Hey guys, I'm so, SO sorry for the delay. I was sick, and then I had surgery, and then I was sick again. But still, am on the mend now :) So here it is, an extra long chapter to hopefully make up for it.

Thanks as always for the level of support for this story. I love reading your reviews and comments whenever you want to leave them. Here, on Twitter or on Tumblr. Please keep them coming! :) and thanks for the constant follows.

So here we are, follows straight on from Chapter 4. Translations are at the bottom.

Enjoy! :)

Indra's eyes were full of rage and Clarke's weren't much easier. Their chests were heaving and their body language completely confrontational, Lexa regarding them both carefully before she took a long look at her general and then finally turning her attention to Clarke.

She studied her closely for any visible signs of injury and when she came up with nothing she sucked in a breath through clenched teeth and returned her sword to its sheath, casting them both a dangerous, reprimanding glare.

"What is this?" Lexa demanded, her back ramrod straight and her head tilted forward a little, her gaze darting back and forth between them.

"Skaikru laik branwada, Heda," Indra seethed, her tone mirroring her words in their distaste. She didn't understand why they were having to babysit this Skygirl at all. "Osir nou gaf taim en osir nou gaf ai disha veida op.."

Clarke wrenched her eyes from the ground and turned sharply to Indra. "-Insult me all you like."

Indra glared at her.

Clarke narrowed her eyes and took a step toward her. "Yeah I know some of your language. Call me what you want. I'm not just going to stand there and watch a boy get a beating-"

Indra turned abruptly to her Commander. "-She interferes with our culture and expects leniency. Em beda bilaik honon kom taim oso na lan em op."

"Em pleni, Indra," Lexa growled. This was the last thing she needed to be sorting out. She took in the anger in Indra's expression and the level of determination that ghosted across Clarke's face just behind her. It made her sigh, heavily, and she furrowed her brow. "Who is the boy?"

Indra fidgeted as she took a step back, turning away from Lexa a little. She was annoyed as petty squabbles between their people was beneath her title. "Theo," she hissed. "It is for Seth to deal with his second as he sees fit." She glared at Clarke, then, and gritted her teeth. "It is not for this Skygirl to interfere in things she does not understand."

Clarke raised her eyebrows. "He pushed him to the ground and drew his sword," she said quickly as she gestured in front of her with her hands. "Right in front of me."

Lexa shook her head.

"Lexa," Clarke breathed as she took a step closer to the Commander. She lowered her voice. "He was hurting him."

Indra scoffed as she cast her eyes to the roof of the tent. This was very unnecessary, and she knew the Commander would be thinking the same thing.

Clarke stepped toward Indra. "So that's the kind of thing that happens here? Random beatings of children for all to see?"

"Clarke," Lexa said coldly, silencing her instantly. Her tone cut through the atmosphere like a diamond through glass. "Where is Zeek? Jael?" It was one of the reasons Clarke had guards, after all. To ensure misunderstandings like this didn't occur.

"Zeek is with Seth," Indra grunted. "Attempting to appease him after an outsider thought she knew better in how to reprimand his second."

Lexa sighed. That wasn't good. She supposed there was an audience too when Clarke tried to defend Theo from his first. She shook her head, again. This was messy, and then she turned to her general. "Tell Seth I will speak with him later."

Indra equally knew how bad this looked to their people. The conqueror of the Mountain enforcing her way of life on the Trikru. If Clarke was going to continue, where would it end?

Indra pushed out a breath and turned herself to Lexa. "Heda," she began, her voice low. "This mustn't be repeated. Our people will-"

"-Ai get dison in, Indra." Of course she knew. She had ordered Clarke to learn from her guards how to behave within TonDC. This was a clear violation; something none of them needed. She threw a firm look at Indra so there was no room for clarification. "Tell Seth what I ask."

"Sha, Heda."

Clarke looked between the two of them and wasn't sure what was happening. She knew she perhaps shouldn't have interfered, but it was her instinct. It looked like Theo was being hurt by a man twice his size. She couldn't just stand by and let it happen.

"Commander," Clarke beckoned. "I don't understand. Is this the way of things here? Surely whatever he did couldn't warrant that."

Both Lexa and Indra looked at Clarke, their gazes like stone. Their expressions holding back anger. It was odd, coming from Lexa. Clarke hadn't seen fury in her eyes like this since before the Mountain.

Lexa stepped closer to Clarke. "I assume Theo is alive and well?" Her voice was low this time, calm. A complete contradiction to what was going on in her eyes.

Clarke just met her gaze firmly.

"Yes, Commander," Indra answered.

Lexa's jaw flexed, just a little. "Then all is well."

Clarke frowned heavily, but the heaviness in Lexa's eyes kept her quiet.

"Leave us, Indra."

"Yes, Commander." Indra said after a moment, turning quickly and then she left, still annoyed and still angry.

The air between Lexa and Clarke was thick and riddled with tension. Clarke not quite sure why what she had done was so bad, but knowing she was going to have to defend herself for it if only by the look in Lexa's eyes. They looked like she was trying to hold it all in. Rage, maybe. Annoyance, definitely. Disappointment perhaps too?

Clarke swallowed and took a faint step back.

"Are you not learning from your guards, Clarke?" Lexa asked quietly, her gaze unflinching. Her tone even. Firm. "As Dax told you?"

Clarke glared at her in return just as intently. There was nothing else she could do. "It wasn't right, Lexa."

Lexa snarled at her, a little, her lip turning up at its edge. If she was honest she knew something like this would happen, as much as she hoped it wouldn't. Clarke was too firey to just stand back. She was too lenient for their culture. Too soft, even.

She took another step toward Clarke, her voice remaining calm even though everything about her screamed otherwise. "It is not for you to decide what is right. A second answers to their first, no one else." She took another step, her eyes burning into Clarke as if they could rip her apart. "It is up to a first to teach a second in all matters-"

"-That wasn't teaching, Lexa."

"And what do you know of what happened?" Lexa turned away then, her hand flying into the air quite uncharacteristically. Her back was to Clarke and she moved away, not being able to glare at her any longer. "Were you witness to it all?"

Despite herself Clarke felt easier once there was some distance between them. She took in a quiet breath so Lexa wouldn't hear her relief. There was something to the Commander's annoyance that wasn't because of the scuffle outside, but Clarke was feeling the brunt of it in their exchange and it was scary, almost. In this moment Clarke knew she never wanted to feel the weight of Lexa's wrath.

Clarke swallowed warily. "No," she admitted, her fingers playing in her fists at her sides. "I reacted to what I saw."

Lexa rolled her eyes and pushed out an infuriated breath. There was a war coming and here she was chastising Clarke for such an insignificant thing. She looked at the ceiling. She couldn't let ignorance of their ways go without reprimand, though. "I lost count of how many times Anya pushed me to the ground for nothing at all." She turned back to Clarke, then. "It is our way."

Clarke scoffed as her hands found her hips, her teeth biting on her bottom lip. She thought back to when Anya shoved mud into her face and beat her black and blue. But they were enemies, then. Surely that was different.

Lexa stepped toward her again, but left enough space between them so the air wouldn't get heady or too intense. Or so she hoped. "Was Zeek at your side when this behaviour occurred?"

Her tone was softer Clarke noticed, but only marginally. "Yes."

Another step. "Did you seek his counsel, before you acted?"

Clarke just gazed into the empty space between them. She licked her lips. "No."

Lexa sighed and tried to ease the mounting tension she felt but didn't want. She relaxed her shoulders but when she spoke, it was through gritted teeth. "I did not venture into the sky, Clarke. Occupy a piece of your Ark with my people and attempt to enforce the ways of the ground onto those of the sky."

Clarke pushed out a shaky breath and kept her gaze just to the left of Lexa's head. She couldn't look at her. Not right then. Clarke couldn't help the anger she felt, as much as she wanted to. She couldn't help the frustration, nor the pain and when she saw the young grounder in trouble outside she couldn't help but react. She knew the ways of the Trikru were different to hers and she wanted to learn them. She respected them because she respected Lexa and she knew she should've just let Zeek hold her back but something inside her just snapped.

She took another breath, swallowed her pride and looked at Lexa. She met the Commander's gaze but all she felt was anger again. Like there was a ticking bomb inside her chest and it was only a matter of time before it went off. She hated herself for it, if she was honest. She hated the fury she felt that she just couldn't quell, the anger she still felt for Lexa who was only trying to help her. She hated the side of her that wanted to rampage, the side of her that couldn't forgive Lexa and let her just settle into her embrace and breakdown into her shoulder. She knew the Commander would allow it, as well, and that just made it worse.

"Your people are on my land," she heard Lexa say, after a few moments of silence. "Unhindered."

Clarke's gaze narrowed, then. Her expression scrunching up. "Unhindered?"

"Yes."

Clarke scoffed. "You tried to kill us."

Lexa tried to school her reaction as much as she could but it was hard. Clarke was so unpredictable at the moment, and right then Lexa didn't want to hear it. She was tiring of the push and pull, tiring of the back and forth. If Clarke needed a confrontation, Lexa was more than happy to give it to her, right then.

The Commander took a dominant step further toward Clarke. "Do I try now?" she forced. "Do I hunt them? Imprison them for their invasion?" Her eyes were like thunder now, all smouldering greys and deep dark greens. "Tell me, Clarke. Do I demand anything for each blade of grass they trample? The food they take from my forest? The water they drink and bathe in? You tell me, Clarke. Am I the one taking liberties?" Her voice was low, a barely muted growl. "The alliance is over, I owe them nothing."

Lexa turned her back again but Clarke was quick on her heels. "Well whose fault is that?" She knew Lexa was right, but she wasn't about to let her take an inch. Especially when she brought up the end of the alliance. "It could've been beneficial, a two way arrangement."

Lexa stopped walking and turned back around. The stony look on her face unchanged.

Clarke was right up in her personal space. "Goods, skills, technology," she reeled off. "Medicine. You're not the only one with things to offer."

Lexa knew this all too well. She still feared the Sky People's weapons and their technical capabilities. It was only a matter of time before they came up with weaponry such as what the mountain once held, and that's why she needed them onside. It was a main concern of the members of the coalition.

Her only response though was to glare at Clarke, her teeth bared. "I am not interested in what could have been, Clarke."

Clarke looked deeply into Lexa's eyes. She stared past the showmanship, past the bravado. Past the front Lexa was putting on for the sake of this argument and suddenly all she was aware of was her heavy heartbeat. The rush of her blood in her veins.

"So what are you interested in?" Clarke asked, her voice now just as low. Her gaze busy flicking between Lexa's eyes, the eyes that were searching hers just as intently in return.

Lexa felt the moment hit her like a thunder bolt, and she knew Clarke felt it too. It was in the rasp evident in her tone. The way her eyes dropped quickly to her lips. Lexa swallowed and she felt off balance, the heat of their conversation affecting her more than she thought it would. The weight of their words heavy on her chest. Clouding her mind. Right in that moment she felt very un-Commander like, very much like her emotions were controlling her and were telling her to do one thing.

Kiss her.

Lexa breathed out as her eyes in turn, fell to Clarke's lips and all she could focus on was the way in which they curved, just a little, as Clarke adjusted her footing and started to speak again.

"Why are my people still alive if that's how you feel?" Clarke's voice was raspy as her attention flitted between Lexa's eyes and lips and she was certain she saw something in the Commander, then. Something that looked an awful lot like weakness. The same weakness she saw when Lexa kissed her before, but as Clarke licked her lips the moment was just as swiftly gone.

Lexa stepped back and glanced down at the ground. Eagerly taking a moment to pull it all back together. Anya would call her foolish if she could see how she was behaving right then. Nothing like the Commander of twelve clans. Not at all like what was expected of her. Totally absurd that a girl from the sky could make her lose her composure in such a way. She pushed a breath out through her nose and then raised her head, squaring her jaw. Levelling out her gaze.

She looked at Clarke, at her lidded deep blue eyes and then she remembered. She remembered exactly why such a girl could knock her off guard. Every reason hitting her hard in the chest and engulfing her senses so it made her pause and swallow awkwardly. Each reason she knew she would be embarrassed to tell Anya. Embarrassed to tell anyone. Embarrassed to even feel in the first place. But feel them she did.

Lexa blinked several times before responding. "I am not a monster, Clarke." Her voice was softer now, calmer. "I do not look for war at every turn."

"So what then?" Clarke asked quickly, with a small shake of her head and that's how she found herself in this conversation. Talking about the fate of her people. She supposed it was inevitable, and she swallowed back the idea of future wars, of future peace. Future whatever's that may be in store. Perhaps she wasn't meant to be out of it. Perhaps it was preposterous for her to imagine a lengthy time away from the politics of leading her people. Perhaps it was her destiny, after all. And maybe she shouldn't run from it. "What else is there?" she shrugged. "Another alliance?"

Lexa didn't drop her gaze. "Whatever it is," she responded quietly. "It isn't war."

Clarke scoffed again, but it was lighter this time and the corner of her mouth quirked up with it. "So it is another alliance."

Lexa allowed some silence to settle between them and then she raised her brow. "Perhaps."

Clarke sighed. "And you need me for that." It was a statement, not a question. A realisation.

Lexa became wary of where this conversation was going. It wasn't the time, she knew. There was still some distance to go until such a decision was to be made and she honestly didn't want to think about what she needed to do if Clarke refused to help. It made her a little stiffer, and her shoulders went back as if a switch had been flicked inside her.

Her expression became more neutral. More guarded, and her tone evened out. "I will do what is necessary to ensure the safety of my people, Clarke. I assume you would do the same for yours." Again, another statement.

Clarke stepped back as she sensed the change. "Yes," she responded flatly. "But I no longer lead my people."

Lexa breathed in deeply and felt it lift her chest, her hand gripping around the hilt of her dagger. She could see Clarke wasn't going to be amenable about this, and she saw little point in trying to force her into a decision when it was not yet due. She sighed, and let Clarke see her exasperation. "If I have to approach your council without you so be it." She walked over to her water canteen, then, definitely in need of some rehydration. She poured herself a cup. "If you believe that is the best way we can achieve peace."

Clarke rolled her eyes and brought her hand up to rub at her forehead now the Commander's back was to her again. She pushed her fingertips into her skin and let her mind spin, just a little. She knew Lexa approaching her mother about another alliance was definitely not the best road to peace, and of course the Commander knew it as well. Clarke sighed, not being able to think about it now though, as there were far too many other things floating through her head.

She was certain Lexa was keeping something from her. Not maliciously though, but something nonetheless. Something that made her so agitated even before Clarke entered the tent. There was so much tension between them, built up so quickly and she was certain the Commander wanted to kiss her in the heat of it all but Clarke really didn't want to think about how her body responded to that prospect.

She didn't want to think about how it was still responding. All Clarke could think about was how hot she was and how much she needed to get outside and into the fresh air.

"Heda," a voice came from outside the tent.

Lexa turned around and she was once again the picture of composure and Clarke hated her for it. She was hot and bothered and as frustrated as an encounter with Lexa was known to get her.

"Sha?" Lexa responded, her gaze not moving from Clarke.

Zeek walked in and nodded his head to his Commander. "Heda, Indra instructed me to escort Clarke to the festival." He seemed a little awkward, if anything. "It will begin soon."

Clarke was relieved. She had never been more pleased to be under guard.

There was a moment before Lexa spoke. "Good," she said, setting her cup down on the table behind her. "I assume there will not be another incident like before," she stated without hesitation.

"No, Heda," Zeek responded quickly, his chest puffing out and his eyes fixed on his leader. He knew he was in error for not guarding Clarke closely enough, and he knew his punishment would come for it.

Lexa just nodded and then she turned to Clarke. "Clarke?"

Clarke sighed. "No," she replied after a moment, and rather quietly.

"Good." Lexa said with a clench of her jaw. "Enjoy the celebration, Clarke," she finished, and then she turned her back on them both.

Clarke swallowed silently and looked at Zeek who beckoned for her to leave the tent. She did, and didn't look back.

Zeek followed Clarke out of Lexa's tent, his stride easily taking him to her side. She walked quickly amongst the midst of the preparations for the celebration, passed the bonfire that was ready to be lit, around the food stores and cooking stations and down passed the healers hut. She felt the cool air enter her lungs and she was thankful for it, taking in big gulps as she walked purposefully without direction, but away from the swarms of Trikru gathering together for the festivities.

Zeek said nothing. He just shadowed her as she moved with a slight limp that gradually became more visible the longer she walked. Her knees were infuriating her but she refused to stop moving. Finally though, she came to a halt, not altogether far from her tent but far enough away from the torches that they were almost in darkness.

"You were wrong to interfere," Zeek said quietly after he waited for Clarke to catch her breath.

She exhaled as she closed her eyes, her chest calming as her gasps became slighter, the fresh air of TonDC almost like a cleansing. She could smell wood smoke from every direction, and the faint scent of meat cooking with various spices and glazes. It was warming, and the people she had passed were excited for what was to come.

"I know," Clarke sighed, with a shake of her head.

"You question Heda," he carried on, after a few moments of silence.

Clarke didn't respond. She knew she was probably one of the few who did, probably one of the even fewer who could argue with her continually and Lexa would allow it. She opened her eyes and surveyed the darkness in front of her.

"Our ways have been there since the beginning," Zeek began, staring into the darkness as well for a moment. "Heda did not put them there; she is our protector. She enforces the ways of our people and she protects us. Things will not change because you do not understand," and then he turned to her. "Because you refuse to understand."

Clarke turned and expected to find Zeek standing behind her and to her left, but all she found was darkness. She frowned, her response getting lost in her throat. She frowned. "Zeek?"

He was suddenly on her right. "You must not test her."

Clarke jumped, just a little.

"You would not like her angry."

Clarke sighed, again. "I don't try to anger her."

Zeek just stared at her, not believing that for a second. It wasn't his place to have an opinion, though, but he did think Clarke was pushing it a bit. "She is different with you."

That made her stop. "Different?"

"Others have been killed for much less."

Clarke knitted her eyebrows together and turned to face her guard. She wondered what he knew of it. How would he know what they argued about? "And what is it to you?"

Zeek dipped his head. "You have earned much respect. I would not like to see you executed for disobeying Heda."

It took a moment but Clarke smiled a little, at that. She scratched the back of her neck. "Thanks for your concern but, I don't plan on getting executed." She stepped away from him.

Zeek frowned. "It would not be your decision. If Heda wants you dead, you are dead."

She smiled again. "I mean, I do want to understand, Zeek. I want to learn. I respect the Commander very much."

"You do?"

"Of course. I want to know all about your culture." Clarke looked at him, again. "I will be more receptive. Maybe I can learn from you? About your ways? About Heda?" She couldn't be certain, because he was standing a few feet away and both of them were very subtly lit, but Clarke was sure he was smiling. "If you need to hold me back to stop me from doing something stupid, then please do."

"I am certain it won't come to that."

Clarke's breath hitched. She did know herself, after all. "Oh it might."

He stepped closer to her. "It would be my honour to teach you, Wanheda."

Clarke frowned, a bit confused. She had been called many things by members of the Trikru but it was the first time she'd heard that one. "Okay. I'm not sure I want to know what that means."

She thought about her conversation with Lexa and the prospect of another alliance. Her involvement in it, if she would be involved at all. She didn't want to think about it though, not yet. She wasn't ready, but she felt her desire to get involved rumble a little, deep in the pit of her stomach. She shook her head quickly and pushed it back down. Right back down or as far as she could get it.

Zeek smiled, and Clarke saw it in the faint torch light. "It is a good thing."

"Hmm," Clarke considered. She still didn't want to know. The grounders idea of a good thing and hers were entirely different, after all. Well, mostly. She smiled.

"Come," Zeek said as he turned back toward the centre of camp. He held his arm out to her as a gesture for her to walk with him. He could smell the food and he was hungry, as he knew she must be too. He tilted his head toward the all too tempting smell. "Eat."

Clarke stepped toward him before she stopped short, for a moment. That command sounded familiar, to her. She looked at him curiously, right into his eyes as she carried on moving, now somewhat slower, however. She got to him and he turned his head away as they started walking, and at that moment it struck her, her brow rising in recognition.

"Huh," she uttered, her tongue sticking sharply into the side of her teeth.

"What?" Zeek asked, after a moment.

Clarke eyed him carefully. "You were my guard in the cell. The one who gave me food and drink?"

Zeek's pace slowed considerably, all thought of food quickly slipping from his mind. He looked at her, and her eyes were soft but inquisitive. His heart still sank a little, though, and he swallowed heavily. If this got out he'd be done for. He would already have to answer to Jael for allowing Clarke's indiscretion earlier. If he knew what he did for her in the cells too he'd be lucky just to receive a lashing. Worse if the Commander ordered it.

He puffed out his chest though, after a minute or two and accepted that his actions had consequences, and he would face them like the warrior he was. He nodded his head but remained quiet.

Clarke frowned, a little. "Why would you do that?" she asked softly.

Zeek stopped and glanced around, hoping no one would be hearing this conversation. Clarke was stood close to him so he looked down at her, their difference in height never more apparent. "The Mountain," he replied. "My brother walked free after our march to its gate."

Clarke cut her eyes away, looking down at the ground as her throat began to hurt. "Your Commander freed him," she responded a little hoarsely. "Not me."

Zeek looked at her with softer eyes as he shook his head. "My father was taken three summers ago. My uncle went to search for him with three others but none of them returned." He paused and waited for Clarke to return her gaze. "My little brother can grow and not fear the Mountain. Not fear the fog or the reapers. This is because of you, Clarke kom Skaikru."

Clarke looked away again and took a small step back as if that would help her escape the sentiment.

"I did not think you should suffer."

Clarke scoffed, shaking her head.

Zeek carried on regardless. "It was wrong to treat you that way."

Clarke raised an eyebrow. "Do you often disobey your Commander?"

Zeek stood off, at that. His back straightened and he was rudely reminded of the severity of what he had done. "No," he said flatly. "Never."

Clarke smirked at this young warrior who never disobeyed an order, apart from one where she was concerned, it appeared. She wondered if she should feel flattered, or something. She was certainly grateful, and definitely was at the time.

She noticed how nervous her guard was starting to look. "Don't worry," she said. "I won't mention anything about it." She started walking again, albeit slowly.

"I do not fear the consequences."

She rolled her eyes at the very familiar grounder stubbornness.

"I will tell Heda what I have done."

Clarke held out her hand in front of her, palm down. "There's no need. I'm thankful, really," she said as they walked, side by side. "I'm not going to tell anyone. Especially not the Commander."

He regarded her, as she refused to look at him. "I am thankful, too."

She stopped walking and sighed, really not wanting to talk about what she did at the Mountain, again.

Zeek stopped at her side. "All of us," he said, keeping his voice low as they were nearing the centre of camp. "You have saved us all from a lifetime in fear of the Mountain. We are in your debt."

Clarke wasn't comfortable with the way he was looking at her. It was something like awe. Something like utter respect and much more besides and it made her think of Indra, of her words when she was first captured. "Not everyone thinks so," she said quietly.

Zeek nodded. "Some are scared of you," he responded. "Some will not trust you."

"Like Jael."

There was a pause as a few people around them started hurrying and running in the same direction. Away from them and toward were everyone was now gathering for the start of the celebration.

"Yes," Zeek said, a little disappointed now he would have to wait for food.

They both turned their heads as there was a loud bang, followed by more bangs and then several horns.

Clarke looked about her quickly, a little startled but glad of the distraction from their conversation. "What's that?"

"The start of the celebration," Zeek smiled. He grasped her by her forearm and started pulling her. "Come."

It took them a while to reach the centre of camp. Clarke's knees were hurting and the bustle of people all clambering to get along to the same place was intense, to say the least. The mood of camp though was much more upbeat. Clarke had never seen so many grounders smiling. All of them excited and eager to get to where they were going.

As Clarke walked she passed so many food stands. So many fire pits with various meats roasting over them and so many tables full of drinks. There were people with instruments too and Clarke was impressed. The Commander certainly hadn't been lying, there would definitely be music. There were so many people with drums it was untrue, and as they neared the centre of camp it got harder and harder to weave through.

Finally Zeek turned abruptly and pulled her off quickly down an alley. Or rather, more quickly than she had been walking before.

"Zeek," Clarke gasped. "What are you doing?"

"This is a faster way," he said by way of an explanation, and Clarke just let herself be lead. She had been to parties on the Ark of course, but this was something else entirely. She thought if what Lexa told her was true, that this was nothing compared to what happened in Polis then she was certain she had to go there.

Despite herself Clarke couldn't help but smile. She felt better, sort of, and for the first time in what felt like a long time she felt a little bit excited and a little bit free.

Suddenly the rowdiness of the crowds she knew were still gathering just in front of the row of huts and stalls they were now walking behind shushed dramatically, and then she heard Lexa's voice. It made her look to the side even though her view was of course blocked. Lexa's voice was muffled, and she was speaking in Trigedasleng anyway but nevertheless Clarke wanted to hear it. She wanted to see the level of respect she knew Lexa would be commanding, just by her presence let alone by what she was saying.

Zeek upped his pace and the forced movement of Clarke's knees in response made her wince. "We are nearly there," he whispered, as if somehow his words would interrupt the speech.

"That's the Commander, right?" Clarke whispered back.

"Yes," Zeek replied, bringing them to a stop at a crossroads. He looked either way down each path.

"What is she saying?"

"She is announcing the start of the celebration." He seemed to stare down one path longer. "Wait here," he said, before running toward the sound of Lexa's voice.

Clarke had half a mind to follow but for the sake of her knees she thought she'd stay put. She heard Lexa's voice get a little louder, a little more domineering and then the crowd cheered for a moment before settling down again, Lexa's voice being heard once more.

This was one of the times she really wished she knew the language and she considered asking Zeek for lessons. Maybe she would, she thought. What would be the harm?

Zeek came running back down the path and Clarke wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes. The man moved, but his feet made no sound as he ran. His boots hitting the ground complete with small puffs of dirt that flew up in his wake which clearly indicated the weight each step carried, but other than that nothing.

Clarke raised her eyebrows in surprise, her mouth dropping open ever so slightly. No wonder she never heard the damn guy each time he approached her.

He grabbed her wrist again. "Next path," he said, and then pulled her off again.

"Zeek you need to teach me that," she said as she entered the next alleyway after him. It was narrow and very dark so her hands went out to her sides, trailing her fingertips along the wood that lined either side of the path.

"Teach you?" Zeek asked over his shoulder.

"Yes. Walking without sound."

They came out of the alleyway only a few yards from where Lexa was giving her speech. She was on a high platform though and looking away from them, as were her guards as well as Indra and Dax so no one noticed when Zeek actually laughed at Clarke's request. The crowd roared again which drowned him out even more.

Clarke looked at him offended and then swatted him on the arm. "Hey!"

"Oh," Zeek said, stopping his laughter immediately. "You are serious."

Clarke tried to lean into his ear but he was much too tall so he leaned down a little. "Of course I'm serious," she frowned. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Zeek coughed. "Sky People are clumsy with their feet," he said, quietening the end of his sentence as the crowd died down again. "You are easy to hear and to track."

Clarke still glared at him and he looked at her quite seriously as if this was a well known fact. Something easily accepted amongst the Trikru. "So, teach me," she whispered, and then she moved her eyes to Lexa as she began speaking again.

Zeek just smiled and conceded that if he was allowed to, then he would teach her.

"What is she saying?" Clarke asked again, a moment later.

Zeek listened for a few minutes before he began to translate. "Heda is thanking everyone for all they have done. For another successful summer, and for the triumph's we have seen as one people."

Clarke swallowed. No doubt she meant the fate of the Mountain, but she quickly pushed the thought from her mind. There was another cheer but it was short lived as Lexa held up her hand.

"There will be more challenges to come," Zeek went on. "But we will conquer each of them as we have done since the Coalition formed. Let us enjoy what summer has brought, and see that winter is kind to us all. Now we eat, drink and dance until sunrise."

Another cheer, much longer this time and Clarke couldn't help the chuckle that passed her lips. The Commander came down from the platform followed by her generals and her eyes immediately found Clarke, who was still standing with Zeek just to the side. Lexa paused momentarily before she walked over to them.

"Clarke," she greeted with a curt nod.

"Commander." There was still a smile tugging on Clarke's lips. Lexa was very much in regal mode, decked out in full battle dress and war paint. Clarke assumed she delivered all of her speeches in this way.

Lexa cast a glance over Clarke as she always did before she spoke. "I could not find you before my speech."

"No I uhh," Clarke hesitated as she thought about it. "My knees were hurting and it was difficult to get through all the people."

Immediately Lexa's eyes became concerned. They darted to Clarke's knees before they came back up again.

Clarke could see the change and she quickly backtracked. "Nothing serious," she hurried, "It's not that big of a deal." She coughed, a little bit. "I'm fine."

Something in the Commander's eyes seemed to relax at that, and there was a slight shift of her chin in response. "If you are certain."

"I am," Clarke reiterated, her lips forming a tight smile. She still didn't really know how to be around Lexa, especially when they were surrounded by her people even if they weren't paying them any attention. Even Zeek had turned away, casting his eyes over the crowds.

Drum beats had started up and horns were playing. There was rowdiness, but in a good way and the scent in the air was of honeyed meats, burning wood and fruity wines. There was laughter, which was the thing that stood out most of all and Clarke was eager to experience it.

"I want to see this festival," Clarke began again, smiling, when the Commander offered nothing back. "The food smells amazing."

"You will enjoy it, Clarke," Lexa said with the faintest hint of a smile in return. "I am sure of it."

Clarke lowered her voice so she was sure no one else would hear, the smile still on her face. "I thought you said there was no dancing?"

Lexa caught the playfulness in Clarke's tone but her expression hardly changed. All she allowed was for her jaw to relax a little, which she knew Clarke would notice. She assumed Zeek had provided a translation of her speech which she should have anticipated, really. "No, Clarke," Lexa said just as quietly. "I said there was dancing sometimes."

"Oh," Clarke nodded. "Dancing till sun up is sometimes?"

Lexa had to battle the smile from forming this time and Clarke thought it was cute as hell. Lexa looked like she wanted to say something more but instead she just glanced away, and when she looked back her expression was more passive.

"Enjoy the party, Clarke," she said, before breaking eye contact and turning to leave.

"You're not staying?"

Lexa turned and saw the disappointment etched across Clarke's face.

"I thought you liked to observe?"

Lexa nodded, then. "A matter I need to attend to. I will return when it is done."

"Right," Clarke responded, and then watched as Lexa walked away.

There was barely enough time for Clarke to be offended by Lexa walking away from her yet again. Not that she would've been offended, or anything. She wasn't bothered, obviously. She could take the rebuff. What the Commander did was, what the Commander did. Clarke just didn't care.

Nope, not at all.

Before she knew it Zeek turned her around and was walking her into the crowds of people, all cheering and jeering, drinking and eating and shoving each other but apparently in a jovial way. Well, everyone was smiling anyway so Clarke assumed it was in a jovial way. People were talking with each other, laughing, some even whispering when Clarke walked passed them but all she could do was smile at them, and to be fair most of them smiled back.

Clarke really wished she knew what they were saying and again she found herself at a loss. Quite a big disadvantage really, when they could be saying anything at all.

Zeek stopped them at a food table. Something big and, pig like Clarke supposed was roasting on a spit a couple of feet away. It smelled delicious.

"Tu," Zeek said to the man in front of the spit. He then turned to Clarke. "This is my favourite," he smiled, waiting patiently for the server to cut the meat. "You will like it."

Clarke raised her eyebrows. "Well it smells amazing."

The server handed Zeek two chunks of meat sandwiched between what Clarke assumed was bread. It was thin though, and tough, but a good contrast to the juiciness of the meat and the flavours that just leaked out when Clarke's teeth sank into it. She closed her eyes and sighed as she savoured the taste, it was completely unlike anything she had ever tasted before.

For a moment Clarke thought she was in heaven.

Zeek started laughing at her. "See," he said. "It is good."

"Mmmmmmmm," Clarke mumbled around her mouthful, chewing the meat for much longer than necessary in order to enjoy every last ounce of it. Finally she swallowed. "It is."

Zeek started eating as well.

Clarke still couldn't get over it. "Why does it taste so good?"

The server started saying something to Zeek, a smile on his face though and Zeek was eager to reply. Clarke just phased out and concentrated on her food.

"This is Otto." Zeek said after a few moments. "He says he is happy he made you smile."

Clarke smiled a bit wider then, wiping at the corner of her mouth with her knuckle. "Tell him he can make me smile with this food every day."

Zeek translated for her and Otto laughed, if anything looking both proud and slightly embarrassed.

Zeek just smiled at it all, taking in Otto's reply. "He says find him and he will make you any food you wish."

Clarke was a little surprised more than anything at the offer, but she took it graciously nonetheless. "I will," she responded when she found her voice. She looked at Otto, then. "Mochof."

Otto seemed to light up at her words and Zeek said something to him in Trigedasleng that made him squirm a little, before he turned and started handing food to the grounders surrounding his table. Zeek laughed and walked to the other side of Clarke, motioning for them both to leave Otto to his task.

"What did you say to him?" Clarke asked, curious.

"Nothing," Zeek replied quickly, a grin still occupying his face.

Clarke just glared at him as they stopped walking. "Okay, so what is it?"

Zeek stopped too and turned to her, swallowing down the last of his food.

"Not long ago you would barely say two words to me. Now we're laughing and joking?" She shrugged, more than confused. "What's changed?"

Zeek gestured around him. "It is the festival."

Clarke just raised her brow indicating that explained nothing at all.

"It is fun." Zeek tried to explain further. "We are to have fun."

It dawned on Clarke, then. "Ohhh," she sighed. "The Commander told you to show me a good time, is that it?"

Zeek frowned and shook his head. "No," he answered quickly. "No. This music," he went on, "this food. This..." he trailed off as he pointed at a few grounders off to their side who were moving around a little erratically, stamping their feet and moving their arms.

"Dancing?" Clarke tried.

"Yes," Zeek said, a look of confusion still about him though as all he could do was assume that was the right word. "It happens once a year." He stepped closer to her, then. "You are here now, with us. You do what we do so," he gestured again in the space around him. "Enjoy."

Clarke nodded her head. "And tomorrow we go back to half sentences and me walking behind you?"

Zeek tilted his head and took a while to consider his answer. "Only if Jael is with us."

Clarke started to laugh, absolutely no idea if he was being serious or not. She looked around them after a moment, wondering where Jael was. He was usually lurking somewhere, watching.

She frowned. "Where is Jael?"

"He is with the generals."

"And Lexa?"

Zeek looked at her.

She shook her head. "The Commander?"

He looked away and Clarke was certain she could see the tiniest of smiles cross his lips. "I do not know."

Clarke sighed. She had no idea why the grounders didn't ask questions. Why Zeek didn't. It was infuriating. She let them walk in silence for a few minutes more before she had to ask. "Something's going on, isn't it?"

The tiny smile was still there. "I do not know."

Clarke rolled her eyes. "You don't ask?" It was out before she could stop it and she didn't expect an answer. She looked out into the swarms of people all around them. Most of them drinking and the rest of them dancing. Or what she assumed was supposed to be dancing. She swallowed. "I think something is happening," she said quietly, more so to herself than to Zeek.

"It is not my place to ask questions," he said, eventually.

Clarke turned to him. "You don't think you should know?"

Zeek stopped and picked up two cups of what everyone else was drinking from a long wooden bench. He handed one to Clarke and shrugged. "If there is something to know Heda will tell us."

Clarke looked like she was about to protest but Zeek cut her off by tapping his cup against hers. "Drink," he said loudly, and then proceeded to down the contents of his cup.

Clarke just frowned at him and then at her cup having no idea what was inside. She sighed, a little tired, taking a healthy gulp of it and screwing her face up as it hit the back of her throat. She gasped. "Man that's strong."

"It is good," Zeek replied, banging his now empty cup down on the bench.

"Clarke!" Sienna yelled, Clarke hearing her before she saw her due to the crowds of people in front of her. Clarke squinted her eyes as she tried to seek her out.

After a few moments Sienna appeared, panting and a little red faced from her running. "I have been looking for you. Come," she sort of commanded, holding onto Clarke's forearm. "There is a game I want you to play."

She started pulling Clarke away from Zeek but she was kind of reluctant to go. "What game?" she asked, casting a quick glance back in Zeek's direction. He was no help though, just shrugging as he grabbed another drink.

"You will like it," was all Sienna could say, weaving her way through the crowd as Clarke was now moving a lot easier.

Clarke smiled. "Okay, I might need more information than that."

"It is a hunting game."

Clarke started moving slower again. Her face screwing up at the idea of having to hunt. "Ermm, Sienna..."

Sienna rolled her eyes as she squared on Clarke. "Do not worry. You are there for strategy."

Clarke raised her brow. "Strategy?"

Sienna grabbed her arm again and started pulling. "Yes. Distraction. Many of the hunters think you are beautiful. Their attention will be on you, not the game."

Clarke stopped dead, her face all kinds of contorted. "What?"

Sienna just grinned. "See? Good strategy. Come, we are nearly there."

Clarke was a little baffled and overwhelmed by the statement. Nor actually, did she believe it. "You're joking, right?"

Sienna shook her head. "No. No joke. Dash leads the other team. His face will go hot when he sees you."

Clarke really wasn't sure about this. She was starting to feel embarrassed if that was indeed true, but as Sienna pulled her through another large group of people she saw Lexa, stood casually over on the other side of the path. Beyond the food tables and the series of small fire pits. She was observing, her eyes intent as they took in all that was in front of her. Indra was stood on her left, leaning into her Commander as she spoke in her ear.

It seemed to Clarke then, as she resisted Sienna's pulling that perhaps Lexa was avoiding her. Purposefully staying out of her way. Maybe wanting Clarke to enjoy the festival without her influence. It wasn't the first time Clarke had felt it though; Lexa's absence. Perhaps it was on purpose, or perhaps something was happening that Clarke had no knowledge of. Regardless, Lexa wasn't seeking her out at the moment so Clarke let Sienna pull her away. Down another path and around a corner and then they stopped. Sienna finally succeeding in getting Clarke to her destination.

They stood side by side, confronted by two teams of hunters and indeed as soon as they arrived some of them immediately looked at the ground. Some glanced at the sky and turned away awkwardly, and some fidgeted which was most unbecoming of a pack of brave hunters.

Clarke felt uncomfortable but Sienna just grinned, her plan working perfectly.

Sienna nudged Clarke in the ribs, coming up on her toes so she could whisper in Clarke's ear. "See," and she nodded in the direction of whom Clarke could only assume was Dash. A strapping, broad young warrior whose face did indeed all of a sudden seem rather hot. "He is already intimidated."

Clarke coughed and scanned the area for the nearest table of drinks. The sight of one in the far corner making her feel a little easier. "He's not the only one," she mumbled, making Sienna grin all the more.

This was going to be very interesting.

Clarke found Lexa sat half way up the hill to her tent. Not along the main walkway but further over, where the torchlight only just illuminated her, and where she could observe her people who drank and danced and sang just below.

The party was in full swing now, a more evident smile on the Commander's lips and when Clarke sat to her right she didn't turn to acknowledge her, even though she knew she was there.

"So this is the observing?" Clarke asked as she too watched over the people below. She was full from all the food she could possibly eat and a little tired from the dancing imposed on her by various villagers she had never spoken to before, let alone felt she knew well enough to actually be dancing with. She just went with it though as it wasn't entirely unwelcome. Secretly she was also hiding from Sienna and her never ending string of games. It appeared the young warrior was very competitive and had a source of energy that put Clarke to shame. Putting her in a group of other young warriors and it was torturous plus Clarke felt Dash had been suitably embarrassed by Sienna's constant teasing to last a lifetime.

Lexa's eyes were still covered in war paint however her shoulder guard was missing, as was the rest of her armour that covered her chest. Her long coat was unusually open revealing the simple black top she wore underneath and again she was mostly weapon less, aside from the dagger Clarke could see at her hip.

"Yes," Lexa responded, her voice laced with a lot more warmth than before and it made Clarke wonder how long she had been sat there, just watching. Taking in the sight of her people rejoicing; laughing and playing rather than readying for war or rebuilding after the missile strike.

Clarke didn't exactly turn to the Commander but she examined her out of the corner of her eye. She looked softer in the low light, her eyes shining as it flickered. As the shadows danced across her face. She seemed less irritated. Unguarded. Or at least not as guarded as usual.

Clarke followed Lexa's line of sight, her legs bent at the knee up in front of her and her arms gently hugging them. She bit on her bottom lip, thinking about her earlier conversation when Zeek told her about his brother. "You ordered Zeek as my guard on purpose, didn't you?"

Lexa didn't respond. She just took in a breath through her nose and brought her chin up a little.

Clarke looked at her hands. "Someone who lost so much to the Mountain."

There were so many of her people who had suffered the same losses as Zeek. So many of her people she had lost and had failed to keep safe. She knew Zeek would be good for Clarke to be around. He was young and curious. More open to the changes of the world than her older warriors. She had been pleased when Dax assigned him to her.

"It helps," Lexa started, her voice quiet. Soothing as it carried on the wind. "To see the outcome of your actions. The good. Even when the method is sometimes.. not." She licked her lips, then, and angled her head so she could regard both Clarke and her people. "They live. They are happy. They play with their children. It is enough."

Clarke looked at her. "Is it?" she enquired softly.

Lexa thought about it, even though it didn't take much consideration. Her people were not only her purpose, they were all she had. All she lived for. Her face was stoic as she answered. "Yes."

Clarke tried to reconcile that in her head. She didn't think she could ever be as selfless as Lexa was. Or tried to be. She thought she would always crave another. For their lips and their touch. Their arms and the comfort they provided. Clarke suspected that was something everyone would need, in this place.

She just smiled though, and returned her gaze to Lexa's people. "It's a good job you've got a lot of them, then," she said, all of them still bustling at the foot of the hill and as far as the eye could see. Disappearing out and into the darkness.

Lexa turned to Clarke. "So do you," she said. "Your people are many, too."

Clarke swallowed and breathed in deeply, her back straightening as the air hit her lungs. Her eyes glossed over as she thought of them. Of Camp Jaha and she let herself wonder properly, for the first time since being here how they might be. Raven especially. Octavia. Bellamy. Her mother. She blinked harshly a few times, still not knowing whether or not she would see the dead people of the Mountain when she looked each of them in the eye. That the images wouldn't flash through her head as soon as she approached the camp's gates.

It made her shudder.

"Yeah," Clarke gasped, a little. And then she nodded, her forehead frowning. "I know."

Lexa got the message and didn't press the issue. There would be a time for that, she knew. Instead she thought she would change the subject. She put on a smile, the biggest one she had awarded Clarke yet. "Are you enjoying the celebration, Clarke?"

After a moment Clarke chuckled, raising her brow as she dipped her head and scratched above her eyebrow with the side of her thumb. "I am," she replied, appreciating what the Commander was doing. "It's very surprising."

Lexa let herself grin, then. "We do know how to have fun, Clarke."

"I know," Clarke grinned in return. "I just," and then she shook her head. "I don't know." She ran a hand through her hair. "Well I'm just very glad I'm here for it."

The comment sparked something inside Lexa and she felt her chest go warm. The sheer look of happiness on Clarke's face in that moment was one she thought she would never tire of seeing. One she would never stop trying to recreate but then she cast her eyes to the ground ahead of them. Lexa knew it was more than what she could hope to provide for Clarke. She sighed and then looked back out over her people.

Clarke cleared her throat, a little, and thought she'd capitalise on the fact she had enjoyed a couple of cups of wine. Or something close to wine, at least. "So, does that go for you too?"

Lexa felt that sinking feeling in her gut she usually experienced whenever she thought she heard playfulness in Clarke's tone. She raised an eyebrow and kept her face impassive, glancing back at her carefully.

"Do you know how to have fun, too?" and Clarke's lips turned up into a small smirk when she saw Lexa blink hurriedly a few times, obviously trying to process an appropriate response. "Or is that not for Commanders either?"

Lexa fixed Clarke with her gaze, knowing very well when she was being mocked. It happened so little after all, and only by attractive young leaders who fell from the sky. She tightened her expression. "You think that I cannot?"

And just as much in return Clarke knew when Lexa was teasing. She laughed and her chest actually shook a little with it. "No," Clarke replied, leaning into Lexa but stopping short of touching her. "I think that you would not."

Clarke was rewarded by both of the Commanders eyebrows jumping up. She turned back to her people, defiant. "Then perhaps you do not know me as well as you think."

Clarke just looked at her, staring into Lexa's profile and it was a while before she saw the slightest of smiles forming on Lexa's lips. Clarke bit on the inside of her cheek. "So maybe you should show me," she said finally, pushing herself up from the ground.

Lexa glanced up at her.

Clarke dusted her palms off against her thighs. "The Commander's kind of fun."

Lexa looked at her pointedly. "I do not think you are ready for it," she sighed, getting up too and the comment completely surprised Clarke. She looked at her agape but Lexa's face remained as always, rather expressionless. "This way," Lexa said, as she started down the hill.

They walked for what felt like an age and although Clarke could feel the pain in her knees, somewhat masked by the alcohol she had consumed she carried on by Lexa's side.

She watched with enthusiasm as the Commander interacted with her people. As she laughed with her senior warriors, huddled in small groups sharing impossible battle stories. Lexa looked amazingly at ease, a certain freedom she was allowing for herself in these candid moments. It was refreshing but Clarke knew it was the occasion, that the Commander would likely lock this side of her away again once the festival was over.

For the most part Clarke had no idea what most of the warriors were saying. She smiled though, nonetheless, the atmosphere impossible to ignore. Dax arrived after a while, a serious look he shared with Lexa before he slipped easily into the banter and storytelling. Clarke briefly wondered what had wordlessly passed between them but the Commander seemed to just as easily disregard it as soon as she interpreted its meaning.

Clarke caught herself staring at the Commander, caught herself smiling at the ease in her expression. At the excitement in which she shared stories and joined in with the dominant displays of who fought better, of who was both fastest and strongest in some battle or other. At least that was as much of the conversation as Clarke could make out. She picked up some words here and there, and by the gesturing and grunting Clarke could tell they were talking about battle. Dax though, when he appeared and stood next to her started translating more and more for her.

"You are enjoying the celebration?" he asked her, after some spontaneous laughter died down.

"Yes," Clarke grinned, not being able to help herself. Watching as the Commander got caught up in another enthusiastic conversation with the warriors on either side of her.

Dax noticed Clarke staring but chose not to comment on it.

"Is she often like this?" Clarke asked, already knowing the answer but finding the question left her lips rather of its own accord.

Dax looked as well at his Commander. "Recently it has been rare," he answered carefully. "In war it is hard. Her mind is on other things." He turned to Clarke, then, gaining her attention. "But she likes to speak with her people. She likes to know them."

Clarke nodded as she thought about it. "I always kind of thought she would keep at a distance." She frowned, not quite knowing where that belief came from. It was just what she assumed, she supposed. "Separate," she finished, without needing to.

"The Commander is her people," Dax responded, just as flatly as Lexa did when she spoke of her obligation to her people. As if they were lines out of a training handbook or something. Dax stopped himself though, as if he suddenly realised that himself. "But there is a difference," he said, in even more of a hushed tone than before. "She is like this when the situation allows it, but not otherwise." He looked back at the Commander. "Gustus always said to lead well you should not know what you may have to sacrifice."

Clarke felt her heart sink and a lump form heavily in her throat. The smile slipped from her face and her mood drastically shifted. She felt bad, instantly, and not just for how isolating and lonely a life Lexa must know, if indeed that was how she lived but because of the sorrow present in Dax's voice as he said those words. He lost his first, Lexa a trusted general, someone she must have known inside out and it was all because of the alliance. All because Gustus tried to protect Lexa from it. From her.

Clarke cleared her throat, a certain unease rocking through her. She looked to the ground and shifted from foot to foot, a hand finding the back of her neck and pinching at the skin there.

"Clarke," Lexa's voice floated to her over the din. Dax moved away and Clarke's chest lifted a little, but not by much at all. She looked up to find Lexa only a few feet from her staring at her purposefully. She looked like she was going to say something but managed to hold it in and after a few moments she said something else entirely. "Walk with me."

Clarke just swallowed and nodded, trying to rid her chest of the heaviness that was trying to suffocate her. She fell easily into step with Lexa and after only a few yards they were away from the groups of warriors and heading deeper into camp.

"What is wrong?" Lexa asked after a long silence. The air between them wasn't awkward and Lexa was comfortable enough to walk with her hands clasped behind her back rather than with one hand poised on the hilt of her dagger.

"Nothing," Clarke sighed, looking up to the sky. It was clear and filled with stars that sparkled back down on her.

Lexa just raised her chin a little in acknowledgement even though she didn't believe her. They carried on walking, greeting the many people they passed with either a simple nod or occasionally Lexa would stop to engage in conversation. Lexa would try as best she could to involve Clarke in whatever the subject was, and often the Commander's chest would puff out whenever she mentioned the Skaiheda.

Clarke found it charming the first time she did it, and her smile she had to really try to hold back from bursting across her face. As more time passed Dax's comment slipped from its prominent place at the forefront of her mind even though Clarke knew it would resurface soon enough. It was easy though, to get lost in the Commander's dialogue. To get swept up in the stunted conversations they had with the Trikru villagers. To answer questions about the sky from the more curious ones and to blush in the kind of shy way Lexa would translate a compliment about the colour of Clarke's hair. Eventually she lost count of how many times the Commander told her it was like the sun and even though the words hadn't originated with her, it was nice all the same.

Finally the stopping and the conversations died down. The people who wanted to engage with Clarke it seemed dwindled and the few that passed them only acknowledged Lexa with a curt, "Heda," before they carried on to wherever they were going. Clarke didn't mind though. She knew everyone needed time, just like she did.

"Commander," Clarke started, after another period of easy silence. She was still wary of addressing Lexa in the right way within earshot of her people even though it had been a while since they had moved away from the crowds, lingering now as they were along the edge of the firelight. Clarke felt easier, her chest no longer heavy and the smile she noticed refusing to leave her lips. She pulled it to the side in a tight smirk. "Forgive me, but if this is the height of Trikru fun then," and then she raised her eyebrows, "I really need to show you mine."

Lexa turned her head to Clarke, her hands still clasped behind her back as they had been for most of their walk. Clarke was smiling, thick and full at her comment and Lexa allowed her lips to turn up as well, a shade on the side of affection. "I said you were not ready," she responded steadily, her voice low and calm.

Clarke smiled up at the evening sky and suppressed her laugh. Of course, she thought, catching the look in Lexa's eyes and it made her wonder how she would be if she wasn't the Commander. If she didn't need to be this imposing force who brought peace to her lands. Lexa was her people after all. She was the coalition and she carried the weight of this world on her shoulders pretty much singlehandedly. Clarke didn't think she could be much older than her, really, and what a thing to have achieved. Twenty-three-ish Clarke would guess. Definitely no older than twenty-five.

Lexa looked back out ahead of her when Clarke offered nothing further, and it brought Clarke's thoughts back to this moment. She stared at Lexa's profile for a moment. She seemed calm and unworried, and Clarke wondered that if their roles were reversed, whether she would have the same level of composure given that the fate of twelve clans was largely up to her.

Clarke looked at the ground beneath her feet, a seriousness seeming to come out of nowhere. "Something is happening, isn't it?"

Lexa blinked and her pace slowed to an almost stop. She too regarded the ground but several paces ahead of her. She sighed, confident that they were far enough away from listening ears and that no one was lurking in the tree line around them. They were very much alone, and Lexa was very much aware of it. She kept her voice quiet though, nonetheless.

"This is the ground, Clarke. There is always something happening."

Clarke slowed her pace to match the Commander's so they practically weren't walking at all, as if Lexa's desire to continue forwards had ceased and she expected the conversation to do so in its place. Clarke found herself once more staring ahead into the darkness. "But this is something big." She said as she turned to Lexa. "Something that might change things?"

Lexa lifted her chin, her fingers now playing together at the base of her back. Her demeanour was still relaxed and her expression as passive as ever. She considered telling Clarke everything. Of everything that might be but then of course of everything that might not be, as well. At the moment nothing was for certain. Just whispers and probabilities but then Lexa knew her enemy, as much as she wished she did not. She knew the chances of an attack and she knew they were high but at the same time, she knew Clarke was still healing and she wouldn't deny her as many days more of that as she could give her.

Lexa turned to face her; it was just something else Clarke was not yet ready for. She sucked in a deep breath. "Nothing is happening, yet," she said flatly. "So there is no need for you to worry."

Clarke licked her lips, not really feeling any better at that. "But something will?"

Lexa nodded minutely, after a moment. "I will tell you all you need to know, Clarke, when you need to know it."

For some reason Clarke believed that. She believed her, and it surprised her quite a bit. It was odd but in this moment, she wanted to crawl inside the protection Lexa was offering her and stay there for as long as she possibly could. "Promise me."

Lexa thought about asking Clarke whether or not she trusted her, but then she thought better of it. "I promise."

They started walking again, prompted by Lexa's boots rather than Clarke's stinging knees. It was slow though, once more, as if Lexa knew Clarke would be hurting.

"Tell me about the Coalition."

Lexa sighed, again. She regarded Clarke as they kept walking, her eyes wide and sincere. "You wish to know this now?"

"It's a long walk back to the fire pit."

Lexa nodded slowly. It was indeed a long walk, especially at their gentle pace. "Yes," she responded, her attention falling on the path ahead. "It is."

Clarke was curious, and she had a sudden desire to know. "Do the clans all fall behind you, as easy as that?"

Lexa raised her brow, reluctant to talk about politics but she supposed it indicated that Clarke was thinking about such things. Thinking about the future and how their clans could perhaps fit together, and that was definitely something Lexa needed her thinking about. So she relented, now being as good a time as any other.

"No, not as easy as that. But they do. That is what the Coalition is."

Clarke's brow knitted together, her hands moving idly at her sides as she walked. She needed to know this. To understand how it worked and she was curious, more than anything, how Lexa held it all together. "You said you want peace with my people. Would we have to be a part of the Coalition to achieve that?"

Lexa looked sideways at her, seeing easily how Clarke was trying to process it all behind her eyes. Lexa breathed calmly, not wanting the conversation to gain any heat. "Yes," she responded simply.

Clarke sighed and looked ahead, biting on her bottom lip as she did. She wasn't sure how that would happen if she was honest. In fact at the moment it practically seemed impossible. Assuming that her people hadn't suddenly forgiven Lexa, of course. But then she knew her people could hold a grudge, her mother especially.

Clarke shook her head. "And so my people would fall behind you?"

Lexa raised her chin. "As Commander of the Coalition, yes."

"I really can't see the council agreeing to that." She glanced again at Lexa. "You telling us how to live."

Lexa regarded her, too. "Each of the clans have their own leader, Clarke. They live how they live, they govern themselves. The Coalition ensures peace between the clans. Safe passage between them, trading of resources. Skills, medicine, food. Knowledge. Our people are safe to move between villages, to live at another if they wish. I do not tell them how to live. I am not involved in that."

Clarke nodded, starting to understand. "So what are you involved in?"

Lexa considered for a moment how to sum it up. If indeed she could. She tilted her head a little to the side. "I ensure there is peace. In Polis the leaders and I meet to discuss trade, boundaries, any squabbles there may be."

"And you sort them out?"

Lexa's expression smiled although her lips did not. "They are resolved as no one wants war. This works for us all." She straightened as her chest expanded with air. "Detection of threats are also discussed. Any clan threatened has the army of all the others."

Clarke frowned. "And who decides that?"

Lexa raised a brow. "It is given. One clan will be supported by the others."

Clarke stopped walking. "But is it discussed, the prospect of going to war? Who decides if that'll happen?"

"As Commander I make the final decision. In all things."

Clarke was sceptical of that, of each clan leader just blindly following Lexa into war. No objections and no arguing. Her expression screamed it, too.

This time Lexa's lips did curl up. "You think me brutal in my decision making? I listen to my leaders. I make choices that will appease the majority." She became much more serious, then. Her eyes growing intense, the hard line of her jaw clenching. "I forged the Coalition at great cost. I am diligent in how I preserve it."

Clarke nodded. It was what she expected, after all. The ground worked differently to how the Ark was lead. Lexa had the final say, and that was that. She just couldn't see the council buying into it. Least of all her mother. She had to play devil's advocate. She swallowed a little uneasily. "And what if the council won't agree to that?"

Clarke asked it quietly, as if she didn't want to be saying the words and Lexa picked up on it. She knew at heart Clarke lead her people. In her mind Clarke was the only leader of the Skaikru but she knew their politics were different. Ultimately she knew the decision wasn't Clarke's, and therein lay the problem.

Lexa looked at Clarke softly, her eyes once more unguarded and just as captivating as Clarke had seen them a few times, now. It always made Clarke's chest ache, just a little. "They must," Lexa said quietly but firmly. "If they desire peace."

Lexa saw a range of emotions flickering across Clarke's face. They were all conflicting, and all met with a hindrance Lexa knew she had put there. If she hadn't broken the alliance the whole thing would be so much easier. The council perhaps would be more receptive to such a prospect, and Clarke wouldn't be in this position at all.

However as it stood she was, and Lexa refused to waste time on what might have been. She didn't want this conversation to go any further. She still held the upper hand, she still had Clarke, and whatever she had to do should the council refuse she didn't need to think about right then.

Lexa swallowed and carried on walking, Clarke once more falling into step beside her. They were both silent, both pondering what the future held when Sienna came over to them and Lexa was happy for the distraction.

After greeting her Commander appropriately and with a little flushing to her cheeks Sienna was pulling Clarke away again, eager to show her something and Lexa allowed it, a slight smile forming on her lips as she thought the young warrior might be the best way to get Clarke's mind on something else.

Clarke glanced at Lexa as she followed Sienna, or rather was dragged toward the fire pit and a group of other young warriors. More than likely Sienna's peers and sure enough, Dash was there too. Lexa knew Clarke was conflicted, massively so. She still wasn't past the events at the Mountain. Of Lexa's betrayal and Lexa knew the conversation would come. The outburst, the flare of emotion that Clarke needed to get out. She was ready for it, she knew, and she welcomed it. They needed to move forward after all, and she needed Clarke with her, rather than against her.

Lexa sighed, watching as Sienna tried to talk Clarke into a drinking game, or so it seemed. A frown gradually crept across her forehead and she set her shoulders back, her jaw line level as she thought of her upcoming trip to Polis, of the possible descent within her Coalition and she felt the frustration creep into her chest again. She felt her hatred for the Ice Nation, or rather for its leader and all the chaos the Queen could cause to Lexa's carefully constructed peace, now under such threat even with the Mountain defeated and Lexa felt disappointment. Anger. Irritation. Rage. It bubbled, but Lexa knew she would not be defeated, she would not let everything crumble and she clenched her teeth at the prospect. This time the Queen would not know what hit her.

Lexa turned quickly and headed back toward her tent.

"You know," Clarke began as she entered Lexa's tent, watching as the Commander moved around idly toward the back. Her body steeped in darkness. "Sometimes it feels like all you do is turn your back on me."

Lexa sighed. She could hear the smirk in Clarke's tone and she knew she'd probably had more than her fair share of wine. It had been a while since she'd left Clarke with Sienna and Lexa had spent the time thinking over strategy. Looking over maps and weighing up the size of possible armies.

She took the few short steps to her war table and leaned her weight on her palms against the solid oak surface. The playfulness evident in Clarke's voice as was the flash of it in her eyes but it didn't make up for the cut of her words. The implication of them. Honestly Lexa was a little tired of how it was being held against her. Clarke should understand. In fact Lexa knew she did understand, but still she felt the need to torment her with it.

The evening was weighing heavy on her though. The day had been long and all Lexa wanted to do was sleep. "I think it should be you to leave this time, Clarke," she said quietly, her palms still on the table and her head turned to the side. "Go back to the music. Such occasions are rare among my people."

Clarke smiled, the alcohol making her confident. She took several steps further into the tent, the outline of the Commander in the candle light making her glow. Making her edges appear softer than they were. "Well, unlike you, Lexa, I don't feel like leaving you behind."

She meant it lightly, as in if they could laugh about it then maybe it wouldn't hurt as much but Clarke saw Lexa's shoulders slump, a little. Her head dipping forwards as she focused her attention on the tabletop. She sighed heavily, and Clarke could hear it across the tent.

"I'm sorry," Clarke said almost immediately, regretting her words as soon as they passed her lips. She didn't want to lose the easiness between them from their time at the party. She felt close to the Commander, closer than they'd ever been but of course, there was still something. There was still this, the thing Clarke was having trouble letting go of.

Lexa looked up and Clarke could see she was thinking the exact same thing. She was harder all of a sudden. Her posture; her face. Everything. "No," Lexa said flatly. "You are not."

Clarke licked her lips, suddenly very sober. Suddenly frighteningly alert. "You're right," she said slowly. She really wasn't. "I'm not."

They stared at each other for a long moment, both unwilling to relent. Lexa forgot about sleep, forgot about how tired she was. This was it, she thought, there was no more time to be gentle and Lexa really didn't feel like being gentle anyway, not even in the least. She saw the resentment in Clarke's eyes and it was time to make her face it and honestly, Lexa was itching for a fight.

"There is something you wish to say, Clarke, then say it." Lexa said, stripping the annoyance from her tone although she felt it well enough. She started to remove the armour from her forearms, one piece at a time. "It is troubling you. You cannot move forward if your mind remains in the past."

Clarke rolled her eyes. "Not another lesson, Lexa," she sighed. "Please."

Lexa walked to the other side of her tent and placed her wrist guards on the table there. She fiddled with the belt around her waist and unstrapped her dagger, placing that on the table, too. "Is it not my wisdom you crave? My experience-"

Clarke craved more than that from Lexa, and that was the problem. Her desire to want to be near her, close to her and learn from her but hate her simultaneously was the very thing keeping her head in such a mess. Yet she couldn't pull herself away. She could leave TonDC she knew at any time. She wasn't a prisoner but the problem was she didn't want to. She wasn't ready to face the world outside of Lexa's protection. Outside of Lexa's presence but there was a confrontation to be had before anything could move beyond this point, and Clarke felt it coming like a steam train.

"-Maybe I just want to hit you, Lexa," she hissed, "ever thought of that?"

Lexa swallowed calmly, and let Clarke continue.

Clarke took another step forward. "Kick you until you're bruised and battered." She emphasised each word with another small step. "Just like how you left me." She sized the Commander up, from head to toe. "Except my wounds refuse to heal," she whispered.

Lexa could see the raw emotion in Clarke's eyes but she wouldn't be so easily softened. She knew Clarke needed this, and she was more than happy to let her be angry. "You must let them."

If only it were that simple, Clarke thought, rather darkly. "How? You going to stand there and let me hit you?"

Lexa's face remained calm even though she felt anything but. Her lips showing the tiniest flicker at the corners. "That will not erase your pain-"

Clarke knew that and so she scoffed, cutting Lexa off. There were a few men she'd killed in vengeance which brought her absolutely no peace at all. "But it might make me feel better for a moment." She turned away.

Lexa watched as Clarke turned her back and instantly she felt the mood change. She watched as Clarke's frame seemed to collapse in, just a little, her shoulders losing their rugged edge. She became softer, and sad, as she approached the war table and pressed her palms into its edge, her head ducking forwards. It made Lexa swallow heavily but it was the only movement she made, the solemness in the atmosphere between them washing over her.

"You hurt me, Lexa," Clarke whispered, the words carrying across the distance between them and shattering against the Commander's eardrums. Lying heavily on her heart.

"I know," Lexa whispered in return, her anger disappearing as a large crater opened up in her chest.

Clarke turned her head in her direction but she kept her eyes downcast. Her hair falling forwards around her face. "When you walked away from me... When you..."

Lexa steeled herself, a little bit, readying herself for what was to come. She knew it was important, for Clarke to get this off her chest and for them to discuss the implications of the Mountain, both for the good of their relationship and for the future relationship of their people but it didn't mean she relished it. It didn't particularly mean she was ready for the emotions Clarke always stirred inside of her. So easily she was able to disarm the Commander. To strip her of her weapons and dismantle her walls, brick by brick. It was disconcerting, to say the least. There was only one other who was able to do such a thing and she was long since dead, because of her. Because she wasn't able to protect her. Lexa swallowed and it hurt, the emotion suddenly behind her eyes and making them sting.

"...I couldn't," Clarke continued, her words getting a little choked inside her throat. "I had no idea why..."

Lexa took in a breath. "It was becau-"

"-No I know why." Clarke closed her eyes. "I mean..." and then she sighed. "...Not a day before you were kissing me." She swallowed heavily, remembering. "I thought you cared."

Lexa clenched her jaw, frustrated. When would Clarke believe that she did care? She cared a whole lot more than she should and she had no idea how to make this skygirl believe that. "Clarke-"

Clarke turned to her, then. Her face pained and her blue eyes diluted. "You kissed me, Lexa. And then you left." Her voice was breathless now, barely even there at all. "I don't know how you could do that."

Lexa felt her throat go raw, the way it always did when she felt a build up of emotion. She had to blink a few times, too, the sting in them worsening by the second. She swallowed involuntarily and she felt her chest hitch. "It was the best thing for my people, Clarke."

Clarke looked down at the ground beneath her feet. "I know," she said quietly. Of course she did. Although she wished she didn't. She wished she was never in that position to begin with. "But it hurt," she carried on, the nail of her thumb scratching at the skin just above her eyebrow. "And then what I had to do... I needed you, and you were gone."

Lexa refused to feel bad for doing the best thing for her people. It was who she was. It was what she had to do. Take emotions out of it and there was no issue. Only the facts, and that was how the Commander had to live. Only there were emotions, weren't there? A lot of emotions where Clarke was concerned.

Lexa cut her eyes away and snarled internally at herself. "You can only rely on yourself in battle, Clarke-"

"-Bullshit," Clarke retaliated, her attention snapping quickly to Lexa's face. She found the trembling vulnerability retreating from the Commander's expression and it angered Clarke, or upset her. Angered and upset her. She wanted Lexa to feel this just as much as she was. "Is that what you tell the leaders of the other clans?"

Lexa glared at her. Her facade not nearly as strong as it usually was, however. "That is different."

"Why?" Clarke took a step into Lexa's personal space.

Lexa spoke through clenched teeth, watching Clarke closely. "They are members of the Coalition."

"Oh so when you kiss them before battle you mean it?"

Lexa closed her eyes, feeling that one bitterly in her chest. "Nou mou, Klark!" she huffed, bordering on livid, not bothering with a translation. She turned away, tensing every muscle in her body in order to keep her impulse under control. Clarke was provoking her, she was sure of it and she couldn't keep it calm any longer. She couldn't stand that Clarke thought these things of her. Could say these words and actually think they were the truth. It hurt, and as much as she didn't want it to show it did nonetheless. In her anger, in her gestures and absolutely all over her face.

Lexa felt the frustration boil quickly, nothing she was saying having any effect whatsoever. The annoyance hit her. The reactions she assumed Clarke was trying to pull from her and she despised the fact she was letting it all out but so be it. She was human, after all. She wasn't stone, as much as she tried to be.

She spun with a force spurned on by a fire in her gut she hadn't felt for an eternity. There was a thumping in her head and a pounding in her chest. "My affection for you is true," she spat, her eyes opening to find Clarke just as pent up as she was. Just as emotional and just as hot-headed. Glaring at her with just as much longing as there was anger. "Even as you stare at me with hate in your eyes." Lexa let her anger show, then, and she stepped forward hastily. "You think it did not hurt me, to leave you there? To think of you facing that alone? Do you think I did not want to fight at your side? Defend you? Save your people?" Her eyes were wild, but as adamant and earnest as Clarke had ever seen them. "But I could not."

Lexa's shoulders relented a little as she pushed out a breath to try and even out her chest. It was pointless though, as much of a victim she felt to her emotions she was feeling the same at her own words, and they sparked the foreign reactions her body was having to this confrontation. To the way Clarke was looking at her right now. As if finally she was beginning to understand.

"My command over this Coalition and its people, my people, Clarke, is my purpose. It is everything I am." Her tone was a little softer, though each word was just as heated. Just as loaded. She gestured to the ground at her feet. "I could not betray that when my people were freed, as much as I craved to do so." There it was. Out in the open and hovering between them, Lexa's desire to do the exact opposite to what her title required. A confession she knew Clarke wanted to hear but even though it was true it hurt her to admit. She was the Coalition. She was the embodiment of her people yet she was still a person, with selfish needs. She looked at Clarke, met her gaze and peered right into her, her skin flushing with heat as she did. Very selfish needs.

Lexa licked her lips, her voice suddenly much lower. "My wants and desires must come last. My people must always come first. I would not undo that decision, Clarke, as much as it pained me to make it."

Clarke's heart lurched. She went to take a step forward but she stopped herself. It was difficult for her to accept both truths and her mind raced with it. She supposed, really, the alcohol didn't help. Nor was the way Lexa was looking at her. Like she'd tear the world up for her, if only she could. If only she would allow herself to.

Lexa swallowed and Clarke saw the ripple in her throat. She felt like she might get lost in the Commander's eyes with everything she was trying to say with them. With the way they peered right into her and the sadness that just seeped from them. The regret. The longing and when Lexa spoke, it was only a notch above a whisper. "And however much it pains me still."

Clarke gasped. This was the conversation they needed to have. The words were the ones she wanted to hear. More or less. Definitely more, in this moment. She knew she needed to stop being an ass over this. That she needed to get it out of her system because after this was over, this moment once again between them inside Lexa's tent then it would be done. There would be no more words to say, let alone anymore inclination for them to be heard.

Clarke tried to steady her voice and when she looked at Lexa, it was through washed out eyes, her heart pounding heavily against her ribs. The Commander's last few words staying with her, even more so the conviction behind them. It didn't matter though, as much as Clarke wanted to live on that sentiment. How could she believe Lexa wouldn't do it all again? Even with all this that was building between them.

"But I can't trust you," Clarke began slowly, her eyes focusing somewhere at Lexa's shoulder. "If I'm always second guessing whether you're going to betray me."

Lexa took a moment and then felt the exasperation rush through her. It was heavy and hot, and very distracting, her eyes going wide as they shot to the roof of her tent, her lungs sucking in a deep and powerful breath. She couldn't think how to phrase what she wanted to say. She was hardly ever emotional like this and it was making her head spin.

Clarke wouldn't let her turn though, or walk away from her again. She wanted to press her, wanted to try and make her see. So she turned her palm in the air and held it out toward Lexa's chest, not quite touching her, though. Her elbow was bent as she stood right in front of her as Lexa pointedly avoided her gaze. "How can I forgive you?" she asked in a whisper, the lines across her forehead turning to worry. She wanted to, more than anything and she wanted Lexa to tell her how.

Lexa though, was rapidly having enough.

"Again with your sky ways," she growled. Her voice low and rumbling. "This is the ground," she tried to force into her. Her words thick with a rough and ready edge. "Trust is knowing the way of things. The way of the ground." Of knowing the words your first tells you is the truth and never anything else, she wanted to say. Because on the face of it Clarke had been her second. Of sorts. She glared at Clarke as she hardened her tone. "Of the Commander. Of Trikru. You put your trust in these things and that is the way of it."

Clarke swallowed, her heart beating so furiously it almost hurt. Her pulse thumping loudly in her neck. Her words to argue lost somewhere in her throat as she felt Lexa's intent penetrate her. This was more than a lesson, this was Clarke being told but all of a sudden Lexa's eyes softened again, as if she couldn't quite decide whether she should be the Commander, or just Lexa.

"You think I don't deserve such a thing." Lexa cut her eyes away for a moment, recalling something Gustus told her long ago. "Forgiveness isn't about what is deserved, Clarke..." she sighed, trailing off as she tried to calm the frantic movement of her chest and the slight tremble of her hands from the sheer volume of what she felt inside.

Clarke stopped, her eyes going wide as the words echoed in her head. Her tongue came out to soften her lips as her throat went insanely dry. She remembered, something. Something hazy about those words, something that made her chest still and her resolve crumble. It resonated with her, as she watched Lexa struggle to finish her sentence and then something thundered through her.

Clarke knew exactly how to finish that sentence.

Lexa looked out and just to the side of Clarke's head. "Forgiveness is-"

Clarke quickly lunged forward and wrapped an arm around Lexa's shoulder, her other hand finding the back of her neck as she pulled the Commander toward her, crashing their lips together in a heated, frenzied rush.

All Clarke wanted to feel was Lexa's lips on hers. She wanted to feel the press of her body, the touch of her hands. Her breath as it exhaled against her skin and she wasn't disappointed as after a moment she felt the Commander respond. She felt her step against her and she felt her sigh against her lips. She felt her arms wrap around her and her hands press against her lower back holding her so incredibly, and gently close.

She felt the Commanders body relax as any and all pretence evaporated. Any struggle to find the right words to express what she felt just all of a sudden gone and then all there was, was this. Clarke felt it too. A moment of calm as the kiss slowed to the gentle press of lips, once, twice, and then a third time as Lexa held Clarke's top lip between her own, seemingly unwilling to let it go. Seemingly not wanting to end the moment at all. Not even in the least and then it changed.

They kissed again, Lexa tilting her head to the other side and Clarke's hands sliding along to either side of Lexa's jaw, nipping at her bottom lip and exhaling hard, pushing her hips against the Commander's making her step backwards, and Lexa went willingly.

Clarke pushed against her, wanting to get lost here. Wanting to get lost with Lexa, wherever she wanted to take her. It wasn't the alcohol anymore. It was lust. Pure and aching and screaming to be heard. Her chest was pounding and every inch of her felt hot. Her mind so cloudy she no longer knew which way was up but she didn't care. She didn't want to be the Clarke she was before anymore. She wanted to be this one. The one who knew who she was and where she wanted to be. The Commander instilled that in her and she also sparked something, something deep and hidden that in this moment was the very thing that lead her on.

Lexa's back hit something solid and she let out a groan, the feeling of Clarke's body fully melding to hers making her mind go weak. Clarke's hands were everywhere, hungry. Pressing against her jaw and neck. In her hair and gripping onto her braids. Along her shoulders and down her chest. Against her sides and then all over again. Lexa was dizzy, her body crying out for this. For her. For Clarke. She had wanted this since she'd first laid eyes on her and even more since she'd answered her back. No one did that anymore. No one.

Clarke's tongue was in her mouth and Lexa heard her moan, fully, as Lexa pulled their hips together and Clarke was pressed flush against Lexa's thigh. It was maddening, and Lexa's body rushed. Her skin tingled and her stomach turned in on itself at the utter magnetism of it. The power of their attraction overwhelming.

Lexa sucked on Clarke's tongue and couldn't get her close enough. Couldn't feel her warmth enough, the kind of warmth of skin on skin. She released a different kind of growl this time and spun them, grabbing Clarke's thigh as she did and thumping her against the wooden upright of the tent.

Clarke moaned in surprise but it didn't stop her from continuing to devour Lexa's mouth, nor did it stop her from enticing Lexa to roam freely into hers. Feeling the Commander's tongue pass over her lips as she pressed her body hard against her made Clarke's eyes roll back in her head, and she unabashedly squeezed her leg around Lexa's hip to leverage herself up a little, Lexa hoisting her up so they were level. Clarke deliriously trapped between the rigid surface at her back and the rugged softness of Lexa's front.

Lexa pulled her lips away for just a moment, her breathing altogether heavy and her chest heaving with the desire coursing through her. She panted, as she pressed her forehead against Clarke's and took a moment or two to try and find her voice. She had to lick her lips a couple times, and swallow to help clear the lump in her throat.

"Clarke..." she whispered, her voice deliciously shaky and breathless. As much off balance as she had ever, ever been in her entire life. Clarke had turned her into a frenzy, and all she wanted was more.

Clarke just gripped at her harder. Pressed her fingers into the back of the Commander's neck tighter. Moved her head up a little so Lexa's forehead was resting against the bridge of her nose. Clarke felt the tremble, but she wasn't sure if it was the Commander, or if it was her.

Probably both.

Clarke's eyes were shut tight and she shook her head, ever so slightly and when she spoke, her voice was just as breathy. Just as husky, and just as eager. She swallowed, hard. "Just.." she choked, a raging fire within her now. Her chest shaking and her body tense. The heat between her legs overpowering. "..Stop talking."

Translations.

Okay, thanks again to commander-smoulder on tumblr for helping with my translations. I've no idea how you just get the language but still. Maybe I'll get it one day ;)

"Skaikru laik branwada, Heda. Osir nou gaf taim en osir nou gaf ai disha veida op.."

"The Sky People are fools, Commander. We don't have time and we don't have to watch over this intruder.."

"Em beda bilaik honon kom taim oso na lan em op."

"She should stay a prisoner until we can use her."

"Em pleni, Indra."

"Enough, Indra."

"-Ai get dison in, Indra."

"I know this, Indra."

"Sha, Heda."

"Yes, Commander."

"Tu."

"Two."

"Mochof."

"Thank you."

"Nou mou, Klark!"

"No more, Clarke!"