#NATIONAL RED WINE DAY | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

grandprixprincess · 1 month ago

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hermana part 2 || ln4

lando norris x fem!reader smau + written

part 1!

warnings: some language, slightly steamy scene (no smut but mdni!!), carlos being a protective big brother and lando being down bad

a/n: thanks for all the love on part 1! I decided to do a mix of written + smau for this part. requests are open for smau and text fics <3

landonorris posted

liked by maxfewtrell, yourusername, maxverstappen1, and others

landonorris perfect day in the sun with the best company. getting lots of rest and relaxation before the triple header 🤙

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user1 "best company" aka just y/n

user2 wait she was with him again today??? user1 yes! f1gossip just posted the photos. they were alone all day 👀

user3 omg this means y/n took these pics! y/n.jpg when?

maxfewtrell looks like my invite got lost

user4 💀💀💀

yourusername ☀️🤗

user5 queen y/n thank u for taking these great pics

f1gossip posted

liked by user1, user2, and others

f1gossip Lando Norris and Y/N Y/L/N were spotted getting cozy this afternoon. The two embarked on a private yacht for an afternoon filled with swimming and laughter. Eyewitnesses say the two were alone all afternoon. It seems like things are rapidly heating up with these two. The next time Y/L/N is seen in the paddock, will she be rocking red ❤️ or papaya 🧡?

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user2 LANY/N NATION WAKE UP

user3 i can't believe lany/n is real omg

user1 right?? people used to ship them during the carlando mclaren days and now it's REAL

user4 the hand placement omgggg

user5 i wonder what carlos thinks

user2 who cares? it's their lives not his

user6 y/n in papaya at the austin gp pleaseee

user5 ain't no way. she'll always support carlos first, he is basically her brother

yourusername posted a close friends story

story replies:

yourbestfriend not the private yacht on the FIRST DATE

yourusername technically our first date is tomorrow night yourbestfriend literally stfu you know what i meant

carlossainz55 don't stay out too late

yourusername 🙄

landonorris posted a close friends story

story replies:

maxfewtrell did you tell her that you've been secretly in love with her for like 5 years yet or

landonorris OBVIOUSLY NOT i'm trying to play it cool

oscarpiastri I think I missed a chapter

carlossainz55 get my sister back home early cabrón

landonorris leave us alone carlos carlossainz55 excuse me? landonorris NO SORRY THAT WAS Y/N SHE TOOK MY PHONE landonorris I'll make sure she gets home safe mate! 👍

You giggled as you watched Lando frantically type a message back to Carlos. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself!"

You played with the stem of your wine glass. It had been a dream of a day. You were now sharing a bottle of wine together to end the night.

"Your brother is going to have my head!" He finished typing his message out, feeling satisfied, before setting his phone back down.

Fighting the urge to roll your eyes, you said, "You know he isn't really my brother, right?"

Lando chuckled. "You try telling him that."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." You swirled your glass a bit, taking another sip. "He's always been protective like that."

Lando let out another chuckle. "Oh trust me, I know."

His response and tone piqued your interest. You turned your head towards him, seeing a sly smile on his handsome face. "What do you mean?"

Lando opened and closed his mouth for a few moments, contemplating his words. Finally, he spoke. "I may have tried to ask you out in the past, but Carlos sort of, put a stop to it."

Your jaw dropped in shock. "What?!" You tried to fully understand what he was saying. "When was this exactly?"

Without hesitation, Lando responded, "During Carlos' last year in McLaren."

The shock was evident on your face. Silence rang in the air as you tried to find your words. Lando took the opportunity to speak again.

"And again during his first year in Ferrari."

"What?!" You couldn't believe what you were hearing. When Carlos was at McLaren, you were taking a few years off from school to travel. Traveling the world ended up being easy to do when Carlos agreed to let you tag along to all the races as his "assistant". Carlos was on a new team in F1 with a rookie teammate that was your age. You and Lando became friends quickly, and it wasn't long until you began to harbor a crush on him.

It was a secret only you and Y/BSF/N knew about. You definitely didn't tell Carlos, because you knew how that would go.

Once Carlos left McLaren, you went back to school and your appearances at the races dwindled down to one or two a year. You and Lando went from spending every weekend together running around the paddock, to seeing each other in passing as you made your way to Ferrari and he made his way to McLaren.

"That little shit. I'm going to kill him."

You weren't sure if it was the wine or just how carefree and fun everything with Lando was, but you couldn't stop the fit of giggles that escaped you. After a few moments, Lando joined you in your laughter. Tears began to escape both your eyes.

As the laughter died down, the moment suddenly felt very intimate. Lando's face was extremely close, the rest of the world melting away. "I'm pretty sure I started having a crush on you after that first race weekend." You suddenly felt shy, but you couldn't stop the confession from slipping out.

Now it was Lando's turn to express his surprise, his eyes widening for a moment. He searched your face for a moment, almost like he was waiting for you to tell him you were kidding. Finally, he spoke.

"I really want to kiss you."

You were grateful that the sun had fully gone down now, so there was minimal lighting to help hide the blush creeping on your cheeks. Your heart felt like it was going to beat out of your chest as you whispered out, "Why don't you?"

Lando's adoring gaze had you captivated. "I've wanted to do it for so long now," he confessed, "I want to do it right."

You couldn't help the sly smirk on your face as you teased, "I think we've been pining after each other long enough, don't you think?"

Lando reached his hand forward, cradling your cheek in his hand. His thumb brushed against your cheek, causing goosebumps down your arms.

You wanted to live in this moment forever; Lando being this close, his lips inches from yours. Finally, you both instinctively moved forward, your lips colliding after what felt like an eternity.

You both stilled for a moment, trying to rack your brains over the realization that this was actually and finally happening. After a few seconds, you melted into the kiss, sliding your hands up to rest around his neck.

The two of you moved in sync. It felt like your lips were made for each other. Lando's hand around your head tightened, while his second hand found its home on your waist. One of your hands slide up Lando's neck and into his hair, playing with his curls lightly.

Lando slightly pinched your waist, causing you to gasp, which allowed for his tongue to sneak in. You responded with a slight tug on his curls, causing a groan to escape out of him and into your mouth.

You giggled slightly, breaking the kiss for a moment. "You like that, huh?"

Even though it was dark, you could see how Lando's eyes darkened. With no shame, he responded, "Yes," suddenly his hands slipped down, grabbing your thighs and easily moving you to straddle his lap, "You have no idea the effect anything you do has on me."

Now you were sure it was the wine giving you confidence when you ground your body down to feel his already hard erection. "Oh, I think I have somewhat of an idea." Your hands slipped back into his curls at the nape of his neck, tugging softly.

You relished in the way that Lando's eyes fluttered shut, his hands moving to your hips, guiding them as you continued to grind your body with his.

Lando was putty in your hands. You began to feel the heat in your core. You tugged on Lando's curls again, pulling his head back and eliciting a small moan from his lips.

Bringing your head down, your lips connected with his jaw, peppering him with open mouth kisses on both sides of his face before moving down to his neck.

Lando continued guiding the movement of your hips, his hands tightening around your waist and moving them faster as he felt your lips on his neck. You couldn't hold back the moan that escaped your lips, letting it ring out right in Lando's ear.

Lando was sure he was in heaven. Your moans were music to his ears.

He let one hand leave your hip and travel to your face, bringing you back towards his lips. Your lips collided again, this time with more urgency and desperation.

You both couldn't believe that you had let all these years go by wasted, when you could've been doing this the whole time. You were kissing each other like your lives depended on it.

Lando's hand moved up and down your sides, squeezing slightly, causing another moan to escape from you, and allowing his tongue entrance again.

You moved your hands down his chest, and began to play with the hem of his shirt.

Lando suddenly broke the kiss, breaking the blissful bubble you two had been caught up in.

"We should stop."

You felt fear creep up on you. Had you done something wrong? Did he not want this anymore? As if he could read your worries on your face, he softly brought his lips to yours again for a moment.

"Trust me, I don't want to stop," he began, chuckling lightly, "but I told you. I want to do this right."

You softened at his words. "You're right." You lazily played with his curls again. "Feels like we have to make up for so much lost time, but I'm not going anywhere."

Lando chuckled. "Me either. Now that I know you want me like I want you, you're never getting rid of me." Lando gave you a goofy grin. He moved his hand up, playing with a strand of your hair for a moment before tucking it behind you ear, "I could spend all night making up for lost time, and even then I guarantee I would be leaving wanting more."

You blushed, grateful again for the minimal lighting. Words lost you. Instead, you just gazed lovingly into Lando's eyes.

"Plus, Carlos told me to make sure you're home early, so..."

Lando relished in the way you rolled your eyes and chuckled softly.

The two of you always felt deep down that you had missed out on something great with each other. Now the universe was giving you a second chance to act on it.

yourusername posted

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yourusername 🌊🤙🖕

tagged: carlossainz55, iamrebeccad

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user1 not tagging lando is crazy 💀 girl we know

user2 shhhh let them cook up a soft launch user3 why would she tag him in this tho user1 that's literally lando's jolly lol

charles_leclerc hahaha the last photo

yourusername yeah that's actually me to carlos rn charles_leclerc never a dull moment with you two 😂😂

user2 her and lando used the same emoji. she posts his car but doesn't tag. he's in the likes. the soft launch of the century is about to begin. in this essay, I will-

user4 carlos in that pic is him reading these comments fr

user5 lando behind the camera of that first pic like 😍🤳

user1 we need y/n on lando.jpg stat

As you waited impatiently for Carlos to return home, your phone chimed, signaling another text had come through. You rolled your eyes, thinking it would be another message from Carlos, but you felt your heart skip a beat seeing Lando's name across your screen.

"Maybe Carlito thought you didn't like him, and was trying to help you out."

You stared at your sister's face on the screen in disbelief. "You're supposed to be on my side here."

Your sister laughed. "I am! I just also know Carlos wouldn't do something like this without a valid reason."

You heard a jingle at the door. "Speak of the devil, he's back."

"Call me later, don't give him a hard time, mana." She gave you a wave. "Oh, and have fun tomorrow night."

"I will, talk to you later." You gave your sister a wave back before ending the call.

You got up from your spot on the couch, walking towards the front door. You stood with your arms crossed as the door opened slowly. Suddenly Rebecca's head popped into view. You gave her a small smile.

"Your brother is behind me waving a white flag."

You couldn't help but laugh. "There shall be peace."

Carlos slowly came into view, his hands raised in defeat. He walked hesitantly towards you, waiting for you to react. Rebecca walked past you, giving your shoulder a light squeeze before disappearing into the bedroom.

"I don't want to argue, mano. I just don't understand."

Carlos stared at you for a moment before leading you back to the couch, sitting down and signaling you to do the same. "Listen, back then, you were so young and I was supposed to be looking after you on the road," he started, "and I know how it is once you get to F1. The fame, media, parties..." he paused for a moment, "The girls." He waited a beat before saying, "That's why I'm telling you to be careful with him now."

You had to fight the urge to roll your eyes. "Lando and I used to have movie nights every race weekend while you and other drivers would go out to clubs and party." You looked down, nervously playing with your hands. "And yeah, I know he does go out now and that he's been seen with different girls, but I know deep down he's still that same guy."

"You guys were kids back then, but now? Lando is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave the club now, always a different girl on his arm."

You finally looked Carlos in the eye, whispering out, "So you think I'm just another girl for him to flaunt around until he gets bored?" You felt your face get hot due to a mix of anger and shame. "I'm not good enough to be something real for him?"

The regret was evident on Carlos' face the second after you spoke. "No, no, hermana, you know that's not what I mean."

"Then what is it? Is it because he's your friend?"

Carlos chuckled. "No, no," he sighed, "I knew you liked him back then. I saw how you looked at him. That dreamy, goofy gleam in your eyes," he said, "and when Lando came to me and said he wanted to ask you out, I panicked."

You were listening intently now. "Why?" you whispered out.

"I think it was the first time I realized you were growing up. The idea of my hermanita dating anyone, nevertheless a driver, freaked me out." He laughed. "I just wanted to protect you from the craziness that comes with being with an F1 driver; I still do."

"Lando said he respects you, and that's why he stayed away back then. But now we're adults, and we're making our own decisions without interference from others." You couldn't stop the smile from creeping back onto your face. "I've always liked him, mano. I want to see where this goes."

Carlos couldn't help but match your smile. He liked seeing you this happy, and if that was because of Lando, then he was willing to be open-minded. "Okay, okay, I'm on board," he chuckled, "but I told you already. If he breaks your heart, he goes into the wall."

You rolled your eyes playfully. "You'd have to catch up to his rocketship in your tractor first."

Carlos' jaw dropped, disbelief written on his face. "I can't believe I've already lost you to the papaya army."

You let out a laugh, nudging his shoulder. "Hey, family always comes first. I'm a Ferrari girl first, papaya girlie second."

"Good, because that would be where I'd draw the line."

"I'm ready for next year, though. Blue is much more my color."

The two of you shared a laugh, before Carlos leaned over to end the moment with a hug. "I love you, hermanita."

"Love you too, Carlitos."

As you and Carlos embraced, you heard a door open slightly. Rebecca appeared, smile evident on her face, happy to see Carlos back in your good graces.

"Anyone down for a late night ice cream run?"

yourusername posted stories

story 2 caption: making them pay for my ice cream like: 🥺 👉👈 i'm just a baby

story replies to story 1:

user1 LANY/N ANTHEM???

user2 "we were supposed to be just friends" omg omg omg

yourbestfriend dude has my girl posting love songs on main already 😭😭😭

yourusername 😂

landonorris is this what they call a soft launch

yourusername 😂🫣 maybe landonorris hmm brb yourusername huh?

story replies to story 2:

yoursister hahaha he really said here have some ice cream pls forgive me

yourusername no but fr 💀

user3 girl you can't just post that song and move on this quickly!!

landonorris posted a story

story replies:

danielricciardo is little lando norris in love???

yourusername 🥹😭

landonorris ❤️

user1 oh ya'll are in LOVEEEE

user2 you guys ain't slick posting these back to back 😭

carlossainz55 thanks a lot, she won't stop playing this song now

oscarpiastri okay I DEFINITELY missed a chapter

a/n: yep there will be a part 3 because I can't stop myself lol if you'd like to be tagged, let me know!

tag list: @npcmia @tinyhrry @that-one-little-soybean

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rabbitcruiser · 1 year ago

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National Red Wine Day

Pour a lovely glass of Bordeaux, take a sip of a Cabernet Sauvignon or open a bottle of Shiraz because it’s time for National Red Wine Day!

History of National Red Wine Day

National Red Wine Day is an ideal time to take a look at the past of the red wine industry and see how it developed into modern times.

Wine’s history goes back several thousand years. It is estimated that Chinese people in the Henana province may have been the first ones to create something like red wine, perhaps around 7000 BC. This would have been a drink that was made of wild grapes as well as honey and rice as well as hawthorn fruit. The concoction was stored in clay jars with yeast on the skins causing it to be fermented.

The history of wine continues through the centuries. A recent discovery in 2007 in Armenia dates the first winery in the world at around 6100 BC. This earliest, prehistoric form of wine production took place in a cave was discovered by archaeologists from Armenia as well as Ireland.

Since ancient times, red wine has been part of many cultures throughout the world. As civilization has developed, so has the technology for growing the right grapes and turning it into this delicious beverage. Through the old world and the new world, red wine has come to be more than simply a drink, but it also symbolizes transformation, happiness and friendship, as well as sustenance and life.

National Red Wine Day symbolizes all of these and more. It was founded in 2014 by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway with the idea of celebrating the beauty of magnificence that is red wine. As the grapes begin to ripen and autumn begins to loom large, National Red Wine Day offers a time to enjoy and celebrate.

National Red Wine Day Timeline

6000 BC Red Wine is made in South Caucasus

People in Georgia discover that red wine can be made by burying grape juice underground during the winter.

3100 Ancient Egyptians make wine

Early versions of red wine are made from red grapes in ancient Egypt, coming along with superstitions about red wine as it resembles blood.

71 AD Bordeaux Wines are first recorded

Pliny the Elder makes the first written recorded evidence of vineyards in Bordeaux, which is in modern-day France.

1619 French grape cultivation begins in Virginia

Bringing their grapevines from France, the French cultivate their grapes in Virginia.

2014 National Red Wine Day begins

Founded by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, the first Red Wine Day is celebrated on August 28 of this year.

How to Celebrate National Red Wine Day

Enjoying and celebrating National Red Wine Day is really no trouble at all! Don’t forget to share the experience with family and friends. Try out some of these ideas to make the most of National Red Wine Day:

Drink a Glass of Red Wine

If this isn’t the perfect day to enjoy a glass of red wine, then what is?! Whether opening up a bottle of Merlot to enjoy at home with dinner, or going out to order a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, National Red Wine Day offers a special opportunity to pay honor to this alcoholic beverage that is both ancient and modern.

Head Out to a Wine Tasting or Vineyard (or Both!)

National Red Wine Day is the ideal time to schedule a trip to wine country to enjoy a tour or a wine tasting. A visit to a vineyard would be amazing, whether it is Texas Hill Country, Arizona’s Valle Verde or Northern & Central Virginia where grapes for America’s first red wines were originally grown. Of course, California produces about 80% of the wine in the United States, so Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County and Edna Valley might make the visit to a vineyard even more accessible.

Learn More About Red Wine

Use National Red Wine Day to celebrate and take advantage of opportunities to learn more about this unique beverage. A nice way to start might be to learn a bit about the different kinds of red wine. Take a look at these varieties and try one out in honor of the day:

Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon

Malbec

Pinot Noir

The second most planted grape in the world, Merlot is an easy wine to drink. It’s rather fruity and has a wide range of flavors, from black berries and black cherries to plums and cocoa, from herbs and graphite to vanilla and cedar. It’s a versatile wine that is great for beginners to enjoy and experience. Merlot is a red wine that is lovely to drink while eating poultry such as chicken or duck.

This is the most planted grape on the planet and it is easy to see why it is so beloved. Cabernet is a fairly safe wine that is easy to share at a table because almost everyone will enjoy it. It might have a fruity taste, with French versions showing as a bit more herby. Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that is great when paired with meats.

While the grapes for Malbec wine were originally grown in France, most of this variety that is produced today comes from Argentina. With its deep purple color and fruity flavors of plum and cherry, many people enjoy the ending flavors that offer a hint of smoke. Malbec is a red wine that goes well when paired with lean meats as well as with spicy foods like Indian or Mexican.

This delicate red wine offers a lighter body that is less shocking and pushy. It has a silky feel in the mouth and often has a bright berry taste, similar to raspberries or cranberries. Pinot Noir is a red wine that, surprisingly, is delicious when paired with fish, like salmon dishes or sushi.

Make a Playlist of “Red Wine” Songs

Try out some of these red wine themed songs to create a playlist in honor of National Red Wine Day:

Red, Red Wine by UB40 (1983). This classic eighties classic song is typically remembered for its funky sound, but it’s actually a cover from a Neil Diamond Song from 1967.

Melva’s Wine by Johnny Cash (1972) A country music song by musical legend Johnny Cash, Melva’s Wine is a song remembering the batch of wine made by a woman from the singer’s past.

Old Red Wine by The Who (2004). Written by Pete Townsend in memory of John Entwistle who had been a bass player for the band. Entwistle, who died in 2002 just before this song was written, was a lover of red wine.

Cherry Red Wine by Luther Allison (1995). A blues bass guitarist, Luther Allison plays and sing this song that is mostly a blend of his super fantastic guitar riffs and some minimal lyrics.

National Red Wine Day FAQs

Is red wine good for you?

Drinking an occasional glass of red wine might be healthy, with antioxidants that protect against heart disease and inflammation.

How many calories in a glass of red wine?

A 100 gram glass of red wine contains approximately 85 grams.

Can red wine go bad?

An unopened bottle of red wine can last 2-3 years past the expiration date printed on the bottle.

Does red wine need to be refrigerated after opening?

Yes! Refrigerating red wine slows down the chemical processes that make wine spoil.

Is red wine keto?

People on a keto diet can drink a very dry red wine in moderation on their keto diet.

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wosofutbolfan · 2 months ago

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If You Need Me, Call Me

Alexia Putellas x Explorer!R Pt.2 in the 'I Would Climb Every Mountain With You' Universe.

Hi Guys, Thank you for all the love on the first part in this series. This is part 2 that I didn't expect to write. I have an inability to not write angst. TW: Claustrophobia. Injury. Events are not based on any real life events. Part two of I Would Climb Every Mountain With You. I would recommend you read that first, for some context. But you can do what you want really ;-)

You and Alexia had been together, happily, for a year. And it was happily. Though. ‘Together’ is probably being quite liberal with the word. And. You suppose. ‘Happily’ is also being quite liberal with the word. You loved Alexia.

And Alexia loved you.

That was clear to both of you. You admitted it early, before she’d even left UK soil after she’d come back with you from your first meeting. She’d rolled her eyes at you and the nerves on your face as you lay in bed together in your pokey Cumbrian flat, and kissed the words from your lips; ‘well duh, of course you do. And I love you.’ which made you laugh and fall into her lips again. But it wasn’t even 12 hours later that you’d had to separate with her season starting again and her need to be in Spain. Her teammates had teased her relentlessly on her return. How she’d U-Hauled with the Jefa de montaña and ran away to the rainey island she so famously disliked just to spend another day together. She'd rolled her eyes and slapped the back of a few heads but it was true. That is what she had done. She’d been overjoyed when she spotted you in the crowd on the first home game of the season. You’d made the surprise trip to Barcelona at the last minute, employing Ingrid to get a ticket in the friends and family section for you. The smile on the Captain's face as she spotted you could be seen from space. You had winked at her and proudly gestured to your brand new Barcelona jersey, Alexias number proudly splayed across your back. As the game ended, with a convincing win for the home team, she’d made a beeline for you in the stands. Jumping over the barrier and embracing you like you hadn’t seen each other for months (oh how used to that feeling you would become), rather than a couple of weeks. “I thought that you preferred rugby?” she had teased you. “Ah, I do, but no one told me how hot the captain in blue and red was” you’d replied, with a wink. Enjoying the blush you’d created on her face, before it was your turn to blush as Alexias eyes darted to your right and greeted, “Mami! Hola!” and embraced a small women in a shirt matching yours who was definitely standing within hearing distance. Just over her shoulder a carbon-copy of Alexia was lurking, a childlike grin on her face and twinkle in her eyes. “Ah, and this is mi hermana Alba!” she had introduced you. ‘Well, nothing like diving in headfirst’ you thought to yourself, as you were introduced to your apparently-new girlfriend's family, as that's what you had just been introduced as, with a squeeze of your hand and a kiss to the side of your head. The Putellas family embraced you with all the enthusiasm in the world. Alba kept you entertained and asked you a million and one questions as you waited for Alexia to be finished with her media and captain duties. Before you knew it you were at an impromptu meet-the-new-english-girlfriend party at the Putellas residence, sharing food with seemingly everyone who had ever been related to Alexia as well as their next door neighbours. Sharing wine, food, and lots of baby Alexia pictures. So yes. You had both moved fast. Maybe it was the speed which you were going that would soon become your downfall. You were moving a million miles an hour and the warning signs were a blur that you couldn’t quite make out. Of those first 6 months, you were on an exhibition for 4. You had travelled to Patagonia to climb some of the last unclaimed peaks on the planet with the National Geographic Society. They were unreachable by road or even yak. You had to sail to the bottom of South America and then move your way up on foot. It was arduous, it was treacherous, but you found satisfaction and joy in the difficulty.

You become the first person and only woman to ever summit Orjos del Salado and, as you snapped a picture at the top, all you thought was how excited you were to share your achievement with Alexia. As you’d called her a week later from a dive-bar in a shanty town in central Argentina you could hear the pride and relief in her voice, even through the terrible connection. It was the first time you had been able to contact her in a month.

But you’d gone straight from there to leading some American businessmen through the Amazon on a 3 week river and hiking exploration. It paid handsomely, you’d explained to the disappointed blonde, you couldn’t turn it down.

You returned to Barcelona in time to spend a week together before Alexia left for a two week international camp. Which was then followed by a week long trip for her to Norway, as part of their group stage champions league campaign.

You’d joined her there, soaking as much time together as possible between her matches and training sessions. Maybe it was then that the cracks had begun to show. As you had woken early to pick her up from her hotel to go for an early morning walk and grab some coffee before her media duties. You had been walking hand in hand in the early morning sunshine. You had been half-way through a story from the day before, where you and Ingrid's mum had gone together to a lake outside of Oslo, when you felt her drop your hand suddenly and took a half step away from you. “Huh?” you looked at her and a look you hadn’t seen before took over her features, “What’s going on Ale?”. “Trust me” was all she’d replied, and then it had become apparent her problem as a swarm of fans suddenly engulfed her, asking for selfies and autographs, which she gave out, graciously. She skillfully extracted herself from the situation before you both continued on your way, but now, you noticed, you were at least a foot further apart and a weird atmosphere had taken over you both. It had been when you were both safely in the cafe that you’d addressed it, “are you ashamed of me?” you asked, unable to mask the hurt in your voice. Hands safely wrapped around your Tea. “No!” she’d replied, aghast, as she pulled your hands from your mug into her own. “mírame cariño” you did, and saw the heartbreaking look in her eyes. “I would never be ashamed of you. Do not think that for one moment.” she said it with such conviction that you couldn’t help but nod. “I am sorry, but it is easier. For you. The media. They will pry into your life. It’s happened before with… partners and… I don’t want that for you. For your family. I love you.” “I won’t hide Ale.” you replied. Firmly. You were a free spirit. It was not in your nature to hide yourself, any part of yourself, for anything or anyone. The thought of it made you claustrophobic. “I know you won’t.” she huffed out a laugh, “I do not want us to hide. I promise. But, maybe, if we do not make their job easy for them? Can we do that?”. The look of desperation on her face broke your heart. “Bueno Ale. Para ti. Yo también te amo.” You’d gone your separate ways from there, you had explorations to complete, she was busy with the team. She’d managed to visit England for a few days when her UCWL matches lined up, and you started to return to Barcelona, rather than Cumbria, as a home base between trips. And that's how it had gone for some time. Your birthday had passed, you’d spent it together in Barcelona, Ale having stolen your trusty-old boots and had them professionally repaired and re-waxed. As she presented them to you, on her balcony with a cute bow on top, your heart expanded in joy. She got you. She knew you didn’t want new-top of the range boots that she definitely could afford. This actually was harder, she’d had to research the dying-art of cobblers in the area. She had to sneak them out of your duffell bag, she must have distracted you every time you went for them as your go-to walking shoes in the week. With all her money and fame. She understood that wasn’t you. You loved what you had. And she got that. As you had turned the boots in your hands, taking in all of the familiarity in all their glory and feeling the waxy leather beneath your fingers she couldn’t read your face. “I hope you don’t mind” she’d taken them gently from your hands and she pulled back the tongue, which showed a piece of jersey sewn into the backing-fabric. Blue and red, with a white AP11 embroidered into it. “It's from my first champions league shirt. I cut a swatch off, and had them sew it in…” she whispered. The moment had been heavy. “I know we don’t get to spend time together like most couples, but this way, I’ll always be with you.” Your throat had burned with the effort to keep your tears at bay, you were unsuccessful when you felt her warm hand cup your face and wipe a tear away,

“I’m sorry, It’s probably way too intrusive and I shouldn’t have taken your stuff, I can ta…” You’d silenced her with a kiss. Intense and hungry. “This is the most thoughtful gift I have ever had. I love you Ale. I love you so much.” “Good.”... you both take a moment to look into each other's eyes, then you feel a movement as she reaches into her pocket and presents proudly what she’s pulled out, eyes shining with mirth “Then maybe you will consider these laces too, no?” and you burst out laughing whilst you take in the Blaugrana coloured hiking laces. You’ve not got it in you to not agree. But love sometimes isn’t enough. Time passed. You continued your work and she continued hers. Valentines days spent on opposite sides of the globe. You weren’t there when she won the Champions League, instead spending it watching it in a bar in Jordan. She wasn’t there as you returned from reaching an undiscovered island as part of a research crew in the South Pacific, instead being in Munich to film a new Nike ad. When you were together you couldn’t walk the streets of Barcelona hand in hand. You’d kept your promise and she kept hers. You weren’t hidden, but you weren’t showcasing your relationship. When she came to England you had more freedom, the people of Cumbia didn’t know who the Spanish superstar was, they just knew her as your girlfriend. Your fit girlfriend according to the teenage boy who lived next door to your mum. You made it work though, between you. You would send her snaps every time you saw children playing football. Pictures from south pacific islands to the mountain villages of the Himalayas, and every time you would receive the same response; “See, el deporte del mundo, I told you <3” It was a perfect storm. What happened. You’d spent a month in Barcelona, more time that you had been able to spend together in the year you’d been a couple. You’d fallen into a domesticity that you hadn’t experienced before.

Alexia would train, you would have dinner ready for her. She would wake you up with a cup of Tea from her new kettle she's bought especially for you. You would plan routes and give advice to your online contacts about expeditions they had planned. You would sleep wrapped in each other's arms, Alexia would even let you be the big spoon, very occasionally.

It felt perfect. Until one, simple comment.

“Ay, look at you, wifey!” Mapi had exclaimed from her place at the table as you brought in the dinner you had prepared for the group, you had invited her and Ingrid for a couples night, “who would have thought, “La jefa de la montaña. Tamed!” “Shut up Maria.” Ingrid nudged her girlfriend, with a kind smile she turned to you, “This looks delicious! Thank you” As the group tucked in though, you were distracted. Suddenly, the weight of Alexia's hand on your thigh felt heavy. The walls, too constricting. For you, the heat of Barcelona started to become oppressive. Too predictable. You missed England, you missed not knowing what the weather would be hour by hour. The contact blue skies felt like a false--happiness was being forced on you. The ground at your feet, sun dried, felt harsh compared to the muddy grass you had grown up stomping on. Soft, flexible. The routine started to bore you. You missed the weight of your backpack and the freedom of slinging up your hammock. Alexia hadn’t missed the way you had clammed up, the tenseness in your posture, the way your laugh did not reach your eyes for the rest of that evening. For the weeks following she felt like keeping you was like trying to catch smoke. Like trying to hold sand in her bare hands. She could feel you escape through her fingers for the next few weeks.

Which is why she wasn’t surprised when she returned from an away trip to Mallorca to see you on the couch. Hands nervously twisting and unable to meet her eye.

“You’re going again, aren't you?” she asked, as she dropped her bag at the door and settled next to you, taking your hands in hers. You nodded.

“I’m sorry Ale. It's just. It's not me.” you’d explained then, how you had been feeling. And she listened. Even though she knew. Of course she already knew.

“It’s okay, carino.” you’d assured you. You’d look up then, “it is?”

“Si, Mi Vida. I would never ask you to change. And only you would be bored of the life of a professional footballer, and you must be the only English person to ever complain about the weather in Barcelona” she’d lightened the mood with her joke, and rolled her eyes good naturedly.

“Where are you going this time?” she’d continued, and she should have known from your pause that this wasn’t the usual goodbye.

“Everest.”

“Everest.” She’d reperated. Joy in her voice, she knew it was your life’s ambition to climb the world's highest summit. “...and Denali, and Elbrus...” you had continued to name the 7 highest summits on each continent that you would spend the next 18 months climbing, without oxygen, as part of an international exploration. Silence filled the apartment. “I….” “No.” “No?” you asked, shock in your voice. “No, what?” “No, you can’t do that. It's too dangerous.” “But Ale…” “No. No ‘but Ale’. I get it. I have been your partner now for long enough. I understand. But this is too much. No oxygen, so many climbs… there is too much danger. No.” her tone firm. Final. Her Captain's voice. And that had made the walls feel like they were closing in for you. And you responded like a wild animal, backed into a corner, defensive. “I wasn’t asking.” She let out a frustrated groan, hands covering her face. “Carino, please no. Listen to me. Being with you…” a huff again… “it is hard.” “Oh well, I am sorry Alexia, if being with me is such a chore…” you started. “No, stop, you are not letting me speak…” but you had started at that point. “You are not the one who is hidden away, you aren’t one who has had to move countries, to miss her family, your life hasn’t changed! You’ve given up nothing for this relationship.” you hiss out at her, hardly recognising your own voice. You're speaking just to hurt her. To make this easier for both of you. And that final sentence, seems to be what breaks the usually cool and calm exterior of your girlfriend and she stands and points her finger at you. “Nothing! ¡nada! ¿Cómo te atreves?” she spits out at you, the anger in her tone surprises you, you have never heard her speak like this, “I have sat here and waited. For months I have waited. For anything from you. Being with you is not like a long-distance relationship. You go, for months at a time, you go. And you expect me to sit here and wait. And I do. You do not text, you do not call. I understand that you cannot but do not say I have made no sacrifice for this relationship. When you got lost in the Gobi desert for weeks, what do you think I was doing? Sitting here! Jumping out of my skin every time the phone rang in case it was your Mami telling me you had been found dead. I did not play in The Copa De La Reinga final because I was so sick with worry. He hecho sacrificio. mi equipo, mi familia ha hecho sacrificio and I will not let you disrespect me or them and let you say otherwise.”

Alexia doesn’t lose any of her anger in her tirade. And the silence that settles over the apartment is heavy. She seems to have surprised herself, as her eyes go wide and she opens her mouth again… but you interrupt her. “No Ale. Do not apologise.” you hold your hand up. “I didn’t think. I'm sorry. You are right. I am not good for you.” This is why you didn’t do relationships. You were a bad partner. You needed to be free, outside, exploring. You lived for adventure. It wasn’t fair.

“No! No Carino, that is not what I said!” tears are in her eyes now, and you knew this would be hard, but you didn’t know it would be this hard. “I love you...” “I love you too,” she quickly replies. Neither of you had even been shy with your affirmations to each other. “I love you so much Ale. But I have to go and do this. I have too. It is who I am. It is my dream. It.. It is my world cup.” She huffs out a laugh as she gently nudges herself into your arms, your attempt at speaking in a way she would understand humouring her. “I know.” she replies, sadly, “but I cannot go through that for 18 months mi amor. I cannot.” “And I won’t ask you to, love.” You move a strand of hair from her face as you kiss her lips, gently, there's a finality in it, you open your mouth again but she cuts in. “I can’t say anything that will stop you, can i?” she asks, as you shake your head, sadly. “When do you leave?” You cringe as you confirm her worst thoughts, “tomorrow.” She takes a deep breath and presses her face into your neck. “Can we do one thing before you go?” she asks you.

Anything. You would give this woman in your arms anything she asked for at that moment. Apart from stay. And that's how you found yourself swinging on your old lightweight hammock.

Strung up securely in the Putellas back yard. As you lay on your (ex?) girlfriend's chest, as you both looked up at the stars. You chatted into the night, you laughed and you cried. You fumbled under the blankets like horny teenagers. She asked you to promise to contact when you could. And you asked her to not worry, to concentrate on the Olympics and move on from you. You kept it to yourself that there was no way you were moving on from her. You didn't know she was keeping the same thing to herself as she promised you she would try.

It was the weirdest break up anyone had ever had.

And, 17 months later, as you lay, trapped, entombed in your own coffin of ice, you were sure that you could still feel the sway of that hammock, feel the heat of that Barcelona evening and hear the cicadas chirping. As the ice pressed all around you, all you could dream of was being back in that back yard in Barcelona, in the arms of Alexia.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Denali. Done. Vinson. Done.

Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Puncak Jaya . Done, Done, Done and Done. You’d faced the heat of Africa, the remoteness of Antarctica, the desolation of Russia. And here you were, finally, on your final summit. Everest. It was somewhat of a dichotomy between the mountaineering community. Everest had become a commercial hub. Have-a-go mountaineers paying big bucks to get a free ride to the highest mountain in the world. But to you, it had always been sacred. You had imagined it, as you climbed hills in the English lakes as a teenager, of one day scaling the iconic mountain. So, why? As you stood on the highest point of earth. After 3 months of acclimatisation. Were you thinking of your ex-girlfriend? Who were you kidding? You knew why.

Alexia hadn’t been far from your thoughts on any of your summits. Her face popping into your mind at each peak. As you pocketed some rock as had become your tradition you would imagine her face as your hand touched the earth. The same earth she was on, thousands of miles away, probably in lush, manicured grass, kicking a ball around and entertaining thousands. Your group had become your family, and you had grown as close as one. Arguing when tensions got high but snuggling together to share warmth when in survival mode. Joking in bars across the globe and playing so many games of gin rummy that you sure a record had been broken. They teased you relentlessly for the old boots with silly laces you wore on the lower reaches of each summit, before you reached heights that you all had to wear mountaineering boots. Alexia, unknowingly, with you every step of the way. They had even made a game in each country you entered, to help you pick the rudest or funniest postcard to send to Barcelona, snippets of your time you sent to Alexia, keeping the promise you made over a year ago. You could have rang, you know you could. But you didn’t know if you heard her voice you wouldn’t high-tail it to Barcelona. So you sent postcards. It felt old-fashioned. It felt romantic. And you think that really, you liked that she couldn’t reply. It felt anonymous. You took off your snow goggles as you stood at the peak. You had 3 minutes on the highest point on earth without your goggles before you would become snow blind. The sun being about 60% stronger at this elevation. You could see the curvature of the earth. It reminded you of the curvature of Alexia's shoulders as you held her from behind.

You took in a deep breath of thin air.

Your lung capacity feels like it has doubled since you left Europe.

You have done it. Without oxygen. 7 summits. Your life goal. Complete.

And now. You wanted to go home.

“Congratulations English Sherpa! You have done it!” Arjan, clamps a heavily gloved hand on your shoulder, his wide smile visible even beneath his snood. Ice hanging from his moustache. He had to shout for you to hear him over the wind. He was a sherpa, he had travelled all around the world with you being one of the experts in the group, he’d affectionately nicknamed you the English Sherpa after he had seen your climbing prowess on your first summit. “We have done nothing yet, my friend. You know you’ve only climbed Everest once you get back down safely” you reply, glee in your voice, fixing your goggles back to your face. “Spoken like a true Sherpa.” he replied, and you both embraced at the top of the world. You didn’t hang around for long. Your entire expedition made it to the top of your final summit and you quickly pictured the moment before making your way down. The biggest risk on Everest is getting stuck in a crowd. It is not as technically difficult as other summits you have done. But without oxygen, a minute can feel like an hour on the highest point on earth. You heard once, it is easier to be saved from the surface of the moon than it is to be saved from the surface of Everest. Luck, however, seemed to be on your side. You had made good progress up, and were making even better progress down. With each step you became more and more gleeful, past 8,000 metres you started to finally feel safer. 7,000 metres, you let the excitement of your achievement settle into your bones. 6,000 metres you let your mind wander to finally going home but why was home seeming more like a sundrenched balcony in Barcelona rather than a green field of England? 5,000 metres, you promised yourself that you would use the satellite phone in your pocket to ring Alexia once you got back to base camp. Tell her you’d done it. Maybe even beg her forgiveness. You were alone on the mountain, ahead of most of your group and low enough now to be unattached to any guidelines, it was a usual affair. Until it wasn’t.

You felt the ground rumble beneath you. It was barely noticeable. It felt more like the feeling you get when you’re lying in bed and a large truck drives past your house.

But it was enough to instil fear in you as you looked up and saw a wall of moving snow hurtling towards you. It was a slab avalanche, probably caused by the movement of the climbers above, and paired with the lateness of the day, the snow that had fallen and compacted overnight had melted enough to loosen into a wall of ice that was directed your way.

You had about 30 seconds.

You knew to go sideways, do not outrun an avalanche. It's like trying to outrun a cheetah. But this wall of ice looked wide, you ran to your side, moving slowly in the deep snow. As you ran you pulled your goggles back onto your face.

You could feel the earth beneath you falling away as the snow you trod on was unearthed by the vibrations of the snow above.

You ran. You ran for your life, but you knew this wasn’t good. Your training kicked in.

You saw a boulder in front of you and you threw yourself behind it, you created a ball with your body, making sure that you created a hole around your face you would be able to use to breathe. You pulled your ice pole from your back and stuck it into the ground next to you, that would help when you were covered by snow and you didn't know which way was up. Which way you would need to dig. You put one hand in your pocket and pulled the satellite phone in front of your face.

A thunderous rumble.

And then.

Silence. Darkness. —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alexia didn’t have her phone on at half time. She never paid it any attention - playing or not she was too focussed on the game.

Today, though, she didn’t know why. But she did.

She felt her phone vibrate in the bag at her feet.

And something compelled her to actually make the effort to dig into her bag and pull it out.

The number looked weird. Not a Spanish number, or an English one, she had gotten used to all the +44’s that had rang her over the year spent with you.

She stepped out of the unfamiliar changing room into the impressive corridors of Old Trafford. A post-season friendly. Barcelona Vs Manchester United. The game didn’t mean anything but it was always exciting to check another famous stadium off the list. A sold out crowd and an evening game. Can’t get much better.

She found a disused office room and managed to press accept on the call.

“Hola?”

At first she thought she’d missed it. Nothing on the line responded to her, as she pulled the phone away to check she saw the call had connected… ‘Scammers’ she cursed in her mind, moving to hang up. But just before she did…

“Hola, Ale.” She couldn’t believe it. Your voice. She dropped her weight onto the table behind her and held a hand to her chest that suddenly felt like it was torn in two. Heart beating faster than any 45 minutes of running could cause.

“¿eres realmente tú?”

“Yes, It’s me Ale.”

Tears brimmed in her eyes and even after everything she felt just the same as she did when she stepped out of that minibus nearly 3 years ago and first set eyes on you.

“Are you okay carino? Did you do it?” she asked, breathlessly. “I did it, love.” was the response. In her pride at your accomplishment she missed how you hadn’t addressed her first question.

“Nunca tuve ninguna duda, I am so relieved to hear from you. The line is so quiet, are you still there?”

“Si…” a pause which Alexia attributes to the poor connection, “It must be the signal.” she notices you move on, quickly, “Can… can you just talk to me?”. Alexia smiles despite herself, you used to always ask her to talk you to sleep when your mind was whirring, completing your greatest accomplishment must be in that category and she can imagine you fidgeting in pent up adrenaline.

“I can amor, I have a few minutes. I am in Manchester. We are at half time at Old Trafford.”

“Old Trafford, hey?” she hears you laugh, “Finally, a football ground I’ve heard of.” She's missed your teasing lilt.

“Si, even you. It is raining. Why is it always raining here? I imagine you have better weather even at your camp.” Alexia jokes, innocently. The laugh you let out feels a little… forced? But she lets it go.

“I had lunch with your Mami today. We are only an hour or so away from yours, why did you never tell me we were so close?” Again, that laugh that she loves so much, but it felt more tired that she’d heard it before, more muffled. Though. She supposed, you must be exhausted.

“Because then, my love, you would have made us go and watch football matches and I much preferred to spend our time together in my bed.”

“Ah, Si, I remember, you did.” she responds, blushing and not missing a beat.

“Your Mami is doing well. She is in the stands….” “Tell her I love her, Ale.” you cut in. There's a desperate edge to your voice that sends shivers down Alexia's spine. She stands, “I will. Of course I will. Carino, are you okay?” she realises now, you never answered her first question. “I stood on the top of Everest today, Ale.” you reply. You haven’t answered her question. She opens her mouth to ask it again but you continue, “I stood on the top of Everest and all I could think of was you.” Your words force her to sit again, her spare hand to her mouth, keeping in a muffled sob. “Don’t you think that's insane? That today, Ale. You were in Manchester and someone. On top of the world. The highest point on this Earth. The highest person on this planet. Only about 4 spacemen floating around above me. Had only you in their mind? I think that means you’ve been to the top of the world, Ale. En la cima del mundo conmigo. You were there with me, every step.” You sound drunk, she wouldn’t blame you, thin air for months it wouldn’t take more than half a pint to see you off, the thought of your ramblings makes her smile despite herself, she knows she shouldn’t, but she leans into it. “Everyone here talks like you….” she pauses, “In Manchester. Only me and Ona can understand them. With your flat vowels. It made me think of you more today. Miss you more than normal today. And now you call.” There's a knock on the office door, “Ale, Vamos!” half time has ended. She has never wanted to play football less than right now. “Because we’re soulmates” your voice definitely had a slur to it now, “and I miss you too. I’ll always miss you, my Ale.” you always got soppier when you drank. “You won’t miss me for long, Carino. You will be home soon. I don’t care if you decide that it's England or Spain. Whichever. I will be there. Si?... We will be together soon. We can sort all this out.” “Hopefully, n..to..oo soon.” she struggles to hear you, the connection starting to fail. “Pardon? Amor?” another knock at the door. She feels like she's being pulled in half as she presses the phone closer to her ear. “Amor. I have to go. Well done, Estoy tan orgullosa de ti. Call me when you can.” “I love you, Ale…” “I lo…” beep beep beep. The call drops before she has a chance to respond. —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You feel pain all over your body. You had never felt pain like it. It was like every sinew in your body was screaming out in pain. You opened your eyes and immediately closed them again. Blinding white. You heard voices. Alarmed voices.

Shouting voices. “HERE, HERE!!!” You felt yourself being moved. It made the pain worse. You tried to tell them to stop.

Your throat couldn't make a sound. And then all you knew was black.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More darkness. You felt something covering your face. Your body being stripped. Water. Boiling water. It burned. You were submerged. “No no no no no no…” was all you could try to vocalise. A calming hand in your hair. “It is lukewarm water, we are trying to bring your body temperature up…”

No, no. They were lying. The voice was lying. You thrashed. A pain in your arm. A needle? Darkness took you again. —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “There is no chance, Arjan.” “Bu….” “No. You are an experienced Sherpa. You are letting yourself get lost. There is no chance. She is too far gone. Air evac is the only way. No Nepalese pilot will fly at this altitude. We need to make her comfortable…” —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You felt yourself being moved.

Less painful this time.

You felt wind on your face.

This wasn’t natural wind.

The sound of blades. Air moving unnaturally. Choppily.

Your face is covered again.

The wind gets louder. More mechanical. You feel yourself being lifted up. “You’ve some friends in high places, English Sherpa.” you hear whispered to you, a hand on your forehead. Arjan? Your friend is speaking to you. You feel less alone. You try to open your eyes but the effort feels herculean. And then nothingness. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This time, when you wake up. You stay awake. You’re in an unfamiliar room. It’s obvious it's a hospital room. But you’re alone. You look around and see yourself wired up to all sorts of machines. But that's it. You try to move to sit up but your shoulder screams in protest. You take stock of your body. You feel a bandage wrapped around your head. Your head is banging now you think about it. Your right arm is completely immobile. Your arm wrapped across your chest and hand completely covered by bandages. You try to wiggle your fingers but. Nothing. God. You hope they’re still there. Before you had too long to spiral the door burst open and you were faced with a smiling, familiar face. “Arjan!” you try to exclaim, voice rough from underuse. “She’s awake. My friend!” his sun-soaked face suits his smile. His bushy eyebrows make his eyes almost invisible as he crinkles them in joy. Arjan settles next to you and fills you in on everything you were present for, but missed out on account of being buried alive or completely unconscious. Your choice to hide behind the boulder had been the first thing to save your life. It had protected you from being swept away by the avalanche and was easier to locate. Before you had called Alexia you had contacted base camp. But your GPS had been knocked off so all they knew was that you were alive. And where you told them you had last been. You’d lost consciousness fairley quickly. Brain starved of oxygen in the small air pocket you had created. Hypothermia had set in slowly.

Your hand had been left exposed after using the phone, and you remember wiggling your fingers, seeing them slowly turn black as they succumbed to frostbite. It had taken 3 days to find you. Luckily, you had been the only person caught up in the snow. You remember, now, coming in and out of consciousness. You even recall a bad spell of seeing Alexias face in the boulder your head rested against and talking to it. Maybe you’d keep that you yourself. Bit embarrassing really. Your legs were pinned down by snow. You had used your last piece of strength to thrust your ice pole upwards. You'd chosen the direction based on the way your tears fell. That was the second thing that had saved your life. Arjan had spotted the pole in the ice field. Days after everyone else had given up on ever finding you. You’d been dragged to base camp and they started to treat hypothermia. You were more than halfway to dead. You resembled a corpse. Arjan had told you he'd never seen anyone literally blue. “Pulled it off tho, my friend” he’d tried to joke. “Of course, always” you’d winked back in reply. You'd have no chance of survival whilst still on the mountain. The air was still too thin and your were suffering from hypoxia. Problem was, the air was too thin for an air evacuation and. Well. As you knew. It was easier to be saved from the surface of the moon than it was to be saved from the surface of Everest. The third thing that had saved you. Was Alexia. “You have someone who’s gone to the moon and back for you, my friend.” Once she’d found out you had gone missing she had gone to the UK embassy in London to start a search and rescue campaign. When they hadn’t moved quickly enough she had involved the Spanish government. She’d used her resources and status to launch a media campaign which had pressured both governments. She’d flown to Kathmandu herself and was trying to hire a plane to Lukla when you’d been found. Then her attention turned to locating a pilot crazy enough to fly at such an altitude. Turns out anyone was crazy enough for the right price. And many, many euros later, the highest ever search flight took off from the surface of Everest, with you on board. “She’s a force to be reckoned with, your girl.”

He told you, as he reached to the ground below you, “...and you’ll be happy to hear, I saved your precious boots” he dumped your familiar old tattered boots at the bottom of your bed.

“And some stuff from your tent. But I had to hike it out so I left some of the smellier clothes.” he joked, as you thanked him, he really was a good man. “... Wait… hike it out? How long have I been here?” “You’ve been unconscious for a week my friend. I always told you you were lazy.” You took a moment to take stock. A week. Well. That meant that even if Alexia had been in Kathmandu, she was a million miles away now. The door opens again and you’re too lost in your own thoughts to give any care to the nurse whos been coming in every now and again checking charts whilst you and Arjan chatted. “Ah here she is. La Reina herself!” You turned your head quickly and took in the face that had been the last image in your mind every night, and the first every morning, since the day you had parted. “Ale…” you breathed. Here. She was here. In Kathmandu. In the same room as you.

She looked as beautiful as ever, hair flowing over her shoulders, blonder than the last time you had seen her. She had gained muscle and her features had sharpened. But everything else was the same. Her smell invaded your senses. That smell that mosquitoes loved so much. You got it. Her eyes were sharp, and directed firmly at you. They looked tired. She held a sense of exhaustion. You wanted her to fall into your arms, but she stood at the door, and you couldn't open them to welcome her in. The moment was heavy and Arjan broke the silence and stood… “I’ll leave you both to it. See you around English Sherpa.” and with a squeeze of your foot he was gone. Leaving you both in a heavy silence. “Thank You Ale.” you said, breaking the silence.

After all Arjan told you, you owed her your life. She didn't respond. But her eyes had moved from your face and were now directed at the boots still on your bed. As battered as ever, Blaugrana laces snapped and re-tied in several places, swatch still visible on the tongue. Maybe you thought that your meeting would be a bit more romantic, not as…tense? She stroked one of the boots gently with her finger, seemingly lost in a trance. “Ale…?” “You have a habit of not telling me important things.” Whatever you expected it wasnt that. “Qué?” “That you speak Spanish, how you feel, I don’t know… that your trapped in a fucking avalanche.” you’d seen her angry before, you’d seen that anger directed at you, but this felt worse. It was directed through you. She kept her distance when all you wanted to do was hold her close. “How could you do that? How could you let us speak knowing that you were about to freeze to death and just chat to me, like it was a normal Sunday afternoon?” “I…I didn’t want to worry you…” you croaked out, you felt like a school child who was being told off by the head teacher. And you deserved it, you supposed. “I will always worry about you, por el amor de dios!!” She started to pace around the bottom of your bed, your eyes moving like they were taking in a tennis match watching her wear the ground down. “...and to think I finished that game. I slept that night at your flat. Happy, finally feeling like I almost had you back. Your mami took me home. And then, the next morning, I walked into the kitchen. And there she was, crying at the table. She could hardly tell me what had happened. And then it all fell into place. You’d called me when you thought you were already in your grave, didn’t you?” All you could do was nod, arms desperate to dry the tears tracking down her face. “I’m glad to see you.” you let out. Unsure of what else to say. “You won’t be. I am so, so angry at you.” “I know you are bu…”

“No, you did your speaking on that Mountain. Now you listen” Her tears are dry now and the anger is back in her face. “I have sorted a medical flight. We leave tonight. We’re going back to Barcelona. I don’t care if you want to go back to that rainey island or not. It’s not your choice, it's mine. You almost froze to death, you need the sun. The warm. You will come with me every day to the doctors at the club. They will monitor you. Your family will come to visit. You will go to a therapist. You will take your medication. You will not ignore your medication because you think its better to treat yourself with whatever crushed bug or mashed-up leaves you think is better….” She stops for breath. “That was one time…” you mumbled, referring back to the time you insisted that a crushed cucumber was better than antiseptic cream to treat a bee sting. “Nope. You are still listening.” She stopped you, firmly again, but you felt her eyes softening as she took you in, “... and when we get home and you get better, we will talk. We will decide where we are building our life together, but that is one non-negotiable. It will be together. Okay?” She seems to be finished. And she's moved closer to you, close enough for you to reach out and grab her hand with your good one. You nod, and pull her hand to cup your face. “I just have one question.” you ask, seeking permission to speak. She nods as she strokes your face, tired and burnt from over-exposure. “Are these fingers still attached?” you ask, shaking your injured arm at her, “they’re kind of important for my plans, if you know what I mean” you wiggle your eyebrows suggestively. Her laugh makes you think maybe you did die on that mountain, because surely, here, with her, you’re in heaven. “Te amo, idiota” —-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You awoke surrounded by soft sheets and sleep-warm pillows. Your once-injured arm tweaked in pain slightly as you stretched out. You had physio later this afternoon, you thought to yourself, you had better mention it. You rolled out of bed and stumbled into the kitchen, still covered in blankets, bed hair resembling a yeti. You almost tripped up over your rucksack which was laying in the hall. Where it had been since your return to Barcelona, months ago. You hadn’t been ready to unpack it quite yet. You could hear Alexia on the phone out on the balcony, and you gestured the international, ‘want a drink’ sign to her, which she shook her head at. You shrugged. God, sometimes she was so Spanish. A good Brit would never let a hot kettle go to waste. It had been months of reconnection, Alexia finally letting go of her anger as soon as you entered the flat. She broke down in your arms that first night, simultaneously telling you how angry she was at you and how much she loved you at the same time. How she had never been as scared in her life. You just dealt with it by pressing kisses into her hairline.

She'd made you sit in the sun of the balcony every chance she got. Morning, Noon and Night. Moving you around to chase the rays. Insisting that you needed the warmth and vitamins of the sun to recover. The image of you pale, cold and frozen in the hospital in Nepal seared into her mind. When Mapi and Ingrid visited Mapi teased you, and had taken to calling you Bagheera. She said you resembled her cat, chasing the sun to lounge in at every occasion. She quickly stopped when Alexia slapped the back of her head. You no longer had to hide your relationship. Alexia had blown the doors off that as she went to the media in order to get the resources to save you. The feeling of claustrophobia that had made you flee from Barcelona had gone. You knew what being trapped really felt like now. And how you ever thought the love of your life and a shared life in this sun-drenched city was suffocating. Well. That was a different person to who you were now. Yeah, you would always love the outdoors. But you had an anchor now. Something that made you maybe not scale that next peak, and instead be excited to share a recipe with. Maybe not stay on the trail for an extra week, and instead pick out a good film to settle down to. Your mum was over the moon. She’d been a regular visitor. You thought she’d be upset, when you decided to stay in Spain instead of going back to England but she seemed offended by the idea. “That girl saved your life you stupid woman, of course will stay here with her.” Alexia didn’t accept it so easily. She was worried you would feel trapped again, that she wasn’t compromising. She would rather move with you than lose you. “Ale. Barna is your life.” you had replied, simply, “...and you are mine.” “It is not!” she had refused, aghast at the suggestion until you said, “United will have me, so will City, my agent has checked, I would even go to the Championship and play for Newcastle, I look great in black!” “Ale, you literally have a floor tile tattooed on your back. We’re staying here.” you said, deadpan. And she couldn’t say much to that. So, much to the despair of every football fan in England. She signed a new contract with Barcelona not two weeks ago. Maybe it was how settled you felt this morning, as the kettle boiled. The soreness in your muscles after the night you spent together in bed, which must be why your shoulder was straining now. Maybe you'd keep that away from the physio. Though, maybe he’d be happy to hear that your fingers were definitely fully recovered. Not as happy as Alexia was though, you'd bet. But something about this morning made you brave enough to finally open that rucksack in the hallway. As you zipped it open your fingers caught on a single piece of cardboard. A postcard. You flipped it over as arms encircled your waist and gentle lips kissed your shoulder. “Carino?” she asked, looking at the postcard in your hands. “I never got to give you this.” you whispered, as you held the postcard over your shoulder, she let you go as she turned it in her hands. She let out a barking laugh as she moved towards the fridge where 6 other postcards sat proudly, waiting for their 7th to complete the set. A woman in a bikini, sat on a yak wearing a cowboy hat, the imposing structure of Everest in the background. A speech bubble coming out of her mouth ‘I’ve seen bigger’. Alexia rolled her eyes at you as she stuck it to the fridge with a magnet showing the message you wrote all those months ago.

“Ale, I’m here.

One more summit and I’ll be on my way back to you. For good. How can I say it in your language? ‘It’s coming home’.

fin.

#alexia putellas x reader #woso x reader #woso community

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daughter-lilith · 13 days ago

Text

BG3 Male Companions x Fem!Reader

And Then There Were Four...

Explicit ❕❗❕❗18+

Summary: You're the Queen of a great nation in Faerûn. You have no problem ruling alone, but lately, you've found your desires aching for a partner, a husband, a king. Once word spread of a famed competition to win your affection, hundreds of thousands answered the call. And finally, at last, the final four remain: Halsin, Wyll, Gale, & Astarion.

The end of the challenge is here, and with the help of your ladies, only one shall win your hand. And you cannot wait to get started...

Word Count: 11.2k

Idk where this idea came from, but I hope you have fun!😘 ao3 if you prefer.

“Ah, the final four at last.” The sound of your sultry, regal voice drifted down the many steps from your throne, echoing sweetly off the high ceilings of the throne room’s walls. Your mouth slid into a half smile, eyes sweeping across the focused gazes of the men who stared forward, waiting to be granted permission to gaze upon you directly.

On each side of the room, large, golden pillars separated the massive windows adorned with sparkling jewels and glittering magic. The day’s light peered through one side of the windows, casting a warm golden glow across the room. Dozens of knights stood on guard at the foot of the throne, the aisle leading up to it, and a few at each of your sides. To your immediate right, a flowery aroma wafted around you as Shadowheart, your Hand, leaned down, whispering near your ear.

“Nearing the end already it seems. Such fun this has been.” Her breath smelled like rich wine, and you just barely caught sight of her silver hair slipping over her shoulders.

With a closed grin, you simply nodded and kept your attention focused on your waiting suitors. At the end of the steps, Minthara, one of the prestigious members of your honor guard glanced over her shoulder; her vibrant, crimson eyes meeting yours in a silent question.

You nodded once, feeling the fine jewels on your ears dangling softly. Settling into the comfort of your throne, your heart rate picked up in anticipation as you watched.

After Minthara returned a subtle nod, she turned to face the four men, putting her arms behind her back as she stepped forward and began to speak.

“Two tendays ago, the court sent out a message across Faerûn, ordered by our Queen. She has opened her heart to finding a satisfactory husband. A partner. A valiant equal. Thousands answered the call, including you…” She sauntered towards the start of the line, to the first waiting gentleman, and leisurely made her way down the lineup. “Halsin Silverbough, The Archdruid… Wyll Ravenguard, The Grand Duke… Gale Dekarios, The Archmage… Astarion Ancunín, The Vampire Magistrate.”

You watched Minthara analyzing them, tilting her head from time to time, and could only imagine the scrutinizing gaze she pierced into them. Then she returned to her starting place, the light reflecting over the red and silver jewels adorning her sides. Each of the men stood still, hands folded at their back, chests slowly rising and falling.

A soft sigh flowed from your lips as you crossed one leg over the other, eyes sweeping past them. They were all so different, all hailing from different regions and lifestyles. The vampire’s eyes reminded you of Minthara’s, but they were brighter, and you craved to see how they looked up close, with the light shining down on them.

The Duke was most intriguing. You had heard of a man once human then half turned into a tiefling. But you didn’t expect that very man to ever be standing before you, pursuing you, with horns adorned in fine jewels and one red eye that could tell so many stories.

The Archdruid’s appearance enchanted you, never had you laid eyes on such an elf before. You heard whispers from time to time, and the gossip had never been more correct. And so far, he seemed as strong in mind as he was in body.

And the Archmage was brimming with fascinating power. Even now, as he stood, silent and at the ready, you could almost feel the magic dancing just beneath his fingertips, ready to please you.

The sound of Minthara’s voice stirred you from your thoughts, and you reverted your attention to the task. Her voice filled the massive chamber, echoing down the room.

“You were among the many who answered the call. You traveled far, out of your own free will, and you have freely given your consent to earn the affection of our queen. You have succeeded in the challenges thus far. You have performed your personal artistry for the Queen. You have fought your challengers for the queen. You have bled for the queen. And now, you will do one last task for the queen…”

When she finished speaking, she took two steps to the side, allowing Lae’zel, the captain of your guard, to step forward.

Lae'zel coolly carried her great silver sword diagonally across her front, her hands gripping the hilt. She rolled her arms back, lean muscle flexing lightly.

“But before we proceed further,” she began, “like all times before, we will remind you that you may walk away before we begin. You are free to march out of those doors, leave the palace, and on orders of the queen, no harm will come to you for your early departure. So, for the last time, if you remain here for the final challenge, you will do whatever your queen asks of your mind and your body. You will oblige. You will obey. You will fulfill. And should you be chosen, you may take your place by our Majesty’s side. Or…you may leave. Do you accept?”

You leaned forward a little, heart thundering. Oh please accept. You would honor your orders and ensure no harm came to them if they chose to leave, but you eagerly hoped it wouldn’t be necessary. And as though the gods themselves felt your desires, in unison, the men bowed their heads. “I accept.”

An almost shuddering breath flowed from your lips, the excitement threatening to be too much to bear, but you quickly calmed yourself. You were a Queen after all, and one of such status should display some decorum.

Lae’zel and Minthara each walked off to the side, opposite of each other to give you a full, uninterrupted view of the final four.

“You may gaze upon me,” you said, the regality of your tone filling the chamber.

The four men roved their eyes up at you, lifting their chins slightly. A readiness reflected deeply in their eyes, a silent desire to follow your every command, to earn the highest favor. You hummed slowly, the sultry sound smooth and calming.

Taking a deep breath, you curved your lips into a tender smile. “My final four, it brings me great pleasure to see you make it this far. You have impressed me with your magic, your strength, and your words, but there is one more assessment you must partake in first. One more test of compatibility before committing myself to you... One of you will be my chosen, but the remaining three will leave here with memories that will live on until your last breath.”

As you closed your speech, the men hung on your every word, their gazes never leaving you. When you next spoke, your commands were for the selected guards, handmaidens, and servants waiting for their instructions. “Prepare them for the final challenge. Bring them to me when they are ready.”

After a few bows and a chorus of ‘yes, my queen’ and ‘Your Majesty’, the men were rounded up and led towards a side door that left the throne room.

As they exited, you felt yourself shiver in anticipation, your mind visualizing all sorts of wonderful, delectable images. Oh how quickly this challenge was coming to an end. And by the end of the night, you’d have your king. But first…

To your left, Karlach, your personal guard spoke up, her energy lively. “Ready to head to your chambers?”

You glanced up at her, a knowing smile on your face. “I am.” Then you rose, and the entire room stood at attention.

❊ ❊ ❊ ❊ ❊

The cool breeze caressed your cheeks as you stood on your balcony, one hand on the stone railing. Golden hour had approached as you took an admiring glance over the marvelous, thriving acropolis of your palace. You took another sip of your dark wine, the rich taste with a hint of sweetness warming your throat. Another gentle breeze tickled your skin, fluttering right through the thin fabric of your robe.

You closed your eyes, inhaling a deep breath of the fresh air. You had prepared for this day, mentally and physically, eagerly watching the challengers' numbers dwindle as you got closer to it. And now, at last…

A single knock from behind had you turning towards the sound.

“My Queen,” Karlach said. “Minthara says they’re ready for you.”

Your lips curved into a lustrous smirk. Taking one last sip of your wine, you set the golden goblet on the table and slipped past Karlach, sauntering back into your large room.

Bare feet touched marble floors as you moved across the lavish room. Tall, floor-to-ceiling curtains from the balcony lazily fluttered inward on the breeze, brushing past stone pillars. The smell of various incense and lavender touched your nose as you strolled towards the large bed at the center, the back against the wall. White, sheer curtains hung half-folded along the sides of the bed, dripping over lush black and purple sheets.

Off to the side of the room, you shared glances with Shadowheart and Lae’zel, sending them a quick nod.

You reached the end of your bed, then walked up the three steps leading to it and turned around. On the far end of the room, tall, double doors remained shut. And at their side, Karlach stood, tall and at the ready.

Slowly, you rolled your neck around before sighing contentedly. The fluttering in your stomach began, your heart hastened and your skin prickled.

Taking a seat at the end of your bed, one leg resting atop the other, you idly played with your long nails. And before you spoke, your lips curved into a desirous smile. “Send them in.”

Immediately, Karlach turned and pulled one of the large doors open. It groaned lightly as it moved, and you could see Minthara ushering the final four inside before she retreated, closing the door behind her.

You inhaled a deep breath, fighting the urge to bite your lips as you took them in. Stripped to nothing but their underwear, they each strolled in with sure steps, chins high, and with eyes only for you.

Shadowheart guided them on where to stand, while Karlach remained guarding the door. Once the men were aligned, side by side, some dozen or so feet away from you, you once again graced them with your voice.

“Ah, how lovely to see you again, my final four.”

You paused, taking a moment to rove your gaze over their bodies: every line, dip, and curve. Your gaze was shameless, smiling as you swept your eyes over their underwear and the teasing bulge tucked just beneath. You wondered for a moment, just how thick those bulges could become – but you were getting ahead of yourself, there was plenty of time this evening…

“Archdruid Halsin,” you sang, meeting the imposing elf’s eyes. “Take a step forth.”

Halsin did as he was told, taking a single step out of the line, slightly rolling his shoulders as he came to a stop. What a sight he was, his large frame such an anomaly, but one that you more than appreciated. A crimson tattoo swirled in lazy patterns down the right side of his face. You could see it slithering down his neck, and halfway down his right arm. Very thick arms complemented by thick thighs, and bulging veins made this large elf. Dark hair streaked across his chest and abdomen, also touching his arms and thighs. A pleasant sight.

“I’ve heard many tales, rumors, and the like about you,” you began, keeping your gaze locked onto the attentive druid. “One in particular that baffles me, is your apparent drive to roam freely, that your…nature never settles. So tell me, Archdruid, why did you answer the call? Why do you seek my hand?”

The Archdruid cleared his throat, and when he spoke, the deep timbre of his voice rolled throughout the chamber. “That was my life, my queen, for a time at least. But I have lived a long time, and my nature has called for me to plant its roots. It longs for the kind of connection it cannot find while roaming.” He paused for a moment, and the faintest hint of a smile touched his lips, confident. “And now nature has led me to you. You are all I want, my queen, and should your path also lead you to me, well, my dedication to you will know no limits. The Oakfather himself could not break it.” His irises flickered gold as he finished, and you couldn’t help the light chuckle of both pleasure and flattering amusement that hummed from your throat.

You glanced at Lae’zel, giving her a graceful wave and terse nod. In response, she stepped towards Halsin and silently guided him back in line. He bowed slowly before retaking his place.

You looked towards Wyll. “Come, Grand Duke,” you said, and the partial human, partial tiefling stepped forward, confidence oozing down his shoulders as the sunlight reflected over the gems and jewels decorating his curved horns.

The golden light also blanketed part of his warm, deep brown skin, accentuating all the ridges, scars, and lines of lean muscle. It bathed him in the most beautiful glow. Part of you wondered what he looked like before the change, but you loved the wide curve of his horns and the unique dips in his skin due to the ridges. You were sure this form was meant to be a curse, and yet your eyes took great pleasure in what stood before you.

“Wyll, you are no stranger to courtly duties and status. I am sure you have had many suitors yourselves, many hoping to be noticed by you. To take your place at my side would mean to move on from Baldur’s Gate, a city you grew up in and fought so hard for. Are you truly prepared to leave it all behind, to pass on your title?”

With no hesitation, the Grand Duke nodded his head twice. “I am. The Gate has been my home for as long as I can remember, and I have done much for that city. But now my heart answers to a greater calling; to find my home in something far superior, a home that is at your side. I know our achievements will reach far beyond the Gate. I know our bond will thrive, standing the test of time.”

You grinned, swaying your legs lightly. “Mmm, we shall see if it will…Wyll.”

He belted into a soft laugh, grinning. “And I happen to know my way around the ballroom, should you ever wish to twirl beneath the chandeliers.”

With a light but welcoming laugh, you signaled Lae’zel once again. As Wyll returned to his place, you met eyes with the famed wizard.

“Gale of Waterdeep, a master wizard.” You curved your index finger, curling it towards you, and the Archmage came forth.

A dark marking, like an orb or a fireball falling from the sky, traced from the top of his left collarbone to the top of his chest. It looked faded, washing into his smooth skin. Like the Archdruid, faint strands of hair decorated his chest. You made a soft hum in surprise, roving your eyes down his torso. His abdomen was surprisingly taut for a non-warrior, and when you met his gaze, there was a smirk dipped into his cheek at your wandering eyes.

You tapped your nails along your knee. “You were once involved with Mystra, on a more… intimate level, correct?”

Gale nodded once. “Correct, my queen.”

“Hmm, then I can only imagine why you seek my affection – my heart. Surely after embracing the arms of a goddess, one cannot outmatch that, no?”

The smirk in his mouth smoothed out, and the confident glint in his eyes became serious. “I worked under Mystra, then I shared her bed, her heart, but never as her equal but as a plaything she took interest in. After our parting, my only goal was to turn my heart back to its first love: magic.” He glanced away for a mere second, before looking at you again, eyes softening. “But my heart was missing something, the chance for true love, deserved love. You are my queen, but as your husband, you will be my goddess.”

A warm flush spread across your skin at his words, and your eyes narrowed in appreciation. Another signal at the captain of your honor guard, and Gale reclaimed his place in line. Then last, but so far from least, you finally eyed the vampire.

“The Vampire Magistrate, let us speak,” you softly commanded.

With an almost sultry saunter, Astarion ambled forward just as the gentle breeze brushed through his bright, silver hair, shaking a few curls. His pale skin seemed even paler with the light illuminating the side of his body. Completely hairless, it came as no surprise that his physique was fitting of an elf-turned-vampire, lean and tight, sculpted in all the right ways. Vibrant, red eyes gazed at you, and your breath nearly hitched at the tantalizing sight.

“Astarion,” you began, tilting your head slightly. “The vampire who is neither spawn nor ascendant, and yet basks in the glory of the sun. When I was told a vampire would be seeking my hand, I almost didn’t believe it. Is it just my heart you seek, or is it what my heart pumps throughout this body, every second, every moment?”

He let out a rhythmic chuckle, giving you a peek of the fangs within, sharp and pure white. “Well, my dear mesmerizing queen,” a charming finesse dripped from his tongue. “While I have no doubt what flows within your body is…quite delectable, I have admired you for quite some time. Your grace, your wisdom, your ability to lead and unite the realms, it is fascinating. Most admirable. And there is no other person I would trust, nor want, to warm this chilled heart.”

Quite unexpecting words from the charming vampire, but your smile was hard to conceal. With a wave, you had him ushered back in the line with the other three.

Taking a deep breath, you rose to your feet, the silk of your robe moving with you. “Your words touch me, and I am more than pleased that you succeeded your competitors. But before I allow one of you to forever have me, the four of you must first share… Consider it a gift for making it so far.”

You reached for the strap around your waist and pulled it, unraveling it with ease. Bringing your hands to the middle of your robe, you pulled it apart, letting the slippery silk fall to your feet. Completely naked before them, you arched your back to accentuate your chest, already feeling your nipples becoming taut.

The men remained silent as they watched you, save for the quiet gasps and shudders of breath.

Halsin’s eyes flashed a brief light of gold, his mighty stance shifting. Wyll’s gaze seemed to struggle to stay on your eyes, his parted lips and thickening bulge betraying him. The tiniest sparks of electric blue fluttered at Gale’s fingertips, and he clenched his fists, tracing you with his eyes. The red in Astarion’s eyes seemed darker, pooling with brazen lust. You caught him giving a brief lick to one fang.

Pleased, you sat down on the soft bed, resting your feet on the step just below. “My final four, I adore the pretty words that leave your tongue, but now you must show me just how skilled that tongue is by itself.” Slowly, you leaned back on one elbow, spreading your legs apart, gracing them with a view of your most intimate place. “But no fingers here.” You tapped your nails lightly down your moist center.

“Archdruid, you may come to me.” Your voice was breathy, sensual, as you locked eyes with the large elf.

Behind him, you noticed Lae’zel and Shadowheart pulling the other men off to the side but keeping them in the room.

Large, slow yet purposeful strides closed in on you as Halsin made his way to you. He stopped at the bottom of the two steps, towering over you. Your heart quickened at the sight, how large and imposing he was this close, hazel eyes glistening with desire; a dim gold that threatened to burn again. He wasn’t touching you, but you could already feel the warmth that exuded from the old druid, aching to wrap you into it. Then, he lowered onto his knees, eyes on you the entire time, and tentatively reached to touch your thigh.

Halsin leaned near the side of your thigh, and you could feel his warm breath brushing against you. He moved closer, then paused, eyeing you in a silent question.

“Go on, Archdruid,” you whispered, encouraging.

He grinned, a few fine lines dipping into his cheeks. “As you wish, my queen.”

Large hands gripped your thighs, spreading you even wider. It was such a simple touch and yet the warmth, the strength, already had you biting your lips. A warm mouth kissed your inner thigh lightly, testing and learning. A shiver rushed down your back as warm breath brushed past the area you ached most, and another soft kiss pressed into your thigh. A long, satisfying hum flowed from your lips as a large, flat tongue pressed against your waiting vulva, starting from the space between your two holes, and languidly sliding up to your waiting clit. His entire tongue covered you, immediately coating you with his warm saliva.

A deep, pleasurable groan rumbled from the druid’s throat, reverberating up your body. Keeping his hands firmly on your thighs, his tongue wasted no time dipping between the tender folds of your labia, before the point of his tongue poked and pressed over your now swollen clit. A soft moan sang from your lips at the throbbing sensation, and Halsin responded by sucking purposefully, exploring the different pitches and sounds he could pull from you. You gasped as the tip of his tongue suddenly dipped inside you, worming its way as far as it could go.

“Mmm.” Your moans were a rising chorus now, bouncing off the gold and alabaster-painted walls. One hand reached for Halsin, slipping through the soft tresses of his hair where you dug your nails in.

Another groan, almost growl vibrated against you, and he gripped your thighs harder, exploring you deeper, drinking all of you he could. Toes curling, your lips were left parted, sighing unabashedly at the tingling sensations firing through you while the Archdruid continued to tongue-fuck you. Higher and higher were your pitches, until a flood of the most familiar, most pleasurable sensations washed down your core, spraying the druid who happily welcomed your fountain. Panting heavily, you trembled slightly as Halsin lapped you up, leisurely cleaning you with his tongue the way a cat would.

With the bottom of your foot, you gently but intentionally nudged his back. Halsin looked up at you, and your breath caught at the shining, golden eyes caught in a web of lust, staring up at you. It was a most alluring sight, stoking new fires within you.

It reminded you that you weren’t finished yet, for the day was long. With an aroused breath, you tried your best not to speak too shakily. “Thank you, Archdruid.”

Almost reluctantly, Halsin rose to his full height, his lips glistening as he stared down and bowed at you. Stealing a glance at his underwear, a wet stain had collected against a large, stiff shape. You smiled, tilting your head to the side as a signal to join the others.

“Bring me the Duke,” you instructed.

A light shuffle of feet sounded before you noticed Shadowheart politely guiding the Grand Duke to the bottom of your bed. She glanced at you from behind him, bowing lightly with a knowing smile.

Wyll’s horns seemed even larger from this short distance, and you couldn’t help but wander your eyes down his chest, steadily rising and falling as old scars were illuminated by the light. Your gaze unabashedly dropped to the hard mound hidden beneath red underwear.

Swaying your knee slightly, you readjusted your weight on your elbows. “The Archdruid cleansed me before your arrival, but can you sully me up again, Grand Duke?”

Wyll smirked, his one, almost glowing red eye holding your gaze. Then, he dipped into a formal bow like he was offering you a dance. “It would be my utmost pleasure.” Rising, he took one step up, then another before gracefully lowering down on one knee. The bracelets and jewels adorning his horns jangled a little, sparkling in the golden light filling half the room.

As he lowered towards you, you’re able to better see the ridges and scars along each side of his neck, and you can’t help but reach out, gently running a hand down the lines. Wyll closed his eyes at your touch, his mouth partly open. His scarring was rough against your fingers, something of an incredible story behind those markings. Pulling away, you leaned back on your elbow.

Wyll peered at you just as you nodded towards your moist flesh. “You may feast, Grand Duke.”

Wyll dipped his head towards your navel first. Warm lips kissed your soft skin, gentle and polite. Your skin prickled behind his touch, and pleasurable flutters filled your belly. A soft sigh radiated from your lips as you closed your eyes and settled into this sense of calm and gentleness, wondering if his tongue would be just as gentle.

It was not.

Once his lips closed over your clit, the pressure from his tongue and inside of his mouth was immediate. Your eyes shot open at the sudden sensation, the Grand Duke giving you no time to lull into the gradually rising pleasure. Instantly, your toes clamped as he tasted you ruthlessly, hungrily, like you were the first source of nourishment he had in days. Wyll’s head tilted side to side, sloppily tasting and sucking your already so tender flesh. His hands gripped the sheets next to your thighs, and you could tell he so desperately wanted to add his fingers to feel you, dip inside you, but you were more than pleased that he abided by your one rule.

Your loud whimper echoed across the chambers as his tongue continued to absolutely suck you swollen. You reached forward, grabbing both of his horns, and pushed his face deeper onto your flesh, so wet and dripping, slathering yourself over him. Wyll groaned quietly, never giving your clit a moment’s reprieve. Before long, a familiar feeling buzzed down your navel, making your legs tremble as you were brought to another peak.

Catching your breath, you released your grip on his horns as Wyll’s tenacious tongue finally relaxed against you. Like the Archdruid before him, he quietly ran his tongue over you, catching your fluids. You took him by one horn again and gently nudged him back. “Much appreciated, Grand Duke.”

With a lazy wave from you, Lae’zel came forward this time, guiding Wyll to his feet. He bowed deeply, then returned to his place.

Before your next contender, you rotated your neck and then inhaled deeply, calming your heart. With a whisper, you spoke a short incantation and pressed two fingers over your lower abdomen. A cool sensation spread through you instantly, reawakening your senses as it sped up the resolution phase. Already, your once swollen clit calmed, and your heart did not pace as fast. But this stage, to your hope, wouldn’t last for long.

“The Wizard, please,” you said, feeling recharged.

It took no time to watch silver hair pass by the sheer curtains on the side of your bed, emerging into view alongside the famed Archmage. Shadowheart waved lightly, leaving you with the wizard. As he sauntered over you, a very knowing smirk seemed permanently curved into his face. For a man who once laid with a goddess, you could practically touch the confidence oozing from the powerful wizard.

You spread your legs wider, drawing his eyes towards your slick center. “Tell me, Archmage, will you worship me?”

Gale roved his eyes back to yours, the desire and determination in his eyes ever present. “There’s nothing that would give me greater pleasure.”

The wizard kept his gaze on you, sauntering forward before sinking to his knees. He dipped forward, the day’s light shining over his dark brown tresses with faint hints of silver swirling into his mane. A soft hand slid under your knee, lifting your leg to rest over his shoulder. The rate of your heart began to pick up again and you could already feel your feet twitching to curl at the promised sensations to come.

Gale hovered towards your waiting sex, looking up at you. “If I may for a moment…”

You quirked your brow as you watched him keenly. He closed his eyes and a stream of subtle whispers flowed from his lips. Blue-white mist wafted from his mouth in a beautiful cloud. He exhaled and a sudden gasp escaped your throat. A cool, near-icy sensation spread over you, and you nearly lost the footing of your other leg resting on the top step. Gale chuckled lightly, picking up your other leg to rest on his shoulder as well. You threw your head back as his mouth kissed your chilled lips, but it was strangely pleasant, electric even as his icy tongue slithered between your lips. His head moved back and forth, tongue lathering you sweetly.

You bit your lips, panting at the dozens of sensations bubbling through you. And when he dipped his tongue inside, you yelped, the contrast of his cool tongue and your hot walls overwhelming. His tongue swirled inside of you before tracing up and in between your labia, leaving all sorts of tingles and prickles over your wet flesh as your clit throbbed in his mouth. You gazed up at the high ceilings, fingers clenching as you approached the top of an icy mountain. Belly tightening, toes curling, a shattering moan escaped your lungs. The coolness of Gale’s tongue shifted into a soothing warmth. He swiped tender, lazy licks over your sensitive, wet lips before sealing his work with a kiss.

“My queen,” Gale smiled, cheek and chin glistening with your juices.

Like clockwork, Lae’zel came behind him. “Chk,” she sounded, waiting for him to rise. He gently lowered your legs off him before standing.

Coming down, you focused on leveling your breathing before speaking. “Many thanks, Archmage.”

With a respectful bow, he was escorted off to the side.

You locked eyes with vibrant, crimson gems and curled your finger towards you in a silent calling. With smooth finesse, light footsteps almost glided across the floor as the vampire made his way to the steps leading to your bed. Your heart leaped as his glimmering; red eyes drank you in. You had never been intimate with a vampire before, and your body couldn’t quell its excitement. The day’s light shined over his pale skin, piquing your curiosity as to how he managed to walk in the daylight. Perhaps a spell, maybe something to do with the silver ring he wore. But such questions were less important at present.

You noticed his chest wasn’t moving as you looked down at him with a desirous mien wrapped in a box of pure confidence. Dripping, you slid your finger down between your folds then leisurely back up again, feeling how moist you were, your body’s warmth fully returned. “Will you show me your teeth, vampire?”

Astarion’s smile dipped further into his cheek, and he quickly teased you with a show of his fang as his tongue flicked over it. “With pleasure,” he near-whispered, never dropping his gaze.

But instead of moving towards you, he remained still as a statue, eyes still locked on you as you waited. You quirked a brow, wondering what ruminated in this vampire’s mind as he left you waiting. But before you could settle into confusion, before you could call him to you – a cold rush of air whipped over you, stealing your breath. With supernatural speed, Astarion blinked toward you, stopping over your belly. You gasped as he winked at you, grinning with a flash of his fangs.

You returned an amusing smile as he descended toward your center. A shiver coursed through you as the tip of his fangs grazed your now plump, tender flesh, careful not to pierce skin. Like the Archmage, the vampire’s breath was cold, but in a way that felt more natural, like a relieving dip in the river on a hot summer’s day.

A rhythmic, rumbling purr vibrated up his throat, immediately overwhelming you as you let your head fall back. A sudden sigh left your mouth as his cold hands grasped your thighs, keeping your legs wide apart. His tongue was cold but not icy, slithering over your folds like a snake winding down a tree. And when he closed his mouth over your clit, a shiver charged down your legs, your fingers gripping the lush sheets. Between the electric point of his fangs and the purring noises the vampire made, a torrent of sensations was already firing through you, heart racing in your chest.

The volume of your quiet moans elevated as Astarion feasted below you – as much as a vampire could without a drop of blood. His expert tongue was calling for your orgasm, pulling it through your body at devastating speeds. Another flick of his tongue on your clit and you were erupting once again, your entire body trembling from yet another climax reached. Panting, you looked back down to find him grinning at you. His tongue ran a long swipe over his lips, purposefully flashing his fangs at you in the process.

You smiled in silent appreciation as your breathing slowly began to level. You nodded your head and Astarion gave your swollen labia one last kiss before rising. By now, he knew the routine and rolled his shoulders back before returning to his place in line.

With all the men lined back up, side by side, you remained in bed completely lust-filled, and skin flushed. You throbbed in all the best ways, your wetness still lightly dripping out of you. Instead of repeating the former incantation, you decided to revel in the belly of this high, allowing it to calm on its own. As graceful as possible, you dragged yourself further back on the large bed, made easier by the velvety silk cover, and rested at the center. You turned to lean on your left side, pulling the sheer drapes back.

“My girls,” you called, looking at Lae’zel and Shadowheart, “will you do me the honors, and tell me how they taste? Tell me how they feel in your hands. Bring them just to the edge.”

“Of course, my queen,” Lae’zel answered.

“I would love to.” Shadowheart bit her lip, and you could easily imagine the excitement in her heart, the blood rushing to her core in arousal.

Then your gaze passed over each of the men. “And you, lovely gentlemen, don’t touch, just stand and experience.” A simple order, but one that would be watched closely, by both you and your personal tiefling guard who still stood by the doors.

The two women walked before the men and carefully yet deliberately dragged their underwear down, freeing them immediately. You bit your lips as you watched each cock spring forth, various shades and sizes and angles. Whether it stood high and erect like the vampire’s, or hung thick and heavy like the Archdruid’s, your core tingled, saliva gathering in your mouth. But for now, patience.

Once the men were fully naked and bare, your ladies strolled to each end of the line with Shadowheart stopping in front of Halsin, and Lae’zel before Astarion. In perfect sync, they sank to their knees and your heart drummed in anticipation as you observed eagerly. You found yourself biting your lips as their tongues licked languidly up Halsin and Astarion’s cocks, feeling a rush of heat to your already so tender center. While their mouths began to work, one of their hands stroked the length of Wyll and Gale’s shafts.

Astarion’s hands were twitching and Halsin’s jaw looked clenched before he let his head fall backwards. Shadowheart seemed to be struggling with the Archdruid’s cock at first, and the sight made you sigh in pleasure. She only needed to taste, not try to take it all in, but you were feeling generous and allowed her to proceed.

As they fell into a steady motion, you watched the men's eyes closing in bliss, faces pooling in pleasure as the two women found a steady motion. Eventually, they alternated; mouths and hands on new cocks, tasting and testing. You were absolutely exhilarated by the sight, feeling hot as you watched their abdomens tighten and flex, knowing they so desperately wanted something to grip, to hold, but could only clench their fists.

The men were a moaning, whimpering mess. Various tone levels overlapped and echoed against the walls. From the deep, near-growling Archdruid; to the softer sighs of the Wizard, a throaty groan from the Duke, and hissing sighs from the Vampire. Sweat dripped down their skin, shimmering in the warm glow of the golden light outside that began to dip but still shined into the room.

Despite the needy sounds of pleasure, they never touched the two ladies who still licked, sucked, and fondled them. Each time you sensed one of them getting close, your ladies would pull away and leave them promptly until the very last one was denied their orgasm. And this pleased you greatly.

Shadowheart rose to her feet, strolling over to you with a happy smile, while Lae’zel’s lips were glistening from her saliva, face flushed. The women shared a look with each other first, some quiet recognition passing between them. Once they reached the side of your bed, they lowered their voices, just out of earshot.

Lae’zel spoke first. “Forgive us, my queen, but this may prove more difficult than we anticipated.”

“They each have their unique taste,” Shadowheart added, “and truthfully… I enjoyed all of it.”

The githyanki licked her lips, her yellow eyes brightening. “And their musk is most divine. I still smell it, can taste it on my lips. Even now I grow moist within.”

A shiver rushed through you at her words, and you tapped your fingers along your bare hip, pondering.

“What do you suggest, my queen?” asked Shadowheart.

You looked past them, glancing at the four men who stood patiently, cocks stiff and waiting. You knew there was a chance it would come to this, in fact, you hoped. And here it was… “Hmm, I suppose my body may be in need of your healing after this is all done,” you stated, eyeing Shadowheart who nodded knowingly. “And do we have enough sponges?”

Lae’zel nodded once. “We do. I checked earlier, just in case.”

A light chuckle left your lips, and you rose into a side-sitting position. “Then it shall be done. But first, a sample.” Your gaze bounced between both of their lips and they wasted no time climbing on the bed, crawling towards you.

Lae’zel found your lips first, her tongue sliding into your mouth almost immediately. Her mouth was warm, wet, lips as plump as you remember as your tongue danced with hers. But she wasn’t too greedy, pulling away to allow Shadowheart access to your mouth, which she happily obliged. You smirked in amusement as a soft moan flowed from her mouth, one she seemingly couldn’t resist. Her warm tongue slithered over and under yours, and not a moment later, you felt a new tongue worming its way in.

The three of you shared a wet, tongue-dancing, open-mouthed kiss – swapping saliva and biting lips. Various tastes of sweat and skin collected on your tongue, all strangely unique, mingling with the taste of the two women. Your heart thundered, stomach fluttering, and there was a temptation to run your fingers through their hair and have them shed the comfortable, delicate garments they wore. But as you opened your eyes, you caught a glance at the final four who stood some paces away, silent, watching intently. With a smile, you hummed in delight as you pulled away.

“Thank you, my dears.” You eyed them both sweetly. They smiled, bowing lightly before gracefully ambling off the bed.

“We shall be close,” said Lae’zel, before making her way to the waiting gentleman.

Taking a deep, shuddering breath, your body rippled with excitement. Your stomach quivered and you were oh too aware of the beat of your heart. Leaning on your arm, your eyes swam over the patient men who seemed ready to hang onto your every word.

“My final four,” the passionate, resplendent tone of your voice flowed through the chamber, “seek your pleasure with me as if I was already your wife. Guide me to many peaks, and seek your own.”

You ran a nail along your bottom lip as you took in their expressions, before trailing your gaze down their excited cocks. You could’ve sworn you noticed Gale’s twitch just a tad and it made you chuckle, flattered. With a delectable hum, you called two forth. “Wyll, Gale, come to me.”

Lae’zel extended her arm in your direction, leading the pair towards you. As they made their way, you cast a glance at the other two and could’ve sworn you noticed a hint of dejection dragging across the vampire’s face, while the Archdruid appeared stoic, but you saw right through his eyes.

Wyll and Gale approached your bedside, their erections bouncing with each step.

Shadowheart’s voice filled the grand room. “You may touch her, kiss her, taste her, bite her…”

Lae’zel tacked on. “…Fill her, then fill her again, and again…”

The Archmage and the Grand Duke almost looked nervous as they came to your bed, like they knew they were nearing the end. But now was not the time to have them waning under pressure.

You slowly traced your gaze over their naked bodies, biting your lips as you watched them practically throbbing for you. But after they climbed the two steps to your bed, neither of them moved, waiting for your direction. Your stomach fluttered. It filled you with such bliss to still see them so obedient for you, such wonderful traits. So it was only right to give them one more command.

“Don’t be shy. Take the lead now, and don’t make me wait too long…”

Your words seemed to ignite a fire behind their eyes, and you caught a faint flash of blue sparks dancing across Gale’s fingers. The men shared a glance with one another, then nodded, some personal understanding. You watched Wyll stroll to the other side of the bed, then looked at Gale one last time before the two of them crawled up and onto the plush mattress and silky sheets.

You closed your eyes and exhaled a breath of pleasure as their lips touched each side of your neck. Gale licked his way up to your ear while Wyll trailed his tongue down your neck before sucking lightly. One calloused hand began massaging your breast, kneading gently, while another smoother palm caressed the other one. Shivers trickled down your neck, surging down your back from the dual sensations. You were still dripping, still so moist from having them taste you earlier. Still so wet from watching your ladies taste their veiny cocks.

You were so ready for them, so ready to feel what else they could do for you. If they could once again shatter you with more explosions of pleasure. And as if they were detecting your thoughts, your world shifted and your eyes flung open as four hands took hold of your waist and hips, lifting you momentarily to give Gale room to slide beneath you. Wyll shot you a smirk and winked before flipping you over on your knees. Gale had laid himself flat on his back, his head propped on a few pillows while your face hovered over him; your ass up for Wyll to gaze and admire.

Gale lifted his head, capturing your lips. You met him readily, kissing him slowly, learning and exploring. His tongue seemed to shift from cold to warm, the contrasting sensations making you moan and sigh into his mouth. You reveled in the light scratch of his beard against your chin as your heads tilted from one side to the other. A tremor ran up your back at the feeling of a warm tongue licking your other lips as Wyll lathered between your wet folds. The Duke’s tongue dragged from the top of your tailbone, all the way down to your tender clit as you moaned heavily into Gale’s mouth.

When Gale pulled back, you felt his hand sliding down your sides, the tip of his cock tapping against your folds. “My dearest queen. My future goddess, are you ready?” he muttered softly. He took one hand away from your waist and brought it under your chin, swiping a thumb across your bottom lip, his eyes warm with lust.

“Yes,” you whispered, and his mouth curved into a devious smirk.

Wyll gave the cheeks of your ass two soft kisses. And with the guidance of his hands on you, the two of them positioned your soaked entrance just over Gale’s tip, sinking you onto him. You sucked in a breath as the Archmage penetrated you, slipping so well through your soaked walls, opening you so nicely.

When you were fully sat onto him, a ripple of pleasure rushed over you, but you were given no time to revel in it for Gale was lifting you again as Wyll guided your hips back down. In perfect unison, like they had practiced this before, they moved your lower body up and down on the wizard’s cock in long, rhythmic motions.

Below you, Gale moaned deeply, whispering about how amazing you felt. “So warm.” He managed to breathe, his lips parted and eyes drunk with lust. Your moans rang through the room, unabashed, drowning in the feel of the Archmage rubbing against your tight walls, over and over again. You needn’t move at all, for they made sure to guide you, to set the pace and the depth. But your arms were starting to tremble, so you fell on your elbows, resting over Gale’s chest, pressing your breasts against him.

Gale folded his legs, digging the heel of his feet onto the bed. A loud moan erupted from your mouth as he pushed harder into you, all the while telling you how beautiful and incredible you were. You felt a presence hovering over your back and warm drops of fluid trickling over your cheeks, followed by something long sliding between. Wyll’s groans mingled with your moans as he rubbed himself between your ass, and you shuddered at the peculiar feeling. Were those ridges lining up and down his shaft?

The Duke lowered towards you, his breath kissing the back of your neck. “May I?” he asked, suggestively poking the head of his cock over your second hole as Gale continued moving in and out of you.

Your blood burned at the suggestion, and you moaned out a needy ‘yes’.

“But first,” you started to say, your words cut short as the wizard throbbed inside of you. “Sh—Shadow—” you breathed, trying to call for her.

Not a moment later, a gentle voice appeared near the right side of your bed. “Way ahead of you, my queen,” you heard Shadowheart say. You could hear her mutter a spell before clasping her hands together. “For you and the Grand Duke,” she said.

Instantly, a cool sensation dribbled between your cheeks, thick and oozing. You felt Wyll lift his cock from you, imagining him lathering himself with magical lubricant. Then he returned to you, something soft and moist rubbing over your tight hole.

“Just breathe, Your Grace,” Wyll encouraged quietly, his warm breath tickling your ear.

You let out a breathy chuckle, flattered by his gentleness as he nibbled on your ear, sending a tremor down your back, and making you sigh in delight. From the corner of your eyes, you could see the curve of his horns and the glint of the jewelry that adorned them. You longed to grab onto those horns, but the anticipation made your forearms feel weak, and from this angle with how they caged you, it would be difficult, but not impossible.

Wyll sank a finger inside your anus first, and you hummed against Gale, already so sensitive as Wyll’s finger explored you, tested you. Once pleased, he released his finger and leaned away from your neck. Then, you felt a new pressure against your anus, something larger, pressing into the waiting hole. A louder moan dripped from your lips at the incredibly new sensation. A feeling you hadn’t felt in quite some time. And you breathed deeply as fresh sparks of familiar pain ran through you as the half-tiefling stretched your sphincter while you tried to relax the muscle.

“Gods,” you breathed, trying to moan again but it was swallowed by the wizard’s sudden kiss.

Wyll’s hand firmly cupped the sides of your ass as he pushed deeper and deeper. “That’s it, you have it,” he droned behind you, making you moan at the praise.

You felt so incredibly full, both of your holes stuffed to the brim as Wyll began a slow and steady rhythm, letting you get used to him before his pace increased. The ridges of his shaft felt incredible, making your hands claw into the wizard’s chest as he moaned beneath you.

Soon, Wyll moved in perfect sync with Gale’s cock, thrusting and dragging out of you at the same time before sinking back in. Your heart thundered as you leaked endlessly, your wetness continuing to drench your walls, your arousal never waning, only climbing. You could feel them practically rubbing against each other from inside you, and before long, you were a screaming, whimpering mess as they used your holes to their hearts' content. As they pleased you in a way you gave command to while still taking pleasure for themselves.

Soon, their movements fell out of sync and you closed your eyes, drowning in the heightened sensations. Gale muttered something you could hardly hear, but you gasped at the feeling of his suddenly cold cock ramming through your walls. You would’ve lifted yourself for reprieve if you could, but Wyll had part of his weight on you, making a home deep within your ass.

“Remember to fill her.” You heard someone say, Lae’zel maybe, you weren’t sure.

You managed to lift yourself just enough from Gale’s chest and reached one arm behind you, finding a curved horn that you wasted no time gripping. A wave of pleasure came soaring in from the high tides, coming closer and closer as your song reached a higher pitch. It came until it crashed into you, shattering your entire body with its ecstasy. A heavy grunt filled your ear as Wyll’s movements stuttered inside your ass while Gale twitched within you. Warm, thick fluid filled both of your holes, and you sighed as they simultaneously withdrew, allowing some of them to seep out onto the covers or over Gale’s thighs.

Heavy breathing and panting surrounded the three of you. You felt so dazed, so open and tender.

Wyll shuffled back, and you used that moment to turn over, unceremoniously sliding off Gale in the process. Laying flat on your back, feeling their seed drip from you, your body buzzed, still burning for more. This time Wyll dipped down to kiss you, sweetly, passionately. You felt someone’s fingers swirl light patterns around your clit as the two men slowly guided you through this high.

Through the haze, you heard Shadowheart call for someone, instructing them. “Our queen’s nipples are looking rather lonely, maybe you can help with that.”

Through hooded eyes, you noticed the sheer curtains on your left side moving, and a large figure standing at the foot of your bed, looking down at you, eyes dark with a desperate want. Broad shoulders rolled slightly, and large pecs expanded from a deep breath. The sight invigorated you, stoking the fire that still burned. Your gaze traveled down the Archdruid’s heavily muscled frame, landing at his thick, leaking cock that barely hid the large sac hanging behind it. You were so entranced by the view that you gasped at the sudden flick of a tongue over your nipple, accompanied by a cold presence.

Bright, silver-white hair filled your vision as a long tongue swirled around your areola before teeth clamped onto your nipple. You hissed, flesh tingling, as the vampire gently bit down on your breast, tracing his fangs along your warm skin. You couldn’t help but reach forward and slip your fingers between his curls. Even his hair felt cold but soft as silk, his scalp smooth as you gripped gently.

Gale came to kiss you this time, and your eyes fluttered closed as you gave in to the passionate dance of his tongue. Occupied by the kiss, you felt the bed shift slightly as a blanket of warmth emanated from your left, like the sun itself had laid next to you. And the only thing that kept you from burning was the icy vampire who cooled your body, giving you a beautiful balance. The perfect temperature. You broke the kiss with the wizard just as tantalizing warmth took your other breast into their mouth. You looked down at the Archdruid who was already staring at you, one large hand resting over your belly. In the distraction, Gale slipped away from the side of your shoulder, giving the vampire more room to drag his tongue up along your collarbone.

“You taste divine,” Astarion murmured near your ear before pressing a kiss to your pulse point. The temptation to sink his fangs must’ve been so great while his dagger-like teeth grazed you, making you shiver.

“And you smell incredible,” the deep, husky voice of Halsin graced your ears next. His nose was up by the back of your ear now, and he inhaled deeply, purring a deep groan afterward that rumbled down your side.

You moaned in sweet bliss as they kissed and licked your hot skin, letting them feel and explore you.

“Shall we clean her for them?” The sound of the Duke hovered over your soft whines and sighs.

“It would be the polite thing to do,” Gale’s voice followed. And soon, your toes curled as a warm tongue started lapping up your vulva.

Flicking your gaze down at the new activity, you called onto your voice that felt so far, so lost in ecstasy. “Nn- no, at the…same time,” you ordered, hoping your command would reach them.

You heard Wyll chuckling, but in a way that sounded like he couldn’t wait to please you. Gale glanced up at you, lifting his face from your swollen cunt with a growing smirk. A moment later, two tongues were lapping at you, swirling over each other as they licked up and down your vulva and down to your anus. They licked you cleanly, drinking in your combined fluids with zero hesitation.

A large hand came around your neck, drawing your attention towards waiting lips. You let the Archdruid pull you into him, sealing his lips with yours. It was lightly scarred, and the feeling made you moan, wanting to bite and tug at his lip. But it was his groans that were sending you into oblivion, so deep and pleasurable in your ears, vibrating down your body.

“I would love a taste,” hummed the vampire, kissing your cheek. The Archdruid obliged, leaving your lips with a quick suck before a cool hand took your chin, guiding you towards them.

You whined as Astarion grazed his fangs over your lips, biting softly. His cold tongue slithered inside your eager mouth, falling into a hasty dance with your tongue. You shivered in pure delight as his cool breath mingled with yours, breathing it down your throat as Halsin continued to brush kisses down your neck, settling on your shoulder. You moaned lowly in Astarion’s mouth as a firm, tantalizing pressure pressed into your shoulder. The Archdruid growled as he bit down on you, not enough to bleed, but enough to leave a beautiful mark as his large hand massaged your supple breast.

“My dear queen,” the vampire murmured against your lips. You hummed in response, blinking your eyes open to meet his crimson, mischievous gaze. “I shall have you now, yes?”

You nodded quietly, desperately. You tried to reach for his lips again, but he drew back, chuckling lightly. Below you, a sudden suck made you squeal, your clit so raw by now. And for the second time tonight, the room spun, and you were promptly gripped, lifted, and placed right where they wanted you, where they craved you. This time the vampire was on his back, and your back was resting against his front. Unlike the wizard who gave you a brief warning, the vampire lifted you slightly and shoved his cold cock into your heat.

You bit your lips, trying and failing to stifle your endless moans, feeling so overwhelmed by the speed at which the vampire thrust into you. His arms linked around yours, locking you against his body. Your breast bounced as Astarion stroked into you which only seemed to draw in Gale and Wyll who couldn’t help but take your nipples in their mouth.

A gasp fell from your mouth as a thick finger slithered into your anus, followed by a warm mouth closing over your clit. Through a haze, you watched the broad shoulders of the Archdruid, sweaty and flexed, as his head moved up and down. Halsin dragged his tongue through your folds, swirling on the outside of your entrance as Astarion’s shaft continued to grind into you. The vampire was hissing in your ear, his icy breath making you tremble. You closed your eyes, seeing a formation of stars as you succumbed to the overwhelming surges of pleasure, your toes clenched so tight and your stomach fluttering, skin flush. A thick shot of fluid spilled into you as Astarion’s grip tightened around your arms and his cold breath coasted over your cheek. You chased his orgasm with your own, body trembling in his arms as Halsin still sucked and tasted you.

Finally, Astarion withdrew from you, and you whimpered at the feeling of sudden emptiness. He didn’t relieve the lock on your arms, but he did lessen the tension as you caught your breath, closing your eyes while the men fondled and caressed your body.

“You took me so well, my queen,” Astarion purred, his tone making you shiver. “And you felt heavenly.”

The sunlight felt warm on your skin, still peering through the large windows but continuing to make way for the moon, yet it was still just high enough to reach your chamber. Your body felt intoxicated, all sorts of sensations firing throughout your nerves. Then a shadow moved over you, but you were too drunk with the afterglow of lust to open your eyes.

“Will you honor me with this gift, my queen?” a voice asked you, so deep and warm, but you could hear the thick desire in their throat. “Just one more time, my heart to be.”

You lazily opened your eyes, peering at the towering figure before you. “Mm, yes,” you said, finding your legs opening to their own volition, still having just enough left in you.

Still constricted by the vampire, you wanted to reach upward, to place the palm of your hand against the thick chest of the Archdruid, squeezing the muscle. You knew he felt so incredibly warm, heart likely thundering behind that strong chest, and you bit your lips as you watched him position himself between your legs.

Gale and Astarion were busy kissing and licking along your earlobe, while Wyll tenderly kissed his way up your chest. He planted a kiss on your chin, smiling at you briefly before meeting his soft, full lips with yours. You closed your eyes, falling into the sweet kiss as you mentally prepared for the familiar sensation.

But your eyes shot open, and you whimpered into Wyll’s mouth. It was anything but familiar. Your holes had been so used already, so tender and raw. And yet, as the Archdruid entered you, a new sting of pain rippled through you, your walls being stretched anew.

You turned your head to look down at where you and Halsin met, watching his thick cock slowly disappear in you. “Mmm… fuck,” the curse fell from your lips as he expanded your walls inch by inch. It wasn’t like you didn’t know his girth was thick, but perhaps you were too lost in a daze to think about such things.

Or perhaps you assumed that you had plenty of prep from all the previous cocks and fingers thrusting in and out of you.

Your toes clenched as the Archdruid continued to sink. With Astarion still securing your arms, and Halsin’s grip on your thighs tight, you couldn’t wiggle away even if you wanted to. And you so, so badly wanted to stay, to sigh and gasp through the stretch.

“Ohh, my queen,” Halsin groaned deeply above you, focusing so intently on your leaking cunt.

Glancing at him, you shuddered as his irises started to glow again, a fierce gold charged with a primal desire. You hissed a little as he sunk deeper, almost reaching his limit and yours, and your stomach tightened, toes still clenched.

Shadowheart’s tender voice caught your ears. “Relax, my queen. Open for the Archdruid. Allow pleasure to carry you to its peak once more.”

Encouraged by your words, you exhaled and let your abdomen rest.

“Does he stretch you well, my queen?” Astarion whispered in your ear. You whimpered in response.

Finally reaching the base, Halsin held still for a moment and stared down at you, like he couldn’t believe the wondrous sight below him. But the moment of reprieve was short as he began to move, and you let your head fall back on Astarion’s left shoulder.

The vampire immediately came to the right side of your neck, leaving you love bites and more encouraging words. Your breathing increased as Halsin set a steady pace, the pain slipping away to endless bouts of pleasure around his thick cock.

The aroma of sex was hot and heavy in the air. Various noises of lust and pleasure were the chorus of sounds in the massive chamber. You’re almost sure everyone throughout the palace could hear you. Perhaps all throughout the city could hear the pleasurable cries of their queen being brought to the brink again and again.

Halsin was huge leaning over both you and Astarion, but he was careful not to rest his whole weight on you. His heat enveloped you, his torso sweating, irises glowing, as a stream of groans and growls erupted from his throat. You felt so full again as his cock hit the areas that made you whimper.

Gale found a chance to lick your clit again, while Wyll came around to leave love marks on the other side of your neck and shoulder after he was done marking your arms and thighs. Astarion was fondling your nipples while he kissed the back of your neck, his cock resting between your ass cheeks.

The Archdruid increased his pace by now, and your pleasurable cries only elevated in volume. He fucked you so well. They all fucked you so well, and yet so different.

Halsin leaned down to kiss you, sloppily, deeply. You could hardly keep up with his mouth as his thrusts reverberated through your body. His movements started to grow erratic, and you moaned loudly into his mouth, feeling a familiar shudder quaking its way down your stomach, over your throbbing core in another burst of ecstasy. Halsin left your lips and tossed his head back as a deep groan erupted from him. Hot fluid spilled into you, and you could feel some of it already leaking out your already stuffed hole as he buried all of himself inside you...

You don’t know how much time passed – a few minutes, an hour? Golden hour had dimmed, sinking past the horizon, but the waning hour of daylight still clung to the sky, gradually losing its battle with the moon. You could hear your heart in your head, steadily slowing down as your back lay atop Halsin now, with the other men huddled so close to you, limbs entangled over one another, slipping over the soft, silky velvet sheets. Your body felt flushed, elated, spent, and achy in all the best ways as you felt something warm still leaking out of your holes, gathering on the cover.

You were being kissed softly, massaged gently, and whispered to lovingly. Several lazy kisses were shared before you rested your head against the Archdruid and allowed them to soothe your body with more kisses.

But at the sight of your ladies making their way to the edge of your bed, you’re reminded of a very important task.

Finding your voice again, slightly breathy but steady, you speak. “My final four, that should be all. Karlach will lead you to the bathing room while my ladies attend to me. But the challenge is complete, and I shall see you again soon...”

Falling immediately back into your orders, the men rise, sweaty and half-dazed with softening cocks. Halsin gently but with ease, raised you from him and then settled you down to his side.

When they were all out of bed, they rolled their shoulders back, then turned to you, bowing. You called out to your personal guard and watched as the mighty barbarian marched toward the group of men. Karlach nodded at you once, ordering the men to follow her. As they ambled past, she looked back at you, shooting a quick wink of approval before following the group out of your chamber.

At your side, Shadowheart had already begun her recovery spells over you while Lae’zel prepared a warm bath in the tub that was set up near the balcony. While it heated, she returned with a sponge and began tapping it between your anus and along the opening of your vagina.

Shadowheart grinned, glancing at you. “You were incredible.”

Lae’zel nodded. “Agreed. You rode the waves in a most admirable way.”

You smirked, quietly thanking them as you closed your eyes, falling into their comforting touches.

“So, do you have a verdict?” Shadowheart inquired, tenderly soothing your muscles.

“Yes, I am most eager to learn who shall be our king.”

“Hmm…” You pondered for a long moment, still feeling so tingly and high off ecstasy. When you opened your eyes, they were both looking at you eagerly. “Would the realm have any qualms against four husbands?”

Pretty sure in all my years of writing, I've never written sex for more than a threesome, so this was a little leap! But I hope you enjoyed! 🥵

Who would you have personally chosen?🤔

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