Baldur stirred beneath the warmth and softness of animal pelts and feather-stuffed pillows, his body tangled between Lagertha and Gyda in the king-sized bed of the new house. As the first use of the new bed, he could say he had enjoyed it greatly—a great and sturdy design, as much for his comfort as for its durability, since it hadn't broken after a night of strenuous use. Their limbs were still wrapped around him after they had tired themselves out, their breaths slow and even in sleep. The nice scent of sex and the fragrance of their feminine bodies clung to the air, a lingering reminder of the night they'd spent lost in each other.
Baldur carefully shifted, his gaze lingering on their peaceful faces. Lagertha's plump lips were slightly parted, her golden hair fanned across the pillow. Gyda, curled against his side, had one arm draped possessively over his chest, her breath warm against his skin. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to each of their foreheads.
With a quiet sigh, he disentangled himself from their embrace and sat at the edge of the bed. The cold air bit at his bare skin as he reached for his trousers, pulling them on with practiced ease. His fingers fumbled slightly with the laces, but he tied them securely before slipping into his leather boots.
Lagertha stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as the dim light seeped in. "Mmm~… where are you going?" she murmured groggily, her voice soft and sleepy.
Baldur turned, his expression softening. "Sorry for waking you," he whispered, leaning down to press a tender kiss to her lips. When he pulled back, he kissed her neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin just enough to leave a faint red mark. "Mn~," Lagertha moaned softly, her fingers threading through his hair in a lazy, affectionate caress.
"I need to go," he said, standing to pull his tunic over his head. "I forgot to pick up my new sword yesterday. After that, I'll ride to Floki's to thank him for the wood he provided for the house." He adjusted the fabric, his mind already racing ahead. "Then I'm heading to Valdris and Frida's. I need to go back and see my pair of soon-to-be wives and talk about other matters with Valdris' father, Hrold. I'll probably stay the night there—maybe two—before coming back. As I still need to leave with Father and Bjorn for the Thing and pledge,"
"So many things... I want to make sure everything's settled before then."
Lagertha pouted, her lower lip jutting out slightly. "You're leaving for that long?" She was looking at him, resting her head on her right arm while her body was sideways, her left arm resting in her plump and enticing milky thighs that peeked out from under the furs, the same as her twin peaks that were bitten everywhere by her obsessed son.
Gyda, roused by the sound of his voice, blinked groggily and propped herself up on one elbow, her beautiful breasts still filled with pink bite marks left by her beloved brother. "Brother?" Her voice was still heavy with sleep, but her eyes widened as she processed his words. "You won't be back until after tomorrow?"
Baldur sighed, moving to sit beside her. He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over her soft skin. "I know, I know. But by the time I'm at Hrold's, it'll be afternoon or late afternoon... things will take time there, and surely he'll make me stay the night, at least maybe two. So... you know..." He leaned in, pressing a quick, pacifying kiss to her lips before turning back to Lagertha. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
Lagertha's pout deepened as her blue eyes gave him a resentful look like an aggrieved little wife, but she nodded in understanding. "Just… be careful."
"I will. Also... probably... I will bring back your two daughters-in-law this time with me, so you get to know each other and for them to adapt to where they'll live from now on." Baldur grinned at her.
"Oh?" Lagertha raised a playful eyebrow at him. "Well, I will wait here for you to bring the girls back. I want to know deeply in detail my new sisters and daughters-in-law," she mischievously accentuated the latter part.
Gyda's expression brightened suddenly, her eyes sparkling. "Can I come with you?"
Baldur hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "If you want to."
Gyda didn't need another invitation. She launched herself at him with joy, not wanting to be left without her brother for so long. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she crashed her lips against his in a fierce, excited kiss. Baldur chuckled against her mouth, his hands finding her waist to steady her.
When they finally pulled apart, Gyda was breathless, her cheeks flushed. "I'll get ready right away!"
Baldur smirked, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Good. We leave as soon as you're dressed."
Lagertha watched them, her heart warm despite the lingering ache of his soon-to-be absence. With a soft sigh, she settled back against the pillows, intending to sleep for a little while longer before getting up and taking care of Bjorn and Ragnar.
Baldur suddenly towered over her as he looked at her pretty face. "Do you want to have breakfast?" he cooed to her softly.
Lagertha's eyes snapped open, looking at his face over her, her eyes shining bright. "I want it~~."
"Then come here," Baldur said as he sat at the edge of the bed and pulled down his trousers. "I want to feel your luscious lips around me before leaving, mother."
Lagertha, in no time, excitedly left the warm bed, kneeling between his feet, looking with love at her son's beautiful tool. "This would be our 'till later' kiss," she snickered, caressing her face against him and enjoying his scent.
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Baldur, after enjoying his mother's service, went down the stairs with jelly legs and a relaxed, bright face after experiencing a beautiful release. He looked around the place and couldn't help but nod at the modern design of the house, having a feeling of going forward a thousand years in time. The house wasn't exaggeratedly big, but it was enough for him and all his girls who would live here. It was designed like a loft apartment: a big entrance room that acted as a living room, dining place, and kitchen with a bar counter—everything with a modern design centered around a firepit in the center. One side wall opened into a storage room, and a door right next to it led to a massive bathroom. The wall straight ahead had double doors swinging out to the exterior, where the hot tub sat. The last side was lined with three doors—one led to a big bedroom for multiple maids in mind, and the other a relaxing area with a comfy couch and other things, while the last door led to the food storage room.
At the right side of the room where the double doors stood, there was a big wooden staircase towering over them that led to the spacious second floor, which had views of the first floor and entrance. A railing protected against accidents, or you could lean on it to look over the south side of the second floor. The whole second floor was the master bedroom, with a big customized extra king-size bed at its center—big enough for at least seven people to sleep comfortably—and a brazier to keep the place warm. On the north wall, beside the headboard of the bed, swords, shields, axes, bows, and multiple quivers filled with arrows adorned the wall, fully functional and ready to grab if needed. The first floor also had weapons and shields scattered in different locations, like the hall and other rooms.
On both sides of the second floor, there were rooms: on the left, a big dressing room with clothes closets, chests, a dressing table and chair, and other accessories—communal for everyone living in the house. On the right side was a private bathroom with a modern design. There was a sink and bidet he had designed with a water tank made of copper and their respective connections, exclusively for their use, along with a bath area for two standing people. For shitting, there was a wooden throne with a bucket where the waste went, which needed to be cleaned. What he was most thankful for was the bidet—what took most of his attention. Having a clean ass was the best in this place.
Baldur and Gyda stepped out of the house after dressing and grabbing a few things for the trip. Their hands were full as they carried their gear: a shield strapped to their backs, a hand axe, a sword, and a seax in Gyda's leather belt strapped around her waist, among other things. This time, leaving, they were also sporting brigandines and chainmail over their padded clothes and a steel helmet with a riveted aventail and a visor that covered the neck, collarbone, and head, hanging strapped around their belt. The ground crunched underfoot as they made their way toward the stable, their breaths visible in the morning cold. Just as they passed the front of their parents' house, the door creaked open, and Ragnar emerged, stretching his back with a groan.
"Morning," he rumbled, his voice still rough with sleep. His gaze flicked between his twins, sharp despite the early hour. "Where's your mother? And where are you two off to?"
Baldur didn't slow his stride but answered over his shoulder. "Mom's in the next house. We're heading to the production area first—I need to pick up my new sword. After that, I'm riding to Floki's to thank him for the wood, then to Valdris and Frida's place. I'll be back the day after tomorrow, maybe sooner."
Ragnar nodded, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Good. Keep an eye out—things have been restless lately." he appreciated that they were leaving while geared.
Gyda, ever the mischief-maker, grinned up at her father. "Mom's in our bed, actually. She'll be up soon, but if you want, you can go rest there until she makes breakfast for you and Bjorn."
Ragnar's chuckle was low and knowing. "Clever girl." He shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Travel safe, you two. And Baldur—" His voice dropped, serious now. "Make sure your sister stays safe."
Baldur scoffed, already turning away. "Who do you think I am? Of course I won't let a hair on her head be touched."
Ragnar barked a laugh, shaking his head as Baldur walked off without another word.
Gyda pressed a quick kiss to her father's cheek, her arms wrapping around him in a soft embrace, not wanting to hurt him with the things she had in her. "Bye, Dad!" she called, already pulling away to chase after her brother.
Ragnar watched them go, a faint smile lingering on his lips. "Safe travels," he murmured, before turning back inside with a few logs of wood. The house was cold, and he intended to fire the hearth to warm it and boil water. And if Lagertha was still in bed, well... he would need to wait for her to come and make breakfast.