Chapter Text
Alexandria “Lexa” Woods, best known as the Commander, is one of the best Knights from the Knights Clan if not the best. Her skills with the swords are impressive, she is also a fast fighter and a mighty warrior. Many attribute this to her early training and eagerness to learn. She has accomplished so much as a young age, being the Commander for all of the Knight Clan was something she was really proud of.
Her motivations were strong as the Knights had become her family when she lost hers. She tries not to remember it much, even as many years had passed since the day her life changed, the pain was still there. Lexa uses this as her motivation to become a better leader and Knight.
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One day many years ago, Lexa and her family were on their way back home to Tondc from a quick trip when their entourage was attacked by bandits.
“Lexa hide! Quickly!” - Her dad yelled while opening a hidden compartment underneath the seat inside the carriage.
Following instructions, Lexa got in just in time as the voices were getting louder and louder. Suddenly it was more than voices, it was chaos and she could hear it all. She heard her mom scream, her dad pleading for mercy, the bandits laughing, the aggressive quick moments as someone got in the carriage and moved around, more screams and then silence…
Lexa stayed in place for a long while, she was unable to move, part of it was shock and the other part was not wanting to see what she would find once she got out. At the young age of 10, Lexa saw how savage the world could be as she found her family dead once she got the strength to move.
The sun was still shining bright but Lexa was unaware of how much time had passed since the attack as she just stood there, tears running down her face.
‘I couldn’t protect them, I just hid. I’m useless...’ - Lexa thought.
Her thoughts were broken when she heard horses approaching. This time, she decided to attack, to defend herself from anything that came her way. She got nothing left to lose, anger controlled her movements.
Just as she was about to attack, she noticed that it was not the bandits coming back but Triku Knight's Clan. The group looked fierce with their dark green cloaks, sporting the Triku’s logo. They all stopped immediately when they got a glimpse of what was ahead. Shocked at the bloodbath, they got down of their horses and removed their helmets.
One of them started to slowly approach Lexa, who still had tears in her eyes. The Knight was a young teenager, sharp cheekbones with ashy blonde hair.
“Lexa?” - The girl asked.
Lexa turned her head quickly towards the girl, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“Anya?” - Lexa asked back.
“Oh Lexa, what happened?! Are you hurt? - Anya replied, rushing to be as close as possible to the girl.
Anya kneeled in front of Lexa, placing her hand on each of her little cousin’s arms. She could see the sadness and the tears in those bright green eyes.
“I’m okay, my dad… He made me hide, the bandits killed them. I didn’t do anything…” - Lexa whispered between sobs.
Only then, did Anya turn around to see her aunt and uncle laying on the floor covered in blood. She could feel the anger raising but she had to keep it together, right now the main concern was her little cousin.
“Everything is going to be okay. I got you.” - Anya said while giving her a hug.
“I’m sorry for your loss, do you have any siblings or family members?” - Indra, the leader, asked, looking directly at Lexa.
“Indra, she is my cousin. She is an only child.” - Anya answered, still holding Lexa.
“Is there any place she can go, can we take her with your dad? ” - Indra inquired.
“Gustus would love to have her, but being a Knight has always been her destiny. Indra...she is a nightblood.” - Anya whispered.
“Natblida!” - Indra gasped.
She couldn’t believe that this little girl was a nightblood. In their traditions, only a nightblood was able to participate in the conclave, a tournament in which you compete for the title of Heda. Only the dead of the Commander will trigger a conclave, as it was time to determine their new leader.
“Yes, she wasn’t supposed to join her training until she was 13.” - Anya answered.
“Very well. We need to make a report about the situation then we can give your family a proper burial and do a memorial. Will that be okay with you? – Indra asked Lexa.
“Yeeesss, can I help?” - Lexa said through tears.
“Of course, come on.” - Anya said, holding Lexa’s hand.
The other knights moved around to take in every detail and make sure the area was cleared. One by one they introduced themselves to Lexa.
That was the day that she met Nyko, Indra and Ryder.
After picking a location, the Knights and Lexa buried her parents. Anya found a big flat rock which all of them carried and placed at the burial site.
“I can write something on it by carving it with my sword. Is there something you want to write?” - Anya asked Lexa.
Lexa took her time, she wanted to be sure what to write.
“Mebi oso na hit choda op nodotaim (May we meet again).” - Lexa answered.
In that moment, she promised to herself that she would train hard and become the best Knight she could possibly be. No one would see her cry, she would show no signs of weakness again.
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Lexa was so lost in thought, remembering that day that she didn't hear the knocks on the door until she heard a voice.
“Commander? We have a message from Indra.” -Lincoln, a fellow Knight and the third Woods cousin announced.
“What is it Lincoln?” - Lexa answered, curiosity could be heard in her voice.
“King Jake and Queen Abby are requesting Knight protection for their daughter. It seems the rumors are true about the Lord wanting to take over Arkadia.” - Lincoln answered.
“Indra did the right thing by bringing this to my attention. Have them prepare the horses, we ride to Tondc. We cannot risk losing the Griffins partnership and have their technology used against us in case of a war. Let Anya know we leave at dawn.” - Lexa demanded.
“Yes Heda, on it.” - Lincoln said leaving the room quickly to prepare.
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The ride from Polis to Tondc was quick and easy. Everybody understood the urgency of the situation.
Indra and Marcus were able to set up a meeting for their respective leaders at Tondc. Finally the time had come to discuss.
After greeting each other, everybody took a place at the table ready to set things in motion. “We are gathered here to discuss the danger that Arkdia is facing. Unfortunately, the life of Princess Clarke is in danger, we need your help to ensure her safety and keep our Arkadia in the right hands . You are the best protection we can get.” - King Jake started the conversation.
“As the Commander and leader of the Knight’s coalition, we cannot let Arkadia fall but in order for us to offer protection we want something in return. We want Arkadia to share their technology and medicine with us in exchange for the Princess protection.” - Lexa demanded, she might be young but she holds her own and is aware of the position of power she has.
“My daughter’s life is priceless, the problem is not providing those resources to you is that I...I don’t want any Knight, I want you to personally take care of her.” - King Jake answered, putting his cards on the table.
“That is impossible, our leader is not a baby sister and should not put herself at risk for the sake of your people!”- Indra shouted, looking exasperated. She couldn’t believe the King’s request, the Commander was more than that.
Lexa remained expressionless, all eyes were on her as she contemplated what the King was saying. She could understand why he wanted her to protect the princess, but it would take more than what he was offering for her to agree.
“Indra, Hod op (Stop). If you want me to protect your daughter, the price is going to be much higher. I will personally protect the Princess and I will bring my most trusted Knights Anya and Lincoln with me to make sure she always has somebody around. In exchange, you will join my coalition. Skaikru will become the thirteen clan, we will give Knight training to a group of people from Arkadia who will support you with protection and will ensure our laws are followed. You will still be the leader of your land but you won’t be on your own anymore.” - Lexa explained.
The silence in the room was palpable, nobody knew what to expect.
“Jake, are you sure this is the right decision? I’m sure there are other great Knights that the Commander can spare besides herself to take care of Clarke.” - Queen Abby asked her husband.
“I’m sure, knowing we have the Commander around and next to Clarke will make me feel better at night. Alexandria, you might be young, maybe just a few years older than my daughter but you are wise beyond your years. How about this, you personally protect Clarke and fight on our side against this Lord. Once he is defeated, we will join your coalition as the thirteen clan. Skaikru will swear fealty to you once the danger has passed, together we are stronger.” - Jake proposed, the price is high but it was definitely time to talk about joining the coalition.
Lexa stood up and walked towards the King, while Indra, Lincoln and Anya just stood.
“You have yourself a deal, we will prepare today and meet you at your castle tomorrow first thing in the morning.” Lexa said while extending her arm to King Jake.
“Thank you Commander, we’ll set rooms for you and have it all ready.” - King Jake responded while shaking her arm.
“We appreciate your position and willingness to protect Clarke.” - Abby added.
“It’s done, we’ll see you tomorrow.”- Lexa finished.
After saying their final goodbyes, the Knights were left alone.
“I really hope you know what you are doing.” - Any whispered to Lexa.
“Me too. This will benefit our people.” - Lexa said as she walked back to her seat. “Now, let’s plan … this is what we are going to do.”
The rest of the Knights listened to Lexa’s plan, ready for what tomorrow was going to bring.