Chapter 45:
Lexa led the horse through the trees easily. It was nightfall when they rode to the grounder camp near the Ark. Clarke was surprised to find that there were no war drums beating or even the sound of a war…not yet. Clarke looked on as they passed her warriors each staring at the sight of Clarke and Lexa on horseback together.
The two most powerful women in their world sat tall and rode into the camp as heroes. Together they had brought down a long time enemy and a huge threat to the coalition and grounder way of life. Lexa had rescued the legendary Wanheda from certain death and Clarke had killed the Ice Queen. They shared this victory equally. They shared the recognition. They shared the responsibility of their actions and they shared the consequences of those decisions. Clarke wasn't a fool - there would be consequences.
They continued their slow trot deeper into the grounders around them. Roars erupted from the masses that Clarke could hear echo throughout the ranks and into the surrounding trees. The roars were multiplied and seemed to go on for ages. There were thousands of warriors cheering now. Lexa waved to a few she knew personally and Clarke politely nodded here and there unaccustomed to such a return.
"This is all because of you Clarke," Lexa's voice was only a whisper but Clarke heard it roaring in here ear above the sounds of the warriors.
"This is all because of us," Clarke said in awe. This was so different from how she felt after the mountain. This time, she felt a huge sense of pride within herself as they rode along, she didn't feel guilty for pulling the trigger, she didn't feel afraid of who she was, she wasn't terrified of what was before her either. She knew why, it was all because of the girl behind her, the one that was hanging on to her like she was the most sacred thing in the world.
When they finally made it closer to the tents Lexa halted the horse and hopped down. She assisted Clarke as she gracefully landed on the ground next to her. Lexa then walked the horse and tied her up herself for food and watering. Clarke watched her as she ran her hand along the horse's side and down his legs before bringing the hand to his neck and whispering in his ear. Lexa watered and fed the horse and continued petting it and rubbing it's muscles. Clarke smiled goofily at the sight of her. She was stunning, even in the soft glow of the camps fires she could see the subtle changes of Lexa's facial movements. Clarke sighed as she saw various emotions play across her face. She continued to silently study the girl before Octavia's hand landed on her shoulder.
"Clarke, come on we have to set up Raven's radio."
Clarke shook her head and tore her eyes from Lexa. She followed Octavia with the stupid grin on her face to Lexa's tent. Inside Clarke helped set up the radio in case Raven tried to contact them. When they were finished Lexa came in. Clarke's eyes found hers and she smiled as Lexa grinned back. Lexa crossed the tent and removed her gloves before grabbing some water and drinking deep.
"Why hasn't the battle started?" Octavia piped up after Lexa had washed her face and hands. The war paint and most of the blood was now gone. Clarke smiled stupidly as she saw Lexa through the commander mask she had on now while she faced Octavia. It didn't matter to Clarke anymore, she would always see Lexa beneath the façade.
"I have been informed that due to recent events they have pulled their army from Polis's boundaries and have brought them here. The Ice Nation and their affiliates have made no movement into the zone I had designated for Arkadia 3 months ago. Until they do my army does not move. They must make the first strike…especially now." She finished looking at Clarke quickly and back to Octavia.
Octavia nodded, "Okay, I'm going to go grab a bite, but we should get you to the Ark soon Clarke. We need to check in with your mom and Kane. You know Abby will want to see you for herself."
Clarke nodded in agreement. Her mom was probably worried sick. She hated thinking about it. Clarke was all she had left. Octavia nodded to Lexa in a silent 'see you later' and swung out the tent.
Lexa crossed the tent to hand Clarke a cup of water. Clake drank it all and Lexa refilled it smiling as she did so. Clarke drained the second one and tossed the cup on table. She looked around making sure they were alone and flung her arms around Lexa pulling her tight against her body. She felt Lexa's arms gently fold around her. Clarke nuzzled her head into Lexa's neck placing her lips gently on her skin breathing in her scent as she did so. She felt Lexa's hand gently stroke Clarke's head and rub her back with the other. They held each other tight afraid to let the other go.
When Lexa finally stepped back to break the embrace Clarke sighed, she already missed the contact. To her surprise Lexa was pulling her by the hand to the corner of the bed. She sat her down and turned to go back to the water basin. Clarke watched as Lexa fiddled with some Rags and a small bowl before returning to Clarke. Lexa knelt down and gently took Clarke's left hand she bagn wiping softly with the rag removing blood and debris. She methodically moved to the other before tossing the rag on the table and refilling the water bowl with fresh clean water. She returned with a fresh rag as well and sat beside Clarke on the bed, Clarke adjusted to face her better. Lexa dipped the rag in the water, rung it out and placed it softly against Clarke's cheek. She gently wiped at the blood and dirt on Clarke's face. She gently kissed her cuts and bruises as she revealed them. Her thumb gently caressing the skin as she cleaned it, the light touches were incredibly sweet. The sensation sent tingles to Clarke's toes.
When Lexa was finished she was wiping the last spot of blood on the corner of Clarke's lips. She lowered the rag and set the bowl down. Finally, Clarke's little voice said to her and forced her body into action. She reached out and cupped Lexa's face to turn her head. Clarke looked deep into her eyes for a few moments before leaning in and allowing herself to finally taste Lexa's lips again. Lexa eagerly complied returning Clarke's embrace and scooting even closer. The kiss was soft but powerful at the same time, Clarke could feel Lexa's emotion behind it, could feel her passion and need equal to Clarke's own. She danced her tongue in Lexa's mouth and found she would not win that battle. Lexa's kisses were becoming more forceful, more intense by the moment. Clarke groaned part in pleasure from Lexa's desire and part in annoyance as her little voice piped up, you don't have time for this, Clarke deepened her hold on Lexa trying to drown out the voice. It came backs though it was laughing at her, not yet.
Clarke pulled away with the grumpiest frown she could muster. Lexa stared at her eyes but Clarke didn't miss the longing glances that flickered back to Clarke's lips. The corners of her mouth twitched out of her frown, "We'll have time for that later," Clarke said softly repeating Lexa's own words in Polis back to the girl. She softly stroked Lexa's cheek with her right hand and Clarke tried to ignore the memory of her lips crashing onto Lexa's again and again in her Polis tower. That was only going to lead to her kissing her again.
Lexa's eyes darted back to Clarke's lips before she took a deep breath and sighed loudly as she nodded. Clarke smiled at the grumpy look Lexa made as she nodded.
They walked out of the tent side by side to where Octavia was sitting with Lincoln eating. She tossed Clarke a piece of cooked meat before handing one to Lexa. The girls sat down and ate in silence with them, everyone slightly tired from the stress of the last few days. When they had finished Clarke stood up and held a hand for Lexa to join her.
Clarke followed Lexa as she began to walk to the horses. "Wait," Clarke called out to her.
Lexa turned around questioningly.
"My ass is killing me from riding for two days. Can we please walk."
Lexa smiled and nodded. Clarke sped up to land beside her as they walked off together towards the Ark. She heard Octavia fall into step behind them along with Lincoln. Clarke wasn't surprised. She knew their connection was strong. They wouldn't part unless they had to. She looked at Lexa as she walked and lost herself in thought.