▪️I Z A R A▪️

"I saw that limp in your walk earlier, so don't even try to deny it. How did last night go? Details, please!" Mahala exclaimed, raising an eyebrow mischievously while Golnar blushed beside her.

Inwardly groaning, I commented, "Can I at least eat a bite of my food first?"

After an intense and passionate night with Baldur and Khagra, I found myself sneaking out of the Orc King's chamber early this morning. My heart raced with exhilaration and a slight tinge of nervousness, cherishing the memories we had created together.

I understood that Baldur and Khagra might not be thrilled that I slipped away before they woke up, but I needed a moment to collect myself and prepare for the day ahead. Responsibilities awaited, and I wanted to approach them with a clear mind and right now, given the emotions I was experiencing, I desperately needed to sort myself out and gather my thoughts before diving into my daily activities.

A mix of excitement and anxiety filled me as I made my way back to my chambers. With my body still humming with pleasure, I quickly freshened up, trying to compose myself before seeking the company of my best friends.

The grand hall of the castle was abuzz with activity as Mahala, Golnar, and myself settled at a small corner table for a quick breakfast. My eyes glanced at the familiar tapestries depicting heroic battles and ancient legends, causing my mind to drift to the upcoming confrontation with the Fae King, Alaric. 

"Remember when Mahala tried to wield that small battle axe the other day and nearly fell flat on her face?" Golnar said with a snicker.

I smiled at her gratefully for the attempted change in subject.

"Oi!" Mahala playfully punched her in the arm. "That axe was heavier than it looked! And nice try on trying to distract me, but I still want those juicy details from Izara."

A soft chuckle escaped my lips, and with it, the slight tension in my shoulders seemed to melt away. It was in these moments of laughter and lightness that I found solace, the simple joys that provided a respite amidst the chaos of our lives.

"Well, it's not all about juicy details," I stated, knowing that Mahala would not let up. "I don't even know where to start–"

Interjecting, she beamed, "At the beginning!"

I could not help but laugh out loud at Mahala's enthusiasm. With a shake of my head, I began recounting the events of last night and how I had finally found the courage to express my feelings for Baldur and Khagra while they too, had admitted to the same as well.

"Wait," Golnar interrupted. "Before you continue, did you go to Dura for some medicine this morning?"

My head moved in a quick nod.

"Very good," she replied. "As much as I love the thought of you being with child, I know that you're not ready for that."

"Most definitely not," I retorted.

Letting out a whiny sound, Mahala pouted as she looked at Golnar, "Okay great, satisfied now? Can Izara continue with her story?"

"You're ridiculous," she commented with a playful roll of her eyes.

As I huddled closer to my friends, their bright smiles and eager anticipation made my heart swell with warmth. The familiar clatter of the hall around us seemed to fade into the background as I took another deep breath, and continued to share the incredible events of last night.

"You won't believe what happened next!" I giggled, unable to contain my mirth.

Mahala's face lit up with mischief, and Golnar leaned in closer, their curiosity piqued. Their responsive expressions and friendly gestures created a safe space, which made me feel less shy about sharing some intimate details of my story with them.

"Tell us, tell us!" they chimed in unison.

I could feel their genuine interest in hearing every detail while I recounted the passionate night I had shared with Baldur and Khagra. As I spoke, the look on their faces shifted from curiosity to fascination. Mahala's eyes expanded in surprise, her usual composed demeanour giving way to genuine intrigue, while Golnar's expression was thoughtful and absorbed, her eyes softening with affection.

Feeling their unwavering support and excitement, I could not help but smile wider, knowing that they were genuinely happy for me.

With animated hand movements, I continued to narrate the events of last night. I described the way Baldur and Khagra had made me feel, their tender touches and fiery desires, it all spilled out as I painted a vivid picture of the intimate moments we had experienced. 

"It was like a whirlwind of emotions," I confessed. "But it felt so right, you know? Like all the pieces of the puzzle had finally fallen into place."

Mahala and Golnar listened intently, hanging on to every word as they leaned even closer, not wanting to miss any of the details. Their unwavering support and reassurance filled the air, making me feel both grateful and empowered.

"I can't believe how things unfolded!" Mahala gasped. "You've found not one, but two incredible beings who adore you, you definitely deserve this!"

Golnar's eyes seemed to twinkle as she said, "Izara, you've always been a fierce and passionate soul. Seeing you being able to experience this, it's truly beautiful."

Feeling their genuine joy and exhilaration for me, I felt the back of my eyes burn slightly. Their support meant the world to me, and I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I could always count on them to be there for me.

"As happy as I am, I never expected to be in a relationship with both of them, but I can't deny the connection we share," I confessed.

Golnar nodded thoughtfully, "I can imagine it's not an easy path, especially with Baldur being the Orc King and all. But if anyone can handle it, it's you, Izara."

Mahala chimed in, "Exactly! You're strong, Izara, and you've always been true to yourself. Like we said a few days ago, if you feel something real with them, then you owe it to yourself to explore it."

In that moment, their understanding and openness meant the world to me. They did not judge or question my choices; instead, they embraced me with love and camaraderie. It was as if they had opened their arms and hearts, inviting me to be completely and authentically myself. The smiles on their faces, the sparkle in their eyes, and the way they were eager to hear every detail of my experiences, spoke volumes about the depth of our friendship. They were genuinely happy for me, celebrating the newfound love and connection in my life.

Their encouragement and acceptance gave me the courage to share my most intimate thoughts and feelings. With Mahala and Golnar in my life, I was constantly reminded of the beauty of true friendship.

Smiling, I said, "Thank you, both of you. Your encouragement means the world to me."

Mahala added with a wink, "Besides, it's not every day the Orc King professes his feelings for a human. Wait until the castle hears about this, you're practically a legend in the making!"

Rolling my eyes, I friskily swatted at Mahala, "Don't make it sound so dramatic!"

She laughed and retorted, "Oh, come on! It's me, you know I love a little drama in our lives, it's what makes things interesting."

"Speak for yourself!" Golnar scoffed light-heartedly.

As my friends playfully argued, I found my gaze drifting down to my half-eaten plate, lost in my thoughts. I knew that they wanted to know more about what happened last night, and after a few moments, I mustered the courage to look back up at them and cleared my throat.

Mahala and Golnar immediately turned their attention back to me. My heart raced with a mixture of eagerness and apprehension, but I knew I could trust my best friends with my deepest secrets.

Exhaling deeply, I continued giving them the rest of the details of the intimate night that I had with both Baldur and Khagra. My friends' eyes were fixated on me while they continued to listen attentively.

"Wait a minute! You did it with both of them?" Mahala whispered.

Her brown eyes widened and her hand instinctively covered her mouth, while Golnar's jaw dropped open, unable to hide her astonishment. They exchanged stunned glances, their eyes searching for confirmation in my expression.

The weight of their unspoken question hung in the air, and for a brief moment, I hesitated, feeling a combination of vulnerability and excitement at the prospect of revealing the truth. But I knew that they would never judge me and so, with a small smile, I nodded, affirming the unspoken answer to their whispered query.

Their eyes opened even more, and a playful smirk tugged at Mahala's lips, clearly amused by the revelation. Golnar, on the other hand, looked both intrigued and slightly flabbergasted, her intense blue eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and respect.

"Holy shit! That's my girl!" Mahala finally exclaimed, her laughter bubbling up as she friskily nudged my shoulder. "Well, I certainly didn't see that coming! Even though I had secretly hoped for it."

Golnar smiled, shaking her head in disbelief.

"What was it like?" Mahala asked while Golnar nodded shyly wanting to know as well.

Laughing nervously, I answered, "Well, it was intense, to say the least. They both spent a lot of time making sure that my body was relaxed and ready. I can't even put it into words what it was like to be with them in that way. All I know is that I felt like I was floating on clouds!"

"Floating on clouds? Sounds like someone had a very good time!" Mahala commented while wiggling her eyebrows. "But you can't just leave it at that. Come on, tell us more! What were they like in bed exactly?"

"Okay, okay! Baldur was so passionate, and Khagra was..." I hesitated, searching for the right words to describe the intensity of the moment.

Golnar chuckled, coming to my rescue with her characteristic wit as she suggested, "Let me guess, Khagra was being Khagra?"

I could not help but laugh at her accurate summation. "Yes, exactly! Khagra was being Khagra," I confirmed, grateful for her understanding of our unique dynamic.

Mahala grinned, playfully nudging Golnar's shoulder. "You know, we should have expected nothing less from him!"

"True!" Golnar agreed. "Khagra's never been one to hold back."

As our laughter filled the air, I enjoyed the feeling of ease that I experienced with my friends, knowing that they accepted and appreciated all facets of my relationship with the two most powerful Orcs on the isle.

Mahala and Golnar's light-hearted banter reminded me that love, passion, and adventure could be found in unexpected places, and that having Baldur and Khagra at my side was a thrilling journey that I would not trade for anything.

"Exactly!" I exclaimed with a laugh. "Let's just say Khagra knew exactly how to please Baldur. It was like they were in sync, and when they included me, I was overwhelmed with pleasure!"

"Oh, overwhelmed with pleasure, huh?" Mahala teased. "Do tell us more! What about their magical powers, did you all use any?"

I shook my head, "No, but it's definitely something we plan to experiment with in the future. But you know, as much as I enjoyed last night, I can't help but have some doubts."

"Still? Why?" Golnar enquired.

Mahala quickly added, "Doubts? What kind of doubts, Izara? You seemed so happy only a moment ago. What's bothering you now?"

I felt a slight tingle creeping up the back of my neck as she prodded me with her curiosity. For a moment, I hesitated, unsure if I should reveal the uncertainties that had crept into my mind. It was not that I did not trust my friends; it was more about my own insecurities and vulnerability.

With a shy glance down at my hands, I finally mustered the courage to speak.

"Well, it's just... Even though I'm in a relationship now with both Baldur and Khagra, I can't help but wonder if this can really work. Even though we already spoke about things last night, I just don't want anyone to get hurt."

Mahala nodded in understanding as she said, "I get it. It's a lot to handle, being in a relationship with two powerful Orcs like them."

"But Izara is strong too, you said so yourself!" Golnar scolded her before turning to me. "Izara, you've always been independent and level-headed. I know that you might be a bit uncertain about the future, but if anyone can make this relationship work, it's you.

Smiling faintly, I said, "Thanks, I appreciate your confidence in me. But it's just that there's so much at stake. We're facing an impending war with Alaric and his people and I don't want our relationship to affect us in any way when the time comes."

"Everything will be fine. It's like my mom always said, 'When love comes knocking, don't be afraid to answer the door!' Or something to that effect," Mahala brows creased slightly.

I laughed at the somewhat confused look on her face before saying, "No matter the exact wording, your mom is wise. I just need to trust my heart and have faith that we can make this work, especially with the threat of war looming over us."

"Izara, remember you're not alone in this," Mahala stated. "You have us, not to mention Baldur and Khagra are there for you. No matter what your doubts and fears are, just know that you will always have a shoulder or three to lean on."

Golnar smiled, "Relationships are never easy, especially when there's so much at stake. But always remember how strong you are, and as Mahala said, you have us by your side."

"Thank you, both of you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"That's what friends are for, right?" Golnar's blue eyes shone. "To lift each other up and be there through thick and thin."

"Plus, if any Fae comes looking for trouble, they'll have to deal with the three of us!" Mahala bouncily flexed her arm muscles. "I may not have magic or be able to lift a battle axe properly, but I'm pretty nifty with a frying pan!"

Smirking, I replied, "Oh, I have no doubt that you two would do anything to protect me."

"Damn right!" Golnar affirmed.

"So, no more doubts, okay?" Mahala asked. "You've got this, and we believe in you."

Hugging them to me, I said, "Thanks again you two!"

By the end of breakfast, I felt a renewed sense of strength and purpose, bolstered by the love and support of my friends. With them by my side, I knew I could handle whatever challenges lay ahead, both in matters of the heart and on the battlefield.

Not to mention, with Baldur and Khagra also at my side, I knew that I could face anything.

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A/N: How is everyone's summer going so far?