Hello my dear readers! As promised I come back with a new chapter. I know it's been a while but I honestly prefer to take my time than abandon the fic entirely. The knowledge that some of you are still interested is my encouragement to continue. Of course if you are in fact still interested you have to let me know with your comments and subscriptions! Kudos are ok and welcome but nothing like reading your comments to know what you think and if you are still enjoying it. Anyway I may have to extend the whole chilly chapters a bit more maybe 2 or 3 chapters? Lets see where my muse takes me. Hope you like it anyway. Go read! Till next chapter!

xoxoxoxo

Lucky for Clarke and Lexa they could sleep in a bit more the next morning as Lexa's parents weren't expecting them for breakfast, in favor of letting them rest the party away. And they took full advantage of it.

Eventually, when they finally woke up, they decided to have a chill morning with breakfast in bed.

One of the first things Lexa wanted to do was open her presents and that's exactly what she did next.

"Open in private." Lexa reads out loud the notes that adorn Raven's and Octavia's presents.

That gets Clarke suspicious so she immediately moves closer to Lexa to get a better view of the objects.

Shrugging Lexa proceeds to open Octavia's gift first. She carefully maneuvers the box until the contents are exposed. "Oh", Lexa breathes out as she now holds the box tentatively.

"The fucking bitch!" Clarke spats extending her hand, ready to take the offending box from her girlfriend.

"Wait!" Lexa notices a card under the gun. She carefully retrieves it and reads aloud what's written on it. "The best way to overcome your fears is to get a hold of them. Start with this. Happy birthday, kiddo. O." Lexa stares at Clarke with slightly parted lips and a raised brow.

"The fucking bitch…" This time Clarke mouths the sentence above a whisper; shaking her head.

"I didn't know Octavia could be this considerate". Lexa comments dumbfounded.

"Oh, she can", Clarke remarks. "In her own way, she can be considerate when she makes the effort".

Lexa chuckles at Octavia's unexpected act of thoughtfulness and carries on with the other gift. "OK, now Ravens".

Clarke doesn't bat an eye when Lexa opens Raven's present, as she knows her friend would never do anything to intentionally humiliate or harm anyone she loves. But that certainty disappears when she observes Lexa's facial expression. "Everything OK?" She stands at Lexa's side, chancing a glance.

"Uh…" Lexa blinks, sure that what she's seeing are pieces of clothing but skeptical of its function. She lifts one for good measure and her suspicions are confirmed.

The garment is in plain sight, making it visible for Clarke too. "Is that…" her mouth opens and closes in a lame attempt to keep her composure, "oh wow…" but she fails miserably; her mind already possessed by the images of Lexa wearing such scanty outfits.

Lexa for her part was having other kinds of thoughts. 'What the hell am I gonna look like in these? Will I look hot like Clarke?' She wonders feeling confused and a bit insecure. But Clarke's current state of awe manages to alleviate her uncertainties somehow, instead making her come up with the perfect moment to try and verify the effectiveness of this "gift".

"So, your birthday is coming up soon," Lexa says, while casually closing the box and leaving it on the desk and turning immediately towards Clarke.

"Ah… my birthday… right!" Clarke replies pushing aside her fantasies in favor of paying attention to what Lexa has to say.

"Do you have any plans?" Lexa questions without hiding her excitement.

"Not really" Clarke answers honestly. "But I've been thinking…" she considers for a bit and makes a quick decision. "I may let Raven finally arrange that birthday party she always wanted to throw for me".

"That sounds great". Lexa expresses her support. "Will it be here in the tower?"

"Oh no, no" Clarke hurriedly clarifies. "I don't think it would be appropriate to have that kind of party here, it would definitely have to be in Arkadia".

The news came like a bucket of cold water to Lexa. Going to Arkadia was certainly not part of her immediate plans but since this was not the appropriate time to ponder about it she focused on something that definitely caught her attention the most. "That kind of party?"

Clarke chuckles "it's not as bad as it sounds", she then elaborates. "Every single year like clockwork Raven insisted on throwing a big birthday party for me, but I…" Clarke takes an involuntary pause as awful memories suddenly came to mind "… I really wasn't in the mood".

Lexa can't help empathizing. She nods slowly, letting Clarke know she understands.

Not wanting to ruin the mood Clarke hurries to add, "But that all changed." She stands in front of Lexa, wrapping her arms around Lexa's neck. "Now I have you".

This makes Lexa feel more at ease. She grabs Clarke by the waist and leans in to give her a peck on the lips.

With the sadness gone and a smile on her face, Clarke enjoys the reality of it all. "Since now I have a reason to actually celebrate, why the hell not? I'll just let her organize it" She shrugs. "And oh boy does she have ideas".

"What do you mean?" Lexa's curiosity grows.

But Clarke wants to keep the mystery under wraps for a little while anyway. "If I know Raven like I think I do, and with the years I basically held her back", she clicks her tongue naughtily "let's just say, if you think your party was fun, just wait until you see what she comes up with for me, in the privacy of Arkadia, surrounded by mostly sky people."

Lexa gulps. There's no need for more input, her imagination takes care of the rest. And she would've stayed there in her reverie if it wasn't for Clarke's voice intruding into her thoughts.

"Lex?"

"huh?"

"Aren't you gonna open the rest of your presents?" Clarke smirks knowing she got into her girlfriend's mind.

Lexa reacts "right, yeah" she automatically grabs one of her gifts and opens it absentmindedly wishing Clarke's birthday could come faster.

….

Raven produces the most resounding girlish high pitched cry once she hears the news about Clarke's birthday.

Clarke cringes at the sound. "Jesus Raven, my…" she's cut off mid-sentence when Raven pounces on her, trapping her in a bear hug.

"Oh my God, I can't believe you finally gave in!" Raven exclaims as she detaches herself from Clarke's body.

"Well yeah… I guess it's time huh?" Clarke shrugs, becoming self-conscious all of a sudden.

Raven can tell her commander friend is trying not to show too much emotion and as the good friend Raven is, she understands and doesn't push for more than Clarke is willing to display. "Yeah, it's about time", she offers with a knowing smile.

Clarke smiles in return, silently thanking her friend's discretion.

"I'm gonna start preparing everything immediately so by the time I return to Arkadia I will only have to execute my plans." Raven rambles on eagerly.

Clarke rolls her eyes, expecting this kind of reaction already. "Please don't overdo it," she warns.

"Not overdo it?" Raven chuckles incredulously. "Are you insane? This is gonna be the wildest party the world has ever seen in a while! But don't worry, leave it all to me". She pats Clarke's arm.

"I'm actually getting worried", Clarke declares in all seriousness.

"Worried about what?" Octavia intervenes, suddenly emerging from the hallway.

"Clarke has finally given me the OK to organize her birthday party!" Raven shares the news.

"No fucking way!" Octavia can't help voicing her excitement. "It's about damn time!" She gives Clarke a firm pat on the back, adding shortly after, "gosh I'm finally gonna release some tension on the dance floor. Raven you better start now! I have plenty of ideas to make things more interesting." She wiggles her eyebrows.

"Yes! Tell me all about it!"

The two friends babble and exchange ideas, while completely ignoring Clarke.

Resigned, Clarke observes them with crossed arms and an irritated expression in her face. "Very, very worried."

…

Several weeks later -and still a bit worried – Clarke is at the entrance of the tower, ready to go to Arkadia for her long-postponed birthday vacation.

The vehicles are already being loaded and her entourage is patiently waiting for the go-ahead.

"…and if anything happens just…"

"I will reach you on the communication system", Indra repeats the instructions Clarke gave her earlier. "You have nothing to worry about; I will take care of everything. Now just go and have fun", she assures.

"OK,OK!" Clarke sighs, feeling somewhat uneasy. "I'll see you in a few days".

"For sure", Indra nods assertively. Then in a complete change of mood, she announces with a sly smile on her face, "I hope you have a very nice birthday". With that she gives Clarke an unexpected hug.

"Oh", Clarke is surprised by the gesture but quickly returns the sentiment, feeling the genuine affection the woman is providing. "Thank you Indra".

Lexa slowly makes her appearance, grinning at the exchange.

"Lets go bitches!" Octavia cries out as she passes by the three women with bag in hand, straight to her jeep.

Indra and Clarke pull away from their embrace and roll their eyes at Octavia's manners.

"Take care Indra, see you soon". Lexa extends her arm.

"You too, see you". Indra grasps Lexa's arm affectionately.

Octavia also bids farewell to her former mentor from afar in her own fashionable way. "You better take good care of my army and keep an eye on my youngsters, see ya around". Having said that, she disappears inside the vehicle.

Indra just shakes her head, knowing already Octavia's ways.

With a final wave, Clarke and Lexa move toward their transport to head to the skypeople's grounds.

….

Lexa has mixed feelings regarding the trip. It was the first time she was going to visit the full and developed Arkadia, with their technology, their modernism and … its skypeople. When she was the commander in her previous life she got to witness firsthand the skypeople and their controversial choices. Not that Lexa was a saint but even she had to admit many times their actions caused her to be on constant alert. After that, in her new life she realized many of them hadn't changed much, still arrogant, still know it alls. Sure she encountered good ones but her distrust was still present somehow. Now that she's going there, to their actual territory, Lexa didn't know how everything was going to unfold or how she was going to manage her reservations. But she was willing to not prejudge because of her love for Clarke.

For her part, Clarke was very happy to finally go back to Arkadia for once not out of obligation but to actually celebrate her birthday. She couldn't wait to show off Lexa in front of every single one of them. She doesn't care most of the skypeople don't believe Lexa is the previous commander, on the contrary, it means they would be left alone and would be spared prying eyes. Clarke sighs and looks to the side at Lexa; feeling she is the luckiest woman in the world but then she notices Lexa's tense state.

"Are you OK?" She whispers, leaning towards Lexa's ear.

Lexa is startled by the sound of Clarke's voice and attempts to sound cool. "uh ah…yeah um, I'm fine".

Clarke, of course, knows her girlfriend and can guess what is tormenting Lexa, so she simply takes Lexa's hand in hers and speaks to her softly. "Don't worry babe, everything is gonna be fine. We are together in this, lets just go and have fun, OK?"

It may be a lie to say all her worries disappeared but Lexa is feeling considerably better after the reassuring words from Clarke. She smiles and squeezes Clarke's hand to let her know she is thankful.

Satisfied with the girl's response Clarke leans her head on Lexa's shoulder and remains there for the rest of the way to Arkadia.

….

Finally, they arrive at Skypeople's territory.

As expected an excited Abby is standing outside the gates waiting for her daughter, accompanied by Kane, Bellamy and their best guards.

As soon as the vehicles come to a stop, Lexa unbuckles the seat belt and rearranges her body so she's sitting upright. She takes a few calming breaths while waiting for Clarke to give the go-ahead which comes quickly.

"You ready?" Clarke puts her hand on Lexa's thigh caressing it encouragingly.

With everything sorted out in her mind after her fleeting reflection, Lexa gives her characteristic firm nod.

"All right, here we go". Clarke opens the door and gets out of the vehicle.

"Clarke!" Abby calls out, immediately sprinting over to her daughter upon seeing her and trapping her in her arms.

Clarke rolls her eyes at the excessive display of affection but reciprocates the embrace anyway. After all, this is the only place where her mother doesn't have to follow proper protocol and is allowed to be this expressive in public.

Octavia descends from her car and waves at Abby who responds likewise, while still holding onto Clarke. She walks over to the gates to meet up with her brother. "Bell", she announces the name blandly. As usual, she lets him hug her.

"I'm glad you decided to come." Bellamy conveys happily.

Octavia huffs, "of course I was gonna come, it's Clarke's first fucking birthday party, do you think I was gonna miss it?"

Bellamy chuckles and shakes his head.

"General". The guards salute Octavia.

Octavia nods her acknowledgment. "Hey Marcus", she now directs her attention to the other man.

They engage in small talk.

When Abby and Clarke pull away, Lexa appears next to them.

"It's nice to see you again Doctor Griffin".

"It's good to see you too Lexa", Abby extends her arm to greet Lexa the grounder way. "Please call me Abby", she requests sincerely.

Lexa looks at Clarke who only shrugs cheekily. "oh-ok, Abby". She awkwardly concedes.

They slowly walk ahead to where Kane welcomes them warmly.

"Commander". The guards bow to Clarke.

Just like Octavia did she gestures by nodding to them.

After chatting for a few minutes, Abby invites them inside. That's when Clarke sees Bellamy who has been patiently waiting.

"Hello Clarke" Bellamy greets uneasily, not sure how Clarke would react since the last time they met wasn't on good terms.

"Bell". Clarke gives him a tight smile, letting him know she is being respectful but everything isn't alright yet.

Lexa and Bellamy exchange gazes but other than that, they don't say anything.

Noticing the situation is becoming uncomfortable Abby quickly intervenes and fills Clarke in as they continue walking. "So, your room is ready for the both of you as requested. After settling in, please join us for a special welcome meal".

"Of course!" Clarke seems to like the idea. "But first I wanna visit Myrreh, I haven't seen her in a while." She informs.

"That's OK, take your time" Abby replies, then stops. "We'll make the arrangements. See you at the dining hall", she holds onto Clarke's arm briefly and then walks along with Kane as they enter Arkadia's premises.

Bellamy, assuming the role of escort now, immediately approaches Clarke and offers, "Myrreh is waiting for you, maybe we should…"

"I would prefer it if you leave us alone", Clarke demands firmly. "But we will talk later".

Both Octavia and Lexa restrain themselves from laughing at Bellamy's expression.

"Uh, um. Sure OK". Bellamy is shocked but has no intention of refuting Clarke. "We will talk". He uncomfortably walks away.

Clarke sighs, she has never been more grateful of being on bad terms with the man. This was the easiest way to get rid of him without any suspicions. She checks that Bellamy is actually far off in the distance to voice, "Now to Myrreh". Clarke directs the other two women in the direction of the cottage at the far side of Arkadia.

…

Myrreh and her kids are playing outside at the family cottage while she waits for her visitors. When she hears footsteps that is when she notices them approaching in the distance. She calls her children over to stand next to her.

"Commander". Myrreh bows, along with little Aurora.

"Myrreh". Clarke heads over to the woman she considers a loyal friend for a hug.

Despite their eventful first encounter, they got to develop a strong bond during the war. Not only did she fight by her side but also served as a confidant in difficult times. Clarke will always be thankful for all the support and help she got from Myrreh. As they pull away from the embrace Clarke can't help commenting. "After all this time I should give up on asking you to call me Clarke, right?"

"When you stop being the commander, I promise you I will" Myrreh confirms with a smirk.

"Myr". Octavia cuts out.

"O".

As the sisters in law share an embrace too; Clarke busies herself with the kids. When they pull away, Octavia joins Clarke in greeting her niece and nephew.

Suddenly, Myrreh turns toward Lexa. "It's a pleasure to meet this new you, Lexa". She offers her arm to the girl and looks at her with admiration.

Lexa, confused at first, shakes the arm of the woman but then a flash of recognition crosses her face. "Wait, you… you were part of my army". Even though it was impossible to remember the names and faces of all the warriors in her army, Lexa's mind somehow seemed to evoke the best ones.

Clarke and Octavia observe the exchange with interest.

"Yes, I was". Myrreh admits with pride. "I never really had the chance to tell you this in person but it was an honor to fight under your command. I'm glad the spirits gifted you a second chance and brought you back. You truly deserve to spend a lifetime with the one you love", she finishes and gives Clarke a knowing beam.

Lexa feels genuinely touched by Myrreh's admiration and respect for her. It was like a breath of fresh air to have someone else to talk about her identity with liberty. "Thank you very much for your good wishes, and I also wanna thank you for your service, I'm sure you are a great warrior".

Myrreh feels immensely proud to get the recognition from the woman she admired and served. She's pleased she got to say her share and lets it be known with a sly nod. Now she can continue with the matters that got them all there. "We should get inside", she invites the other three women into her cottage.

Clarke, Lexa and Myrreh take seats at the table but Octavia decides to stay put and play with the kids.

Clarke doesn't waste any more time; she starts with the business at hand. "Tell me how everything is going around here".

"Nothing odd at the moment". Myrreh replies in her usual professional mode. "The recent meetings have been dealing with routine issues." She briefly eyes Lexa and continues. "The rumor of your relationship has been basically dismissed; they, of course, don't believe the former commander is reincarnated."

Lexa shrugs; she doesn't really care what others believe.

"As expected", Clarke responds. Then she addresses the next topic. "And, have you found it yet?"

Myrreh groans at the question. "No, I haven't located Bellamy's weapon stash yet, he is being really sneaky about this one. You know I need to tread very carefully, l don't want him to become suspicious. But I assure you one way or another I will find it." She guarantees.

Upon hearing the conversation, Aurora shyly approaches Clarke and starts pulling on her sleeve, gently.

"Yes, sweety?" Clarke immediately switches from her serious demeanor to focus entirely on the girl.

Aurora gulps and makes eye contact with her mom, who is staring at her, puzzled. She musters up the courage to make a decision. "Commander, I have something to tell you", she speaks in a very low voice.

That gets Clarke's attention totally. She leans closer to the girl to hear what she has to say. "Yes, I'm listening, honey".

Once again, Aurora glances at her mom.

Having no idea what her daughter could possibly want with Clarke but noticing her hesitation, Myrreh nods to the girl, encouraging her to say whatever is on her mind.

With the silent authorization from her mother, Aurora divulges, "I know where daddy hid the weapons".

The four women in the cottage are stunned by the revelation from the little girl.

Octavia rushes to the girl's side, crouches down in front of her to ask two very important questions. "Aurora, what are you saying? Did you really see where your daddy hid them?"

"Yes". Aurora confirms, "He hides them out in the forest. I saw him open a door on the ground in the middle of the trees. He had a big gun but then he came out without it", she explains nonchalantly.

But Octavia needs confirmation. "And, you remember exactly where it is? Can you take me there?"

"uh-huh", Aurora nods her head enthusiastically.

At that moment Clarke knows what to do. She gets off her chair and crouches down like Octavia did. She gazes into Aurora's face and says. "You did well Aurora, your information is very valuable to us."

Aurora's little face lights up at the recognition.

"Does your daddy know that you know where his stash is?" Octavia questions for good measure.

Aurora shakes her head from side to side.

Then something else occurs to Clarke. "And, you don't tell your daddy about our conversations here with your mom. right?" She braces for the worst.

"No". Aurora states. Then she adopts a solemn attitude and recites proudly like she heard her mother say many times before. "My loyalty lies with the commander of the thirteen clans and in combat, with aunty Octavia".

Myrreh feels her eyes watering at the statement, awfully proud of her daughter.

Octavia and Lexa have to resist the 'awww' about to escape their lips.

"Good". Clarke affirms and putting a hand on Aurora's shoulder she announces "You will be an excellent warrior for the commander's army one day Aurora, just like mommy and your aunty".

"I'm so proud of you little general", Octavia praises her niece.

After that, they continue talking about other matters, this time letting Aurora know she was welcome to sit at the table if she wanted to.

Shortly after, Clarke ends their meeting with good reason. "I guess it's time for us to go to this meal before my mom sends the troops after us". She stands up, ready to depart.

"Alright, we better go" Myrreh agrees. "c'mon Aurora, Max".

Octavia takes Maximus by the hand and leads him out the door with Myrreh and Aurora in tow.

Lexa quietly joins Clarke as they advance to the building; once again with worries on her mind. She's so deep in her thoughts that it takes her by surprise when a hand interlaces with hers. She looks to the side only to find a mischievous grin.

"What?" Clarke asks, feigning innocence. "Can't a woman show off her hot and young girlfriend to the world?"

Lexa simply chuckles, loving this careless side of Clarke. She makes a decision right there and then. There is no time to doubt anymore, just enjoy the ride and let the spirits guide her on her first full immersion of skypeople's ground… and their skypeople.