Sand particles slipped through her fingers and considering where she was at this moment mentally, company would be welcomed, if not desperately desired. Though she felt bad about running from her memories, the past, part of her didn't want to remember it either. She didn't want to dwell on it and all the pain the images could bring forth from within. As it was, just a short trip down memory lane and she was already reliving most of the dark abyss and all the horrendous feelings that came along with that agonizing venture. Already, she felt far from the beach, far removed from the island paradise and the sun's warmth. She was back home, watching Lexa die, and with it, any hopes of a possible peace. For Clarke, it was any hope of the love she'd wanted though fought so hard to push away, to deny, to keep up a facade of emotional distance. Somehow she doubted Lexa ever believed the mask she'd wore when she saw her again. Anger was a good thing when it came to hiding everything else, but she knew the former Commander was far to perceptive to buy all of it. Yes, there was the hate, the anger at the other woman for betrayal that led to Clarke making a devastating decision that took many innocent lives in order to save her own people from death, but there was also caring. There was also respect and perhaps, if Clarke dared, a little understanding, too. They were the same that way: they would do anything for their people.
A friendly voice filled her ears, reaching her over the sea salted breeze and pulled her from her melancholy musings. Clarke looked up, a wave of gratuity washing over her, and offered the approaching woman a small smile. If no one had come, just how far down into oblivion would she have allowed herself to venture? Would she have ever been capable of returning from the dark, icy waters? Sometimes, those memories felt so real, so strong, that Clarke found it hard to believe she wasn't still there. She wasn't still living them in someway. It confused her; she clung to this reality, but part of her was at a loss to trust it. How long would this last before she was sent back? Before she was forced to face everything she run from? Her first experience with running should have told her the consequences of any future ideas, but losing Lexa shattered her, like losing Finn did. Like losing her dad. She couldn't face it, them, not yet. Maybe someday she could go back and find the courage to face everything she'd done and everything she'd lost.
"Of course not. Please, sit," Clarke scooted over a bit, giving the brunette a bit more room on the warm sand next to her. She was beautiful with large eyes that held a bit of mystery about them as well as possible mischief? Clarke sensed she was kind, but then again, everyone here was kind to her and so open. She felt bad. She wasn't quite there yet with her own feelings, her own past, but she was trying to be. There people were allowing her to glimpse their true selves and that took courage. They were willing to share this paradise with her and Clarke wasn't going to turn them down at the selfless offer. "I'm Clarke," she offered a hand to the woman.