Chapter 4

'I am glad' Lexa says after a long silence. ' I enjoyed kissing you.'

The smirk on her lips shatters the Heda's mask, leaving Lexa standing. It is the first time Clarke sees that expression on this face, and she is once again gratefull for this new layer revealed. A playfull Lexa. Who knew ? She finally moves from the wall to join Clarke on the bed, sitting next to each other. Clarke tilts her head toward the ceiling.

'I enjoyed it too.' She smirks then. 'A lot.' She chances a pick to the Commander and is rewarded by slightly blushing cheeks.

'Was i kissing the real you, Klarke ?'

Lexa's tone is so very rich with banter, a mock concern painting her voice, that Clarke is compelled to go for it. She nudges Lexa's side with her elbow. 'What do you think ?'

They stare at each other then, giggling and blushing, and it is all very lovely. Clarke realises that, since awaking in this room, there was no surviving going on, just living. Living in the now.

'So...' she says after they calm. 'What is this room ?'

'It is yours if you wish it to be. We are in my house.'

'Is that why you are dressed so … casually ?'

'Yes'

Ah, the Grounder's response. It makes her smile. She doesn't miss the invitation though.

'I can stay here then ? 'Cause, even if spring is settling the nights are frisky. I am so glad i was cozy in a cave with plenty of dry wood and fire during winter. Lovely snow, by the way.'

She sends the compliment with a wink, as if the snowing was Lexa's doing. It earns her an other chukle. She loves to make Lexa laugh, it is her new favorit thing, for now anyway, on a Ground where everything moves constantly. Adapting.

'What brings you out of this cozy cave you seem to miss, Klarke ?'

Well, that is a two answers question.

'To be honest i'm gonna start by : i was thinking about you more and more. After my meditations for the past two weeks, i kept on... feeling you, i guess. It was like a pull, like it was time. I had analysed myself all winter long and i felt like i was reborn. There was this thrill inside me, pushing me to move, to go out, to explore and to thrive. Everytime i felt it i could sense your presence. It was very disturbing. I mean, i already made my peace with our past, but i never once before thought about meeting you again. It wasn't something i was planning on.'

She has started meditating about twelve weeks ago, and each time she had came to the conclusion that there was the voice of the mind, calculating, planning, rationnalising, and there was an other voice, underneath, quietly strong. She had told Linkon about it, and he had smile. An actual smile. He said he had been waiting for her to discover it by herself, then he explained what he could about this inner voice, the voice of the heart, instinct, intuition. Highlighting.

'Yet here you are.'

Lexa's tilt of the head and the obvious curiosity in her fascinating eyes urge her to talk.

'Right. Here i am. And like i said, i enjoyed kissing you. I intent to kiss you again, just so you know.' She stares at Lexa's lips. ' I like to be with you, Lexa. Right now, for me, being with you is a great way to live my first spring on Earth.'

Lexa fully smiles at that. Clarke wants to move forward, closer again...

'What made you decide to come ? Had did you know how to find me ?'

It is time for the second answer now.

Clarke wriggles on the bed, uncrosses her legs, stands and starts pacing on the floor. Immediately she realises her behavior and stops in her tracks, mind racing.

'Okay. Okay' she mutters for herself, eyes scanning all around. Her nerves itch, her blood pulses, but she needs to play it cool, to keep her composture. It is the only way.

'Okay'

Her eyes land on the bed. That's it.

'Klarke'

Her frantic movements make the Commander worry. Not good. No, no, no. Clarke erases the distance in three steps, blocking Lexa from getting up. With a small smile she reaches out, one hand on her cheek, the other sneaking on her neck, gently scratching the hair there. Her gaze is sure, envelopping, caring.

'It's okay' she says, leaning. Their lips brush, and she can sense Lexa's concern holds at bay, waiting. She will not have to wait long. Not for this, it is too important.

Clarke doesn't push, keeping their mouths brushing, a ghost of touch. 'Would you lay down with me ?' Lexa's concern increase. In response, Clarke presses their forheads. 'Beja ?'

It is so important, they cannot let the Ground wait any longer. Somehow Lexa senses it. It is not about their bubble, not this time. The vibe Clarke is sending is serious, so very serious, Lexa nods and they adjust to lay down. They take the time to take their boots off but their weapons stay on. The Heda's mask is back on her face but the concern remains in her eyes, waiting. Clarke goes first, back to the wall she makes place for Lexa to lay on her back beside her. Once Lexa settles, Clarke moulds her body flush at her right side, snuggling as much as she can. Her right leg is hocked on Lexa's right tigh, her left arm tucks under her head while her right is set accross the Commander's stomach. Last, Clarke burries her face in dark locks, brushing her nose to an earshell. She breaths once, twice. On the third breath she shuts her eyes, lips to the ear.

' We're being watch. ' She can feel Lexa's strong muscles stiff a little. Clarke brushes her thumb on the pouch of skin between shirt and belt, wordlessly asking her to relax.

' Five days ago, someone came to me. A man, i don't know from what tribe. He was alone, but i know they are many. He told me he came because i am Wanheda.'

She sighs. Lexa's arm move then. She dislodges her right arm from her side and places it behind Clarke's head, her hand encercling shoulder in a protective embrace.

'He said a lot of people fear my powers, and respect me. I am apparently a legend, the one who destroyed the Mountain. He seeked my fame, and, i guessed, my technology. The moment he told me of his plan i knew i had to play along of i'd be dead in a second. He wasn't about to let any witness live to tell. The stakes are too high.'

She swallows. She is here to deliver her message, to warn Lexa of the threat, and that's it. She doesn't have to get involved, she doesn't want to get involved and she knows Lexa would never ask her to. She'll stay somewhere safe, with trusted guards until the new war which is about to come is over. She can do that. Deliver the warning. That's it.

' They want me to murder you. '

Lexa doesn't flinch at this. Her only reaction is to bring her other hand on Clarke's hair and start gentle strokes. Well, that wasn't so hard.

'Who ?' Heda's voice is even, and Clarke realises that it mustn't be the first attempt the Commander's of the Twelve fricking clans is hearing of. The Grounder's history and politics must be so complicated... Or not. Maybe it was all war, war, and a little bit of war on the side. Freaking Grounders. Jus drein jus daun. Gha. With a mojo like this it wouldn't be surprising. Maybe it would stop when no one else is around to claim revenge. The last man standing. At least that's what is must had been, before the unification of the clans. Clarke can't even imagine the amount of will, brutal strengh and patience is must had required from Lexa. She remembers all too well the clans's meeting while they where planning the attack to Mont Weather, big barbarian muscles screaming at each other, incapable of … Wait a minute.

' Doesn't all Grounder's warriors practice meditation ?'

She knows her question must appears out of topic, and it probably is. Lexa rolls with it.

' No. There are warriors who prefer brutality, hatred, torture. They enjoy fighting, hurting, killing. They are sadistic and they are very proud of it. Those cannot practice meditation, it is beyond their reach. They are committed to darkness and chaos, not enlightment. As Heda i try to keep a watchfull eye on them, and i try to decide who becomes general, clan leader. I chose those who appear to have some mastering over their own self, but there are times when i cannot choose myself because of the traditions of each clan. The unifiation is young, it is very difficult for me to interfere in clan's inner system without it generating drama. It is a slow process.'

'So how do you keep them in lign ?'

'Fear. Respect. Abundance. Those a the keys that i remind very frequently to them. One day it will be camaraderie. Not today.'

'What do you mean ?'

'Heda is a vicious strategist, a skilled warrior with an ancient spirit giving her powers beyond those of humankind. She crushes her enemies. There are many legends about me, Klarke, about my battles, both on the field and on the war meeting. I have kill plenty. I have punish every single one person who dared talk to me or about me with the slightest of disrespect, sometimes cutting tong or removing eyes. I have defeat many men and women who dared challenge my autority in single battle in front of all their clan. Some were quick, showing my undeniable superiority and speed, some were drawn out, each cut, each bruise upon their body put on display for anyone who thought about defying me next. Not one of them has ever lend a mark on me, because Heda it untouchable. Those were the necessities, and still are, to remind them. And last, there is abundance. Since the union of clans trade flourishes. It is good for each people, they grow healthy and they are starting to comprehend the feeling that is peace. When you do not have to be worried all the time, when you can truly relax. They are learning, Klarke, but it takes time.'

'And reminder.'

'Sha. And reminder.'

'You do that with all of the clans ?'

'Only those i know the least. Trikru is my people, Indra is their general, their leader. I know all of them since childhood. Floukru was Costia's people, i know them very well also. Sankru are nomads, they leave in the desert, they are few and respecfull. They seek peace and stay away from politics. Farkru is neighbour to Trikru, our people have strong friendship. For those clans, there is a camaraderie established which do not requieres fear. But even for them a reminder is to be done, a softer one. Each spring and each fall i ride with choseen warriors and visits each of the clans. On summer they all come to me for meetings of festivals, it does not matter the subject as long as they come.'

'And they are reminded.' Clarke finishes. She feels Lexa smiling. When she doesn't say more she takes that as her cue to go back to the topic. With a brush of her nose, the inhale Lexa' scent before lanching.

'So. The man who came to me is named Lohan. That's what he told me anyway. I don't know of what clan. Do you know all the clans ? There must be other clans, from other lands, other continents even.'

'What clothing was he wearing ?'

Lexa is way more centered than Clarke, she is like a jedi master where Clarke is a little padawan. Jake loved to watch those movies from old Earth. She imagines Lexa with a lightsaber on her hand, the picture is disturbing, and yet endearing. She wonders what would be the color of her saber. Red perhaps ? To go with the sash.

Focus, Clarke.

Okay, so, she doesn't master her mind yet.

'He didn't have a mask, nor war paint. He was wearing some fabric pants, dark green, a leather belt with a lot of pounches on it. Huh... A whip was on it also, with a dagger, the length of my forearm. There was some red stone on the hilt of the blade, which didn't have sheath, it was on a leather lop on the belt. His shirt was simple fabric too, long sleeves, dark, a brun almost black, old. All of his stuff seemed old, but well taken care of. Oh, what surprised me were his shoes. It was like little cute things, in thin leather, more like a second skin than a heavy boot. I think the sole of it was made of woven dry herbs, maybe ? Sewed to the leather skin, which didn't go high. The shoe stopped before the ankle, when he had a bracelet. Each ankle had it's own, the same, with a pendant on it. He had a lot of jewellery, all very colorfull. On his ankles, wrists, neck, his hair – which was short, uneven, and didn't have any braids – even on his belt. I wonder why is that, he didn't strike me as a beauty contest kind of guy.'

'They are talisman. I am guessing he didn't have any mark on his skin ? Tattoos os scaring ?'

'Mmm, not that i've seen.'

'What did he look like ?'

'Well... No beard, brown eyes, high cheekbones... I could show you if you'd prefer. Give me a pen, or choreal of something and i'll draw him to you.'

The night is setting, the village becomes quiet, and even if Clarke woke up only hours ago, she is tired. The warmth radiating from Lexa feels like a lullaby.

'I will'

She nuzzles deeper into the Commander, content. She has delivered her warning, she trusts Lexa to know what to do next. She clearly is used to that type of situation. That is a sad observation, but they live on the Ground, they adapt. And for now they can cherish the peacefull moment. There is no one trying to kill them right now. If Lexa stays relax, they must be safe for now. She lets a pleased 'humf' sound when she feels the Commander's lips press on her forehead. A tender gesture. The Heda's mask is going off, piece by piece. Soon they will be back to their little bubble, she hopes so. But first...

'What happened in the forest ?' she mumbles, suddenly unable to speak clearly, soothed by all Lexa. Her companion snorts at her, amused by Clarke incapacitated state.

Well well well, hi there playful Lexa. Come on in and join tender Lexa into the mix. You are both absolutly welcome. Delightfully so.

Clarke pinches her hip and nabs at Lexa's left side, making her chuckle a little. Is she ticklish ? It is quite tempting, but now is not the time to jump all around. Clarke wants to sink into their embrace.

'Tell me' she nabs again.

'Sha. There wasn't any threat, it was only training.'

At that Clarke rises on her elbow, hovers over the Commander, eyebrows high, mouth opened.

'Seriously ?!'

Lexa tilts her head to the side, frowns a little. 'I am being serious Klarke.'

'It was all training ? There was no real trouble ?'

She couldn't believe it, it all felt so fucking real at the time.

'It was practise for young warriors of the village. They are learning tactics, fallowing orders, moving without making sound. Team work.'

'And you were the prey ?'

'Sha'

'I can't believe you' she shoves Lexa in the chest. 'I was scared back there Lexa. Fucking scared. Everything felt so real. Your face...' She remembers the conflict on Lexa's face, she didn't imagine that. Right now Clarke doesn't know if she is more relieved there actually isn't any trouble to worry about, of annoyed for her freaking adrenaline rush. She could totally live without those. Practise. Like there isn't enough real situations already. But she supposes you can't just throw a child into battle, cross your fingers and hope for the best. Gha. Fucking Ground.

'It is serious training. We behave like in the heat of real danger. I did what i had to do to make this exercice as close to reality as it can be. This is no game.'

'But then, why did you look like... When you told me to stay, to wait...'

'I couldn't risk you. Even in training accident happens. Your presence was not planned and while my warriors are used to battle where they know everything can change and new enemies or allies can arrive, those children hasn't learn that lesson yet. They are not trained to adapt yet. I couldn't risk you.'

Clarke's gaze scans Lexa's green genuine eyes once more. She narrows her eyes, fists the black shirt with her hand still on the Commander's chest.

'Humpf' she growls in final acceptance, shaking her head.

Lexa gives her a small smile then, and in an instant they are fully back in their bubble. The wave of tenderness rushing inside her ribs makes Clarke forget to breath, forget what they were talking about, her brain frozing. Her hand moves, cupping a cheek. She is leaning like a magnet now, unwilling to do otherwise, gladly submitting, and Lexas' lips open, waiting for her. Her upper body molds against Lexa's front, clothed breasts pressing, belly to hip. Her leg slips fully between Lexa's and finally their mouths meet again with a content sigh.

There is the reverence again, the quiet release of sacred prier. Clarke is grateful to be, with Lexa. It is a treasure to acknowledge and cherish. They are sharing, in that moment, they are giving, always giving, never taking. Clarke gives with the waves she feels rushing out of her from deep inside, and she feels Lexa doing the same. But unlike Clarke, Lexa had build a maze around her heart, and the waves need a little more time to find the way to the surface. So Clarke waits, slow, tender. They let their kiss grow as the waves arrive, from Heda's hidding place to the light. It is a precious treasure coming out of it's forgotten state, Lexa's ability to love.

They are not naming it, their love, there is no need to it. They know. They feel so much, so deep, there si no in-between. This is absolute, there is not half-giving. In their kiss, in their touch, in their little whimpers of satisfaction, they commit. They vow. Their hearts seek merger, and they both know it. In their bubble away from the Ground, they can allow it, all of it. Without restrain, without thinking. They can be.

Their tongues caress as the rhythm increase, Lexa opens herself more. Her hands surge onto Clarke's back, moving like an ocean's coming storm, movements more and more daring. When Clarke's body presses closer she releases a deep moan and it is as if this sound pushes them to an other level where touch must be more. It has to be more.

Clarke's hands fists in dark lock, white teeth bitting lower lip. Her core seeks friction as she starts to rock on Lexa's hip. Lexa's hand flies to her bottom, gripping strong fingers, pushing her closer, always closer. Clarke's tigh finds the apex of Lexa's, and the growls the Commander delivers is so fucking sexy she has to press for more. Lexa's hips start moving.

'Leksa'

Clarke's voice is deep, full of promise, and Lexa rolls them on the bed. They don't stop their kissing as Clarke lends on her back. Lexa's hand travels south, sneaking fingers to skin, pushing her palm fully to Clarke's belly, earning herself an other moan of pleasure. Their bodies are ready for more, their hearts scream for more. Lexa's hand caresses smooth skin under the shirt, exploring, mapping. Clarke shivers at the feel of callous, warm fingers searching her. She wriggles a little and Lexa takes the hint, gliding the fabric up, pass blond hair and down to the floor. They don't pause, lips crushing again, cores dancing in synch. Clarke's hands are busy too, already scratching bare skin on the Commander's back, under the shirt, making Lexa hiss and arch into her. Closer.

Captivated by the frantic music of their breathing and blood pulsing, desire thriving, Clarke is wild, matching Lexa's fire. Lexa's feelings are out of the maze, mixing with hers in perfect union. Their love making makes so much sense, like it is meant to be from the beginning - when Clarke stepped in the Commander's tent all those months ago - that she doesn't comprehend why their rhythm slows. Lexa is changing the pace, and while Clarke woulnd't mind taking their time, infusing more tenderness and languorous carress, trailing her gaze on her lover's gorgeous body, she feels it isn't so. Their bubble is achingly fading, fast, and she can taste the Ground demanding attention.

Not for the first time she rumbles to herself. Fucking Ground.

Clarke hears is then, as Lexa withdraws, the bell. Someone, somewhere, is clinging a freaking bell and it is clearly a call the Commander has to answer to. Clarke's brain is still a little fussy, but even then she knows that, while she herself isn't anyone's leader anymore – thank you very much- Lexa is. A very needed one at that.

With a last sweet kiss of swollen lips, Lexa puts a little space between their heads, hovering above Clarke, their bodies still flush. Their eyes meet in an exchange of loving, carefree smiles, signature on their silent vows, as their bubble finishes to disappear.

The bell keeps on rigging outside.

Their break is over for now.

A/N

I apologise, i didn't read my work before editing the previous chapter yesterday. I realised i can't edit my posts afterward. I'll try to scan for mistakes better, promise !

Here are the few Trigedasleng words i used so far :

Sha – yes

Beja – please

Ste yuj – stay strong

jus drein jus daun – blood must have blood