the devils in the details

[Derrick]

Bellamy Blake
((ooc// let me know if this works for you! figured they could have a bit of an interaction before she summons them all to the room and tells them of her plan))

Lexa had been thinking for a while now. At Mount Weather she had abandoned Skaikru because at the time she thought what was best for her people and that had been to take the deal offered. If it was easy for her to break treaty with Skaikru, what about her people? What kind of example was she setting? That was not the way to peace and she needed to find an alternative. The idea came to her soon enough and she thought about it long and hard to make sure it was the right thing to do.

She'd sent an invitation out to those she thought were needed to be here for it. Abby, Kane, Clarke and Bellamy. She trusted Kane and had a lot to make up to Clarke. Abby was on the fence but she was the leader of Skaikru in title. She didn't know Bellamy personally yet she had been witness to his bravery and sacrifice at Mount Weather. He'd gone in as their spy to take out the acid fog and without him, they never would have gotten within an inch of the base. He was just as important as the others even if he lacked an official leader title.

He'd proved himself and that was good enough for her.

Now was the day they were supposed to arrive though Lexa didn't know exactly when they'd be stepping foot into Polis. "Let me know when they arrive. I wish to talk to Bellamy first. He is the one I have not tet gotten to properly speak to." She spoke to her guard, giving him a simple look before her eyes diverted back to the open window. Having four people would be risky because there would be a risk of a tie should two agree and two disagree. But all four were important and needed for this to work. All four wanted what was best for their people and that was what she needed.

Time passed quickly even though she was staring at virutally the same thing; the city of Polis beyond her window. Approaching footsteps alerted her to her guards presence and she turned to face him. "They have arrived." Lexa nodded, took in a deep breathe and began moving with her guards beside her. Making her way through the tower and then into the city itself was a change. Shadows became overtaken by the sunlight pouring down onto them and she allowed a few seconds to bask in the warm glow.

"Welcome to Polis." She spoke in way of greeting, nodding to her guards who stood right back; enough to give her the illusion she was alone. "Before we begin as to why I summoned you here, I'd like to show you around the city. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask."

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Derrick

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

Bellamy wasn't sure how he felt about this. Lexa had extended an inivitation for him to come, and he wasn't going so much as to follow Kane, Abby or Clarke's urging . . . but because, he knew he should. Because this had to do with his people. People that he was committed do, and spent every breath of every day trying to protect. Lexa had betrayed the alliance, and at the same time . . . Bellamy didn't want war. He had respected the ceasefire, respect the Commander's truce. Upheld it. He wanted to know what came next. This war was not over . . . but was there really a possibility for peace, after all the damage that was caused? Bellamy knew full well that he was not the diplomatic speaker. That when it came to politics, others took the reins. But this time, he was going. Even if it was just to be a silent spectator. Clarke had not been in Arkadia for so long. And Kane and Abby were willing to do anything for peace.

Bellamy wanted to make sure that his people's interests were supported. Besides, he was curious as to what Lexa had to say. The journey there was swift, thanks to the Rover. Though they had to park it well outside the city as they journeyed on foot for the rest of the terrain. Bellamy would never admit it, but he felt . . . unsettled. His interactions with Lexa were very minimal. Perhaps really only when outing Gustus for framing Raven. He hadn't been the one to talk to her, but it seemed like that was going to change. Once they arrived, they were forced to surrender their weapons. Something else Bellamy despised. He hated being without his gun. But alas, he had no choice -- especially after a look from Kane. Without revealing any sign of his discomfort, he offered his weapons and then proceeded to follow the guards. The city was . . . unlike what they had seen before. A large market of sort. A smile didn't grace his lips the same way it did the others.

He just silently walked, stoically, until he saw Lexa, and found himself squaring his shoulders a little. She had a presence to her . . . and now that he was face to face with the woman who had been the source of his blame for so long . . . he didn't know what he felt. Hostility, being so far from his mind. He was tired of fighting. Tired of losing people. Tired of killing. If it was possible to make it end, he would do what was within his power, and what best protected his people. They had been previously told that she wished to speak to Bellamy . . . he had no idea what that would entail. But intrigue and curiosity trumped the distrust, and he gave a short nod to her.

"I'll let you know," he simple said, blunt in his words, though that wasn't anything different. He was in her territory right now . . . and knew it would be stupid to say anything to provoke her. He was forcing himself to bite back his emotion, all too aware of how the genocide at Mount Weather had left him . . . emotional. Maybe even unstable in some ways, but he had long set his feelings aside, for the betterment of his people. This, was no exception. "Is it going to be just you and me?" He asked her, wanting to confirm. To ensure that she didn't want Clarke, Kane or Abby with them. Curious as to why there were no guards flanking her. Surely they didn't trust Skaikru that much.

[Derrick]

Bellamy Blake
((ooc// I'm thinking that after a few posts we can time skip it to the meeting where Lexa tells them of her plan?))

LEXA KOM TRIKRU

Though she didn't trust Skaikru that much, she trusted the people that she had summoned here. Besides, one wrong move and one of her guards would come forth so long as she didn't get to it first. Taking him aside to talk to him alone while leaving the others to wander Polis might cause offense yet she was willing to take that risk. She'd had time alone to talk to the others and she knew from experience that people gave their more honest opnions and gestures when away from their peers. There was a lot that needed to be said and done before the summit that night. "Yes. I haven't had a chance to properly talk to you yet. I can assure you it's nothing terrible." Lexa spoke, before directing her next words to the others. "You may wander Polis, see the sights. It won't take us long and then we can discuss why you all are here." Just a little bit longer and they would know.

"While here you will not want for anything." She gave them a curt nod before motioning for Bellamy to follow her. She had expected him to be more raw after what happened in Mount Weather; it wasn't just Clarke that carried the burden but Bellamy as well. Clarke had been a massive ball of emotion, spitting in her face. Bellamy was more pulled back in his emotions and that made him much more dangerous and unpredictable. The guilt she felt at turning Clarke into the girl she was today extended to Bellamy. They shouldn't have had to do what they did and wouldn't if she hadn't taken the deal from Cage. She was the warrior, the deaths should be on her hands. What were more deaths to add to her already massive total? At least she could have spared the horrors of all those deaths on the pair.

Walking through the streets, Lexa didn't have to avoid the people milling about. They moved out of her way though sometimes a child or two would run in front of her, causing her to slow her pace or stop for a few moments and watch the children with a soft expression. Sometimes she said a hello when they paid her attention rather than the game of tag they played. Behind her her guards followed silently, watching Bellamy with guarded expressions, ready to leap to their Heda's defense at a moment's notice.

"I know how you must feel about me." Lexa began - she didn't exactly think highly of herself right now let alone others. "Tell me Bellamy. Would you still work together with us for peace even with your feelings?" She needed to know if she could count on him, or if he was going to a potential threat in her plan.

- - - - -

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Derrick

Notes: That sounds great!

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

Nothing terrible. Bellamy didn't know what to expect, only that it didn't seem to be wise to reject the extended offer. Especially as he had been personally called here. It was for a reason, and despite his . . . feelings towards Lexa, part of him had to be relieved that she had invited him, and that it was insisted he go. So that he could represent the people in ways that he wasn't certain Kane, Abby or Clarke could. He gave a reluctant look when the other three moved to explore Polis, not entirely comfortable with letting them out of his sight. But he had no other choice. Instead, he walked alongside Lexa, glancing at the other Arkers briefly once more before they really started moving in separate paths. He didn't say anything; not even certain how to bring up the conversation. And fortunately, he didn't need to.

Lexa took the liberty of doing that. He clenched his jaw, fighting back the emotion when she commented about how he must feel about her. Well, at least she knew. But then again, how could she not. Acknowledgement however was helpful. He wouldn't have to stand here justifying how he felt; or explaining their point of view. Bellamy knew that Lexa wasn't stupid. Far from it. He let her question process in his mind, collecting his thoughts, figuring how best to formulate a response.

He was used to empowering his people, motivating them. But when it came to discussing these sort of things . . . well, it wasn't exactly his area of expertise. At the same time, he wasn't going to sugar coat anything for the sake of appeasing her. "My feelings aren't relevant," he began, his words sincere, as he looked forward rather than at her. His own feelings didn't matter. His feelings towards Lexa was due to what had been the result. The genocide.

The consequences of having trusted the Grounders. Bellamy supposed he should blame himself for that. He never should have relied on them. Maybe, they could have found another way. "It's about protecting my people. And you didn't do that." When they had agreed upon it. His voice was blunt -- maybe too blunt when addressing Heda, but he wasn't going to apologize. He slowly turned his head to look at her. "We trusted you. My people were willing to fight for yours. But you weren't willing to fight for us." Even after they had done the work of getting inside Mount Weather. "What makes it different this time?" Other than the fact that they didn't have a common enemy . . . would the common goal of peace be enough?

[Derrick]

Bellamy Blake
((ooc// Sweet. I'll have the timeskip in her next post. Also, I cannot believe how much I've forgotten about the summit when I stopped watching xD oops))

LEXA KOM TRIKRU

Lexa quirked a brow as he spoke, and though he was technically right, he was still wrong because his feelings were relevant. Everything depended on his emotions and if he was going to let them rule or if he would hold them back and do what was best for his people. Still, she had to believe he wouldn't let emotion rule. After all, he was still here, talking to her despite his feelings. He could have very easily told her to go shove it and walk away. Well, maybe being Heda had something to do with his staying. Though she didn't tolerate her insubordination, she would have allowed him to do that without any retaliation. For the first time.

They didn't always know the customs of her people. Something she frequently had to remind herself when dealing with the Skai people.

"A leader leads with their head. Do what is best for our people." Being a leader was not easy. They had to make the tough calls, live with the consequences with guilt and regret always weighing on the mind.

"No, I didn't." Lexa acknowledged. "The duty to my people came first." It was a regret that she couldn't protect both people, duty bound to protect her own which meant no matter what, her people would always come first. What he was asking was not exactly easy in terms of answering. It was a lot more complicated than simply 'for peace.'

No doubt Clarke would be telling Abby and Kane about the change of plan and so she would tell Bellamy. She felt like she should tell him rather than he wait until the meeting. "Azgeda. They want me dead. If I fall, the coalition falls. My original plan was to issue a treaty between our people but that won't be enough. However, this has changed. I want Skaikru to join as the 13th clan."

- - - - -

[Bellamy Blake]

Tag: Derrick

whatever

THE HELL WE WANT

It was true. Bellamy couldn't deny that a leader had to lead with their head. He supposed it was why he knew he wasn't so much of a leader as an enforcer. His emotions often got the best of him. But he also didn't believe a leader could lead solely with their head. Finding that perfect balance however, was practically impossible. No Chancellor had been able to among his people, and he doubted any Heda had been able to as well. Being in charge wasn't easy, and had it not come at the price it did for him . . . Bellamy would have been less, hurt and angry by her actions.

Once again though, he knew this was where his over emotional state could easily come into play. He didn't respond though, for her next words immediately distracted him. Enough to make him stop walking as he turned his head to look at her. She couldn't be serious. She wanted them to join the coalition?! Hell no. Bellamy started to shake his head, processing these words, assuming Clarke, Kane and Abby wouldn't exactly approve of his own disapproval.

But he wasn't going to hide it. This wasn't about him, it was about thier people as a whole. "My people won't support that," Bellamy said bluntly. Whatever arrangements she had made with Clarke . . . well, Clarke wasn't there. She hadn't been at Arkadia in months. "Your people had the chance to prove themselves to ours. We had that chance of being united, working together. And with it gone . . . " Bellamy clenched his jaw, trying to keep his words from being too blunt. He had to remain mindful of the fact that she was still Heda. His opinion didn't matter, trumped by their Chancellor, Kane, and even Clarke.

At the same time . . . she was taking the time to speak to him privately about this, and he couldn't dismiss that. He wasn't about to minimize that. "Like you said, your people come first. And we know we're not a part of that." Even if they were part of the coalition, it was trust that was gone. "They won't want to be led by Grounders." By her, but Bellamy knew that the people's bias against Grounders wasn't singular to the Heda. "I don't want war," Bellamy added on. He wasn't a trigger happy warrior who enjoyed killing. "Why won't a treaty be enough?" Wasn't there was a way to just have a treaty, a truce and carry on, rather than be under the leadership of the Commander and be the 13th clan? Surely . . . there had to be another way.