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Chapter Text

A girl born in the year of 2128. Emerald pools shown in the candle light along with short, soft brunette hairs at the top of her head. A big burly man with tattoos running on the left side of his face smiled as he took the newborn and wrapped the little one in a small quilt that his wife had weaved days ago and throughout her pregnancy. He never smiled for he was a warrior but he couldn’t help it for his little girl. “She’s beautiful, Ankara .” The man said softer than his gruff voice could handle. 

The woman that laid on the bed smiled as sweat dripped down her brows and her eyes closed for a moment. “ Leksa .” She said after a moment of silence. 

The man walked over as he rocked the small thing in his arms. “ Leksa? ” 

Ankara smiled before nodding slowly. “ Leksa kom Trikru. ”

The man smiled before he lowered the bundled child into his wife’s arms. “Beautiful, just like her.”

The older woman held her child close as she watched her husband walk off to grab a basin of water and a cloth. When he came back, he sat on the bed, wetting the cloth before he gently ran it across his wife’s face. Cleaning the sweat from her skin. 

The candle light danced upon the newborn’s soft skin. With vibrant eyes, staring up at her mother, a small smile tugged from her lips. Tears pooled in Ankara’s eyes as she stared at her daughter. “ Gustus , I just have a feeling… She’s going to change the world…”

Gustus smiled softly as he watched his family, his wife’s tiredness was evident in her droopy eyes. He gently took his newborn daughter into his arms. “Rest, ai hodnes . I will watch over her.”

Ankara nodded tiredly. “ Ai hod yu in , Gustus .” she smiled as the man leaned down and kissed her head. She smiled as she leaned forward and placed a kiss on her daughter’s head before she laid back down and watched her husband walk out of the tent with their daughter.

Gustus had spent the night watching over Lexa, even though exhaustion and wariness clawed at him, he forced himself awake to take care of her. While the brunette slept in his arms, he would walk in and out to check on his wife. 

Lexa had been laying in a wood woven basket that had been layered with furs so she could lay comfortably. The sun had risen in the horizon and Gustus had been laying on the chair between Lexa and Ankara. Gustus had fallen asleep just after Lexa. Before long, Lexa started to cry. Gustus woke to the sound of his daughter and walked over to her. “Hey, hey, shhh. It’s okay. You must be hungry.” He smiled softly as he held the crying child. He turned to his wife. “ Ai hodnes , our little one needs you.” He walked over to the bed. 

There was no response from his wife.

“ ‘Kara ?” Gustus shook his wife sofly.

Still no answer from his wife. Worry started at him. “Hold on, Leksa. ” Lexa continued to whine and cry as he placed her down and ran over to the bed. “Kara?” He said a bit more forcefully as he climbed on the bed. “Ankara!” He turned her body, rigor mortis had already set in and her body was stiff. Her skin was pale with her eyes closed. He would be an idiot if he hadn’t figured it out by now. Tears pooled in his eyes as he pulled his wife into his arms, holding her tightly one last time. Her skin was cold where he remembered warmth, pale and frail where he remembered goldenly tan. He gave himself a minute to mourn before he laid her back down, a tear fell from his cheek and landed on the furs where it seeped in. The only evidence of the man’s emotions was the wet spot. He returned to a still crying Lexa and took her as he walked out.

Gustus had taken Lexa to the medical tent where he would get the formula for Lexa to substitute for her mother’s milk. He told some of his friends what had happened. While he fed Lexa, his friends, Lang and Ryder had started to build a pyre. 

It was hard for the man to look at his own child for she resembled everything that his wife was. From her jade eyes to her soft brown hair but he would not leave, he refused. Unknown to Lexa, she had just lost her mother, she would not lose her father as well. 

Once the pyre was built, Ankara’s body was laid to rest atop the wood. Indra had come forth to offer her condolences to the man. He was one of her best warriors and an old friend. The woman walks up to the grieving man, her face stoic yet resonating sadness. Ankara was her best tracker, an amazing warrior, and a good woman in general. It was a tragic loss and she would forever be missed even by her newborn child who laid without a care in the world. 

“I am sorry for your loss, Gustus.” She says respectfully as she stands beside him. 

The man looks over at her before panning back to the pyre. “Thank you, Chief…” He says with a low tone. He tried to keep his voice stone but it underlined the sorrow and grief that he felt. He looked down at his daughter before turning to the scarred, dark skinned woman. “Do you mind?” 

Indra raises a brow as she looks down at the child. She tilted her head as she stared into the newborn’s eyes. Something about the child intrigued her. “What is her name?”

Gustus looked down at his daughter. “ Leksa . Ankara wanted to name her Leksa… ”

Indra nodded softly as she hesitantly opened her arms. Gustus gently transferred Lexa to the woman’s arms. She held the child close as she continued to stare down at her. What is it that she sees…?

Gustus made his way over to the pyre. He took a deep breath as his fellow warrior and friend passed him a torch. Gustus stared at the body that was his wife, wrapped in a sheet. He swallows as he steps closer. “I promise, I’ll protect her. Ai hod yu in… Yu gonplei ste odon… (i love you. Your fight is over.)” With that, he lowered the torch and lit the pyre. Warriors stood around the pyre, mourning their fallen sister. Indra lifted her gaze and stood with Gustus as they watched the pyre burn.

Indra had relieved Gustus of his warrior duties so he could take care of his daughter and mourn. She also found herself at his door when she had free time to help out with Lexa. Gustus dedicated his life to his daughter, she was the only thing he had left and he would hold, protect, and love her until his last breath and probably even after that.

Time passed, Gustus still withheld from his warrior duties to take care and teach Lexa. When she was able to speak, he taught her both Trigedasleng and the warrior's language[english]. 

Before he knew it, Lexa was about one summer old and she had already started to walk. The biggest of smiles broke on the burly man’s face when he saw his daughter get up and wobble over to him. She smiled wide and giggled as she raised her arms and made a grabby motion. He picked her up and threw in the air before catching her which made her laugh. “You’re getting so big, strikon .(little one)” 

He played with her as his head flooded with thoughts. He never figured that she would develop this quickly. He hadn’t expected this for another few months. She was strong, he could see that. He could see it in her eyes, even as a child, her determination to be stronger was there. He’d watch her for hours as she tried to get up, only to fall before getting back up and trying again. She was just like her mother, her determination and her purity. Her hair was getting longer, her eyes more vibrant, and her skin more golden.

Every day he had thought the pain of his wife's absence would fade but every time he looked at his daughter, he was reminded of her. Every time she smiled or giggled, he would miss her even more. He believed he would always miss his wife and even with the grief, something about it made him cherish Lexa even more. 

He loved to watch her tangle herself up in furs and cry when she couldn’t find her way out, his friends, Lang and Ryder, take turns holding her, and when she’d get super curious about something. For a few months, he only dealt with “How?”’s “What”’s and “Why”’s until he taught her more to add to her vocabulary. Lexa’s attachment to Indra had grown as well. Some time within a day, she would ask where Indra was. He welcomed it, it means that she had a resemblance of a normal life had her mother been here.

“Alright, strikon , time for bed.” Gustus smiled as he picked her up and carried her over to the cot. She giggled in his arms as he placed her down and tucked her in. 

“ Nontu .(Father)” She said with her high pitched, cute voice. 

“Yes?” He sat on the edge of the bed, looking at his beautiful daughter.

“Can you tell me a story?” Lexa asked with a big smile and puppy eyes.

Gustus thought for a moment before a sigh escaped him. “Alright, one story. Okay?” 

“Yay!” Lexa got comfortable under the furs and turned her attention to her father. 

Gustus smiled as he started, pulling from one of his deep memories that he kept buried. “Years ago, I fought with a very strong warrior. We had been sent off to fight against Azgeda . We fought side by side, sticking to each other. She watched my back as I watched hers. We ended up being the duo that took out most of the Azgedakru . She had called my name mid battle and I didn’t hear her, fighting my own battle so she improvised. After I had cut down my opponent, she kicked the back of my leg so I fell to one knee. When I was on my knees, I had turned to her to ask her what was that for but just then, a blade swung right over my head and she cut down the warrior wielding said blade. She saved my life...”

Lexa was in awe, staring at her father with big eyes. “Woah…”

He only smiled. “She was amazing, strong, fast…” His sentence trailed off.

Lexa’s questions shot through fast. “Who was she? What was her name? Can I meet her?” She had a wide smile on her face.

Gustus’ heart burned at her last question along with her smile. He didn’t want to tell her, not yet. She was far too young. “Her name was Ankara . Ankara kom Trikru …” He answered softly. He was quick to change the subject to avoid her questions. “Time for bed.”

Lexa frowned. “Aww can I get one more story?”

Gustus chuckled softly as he stood. “Maybe next time, strikon . Rest now.” He leaned down and kissed her head.

“Okay…” She said softly as she curled up and her eyes fell closed.

Gustus smiled slightly as he made his way out of the tent. As soon as he was alone outside, tears pooled in his eyes as he looked up at the sky. “She’s just like you, ‘Kara… I mi-... We miss you…”

Lexa is now around three summers old. Her hair was down to her shoulders and her eyes had faded a bit to a calm jade green. You could find her running around TonDC with a very big, tired burly man chasing her. Her laughs could be heard through the streets and the warriors would laugh when they saw Gustus running past them after the little goufa. (Child) Lexa never played with the other children and it was quite obvious why. She loved her father more than anything and she spent every waking moment with him. 

“Little rascal!” Gustus growled playfully when he had caught up to her and took her into his arms. Lexa laughed and flailed. Lang, Ryder, and Indra could be seen smiling at the two at times. 

Gustus had decided to take Lexa to the training grounds with him one day only because she would not stop asking him to come with and if he was being honest, he didn’t want her out of his sight. So he decided to bring her. With Lang and Ryder by his side, the three of them could watch her as they trained. It had been awhile since he had trained so he wanted to get into shape again before he had to return to his warrior duties. This peacefulness they had now would not last forever and he knew that Indra needed as many warriors that were available. Indra insisted that it was fine but he didn’t want to sit safely at home with his child while his brothers and sisters who had families of their own went to fight. 

Gustus guided Lexa over to a row of logs that sat outside of the training grounds. They were for the warriors when they needed a break or spectators but the row was mostly empty so he thought it was fine. “Sit here and stay, strikon . I don’t want you to get hurt, okay?”

“Okay, nontu .” She smiled brightly at him.

There was a tug at Gustus’ lips as he made his way to the training grounds and drew his sword. Lang and Ryder waved at Lexa to which she waved back with a carefree smile. Gustus, Lang, and Ryder finally got into their stances. Both focuses were on Gustus since he needed to refresh his memories and muscles to fight again. Lexa tilted her head as she looked at her father. She took in everything from the way he held his blade to his feet placement. It would be the first time she had seen her father fight and she was excited. “Go, dad!” She smiled brightly.

Gustus smiled at that, determination ran through his veins. He did not want to lose a fight in front of his child so he fought. The sounds of metal clashing against metal along with grunts ran through the air. Indra stood a distance away observing the man and child. Ryder made the first move, lunging at him and swinging his sword at a forty five degree angle. Gustus easily parried it and slid to the side. Lang jumped in and Gustus was able to parry and dodge his blows and land one himself, a punch in the stomach. Sure Gustus was rusty but he was still a warrior and wouldn’t go down without a fight. 

Gustus maneuvered like the wind even with his giant stature. Lexa kept her eyes on him the entire time, admiring every move he made. He shifted and elbowed Ryder right in the ribs, pulling a groan from him. Lexa winced as she saw Lang land a cut on her father’s arm. Gustus grunted as he planted one hand in the dirt and swung his leg to trip Lang. Once Lang was on the ground, Gustus got up and pointed the blade down at his chest with a smirk. Lang grinned back at him. “I see you still have your skill, a bit slow though.”

Gustus chuckled. “Give me ti-”

His conversation was cut short when he heard a shout. 

“Watch out, Dad!”

He instinctively ducked, Ryder’s blade barely skimming his head. He got his mindset back and lunged into the other man, pushing him back a few feet before getting into his stance again. Gustus breathed heavily as he grinned at Ryder. Blood ran down his arm and dripped onto the dirt beneath them. His stamina wasn’t what it used to be and he would have to get used to that. Ryder lunged at him again, their swords clashing together to create sparks. Ryder and Gustus bared their teeth when their swords locked and they pushed against one another. Gustus quickly planted his knee into Ryder’s stomach as Ryder landed a punch on Gustus’ face. They recovered and clashed together once more. Ryder jumped towards him, he moved out of the way. His friend slid past him and before he could turn in time, Gustus stood behind him with his arm around his neck, putting the man into a choke hold. “Nice try, Ryder.” 

“No fair, you have a little danger bell over there. I would have had you.”

Gustus chuckled, Lang and Ryder came together and grinned. 

“What?” Gustus raised a brow.

“Seems like you have an admirer.” Lang said smugly.

Gustus was confused until he turned around. He saw his daughter holding a stick and in a stance which he could only guess was an imitation of his. She swung her ‘sword’ with fierceness on her face. Gustus couldn’t help the big smile that grew on his features. He watched as the little brunette imitated his moves and punched air before tripping and landing on her behind. 

Gustus chuckled as he sheathed his sword and ran over to his little goufa, scooping her into his arms. She smiled sweetly and dropped the stick, hugging him tightly. “You were amazing, dad. I want to be as strong as you when I grow up.”

“I have a feeling you will get there, strikon .” He smiled.

A few months passed. Gustus continued his training and brought Lexa with him everywhere he went. He could never tire of her. Her smile, laugh, or determination to get what she wants. She had spent some time with Indra whenever she could and Lang and Ryder would stay with the little goufa whenever they could too. Something about Lexa attracted people towards her and no one knew what it was. Indra still could not decipher what she saw in Lexa. 

Gustus would die for his daughter and that was no surprise, she was his own blood but even Gustus heard from Ryder and Lang that they would too die or fight for her and it shocked him. Their loyalties to Heda would never change, of course, but something in Lexa had made them feel that way and no one could explain it.

Since Lexa was so intent on becoming stronger, Gustus had gifted her with a wooden sword. Now she did not part with it and took it everywhere she went. She kept it strapped to her left hip just like her father. She felt safe with it even though it was wood and there was no real danger for her to be scared of.

Gustus was eating lunch with his daughter, spending the day outdoors and doing whatever she wanted because he decided to take a break from training. “What do you want to do after, strikon?”

“Can you take me swimming?” She gave him a toothy grin as she ate some berries.

“Anything you want.” He smiled.

“Gustus.” A voice called from behind him.

“Hi, Ryder! Hi, Lang!” The child waved and smiled at them.

Gustus turned in his chair to greet his friends. “Hey.”

“Chief Indra requests your presence in her tent.” Lang says after waving at the little brunette.

“Oh- Uh, do you mind watching her while I’m gone then?” He says as he finishes the last of his meal.

“Of course not.” Ryder smiles slightly as he sits down across from Lexa.

“You’re leaving?” Lexa looked up at her father with a frown.

Gustus walked up to his daughter and planted a kiss on her head. “I’ll be back okay? I promise.” He smiled.

“Okay.” The brunette gave him the softest of smiles that would make even the iciest of hearts melt.

Lang and Ryder hung out with the little goufa as Gustus made his way to Indra’s tent. Gustus wondered what the Chief would need from him. He felt bad for leaving Lexa so suddenly but he knew she would be okay. She likes Lang and Ryder so she wouldn’t mind spending time with them for a bit. 

Gustus made it to the tent, guards stood outside but they knew he and Indra were close so they nodded at him as he walked in. Indra sat at her desk, sliding a piece of charcoal onto a map. “You called, Chief?”

Indra looked up from her desk and let her attention fall on the burly man. “Drop the title, Gustus.” She sighed softly as she got up and walked to the front of her desk and leaned against it, her hands folded across her chest. Her face still stoic yet Gustus could see concern peak through.

Gustus nodded slightly. “What is it, Indra?”

“Gustus, war is brewing. My scouts have reported Azgeda warriors on the outside of Trikru borders. We don’t have an exact count but they said it was enough for an army.” Indra looked into his eyes with sincerity. “I don’t want to take you from Leksa but we need every warrior we can get.”

Gustus listened closely. He knew that the peaceful time would not last but he didn’t think war was this close. Lexa came to his mind. An image of her flashed into his mind. Her smile and even the sound of her laughter. He wanted to stay, he wanted to be there for his daughter but then… His wife came to his mind. Ankara. He remembered her and the promise he made to her. I’ll protect her. For his daughter to be safe, she had to have a place to call home and if TonDC would be taken by Azgeda, there would be no place for her to call home. “I’ll fight.”

“Are you sure, Gustus?” Indra asked to make sure he was certain of his decision.

“I am. I’ll fight alongside you and our brothers and sisters. That is how I protect Leksa now.” Gustus said strongly.

Indra nodded. “Then the decision is made. I will tell our warriors. We march to the border in two days.”

Gustus reciprocated the nod. “Alright.”

“Dismissed.”

Gustus left with that. He made his way back to his daughter, walking slower as if he was dragging his feet. He looked down at the small dual wield tattoo he had on his wrist. Both swords were different. One sword was the design of his own blade and the other was Ankara’s. He thumbed at the tattoo as he got buried in his thoughts. How does he tell his daughter that he’s leaving? He didn’t even know how long he would be gone. Who would watch over Lexa while he was gone? Lang, Ryder, and Indra are no doubt marching with the warriors to fight. He sighed softly as he arrived at the table where his daughter and friends sat. 

He smiled as he saw the brunette, she was showing off the wooden sword that he had made for her. He walked up to them.

“Dad!” Lexa jumped up, sheathing her sword and running over to him to give him a big hug. Gustus scooped her into his arms with a big smile. “Hey, strikon .” 

He gave a nod of thanks to Ryder and Lang before walking away. 

“Can we go swimming now?” Lexa asked with a big smile as she leaned her head onto his shoulder.

“Of course.” He smiled softly as he made his way out of TonDC and into the forest. He followed a trail that had been made from so many warriors walking through. They soon came to a river. He stopped as he placed her on the floor. Lexa jumped up and down as she started to shed her clothes. Gustus followed suit before the two walked into the water. He sat on the ground, the water came up to his waist as she stood and splashed water at him. She laughed as he splashed her back. 

Lexa knew how to swim but she didn’t want to go too deep since this was supposed to be her father’s resting day. She didn’t want him to have to chase her around or use too much energy. 

“I need to tell you something, Leksa.” His tone was soft. He didn’t want to scare her. He planned to come back from this war but as everyone on the ground knew, plans don’t always work out.

Lexa nodded softly as she walked over to him and sat in front of him, the water coming to her mid chest. “What is it?” She smiled at him.

Her innocence and purity almost broke him. He looked down as he played with his fingers before turning his attention back to her. “I- I have to go for a while…” He said hesitantly.

Lexa’s smile disappeared as sadness and concern entered her features. “What? Where are you going? Why do you have to leave?” She asked sadly. 

Gustus took a deep breath as he caught her hand. “I’m going to fight for our home… Azgeda is here and Indra needs me on the frontlines.”

Lexa looked down as she played with her father’s fingers. She didn’t want him to leave. That was the last thing she wanted. She could only guess if he was leaving that Ryder and Lang were as well. Indra being chief which means she has to go as well. She would be all alone… She was only three and all she wanted was to stay near her dad but she knew that the battlefield was not somewhere she could go. “Okay…”

Gustus was taken aback. “O-okay…?” He had expected a lot from her daughter but not that. Sure he knew Lexa was independent just like her mother but he expected something except that.

Lexa nodded softly. “But you have to promise me something…” She looked up at him and he could see the unshed tears pool in her eyes as if she refused to let them fall because she felt like she had to be strong for him. In all honesty, she wasn’t too far off. If she had begged him to stay he wasn’t sure if he had the heart to deny. Sure he is a warrior but she is his daughter.

“Anything.” Gustus replied gently.

“Promise me that you’ll come back..” He could see her lip quiver ever so slightly as she held back her emotions. His heart clenched as he looked at her. She had lost her mother and she didn’t need to lose her father in tandem but this was beyond his control. He was leaving for her. He was the only thing that was ever on his mind. 

“I.. I promise that I will try to come back to you, strikon… With everything that is in me…” He made sure to pick his words wisely. He could not promise that he would come back but he knew that he would try. He knew the only thing on his mind would be to get back to his daughter. To see her smile. To hear her laugh. 

Lexa launched herself into her father’s arms, squeezing him tightly. Gustus closed his eyes as he hugged her daughter just as tight. The father and daughter enjoyed the embrace for a while before they headed out of the water and returned to TonDC.

The siren in Polis soon rang and word started to spread. The news finally got to TonDC. Their Heda was dead. They knew nothing of the how, they just knew she had ended up dead. There was a lot of chaos and rumors going around. Indra had an obligation to go to Polis and meet the new Commander-to-be but they were about to go to war so she couldn’t. She was sure the bald man would understand. She was sure their new Commander would understand. 

Throughout the two days, Gustus still hadn’t been able to find someone to watch over Lexa. Even Indra had tried and they both came up with bupkus. He was starting to get worried and anxious. He couldn’t just leave Lexa alone. She’s only three. He, Lang, Ryder, and Indra were due to leave in a few hours and he still had no one.

Gustus was hanging out with his daughter and his two friends when all of their attention turned to the gate as it started to open. One horse came through with a person perched atop of it. The gates closed and the person got off the horse where they led the horse to the stables. Once that was done, this hooded person walked into Indra’s tent. Gustus wondered who it was but a lot of people came through TonDC so he didn’t worry about it too much and lived in the moment, enjoying the time he had left with his daughter.

A long moment passed by before Indra and this person came out of the tent. She was unhooded and very young. Her hair is brown with some blonde streaks. She couldn’t have been more than ten summers old. Indra and the girl walked over to the group. The girl walked with confidence, her chin raised slightly. Her features showed that she was much more mature than usual kids her age. 

Indra finally spoke. “Gustus.”

Gustus sat up, turning his attention to the two. Lexa clung to her father’s side as she always did. More so in the past two days. “Chief.” 

“I have someone I would like you to meet. I’ve provided her with your situation and she accepted. She is willing to watch over Leksa .” 

Gustus looked at the girl. She was so young and he didn’t doubt that she couldn’t take care of herself. Lexa wasn’t high maintenance either but this was his daughter and he didn’t know if he could trust her but if Indra trusted her then she must be something else. He gets up, lexa following along with him, hugging his side. He held out his arm to the girl. “I’m Gustus. This is my daughter Leksa .” As he said her name, his free hand came down to Lexa’s back, keeping her close.

The girl took his arm in a firm grip. Firmer than anyone would have expected from someone so young. “ Meika slak, ai laik Onya kom Trikru .” ( It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Anya of the tree people. )

Chapter Text

Anya kom Trikru was born in Polis, her parents being of Trikru. Unfortunately for the still growing child, her parents had been killed in a trade gone wrong. They had been traveling to another village but as they got there, the village had been attacked by raiders. Of course as a warriors first instinct, they jumped into the fight, trying to help the village. 

Anya had met Indra once. Her parents’ bodies were retrieved and transferred to TonDC. Indra knew her parents fairly well but they were Trikru, of course she knew them. When their bodies arrived at TonDC, Indra had thought of their child and sent two guards to retrieve her. After all, no one deserves to be here for their funeral more than their child.  

She stepped foot into TonDC with the two guards that Indra had sent for her when she was seven. The pyre was already built and their bodies laid atop. The guards led Anya to Indra’s tent. Anya hesitantly walked in. 

Indra looked up from the maps on her desk. “ Onya , welcome to TonDC.” 

The kid bowed slightly. “Thank you, Chief, for having me.” She said quietly. 

Indra nodded as she stood. “The pyres are built for your parents. You should be the one to hold the torch.” 

Anya nodded again. “Thank you.”

The two walked out of the tent and headed towards the center of the village. Warriors had gathered around and watched as the two walked up. Indra stood with Anya as they came to a stop before the pyre. Anya stared at the lifeless bodies that laid atop. She bit her lip slightly as tears pooled into her eyes. A warrior passed the torch to Indra who passed it to Anya. The girl blinked her tears away as she stepped up and said as strongly as she could. “ Yu gonplei ste odon ...” (Your fight is over.) 

Indra stayed with the child as they watched the pyre burn to ash. The warriors had dispersed, only some coming up to Anya and offering their condolences and telling her how great her parents were. She couldn’t care for their comments. Although she knew that she would never see her parents again, she also knew they would always be with her, guiding her every decision.

“I’d like to talk to you in private, strikon .” Indra said stoically as she turned to the half-blonde.

Anya looked up at the older woman and nodded. “Sha , Chief.” She then slowly followed Indra to her tent. None of them acknowledged the guards as they walked through the tent flaps. Indra made her way to her desk and sat down, turning her attention to the goufa. 

“Your parents were amazing Trikru warriors and they will be forever missed but I will skip past those because I’m sure you are tired of hearing it.”

Anya looked down at her boots and nodded slightly.

Indra leaned forward and clasped her hands on her desk. “I wanted to say, Onya, just because you were born in Polis, it does not make you any less of a Trikru warrior. You will always have a home among us. If you want to stay in Polis, that is your choice but should you ever decide that you would like to come back to TonDC, you are always welcome here.” The woman offers her a small smile which is reciprocated by the young girl.

“ Mochof , Chief…” She said softly, she carefully picked her words. She did not want to disrespect the no doubt powerful warrior in front of her and she really did appreciate her words. “But I think… I will stay in Polis for a while… For I am not sure I am ready to move on…”

Indra nodded slowly. She understood, Anya had spent her whole life in Polis with her parents. She did not know of anyone in Trikru but it is within Indra’s hope that one day, Anya will come home and retake her place by Trikru. “I understand, strikon. Then so be it. I will have two guards to accompany you back to Polis at first light. For now, why don't you rest? I had a tent set up for you, one of my guards will guide you there.”

Anya nodded. “Thank you, again, Chief.” With that, she bowed deeply and started out. Indra barked at one of her guards to lead the way to Anya’s tent.

The trip back to Polis was uneventful, although she was disappointed she wasn’t alone, she appreciated the protection of the guards. She wasn’t trained enough for real combat. She had been training under her father before he-...

Now she would just have to teach herself by trial and error unless she is picked up by a fos. She made it back to Polis and the guards bid her farewell before heading back to TonDC. She went to the stables and the stableboy took her horse for her. She headed to her home and as she stood at the door, she could not bring herself to walk in. She gritted her teeth and dropped her bag at the door before walking away. She needed to get out her anger and frustrations and she only knew of one place to do that. The training grounds. 

When she got there, there were already warriors training in the ring, most of which were from the Glowing Forest Clan, Trishanakru, because of their Commander. Trikru and Trishanakru had an alliance of sorts but of course, both clans were fairly skeptical of each other. Even though they had never fought head to head with one another, this was the first time somewhat of a treaty was made. Both clans still fearing betrayal.

The warriors looked at her with a sort of dirty look and some didn’t acknowledge her at all. She didn’t pay any mind to it, she had just lost her parents and she was in no mood to deal with any of their skrish. 

She walked over and looked at one of the warriors that had sat himself on the bench. The look wasn’t challenging but it asked if he wanted to spar. He grunted his answer as he got up and grabbed his sword that had been resting next to him. The two walked into the ring and got in their stances. The man towered over her, almost two times her height. Scars littered his body just as much as tattoos. 

“What is your name?” Anya asked.

“Loan. Why?” (pronounced Lo-an)  He raised a brow, his voice was gruff.

“I like to learn the names of warriors I fight.” She shrugged.

“What is yours?”

“ Onya .” She replied.

He nodded his understanding before lunging at her. Anya grunted as he raised her sword to block, his strength combined with his weight pushed her back as he pushed. She had to plant both of her feet slightly behind her just to stop him. She sidestepped from their sword lock and went for a punch to his ribs. A punch that landed but did little to nothing. She winced at the dull pain in her knuckles. 

The man chuckled, not in a taunting way but it irritated her anyways. She roared as she charged him with her barrage of attacks. All which he parried or dodged easily and it only made her even angrier. Her grief was getting to her and her movements were thoughtless. He landed a punch to her stomach and she gritted her teeth as she fell to one knee, burying her sword into the ground with a few coughs. Unknown to her, a crowd had gathered around the training grounds. She growled as she got back up and got into her stance. The man gave her points for her resilience.

She lunged at him again, this time jumping into the air and swinging her sword down with a loud warcry. Metal clashed against metal with a loud clang as she landed and dashed to the side, swinging her sword again and landing a cut on the big man’s arm. He barely flinched, showing little to no reaction. The thing about him being bigger than her meant that she was faster. She used it to her advantage. Before she knew it, she was on her back again with a grunt. She knew she would feel it in the morning, the small cuts and bruises but she didn’t care. She just knew that she would rather be beaten than have to go home and deal with the absence of her parents. To deal with her emotions and grief. 

She gritted her teeth as she rolled over, pushing herself up. “A-again.” 

“Come on, kid, if we keep going I’m gonna kill ya.” Loan said roughly as he stared down at her.

“I said… again.” Anya growled lowly as she stood up. She stumbled slightly and got into her stance. Blood ran down her nose and chin. Cuts and bruises littered her body.

Loan furrowed his brows but got back into his stance until a strong, powerful voice stopped him.

“ Hod op .” (Stop.)

Anya froze. She now noticed the crowd that had formed around them. But one figure stood out from the rest. She stood, surrounded by two guards, with her shoulder pauldron on her left and her red sash flowing ever so elegantly down her side. The power that radiated from this woman amazed her. This would be the first time she had ever seen her in person. Her hair was wavy, streaks of blonde ran through brunette locks, carefully tied back in intricate braids. Even with her clothes, she could see the tone muscles under the tight clothes of the Commander. 

Anya swallowed slightly and lowered her head in submission. “ H-heda .” She hadn’t been the only one, the warriors around her bowed as well.

The Commander walked down, her two guards following close behind her. “What is your name, strikon ?”

She still kept her gaze downcasted. “ Ai laik Onya kom Trikru, heda… ” (I am Anya of the Tree People, Commander)

“Look at me.” The woman said softly yet Anya knew it was an order.

Anya slowly raised her gaze to meet the Commander’s. 

“Who have you been training under?”

“I’ve been training under my-... my father, Heda .”

The Commander could tell from the young one’s eyes that something had happened. The sadness and sorrow that her eyes told. “Do you have a fos ?”

Anya shook her head lightly. “I do not.”

The Commander nodded. “Come with me, Onya .” The Commander began her journey back to her tower, Anya had sheathed her sword and walked close behind her. The guards kept a close eye on her, giving her a warning look that if she tried anything, she wouldn’t get far. 

Anya didn’t think of doing anything. She wasn’t sure what to do, she was following possibly the most powerful warrior here and she doesn’t know what for. Did she do something wrong? Did she over step by sparring with one of her warriors? She was led to the throne room where the Commander had walked in, waving for her guards to leave. They shot another look at Anya before walking out and closing the doors behind them. 

Anya stood in the middle of the room before a ‘come’ forced her to move towards the throne. The Commander stopped, standing on the balcony and looking out at Polis. Anya stood behind her and after a long beat of silence, she started to squirm. 

“Do you know why you are here, Onya ?”

“No, Heda , I do not.” She said hesitantly. Her parents had taught her well and she was certain she hadn’t done anything wrong but they also taught her respect and she would be a complete idiot to disrespect someone who could have her killed within seconds.

Suddenly, the Commander turned to her, giving the blonde her full attention. “You are here because I see potential within you, strikon. I think you will make a fine warrior one day and I want to help you achieve that.”

Anya was in complete shock. This was not at all what she had expected. She didn’t know what to expect but definitely not that. Of course, she had heard stories about the great Mila kom Trishanakru. She is an exceptional warrior, kids are raised upon war stories of her. While being Commander, she is all but ruthless. Anya would be lying if she said Mila was a bit power hungry as well. But most often, she was indeed a decent person. Surely could be better but no one would correct her of that, too scared and all. 

“Well?”

It was then that Anya realized she was expecting an answer. To be trained by the legend herself? Who wouldn’t want that? After all, her father wasn’t here to teach her anymore and all though she could have gone back to TonDC to train under Indra, this was an offer she doubted was made very often. She thought about it for a moment longer before bowing deeply. “It would be an honor to train under you, Heda .” She straightened herself, looking at her eye to eye again.

Maybe she was imagining it but she saw a hint of a smile crack on her stoic features. The Commander nodded. “First, tell me what is on your mind, strikon.”

Anya’s brows furrowed slightly in confusion. “... Heda ..?”

“I can see you have a question. I read people fairly easily.” She said plainly.

Anya downcasted her gaze again. “I do… I mean no disrespect Heda but do you not have the duty of training the natblida as well?”

“Of course but as Heda , I need to be able to manage my time and what kind of leader would I be if I were terrible at it? Heda’s duties along with the natblida’s training and now your training. Do you think I cannot do so?” The Commander asked with a raised brow. 

“No, moba, Heda …(apologies, Commander)” She said softly.

“Then seek for a healer, have your wounds checked. Training begins tomorrow when I am free, you are to meet me here. I will inform my guard to keep an eye out for you and guide you to my quarters. We will go from there.” She said with a certainty that left no room for arguments.

“ Sha, Heda .” Anya bowed her respect again before leaving.

From that day forward, Anya had started to train with the Commander. Not only that, she had almost become like her personal ‘guard’. The Commander had ordered her to follow anywhere she went and Anya didn’t refuse. It was not like Anya had any other place to be. With her parents gone and Indra’s weekly check ups, there was nothing else for her to do. She was sure if she was alone, she would succumb to her thoughts so she appreciated the time she spent with the Commander. It kept her on her feet, ready for anything.

If she thought training with her father was rough, she was terribly mistaken. On the first day she spent training with the Commander, her body was battered and bruised with cuts littering her skin. The Commander refused to go easy on her just because she was a kid and she loved it. She hated when her father would take it easy on her even though she understood why. 

Mila had trained her with everything, even weapons in which she could never imagine she would use on the battlefield. 

“In times of war, nothing can be taken for granted and everything around you can be used as a weapon, even the Earth itself.”

Was her exact words. She had demonstrated this when they had sparred against each other. Mila had started off with no weapon to even the playing field and somehow, in some way, Anya had her on her back. Right when Anya thought she had finally won a battle against her mentor, going to straddle her and place her sword against her neck, Mila reached above her for a vine and whipped it towards the young one. She grunted as the vine hit her face and she stumbled backwards. That hit had left a red mark on her face for a few days along with a small cut.

With the Commander training her and going as hard as she was, it was hard for Anya to forget any lessons learned by her because if she had, the punishment would leave her with bruises across her body and a radiating soreness that lasted for a week. 

“Lesson number one, never let your emotions guide your blade.”

On the first day, Anya had still been frustrated and angered by the death of her parents. How could they just leave her here all alone? Of course she knew it wasn’t their fault but she couldn’t control the pit of anger she felt. She had sent a barrage of attacks against the Commander and all of them were either parried, sidestepped, or dodged and it only aggravated her even farther until she had landed on her back about a few dozen times. She had finally learned her lesson.

“Lesson number two, no matter what the circumstance, there is always hope of winning.”

Anya felt insulted by this day of training. Surely she couldn’t be that bad right? But she was wrong. The Commander had tied both of her hands behind her back as she faced the little warrior with a sword. Anya was skeptical at first, she did not want to hurt her Commander and mentor but she insisted, not only that but she ordered her to do so so she had no choice. Anya tried, she really did. She sent attacks left and right but none of them landed. She was getting frustrated but remembered her first lesson and suppressed her anger. She swung again yet it was hopeless. The Commander was too fast on her feet and before Anya knew it, she felt a boot impact with her ribs and she had ended up on her back.

Anya was quite saddened by that day. She felt as if she hadn’t made any progress at all but alas, Mila was there to tell her that it was absurd. She has seen Anya’s improvements with each training session and she told Anya that the lesson taught today was not meant to put her down but to set a flame within her. To tell her that no matter the situation, it is never hopeless.

Anya smiled at that and soon before she knew it, after a few months of training with Mila, she had kneeled to her and recited the seken’s oath. 

I swear fealty to you, Mila kom Trishanakru, Heda , to treat your needs as my own and your people as my people.

Mila was happy to hear this from her and recited the fos’ oath. It felt weird for Anya, to see a powerful warrior like Mila kneel to her but also a sense of pride washed over her to know that Mila is now officially her fos and mentor.

Mila had trained her in questionable ways, excruciatingly painful ways but Anya knew it would grow for a purpose somewhere in her life. She had trained with swords, axes, bows, throwing knives, spears, morning stars. You name it and Mila has probably thrown it at Anya.

Anya was now ten summers old. For three summers, she has trained with the Commander. For three summers, she has improved and improved every day. With Anya being by their Commander’s side, the Trishanakru warriors had started to respect the goufa. She lived the life of the Commander’s seken, the Commander’s guard, but she will never forget her roots. The roots of her father and mother. Throughout the years, she had gone to visit TonDC and Indra was happy to hear about her advancements to the Commander. This placed Trikru in the Commander’s good side so they would not have to worry about much.

Indra would never say it out loud but she somewhat felt responsible for Anya and thus why she had sent scouts to check up on her.

Anya had woken up one morning in the Commander’s tower. She had gotten herself ready for the day and walked over to Mila’s quarters. The guards nodded at her. It had become a daily routine so they knew Mila did not care if Anya were to come in or bother her unless she had strictly told them not to but the Commander would have informed Anya if that were the case.

“ Heda ?” She asked after a few knocks.

When there was a moment of silence, she looked at the guards with slight concern. She knocked a bit harder this time. “ Seda .” (Teacher) She said a bit louder.

This had never happened before so worry gnawed at her. She finally said fuck it and barged in even if she knew it would grant her great punishment. When she barged in and looked over to the Commander’s bed, horror seeped into her features. “Mila!” She ran over to the bed and crawled onto it, pulling her mentor’s head onto her lap.

Mila laid on her bed, blood stained the furs and her thin shirt. Her body trembled and her teeth chattered, her breathing came out ragged and she found it hard to speak. 

Anya turned to the guards that made their way into the room. “ Ge fisa nau! ” (Get a healer, now!)

One of the guards ran off as Anya cradled the face of her mentor, putting pressure on her wound. Tears pooled into her eyes but she refused to let them drop. She had to stay strong. For her.

Mila swallowed thickly and opened her mouth to say something. “ O-Onya- “

“Don’t.” Anya said sternly. “Save your strength, Seda .” Sadness was thick in her voice, she had lost her parents already, she didn’t want to lose her fos too…

“I wo-would have punished y-you for that tone.” The Commander said weakly with a chuckle followed by coughs. 

Anya gritted her teeth. “Don’t leave me… please…”

Mila gave her a small smile, now that the Commander thought about it, she was sure that Anya was the only one that saw her as more than just a Commander and it was true. Anya had seen her as her mentor. Like her big sister. And most importantly, she saw her as Mila. Mila kom Trishanakru.

 “Do not beg, strikon… it is not fitting of you…” She said, weak and hoarse.

Anya shook her head lightly, keeping her tears at bay before her anger took over. “Who did this?” She growled.

Mila refused to say. She wanted justice of course but she refused to send her student on a never ending mission of blood and vengeance. Even then, she doesn’t know exactly who, the assassin kept their identity secret as they should. She smiled again at Anya. “ Onya…”

Anya swallowed as she looked down at her mentor. The healer had come in and started to check her wounds, trying his best to find out if she were to survive and if poison was in her system. 

“Y-your training with me h-have been com-completed… Your seken duties are done… you’ve done well…” 

Anya shook her head violently. “I’ll always be your seken… always…”

Mila smiled again at this.

“ Moba, H-Heda but… the poison has traveled too far for the antidote to take effect…” the healer said sadly.

Mila paid no mind to the healer. She had already accepted her fate. She focused her attention on her seken. “Promise me so-something, strikon… ”

“Anything…” Anya said immediately.

“Pass on my teachings…” She said softly.

Anya gritted her teeth and let her head fall, she couldn’t fight it anymore as a tear escaped and ran down her cheek. “I promise…” she whispered. “I promise I’ll pass your teachings on to someone worthy of them.”

Anya could see the red that slowly seeped through Mila’s beautiful brown eyes. It wasn’t the first time it had happened but she wished she knew more of Heda. Mila did not tell her to not burden her even when she told the stubborn woman that she was never a burden but she always retorted that she had to take it on alone. 

“ Ai gonplei ste odon …” (My fight is over.) Mila said as strongly as she could before her eyes fluttered closed with a small smile stoned on her face for one person and one person alone. Anya.

Anya let out a choked cry as she leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her mentor’s head. “ Yu gonplei ste odon …” (Your fight is over.) She whispered hoarsely.

Before she knew it, the horn was sounded to alert the people that their Commander was dead. Anya couldn’t bring herself to go to the ceremony. She said her goodbyes to her deceased mentor and the friends she had made from the three years she had been here and she set off. Trishanakru warriors didn’t want the goufa to go but of course they understood.

She had nowhere else to turn so she headed to the only place that would welcome her back as the Chief said. She had one goal on her mind, to find someone worthy of her mentor’s knowledge. Surely she had more to learn herself but it wouldn’t hurt to start looking. After all, she had to find someone special to bear the knowledge of Mila kom Trishanakru.

It took her two days to get to TonDC, only stopping for water or when night fell. She had thought a lot about everything that happened on her trip and she’d be an idiot if she didn’t piece together what was right in front of her.

Mila had been attacked by an assassin no doubt coming through her balcony otherwise her guards would have noticed. They used a poison dipped weapon. It rendered her speech, which stopped her from calling out for help. Anya gritted her teeth. Azgeda.

“I will avenge you some day, Seda .” She vowed as she looked up at the sky.

When she had arrived in TonDC, it felt as if she stepped in it last time. The last time she came here for her parents and now, she came because she had nowhere else to go. She once again lost someone dear to her. 

The stable boy took her horse as she walked over to Indra’s tent. She could feel eyes on her and she ignored it. After following the Commander for three years, she had gotten used to it. “I’d like to talk to Chief Indra.” She said to the guards.

One of the guards said from where he stood. “Chief, someone is here to see you.”

“Send them in.” Indra said still sitting at her desk and reading through reports.

Anya then stepped past the tent flaps and bowed. “Chief.”

Indra looked up from the reports. “Onya? I wasn’t expecting you.”

Anya nodded softly. “Unfortunately, my fos… Heda…” she bit her lip slightly, looking down.

Indra sympathized with the girl. She had lost so much in such little time. “I heard. I am sorry, strikon .” She sighed softly. “As I said, you are always welcome here, Onya . Although it is not a great time. We are about to go to war. Azgeda has been spotted near Trikru borders. We set off in a few hours.”

When Anya heard Azgeda, her eyes flared with anger. She put down her hood and looked at the Chief. “I’d like to join you, Chief.”

“That, I cannot do. I won’t-“ Gustus came to Indra’s mind. “I have another task for you. You are free to decline but I have a feeling you won’t. Not when you see her.”

Anya tilted her head slightly, still a bit agitated that her request to go was mowed over. “Her? Chief, I don’t understand.”

Indra moved to stand in front of her desk and lean against it with her hands clasped in front of her. “An old friend of mine, Gustus. His wife bore a child three summers ago. As we reach the brink of war, he has none to look after her. I see potential in her, Onya. There is something about her… Even my warriors have commented about her. I believe she will be a great warrior with the right teacher.” The Chief gave her a look.

“You want me to teach her?” It was more of a statement than a question.

“I do. I believe since you have trained with the Commander and after I come back, should you two want to train with me, that you can make her reach her fullest potential.” Indra said with certainty.

Anya thought for a moment. “I want to meet her first.” She had to find someone worthy. She would have to see for herself whether this girl was truly worthy of her Seda’s teachings.

“Of course. Follow me, strikon .” Indra walked out of her tent, Anya following close behind her. They walked down, near the training grounds, sat four people. Anya raised a brow and narrowed her eyes as she looked at the girl attached to an older man’s side. She too could see what Indra and so many others saw but she didn’t know what it was and it intrigued her. Anya looked up at Indra, the two locked eyes then Anya nodded.

They walked up to the four. “Gustus.” Indra said.

Gustus sat up slightly. “Chief.”

Indra motioned over to Anya. “I have someone I would like you to meet. I’ve provided her with your situation and she accepted. She is willing to watch over Leksa .”

Anya could see the man eye her, she would take offense but she could only assume that Lexa was his daughter so of course he’d be protective of her. The man then stood up, the girl seemed to get up as well, still attached to his side. He then held out his arm. “I am Gustus kom Trikru . This is my daughter Leksa .”

She looked at Lexa then up at the man before she took his arm firmly with a stoic look on her face. “ Meika slak, ai laik Onya kom Trikru. ” (It’s a pleasure to meet you, I am Anya of the Tree People)

Chapter Text

Lexa looked at the girl who stood next to Indra, she looked tough, the scars and still healing cuts on her hands and even arms told her that she had been training to be stronger. Lexa herself had wanted to train but only the basics from her father wasn’t good enough for her.

Her father looked down at her. “Don’t be rude, Leksa .” He offered her a reassuring smile that everything was fine. She finally stepped forward, still holding her father’s hand. 

“ Hei, Onya, ai laik Leksa kom Trikru. ” She tried to say strong and confident but with her still being young, her voice was still high-pitched so it sounded more cute than strong.

Anya shot the goufa a small grin. “ Meika slak, Leksa. ” (It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lexa.) 

Lexa herself gave her a small smile. The girl then turned her attention to Gustus. “I’d be honored to watch over Leksa .”

“ Mochof, Onya. I promise she does not require much, I just don’t want her to be alone while I am gone.” Gustus said, stroking his daughter’s back gently.

“I understand.” Anya said with a nod.

Indra then turns to Anya. “Alright, Anya, why don’t you go settle in? A tent has already been provided for you. Gustus, we leave in a few hours. I suppose you want to spend that time with Leksa so I will leave you to that. Once the warriors are ready to leave, you can drop her off at Anya’s then we will be off.”

Lexa eyed Anya once more as the two said “ sha , chief.” Anya sent her a last glance before following Anya to her tent. Lexa continued to hug to her father’s side, spending the most time with him as possible.

  Kom wor. It was time for Indra and Gustus to set off to Trikru’s border with the gonakru (army) to fight for their home. Indra came out of her tent, dressed in her armor with her weapons strapped to her waist. Daggers and swords in their place and ready to be used. Gustus and Lexa were in their home, he had already started to get ready, dressed in his own armor along with his weapons which included multiple throwing knives, two daggers, and a sword. 

Lexa had watched him, playing with her wooden sword. She had a frown stoned on her face. She really didn’t want him to go. She just wanted him to stay and be here with her where it’s safe but she knew he wouldn’t stand for that. Indra, Lang, and Ryder would be fighting too. What if none of them came back…? She would be all alone…

She blinked away her tears, no. She would not cry. She was too old for that. She needed to be strong. She needed to follow the example her father had set. If she was going to become a strong warrior like him, she could not let her emotions get the best of her.

Her father finally walked out of the room, dressed for war, paint streaked his eyes and face. He should look terrifying but she only saw her father. She ran up and hugged him. He picked her into his arms and reciprocated the embrace tightly.

“I’m gonna miss you…” He heard her mumble quietly.

“I’m going to miss you too, strikon… ” He replied softly as she pulled away just enough to look her in the eyes. “But I promise I will try to come back to you.”

She nodded. “I’ll be waiting for you.” She said with a small smile.

Gustus couldn’t help but mirror it as he walked out of their home. Lexa looked around, she could see Indra in the field with their gonakru. When Indra had seen the two exit, she made her way to them as Gustus started to Anya’s tent. When they made it, Lang and Ryder had already been there knowing where Gustus was going to be. 

Lexa was placed on the ground in front of Gustus. She looked up at her father and hugged him again before letting go. Anya had been standing outside of her tent, hand resting on her sword and watching the little one closely. 

Lang and Ryder then patted her on the head and told her to stay strong. They also told her to save them seats at Devr’s (Pronounced Dever) Restaurant. This made her laugh and they were glad. They just wanted to cheer her up about their leave. Indra then walked up and Lexa ran up to her, hugging her tightly. Indra patted her back and also told her to stay strong, telling her to ‘keep an eye on the village’ while they were gone. In reality, she had already set a co-chief temporarily in charge of TonDC but she also just wanted to cheer the little goufa up.

Lexa furrowed her brows as she looked at all of them. “You guys better come back in one piece.” She huffed.

This made all of them laugh. It was needed. One that was needed because they were to go to war and uncertain they would come back. Imagine being a strong warrior and having been lectured by a three year old. With one last hug to her father, the four headed for the field where their brothers and sisters stood. Lexa wanted nothing more than to run after her father but she stood her ground next to Anya.

Gustus looked over his shoulder at her, saying something with his eyes that only his daughter would be able to read. ‘I love you.’

Lexa bit her lip as tears pooled in her eyes, watching everyone she was close to walk away from her. She gritted her teeth and her hands balled into fists as she fought the urge to go with them. 

Anya watched the brunette closely, she had already sensed her transformation of emotions just standing beside the child. From sadness to anger. As if she was angry that she wasn’t older and stronger so she could go fight with them.

She finally spoke. “You are strong, strikon .”

Lexa was quiet, she blinked away her tears before she looked up at Anya. “How so…?” 

“Children your age would be begging for their parents not to leave but here you stand willing to let your only parent go along with those you love. You accept that you are too young and not strong enough yet to go and help him fight for our home. Even I am too young to go, regardless of the fact that I am strong. I trained under the Commander, Mila kom Trishanakru yet I have no true experience and if you hesitate in a real battle, you will die. I have not been faced with taking a life. Not yet and even though I am sure I am able to do so, I'm not completely sure if I would hesitate.” Anya explained.

Lexa looked down, playing with her fingers. She had to become stronger. Anya really trained under the Commander? That meant she was strong… How long would her father be gone, she didn’t know but she did know that once he comes back, she’ll want him to see how much stronger she has gotten. She looked up at Anya and the older girl could see determination burn within the jade green eyes that stared up at her. “Can you train me?”

Anya smirked slightly at the request. “And what makes you think you are worthy of the Commander’s knowledge?” She asked with a raised brow. Of course she would train her but she wanted to see what the goufa would answer.

The determination only seemed to burn bright as her hands balled into fists. “Because I am Leksa kom Trikru, daughter of Gustus kom Trikru . And I aim to be the strongest warrior.”

Anya was taken aback by the girl’s response. She didn’t expect it. As Indra said, Lexa was only three and to have stated such a statement… Anya grinned. “Keep that mindset, strikon . I’ll be waiting for the day until you can beat me in a fight. You want to train? Fine. Come.” Anya walked away, towards the gates. Lexa followed almost immediately. The guards opened the gates for them and Anya went into the forest, followed by the little one.

They came to a stop at a river. The water was crystal clear, the ground under was visible. Anya turned to the brunette. “I assume you know how to swim?”

Lexa nodded.

“Get in and do ten laps.” Anya said plainly. “From here to the other end and back is one lap.”

Lexa looked at her confused but otherwise stripped of her clothes. Anya sat under the palm tree in the shade as she watched the brunette jump into the water and started doing the laps. After the third lap, she was already breathing heavily. 

“I can’t-“ She heard the little one say.

Anya had shed her own weapons and clothes. “You can. If you want to be strong, you need to push your limits. Don’t think you can’t, just do it.” Although she said this, she was ready to jump in in case Lexa really couldn’t.

Lexa gritted her teeth as she swam through her 4th, 5th, and 6th lap. Since she was little, her weight was light and easy to manage but she had never trained before. Her strength and stamina wasn’t built up like Anya’s. In the middle of her 7th lap, she couldn’t keep her head above the water. That was when the half-blonde jumped in and swam to the brunette. She wrapped her arm around her and swam back to shore. Lexa coughed a bit before she rolled over to lay on her back, her breath ragged. 

Anya sat next to her. “You did well for your first time in any training sessions at all.”

Lexa gritted her teeth. “But I didn’t make ten.”

Anya sighed. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone starts somewhere. Some farther along than others and some behind. You will make it to ten and when you do we will uppen the number of laps.”

Lexa nodded lightly as she laid trying to catch her breath. “What was that for?”

“Swimming requires a lot of energy. Swimming laps builds strength and stamina. I had to do them while I trained with Heda as well.” Anya explained. “Before we get into combat training, we must get your body used to exerting such energy and make sure you can handle it.”

Lexa nodded her understanding once again.

“Whenever you’re ready, try again.”

Lexa took a few more deep breaths before she got up and jumped back into the water. Mila was a lot stricter on Anya but Lexa was a lot younger than Anya. She planned to get stricter as they trained, that is the only way discipline is taught.

Lexa tries the laps again only making it to her 5th before Anya had to jump in and help her out again. They repeated the process until Anya called for a break. They got dressed and went back to TonDC for food and rest. Anya thought it was enough for the kid but she wanted to do more. Apparently, Lexa doesn’t know what happens the day after you train. Anya remembered when she was like that too, she’d want to keep going even after doing a lot and then the very next day, she’d feel like she was stampeded by dozens of horses.

Anya and Lexa sat outside of Devr’s restaurant. Devr was a good friend of Gustus’ so he welcomed her whenever he could. Gustus had thought of asking Devr to take care of her but he had a business to run and he didn’t want to add Lexa to his responsibilities.

Anya studied the brunette a bit more as the two ate. Indra had told her about Gustus but nothing about Lexa's mother. It’s a wonder why and Anya could only assume that the woman had died giving birth to her since after labor, there is a great chance of the mother dying from exhaustion or infection or pain the healers could never really figure it out. Maybe all three combined. She wondered if Lexa knew of her mother. Did she just leave or was she really dead? 

After they ate, Lexa insisted on a bit more training. Anya did not argue, if the goufa wanted to train then she would oblige but the half-blonde had a feeling this would change as they trained thus why she would get stricter as they continued.

So Anya decided on something they could do in the comfort of Lexa’s home. The brunette had invited her in and Anya looked around. “You have a nice home, Lexa.”

“This isn’t home.” Lexa said softly.

Anya turned to the kid. “How so?”

Lexa looked at Anya and shrugged. “Home is not a place, Onya . Home is a feeling… One in which you feel safe and protected… feel like you belong…”

Anya’s features softened. Lexa was just a child but even she can tell that Lexa was wise beyond her years.

“My home left to go fight a battle I’m not old enough or strong enough to be a part of..” The goufa added more quietly.

“Well, I’ll change part of that. Come. Do as I do.” Anya said as she placed her weapons on a nearby table before getting on the ground. Her hands were shoulder width apart and her legs were stretched out behind her. Lexa walked over, placing herself next to Anya before imitating her actions. 

“ Heda Mila called these push-ups or whatnot. She told me she had read about them in an old world training book.” Anya then lowered herself until her arms created a ninety degree angle at heer elbows and pushed back up. “Now you.”

Lexa nodded as she attempted the action, she gritted her teeth as she lowered herself and pushed herself back up. Her arms still burned from their swimming session earlier. She did another, making a grunt this time as she pushed herself up. Anya did them with her at her own pace. She looked at Lexa and couldn’t help a small smile form upon her lips. She could see that Lexa is strong-willed and determined even with her young age. Maybe this is my chance, Anya thought. A chance for her to be Lexa’s Mila… 

After they had finished, Anya made a bath for the little one. “Clean up and rest, strikon .”

Lexa had been covered in sweat and her clothes stuck uncomfortable to her skin. She nodded softly. “ Mochof, On-... Seda.” 

Anya couldn’t help but be taken aback by the brunette’s words. She only cracked a smile and nodded. “ Pro .”

Lexa had stripped and jumped into the bath after adding lavender herbs. She let herself relax but she couldn’t help that her mind drifted to her father. He and Indra hadn’t made it to the border yet, but she wondered if he was thinking of her. How was he feeling? How was Indra, Lang, and Ryder? She shook her head of the thoughts and shivered when she realized the water had gotten cold through her brain storm. She got out and dried herself before dressing in thin clothes. She walked out to find Anya sharpening her sword at the table her and her father ate at. 

Anya looked at her and sheathed her sword. “I will leave you to rest.” She got up.

“Wait-...” Lexa said as she looked down, playing with her fingers.

Anya raised a brow as she turned to the brunette. 

“Can you…” Lexa tried to pick her words carefully and if she was being honest, she didn’t know if she even had the right to ask. Still, the older girl waited for the little one’s question. “Can you stay…? I don’t want to be alone…”

Softness creeped into Anya’s features. It was Lexa's first night without her father or anyone else she knew of, it was understandable that she would feel lonely. Anya walked up to the little goufa and knelt down, placing a hand on both of hers. “You are never alone, strikon. Whether he may be a thousand or a million steps from you, he is always beside you. But if you’d like for me to stay then I will.”

Lexa nodded softly at Anya’s words. She felt a bit better from them. Yea, her father was always with her whether physically or not. Lexa turned to her father’s room, sadness flashed through her eyes when she saw it empty before she turned to grab the extra furs before walking out. Anya had seated herself on the couch and turned when she saw the little one. Lexa placed the extra furs next to Anya. “thank you for staying…” She said quietly.

Anya gave her a small smile and a nod. “Go rest, strikon .” the older girl didn’t mind staying on the couch, she didn’t think it was right to take Gustus’ room even if he weren’t here to use it. This actually reminded her of a few times when she was with her own mentor. After training, sometimes, Mila would like company as she looked over reports in her quarters. So Anya would come and either help her with said reports if she was allowed or Mila would ask her simple, random questions. A few of those times in which she fell asleep on Mila’s couch. Her mentor had said she needed the rest from training and didn’t want to wake her so when she woke up in the Commander’s quarters the next morning, she was thoroughly confused and very freaked since no one was supposed to stay in here except obviously the Commander.

Anya watched as Lexa walked to her room, she had kept the door open as she climbed onto her cot and under the furs. She heard from the room. “ Reshop, Onya. ” It was soft and sweet and it caused Anya to smile. “ Reshop, Leksa. ”

Night had fallen upon them and Indra barked at the warriors to set up camp. Gustus, Ryder, and Lang had done their part before they made a fire and sat around it. Indra joined them not long after.

Lang looked at his friend. “How are you holding up?”

Gustus shrugged. “I miss her. It had only been a few hours yet it seems like I haven’t seen her in forever.”

“She’s your daughter, Gustus. It is understandable.” Ryder said.

“ Onya will take care of her, Gustus. She lost her parents a few summers ago so she can relate to your little one in some ways. Speaking of which, have you told Leksa about Ankara ?” Indra ate as she turned her attention to the man.

Gustus sighed and shook his head. “No. I don’t know how to start. Ankara died after she gave birth to Leksa and if she is just like her mother, she will blame herself for that.”

“She deserves to know. It is her mother and her mother was an amazing warrior.” Ryder replies.

Gustus nodded. “I’ll tell her when we get back.”

Lang, Ryder, and Indra smile at the man. No doubt it was hard being so far away from his young daughter but he was doing it because he wanted to fight for their home, to fight alongside them instead of hiding where it’s safe.

They had all split off not long after that, finishing their dinners. Gustus was about to call it a night before his feet started to guide him to Indra’s tent.

“Chief, may I come in?” He says, standing right outside of her tent.

“Enter.” 

He nods at the guards as he walks in. 

“Something you need Gustus?”  Indra looks up from her reports.

Gustus sighs softly. “I have a request, Indra.”

The older woman now turns her full attention to the man. They were old friends but it does not change the fact that she is still the leader of their people. When it comes to this; names, it turns into a serious topic. “What is it, Gustus?”

Gustus chooses his words wisely. “Should it come to it… Should you step out of that battlefield and I do not, I want you to tell Leksa about Ankara .”

Indra’s jaw tenses. She hated the thought of losing her warriors in battle but she knew it was inevitable. “You will make it out, Gustus.” She insists. “But I accept your request regardless.” She gives him a look with an undertone of softness and a nod while keeping her features stoic.

“ Mochof, Indra. I will leave you to rest.” He cracks a smile before he walks out. He feels a bit more at peace. Should he fall in that battlefield, Lexa will learn about her mother.

Lexa is now four summers old. It had been a year since Indra, Lang, Ryder and her father left to go to war. Every day she missed him more and every day she worried that he wouldn’t make it back. She spent countless days crying for him, she missed him more than anything. Most of the time she was fine, silently yearning for him but on the days the build up was too much, she couldn’t help but cry. With Anya here, training had taken up most of her time. She was grateful because it distracted her, it pulled her away from her thoughts where at night they would ravage her.

Things happened as Anya expected. With time, Lexa had been more difficult to deal with, not that she was complaining. She enjoyed challenges. Some days, she had a hard time getting Lexa out of bed. She’d spend days lecturing Lexa. The brunette had gotten to an age where she had started to make snarky, sarcastic comments and it got on her nerves. She would punish Lexa with more tedious training sessions for them. Other than that, Anya had to admit that she had grown quite attached to the little goufa. 

One of the nights Anya had woken up to soft sniffling. She peeked into Lexa’s room and saw the child curled up, hugging her legs. Anya did her best to comfort the little one. It ended up with Anya on Lexa’s bed with her head in her lap. The half-blonde spent that night in Lexa’s room. She had also threatened Lexa if she ever spoke about it to anyone, training would only be harder. No one is to know Anya has a soft side to her. Lexa didn’t seem to mind, she liked that only she got to see this side of Anya. She was glad to have her mentor by her side. 

Months ago they had gotten into combat training after Anya was satisfied with Lexa’s stamina and strength. Mostly hand to hand combat. There were days where Lexa was covered in bruises, from her jaw all the way to her ankles. Every time Lexa got knocked down, she would get back up. 

Lexa landed on the ground with another grunt. Anya stood before her, lowering her fists. They were both covered in sweat from hours of training. Anya had her swords and knives laying on her coat at a nearby tree. “Get up.” Anya said finally.

The brunette gritted her teeth as she used her arms to push herself up. Her muscles screamed at her but she refused to listen, she couldn’t. Even after all these months, she could barely manage a hit on Anya. It aggravated her and pissed her off.

“Stop fighting with your anger. You will never win if you use your emotions. You become reckless and without thought, you will never be able to beat your opponent.” Anya already learned this lesson from Mila and now Lexa will learn it from her. Even if Lexa was a kid, she needed to learn. If she had done this in a real battle, she would lose and die.

“Hard to do that when I keep landing on my ass.” Lexa growled as she stumbled. She can feel the bruises on her ribs and legs. 

“You must put your emotions aside regardless. If you are losing the battle enough to be frustrated then you will only lose if you go off your emotions. Take your time. Stay calm. Look for an opening. You are smart, Leksa . A fight is not all about skill nor brawn. If you can outsmart your opponent, do it.” 

Lexa lunged at her again, her fists flying left and right. Anya easily sidesteps the first few before she starts blocking. Determination and focus was written on Lexa’s face, she tried to bury her anger, her eyes darting every which way to try and find an opening. Anya lands a punch to her ribs which makes her grit her teeth and stumble backwards.

Lexa flies into action once again, Anya sends a kick which is dodged by the little one. The brunette then dashes to the right and finally. An opening! She sends her punch and hits Anya in the stomach. Anya winces slightly at this and sends her elbow backwards and lands a hit on Lexa’s face. She hadn’t anticipated Lexa using her speed against her.

Lexa stumbles and her back hits a tree where she lets herself fall to sit on the ground, her head hanging between her shoulders as she breathes harshly.

“If you throw your body into the punch, it will hurt more.” Anya says as she looks at the brunette.

“But I hit you though…” Lexa smiles slightly at this and winces from the radiating pain from her jaw and sting of her lip. She finally raised her head to look at her mentor.

Anya’s eyes widen as her eyes are locked on her student. “ Leksa… ”

Lexa looked at her mentor, confused. “ Seda ?”

Anya walked up to Lexa and knelt down. She raised her hand and wiped the blood that oozed from the brunette’s lip. “You’re a nightblood…”