Clarke finds out about Lexa's condition … and a little more than that. Octavia faces the consequences of her actions.

Clarke didn't bother to go to the training area; she went directly to the clinic, her heart feeling like it was going to stop beating at any moment; panic-stricken. There, she was informed Lexa had been brought in by Indra; but she was soon discharged after receiving the appropriate care. Again Clarke runs out, this time heading to the young warrior's dormitory.

Upon arriving, Clarke stops briefly a few meters away from the dormitory, she notices the presence of not only one but three guards stationed at the front door. 'That is Indra's strategy of protection in case of a threat' and she can only think of one reason why Indra would consider Lexa to be in imminent danger. 'Fucking Octavia.' Clarke's hands close into fists at her sides, her anger boiling at the mere thought of the general. She fiercely walks toward the entrance.

"Wanheda" The guards bow.

Clarke passes by them, quickly entering the building and climbing the stairs that lead to one of the largest rooms in the dormitory; the ones reserved for the champions and nightbloods. She reaches for the doorknob and opens it without preamble.

"Clarke!" Lexa, who is sitting on the bed with her back leaning against the headboard, exclaims surprised.

"Oh my God!" Clarke's hand flies up to her mouth at seeing Lexa in the state she is in.

Lexa's face is swollen with bruises, hands and arms covered with bandages and blood stains on her sleeveless top.

"How dare she…" Clarke mutters through gritted teeth.

"Hey, it's OK don't worry." Lexa gets up with the intention of walking towards Clarke.

"No, no don't move!" Clarke rushes to Lexa and slowly forces her to sit back down again "stay there."

"I'm fine Clarke; it's just…"

"Why didn't Indra stay with you? Why isn't she here helping you change; taking care of you?!" Clarke complains angrily.

"I don't need anyone to help me Clarke; I'm more than capable to look after myself." Lexa protests, her pride affected.

"What did the healers say? Did the doctor see you? What did they give you?" Clarke continues to ignore Lexa's objections, instead looking at the ointments and medication on the nightstand.

Lexa sighs defeated, realizing there's no point in arguing with the blonde. "They said I needed to rest and come back in a couple days for a checkup, that's all."

"Just that!" Clarke utters skeptically. "Ugh! Let me see," without thinking she clutches at Lexa's chin to take a closer look at the bruises.

It takes considerable effort from Lexa not to gasp at the contact. She settles for closing her eyes and bask in Clarke's touch.

"I don't know…" Clarke lets out in thought. "I'll send someone tomorrow to check on you again."

Lexa's lips curl involuntarily into a small smile. "You care about me," she can't help commenting, watching how Clarke worries about her.

The sentence causes Clarke to snap out of her protective mood, becoming aware of what she is doing. She immediately releases Lexa's chin like it was burning. "Uh um…" Clarke steps back, nervously. "Yeah I – I mean you're the champion and…" the excuses don't come easily to her no matter how hard she tries "anyways I hope you feel better soon." She gives up on trying and begins her retreat. "I have to… I've got things to do" with that she turns to leave the room.

"Clarke, wait!" Lexa rises abruptly extending her arm out, but the brusque movement sends a jolt of pain throughout her injured side. "Ow," she leans over; one hand holding her ribs the other supporting her weight on the bed.

"Shit." Clarke strides toward Lexa "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" she helps Lexa back down onto the bed, "it's OK shh" she soothes delicately caressing Lexa's side.

Lexa inhales and exhales waiting for the pain to subside. It takes a little while for her to calm down enough to notice how close Clarke is.

"Better?" Clarke asks full of concern, her hand still on Lexa.

"Yeah…much better," Lexa croaks staring at Clarke's face intently.

When her eyes connect with Lexa's Clarke looks down and pulls away.

"Don't," Lexa grabs Clarke's upper arms to prevent her from leaving. Then, forgetting all about her aches, she stands up so they can face each other. "Look at me."

Clarke tries urgently to detach herself from Lexa's grasp but only causes Lexa to hold onto her even tighter.

"Please Clarke, look at me" Lexa demands sweetly.

And that's exactly what Clarke has been avoiding since the first time she laid eyes on this girl; to look deeply into her eyes, up this close, this intimately; because she knew the moment she did, the moment she really stared into her soul, she would be lost. Either way, swallowing a knot in her throat, Clarke faces Lexa making a last attempt to appear unaffected.

Lexa sighs at the intensity of their gazes interlocked. This is the moment she has been waiting for years; this is the time to get the truth out into the open. So taking a deep breath of courage she mouths in the most assertive way she can muster "it's me."

Clarke tenses up noticeably at the words; her face contorts into something that she wants to mask as rage.

At the lack of words, Lexa reiterates using her name this time "I'm Lexa."

"No!" Clarke interjects forcefully, still not willing to accept what she's hearing.

Despite the objection, Lexa goes on. "I know that you have known since you saw me that day at the Young Warriors competition, I saw it in your eyes Clarke; you know."

"Shut up!" Clarke attempts to push Lexa away "you're not her, stop it." The desperation and anguish are now evident in her features.

But Lexa remains calm and collected adding slowly "Do you know why you haven't found anyone else? Why you stayed alone all these years? Hmm?" She squeezes Clarke's arms for emphasis. "Cause your soul knew I was coming back, cause you knew you had to wait for me. You are bound to me Clarke."

Clarke shakes her head, her eyes welling up with tears. She's so tired of fighting "you can't…you're not…" her voice cracks, not nearly as firm as it was moments earlier.

It pains Lexa to witness the inner conflict in Clarke; she can only imagine all the suffering she went through that time apart. 'At least I knew I was going to see her again, I had that hope, I just had to wait; but she thought she had lost me forever' and that is what makes her try to console her distressed love. "You don't have to deny this to your heart anymore Clarke, don't do this to yourself; I'm here, I came back for you," Lexa brings Clarke closer to her body.

"No, no please don't say that, don't say it," Clarke can't take it any longer, she can feel herself giving up, her knees bending "please…don't" she crumples on the floor.

"Oh Clarke" Lexa kneels in front of the blonde, taking her into her arms.

"I can't do this, please; I can't" Clarke howls breaking down.

"Shhh," Lexa embraces Clarke securely "Everything is gonna be fine, I'm not going anywhere" she reassures with conviction.

Despite the heavy mood surrounding them both, Lexa feels relieved at having the woman she loves finally in her arms. She rubs her back soothingly, sighing when Clarke leans her head on her shoulder and puts her arms around her neck.

Clarke cries for a good while feeling how the pressure in her chest, that has been present for sixteen years, has loosened up a bit. And if she's honest with herself, the smell of the girl's hair and skin penetrating her nostrils is comforting her.

Lexa remains in the same position in silence, waiting patiently for Clarke to calm down.

After a moment, crying a little less Clarke leans back staring at Lexa with incredulity "How…" She can't bring herself to complete the question, but she really needs to know.

Even with puffy eyes and nose dripping, Lexa thinks Clarke never looked so beautiful. Her heart warms at the notion Clarke is acknowledging her for who she really is 'finally.' She quickly comes out of her momentary trance to answer the query "I don't know" she supplies honestly.

Clarke's brows furrow with confusion in a way Lexa finds adorable. She wants to kiss the wrinkles away but judging by how Clarke is looking at her she knows the blonde is expecting an explanation.

"One day I woke up and I just knew; I must have been four or five years old. Since then all I could think about was your face, I would say your name just to feel it on my lips; I would sleep every night fantasizing about this moment, of having you here with me" Lexa smiles timidly.

"Fuck this is just…" Clarke closes her eyes taking a long breath. Her heart knows it is true, Lexa's eyes tell her it is true; but still her mind can't seem to catch up with it. "This can't be, you can't…" She glances back at Lexa's face, her lips trembling.

"I know this is hard to understand; it was difficult for me too." Lexa strokes Clarke's cheek with the back of her hand "but we can do this Clarke, we can get through this."

Clarke says nothing, the only thing betraying the hopefulness in her soul is the sparkle in her blue eyes.

And both can feel it; the pull on their heartstrings that is forcing them together like a magnet. They lean in slowly at the same time, eager to connect their lips and give into the magic spell they are currently in.

But a sudden knock on the door brings them back to reality.

"Clarke?" Indra's voice penetrates the room.

"Uh" Clarke clears her throat and replies as steady as she can "just a minute." She stands up and helps Lexa do the same.

Lexa curses internally the interruption but does her best not to show her disappointment. Clarke is still in a sensitive state of mind, she doesn't want to risk the blonde to back away from their progress.

Clarke tries to regain some composure before addressing Lexa. "I have to go" she starts searching for the appropriate words in their current situation "but I will come back soon; we need to talk."

"Yeah I know" Lexa nods making sure her eyes convey she understands completely how Clarke is feeling and thinking.

"OK." Clarke nods back gulping; and in a great display of will power she begins to move away. Once she reaches the door she turns around to remind Lexa, "Tomorrow I am arranging to have a doctor here to examine you thoroughly; be ready to cooperate."

Lexa is about to argue but just one glare from the older woman is enough to shush her up.

"I'll see you later," Clarke promises suddenly in an awkward and shy manner.

"I'll be waiting" Lexa confirms confidently.

They give each other one longing glance before Clarke disappears behind the door.

Now alone in her bedroom once again, Lexa is left completely numb. She gapes at the wall for a while contemplating the events. 'She was worried; she came to see me cause she was worried about me. Clarke loves me, she still loves me!' She runs both her hands over her face; a huge grin adorning her features at the revelation. "She loves me" Lexa murmurs to herself if only to confirm the veracity of the statement. All of a sudden she squeals with happiness, letting her body fall onto the bed "She loves me, she loves ... ow!"

…

Clarke feels the oxygen return to her lungs after she has crossed the hallway adjacent to Lexa's room; it is all so unexpected that she can't really process it just yet. She runs a hand through her hair in an attempt to relax, when she takes notice of Indra's presence at her side. Her face adopts a harden expression immediately "tower." It's all she says before walking away not bothering to check if Indra is following or not.

…

After closing the doors of the throne room and making sure the guards have left the premises, Clarke finally acknowledges Indra. "Why didn't you tell me about it as soon as it happened," her tone is harsh and accusatory.

"The girl needed my immediate attention, it was an emergency" Indra responds serenely.

"Why didn't you send a messenger then?"

"It was a very delicate matter Clarke; I wanted to discuss it with you personally."

"Why didn't you stay with her, tending her?!"

"Because I had to look for you; besides you saw her yourself; she can deal just fine for the time being."

Clarke huffs. Suddenly, as if remembering something else she inquires "where the fuck is she?"

Indra knows exactly who she is referring to, no need to say the name "I sent her away to cool down."

"Bring her to me now" it is a command not a request.

"I'm not doing that."

"I said bring her to me, I'm gonna fucking kill her!" Clarke slams the war table forcefully.

"Clarke," Indra sighs clearly prepared for this reaction "you're not killing anyone."

"Didn't you see the state she's in? She could have killed her Indra! She could have and… I don't know what… ugh!" Clarke holds her head in exasperation. "I'm gonna kill that bitch."

Indra waits a few seconds before continuing "she wasn't gonna kill Lexa."

"How do you know? How can you be so sure?!" Clarke begins losing her temper.

"Because I trained that girl; I know what she's capable of" Indra counteracts. "She may be wild and impulsive but she knows better than to kill an innocent; I taught her that."

"Really?" Clarke snarls "is that why you had three guards posted at the dormitory huh? Cause Octavia is such a trustworthy warrior?"

"That was a warning for Octavia to be aware I was watching her. I was sure she wouldn't threaten the girl's life but I couldn't be certain she wouldn't come back to bicker like all you sky people like to do when you feel particularly feisty," Indra states barely holding the 'like you're doing now' from her tongue. She focuses instead on the other person involved "Lexa has to rest and heal; the last thing she needs is someone to upset her."

It sounds reasonable but Clarke is too out of it to see it. "I don't fucking care Indra, just bring the fucking bitch here right now."

"Clarke…" Indra gets near the enraged blonde, trying to get her attention.

"I swear to God I'm gonna…"

"Clarke!" Indra shakes Clarke's shoulders effectively getting her out of her fuming trance. Then looking directly into her eyes, she utters in a low voice "Lexa is back."

Clarke lets the words sink in for a second; like what happened minutes ago was not real; like she has just confirmed the genuineness of it all. "She's back" she whispers, her eyes open wide in sudden realization.

Indra beams "our girl is back."

A surge of emotions invade Clarke once again; but this time they are full of optimism and joy. Her eyes fill up with tears she doesn't feel like holding back anymore. "She's here" she mumbles before throwing herself into Indra's arms.

The woman returns the sentiment, allowing Clarke to let it all out; as she indulges in some sappiness herself.

…

The sun has barely risen, showing its firsts rays but Indra and Clarke are already organizing the last details of the matters at hand; apparently reaching a mutual agreement.

"I want Roda to prepare her a special meal; something soft and nutritious to help in her recovery," Clarke states.

"Consider it done." Indra assures. "The guards have orders to let me know when she is awake so we can have it sent to her."

"Good. And, Indra?"

"Yes?"

Clarke hesitates a second but either way she places her request. "Make sure they don't send Sava with the food… please?" She cringes with guilt.

Indra eyes her, not understanding at first what the problem is but soon she gets it "ah" she clears he throat "that can be arranged."

"Thank you," Clarke sighs relieved that she doesn't have to explain. Then an idea occurs to her "you know what? I'll take the food myself, that way we can…"

"No, you won't" Indra's tone sounds definitive.

"What do mean I won't" Clarke questions alarmingly.

As usual Indra responds with utmost tranquility. "You won't because you still need to process this whole situation, think with a clear mind and truly accept it; actually you both have to. The difference is that besides all the emotional turmoil, Lexa also has to heal, and you going in and out distracting her will only delay the process and certainly can't be good for her health."

"But…" Clarke wants to contest the arguments but she knows Indra is right. "Fine" she concedes, not before asking "for how long?"

"Give it two days."

"Two days!" The duration sounds scandalous to Clarke. She doesn't get to refute though; someone they have been expecting makes her appearance.

"You sent for me?" Octavia announces her presence arrogantly.

Catching her tone Clarke turns to Octavia with a scowl. She sends a sidelong glance in Indra's direction, receiving a sly nod in reassurance from the woman.

As if on cue, the guards close the doors behind them.

Clarke then walks over to her throne; sitting imposingly. She waits for Indra to take her position at her right before starting to speak.

"Yes" Clarke fixes her gaze on Octavia "I was informed about the incident yesterday morning. Your behavior was unworthy of the general of the commander's army Octavia."

Octavia glares at Indra briefly before scoffing "Whatever."

Clenching her jaw at the insolence Octavia is showing, Clarke continues "I discussed this issue with the counselor and I saw it appropriate to give you a reprimand."

"You what?" Octavia glances at Clarke stunned, her previous daring attitude forgotten.

Satisfied to have earned Octavia's total attention Clarke proclaims, "You are relieved of your general duties for one month, effective immediately. You'll be sent to Arkadia for the entire duration of your punishment."

"Are you fucking kidding me!? A month?! " Octavia exclaims in disbelief.

"Do you want it to be two?" Clarke threatens "Maybe that way you'll see I am not joking here."

"Are you letting her do this?" Octavia faces Indra, expecting a response.

"I'm the one who recommended it." Indra supplies with authority.

Octavia glowers indignantly at both women. "Fuck that, I'm not doing it, I'm not going anywhere," she challenges.

Having enough of Octavia's arrogance, Clarke rises from her throne menacingly "I'm not asking you Octavia, it is an order!"

The temperamental brunette shakes her head flabbergasted and furious "Are you pulling your commander card on me?"

"Octavia," Clarke inhales, evidently controlling her temper "I'm trying really hard here to see this as the commander, cause God knows if I do it as Clarke …" Clarke's hand moves dangerously close to the gun attached to her hip.

The warning sounds pretty serious and Octavia gets the message.

"Of course." Octavia lets out through gritted teeth, "all this show is because of her right? Everything revolves around her. Alive, dead or resuscitated; she always finds a way to fuck with your mind, doesn't she? Always that bitch!"

"Watch your mouth!" Clarke shouts, taking two firm steps forward, finger pointing at Octavia.

"I will never get it Clarke; how could you..."

"Enough!" Clarke demands, "I can't do this right now Octavia; I can't stand seeing your face without wanting to smash it against the wall," she takes a deep breath and carries on "just go and hang out with your brother, with the kids! And take all that time to think about how wrong you are! She is not the one to blame; she didn't do anything to Lincoln!"

"Don't!" Octavia cries out "don't you dare."

Realizing things are getting out of control, Indra intervenes. "OK, stop; both of you. This is not the right time," when Clarke turns her back on them in an attempt to calm down; Indra extends her hand to Octavia "gimme your sword."

"What?"

"Your erratic behavior and disrespect makes you unfit to carry the sword of the Commander's Army. It will be returned to you only when you prove you're deserving of it, like you did the day you became the General."

Octavia can't hide how much those words affected her. Shaking with rage and sorrow she slowly takes her sword out of its scabbard. She holds it for a few seconds, and then unwillingly gives it to Indra. "You don't understand" she accuses, her voice trembling.

Clarke spins around, "that I don't understand? You more than anyone knows I understand what you're going through!" She raises her voice. "The loves of our lives were taken away from us in the most nonsensical ways at the hands of two crazy men who thought they knew better than anyone. Have you forgotten? We have both cried and suffered the same Octavia! How can you even imply such a thing? I do understand!"

"Well," Octavia starts restraining the tears that threaten to fall down her face and gives Clarke a look full of bitterness "not anymore," with that she turns around and stomps out of the throne room.

Even with the fury still coursing through her veins, Clarke feels sorry for her friend. She only hopes this month away from Polis –and close to her loved ones- will make Octavia learn how to react differently and recognize her wrong doings. But there was nothing else she could do.

"She will come around. She just needs time." Indra places a hand on Clarke's shoulder. "You did good commander," she gives her a reassuring pat.

"Yeah," Clarke whispers not really sure about the statement.

Sensing Clarke needs some time alone Indra makes her excuses "I better go and get ready for the training session with the youngsters. You should go try to get some rest; I'll come back later to inform you about what the doctor had to say regarding Lexa's condition."

"OK. Thank you," Clarke nods with genuine gratitude for the help she's receiving in this confusing situation.

Indra then leaves the room.

The quietness that surrounds the area only brings Clarke thoughts of Lexa. She goes onto the balcony, her eyes immediately searching for the building where the girl rests. 'How can it be?' She wonders in silence. 'This is not happening, it's crazy.' Clarke then looks up at the sky, and feels her chest constricting. Out of the blue a throaty laugh escapes her mouth, "Oh My God!" She bursts into a fit of laughter that lasts a few minutes. Suddenly the laughter morphs into sobs and she falls on her knees "thank you… thank you," Clarke clutches at her chest with one hand and with the other she covers her mouth, thanking divinities and spirits she doesn't really believe in. "Oh my God, thank you."