I owe the first act of smutty intimacy between Lotus and Tor to this song right here. I’ve been shuffling through music for inspo, and this just had everything click into place even though I was nowhere near smut at that time. When I heard it I started writing, and I didn’t stop. In all honesty, this was intended for Chapter XII of the fic, and it’s torn me up to not have shared it with you all.
I went back and forth on it so much, but there’s a fair amount at play between their last argument and this moment and y’all know me—it would’ve turned into three chapters, not one 😂
To amend that, here is a peek into their first time:
But Tor grips my face, his voice gruff yet gentle. “It’s okay.”
My lips tremble with a whimper, but he stops the shake of my head. “It’s okay,” he repeats, stroking my face. “Use me.”
I blink, breath hitching at his command.
“Use me, [Lotus]” One hand drifts down my body to settle on my waist, his fingers pressing through my shift to sear my skin. His eyes are clear and open, bright in the slim moonlight. His voice a wither of smoke. “Use me…”
The look he’s giving me…so raw, so patient. So kind. So reminiscent of that first night he’d kissed me...
I'm transfixed.
I keep my eyes on his, slowly starting to wind my waist again, letting my clit catch on the subtle bounce of his thigh. Down, and back, and down again. I start to relax as I undulate, my lips parting to release the gasps and whimpers building in my throat. But it’s a groan from Tor which snaps my tether, hoarse and low, his eyes fluttering while he fights to keep them on my face.
That sound sends a jolt to my clit, my skin, my veins alight in his arousal. I speed up then, all cautions aside, desperate to hear him make that noise again. Desperate to sooth the ache between my legs.
A quivering ache, born of my gasps and Tor's grunts, carried in the sweat which slicks our skin. Coiling and winding around our bodies, moving in tandem beneath the heavy pelts. Our breaths mingle, clouding my vision and shaking hands, my head lolling against the pillow. But Tor keeps my waist steady, gruff hands caging my every grind while I drift higher, and higher still, towards relief.
Here are some visuals from my Pinterest for this moment/the aesthetic of the journey across the North
Another peak into the original work I've been doing, this time with our lover boy's pov. Lover Boy and his baby brother, as they prepare for our Princess' arrival.
I love their playful dynamic, which will be a big part of Tormund's story. How they rely on each other, and why. Their backstory, that is, and the family dynamics at play. I’m not certain how much of it will survive once the final product is finished and edits have been made, but I’m gonna write it anyways because it’s part of the world building and I deeply love that ish! 🥹
“How am I to hide this, Gunth?”
“It is likely she will not see.”
“Are a woman’s eyes truly so blind?”
“Perhaps not blind,” He utters, shifting forward in the saddle, “But shielded. Veiled, by our efforts combined.”
I say nothing to that, humming in thought.
“Do not worry your heart over it. I expect she shall be too enraptured by your beauty to mind much else.”
I roll my eyes, but my anxieties wane some at the snicker which leaves his lips.
“Keep her well in bed and our efforts need not be so mighty.”
“Must you always be so crass?” I admonish, watching him grin and abide me with a tilt of his head.
“Were I not, I fear our lives would be far more grating.” Gunthar licks his lips, surveying the people we pass. Roths, some who arrived some time before today, their clothing clean and bellies fat, but their faces still worry with the war. Gunthar acknowledges them with a small grin, causing the young maidens to blush. “Besides, you will hail my reverie once your bride arrives. My spirit makes for widely desired company amongst our royal guests.”
“The Princess will not be a guest, brother.” I say it sternly, though I know he hears the amusement in my tone. “She is your future Queen, to be sat at my side when I presume the Seat of Valbren.”
“I do not forget the Lady’s pedigree, nor imply any disrespect. I only speak to her comforts as a newcomer in our Court.”
I nod. I knew what he meant; the warning given perhaps more than was necessary. But it was as much a reminder for him as it was for me.
When reading a novel, what voice do ya’ll prefer? I’ve always been inclined towards third, but now I’m debating if I should use first for ITM.
It’s been a struggle to pick a name for Lotus/the former reader insert, and I find some of it flows more naturally with first. But then when writing for Tormund, third is more natural. And I feel like they should be the same. Thoughts?
That all my life I have never known the name for these, and genuinely struggled to describe them in ITM
It’s called a pithouse! Like of course it is Riele, also how could I have never known that being a history nerd and such omg. These were just “Viking homes” and it always made sense considering the climate of Nordic countries. Anyways I’m doing research rn and just found my ignorance funny
