▪️I Z A R A▪️

The steam swirled around me, cloaking the secluded oasis in an otherworldly haze.

Seeking solace from the chaos of the orc castle, I found refuge in the soothing warmth of the natural hot springs. With closed eyes, I let the tranquillity wash over me, letting my thoughts wander in the mist.

Earlier this week, I had the exhilarating experience of riding Draug for the first time up in the open sky. The adrenaline had coursed through my veins, leaving me eager to continue my training. Now, a few days later, everyone around me had insisted it was best to take a break and relax my body.

Part of me had wanted to argue, not wanting to miss out on any training opportunities.

Yet, a moment of clarity washed over me when I realized that if I stayed still for too long, I felt myself getting a bit dizzy. I knew that this meant that I had overexerted myself to. Reluctantly, I relented, giving in to the wisdom of others.

Having spent most of my day with Theo and the other animals in the kraal, I decided to end my day with a visit to the hot springs after dinner.

It was not easy to silence the restlessness within me, the desire to keep pushing myself further. I wanted to be strong for if or when Alaric attacked. However, while I sat here in the soothing waters, letting my mind wander, I could still feel the rush of the wind against my face, the freedom of the open sky enveloping me.

In surrendering to the need for rest, I had tapped into a profound connection, one that allowed me to continue my training even in moments of stillness. The world around me faded, and I was transported back to the skies, where the limits of my body no longer existed. It was a testament to the power of imagination, and I revelled in the knowledge that my training was not confined to the physical realm alone. Not to mention, the last few nightly training sessions had been rough and Khagra had insisted that we all took a break and rested our bodies.

After having dinner with Mahala and Golnar, they encouraged me to invite Baldur and Khagra to join me in the hot springs. I had been hesitant at first, but eventually I pushed my fear aside and was delighted when Baldur said that he would accompany me, though I was slightly disappointed when Khagra declined to join us, stating that he had something to take care of in the stables.

I had made up my mind about confronting my feelings and had planned to talk with them both. My plan had been simple, if not a bit reckless, but Mahala and Golnar had supported me, stating that I should go for it.

The strategy I had decided on involved confessing my feelings, but it also included kissing both of them as I was curious about how it would be. However, since Khagra would not be here, there would be less embarrassment on my end, as it would be easier to approach them one at a time.

Grumbling to myself, I sighed.

Feeling an unexpected shift in the atmosphere I opened my eyes and almost choked when I turned to find the imposing figure of Baldur, the Orc King, standing above me. Scrambling, I quickly sat up, pressing my back more firmly against the stone wall as my head tilted up to get a better look at him.

As his gaze locked with mine, I could sense a flicker of desire dancing in his eyes. In that moment, I could feel his longing, his unspoken yearning reaching out to me, binding us in a web of electrifying tension. It was a gaze that spoke volumes, silently confessing a hunger that words could never fully capture.

"Baldur," I gasped, my voice barely audible over the whisper of the steam. "How long have you been standing there?"

Ignoring my question, his voice was deep and resonant, "May I join you, Izara?"

My heart raced at his request, and I nodded while stammering. "Yes, of course. Please, the water is very soothing, as always."

With graceful movements that belied his strength, Baldur descended into the hot springs, causing the water to ripple in his wake. I did my best not to stare at his naked body, admiring the way his muscles moved with each step he took.

The Orc King's physique commanded attention, with a powerful chest that seemed to expand with each breath, displaying an indomitable spirit. Thick neck muscles supported a square-jawed face, the rugged countenance etched with determination and a hint of primal ferocity. When he settled beside me, the already warm water seemed to grow even hotter, electrifying the air between us.

We sat in silence for a while. The tension between us was palpable, the unspoken truth of our attraction hanging heavy in the misty air.

Despite my numerous attempts to speak, courage eluded me as I struggled to find my voice. Each time I willed myself to open my mouth, the words remained trapped within, as if a heavy weight pressed upon my chest, stealing the air from my lungs. Frustration welled up within me, for my thoughts raced a mile a minute, but my body failed to cooperate.

Thankfully, Baldur broke the silence.

The Orc King's words were a confession of his feelings. "Izara, these past months have been both exhilarating and frustrating. Every time I see you, I find myself drawn to you, yet I have held myself back. I'm sure that you may have suspected my growing feelings for you, but I didn't wish to presume or impose."

His vulnerability touched me, giving me the courage to confess my own thoughts.

Turning to face him fully, my voice was barely above a whisper as I said, "Baldur, I admit, I too have felt the pull between us. Given the nature of our friendship, and me being a human, I had been holding back, but I can no longer deny my feelings."

Baldur reached out, his hand enveloping mine, and a surge of warmth spread through me at his touch. "Izara, given my past and my duty as a king, I have been made wary of love, but with you, I find myself willing to take risks. Will you allow me to be more than just a king in your presence?"

As his words washed over me, I found myself overwhelmed with shock.

My mind raced, unable to process the flood of unexpected feelings and admissions. Of course, I knew that Baldur had feelings for me, but I was not completely sure at how deep those emotions ran.

Wide-eyed, I searched for answers in his gaze, but found only a mix of fear, surprise, and uncertainty mirrored back at me. In that moment, I realized that I stood at a crossroads, caught between the impact of his confession and my own doubts and insecurities. The weight of his feelings hung heavy, and I knew I had to delve into the depths of my heart before taking the next step on this unforeseen journey.

"Honestly, nothing would please me more. I have yearned for nothing more than to be seen by you as more than a mere human. I want to experience love, even if it means taking a leap of faith while defying the rigid boundaries that confine our worlds."

The Orc King smiled widely at my words.

As our hands gently entwined, a tremor of anticipation coursed through me, causing my heart to beat with a newfound intensity. The touch of Baldur's hand against mine sent a surge of warmth radiating through my entire being.

The hot springs embraced us, the warm waters swirling around our bodies as if in harmony with our growing desires. The steam rose in delicate tendrils, creating an ethereal veil that enveloped the secluded oasis. The air was thick with the sweet scent of minerals, mingling with the faint aroma of blooming flowers carried on a gentle breeze.

Baldur's eyes were filled with a mix of tenderness and longing as he moved his body even closer to mine. With a subtle yet assertive movement, he gently pulled me towards him, cradling me while his strong arms encircled my waist. 

It took me a moment to realise that I had been pulled onto his lap.

I squealed as my knee-length dark-coloured smock clung to my body before quickly settling into his embrace. With our eyes locked, I moved my hands up his chest and over his shoulders, while his own settled on the curve of my hips. The water's caress added an exquisite layer of sensuality to the moment, heightening our awareness of each other's presence.

From this intimate vantage point, I felt the strength of Baldur's body, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, as he breathed in sync with my own. His touch ignited a cascade of sensations within me, sending ripples of anticipation coursing through my veins.

As we sat there, continuing to stare at each other, a gentle radiance enveloped the water, casting a soft glow upon our surroundings. Cradled in his embrace, I experienced a deep sense of safety and acceptance, understanding that I had discovered a haven in the arms of someone who embraced me wholeheartedly, imperfections and all.

I could not believe how smoothly everything was unfolding, but deep down, I knew I had to find a way to broach the subject of Khagra. As Baldur's best friend, his presence lingered in the back of my mind, a connection that could not be ignored.

Images of the two of them suddenly flickered through my mind.

Baldur, on his knees behind me, his large hand gripping my hips as he rode me in a way I had never let anyone else. Meanwhile, Khagra stood in front of me, his long fingers tunnelling through my curly hair while he filled my mouth with his thick manhood.

A shiver ran through me as I could not help but grind myself down onto Baldur's lap.

Groaning softly, he warned, "Be careful, I'm trying to keep myself under control. But the way your body is pressing against me, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to not throw you over my shoulder and take you up to my chambers."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" I boldly enquired.

His nostrils flared at my implication and his right hand moved to the front of my throat, pulling my face closer to his. From the way his pupils dilated, I could tell that he enjoyed the feel of my pulse as it beat against his palm.

The touch of his fingers grazing the sensitive skin along the column of my throat elicited a visceral response within me. A sigh escaped my lips, carrying with it a mixture of longing and surrender. It was as if his touch had awakened a dormant desire that had been building between us. The gentle pressure of his fingertips against the delicate curve of my neck sent shivers down my spine.

In that fleeting moment, while our eyes locked, time seemed to stretch, as if the world held its breath, captivated by the electric connection between us. The sensation lingered, etching itself into my memory, a reminder of the potent allure and undeniable chemistry that existed between us.

When Baldur finally spoke, he said "That depends, Izara, for if I take you up to my room now, I'll end up being buried so deep inside your womb that there'll be no denying that you're mine."

"I'll be yours?"

He bent his head to kiss alongside my jaw as he murmured, "I'm not very good at sharing..."

From the tone of his voice, I felt as though he were holding back, and seeing an opening, I took it and enquired, "Not even with Khagra?"

My question had his head snapping back in surprise, "Is that something that you'd want?"

"I think so..."

A slow smile tugged at the corner of his lips, "Oh? Care to explain?"

My gaze flickered between fleeting glances and focused intensity, while I searched for the right words amidst the swirling sea of thoughts and emotions.

There was a subtle tremor to my lips, as if they held back the words that longed to escape, but I knew that I could not suppress the truth any longer; I had to be brave and let the words spill forth. The weight of unspoken emotions bore down on me, a heaviness that begged to be released.

With each passing moment, the urgency grew, urging me to summon the strength within and give voice to the feelings that swirled within my heart. Though fear danced at the edges of my mind, I knew that the only way forward was to cast aside hesitation and let the depths of my emotions be known.

Taking a deep breath, I admitted, "I think you may have given me more than your magic, like you, I have feelings for Khagra ..."

Baldur's smile remained, "Really now?"

"Yes, although I must confess, I may have had a slight attraction for Khagra before the incident in the Black Forest. But just like my feelings for you, I've just been trying to ignore it."

Baldur's hands moved from my hips to settle at the dip in my waist, "Well you don't have to ignore your feelings anymore."

"I don't know," I murmured while playing with the ends of his long hair. "Khagra declined my invitation to join us here tonight."

"Only because he was attempting to be a true friend to me," he replied, his gaze momentarily drifting past the side of my head. "You can stop lurking outside now, Khagra, join us." he called out.

Turning to glance behind me, my heart skipped a beat, as the towering presence of Khagra appeared at the entrance.

I could not help but wonder what significance the Orc general's arrival held in this pivotal moment. The sudden convergence of their combined presence ignited a sense of intrigue, filling the space with an enigmatic aura that left me speechless.

Wearing nothing but a grin, Khagra began to walk towards us.

Every stride exuded strength and power, his imposing figure cutting through the water with a fluid grace that defied expectations. With a similar build to the Orc King, Khagra's broad shoulders, chiselled with sinewy muscles, rippled beneath his grey-tinted skin.

Intense, piercing hazel-coloured eyes gazed at us with unwavering focus.

Within their depths, a flicker of desire danced, and I would have had to be blind to not understand what that look meant. Khagra wanted both Baldur and myself and as his gaze continued to lock with ours, a magnetic pull drew us closer. Right there and then I observed the unspoken invitation to explore the depths of passion that simmered beneath the surface.

Khagra gently turned my head back so that I could face Baldur once more, while he positioned himself behind me, his chest snug against my back, creating a sense of intimate closeness. I felt Baldur move his left hand from my body to place it on the waist of his best friend.

With deliberate intention, Khagra pressed his palms against the wall, one on each side of Baldur's head, effectively creating a physical connection between us. In this embrace, a delicate dance of desire and anticipation unfolded, our bodies forming a triangle of shared longing and unspoken possibilities.

"This is cosy," Baldur commented with a grin.

Khagra's lips gently kissed the side of my neck as he replied, "Indeed..."

With his gaze flickering between mine and his best friend, the Orc King spoke, "So, Izara, in continuing with our conversation, you don't need to hide your feelings anymore. As you can see, we both have feelings for you."

I bit my lips, unsure of how to respond.

A mix of nervousness and excitement coursed through my veins, causing my heart to race like a wild stallion. With a brief pause, I closed my eyes, seeking to regain composure and silence the clamour I felt within me.

The weight of being sandwiched between these two formidable Orcs amplified the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my mind, each one vying for attention. Yet, despite my desire to express myself, my words seemed to cling to the walls of my throat, unable to find their way out.

It was as if the intensity of the moment, the magnetic pull between us, had rendered me momentarily speechless. But within the silence, an unspoken electricity crackled, leaving me both vulnerable and exhilarated, eager to find the courage to give voice to the emotions that roiled within.

"You have nothing to say now? Your mouth seemed to work perfectly fine a few minutes ago," Khagra teased.

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A/N: An Orc Sandwich...