Disclaimer: I own nothing

So this was snow? It was fucking freezing, wet and slippery as hell. Not at all what she imagined. Though she was sure that by morning things would look magical. She just hoped it didn't snow too heavy. She stood alone in the entrance of the covered camp, looking out over the small fresh water pond. She had to admit it was beautiful.

She heard a soft footfall behind her and then two slender but strong arms wrapped around her from behind and a warm cheek pressed against hers.

"You're cold" Lexa murmured and turned her head to kiss her cheek. Clarke smiled.

"I've never seen snow before" Clarke informed and Lexa grinned

"This is just a sprinkle. Wait until a big one hits. You can get snow deep enough it's up to your chest" she paused when Clarke shot her a disbelieving look. "You just wait"

"Heda" a voice called behind them and Clarke froze when she realised a male guard had caught them cuddling. Lexa stilled for a moment but did not let Clarke go as she turned her head and frowned.

"What is it?" She asked while keeping a firm grip on Clarke so she wouldn't try and break free. Clarke was too stunned to move considering Lexa hadn't pulled away herself.

"Dinner Heda. Freshly caught fish"

"Mochof. We will be there soon" she dismissed him and he bowed and left before she turned and started kissing along Clarke's jaw line.

"You're insatiable" Clarke grumbled and Lexa smiled.

"You too" she teased "When I finally get you naked..." She paused and smiled when Clarke rolled her eyes. They were naked a lot together "when you let me take you as our bodies desire, you will understand and we will not leave bed for many days"

"Is that a challenge?"

"No" Lexa pressed a last kiss to her cheek and pulled back. "A promise" Clarke was surprised when Lexa took her hand and led her to their shelter, pulling her to sit down beside her on a log while ignoring all the looks they were getting. Lincoln and the guards were amazed at the small show of affection in public. Octavia just watched them with a smile and a new respect for Clarke now she knew the woman had saved her life.

"Tell me about the merger" Clarke asked as they lay in bed that night. Clarke was laying on her back while Lexa was laying practically on top of her. Lexa sighed knowing this was going to come up sooner or later.

"What do you want to know?"

"I take it it's like a marraige"

"You could call it that" Lexa propped herself up on her her hands on Clarkes chest. "A marriage is between two people in love, a merger is like a business arrangement between two people who are trying to do the best for their people"

"No love" Clarke nodded

"Not necessarily. Love is what you make it. If I agreed to a merger I would give myself to that person. Make it personal as well as business." Lexas gaze was fixed, unwavering "previous mergers have dissolved when one partner or both took extra lovers. It shows no real desire and commitment for a merger"

"So if we merged?" Clarke asked, wanting to know Lexa's take on it.

"Our people would become one clan. We would live and fight together. Learn to respect each others cultures and values. Build a permanent base, probably where Camp Jaha is as your technology is a great advantage."

"Hmmm" Clarke hummed, running her hand up and down Lexas side. That didnt sound too bad. "What about for us?"

"We have a bonus that we are already in a relationship and won't mind merging. We could make it more than a business arrangement. Make it more like a marriage than a merger."

"So basically you're saying that a merger would be beneficial for our people and give us an advantage over other clans"

"Yes" Lexa nodded "for the people"

"For us it would mean knowing we are in a committed relationship, that it will just be the two of us. That it would be a true and meaningful relationship. Monogamous."

"Sha" Lexa sighed and closed her eyes when Clarke ran her fingers through her hair. She felt like a content cat under Clarke's hands, when she didnt feel like a horny teenage boy. "Heda and Skaiprisa in public, Clarke and Lexa in private. Maybe some in public too" Lexa smirked "But ultimately the people look at me to be a strong warrior." She paused before adding "Not a lovesick fool" she teased and winked at Clarke's mock affronted look.

"Hmm and with the merger who would be in control? Who would lead?"

"We both would be together" Lexa replied "like we already are. In future battles we would lead our people as one"

"I need to teach you about strategy and planning" Clarke grumbled then gasped as a hand started to wander along her thigh "It's not all yelling and just going in swords waving" she yelped as Lexa pinched her side.

"I will have you know I do plan, I haven't lost a battle yet"

"So if we go to battle you will organise your troops and I will organise mine to best compliment yours"

"It will be just like the other night" Lexa nodded in approval

"Ok no, far too much chaos. We will have to talk more for the next battle. Which I hope doesn't happen for a long time" Clarke grinned and raised her head to peck surprised lips when Lexa went to protest. "So is their a ceremony?"

"Of sorts. Not like a wedding that much" Lexa started placing kisses across Clarke's neck and chest. "There isn't a priest or anything. We just say a few words. A promise to treat the clan as one" she informed between spattering kisses across Clarkes chest "We share a cup of whatever liquid is provided and then the two clans feast"

"That's it?" Clarke gasped, holding Lexas head against her throat, arching her neck and letting Lexa latch on.

"Well then it's back to our tent where guards ensure we are not disturbed that night" Lexa smirked "We will have a fun night. Usually for other mergers it just mean they try not to kill each other before morning"

Lexa smiled when she realised Clarke wasn't paying attention and knew she had Clarke right were she wanted her, the desperate woman sinking her nails into her buttocks. "You are so incredibly beautiful and responsive and if you're still not ready tell me now."

Clarke groaned, torn. It would be so easy to give in. Just let Lexa take her. Her mind screamed at her that there was more to know. She needed to know what Lexas intentions were towards her. Not Heda's towards Skaiprisa for the good of the clan. She needed to know that she had captured Lexa's heart as well as her body. She wasn't 100% sure yet. For that reason her head was still ruling over her body.

Lexa froze, Clarkes silence spoke volumes. Not yet, but soon. In the mean time she was going to have to take a lot of cold baths. With a groan she slid off of the blonde and curled into her side.

"I'm sorry" Clarke whispered, upset with herself and really rather amazed Lexa was being so patient with her when she so obviously was used to getting what she wanted. Maybe that was a sign in itself. Lexa merely hugged her tighter and they lay quietly for long minutes until Clarke's eyes started to get heavy.

Lexa woke the next day alone in bed and freezing cold. She knew immediately it had been snowing by the low temperature and the wind outside. Quickly dressing to try and get warm the first thought on her mind was to find Clarke and convince her to have a bath. Mainly to get warm.

Stepping out of the tent she stepped into a world of white. Not so bad under their cover, maybe a couple of inches but as she looked outside their area towards the lake and beyond it looked like a good foot and a half had fallen. Looking around the camp she couldn't see anyone and an eyebrow rose when she heard laughter outside the covered clearing.

Wondering what is going on she headed over to the entrance, bracing for the extra cold and stepped out into the open. Mere seconds later something hit her on the chest and she looked down to find snow dripping off her jacket. Laughter abruptly stopped as she looked around with a scowl to where a group of stunned people were looking slack jawed between her and Clarke.

Lexa snarled and six guards took a step back while Clarke merely grinned. Lexa was furious, no one dared attack her, not even with a snowball. That it was Clarke that threw the offending frozen water was of little concern.

"You dare throw something at me" she hissed furious

"It's a snowball" Clarke shrugged not seeing the big deal

"It is irrelevant. You just physically attacked the Heda!" Lexa snapped which wiped the smile off Clarke's face, realising Lexa was not playing.

"Are you serious? It's a snowball Lexa, not a rock or knife or arrow. It's a snowball fight. Some fun!"

"Fun!"

"Yes fun, or have you forgotten the meaning of the word" Clarke crossed her arms and stood her ground. She could practically see Lexa's teeth grinding.

"I am the Heda. I fight wars. I do not have fun"

"Well I'm the Skaiprisa. I did damn well fighting a war, then stressing over your wounds and I needed an outlet" she looked around at the others who were watching mutely, warily "Same with these six. We were having fun. If you can't handle that then leave. If you stay you're fair game"

With that Clarke bent and picked up a snowball and tossed it at a stunned Octavia who was still waiting for her Heda's reaction. Octavia sputtered as the snowball exploded against her head.

"Hey!"

"Rule number one of snowball combat, any combat, never lower your guard" Clarke told her jokingly "Never know. Next time it could be an arrow"

"Oh so now we are practicing fight strategies using snowballs?" Octavia asked hands on hips, glaring then gasping as another ball hit her in the chest and cold snow slithered down her top.

"If we are you'd fail miserably and be dead by now" Clarke grinned and picked up another ball. She faked throwing it at Octavia who automatically ducked and instead threw it at one of the burley guards. By the time he had spun on her Clarke was heading for cover behind a tree.

Lexa watched as all-out war with snowballs erupted all around her. When she took a second snowball to the chest, culprit unknown but probably Clarke, she growled and spun to head back inside the tent.

Clarke watched her go, hardly surprised but very disappointed. She had hoped Lexa would join in their fun. She understood the woman was their leader and that she had to show to be strong. She did not see the point when they were away from the main group and basically resting and relaxing to heal. She would talk to Lexa later.

Several minutes later and she was coming under a barrage of snowballs but remained unscathed. She didn't have much chance to throw any back but when she did she usually hit her mark. That was why when she was hit from behind by a snowball she gasped in surprise and spun wondering who her attacker was.

Lexa stood there, face as serious as she had ever seen her going into battle and holding another snowball.

"Rule number two of war, watch your back" Lexa scowled "I could have been anyone"

"Seriously?" Clarke growled a second before she wore the next snowball in her face "Ow, Lexa!" She complained and looking up found the brunette was actually smiling. Right, this was war. Standing to throw the prepared ball she had at her partner she sighed when struck by a snowball from behind her and heard Octavia's laugh. She immediately ducked back down and looked pleadingly at Lexa who nodded and came forward.

"You know you were right about something" Lexa stated

"What's that?" Clarke sighed as more snowballs broke against the tree

"Earlier you mentioned to never let your guard down" Lexa stated and Clarke froze as her heart jumped into her throat and beat madly. Was this a lead up to say she had let her guard down between them? That she needed to rebuild it? She couldn't could she? "I watched you have your fight with the others and realised something. Snowball fights are amazing practice for war strategy without anyone getting hurt" Lexa said in all seriousness.

Clarke let out the breath she was holding on a relieved sigh. Lexa ever attuned looked at her questioningly.

"I thought you were pissed at me and were going to tell me you shouldn't have let your guard down around me" she admitted and watched Lexa watch her with serious green eyes before looking away.

"I shouldn't have, but I did." Lexa was earnest when assuring "I do not regret it, nor do I wish to change it." She promised

"Me either." Clarke whispered and when Lexa looked confused added "Regret it or wish to change it"

"You said you weren't ready" Lexa reminded again

"I know, but then I nearly lost you. I nearly lost that chance. I'm not prepared to lose you. I don't want to ever lose you" tears stung her eyes at the very thought and a gentle hand came up to cup her face.

"You won't. I promise" Lexa stated firmly and Clarke opened her mouth to tell Lexa she couldn't promise that when a snowball hit the tree and rained down on them. Lexa shot a glare towards the clearing, her competitive juices flowing. "Later" she promised Clarke who nodded in understanding. "Good. Right two on six"

"I've been holding my own so far"

"Distract them. I'll flank them, get them from behind"

"Ambush" Clarke smiled

"I will surprise them" Lexa returned her grin

"They will complain we cheated" Clarke warned

"Maybe, but they will learn as will everyone else that from now on we are a team"

"Are we?" Clarke asked and Lexa nodded.

"Sha. Always" she promised understanding the silent question. She stole a quick kiss for good luck and instructed Clarke to start throwing. Clarke did, catching the others by surprise who thought she had given up. They quickly dove for any cover they could find. Clarke turned to Lexa to give her the ok but the brunette was already gone.

Clarke grinned. The others were in for a surprise.

An hour later they all sat shivering around a huge fire in their shelter while discussing strategies of the fight. Clarke rolled her eyes. Treating it as a war exercise had gotten Lexa enthusiastic. But everyone seemed to be taking it with good will. They had stayed out there until another storm had blown in, driving snow making it dangerous to be outside.

They were all pretty much soaked to the bone and Clarke hoped that they wouldn't get sick because of it. Lexa waved away her concern stating they had all been cold and wet before, this time was no different. Clarke looked at all the red noses, heard the sniffs and chattering teeth and reserved judgement.

They had a quick lunch of bread and cheese, one of the guards who was sort of the chef of the group, promised them ribs for dinner. Clarke looked at him confused and once he had explained the concept of the ribs her mouth started to water.

After lunch Clarke took a shivering Lexa to the pool as she was the only one showing no signs of warming up. With her weakened immune system she wasn't taking a chance. She hastily undressed the brunette who stood still and allowed it. Clarke thought she actually enjoyed and got some satisfaction out of it, of having Clarke tend to her.

Clarke stoked the fire to warm the cave further as Lexa slid into the warmth and then hurriedly stripped before sliding into the heated water with a sigh. She had no hesitation in pulling Lexa into her arms, a grin tugging at her lips. Lexa was so big on acting tough and as a leader, yet here she was, once again, curled in her arms. Clarke didn't mind. She rather enjoyed she got to be the protector in private.

Bellamy stood with Indra and several warriors and watched part in amusement and part in exasperation as the Skaikru played in the snow like children.

Not even the children of the Trikru were quite so exuberant. They all knew the first snow may be fun but the winter storms meant bitter cold conditions and a ration on food. Winter snow on the ground meant that a lot of animals migrated or hibernated and it was difficult to hunt.

Bellamy watched as Wick chased down Jasper and shoved snow down the back of his jacket causing him to howl in outrage.

"Branwadas (fools), they are wasting precious hunting time before the next storm hits" grumbled one warrior

"Let them be. They have never seen snow before" Indra placated "we have hunters out checking snares" she turned to Bellamy next, noticing the look in his eyes. He was a good leader and a hard worker; she had come to have great respect for him over the last few days. "Go be with your friends, you deserve it, you have worked hard" she instructed and when Bellamy hesitated and looked at her in surprise she nodded "Go. Before I change my mind and request you help around camp more"

Bellamy grinned and hastily bending to pick up a handful of snow chased after Wick who had just dashed past chasing Monty this time.

"Yu ste kwelen Indra (you are weak/soft Indra)" the warrior beside her chuckled and she glared at him before turning and heading for her tent.

The skaikru played for many long minutes, until their muscles ached and they were wet and freezing. They were still laughing though; even Abby and Kane were smiling well naturedly at being dragged into the fight. They may be older but it was their first experience of snow too. It had been delightful.

Bellamy was still chuckling between chattering teeth as he headed for the ark to change clothes and try and warm up before going out to help more around the camp. They were nearly finished with preparing tents. Next on the agenda was making sure they had enough wood for camp fires and shelters to keep said wood dry. On top of that a protected camp area where people could meet and greet, hang out and cook food if they so wished. A bit like a large mess hall or canteen.

Indra's plan was to make a permanent structure with a roof. Walls on three sides and an angled hessian covering on fourth side for some protection and to allow entrance into the area.

Pushing open the door to his room he stepped in and froze upon seeing who was in the room with him.

"Echo" he whispered. He hadn't spoken to her since the war. He had seen her around camp but she was always with Maya. They seemed to be trying to keep their distance and trying not to anger the grounders which he understood. Maya came from the Mountain and Echo came from the Ice clan originally. There was a deep mistrust, no matter how much they had helped.

He knew they had set up a tent on the edge of the camp, he, Jasper and the other 100's had kept an eye on it but other than that had been too busy and he didn't want to push Echo. She needed to come to him.

"Hello Bellamy" she offered up a shy smile. "Can we talk?" She asked and he felt hope fill his chest as he stepped inside and closed the door.

It snowed constantly for the next two days. Not overly heavy but enough to keep Lexa and Clarke and their guards under the covers.

They spent some time with the guards, mainly before and after meals for a period of time. Clarke would spend it talking with Octavia while Lexa spent time cleaning and sharpening her sword and dagger.

The rest of the time was spent alone in their tent or the healing pond talking about their pasts, present, and their hope for the future. Lexa spoke of Polis and her desire to take Clarke there as soon as possible. Show her that her people were not just warriors.

She spoke of large buildings and roads, of the ocean and boats, a culture similar to the old world minus what had lead to the war. Of different clothes that were similar to what Skaikru wore. Of food from the ocean which was so tasty, but could be dangerous to catch. She promised to only take Clarke in the protected bay and they would go fishing. She had it all planned and as Clarke listened she could only smile at the brunettes exuberance and dream of such a place. Dream of a time with no war where she could live there with Lexa.

They talked of the merger more, of the unity it would bring the clans and how the trust and bond would grow. Nothing was agreed upon though, nothing concrete.

On the evening of their 7th day Clarke informed Lexa that the infection showed no signs of reappearing in her wound, the fever had passed and the back wound was healing nicely. The other wounds were well on their way to healing. All were going to leave impressive scars.

Lexa had examined the few minor wounds Clarke had and declared them healed to her liking then informed that once the storm broke they would pack up camp and head back to Camp Jaha. Clarke had sighed in disappointment and Lexa smiled up at her from her prone position in bed.

"We will return regularly. I promise" she informed the blonde who was partially distracted by her tattoo again. Hell yeah she needed more of those. Especially if Clarke stroked them as she did her back tattoo.

"Thank you. I like it here"

"But we must return to camp. We have a winter tent our people have built for us." She paused when Clarke blushed and smiled sleepily "I need to make sure everything is in order with the camp and alliance before taking you to Polis"

"When do you plan to go?" Clarke asked, recognising Lexa was losing the battle with sleep.

"As soon as can be arranged. I have not been there in many moon cycles"

"Then it is time to go. They are your people too" Clarke insisted then yawned. "Time to sleep now"

Lexa protested but since she couldn't even open her eyes Clarke smiled and lay down to cuddle up with the brunette. It wasn't long before they were both fast asleep.

Short minutes later Octavia entered quietly carrying more heated rocks. The air had become crisp and the wind had died down. Lincoln said it was because the storm was over and the stars were out. No clouds meant any heat trapped in the atmosphere escaped, making the air crisper and cooler. He also predicted they would be leaving tomorrow. They had packed up some of the camp in preparation. She smiled as she took in the couple and hoped their relationship continued to flourish back at camp.

Leaving the tent she hurried to the cave to where her own partner laid waiting. Hastily stripping near the roaring fire Lincoln had stoked she slid into their bed and cuddled into him for warmth.

"I'm not sure how I'm going to sleep tomorrow night without the sound of a waterfall" she murmured sleepily.

"We will find a way" Lincoln pulled her tighter to him, heart thundering in his chest. He was incredibly lucky to have found such a wonderful soul to love him. "Sleep now, tomorrow is going to be a long day" he whispered and the only response he got was the sigh Octavia made when she was half asleep. Smiling he let his body relax and sleep take hold.