𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 ➳ 𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦

i. my life

What Lincoln didn't know at the time was that she'd eventually find her calling while being protected in those said walls. The calling that would literally, and figuratively, leave her knocking on hell's door.

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Dakota entered the throne room where Lincoln and the other warriors currently stood around Commander Lexa. She pressed her back against the wall, staying silent and out of sight while eavesdropping on their conversation. 

(A/N~ the Italics are meant to be spoken in the grounder's language: trigedasleng. i just didn't feel like trying to translate it right now.)

"What else do we know about the sky people?" Lexa spoke, currently dressed in her dark armor and warrior paint.

"Only that ever since we speared one of their people, they have been staying within their walls for now," Indra replied. "But it's been days."

Lexa thought for a moment. "We need to use the trees to our advantage and gain more knowledge on them. I will appoint a warrior as a special spy for this mission to keep watch over them until we can find out more information."

The warriors all nodded their heads in agreement.

"I would commander," Indra started "But I feel as if I must stay here and prepare the others for the possibility of a war in the future."

"Very well," Lexa spoke. She then took this as an opportunity to glance around the room, eyeing all the people standing before her.

"Which one of you will volunteer to get close to their camp and keep watch?" She questioned.

The warriors looked around at each other, all hesitating to respond. It was odd because they were all known for their fierce personas, yet, all Dakota could see in the room right now was a bunch of cowards. Either that, or they were just being lazy. I mean, who would want to sit in a tree for hours, just to watch the Sky People?

"Your silence speaks a thousand words." Lexa continued, but no one answered. "Are none of you brave enough for this simple task?"

Dakota was still lingering in the back when she heard the next question come from her commander. For some reason, it hit a nerve within her. She didn't understand why anyone would pass on such an opportunity to truly show their Commander exactly how useful and valuable they could be to the clan.

She was just about to speak up when Lincoln noticed her standing there. His eyes widened, knowing what she was about to do and he quickly moved towards her to catch her before she stepped up, but it was too late.

"I'll do it, Commander." The young girl softly spoke. She was surprised at her own words but deep down, she knew that this was her chance to finally prove herself. 

Lincoln quickly grabbed her wrist, pulling her away from the crowd. "Dakota? What are you doing?" He whispered to her.

"Lincoln, I know it's dangerous, but I need to do this." She answered, making him shake his head.

"No. I can't let you get near danger. You won't be able to handle yourself."

Dakota rolled her eyes, throwing her arms in the air. "Look around you Lincoln! Our life is always gonna be filled with dangers, you can't keep me from them forever!" She whisper-shouted.

"Who spoke up? Show yourself." Lexa demanded, her sudden words breaking their little argument. They glanced back in her direction before slowly weaving through the crowd and stepping towards the throne.

"Heda," Dakota greeted Lexa with a slight bow of her head, Lincoln following suit.

"Dakoda,"  Lexa acknowledged the girl. "Was it you who was courageous enough to volunteer for the mission?"

Before Dakota could respond, Lincoln cut in. "Heda, if I may...." he spoke.

"No Lincoln, you may not. I am rather interested in hearing what your sister has to say." Lexa told him, before turning her attention back to the young girl. She nodded her head for her to continue.

Kota cleared her throat, thinking of her next words carefully.

"Yes, I'm the one who volunteered." She replied. "My brother here thinks that I don't have what it takes to accomplish this request. However, I can assure you that I do. I am very confident in my stealth skills and I've been properly trained to defend myself if necessary." She added while motioning towards Lincoln. "Please, Heda. Don't let my brother's fears keep you from putting your trust in me."

Dakota heard Lincoln sigh beside her, but when she looked up at him, she saw that he was actually...smiling.

"Lincoln, do you have anything to say regarding your sister's willing sacrifice?" Lexa asked

He took a long deep breath. "I think you should let her go."

"What?" Dakota exclaimed, surprised at his sudden change of heart. He chuckled in return.

"For years, I have been keeping Kota from showing us her true potential. I indeed am, and always will be, concerned for her safety. However, I have always been aware of the fact that she is stronger than she seems, and I have no further doubt that she can carry out this mission."

Dakota grinned when she heard his words. "Thank you." She mouthed to him.

"Alright then." Lexa smiled. "Dakoda kom Trikru, your courage and bravery have made you stand out today. As of now, you are known as the official spy for Trikru."

Dakota couldn't hold in her excitement any longer. "Thank you, Heda!" She exclaimed.

Lexa nodded while smiling. "Lincoln, help her to prepare. I want her to leave at dawn." She stated, as she stood up from her throne and proceeded to exit the room.

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