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Later that night Clarke tucked a sleeping Lexa in and headed out of the ark. She saw some of her friends drinking moonshine around a fire. She took a seat next to Raven and put her head on her shoulder huffing out a relaxed sigh. "Tired out the commander huh?" Raven joked seeing the bruising on Clarkes neck. Clarke gave her a light chuckle. "She needs rest, her wounds are still so fresh." Bellamy took a swig of moonshine and passed it to Clarke. "You should've seen her Clarke. She was amazing and so fearless. She took those arrows because she was shielding me while I reloaded. I owe her my life. She must've killed like 60+ men before she got the queen." Clarke remained quiet listening to them recount the war. I could've lost her she thought. I could've lost them all. She shook the thoughts from her head as Raven was recounting her part in the war. Just then Indra walked up to them. "Raven" she said gruffly "you saved my life, for that I am grateful. In return I owe a you a debt. Any favor you see fit". Raven nodded trying not grin from ear to ear. With that Indra stalked off into the night."ok what was that about?!" Clarked asked Raven. "I was just getting to that part" she replied. Before she could continue her story Bellamy looked up and then stood "commander it's good to see you are doing better" he said earnestly. Clarke turned around and caught those green eyes gazing down upon her. She stood up and looked at her questioningly. "Come to bed? The ark makes for an uncomfortable sleeping space and I can't seem to find proper sleep." Clarke smiled, she knew what Lexa really meant was that she missed her. Clarke bid her friends goodnight and went off to the ark.
The sun was shining bright when Clarke got up the next morning. She was alone in the bed. Quietly she got dressed and went to find her mate. She found Lexa sitting with Abby in the makeshift cafeteria sipping on tea. Her heart fluttered. She loved to watch Lexa when her guard was down. She watched as her mother gave her a motherly pat on the back and Lexa smiled softly. She did not want to interrupt but she wanted to be closer to them and she wondered what they were speaking of. "Hi" she said quietly. "Hi honey" her mother replied warmly. Lexa extended her hand to Clarke. Clarke took it and felt herself pulled down onto Lexas lap. "Your mother and I were just discussing the plans I'm making to rebuild TonDc. Once we return from Polis that is. Incidentally we will be leaving for polis in two days. If that is agreeable to you". Clarkes eyes shined in Excitement. "Really? Were going?!" She couldn't help the huge smile plastered across her face. "Yes we must get back to our camp soon so we can begin the preparations. The trip is only a day and half away from where our people are positioned now but it will be an arduous task to get the camp and supplies ready for the trip. I cannot wait to show you my home" Lexa said voice filled with pride. A thought passed Clarkes mind "how long will we be there?" She asked "can some of my friends too?" "Well if the ice nation savages haven't pillaged Polis while they were there and my people are thriving then we will only stay a week. Just enough to enjoy ourselves and to have the people see their commander and the brave sky Heda. I don't want to be away too long TonDc must be resurrected as quickly as possible. Winter will be upon us soon and our people Need warm safe homes". Clarke nodded in agreement.
The next two days had been wonderful in the simplicity. In the peacefulness throughout the camps. Lexa found it odd that she didn't have to worry about acid fog or reapers or people from the sky killing her warriors. It feels too good to be true she thought to herself as she sat in her throne watching Clarke bathe in the large iron tub. Her body relaxed back Into the tub eyes closed enjoying the warmth. She watched Clarke wash her beautiful golden hair. Watched the soapy suds trail down her chest. Her eyes lingered as she stood and came closer reaching down. Her hand stood frozen in mid travel when she heard the horns blow in warning. Clarkes face shot up to meet Lexas. Both eyes green and blue wide in fear and confusion. "Heda!" Indra said loudly as she came in the tent averting Clarkes compromised position "some of our skykru warriors have come with some troubling news!" "Polis?!" Lexa asked dreading whatever answer it may be. "No Heda something else".
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Authors note: guys I just wanted to thank you again for following the story and giving me some great feedback. It feels good to know there are people reading all over the world and are enjoying this story with me as it unfolds. It's been so cool! I also want to thank a lot of my regular commentators such as Alymar185, completegeek53, kk bk, clexxa, ladydeath14, thejojo99, brittanaislove1997, and dwdemigod11. You guys rock! I always look forward to getting your messages. Ok rant over. Enjoy.
"Give us ten minutes to get ready to ride to camp Jaha Indra" Lexa spoke in an even tone. Indra nodded and stepped outside. Lexa looked at Clarke who was getting out of the tub she walked over and gently placed a robe on her shoulders. Clarke gave Lexa a sad smile as she sat on their bed and began drying her legs. Lexa continued to watch her, as Clarke dressed herself wordlessly. She was very quiet, this was bothering Lexa. Clarke was hardly ever quiet, it wasn't in her nature. She knelt in front of Clarke as she pulled on her left boot. Lexa handed her the other and while Clarke pulled that one on Lexa tied the first. Then the other. She looked up at Clarke and saw a tear fall softly landing on her lap. "Will we ever just get to be?" Clarke wondered out loud. "We lead our people Clarke. It is the way things are. We must always come second" Lexa told her. Clarke could see the sadness in Lexas eyes reflecting what she was feeling inside. Lexa got up and extended her hand to Clarke. When she was up Clarke gave Lexa a soft almost mournful kiss. "Let's go" she said.
They made their way to the stables and Lexa gently coaxed out her fastest horse. She saddled him with the battle armor. "Clarke do you want your own horse or will you ride with me?" She asked her mate. "With you" Clarke replied in a voice barely above a whisper. Lexa mounted and pulled Clarke up swiftly. Clarke slipped her arms around Lexas waist and leaned into her. They trotted to the command tent where Indra awaited instructions. "Clarke and I will be the only ones taking the trip to camp Jaha. You are in command in my stead. Keep our people well Indra." Lexa commanded. "Heda is it wise to go now? Can't you use those radios to speak to the skykru?" Indra smartly replied. "If it was not of an urgent nature I'm sure they would have Indra, besides when our people are In distress they need their leaders visible, to lean on for strength". Indra nodded and with that they set off to camp Jaha.
The ride was long and both young leaders were exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally by the time they reached the gates. There was not one word spoken between them throughout the night. Both lost in their thoughts and fears as to what could be going on. As the gate opened they were greeted by Kane, Abby, and Wick. They all had concerned looks on their faces that they were failing miserably at hiding. Clarke hugged her mom, and then Abby instinctively grabbed and hugged Lexa as well. Lexa still new to having such physical contact with anyone but Clarke awkwardly hugged her back with one arm. Her other hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "We have some urgent pressing matters to discuss but let's get inside before we bring them up" Kane offered "we don't want to cause a panic to our community". Clarke and Lexa looked at each other on fearful confusion. Both knowing he other was thinking the same "what could cause a panic right now?".
They walked in somber silence to the ark. Once making it into the command center Clarke saw a few familiar faces sitting waiting on them. "Hey guys" Clarke said to Raven, Bellamy, Monty, and Wick. Her eyes wandered to the last familiar face and felt a pang in her heart before she became anxious. Jasper sat quietly handcuffed to his arm rest. Clarke had a moment of panic. She had no idea why Jasper sat there but Lexa would be furious. He looked up at her quickly and looked back down. She felt Lexas breath hitch in her throat right behind her, heard the sliding of metal unsheathing itself. "Shit" Clarke thought. Lexa pushed past her brandishing her sword pointing it at Jasper. His eyes grew terrified at the sight of Lexa but he was cuffed there was nowhere to go. "What is this would be killer doing here?" She roared at Kane and Abby. "Lexa please just give us a second to explain" Abby pleaded quickly. Lexa took a step towards Jasper but Clarke stood in front of her and gave her that quiet pleading look that always made Lexa back down. "Speak" Lexa spat at Kane. Raven who sat along with the others looked at Lexa in soft understanding before standing up. Clarke noticed that there was something on the table being covered by a tarp. Raven pulled off the tarp revealing a drone. Clarke gasped.
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Authors note: hey just wanted to give a shout to an avid reader and commentator I accidentally overlooked last post. Miri-San thanks for the wonderful comments.
The silence in the room was palpable after Raven revealed the drone. For once Clarke was at a loss for words. "Explain" Lexa demanded. "That's why Jasper is here" Abby said calmly. "He was the one who found it". Lexa narrowed and fixated her eyes on Jasper "speak now or you will lose the rest of your fingers and tongue!" She told him in a vicious whisper. "Lexa no" Clarke said in a stern tone. She took Lexas hand and pulled her into a chair and sat in her lap partly because she enjoyed the closeness but mostly because she wanted to keep Lexa pinned down. "Tell them what happened Jasper" Abby said encouragingly. Jasper took a deep breathe and began. " I was out by the training grounds on work detail. Picking up trash and restocking water basins and fire logs. I started hearing this buzzing noise but I couldn't find where it was coming from. I kept working and the noise was getting louder when I looked skyward and saw this thing hovering overhead. It was too far up to reach. I was about to go find someone for help when a screen came on in the air". "A hologram" Raven interrupted. "Yeah right a hologram, it was a hologram of Jaha. He said that we were all in mortal danger. That when he set off to find the city of light he found something terrible instead. He said he couldn't explain because 'she might be watching'. He gave instructions to find him. That we had to cross the deadzone but it's riddled with mines and after that we needed to find a boat to get across the sea. He sounded scared and desperate. Just then the hologram cut off and the drone fell to the ground. I picked it up and brought it to Raven." He finished quietly lowering his head again stroking his bandaged hand.
Clarke finally found her voice "Jasper was there anything else? Anything you can think of?" He shook his head no. "Has anybody else seen the hologram?" She asked the room. They all said no. Clarke sat perplexed as Lexa addressed Raven. "Raven you have an exceptional mind, can't you somehow figure out how retrieve this information. I have the utmost faith in your abilities". Raven puffed her chest a little before replying "commander trust me if there's a way to hack into this thing I'll find it. I have have Monty and Wick and their pretty smart too. We can do this". Lexa nodded in appreciation. She touched the drone in curiosity "such a strange piece of technology, in Polis we have lights and small machines powered by the sun but before you all fell from the sky that was the most technology my people saw or took use in." "Commander if you use lights in Polis why not here in your clans as well?" Kane asked her, eyes alit with curiosity. "It's the capital Marcus" she said simply. Clarke wanted to see Polis more than ever now and silently mused on the possibility that she may never get to see it.
Since there was nothing left to do until Raven was able to get that hologram up and running Clarke ordered a tent to be made up for herself and Lexa. They were tired and hungry. Once the tent was set up Lexa made a fire nearby. She and Clarke sat by it eating quietly lost in thought. Bellamy came and sat with them. "Hey Clarke how's Octavia doing?" He asked. Clarke smiled and said reassured him that she was fine. Making a strong name for herself at the camp. He beamed at the good news. "What do think about this drone business? You think Jaha is right? Or has he gone completely crazy?" He asked them both. "Well there must be something to this story Bellamy" Lexa told him "the technology alone indicates there's more out there than we know about". Clarke and Bellamy nodded in agreement. "Ok well I'll leave you guys alone" he said after seeing Clarke stifle a yawn " I'm sure you guys want to rest. Good night" with that he walked off. Clarke looked at Lexa, her brow was furrowed deep in thought. "Hey are you ok?" Clarke asked her softly. Lexa shook her head yes. "It's just alarming Clarke. First you fall from the sky, proving all of our ancestors stories to be true. Now there's this technology that comes to us from across a vast space of land and water. What does that mean? More people? More tribes or threats. It is much to take in". Lexa shakes her head as if to rid herself of such thoughts. She looks at Clarke whose eyes look about ready to close and kisses her forehead. "Come let's sleep and allow our thoughts to wander to more pleasurable ideas". Clarke nodded in agreement and crawled to bed burrowing into Lexas chest finally feeling safe.
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The air was heavy in the mechanic room where Raven was trying to figure out how to reactivate the drone. She tried taking it apart and putting it back together. She tried to use a pulse sword to send electricity into it. Raven was growing frustrated when Wick came in offering her help. She gave him a seething look that told him to back off and let her process. She sat wracking her brain for two hours when Lexa walked in. "Commander, what can I do for you?" She asked. Lexa just looked around curiously. "I just wanted to see where you work" Lexa commented. Walking quietly looking at various items on the shelves. "Raven I have the utmost faith in your abilities to solve this puzzle" Lexa stated pointing at the drone. "your see things differently than most, that is your talent". With that Lexa walked out. Raven sat letting the commanders words echo in her mind until she had an idea. "You see things differently"... Raven turned that phrase in her mind. She picked up the drone and looked at the camera lens that reflected the hologram. It was fried. Raven had a genius idea of rewiring the drones optic server to an actual screen. That should be able transmit the recording but she would need Monty to hack into the drone to retrieve the video. It might be a long shot but it's the best idea she had so far "commander I could kiss you!" She thought enthusiastically and set to work.
It didn't take more than two hours to fix the delicate hardware and now it was up to Monty to hack into the drones computer chip. He watched the black screen light up with thousands of codes. He sighed, "this may take a while" he told Raven. "But don't worry I can get it done". Raven walked out of the ark to get some air and saw Clarke sitting by a fire. She sat next to her " hey" she said quietly. Clarke looked at her and then Back at the fire. "What's wrong?" Raven asked her, genuine concern across her face. Clarke sighed and said "Im Just so tired Raven. I'm tired of having to fight for our lives. On the ark we fought just to have the right to breathe and down here it's not much different. I don't want to lead anyone. I just to be Clarke and not have to worry about a bullet or an arrow on my back." Raven looked down on her sympathetically. "You have a lot on your shoulders Clarke and I know I give you shit all the time but honestly the only reason any of us are alive right now is because you've been the leader we desperately needed. We, all of us owe you our lives. So trust me when I say that we are all willing to fight until the end with you. Until there's no air left to breathe or until there's no one else to fight. We are all here ready to do this with you. Lexa is here to do this with you. Now you don't have to lead alone. She may be kinda scary but I know she loves you and you won't ever have to lead alone again." Clarke smiled, truly moved by her friends kind and genuine words. "Thanks Raven, that's why I'd pick you first." "Damn right" Raven replied. They sat together in silence waiting for word from Monty.
It seemed like an eternity before Monty came out screaming his victory over the drone. "I did it!" he screamed enthusiastically. Clarke, Raven, Abby, Lexa, and Kane ran into the ark. They crowded around the screen and watched Jaha flicker on and off screen. They played his message twice realizing the heaviness of his words. What could possibly be so dangerous to wipe everyone out? They played it a third time to see if there was anything recognizable but it was just a simple white room. "We may lose Many lives on this trip" Lexa said choosing her words carefully. "Even the Commander knows when not to tread into the dead zone. The Mines aside there are many rebels in that land ready to slit your throat for a canteen of water." Clarke put a reassuring hand on Lexas shoulder "if Jaha could then you and I could." Lexa nodded. "Once we get across the mines we must go to see Luna, she is the leader of the water tribe. She is the only one with boats large enough for safe passage. We must begin to strategize if we are to make this trip as quickly as possible. We must choose who comes wisely." The weight of Lexas words sinking in. That it was possible not everyone would make it.
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Camp Jaha was bustling as grounder and sky person alike worked quickly to get supplies ready. Lexa and Clarke would be joined by Abby, Kane, Wick, Raven, Monty, Octavia, Lincoln, Monroe. Plus an assortement of 30 Grounders and Arkers. They didn't dare bring more. The camp needed to stay protected and even though Lexa knew Luna's boats were large she was unsure of how many would be available and what the holding capacity was. Everyone was assigned a pack filled with camp gear, food, water and a change of clothes. Various weapons would be holstered on their bodies. They would be traveling by foot because bringing horses would be too much work. It was early afternoon when the workers started dwindling down having gathered the extra gear that was needed. Lexa then ordered a large hunting party to gather meats nuts and berries. She had her people bring large barrels of their strong wine. She ordered bread and cheeses to be ready as well. If they were going to make this perilous trip the next morning then at least it would be in good spirits. Clarke watched as Lexa ordered their people and they scurried off to whatever task she had appointed them. She stared at her posture, which was more rigid than usual. She seemed more tense if that was even possible. She started to walk towards her when Bellamy stopped her.
"Hey Bellamy, what's up?" She asked him. "How come I'm being kept off this task force detail and why didn't you tell me Octavia was going with you?" He asked her pointedly. Clarke rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Lincoln is a very good friend of Luna's so you know if he goes Octavia will go too. My mom is chancellor but she's also the best healer we have so she has to come. Kane serves as a very useful diplomat, Raven, Wick, Monroe and Monty for obvious reasons. Our people need someone leading and protecting who they can trust. You've earned that, in fact I think I'll have to speak to my mom about ensuring a high ranking position for you in the guard. Is that a good enough answer for you Bellamy? Because I honestly don't have time for you to continue questioning the decisions I make. I thought you'd be smarter by now." Clarke finished exasperated by the conversation and annoyed that she didn't see where Lexa had gone. Bellamy nodded, mollified by the answer. She walked away without another word towards the makeshift command tent. She found Lexa laying on their bed of furs, eyes closed. She sat next to her and stroked her cheek. Lexa smiled not opening her eyes. "Mmm I've ordered for a feast tonight. It seems some of us will be traveling to our deaths on this trip, perhaps all of us then at least we can enjoy this night." The words cut at Clarke but she waved the feeling off quickly. She didn't suffer and come all this way just to lose the little happiness she had regained. "We are not dying on this trip Lexa okay? I want to end whatever it is we have to take care of and then I want to come back and lead our people. This is the plan ok? We come back because our people need us and we need to have a life together outside of survival. I need that, and I can't do any of that without you. Do you understand me?" She spoke with passion and determination. Lexa smiled again and sat up "I understand Clarke. Live for me and I will live for you". They laid together quietly for a while until they heard the cheers of the hunters returning with their dinner. Lexas stomach rumbled audibly at the thought of a feast. Clarke laughed and pulled Lexa off the bed "come on, let's go help".
The feast had just begun and it was quite pleasurable for all present. There was a vast amount of food and drinks. More than the last feast she had enjoyed Clarke mused. She saw many happy smiles and laughter spread throughout the camp. Arkers and Grounders all mingled together. This is what made Clarke determined to come back safely, this and the woman by her side who was enjoying a goblet of wine. She took Lexas cup from her hands and took a sip letting the warm liquid fill her insides. Lexa stared at Clarke with and arched eyebrow in mock annoyance and something stirring just underneath. Love or lust. Probably both. She understood that hungry look meant very little sleep tonight and quietly smiled to herself not minding that at all. As the night progressed she saw their people begin coupling off to their own tents or into the ark. Octavia grabbed Lincoln's hand and they said goodnight walking to their tent. Raven and Wick excused themselves shortly after heading towards the ark. Clarke noticed Kane and Abby deep in conversation hands and bodies quite close together. She made a mental note of that to ask her mom tomorrow. Even Bellamy seemed to have found an interesting companion. Clarke knew her face but she couldn't picture a name. "That's Echo" Lexa whispered sending shivers down Clarkes spine. "She's and excellent warrior and would make a suitable mate for Bellamy. She's also nice to look at". Clarke turned to Lexa after that last comment. "Oh is she?" Clarke asked in mock jealousy. She took another swig of that strong wine liking the way it burned inside. Her skin felt prickly and she was becoming flushed. She bit her lip and looked at Lexa longingly. She stood up and grabbed Lexas hand and pulled her from the table. She took her in a hungry kiss and ignored the cheers from the people around them. Lexas eyes were a very dark shade of green her pupils were blown open. Her chest was heaving as she started walking almost dragging Clarke into their tent. Once inside she pulled Clarkes jacket off and ripped her shirt while trying to pull it off. She growled into Clarkes mouth as Clarke pulled her closer and bit her bottom lip. Clarke pushed Lexa towards the bed catching her breath, cheeks flushed red with passion. Lexa smiled devilishly, she enjoyed when Clarke became the one in control and allowed her to tear her sword and sheath off before yanking at the armor. "I hope you're prepared to lose sleep tonight commander" Clarke whispered seductively into her ear. "Only if you can keep up" Lexa teased back before losing themselves in each other's embrace until the first rays of dawn began to peak into the tent.
