Hey guys - bet you're surprised huh? ;) I wanted to get this out before Christmas and I've sort of succeeded, just about! I hope you like it - I must warn you I've not read back over it as a complete piece so if it doesn't flow 100% accurately please forgive me. It's not been beta checked either so there will probably be some spelling/grammar mistakes so I apologise if it's not as well written as usual. I would normally never post before at least reading over it myself but it went on for a lot longer than I originally planned at it's gone 1am Christmas morning! I must sleep ;)

I will read over it after the holidays and correct any errors then so please try to ignore them for now :)

Okay - thanks as always for all the feedback, reviews and follows, I love that you guys are still reading and enjoying this story :) please let me know what you think of this one. Just in case you're wondering I will finish this story, it might take me longer than I originally planned but I'm a lot busier now but I won't ever forget about it.

Don't forget flashbacks are in italics and I wish you all a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year :)

Enjoy!

Lexa lay there, enjoying the quiet. Enjoying the peace before the inevitable storm. There was the faint press of boots into mud and the low murmuring of voices that she was accustomed to at night while on the road. The faint crackling of fire and occasional sound of horses; Balius included who would be out there with Comet and the others.

It all registered somewhere in the back of Lexa's mind and it was comforting. Usual and familiar and Lexa breathed it in as she lay there sated and rested and content. Those things however she wasn't quite so familiar with but she knew it could become that way. That in fact she could easily find herself propelled into such luxuries with Clarke pressed in tightly at her chest as she was, also sated and rested and content. Blonde hair fanned out across her shoulder and the pillow next to her, as Clarke had chosen her body rather than the fluffy material to rest her cheek upon.

Clarke's breathing was even, her leg hooked over Lexa's and her arm wrapped casually over Lexa's abdomen and hip. She hadn't moved since they'd cuddled together so Lexa assumed she had fallen asleep which was good, in her opinion, as the next few days would decide everything. Clarke would need her strength so Lexa was more than happy to let her rest, her one arm around Clarke's shoulder and against her back and the other in at her side, her fingers drawing idle patterns against Clarke's wrist and forearm.

It was relaxing, really, more than anything and Lexa could feel it, that old, vague and unfamiliar feeling of finally having the person she wanted. Not just for sex and pleasure which was a different feeling altogether, but instead for moments such as these and the fact that she hadn't had it for so long just made her want it all the more. It was dangerous she knew, and not such a thing the Commander should do, especially not right now but there was something about Clarke that Lexa just couldn't resist. She was beautiful, intelligent, captivating. When Clarke entered a room people took notice, and when she spoke people listened whether they agreed with her or not. She was stubborn, arrogant but also caring, compassionate and such an optimist. She saw possibility where others would not and Lexa loved her for it, as well as everything else. It was pointless to deny it Lexa knew, therefore she had stopped and now she just accepted it. Most importantly though, Clarke made Lexa happy and Lexa knew she could make her happy in return.

Nia however was waging war and Skaikru were not yet her thirteenth clan, and not until Nia was dead and Clarke and her people were officially a part of the Coalition could Lexa rest easy. Clarke could not be hers until then. Lexa could not ensure her safety until then, so before that time Lexa could not give Clarke the things she wanted, including herself, because of course Heda's people had to come first.

It made Lexa shift a little uneasily and Clarke must have felt it because she stirred and all Lexa could do was sigh under her breath. She wasn't doing things the right way at all but with someone such as Clarke laying naked against her, pressing against her in all the rest places and her lips grazing Lexa's collar bone as they were, who was the Commander to resist?

"I can hear you thinking, Lex."

Clarke's sleepy, scratchy voice was definitely something Lexa wanted to hear more of and it made her smile, the corners of her mouth upturning a little as she angled her face down at Clarke's head. "I'm sorry," Lexa whispered after a few moments, her body warming as Clarke moved her hand and gripped possessively at her side. "I thought you were sleeping."

"Mnhmnhmmn," Clarke hummed as she stretched a little, her leg straightening as her foot wrapped tightly around Lexa's before she released it and relaxed again. "Kind of." She burrowed her face in closer to Lexa's neck. "You're comfy," she confessed into her skin.

All Lexa could do was smile wider. "Good," she replied as she pulled Clarke closer with the arm that was against her back.

They returned to silence for a few moments before Clarke stirred again, an eye slowly cracking open. "Do you think we'll win?" she asked, her sleepy state becoming quietly reflective.

Lexa blinked a few times, her chest suddenly feeling much heavier than it was before. Her pattern drawing stopped abruptly against Clarke's arm for a second or two as she contemplated the sudden turn of mood.

"Lex?"

Lexa breathed in deeply as she realised she was holding her breath and she tilted her head to the side to try and glance at Clarke's expression, pointless though it was from the position they were in. The pattern tracing recommenced. "Yes," came the simple answer. "There is nothing else to think."

Clarke brought her hand up and ran her fingertip across the top of Lexa's shoulder, just barely touching her skin. Lexa was always very matter-of-fact when it came to things like this Clarke was realising, and she liked it. She liked how Lexa always seemed so sure of herself, like no matter what happened she would know what to do, rightly or wrongly. Lexa always had a plan and she stuck by it and Clarke admired her for that.

Feeling safe, secure and reassured while curled up in her arms didn't hurt either. Clarke smiled as she sighed and tried to push the impeding war out of her mind. Just as she tried to push everything else out too, like what exactly would happen when what she was doing with Lexa became common knowledge. Luckily enough though when she lay in bed with Lexa it was something she could happily ignore, just like that morning in Polis and Clarke was content to let that happen again now.

What her mother would say to her the next time she saw her was definitely something she didn't want to think about. "After all this is over," Clarke said instead, taking her mind far, far away from the things that troubled her. "We should go somewhere."

Lexa quirked a brow, her fingers moving to thread through Clarke's hair. "Somewhere?" she questioned softly.

"Yeah," Clarke grinned as she lifted her head, her chin resting on Lexa's breastbone. "Away, from here," she continued, her eyes drifting to her fingers that were still dancing on Lexa's shoulder. "Just for a break."

Lexa's other brow quirked. "A break?" She kind of knew what Clarke was suggesting but it wasn't something any of her people ever did. Especially the Commander and her expression screamed it.

Clarke laughed a little at Lexa's astounded expression and she tapped her lightly on the shoulder. Clarke's brow then furrowed at her need for such a thing. "Just you and me, it'll be fun," and then she grinned some more.

Clarke's face was rather adorable and Lexa couldn't help but smile at her. Though as much as the very idea made her automatically want to do it, it was still an absurd concept. "You think once the Ice Queen has fallen there will be nothing to be done?"

Clarke bit on her lip and ducked her head a bit, her fingers pushing a little harder into Lexa's skin. "Well, not right away," she said quietly before she looked back to Lexa with a small pout, her thigh slipping a little higher between the Commander's legs. "When things have settled."

Lexa breathed heavier as a grin broke out across her face. What was developing between her and Clarke was giving her life. She knew she would do anything to protect it.

"Aren't you the Commander?" Clarke pressed, not giving Lexa the chance to respond. "Don't you make the rules?" she added with a smirk as her thigh pressed higher still, her fingers making their way from Lexa's shoulder and down across her breast. "Just us, for a little peace."

Lexa's eyes fluttered closed as Clarke's fingertips reached and began to play with her nipple. "I would take you anywhere," she breathed. "Anywhere you wish to go."

Clarke smiled and it was so full of affection she wasn't quite sure what to do with it. She wondered how long it would be before she stopped being amazed at how soft and sweet and adorable the big, bad, ruthless Commander of the twelve clans could be. It wasn't just in Lexa's eyes how sincere and loving she was, something which Clarke first realised in Lexa's tent the first time she had kissed her. It filtered through into every part of her. From the tone of her voice to the way she touched Clarke. The way she kissed her and the way she practically revered her.

How lucky Costia had been, Clarke considered in that moment, and how lucky she was now to be able to experience it too.

Clarke's contemplation ceased when Lexa opened her eyes and glanced up at her, bathing Clarke once again in the same softness she was just considering. Clarke had to look away, it was almost too overpowering sometimes and so she settled her head back in at Lexa's neck, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of her jaw as she did so. "The ocean," Clarke murmured, attempting again to distract her own thoughts. "I've still not seen it."

Lexa drew in a deep breath and enveloped Clarke in her arms once again, holding her close and resting the side of her jaw against the top of Clarke's head. Her hand returning to get lost in long blonde locks. "Then I will show you."

"Yeah?" Clarke smiled, knowing all along Lexa would.

"I am Heda," Lexa responded with a smile, her voice still soft and velvety. "I do not say what I don't mean."

Clarke just hummed and pressed another kiss to the hollow of Lexa's neck. It seemed as hard as she tried however she couldn't stop thinking about what was happening. Whatever this was with Lexa, the state of things with her mother and her friends. The war to come and what would happen if... she closed her eyes and held onto the Commander a little tighter. It was only yesterday when things seemed so strained with Lexa, when everyone was arguing again and the look her mother gave her just before she walked into Lexa's tent, well... and then Clarke frowned. Perhaps it wasn't the best idea, what she and Lexa were doing. At least not yet, anyway...

Clarke felt Lexa squeeze her a little harder and then she felt her lips press against her head.

"I will show you sand," Lexa began softly, as if she somehow sensed the change in Clarke's thought process. "And teach you about the tide."

Clarke couldn't help but smile. Lexa really did know her, it seemed. "The tide huh?" she pondered.

"Yes."

"Lex I can't swim."

Lexa really did love it when Clarke shortened her name like that. "Then I will teach you."

Clarke immediately liked the sound of that idea, even though the thought of water terrified her. She pressed her lips absently to Lexa's chest. "I'm nervous," she confessed, not being able to get the war out of her mind. "About what will happen."

"I won't let you drown."

It made Clarke chuckle against Lexa's skin. "About the war," she clarified.

Lexa smiled because of course she knew and she squeezed Clarke to let her know. She kissed her head again. "It will be okay, Clarke. It will all be okay." Regardless of her own words Lexa felt an anxious fluttering in her chest. Once again she had too much to lose in this war and she too, was very worried about it.

Clarke snuggled closer. "You have to say that," she mumbled. "You're Heda."

Lexa just held her tighter. "Trust me, Clarke," she whispered, not letting herself feel bad for what she had ordered Dax to do. For what she had discussed with Clarke's mother. It was necessary. "Now sleep." Her heart felt heavy though, regardless of her words and she held onto Clarke as if it was the last time she might be able to, letting her mind drift back over the events of the past two days.

The ride to Camp Jaha was tense to say the least. Clarke was still angry and she rode a way back from the head of the party. Away from Lexa and Dax and instead she rode with the first line of warriors, Zeek closely following her who had barely said three words since their departure, either.

Lexa felt the rebuff but there was little she could do about it. Perhaps when they arrived and Clarke saw her people were safe she would relent but regardless this was unnecessary. Clarke had been agitated throughout the meeting that took place before they left and there was hardly enough time before dawn broke for them to get a decent amount of sleep. Lexa had opted to leave Clarke to her mood and spent time instead readying Polis for her absence.

"Heda," Dax announced from her left. "We need a moment to rest the horses."

Lexa grumbled internally and pushed out a heavy breath. They had been riding nonstop and were in need of a small respite and Lexa became immediately annoyed at letting Clarke distract her.

The Commander pulled on Balius' reins and quickly reared him up, patting him on the neck as soon as he came to a stop. "Hod op!" she shouted, bringing everyone else to a stop, too.

Zeek stopped abruptly and Clarke was a little slow to follow suit, Comet more or less stopping because that's what all the other horses were doing, rather than what her rider was instructing her to do. After a moment or so Clarke tugged on her reigns and brought Comet around, urging her back toward Zeek who was metre or so behind her.

"What's going on?" she asked, when she was close enough to him. "Why have we stopped?"

Even though it wasn't wholly evident in her tone Zeek could tell she was angry, and moreover he could foresee the barrage of questions that would fall from her lips about the decision to stop.

He looked at her squarely. "Yu ste pis, chil yu au."

Clarke rolled her eyes and sighed. She certainly wasn't in the frame of mind to think over her Trigedasleng lessons and translate that one. "I'm not in the mood, Zeek."

He inched his horse forward in an attempt to emphasise his seriousness. Clarke had definitely grown in his affections but her contempt sometimes toward Lexa he couldn't tolerate. "Yu gaf nautal in, den nautal op."

Clarke blinked a few times at Zeek's tone, not fully understanding what he said but assuming it was some kind of a reprimand with the way he was staring at her with his face angled down toward her and his shoulders hunched a little. She was more surprised than anything, and he literally stunned her into silence. Her attention was taken by movement over his shoulder as she saw Lexa moving toward them.

Somehow Zeek seemed to be aware of this fact and he lowered his voice into a whisper. "Do not embarrass Heda before her warriors."

Clarke was surprised once more, his comment making her eyes narrow. "You think I'm as stupid as that?" She knew Zeek was simply reacting to how she had been behaving since leaving Polis but nevertheless she didn't appreciate his words. It wasn't his place and she had to bite her tongue not to inform him so.

Zeek pulled his lips into a thin line and exhaled a hard breath as he softened his demeanour somewhat. "I think you are stubborn," he responded quickly with a quirk of his brow before he glanced over his shoulder to see how close Lexa was. He then turned back to Clarke was a much more familiar expression on his face. "Do not be foolish," he finished as he pulled on his horses reigns and trotted off.

Clarke followed his movement and wasn't quite sure what to make of it but before she could dwell on it Lexa was within a few feet of her, sitting proudly atop Balius with her usual regal air and confidence.

"Clarke," Lexa announced, purely to get her attention.

Clarke turned to face her and sighed in response. "Commander."

Lexa didn't move at all, not even her expression but Clarke could see the way her eyes changed, before they quickly changed back again. Clarke would easily find everything about Lexa in full battle gear, sat proudly on her large, intimidating black warhorse with her sharp, elevated jaw-line all rigid and her war paint so menacing, her deep green eyes as vibrant as they were piercing so utterly, undeniably attractive if she wasn't still so annoyed with her... She sucked in another breath.

Clarke cursed her body for not listening to her brain. She was pretty sure she would find Lexa devastatingly hot no matter the scenario.

"We rest," Lexa stated loudly and rather obviously, ripping Clarke from her treacherous thoughts.

Clarke hardened herself again and became even more annoyed. "We do not need to rest," she asserted, but at least she had lowered her voice so no one else would hear.

Lexa just stared at her. Long and hard and with a steeliness that Clarke wasn't so used to. Not anymore.

Clarke licked her lips and tried again. "The sooner we get to Jaha, the safer they'll be."

Lexa raised her chin further, not by much but it spoke volumes and when she spoke her tone was completely calm. "I will not repeat myself, Clarke."

Clarke definitely wasn't used to this but she was also aware that she was pushing it. With plenty to say but knowing it would do her no good Clarke just sighed and dismounted Comet, turning so that she was looking out at the group of warriors milling around ahead of them.

Lexa remained where she was, her attention as well falling on her warriors. "You still do not trust me." It wasn't a question and although her frame remained hard her tone softened, just a little.

Clarke's eyes fell closed and she all at once seemed to realise that as hard as she found things, Lexa was in the same boat too. In fact it was probably harder for her, somehow. "I do," she confessed before she opened her eyes and turned around, looking up at Lexa who's body language still didn't change.

Lexa instead swept her head around and to the side, blinking a few times as she did and that was how Clarke knew that the Commander wasn't feeling as nonchalant as she looked.

"This will not work, Clarke," Lexa began, her voice now really quiet and the barest of emotion breaking into it. "If you do not."

That hit Clarke head on and her shoulders drooped with it. She stepped a little closer to Balius. "I do, Lexa," she tried to affirm as Lexa gazed down on her softly, but then just as quickly all of her emotion was gone. Clarke tried again. "I do."

Lexa took a sharp breath in. "We shall see," was all she could say as she swept her gaze away and then rode off.

When they arrived at Camp Jaha the gates opened instantly, there four warriors who were leading the caravan entering without so much as a word. Clarke was immediately behind them however when they each stopped their horses just inside the gates, Clarke continued on dismounting Comet in front of Sgt. Miller and a few others.

"Where's my mom?" Clarke asked Miller, not wasting time with pleasantries.

Sgt. Miller's attention was firmly on Lexa and the warriors around her, just outside the gates. He felt a little easier when Kane, Octavia and Bellamy emerged and entered their camp. "Inside," he responded when he looked back at Clarke. "She's waiting for you."

"Good," Clarke nodded. "I need to talk to her." She turned just as Bellamy and Octavia approached her side, Zeek being just behind them, too. She acknowledged him and then directed her gaze at Lexa who was still sitting astride Balius. Lexa nodded her head at her and so Clarke did the same, turning quickly before disappearing inside the Ark.

Just as they were entering however, one of the guards either side of the Ark doors stepped in front of Zeek.

"Not you," he barked, and Zeek immediately went for his sword.

Clarke didn't even think anything of it, so used as she was to Zeek being her shadow. She grabbed at the guards arm. "It's okay," she hurried, gesturing out to Zeek with her other hand. "He's okay."

"He's not coming," Bellamy was quick to add gruffly. "Not on the Ark, and not with that," he said with a nod to Zeek's sword.

Zeek just looked like he wanted to draw his weapon even more but Clarke stepped between them. "Zeek, I'll be fine on the Ark. You don't need to come with me." It wasn't that she agreed with Bellamy, she just knew Zeek would be safer outside the Ark than within it. At least at the moment.

Zeek furrowed his brow at her, quite conflicted with what to do. His duty was to follow Clarke no matter the Skaikru idiot who tried to stand in his way. Zeek snarled his lip a little at the challenge, knowing he could flatten Bellamy in an instant as well as anyone else who dared prevent him carrying out his orders.

Clarke's eyes though, were beseeching. She could see this going downhill fast and they'd only just arrived. She swallowed nervously and felt how much Bellamy took offense as his posture stiffened behind her. She knew she had to say something else before a brawl broke out and she didn't really know what but luckily, Lexa saved her.

"Zeek!" Lexa's authoritative voice rang out, everyone in the near vicinity stopping what they were doing to turn and pay attention. After a moment or so Zeek turned his head to regard her and she met his gaze firmly. "Chil yu daun."

Clarke breathed a sigh of relief as she took a step back purposefully into Bellamy to get him to back off, too. Zeek swept a final glance at Clarke before she went inside the Ark, followed closely by Bellamy who couldn't resist a slight smirk at Zeek before he went inside.

"As soon as she leaves, return to her side," Lexa instructed her young warrior as he took a step away from the Ark. He nodded his head in compliance and then moved to join the rest of his people.

Lexa gazed at the Ark doors through which Clarke just disappeared and minutely licked her lips. She could only imagine the questions that would come at her once she met with Abby but there was nothing Lexa could do to help at that moment. Later Lexa would invite the Skaikru council to discuss the plan for the next few days, possibly even longer than that but until then all she could do was give Clarke the time alone she had requested with her people to prepare discuss their renewed alliance.

She felt Balius becoming restless beneath her and she knew he needed rest and food. "Taim Balius yu reshop," she murmured as she gently patted his neck as Dax, already dismounted from his horse came over to her.

"Heda," he greeted. "We shall set up camp out here?"

Lexa once more cast a glance at the Ark before she looked down at her general. "Yes. With the rest of the army."

He nodded his head and walked back over to their gathered warriors, barking orders at them in trigedasleng to hurry up and set up camp with army that was left to protect Camp Jaha, starting of course with the Commander's tent.

Marcus had been loitering at the gates, questioning the guards on anything significant that had happened in his absence. After watching Dax walk away he took a few purposeful steps over to Lexa, four very intimidating guards of her own sat on their horses just a few feet behind her.

He felt like he was building a rapport of some sort with Lexa but wasn't at all sure about the level that it was at. He cleared his throat a little nervously. "Welcome, once more to Camp Jaha, Commander."

Lexa peered down at him, her expression completely unreadable before the faintest of smiles appeared on her lips. "Mochof, Marcus."

Lexa's attention was taken by the commotion involved in her warriors unravelling tarps, banging tent poles together and being able to converse freely with each other now they weren't focusing completely on the hidden dangers that may be lurking in the forest during their journey. Her gaze then fell on her army just a little further away.

"I see my army has protected your people well," Lexa stated proudly, happy that nothing of note had happened since she was last there.

Marcus glanced at the army too. "Yes, it seems so," he responded pleasantly, and then Lexa looked at him. "Thank you. Your generosity has been deeply appreciated."

Lexa felt like smiling. She wasn't so sure all Skaikru would share his sentiment but she would take it nonetheless. "You are welcome."

Marcus furrowed his brow when he realised what Lexa's warriors were doing. "Commander you know you can stay inside..."

Lexa's brow was quick to quirk up at that.

"...You're most welcome to. There's plenty of room inside, you don't need to set up camp out here."

Somehow Lexa's posture straightens even more at the thought of such a thing. Her back going a little rigid. "I have spent as much time as I wish to inside your metal walls."

Marcus immediately looked affronted and for some reason Lexa felt inclined to soften the blow.

"However I appreciate the invitation," she offered, her expression a little softer and her shoulders not as square. Not by much, though, but she gave herself points for effort at relationship building.

Marcus smiled in response and flicked his eyes to the ground before bringing them up again. "I best get inside so our discussions can start."

Lexa nodded and at a lack of anything else to say she gave Balius' reigns a tug to move him in the direction of their temporary camp. "I will send for your council when I am ready."

Before Marcus could even nod Lexa was moving away with her four guards in tow so he turned and headed for the Ark, ordering for the gates to be closed as he went.

Clarke sighed as she stood there, waiting for Marcus to enter the meeting room so they could recap what they learned in Polis about Azgeda and their impending attack on Lexa and presumably, them as well.

She felt the tension in her shoulders and the stress scratching at her bones. It was always such a rollercoaster, she was realising, and it was only in such moments of quiet such as these that it occurred to her what exactly was happening. The enormity of it, and the enormity of her role. She blinked a few times and tried to shake it away, preferring it when she was too busy to contemplate such things so she swallowed heavily and prayed Marcus would hurry the hell up.

As soon as this was over they could all meet with Lexa and the others. Then the plan could be put into action, the war would begin and then it would be over. Lexa would win, their alliance would hold and then they could all live in peace. Or something similar.

Or so she hoped.

What if Nia won? What if Lexa died...

Clarke blinked like rapid fire and anxiously rubbed her palms against her hips. She fidgeted a little and practically ripped her mind away from such a thought. She had no idea what she would do, and to be honest she was rather surprised at the amount of panic that instilled within her. She was tired, she knew, weary, and the last significant conversation she had with Lexa was an argument.

Clarke decided she needed to speak with Lexa alone before the day was out. She needed to apologise for being so hot headed because they couldn't go running into a war on an argument, not with what they now meant to each other, whatever that was...what if something should happen and-

"Sorry I'm late," Marcus announced as he strode into the room, nodding at his fellow council members. "Just making sure our guests are settled."

"Is that what you call them?" Bellamy interjected flatly.

Clarke rolled her eyes and felt the banging at the base of her skull escalate, she was just thankful Marcus was on her side. She looked up and noticed her mother staring at her, her eyes inquisitive and brow furrowed and it made Clarke nervous so she managed to pull her lips into a thin line in an attempt at a reassuring smile. The last thing she needed was Abby questioning her as well as the plan which Clarke knew she was sure to do.

"Yes," Marcus responded, throwing Bellamy a reprimanding look. "We shall extend them every courtesy."

Clarke folded her arms over her chest. "They can't really be guests on their own land," she pointed out with a sigh, wanting to sideline anyone who might be thinking along the same lines as Bellamy.

Bellamy just scoffed but Marcus was quick to cut him off.

"This isn't what we need to discuss," he said with a hand out in front of him as if to pacify the situation.

"You're right," Abby added loudly, taking a step forward. "So tell us," she began, her eyes sweeping from Marcus to Clarke. "What happened in Polis, and what can we expect from the Ice Nation?"

Marcus sucked in a breath as he too took his eyes to Clarke. "Clarke?" he invited, actively handing her the lead.

Honestly Clarke didn't expect anything less so she pushed out a breath and began to summarise what happened.

There was a thud as two palms slammed down on Raven's workbench which effectively made several small components jump up and drop back down. They took Raven's attention and she stopped what she was doing for a second to watch them, happy that none of them rolled off the bench before she went back to her radio. When no words were forthcoming from the palm slammer Raven finally spoke up, but only once she had put the final few touches to her completed fifth radio.

"Tough day?" she asked with a smirk, already knowing the answer.

Clarke's head dropped between her shoulders and she sighed loudly. "Something like that," she muttered, the banging in her skull no better at all.

"Well this is what happens when you have meetings without me."

Clarke sighed and pushed herself away from the bench, turning around and leaning her weight against it. "You're definitely coming to the meeting with Lexa later," she said as she rubbed her fingertips against her forehead and then added as an afterthought, "Why weren't you at the council meeting?" Clarke turned her head to the side so she could just about see Raven who was sat at the bench behind her.

Raven narrowed her eyes at a setting on her latest radio and then smiled triumphantly when she turned the dial and heard static. "Because someone gave me a couple days to make five new radios and a bomb powerful enough to collapse a valley," she said with a fake scowl. "I'm a genius Clarke but I can't stop time."

Clarke smiled as she turned around. "Oh really? I thought that was in your remit?"

Raven just quirked a brow at her. "It's next on the to-do list."

Clarke grinned and leaned her hip against the bench. "So how are the bomb and the radios?" she asked feeling suddenly a little lighter. "Did you get them done?"

Raven looked at her as if it was an absurd question. "Are you doubting me, Princess?" she asked aghast.

Clarke quickly shook her head. "Not for a second."

"Good," Raven smiled, gesturing to the pile of radios to Clarke's left.

Clarke's expression lit up and she picked one up. "Oh these are excellent."

"I know," Raven acknowledged. "Honestly I was done this morning but nothing could've dragged me to that council meeting."

Clarke flashed her eyes, her headache swiftly returning as she fiddled with the dials on the radio she was holding.

Raven watched Clarke's expression darken and thought she should probably know what she would be walking into later. "So how was it?" she asked as Clarke met her gaze. "Apart from infuriating and loud?"

Clarke sighed as she returned the radio to the bench, her breath taking a while to push by her lips. "Argumentative mostly," she admitted.

"Really?" Raven feigned shock. "You do surprise me." Her grin must have been infectious because a small one broke across Clarke's lips, too.

"I know right," Clarke murmured. "So different from our usual meetings."

Raven bit on her bottom lip. "Bellamy not in favour of fighting the Ice Queen with Lexa?"

Clarke's eyebrows shot up her forehead. "Not even a little bit."

"Did Polis not teach him the joys of a peaceful society?" There was sarcasm in Raven's tone but nonetheless she was exactly right.

Clarke shook her head. "Luckily the decision isn't his but he has influence over people who could cause problems for us."

Raven shrugged a little bit. "Well he does have a point."

Clarke's gaze hardened.

Raven shrugged properly, this time. "I'm sorry Clarke but he does. You know I don't trust Lexa."

Clarke straightened her posture. "You trust the Ice Queen?"

Raven sighed heavily and it took a moment or so for her to answer. "I don't trust any of them."

Clarke let her fingertips drop to the surface of the bench before she pinned Raven with her gaze. "Do you trust me?"

Raven looked up to meet it. "You know I do, Clarke," she responded seriously. "I can just see his point."

Clarke allowed herself to relax a little. "I can see his point too, but we have to start somewhere."

Raven got to her feet. "And Lexa is as good a start as any."

Clarke's brow furrowed. "More than."

After a couple of minutes of silence Raven decided to lighten the mood. "I'm with you, Princess," she declared with a grin. "You don't need to convince me."

It made Clarke smile as well. "Good."

"Is your mom onside?" Raven asked as a sudden afterthought to which Clarke just threw her a disgruntled look. "Ah," Raven breathed before changing the subject. She glanced around her workshop and only just seemed to notice Clarke was alone. "Where's your bodyguard?" She picked up a couple of radios and started to make her away around the side of the bench.

Clarke gathered up the rest of them. "Zeek?" She turned and waited for Raven to come around. "It was decided he should erm, stay outside the Ark. At least for the time being."

Raven seemed to pick up on the details Clarke was leaving out and it made her smirk. "Ahh. Well, it must be weird being constantly followed around by a grounder."

Clarke shrugged. "Honestly I don't mind. I got used to him," she admitted, realising she actually kind of missed him. Raven made it around the side of the bench and they both headed toward the door. "He's actually a great guy."

Raven looked at her with surprise.

"Really," Clarke nodded. "They all are, actually. I got to know some great people in TonDC and there are worse things than having a highly trained warrior ready to fight for you when there are people out there who want to kill you."

"I heard that," Raven acquiesced. "So what's Polis actually like?"

They got to the door and Clarke held it open for Raven to pass through. "Just like I said on the radio, Rae, you'd love it there."

"Well maybe you can take me on a tour once all this is over."

Clarke smiled and she felt her headache start to subside. "I'd love to do that."

"Awesome," Raven said enthusiastically. "Assuming we aren't all dead or anything."

"Raven."

"I assume you are aware of the events in Polis?" Lexa began in a firm voice, expressed directly to the Skaikru in attendance. She held a rigid and authoritative stance at the head of the table, war paint dark and prominent around her eyes. She was in full battle gear although the battle wasn't until tomorrow.

"As much as was necessary," Clarke responded loudly, her voice filling the tent much as Lexa's did. She held Lexa's gaze in the hope that she would realise she didn't mean the attack in the tower, not that Lexa would ever bring that up. Lexa nodded and that for all intents and purposes, was good enough for Clarke.

"Good," Lexa continued, her chin elevated and shoulders pushed back. "I shall be brief but first I shall introduce Luna kom Floukru," Lexa gestured to her right and Luna nodded, all of Skaikru's attention falling on her. "Azizi kom Ingranrona and Kaia kom Trishana. They lead the clans closest to us." She then nodded to Abby and her people across from her. This is Abby, Raven, Bellamy, Octavia and Marcus kom Skaikru. You know Lincoln."

Everyone sort of muttered or nodded their introductions and Lexa quickly moved on. She looked down at the map on the table. "As you are aware, Azgeda advance upon our position and we have learned another group advance here, on our eastern villages." She placed her index finger tip down on the map. "I have already sent warriors to patrol here," she said as she slid her finger just to the east.

"Why?" Bellamy quickly interjected. "I didn't think they were attacking."

Everyone turned to Bellamy and Lexa peered at him from beneath her gaze. "We will not know their intentions for certain until they arrive and I will not leave it to chance." She straightened back up and rested her palm on the butt of her sword at her hip. "A patrol here will discourage any attack."

"And what do we do in the meantime?" Abby asked, her arms across her chest. "Just wait?"

Lexa tipped her head back a little and let out a quiet breath. "Yes," she answered slowly, as if she were instructing a child. "This is strategy." In that moment Lexa thought a child of the coalition would know more about war and strategy than Abby kom skaikru, anyway.

Clarke could see Lexa was already annoyed.

"Why don't we attack?" Bellamy asked with a shrug. "We have the fire power."

Clarke looked at him. "Bellamy..."

"He has a point," Abby continued. "Raven has more than one bomb."

"One bomb will be enough," Lexa cut in, wanting to pull this conversation back to point.

"Will it?" Abby asked.

Lexa clenched her jaw. "For the moment," she responded, and then she raised her voice to make everyone take note of who was in charge. "The bomb will force Azgeda through one location where they are less familiar. It will not deter them but it will slow them and when they engage us," she lowered her voice into a growl, "we will be ready."

There was silence for a moment as they all took in the steeliness and fire in Lexa's demeanour. She was angry, that was for certain and Abby felt uneasy. She knew the Commander could be unpredictable but there wasn't much more she could do about it. Clarke seemed to believe in her and for better or worse, they were all following her.

"And where will you be?" Abby directed at Lexa, interested to know the answer.

Lexa turned her gaze on the Chancellor and her eyes were dark and dangerous, it even made Clarke swallow a little apprehensively. She flashed her teeth in a scowl. "With my army."

Clarke immediately felt uncomfortable and she wished she could have a few moments alone with Lexa. She knew she must have contributed to the Commander's mood after last night and today, but now she seemed more aggravated and on edge than usual. Her first instinct was to comfort her but she knew she couldn't. She wasn't sure if Lexa would welcome her at all after today. She shifted where she stood and took an abstract interest in the map on the table and what was worse, Abby noticed it.

What Abby also noticed was the way Lexa regarded Clarke when Dax started talking, when everyone else's attention was on him and then on the map as he pointed at it. Out of the corner of her eye Abby noticed the two of them alternate between avoiding each other's gazes and pinning each other with them. It was disconcerting, but Abby filed it away for later.

"We will hold two fronts," Dax began, taking the first opportunity to remove the focus from his Heda. "Here and here," he said as he indicated the locations on the map. "I will lead one, Heda the other." He leaned on the table then and glanced up at the others. "We depart at dawn."

"Indra will return to Trigeda shortly with her warriors," Lexa picked up, her tone now a little calmer. She focused her attention on Octavia. "If you wish, Octavia you may join her."

Octavia couldn't hide her surprise. "Yes," she grinned, with absolutely no thought at all. "Mochof, Heda."

Lexa simply blinked and nodded in response.

"Like hell you are," Bellamy intervened angrily.

Octavia rolled her eyes and Lincoln turned to him with a frown.

Bellamy swept his eyes around the table before he lowered his voice and spoke directly to his sister. "You're our people, O. Not theirs."

"It's not your decision, Bell," Clarke snapped at him, "and this isn't the place to discuss it," she added quietly, not wanting them to squabble in front of Lexa and her people.

"It's my choice," Octavia responded loudly. "And I'm going."

Bellamy looked like he was going to argue before Lincoln glared at him. "You are in no position to give orders," he said quietly enough, "especially to your sister."

"You don't give orders, Bellamy," Abby decided to wade in but then Lexa swiftly cut her off.

"That's right," the Commander said and once again her voice echoed around the tent. The way skaikru came to decisions annoyed her beyond words and more to the point it was unnecessary, underneath it all it was Clarke who they followed, anyway. "You will all do well to remember who does give orders and who is in charge." She looked a little angry again. "Dax is the leader of my army and those of you who will fight will need to make themselves known to him."

"That's me, Commander," Kane spoke up, finally finding something to contribute. "I have the names of our soldiers who will fight with you."

That caused the corners of Lexa's lips to upturn, just a little. "Good," she nodded. "You will speak with Dax after this meeting."

"Yes, Commander," Kane responded.

Raven nudged Clarke in the ribs. "What's up with Lexa?" she whispered. It wasn't that she knew the Commander even a little bit but she did seem particularly aggravated for no good reason.

Clarke leaned in closer to her. She knew the reason well enough. "She's worried about Polis," she lied. "Worried about the war." It's not like she could tell her they'd had a row and this was the result.

Raven raised her eyebrows. "You'd think she'd be used to wars by now."

Clarke threw her an unimpressed look. Dax started talking more about strategy and battle lines and what started as a fleeting curiosity Raven was definitely becoming more curious the more Dax spoke.

"Tell me about him," Raven whispered to Clarke, and Clarke did a bit of a double take.

"What?"

"Dax," Raven continued, her eyes flicking down his body. "He's interesting."

Clarke rolled her eyes. "Not now," she hissed, trying to avoid Lexa's gaze throughout Raven's impromptu private conversation. "But he's a good guy, from what I can tell." She thought it best not to mention that he was Gustus' second, the guy who planted poison on her what seemed like an age ago.

"Hmmm," Raven muttered. Good guys weren't what she was after but she had to admit Dax had a hell of a good look about him.

"This radio," Luna started, holding one in her hand as she spoke. "Tell me more about it."

Clarke elbowed Raven who suddenly sprung into life. She glanced at the radio in Luna's hand. "Communication," she responded rather animatedly. "You speak into it and someone who has another miles away can hear and speak to you through it."

Luna nodded at the object, rather impressed. Azizi who was standing next to her also looked interested and nudged her, causing Luna to hand it over.

"I can give you a demo later if you'd like," Raven continued. Dax also looked impressed even though he had seen it before.

"A demonstration would be good," Lexa accepted, her tone now very calm. "Thank you, Raven."

Raven nodded. "Sure."

Lexa still just looked at her.

Clarke nudged Raven once more.

"Uhh you're welcome," Raven rephrased and after a moment, Clarke nudged her again. "Commander," she finished with a sigh and only then Lexa nodded at her.

"Do you have more of these?" Kaia asked, the radio now under inspection in her hands.

"I have some right here," Raven said as she gestured to the pile of radios next to her. "Not enough for everyone but enough so that each unit outlined in the plan can communicate with each other."

This time Dax grinned at her and Raven grinned in return. There was silence as everyone seemed enamoured by this black device and so Clarke seized the opportunity.

"If they work well over the coming few days we can always make more," she offered, looking directly at Lexa. "I think they're something all of the clans would benefit from."

Lexa almost smiled, this time. "I believe so too," she responded fondly.

Raven though was glaring at Clarke. "If, they work?" she scoffed. "Of course they will work."

"If my people had this where they are," Luna started, the radio now back with her and balancing on her palm. "I would be able to hear them speak from here?"

"Yeah," Raven shrugged. "Depending on how far away they are. They do have a limited range."

All of the grounders looked confused.

"Right," Raven said as she scratched at her forehead. "The antenna's communicate with each other," she tried to explain, picking up a radio from the pile and pointing at the antenna. "They have to remain within a certain distance of each other. If one radio goes beyond that then it won't work."

That seemed to do it. Lexa however was nodding in understanding so if someone didn't understand they didn't voice it.

"The range cannot be extended?" Dax asked, and this time Raven smiled at him first.

"Sure it can," she nodded enthusiastically. "However we would need something to boost it."

Confusion swept over their faces again but Lexa quickly got the conversation back on track.

"A subject for another time," she interjected as she held a palm in the air. "These will be most useful, not just for this war but beyond it." She smiled her appreciation at Clarke, "Mochof, Clarke."

"Pro, Heda," Clarke nodded in return.

Raven was just about to say something along the lines of Clarke had nothing to do with the radios when Lexa started talking again.

"Azizi, Luna, Kaia and their warriors will now also depart. Luna's people will set the bomb."

That got Raven's attention. "You might need some help with that. Don't want it misfiring."

Lexa's chin raised a little more. That she hadn't anticipated.

"Raven..." Clarke began to say.

"Not me, obviously," Raven said rolling her eyes. "As much as I would love to. I have a couple of people in mind though who-"

"-I'll do it," Bellamy cut in."

Everyone turned to him.

"What do you know about bombs?" Raven asked as her brow furrowed.

"More than you would think," Bellamy bit back. He turned to Abby who wasn't convinced. "I want to do this. I'll at least accompany whoever Raven recommends."

That sat easier with everyone and for want of cutting off another debate in front of Lexa and her people, Clarke quickly agreed. "Okay," she said in a hurry. Abby just stared at her. "At the very least he knows the terrain around here and I trust him to make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Nothing will go wrong," Luna snapped, looking annoyed at the insinuation.

Lexa pounced on that before it got any worse. "Nothing will," the Commander echoed confidently. "It is decided. Raven will send her second and Bellamy will accompany them." She faced Luna. "You command the team," and then she turned back to Bellamy. "You will succumb to her lead."

Bellamy looked again like he wanted to argue but Clarke grabbed his wrist. "Understood," she said quickly, cutting him off completely.

"Then it is settled," Lexa started again. "You all have your orders; you all know what needs to be done." She glanced at Clarke again and felt the familiar range of emotions sweep through her. It wasn't good to go into battle with things left how they were. They definitely needed to talk before the morning. She glanced around the table and met everyone's eyes, a mixture of fear and nerves colouring most of them. "Those of you moving out I wish you well and I will see you soon. The rest of you get some sleep. The coming days will be long and hard but we will prevail." Lexa puffed her chest out and made her voice as loud and as proud as possible. "Azgeda will fall and we will once again be victorious." It that moment she seemed deadly, and the people around her felt suddenly empowered. "Remember," she began lowly, "Jus drein, jus daun."

The familiar chant began and once more Clarke found herself getting caught up in it the rest of the skaikru however, aside from Lincoln, Octavia and Kane just became nervous.

The chant died down after a few minutes and Lexa regarded them all once again. "Stay alert. When the horn sounds, we gather, for the enemy approaches."

"Sha, Heda," every grounder shouted before everyone started to depart from the tent.

As everyone left Abby hung back and grabbed Clarke's arm, pulling her a little to the side. Clarke scrunched up her face in surprise and after Abby was certain no one would overhear, she pinned her daughter with a warning look.

Clarke had no idea what was going on. "What is it?" she asked quietly, assuming it was something urgent due to her mother's behaviour. When Abby didn't respond right away Clarke swept her gaze worriedly around their now dark surroundings. "Mom," she breathed. "What?"

Abby took half a step back. "Are you going to tell me what's going on?"

Clarke shook her head, blinking a few times in confusion. "What?"

"In there," Abby replied, throwing her chin in the direction of the tent's entrance. Clarke followed her gaze but still looked confused. "With Lexa," Abby clarified.

Clarke's eyebrows then shot up, a little. A sudden stunned feeling overtaking her. "Lexa," she repeated in a whisper, her mind being completely slow to catch on to Abby's meaning. "What uhm," she stuttered, "what about Lexa?"

Abby folded her arms over her chest and pushed out a heavy breath. "You and Lexa," she answered firmly. "I'm not stupid, Clarke."

Clarke's throat quickly went dry and for a moment, all coherent thought vanishing from her. The Ice Nation descending on them at that very second would be a blessing she considered, and she actually prayed for it to happen.

Abby leaned towards her. "Something between you two was going on in there-"

"-Mom," Clarke cut her off, her eyes having fallen closed for a second. When she opened them again she was back on track. "Lexa and I are trying to keep everyone alive." It came out a bit too confrontational but right then Clarke didn't much care.

Abby was less than convinced. She shook her head. "I want to know, Clarke," she pressed.

Clarke sighed dramatically and looked away from her mother. She was done with it, really. It had been a long few days and all she wanted to do was sleep but she needed to speak with Lexa. "What does it matter?" she all but spat out but then she got a hold of herself. "We're working together to-"

"-It matters," Abby began, knowing she had hit a nerve but not altogether sure if she wanted to know the whole truth. It would be... she didn't want to think about it. "Because if something is going on between you two-"

"-All that matters," Clarke cut in, glaring at her mother intently, "is that we win this war. That is all we need to concern ourselves with."

Abby relaxed her shoulders a little and casually raised a single eyebrow. "And then what?" she asked after a good few moments, her tone somewhat calmer.

Clarke wasn't ready for the abrupt change in mood. "What?" she asked again.

Abby just stared at her, realising probably a bit too late that aggressively arguing with her daughter wouldn't get her the answers she wanted. Or didn't want; she still wasn't sure. Ultimately though, she was concerned for Clarke which was what prompted this discussion in the first place. She needed to make sure Clarke knew what she was doing and so when she spoke, her tone was much gentler than before. "Clarke, I'm not blind."

Clarke knew going from confrontational to compassionate in mere seconds was something she got from her mother's side but she was still amazed whenever she did it, now not being any exception at all. She didn't know what to feel, apart from exhausted so in the end she just rolled her eyes as she struggled somewhat to formulate an answer. "We're..." Clarke sighed, not sure really what they were. "Close."

"Close?" Abby repeated quickly.

"Yeah," Clarke sighed again, gesturing with her palms in the air a little. "We're close." She couldn't quite believe she was having this conversation.

"Close how?" Abby pried, her expression screaming many things all at once. Surprise, shock and bewilderment amongst them.

Clarke though wasn't really looking at Abby's expression. She wasn't really looking at her at all. "While I was in TonDC," Clarke began to explain. "We became, closer." She stared at the ground while she thought about how she could categorise it and when she decided she couldn't and once again met her mother's eyes, she quickly knew she should backtrack. Clarke shook her head. "Look we argued in Polis before we left. I wanted to be here sooner but Lexa wanted the meeting with the clan leaders first. That was it." Clarke's tone became rigid. "That's what you were picking up on in there."

Abby didn't believe her for a second. "Clarke..."

"Clarke," came Lexa's familiar curt voice from the entrance of the tent and Clarke had never been so glad to hear it. Moments later she appeared beside them. "May I speak with you?" she asked, not missing the strange look Abby was throwing her.

Clarke was relieved to say the least. "Of course," she replied taking a stride away from her mother and toward the tent.

"Clarke," Abby called to her. "We're not finished here."

"Yes we are," Clarke muttered over her shoulder before she went inside the tent.

Lexa looked curiously from Clarke's retreating form to Abby who was glaring at her with a mix of judgement and fury. Lexa returned the look with a heavy frown as she stared Abby down, wondering what the hell was going on.

After a few moments Abby raised her brow, scoffing out a breath and Lexa could tell she wanted to say something. Desperately even and perhaps if it wasn't for the battle tomorrow she would have.

Lexa lifted her chin. "Chancellor," she said in a rather dismissive tone, indicating that she was about to follow Clarke into her tent.

Abby's gaze narrowed considerable. "Commander," she returned with a hefty amount of venom. Abby then pulled her eyes away and left, the atmosphere in her wake decidedly chilly and uncomfortable.

She knew, Lexa concluded, regardless of what Clarke had or hadn't told her. Or at least she had a good idea but regardless, it was something that would have to be dealt with another day. Lexa turned and entered the tent.

"Was your mother okay?" Lexa asked as soon as she stepped inside.

Clarke was standing rather awkwardly in the centre of the tent. She looked drained and she wasn't sure how much talking she was up for. "Who knows," Clarke sighed, rubbing at the back of her neck. "She's always worried about something."

Lexa just nodded. Clarke clearly didn't want to talk about it so she wasn't about to push her. She a step closer to Clarke. "Are you okay?" she asked, her tone all of a sudden full of care.

It took all of Clarke's resolve not to melt. She didn't want to argue she just wanted a hug, but she had no idea what Lexa wanted to talk about. The day had been full of war planning so surely it wasn't something else to do with that?

Clarke sighed again. "I'm fine," she answered quietly.

Lexa took another step, sizing Clarke up. "You do not look fine, Clarke."

Clarke dropped Lexa's gaze and swept her eyes around the floor. She knew she was stupid for holding a grudge against Lexa earlier and now it seemed like the least of their problems. She felt her shoulders ache and she just couldn't be doing with it anymore. "I'm sorry for before," she offered in a whisper, when her eyes found Lexa's again.

That surprised Lexa and it made her blink a few times. Momentarily she was at a loss for something to say.

Clarke shrugged, trying to rationalise it. "I just get, I don't know. Overprotective, sometimes."

Lexa actually smiled, at that, and Clarke almost looked offended. "I know how you get, Clarke," Lexa whispered, closing the distance between them even more. "It's one of the reasons why..."

Clarke's expression really did melt, that time. Her eyes darted around Lexa's face urging her to continue.

Lexa though stopped in her tracks and instead lifted her hand to caress Clarke's cheek. Her skin was so smooth, Lexa thought, and so very beautiful.

"Why what?" Clarke whispered.

Lexa made herself hold it all in as she pulled Clarke closer to her. "You do not need to be sorry, Clarke."

Clarke understood. Her heart ached a little but it was hard to be disappointed when Lexa was touching her like this. When Lexa was being like this. "I do," Clarke smiled as her hands came to rest on Lexa's hips. She pouted a little. "It's my fault we argued."

"Arguing is inevitable," Lexa admitted as she leaned in and pushed her lips against Clarke's forehead, her fingers getting lost in her blonde hair. She then pulled back again. "But at least we have now."

Her voice was like magic, Clarke considered as she felt the warmth of her tone warm up her insides and just like that everything felt a little better. Clarke pushed up on her toes and pressed their lips together, kissing for the first time in what felt like forever and Clarke knew she was wrong before, she had never been so glad as she was in that very moment.

Lexa felt Clarke's fingers digging into her hips and she was helpless against the sensation that filled her. Starting off in her gut, travelling the length of her spine and exploding in her brain and when Clarke brushed her tongue along Lexa's lower lip she prayed the tingling in her chest would never end.

Clarke opened her mouth and Lexa whimpered into it, holding Clarke impossibly close against her and angling her head as the kiss deepened and intensified three-fold. Clarke moaned too as Lexa's hands trailed down her back and massaged her skin even through her layers of clothes. Clarke was spinning and there was absolutely nothing she wanted to think about for the rest of the night other than the Commander, her wonderful lips, talented fingers and amazing tongue.

"Moba, Heda," said a very awkward and somehow exasperated voice, emanating from the entrance of the tent.

Clarke and Lexa stopped moving at exactly the same time however they remained holding onto each other with their eyes closed for at least a few seconds.

"You sent for me," Dax continued.

Lexa pulled herself out of Clarke's embrace and turned her gaze on her general, sucking in a very deep breath as she composed herself. She couldn't be angry, she had sent for him after all. His timing was just epically spectacular. She was going to have to have a word with him about it, somehow.

"Yes," she responded after a moment or so, her eyes turning on Clarke who was looking a little flushed and more than a little dishevelled. Clarke reached for the back of her neck once more and massaged the skin there with her palm. "I must speak with Dax privately," she informed her as she folded her arms behind her back.

"Oh," Clarke practically choked out. "Then I'll go."

"No," Lexa replied quickly, before Clarke could even take a step. "You may stay," she continued with a smile that reached her eyes. "I will return shortly."

Clarke didn't really know what to say so she simply nodded, watching as Lexa moved passed her and then left the tent, Dax following closely behind.

Clarke sighed loudly as her shoulders drooped noticeably, her fingers working at the knot just at the base of her neck. She wondered if Lexa might rub if for her later and the thought made her smile before a wide grin consumed her face. She was glad Lexa invited her to talk because being with her like this was a blessing, Clarke was slowly learning. No one made her feel as safe as Lexa did and oddly enough, no one made her feel as cared for either. Or as wanted, or as desired. Perhaps even as loved?

Clarke shook her head but the grin remained fixed in place as she walked herself slowly around the tent, taking note of all the things she never had the time for before. She ran her fingers over the side tables, touched her bed and her throne and the massive war table that took up most of the space. She gaze at Lexa's weapons, at her spare boots and even took a quick glance inside the closet, running a few of the garments hanging there through her fingers.

Clarke couldn't think beyond tomorrow. She wanted to but couldn't allow herself. She was too tired to think extensively about it but dreaming of a life on the other side of a war was too painful. The good thing though was that Lexa was inspiring it in her. Lexa made Clarke want to think and dream about it so should they both survive this war, then maybe for the first time in perhaps even forever Clarke could begin to plan a life and actually be happy.

She sat down on Lexa's bed and laughed at herself. So this was optimism? This was happiness, perhaps?

It was a dangerous thing and not even a few hours ago she and Lexa were glaring at each other across that very war table but that was relationships, right?

Clarke laughed again. So she was in a relationship, now? She shook her head.

Dangerous things indeed so she cleared her throat, got to her feet and told herself to wait. The war had to be over. The Ice Nation sorted out, her mother... well God knew but Clarke just couldn't get carried away. Lexa would be back soon and they could get lost in each other like it might be their last night to live.

Clarke rolled her eyes that time and shut her mind off, going back to Lexa's closet to find something a little more comfortable to wear.

"Are you certain, Heda?" Dax wasn't sure and although it meant questioning his leader, he did it anyway. "She will resist."

Lexa turned away from her general a little and set her jaw, her hands coming together firmly in front of her. "My mind is made up," she said quietly and rather dangerously.

Dax swallowed and because Lexa wasn't looking he let his shoulders droop. He nodded, convincing himself it was the right thing to do.

"It is the only option," Lexa then said, her voice however not as confident as before.

"Yes, Heda," Dax replied after a moment, understanding completely. He turned and managed a few strides away before Lexa called him back.

"Dax."

He spun quickly and raised his brow in question.

Lexa was now facing him, her expression oddly unguarded. A few seconds passed before she lifted her chin and breathed in sharply. "Do not fail me in this."

Dax mirrored her posture and puffed his chest out, a little. "I will not, Heda," he responded confidently, holding her gaze until she nodded her head just once, dismissing him.

As he moved away and into the darkness Lexa watched after him for a long few minutes, adding up various things in her mind. She knew she was supposing too much, second guessing things that she shouldn't so with one long, final exhale she made herself take her own advise. Events in battle were liable to change and there was nothing more they could do. Everything was planned and she needed rest. Clarke needed rest and so Lexa turned quickly, walking purposefully back to her tent.

When Lexa entered she only got a few steps inside before she stopped, her breath catching in her throat when she saw Clarke just beyond the drape that separated the two areas of the tent, her coat and shirt now off and instead she was wearing one of Lexa's loose, long over-shirts. Clarke then stopped at the bed and pulled the covers back a little before she turned and sat on it, bending over to remove her boots.

It was then she noticed Lexa so she smiled by way of a greeting. "Hey," she said in a low voice, "all orders delivered?"

Lexa couldn't help but blink a few times, struck by such a sense of domesticity she so wasn't expecting that words almost vanished from her. She cleared her throat quietly before she turned away. "Yes," she answered as she gazed at the floor, walking over to the side table where she would usually keep her wrist guards.

Clarke frowned as she shrugged off her boots. "Are you okay?"

Lexa's light armour came off followed by her coat. "Yes," she said again, feeling both bad and good at the same time. Lexa found it quite disconcerting so she shook herself out of it, turning to look at Clarke but she couldn't hold her gaze for long. "I am just anxious for the battle."

Clarke's brow shot up at that. Lexa was hardly the anxious type, or at least someone who would show and admit it. She decided it was best to try and lighten the mood as they had been at odds for a while and the last thing they needed was to talk about the coming war. Clarke bit at the inside of her cheek. "The mighty Commander," she began in a teasing tone with a heavy smirk set on her face, "of twelve clans, feeling anxious?"

Lexa raised her eyes from the ground and met Clarke's mischievous eyes.

Clarke then pulled her bottom lip through her teeth. "Surely not."

Lexa couldn't help but let the smile show on her lips. She did what she was practised at and sealed her concerns away, wanting nothing more than to forget everything for the rest of the night. Everything aside from Clarke, of course. She liberated her top from her pants as she made her way over to the bed, letting it hang loosely over her hips as she sat next to Clarke. "It does happen," she informed her, and Clarke 'hmmm'd' in response. "Sometimes," she finished as she too took off her boots, kicking them away and to one side. She glanced at Clarke and her smile grew wider. "Not often," she added quickly, and it made Clarke chuckle a little.

"Of course," Clarke replied, glad that Lexa was now bantering with her. She stared at her for a moment, the Commander, sitting there casually with her, smiling and partially undressed. It was almost like some kind of tentative third or fourth date and now they were back at Lexa's, wondering about who would make the first move. Clarke nudged Lexa's shoulder with her own. "Did I ever make you anxious?" she asked a little seductively.

Lexa glanced sideways at Clarke and immediately thought she was still wearing far too many clothes. "Always," she responded as a smirk captured her lips. It was perhaps an exaggeration but Clarke had always made her feel something, even on the day they first met.

Clarke chuckled again. "I find that hard to believe." This time she kept her shoulder and upper arm in contact with Lexa's.

Lexa tilted her head to the side and then back again. "Perhaps not.. anxious," she admitted and then pretended to think about it.

Clarke clicked her tongue. "See?"

Lexa turned on the bed so her body was open to Clarke's and Clarke did the same in response. Lexa bit on her bottom lip and cast her eyes to the roof of the tent. "Breathless perhaps," she smirked, her eyes then coming down to meet Clarke's.

The grin nearly fell off Clarke's face as she laughed.

"Dizzy," Lexa continued, very happy that she was making Clarke happy in that moment. She inched closer to her on the bed.

Clarke's head was tipped back a little and when her eyes found out green her hands automatically fell to Lexa's thighs. "Smooth, Commander," she said, her voice now deep and scratchy. Lexa was only inches away and it was easy for Clarke's eyes to drop to her lips. "Very smooth," she murmured before she closed the remaining distance.

Clarke's lips breathed life into her. They lit her up, sent a soaring heat cascading through her and it made her pause for a second, made her picture the worst possible thing that could happen over the next few days. She blinked and swallowed hard, her eyes dropping to the smallest of gaps between them.

"What's wrong?" Clarke whispered, her hand squeezing at Lexa's upper arm.

Lexa shook her head. Made herself hard as she met Clarke's gentle and loving gaze, pushing the snapshot of Costia's head at her bedside out of her mind as quickly as she possibly could. It wouldn't happen again, Lexa told herself, there wasn't a chance and she forced herself to smile at her new love, at her adoring expression and questioning eyes.

"Nothing," Lexa whispered, the smile slowly spreading across her face. "I just..." she started before she trailed off again, feeling suddenly altogether too vulnerable.

Clarke squeezed her arm again. "What?"

Lexa pushed out a long breath before she reached up and brushed a few of Clarke's loose bangs behind her ear. "You are beautiful," she whispered, and that's about all she could manage.

Clarke weighed it up for a moment, she knew there was something more, a lot more but again she wasn't about to push so instead she just grinned. "Charmer," she murmured, as she leaned her forehead against Lexa's. They stayed like that for a peaceful few moments before Clarke spoke again. "Should we sleep?" she asked, not minding in the least if they just held each other that night.

Lexa considered it for a moment before she smirked widely and then the sorrow was gone from her eyes. "Afterwards," she mumbled, her nose nudging gently against Clarke's just before their lips met again.

This time it was pure heat. It was as if sparks were flying off them as they moved together, Lexa's hands wrapping around Clarke's back and Clarke's moving over Lexa's shoulders and into her hair.

Clarke tugged on her braids so she would come closer and Lexa pulled Clarke's body against her so hard in any other circumstance it might hurt, but this wasn't any other circumstance. This was an explosion of want and need as well as a display of everything they meant to each other without having to vocalise it. Tomorrow there would be war therefore tonight could be the last time they would ever be like this so they weren't about to waste a second of it.

Lexa pushed Clarke down onto the bed and quickly removing her pants and underwear so the only thing she was left with was Lexa's oversized shirt. Lexa admired it for a moment as it clung to Clarke's curves before she rid herself of her own top and then descended upon Clarke's body, both touching and kissing every inch of pale skin she could get too.

Clarke arched her back and threw her head back, her weight resting back on her elbows as she let Lexa explore her. She felt needy and desperate but she didn't care at all. The way Lexa was touching her proved she was every bit as desperate so Clarke let herself moan and squirm beneath Lexa's roaming hands, lips and tongue and let herself feel every single sensation that rippled through her. She felt hot everywhere and as Lexa moved up her body, pushing her top up as she went it only took a few minutes before Clarke had enough of the barrier and removed the shirt herself.

Lexa was fixated on Clarke's breasts as soon as they were revealed. She paused for a moment and licked her lips, her eyes dilating almost to black as she felt the inexplicable heat in her gut grow and expand out in all directions. Lexa was breathless and her chest was heaving. She wanted Clarke all at once, wanted her skin sweating and her lips screaming as she worshipped her with her tongue. Lexa's mind was swimming with it, with everything she wanted to do and it was just making her wetter by the second.

All of a sudden Lexa was kissing and sucking at Clarke's nipples, her hands caressing her sides and hips and then her lips were at Clarke's neck, sucking even harder at the skin there and leaving blotchy red marks in their wake.

"Lexa, please," Clarke managed to breath out, her mind finding it more than difficult to form words. She reached up and grabbed at either side of Lexa's face. "I need you," she panted, and that was all Lexa needed.

She nodded fervently and kissed her passionately, her tongue sweeping inside Clarke's mouth and she couldn't help the moan that rumbled through her throat.

All of a sudden Lexa was gone and Clarke would've been confused if she didn't in the next moment feel Lexa's lips against her navel. Clarke gasped at the knowledge of what was to come and her mind was already recalling what Lexa's tongue felt like inside of her. It was driving her insane and she was just about to plead when she felt it, her groan ripping out and filling the expanse of the tent as Lexa's tongue swept through her wetness, lapped at her clit a few times before it was inside massaging her walls.

Clarke's mind was jelly and she had no idea what she was saying other than "yes," "there," and, "harder," deftly on repeat as her hands dug into Lexa's braids to keep her exactly where she wanted her.

Lexa loved how Clarke tasted. She couldn't get enough and now was absolutely no exception. She wanted to stay there all night, buried deep between Clarke's legs and have her scream out her name as she was until the sun came up and the world would begin again.

"Lex," Clarke breathed and she tugged on her hair, trying her best to get her attention. Her heart was thudding, her mind was numb and by the way her body was contracting she knew it wouldn't be long before she came, long and hard and she wanted to bury her face in Lexa's neck as she did. She pulled on Lexa's hair again. "Lex, please..."

Lexa stopped immediately, looking up at Clarke who had the most amazing expression of pleasure on her face that all she wanted to do was go back to what she was doing.

"Here," Clarke urged her. "Come here."

Lexa swallowed and placed a kiss just below her belly button, not being able to resist slowly sliding her tongue along Clarke's clit just twice before she complied and kissed her way back up her body. If Clarke's moan was anything to go by she didn't at all mind.

"I want you here," Clarke murmured when Lexa started kissing along her jaw, her arms wrapping loosely and rather bonelessly around her shoulders. "But take these off," she finished with a grin, reaching down with one hand and tugging at Lexa's pants.

Lexa smiled and jumped up, ridding herself of the offending material and Clarke enjoyed the view of her naked Lexa as she sauntered on all fours over her for a moment or so.

"Is this better?" Lexa asked as she reached down and kissed the skin below Clarke's ear, tugging on her earlobe with her teeth.

The sensation shot down Clarke's side and made her jerk a little in response. "Mmmm," Clarke hummed before her hands ran over Lexa's shoulders again and pulled her flush against her body. "Much," she whispered, and then Lexa kissed her passionately again, the fire back in an instant and when Lexa's bare thigh pressed between Clarke's legs she thought she might explode.

Clarke moaned into the darkness and Lexa couldn't help but do the same but into the heat of Clarke's neck. She was so exceptionally wet herself and the feeling of her wetness coating Clarke's thigh was making her heart lurch in her chest, the softness of Clarke's skin pressing against her clit making her whole body judder and shake. She was embarrassingly close but she didn't care, all she was bothered about was giving Clarke the night of her life.

"Fuck yes," Clarke groaned. "Harder," she breathed hotly into Lexa's ear. "More."

Lexa obeyed and moved her hand down between their bodies, gliding over her skin that was now moist and slick. She paused at Clarke's clit and teased it a little, Clarke heaving out a muffled grunt as she bit hard on her bottom lip.

"Fuck Lexa," she moaned, digging her fingers into Lexa's back. "Get inside me."

Honestly Lexa nearly came then but she managed to hold it together, pushing herself away a little from Clarke's thigh otherwise she definitely wouldn't be able to last. Lexa swallowed dryly as she sucked at the column of Clarke's neck, peppering her skin with kisses and licks before she would lather it with attention again but then she pushed two fingers deeply into Clarke's warmth and Clarke was so overwrought her moan came out as a strangled gasp.

Lexa was on the edge. Clarke felt so good and warm and soft that her brain couldn't decipher it. Lexa was hot and she was gasping and she had never littered someone's skin with as many trigedasleng profanities as she was right then. Suddenly Lexa's breathing became laboured and she couldn't hold herself up anymore, her clit once more flush against Clarke's thigh and Clarke was adamant in holding her body rigidly against her own. Lexa couldn't really move but in all honestly she didn't want to.

"Jok," Lexa choked out, so close to coming as she was that she started repeating it over and over and as Clarke buried her face into her shoulder, Lexa knew she was close to it too. Her body was going rigid as her limbs started shaking.

"Yes, Lex, yes!" Clarke exclaimed, Lexa's fingers pumping within her so quickly and hitting that spot as she curled them forwards each time was pushing her body to its limit. She was about to come so she pushed her fingertips into Lexa's skin harder and wrapped her free leg around her hip tighter and hung on for dear life as her body froze, the sensations running through her like wildfire and her nerve endings erupting and sparking like they might never stop.

Lexa felt it and as Clarke screamed her name into her neck she thrust her thigh upwards, rubbing Lexa's clit to the side and then the Commander fell apart too. Her body shaking above Clarke's as they both breathed and gasped and collapsed into each other's embrace.

Minutes passed, God knows how many but Lexa felt limp but deliciously sated and there was no way she wanted to move. Clarke was snuggled into her, her breathing now returned to normal and she just caressed Lexa's back soothingly, both of them in the same position as when they came.

Eventually though Lexa had to move, if they fell asleep like that she feared she might crush Clarke and so she made a move to roll off and to her side. Clarke though had other ideas. She grumbled unhappily and just held on tighter.

It made Lexa laugh and for the first time in a good long while she lifted her head from the crook of Clarke's neck. "Clarke," she murmured softly. "We cannot sleep like this."

"Why?" Clarke pouted.

Lexa kissed her nose. "Because I am heavy."

Clarke grinned then, not able to stop how she was feeling from showing on her face. "You're not so bad."

"Hmm," Lexa considered. "I would prefer not to take the risk."

Clarke just sighed and then loosened her grip, allowing Lexa to roll to her side and cuddle up to Clarke's shoulder. Clarke grinned even wider and pulled Lexa's arm around her. "That was fantastic," she exhaled happily, running her fingertips along Lexa's forearm.

"Mochof," Lexa responded, prompting Clarke to nudge her quite heavily.

Lexa laughed a little. "You were also fantastic," she sighed, leaning up to land a kiss on Clarke's cheek. Before she could move back though Clarke turned her head and kissed her properly. Slowly and sensually and languidly.

When they parted they both grinned warmly and then Lexa slowly settled back in at Clarke's shoulder.

It was difficult not to think about the possibilities of tomorrow that would ruin the moment they were both lost in but try as she might, Lexa couldn't quite shake it. She pushed out a breath and felt Clarke snuggle in closer to her.

"It'll be okay, won't it?" Clarke asked quietly, but Lexa could tell she was pretty much already half asleep.

Lexa considered it for a moment and pressed her lips gently against Clarke's shoulder. "Of course," she murmured but she was right. Clarke was definitely already asleep.

Lexa was slowly trailing her fingers across Clarke's arm, still busy contemplating but at least her brain was a little sleepy. She was certain she was about to fall asleep when suddenly a horn sounded and Lexa was quickly very awake. She shot up to a sitting position in bed, her eyes now wide and alert.

After a moment Clarke sat up too, her hair totally mused and her eyes still sleepy. "What was that?" she asked as she rubbed her knuckles against her eyes.

"The horn," Lexa answered a little stiffly, and then she turned to Clarke. "Azgeda approaches."

Clarke was suddenly very awake too and she swallowed harshly. "This is it, then," she said quietly, and all Lexa could do was nod.

The Commander sucked in a deep breath and then leaned forwards, kissing Clarke chastely and firmly before she pulled back, running her thumb a few times over Clarke's cheekbone where her palm was resting against the side of her jaw reassuringly. "We must move," she said softly as she nodded and then got out of bed, leaving Clarke there to watch her for a second or two before she got up and prepared for battle too.

Translations.

"Skaikru."

"Sky People."

"Azgeda."

"Ice Nation."

"Hod op!"

"Stop!"

"Yu ste pis, chil yu au."

"You are too abrasive. Settle yourself."

"Yu gaf nautal in, den nautal op."

"You wish to learn, so learn."

(Note: I've made 'nautal' up. As in, 'know it all' for 'learn').

"Chil yu daun."

"Stand down."

"Taim Balius yu reshop."

"Soon Balius you will rest well."

"Mochof, Marcus."

"Thank you, Marcus."

"Luna kom Floukru. Azizi kom Ingranrona and Kaia kom Trishana."

Luna of the Boat People. Azizi of the Plains Riders and Kaia of the Glowing Forest."

"Jus drein, jus daun."

"Blood must have blood."

"Moba, Heda."

"My apologies, Commander."

"Pro, Heda."

"You're welcome, Commander."

"Sha, Heda."

"Yes, Commander."

"Jok."

"Fuck."