flap but not stepping in.

"Mochof, Artigas. Come, Heda. Training awaits." Anya gestures for me, too.

Lexa and I fall in step behind Anya, Lexa on her left, and me on her right. People greet us warmly, some stopping to thank Lexa for something. These stops give me time to look at her again. She gives the people that stop us small genuine smiles and humbly accepts their gratitude, often thanking them in turn for whatever they do. I have to admit, I'm a bit in awe of how good she is with people.

When we finally reach the ring, there's a crowd of people there.

"They are here to watch the Heda fight." Anya tells me. "It is a sight rarely seen out of Polis unless she is visiting another town." She turns to Lexa, "Are you ready?"

"Sha."

Lexa pulls her swords from the sheathe on her back. The gathered crowd lets out quiet words of excitement.

"I will train with her first so you can see how she fights, then it is your turn."

Anya unsheathes her swords and I step back to the edge of the ring. Lexa and Anya circle each other. Anya's patient, but Lexa apparently is, too. They continue circling until Anya gives up waiting and attacks. Lexa effortlessly blocks her and pushes, making Anya stumble back.

"You have improved." Anya remarks.

I've spent enough time training with her to know that she's impressed by Lexa's abilities. I am too.

Lexa grins and twirls both her swords simultaneously. "You are better as well."

A moment later their swords come together with a clang.