Disclaimer: I own nothing
The next morning Lexa woke to sunlight streaming into the tent. At first she was confused, the hessian should be protecting the tent from the sunlight but when she heard shouted commands coming from outside she realised that the storm had stopped and they were packing up. She felt an ache in her chest at the knowledge it was time to leave.
Looking to her right she found Clarke gone and most of their gear packed up. Just a few items left out for her to wear. There was also a plate of food and a mug, still steaming beside the bed. She wrinkled her nose, the god awful tea Clarke was making her consume for her injuries.
Reaching for the plate she hastily ate her meal of dried strips of meat and slightly stale bread before gulping down the tea, shuddering in distaste and holding back her gag reflex. She then rose to dress in the clothes Clarke had left her, also noticing she had left out her dagger and sword, an indication Clarke thought she was better.
She took time to roll up their bedding of furs and skins, tying it together with some crude hide strips. Lifting it she felt her back twinge a bit but knew the wound held. She frowned at how heavy it was, unbelieving of how a week could strip her of strength and conditioning.
Pushing her way out of the tent she was surprised firstly by how high the sun was in the sky, close to noon and secondly by how much of the camp had been packed. Basically an open fire and her tent was all that remained. Clarke saw her then and hurried over to her with Octavia in tow.
"Give that to Octavia. Are you trying to hurt yourself again? Fool woman" she growled wrenching it out of her hands easily and shoving it at Octavia. Lexa growled at the show of disrespect in front of her guards but Clarke merely rolled her eyes and grabbing her elbow hauled her back into the tent.
"Clarke you cannot keep undermining my authority in front of my men" she growled, arms crossed and Clarke paused in her stride across the tent and turned to look at her.
"I'm disappointed at having to leave too Lex, so stop grumbling." Lexa paused, surprised by Clarke's words as she examined her feelings, sighing when she realised Clarke was right. She didn't want to return; this was when being Heda interfered with being Lexa. She just wanted to be Lexa and Clarke for a bit longer.
Clarke had picked up on her mood straight away, possibly feeling the same herself. That was when she made up her mind. Striding over to the tent flap she called for Lincoln who hastened over. She instructed they would head out after lunch, him and the four guards. Octavia was to stay behind and guard them while they took one last bath in the healing pond.
"Sha Heda" Lincoln nodded, knowing a command from his Heda when he heard one and quickly hurried over to the others to pass on the instructions. When Lexa turned back to Clarke she was still standing in the same spot, watching her carefully. Lexa strode over to her, pausing in front of her.
"Forgive me for not asking earlier Clarke" she whispered while raising a hand to cup a pale full cheek. "Will you do me the honour of sharing my tent with me upon our return, strictly platonically like we have here, until you are ready"
"Lex" Clarke gasped, awed that the brunette had thought to ask. She hadn't expected it. It wasn't like she thought Lexa presumed but it wasn't exactly spoken about either. They had already been told by Lincoln a tent had been prepared for the both of them by Indra. Presumptuous? Maybe, but neither had spoken of her staying in another tent or in the Ark. Stepping forward she closed the gap between them and wrapped her arms around Lexa's neck holding on tight. "Of course" she sighed as thin but strong arms wrapped around her waist and they simply held each other. "A last bath in the pond sounds like heaven too"
Lexa smiled to herself as relief washed through her and she simply held the blonde, enjoying the moment, not even breaking away when Octavia came into the tent to collect their belongings.
It was 1.00pm when the convoy of horses and carts left to head back to camp. Leaving only Octavia to guard Lexa and Clarke and two horses packed and ready to go.
Octavia respectfully sat outside while Clarke took Lexa by the hand and led her into the cave one last time. There was no need for words as Clarke undressed Lexa unhurriedly and helped her into the water before stripping under the brunette's heated gaze.
As Clarke slid into the water herself she wasn't surprised when Lexa moved to sit on her lap. The woman may be taller but was still slender and weighed little. Clarke didn't underestimate her strength though and she pitied the poor fool who did. Clarke wrapped her arms around the brunette, holding her close as Lexa seemed to try and bury herself in them. She smiled when thin arms held onto her and a face buried itself into her neck.
"I like this side of you" she whispered placing a kiss on a dark brow. "All softy and snuggly"
"I am the Heda" Lexa growled without much conviction, too content where she was.
"You're a snugly teddy bear" Clarke laughed
"Shof op" Lexa sighed and Clarke chuckled, enjoying the moment while she could. Worry and doubt clawed at her as to what would happen once they returned to camp Jaha. Would Lexa treat her the same or would the Heda come out. She didnt expect much to change in public but in private she hoped that Lexa remained the same.
They stayed in the pond a long time, cuddling and sharing some light and not so light kisses. Both tried to ignore the passing of time until Octavia popped her head in and warned if they didn't get going soon then they wouldn't reach camp before dark.
Lexa waved her away before looking down at Clarke and cupping her face tenderly, leaning down to kiss her lightly.
"Come, our people await. Their gift of our new tent awaits. The pond will be here for us again" she assured sliding off Clarke who suddenly grabbed her and held her tight. Lexa understood her concerns, hers were the same. At least they had peace to try and work out the routine of being Commanders to their people while trying to be Lexa and Clarke with each other.
She gave the blonde one last squeeze in assurance before pulling back. They dried and dressed themselves as slow as they dared before heading outside to where Octavia waited, horses held ready by their reins. On this trip Lexa sat at the front, reins steady in her hand as she controlled the pace.
Clarke sat behind her, trying to look casual while all the time maintaining a death grip on Lexa as if they were soon to part ways. Lexa let go of the reins with one hand and used it to interlock their fingers to try and soothe her. Octavia kept her eyes to the front and ignored the intimate couple on the other horse. Their progress was slow and she couldn't blame them for that but she also knew they wouldn't arrive home before dark and wouldn't be surprised if they met a welcoming committee.
"Heda it's getting dark, we need to make haste" she called
"Do not panic Octavia, we will make camp by nightfall" Lexa informed not even attempting to hasten their speed.
Octavia sighed. So much could go wrong in the woods after dark. Admittedly the risk was reduced now the mountain men were dead but still there were other threats out there. It was several minutes later that she became alerted by a noise in front of them. She shot the Heda a look but she was too busy wrapped up in Clarke and vice versa. She moved her horse closer to the couple she was charged with protecting and placed a hand on her sword while darting looks about.
Finally Lexa noticed her actions and the noises too, her body tensing for a moment before she relaxed.
"At ease, it's some of my warriors" she informed Octavia who refused to settle until she saw Indra herself.
"You're late" the dark woman snapped at Octavia "it is too close to dark, you should have had the Heda home by now" the warrior said displeased. She had planned a big feast for the Heda and Skaiprisa in honour of their return and the Hedas return to health.
"The fault is mine Indra" Lexa informed, sitting tall in her saddle letting the horse prance closer to her head warrior.
"As Heda you should have more concern for your and Skaiprisa's safety" Indra scowled, holding her ground.
"Daun ste pleni (That's enough)" Lexa growled and leaned forward in her saddle making it squeak "Have care Indra, ruling for the last week has loosened your tongue and we still have the matter of my tent to speak of"
"Sha Heda" Indra nodded "I merely spoke out of concern for your welfare."
"Indeed" Lexa sat back "Shall we proceed then; we still have some ways to go"
"Sha Heda" Indra nodded and gave the order for one warrior to ride ahead and warn Bellamy of their arrival, then ordered the other few warriors to fan out to protect the group.
Clarke noticed immediately the difference in Lexa, her commander persona had returned. She held herself stiff now and Clarke took her cue from that, merely lightly holding onto Lexa's waist instead of wrapping her arms around her. She steeled her own backbone and tried to act like Clarke the sky commander, not Clarke Griffin of the pond.
They travelled in silence for several minutes before Indra spoke up again.
"With the help of the Skaikru we have made great head ways Heda. The camp is ready to withhold winter, wood has been collected and with the help and ideas of Bellamy we have made a large structure to cook, eat and congregate in. Trigedakru and Skaikru alike" Indra seemed almost proud of their accomplishments and indeed it appeared they had done well.
"You have been busy Indra" Lexa nodded "I would like to see this structure"
"I have organised a meal for you and Skaiprisa with some Skaikru and Trigedakru alike upon your return. It should be ready when we arrive"
"Ah the true reason why you wish to make haste" Lexa kept a stern mask on, knowing she had no paint on to help "I hope it is worthy, I am tired of stale bread and cheese" came the silent challenge even though they had been living on pork which Indra was not to know. Indra had no such worries. Several wild pig, rabbit, deer and other game had been caught and roasted along with some salvaged crops of potato and other food from TonDC.
Clarke's stomach rumbled at the thought drawing an amused look from Lexa which earned a soft smile in reply. Clarke felt some hope all was well at the small sign.
They travelled the rest of the way in peaceful comfort. Soon they could hear the sounds from camp and the tension returned in both of them but mainly Clarke. How would Lexa act around her now?
Upon reaching the edge of camp they were met by Lincoln, Bellamy and several soldiers. They slid to the ground, Clarke slightly surprised but pleasantly so when Lexa assisted her. A wry smile crept across her lips when she remembered having to assist Lexa only a week ago. The woman was strong and a fast healer.
Looks were exchanged by the witnesses of the event and they were surprised the couple got lost in each other for a moment. Octavia stepped up beside them and cleared her throat, gaining their attention. Octavia merely nodded at the others and Lexa turned, handing over the reins of her horse to a warrior who would take care of him.
"Octavia go with him and take their saddlebags back to their tent" Indra ordered and Octavia froze and looked at Lexa. She didn't know what to do, she usually did as Indra ordered. But now she also did as Clarke and Lexa ordered. "Second I gave you an order" Indra snapped when she didn't move.
"Octavia has a new role. She is not to leave my or Clarkes side from rising until retirement. She is still your second and will follow you in battle but in times of peace she remains close" Lexa informed Indra and the other stunned warriors. No Heda had a personal bodyguard who was not born into the clan. Clarke, upon seeing the looks hastened to add
"It was my idea. I wanted to have an extra set of eyes in keeping the Heda safe" she informed before turning to Bellamy who was watching his sister with a new found respect "Hey Bel" she stepped up and gave him a quick hug, unaware of narrowed jealous green eyes watching closely. Stepping back she gripped his arms and looked at him closely "You look tired"
"Indra has worked me like a dog" he grumbled "you can have your job back, I don't want it."
"Too bad, you're my second. I trust you to make the right decision, as hard as it may be" she informed him and he nodded respectfully. He figured he could handle it, part time.
"I will. Right now you and The Commander need to come see the new mess hall we built. Smells of roasting meat has been driving me crazy all day. I'm starving" he groaned.
"Always thinking of your stomach Bellamy" she gave the offending area a pat "It's a wonder you're not fat" they laughed together, easy in their friendship. Unaware that Lexa seethed at their familiarity. Octavia was aware and planned to warn her brother lest he end up on a pole.
"Clarke" Lexa called and Clarke spun at the sharpness of it, surprised by it. She took in Lexa's stance and tense jaw and realised she was mad. She was confused as to why. "Come, a feast awaits us" she held out her hand which surprised not only Clarke but everyone present.
Clarke moved forward not wanting to anger Lexa further, still confused as to why she was. She went to take the proffered hand but to her embarrassment Lexa avoided it and used the hand to guide Clarke by the small of her back. As they walked off with Indra guiding them Clarke was aware of the palpable anger in Lexa.
"Are you mad they built the mess hall?" She asked finally "I'm sure they meant well" she tried to placate and just watched confused as Lexa shot her a sharp look. Lexa struggled to control her temper and jealousy as she took in the honest confusion on the blondes face. She paused and pulled Clarke to a halt before stepping in close.
"You lay in my bed at night. It makes me possessive. It makes me want your touch alone. I am frustrated and want you so bad my teeth ache" she whispered so only a confused Clarke could hear "I do not like you touching others so freely"
Clarke could only stare slack jawed as understanding dawned. Lexa was jealous! Then her own anger burned.
"I gave an old friend who I have known all my life a hug. I hug my friends all the time. Get over it" she hissed standing her ground "You don't own anything I don't freely give Lexa. Remember that" Indra was waiting for them worried about the tension she could detect.
Clarke went to storm off, but Lexa grabbed her by the hand and pulled her back sharply. She caught Clarke to her and ordered of the others
"Leave us" no one dared argue, moving away out of hearing range and turning their back on the couple. Clarke waited patiently, knowing there was no point in fighting. She knew this would happen. Not five minutes back in camp and Lexa was already back to Heda. That's why the soft touch had her looking up in surprise and she looked into apologetic eyes "I'm sorry. You do things to me, make me feel things" Lexa sighed and rested her head against Clarke's.
"I'm not interested in Bellamy, or he me. I'm not interested in anyone but you" Clarke assured raising her own hand to cup a soft cheek "try and remember that before you kill anyone huh"
"I will try"
"I won't put up with it Lexa. I mean it. I don't intend to share anyone's bed but yours and I won't put up with you sharing anyone's bed but mine."
"Never" Lexa promised "You alone"
"We still have a lot to work out but that is something I thought would never be questioned" Clarke sighed and pressed a forgiving kiss to Lexa's forehead. "Lets go enjoy our meal then check out our tent"
"You forgive too easily" Lexa sighed and stood back. Clarke merely smiled.
"Hopefully you're worth it" she winked and Lexa blinked before following blindly after her.
They headed off to dinner then, both taking in the large structure which Bellamy had called the mess hall. Clarke noticed he was keeping his distance so figured he was clued in to Lexa's wrath or Octavia had warned him. They had been greeted around camp with cries of "Heda" and "Skaiprisa" and as they stepped into the warmth of the shelter there were more echoes of their names.
Lexa silenced them with a raised hand while looking around at the structure impressed, a cooking area down one end where a pig turned on a spit and all the seats including a raised table which they were led to. It was their table and it was up to them who they invited to join. Indra, Octavia and Lincoln sat for Lexa. Bellamy, Jasper, and Raven sat for Clarke. She did look around quickly for her mother but she was nowhere to be seen. Considering her dislike for Lexa she wasn't surprised.
Dinner was actually served for them and brought over. Clarke's mouth watered and she waited on them all to be served, feeling a bit uneasy for it, being up high under everyone's gaze. It felt foreign and weird. Finally she could eat as others started eating and there was little said around the room besides appreciative comments. Clarke couldn't help but smile when she felt a leg press against her own under the table, pressing back.
It was only after dinner as they sat talking that she became aware of the expectant eyes on them. She looked at Lexa then Indra for clarification.
"Are they waiting for something?" She asked
"They are waiting for their Heda to speak" Indra informed as Lexa gave a long suffering sigh and stood, holding up her hand. Clarke listened as the Heda addressed her warriors, thanking them for organising the camp for winter, for the hall they were in, for the food they had prepared. A hand came down on her shoulder lightly, surprising her and many in the hall. The commander did not touch unless required. She then thanked everyone for preparing their tent and stated she couldn't wait to see it.
There was much cheering around the hall before someone called out if a merger was to take place. Clarke stiffened slightly, that was not their business but what Lexa said next had her face going slack in shock.
She announced they would be merged for the unity of the people, to make one clan, to learn each other's ways and respect each other.
Somehow Clarke managed to smile through Lexa announcing the ceremony would be next week and ordering a banquet. She smiled through the congratulations that they were getting as Lexa kept a grip on her hand and led her towards the entrance. It was Octavia who ran interference, noticing something was up and telling all they wanted to retire for the night in their new tent.
This caused much cheering and Clarke flushed first in embarrassment and then anger. How dare they cheer, think what they thought. How dare Lexa try and control her life like that. She hadn't agreed to a merger for merely business purposes and she was beyond mad, livid, furious at Lexa for making it so. Then to casually announce that it would take place next week! Some business transaction? What had happened to Lexa from the pond? What happened to caring for each other? What happened to talking and making decisions together?
As soon as they were clear of the tent and there was only Octavia around she wrenched her hand free and took off. She knew from Lincoln they had built the new tent in the place her old one had been. She took in the tent, ignoring Lexa calling her name as she hurried after her. It was a large tent, much bigger than any there. She could see the attention put into it. Right now she didn't care, she just needed to get away from prying eyes, somewhere where she could be herself and give Lexa a piece of her mind