From Norway with love

[aaardvarky]

12.

Dear L,

You would be surprised how far my suntan extends. The secluded spot Oly found for us on the cove has meant that my bikini has stayed in the bag. Our days have continued to be spent lazing together, relaxing, feeling skin on skin and making love, away from prying eyes - save for yours, of course! The excesses of your birthday gift have given way to relaxed and easy connections, blessed by the sun and inspired by the moment and the mood.

What I failed to share with you in your birthday message was what happened following our afternoon with Rodrigo. Whether inspired by the erotic effect of sex with Rodrigo or arising in the afterglow of my second climax at Oly’s lips, I felt an urgent need for more contact and pleasure - a closer and more intimate connection with him, one that would reunite Oly and me. So it was that we proceeded to take each other to climaxes that neither of us had experienced before. They came with a determination and force that gripped both of us in unforgettable, unending waves. And with them came floods of emotion that fused us in a way that is hard to describe or recount, from which it seems we have been unable to escape.

This is what I felt I had to tell you and you deserved to know. I am trying to fathom what difference it makes - to you, me and Oly. It has raised a dependence to which I seem not to have a response.

With love, N

[Chrislydi]

N needs both her lovers but in different ways is plain, as it is that the denial of L actually arouses him and that be has a virtual connection to events in Portugal (and the symbolism of the dress), all this had been assumed by most, so this explanation is more of a way of filling in the blanks for L, of what N had missed out after Rodrigo left and Lars reclaimed her. It is something L knew had been left out ( for a purpose?), has thought about and must have suspected something of significance happened, now he knows that was the case. Now it's up to N to come to terms with her new dependence and what's changed.

Still as many questions as answers

[BDJ]

The symbolism of the dress cannot be denied as N examines her relationship with her two lovers through the eyes of her pleasure at Lars hands, even as she finally bares all to L. It is always there, now out of sight, but still present.

Even after N has tasted the fruit, that heady ambrosia provided by Rodrigo, even hinted at the desire for other experiences like it, she finds the reclaimed sex with Lars takes her even higher, bonding her ever more tightly to him.

But through it all is the dress, that symbol of love for her husband. It's like the silver cord, the shiny greyish-white thread, capable of infinitely stretching, that connects ones body to the exploring essence of being during an astral projection. No matter the distance the thread remains attached.

So I see N as she examines what has unexpectedly transpired in Portugal, and what new experiences she will allow herself to explore. While I eagerly await the continuation of this brain-teaser of a story I am certain that, at its end, the thread, the original connection represented by the dress, will remain intact and their love will survive.

[Chrislydi]

I'm certain of that too, as you could read between the lines of N's last post, her two lovers are still just that, so we know the ending although perhaps not the way they got there and today's dynamic.

[aaardvarky]

The ending may not quite be as you imagine! We have only heard from one of the three characters, and anything can happen!!

[Chrislydi]

The ending may not quite be as you imagine! We have only heard from one of the three characters, and anything can happen!!

If I was a betting man I know where I'd put my money,, but as it's only based on fact in the library you could change the ending, so I'll keep it to myself and claim I was right whatever happens.



Chris

[BDJ]

I agree with Chris, but the romantic in me can't imagine N, my fairy princess, whose kind countenance can light up a room, ultimately discarding L. But it's as if a screen has been erected in front of our roller coaster seats: we're not able to anticipate the journey, yet relish the uncertainty of each twist and turn in the ride.

Well done, aaardvarky! Keep us in suspense; we can take it!

[aaardvarky]

Chris and BDJ - you are such dedicated followers. I love you both! You add such value to this thread. Clearly something needs to be sorted out between N, Lars and L. Their interactions have become too complicated. If we were to strip things back to the basics, what would we strive for, and how would we bring it about. Like you, I don't see the pyramid collapsing, nor would I want that to be their fate, especially as the players are thinking, perceptive and sensitive people? But bringing forward a solution is a big ask! Perhaps you have views?

[Chrislydi]

There's the practical view, Lars lives in Norway, L lives in London. Now I know travel and movement between countries is obviously possible but may not in practice be easily practical, if for instance Lars career and connections are very much Norway based and L has similar considerations in London. In practice it may be if N wants both in her life she has to travel or wait until one of her lover's visits her while she stays more permanently with the other.

Practicalities make it more llkely to keep the status quo and return to London with only visits from Lars or visits by her to Norway, or perhaps another European holiday with Lars (and not even necessarily European). Emotions though might well dictate another route and overcome such immediate and mundane practical considerations.

(I apologise for not thinking too deeply and rambling but watching some cricket I recorded.- I might refine this a little better later)

[BDJ]

For such weighty matters I defer to Chris, who's thoughts run deep when pondering such matters: a man able to express himself in words that form unintended poetry.

My problem is that I only see N, my goddess, as I read your missive. I long for her to have all that her heart desires. Chris once mentioned in one of his comments that he wished he could go back to the moment a woman experienced her first ecstasy from the hands of a new lover and to replace him; to be that person giving her such pleasure. I would be Lars. When I imagined what she was feeling as she wrote to L of the surrender of her emotional self to her Norwegian lover, I was reminded of some lines in a poem. When all is said and done I envision N as the women described there.

So, my contribution to you are these lines, the last stanza from Cherie Burbach's poem: Tomorrow, She Walks With Grace

A new woman will emerge
from this tired cocoon.
She will no longer wish that same desire.
She will understand her fate.
Solitary in nature,
with angels for companions.

[Chrislydi]

I'm embarrassed you even compare my prosaic nonsense to your thoughtful concise and beautifully written language, finding and quoting such apt poetry as if it's always with you and ready to come out too.

I highly recommend BDJ's own work - his Jade series are some of the best stories in the library and I think will be far more likely to be appreciated by Aaardvarsky's own readers as having a similarity of thoughtful reflection on tumultuous events. They're not like with like but to me have enough in common, even if written in their own individual styles

For a link see the footnote to BDJ's posts.

Chris.

[BDJ]

Chris: Jade is blushing and I am stammering like Logan when faced with Lauren's compromise to her promise.

[Chrislydi]

Chris: Jade is blushing and I am stammering like Logan when faced with Lauren's compromise to her promise.

Haha excellent, you once compared her to the dark one from Abba, so I'm picturing her looking exactly like Anni-Frid with a suitably rosy tint.

Chris

[aaardvarky]

Their holiday is coming to an end. N has received a message from L. It concerns their future. She shares it with Lars. They have a decision to make.

[BDJ]

Your reintroduction of L as an active participant, and a message that indicates a decision must be made, affected me like that which occurs when a tuning fork is struck against a hard surface. The initial clear pitch, in my case shock, followed by diminishing reverberations (speculation on how it will unfold.) I had a sudden memory of when something similar occured concerning me, my wife's lover, and her decision to terminate our marriage (thankfully that did not happen.) My only comfort is that you have indicated N and L stay together, but in what guise? Do we need to reread the lines from Cherie Burbach's poem?

[Chrislydi]

My guess is it's an acceptance from L that the decision is entirely N's, an acknowledgement that something this fundamental must be made without undue pressure. While N might see it differently and recognise L's selflessness and her heart soften that way too. Lars I suspect may also see it in that light and the importance of the connection, although the recent strengthening of their own bond on holiday will be such a powerful influence it won't make such a decision easy to accept. The three way relationship has probably, almost certainly changed for the long term whichever decision is made.

I suspect she returns to London after discussing it with Lars, who may even convince her it's the right thing for all of them. The question is might Lars come too?

Chris

[aaardvarky]

13.

Their holiday to Portugal may raise many questions for some readers. But the fundamental reason for it was to provide a hedonistic pleasure-seeking opportunity for N and Lars, and heart-gripping desired deprivation for L. Whilst that may seem to be a contradiction, to those that understand, it was an event with one purpose, to be experienced differently by different players.

The return flight from Faro touches down at Heathrow terminal 5 from whence it had left the previous week. There is a connecting flight to Bergen, but that departs an hour later with seat 37 unoccupied. Shortly, a black cab pulls up in a London suburb and two tanned travellers exit the nearside door.

L hears the sound of a departing taxi on the gravel, and voices in the hallway. N, who walks ahead, drops her wheeled case and rushes forward to greet him. It is an embrace that speaks of relief rather than conflict. Their lips meet. He holds her closely. She lifts a hand to stroke his cheek. Afterwards Lars holds out a hand of friendship as the two men meet for the third time.

‘I asked Iris to work an extra couple of hours to provide supper’, L announces to break the silence, ‘It’s all set out in the dining room’.

With that, our three characters busy themselves: N escorting Lars to the guest room, after which she wheels her travel case to unpack in her dressing room; and L to carry tureens from the kitchen in preparation for their meal. To the casual observer the scene is one of ordinary domestic routine - as if it has always been, and will always remain so. It is clear that there is something about writing down thoughts that crystallises them. N had written openly to L about her feelings towards Lars. He had responded calmly and without censure. Perhaps for L his answer combined both acceptance and desire. It arose from his intrinsic trust in both N and the journey on which the three of them had embarked. It spoke of maturity and understanding, trusting to the erotic purpose of their venture.

Their meal over, N leaves L and Lars as they chat together. Their conversation is light and uncomplicated. Lars speaks of the hotel, the pool, the food, the service, hired cycles, the weather, the trips along the cove and the characters they encountered. It is a conversation that would occur between friends discussing any holiday abroad. Lars makes no mention of their intimacies, or future plans.

It is at this point that N enters the drawing room. Both men cease their conversation and turn to stare. She is wearing ‘the dress’. It shimmers as she walks. It seems to carry authority, enhanced by the drama of her entrance. It catches the half-light. It crinkles with the soft sound of crinoline.

She walks towards Lars. As she does so L rises to place a vinyl disc on a revolving turntable and tango music fills the room. As if choreographed, N takes hold of Lars’ hand, easing him from his seat and presenting herself to his embrace. They dance on polished parquet flooring in close hold. L has withdrawn to watch them from an armchair at the back of the room, as if from another place, present but distant.

Pedro Laurenz’ tango ‘Todo’ begins to play. This, you will recall, is the song that played when she wore ‘the dress’ for the very first time. She looks towards L. He nods his head. She releases her hold with Lars to lead him to where L is seated. Before him is a tall stool at which N stops, lifting her foot to its edge. On her direction Lars’ fingers move to unfasten her slim shoe strap. As he does so she slides the crinoline skirts of the dress upwards over her thigh to reveal a suspender belt button holding a stocking top. Lars releases the straps one by one, sliding her stockings down towards her calf and heel, holding the toe to ease them free. N now turns to face L, presenting her back to Lars. He slides the zip its full length from her shoulders to her waist, and the dress drops in a familiar circle about her feet. Save for the suspender belt hanging loosely at her hips, N is now naked, soft light reflecting on her tanned skin to produce a pale glow.

Without stepping from the circle, N leans forward to place her palms downturned on the sides of the stool. N bends backwards whilst maintaining eye contact with L. From his seat he cannot see a moment of penetration, but hears N’s exhalation, a gasp. She presses downwards with her hands, gripping the stool, flexing. Her gaze towards L is unwavering - until the last moment when her eyes glaze and close. Her lips part. L hears first her groan, then her cry. She pushes backwards. The stool almost topples as she contracts. Lars releases deep within her. Whilst the aftershocks of their climaxes continue, a spurt of ejaculate escapes L’s cupped hand.

Whether the scene was spontaneous or pre-determined by the players we may never know. It did however encapsulate every aspect of their respective needs - active, quiescent; dominant, submissive; inclusive, exclusive; present but distant; both visceral and cinematic. And it brought home the commanding energy of the dress to reaffirm their pyramid dynamic.

N gathers the dress from the floor where it fell, holding it to her body, and leads Lars to the staircase, away and beyond. L attempts to refocus his mind, and moments later follows in their wake.

[BDJ]

I now more fully understand the dynamic between the three. Just two sentences offered the key: "She looks towards L. He nods his head." It is reminiscent of when my own N was being serviced by her first extramarital lover. Like L, I had given my blessing, and also like L, I had the very same release at the sight of the inevitable culmination of her passion, and of him following immediately afterwards. I remember the need to both see the act take place and feel the helplessness of exclusion.

That L is following them as they mount the staircase to continue their tryst speaks well for the intentions of all involved. Will L be included as an equal participant or continue the patient observer? Or is this the end of our story, the triangle once more equalized? Ah, exquisite anticipation.

Your description of it is both erotic and poetic. It is a gift.

[Chrislydi]

Perfection, and my half rhetorical question as to whether both go back to London was answered in the affirmative. One quote from the piece summed it all up perfectly for me, the dress now symbolic as capturing the energy of a newly redefined relationship.

'It did however encapsulate every aspect of their respective needs - active, quiescent; dominant, submissive; inclusive, exclusive; present but distant; both visceral and cinematic.'

The visceral and virtual elements of the bond are now far more clearly defined and witnessed. Lars naturally assumes the more dominant and physical role, he's the one capable of bringing N to those sexual peaks of orgasmic ecstacy that have given them that new energy and redefined their connection. L both embraces and submits to his more detached role, and while he's very much a part of their bonding, it's by a far more virtual connection and perhaps signals and continues his need for denial. N meanwhile is their goddess, uncategorised as such, but absolutely central to the whole three way relationship, the wearer of the dress and the guardian of the sacred energy of their unique bond.

While I see this as a flying visit and a short reunion of our favourite threesome with perhaps more of a physical reconnection for L later that night or week. I wouldn't be so certain that the new magnetism between the dominant Lars and N would let them tolerate a lengthy period apart. I wouldn't be surprised to see Lars going back to Norway to sort his affairs out with every intention of relocating to London long term, and then perhaps even living within the same house.

Chris.

[subtoall]

I wouldn't be so certain that the new magnetism between the dominant Lars and N would let them tolerate a lengthy period apart. I wouldn't be surprised to see Lars going back to Norway to sort his affairs out with every intention of relocating to London long term, and then perhaps even living within the same house.

Chris.

Es todo. It is everything.

[Chrislydi]

I wouldn't be so certain that the new magnetism between the dominant Lars and N would let them tolerate a lengthy period apart. I wouldn't be surprised to see Lars going back to Norway to sort his affairs out with every intention of relocating to London long term, and then perhaps even living within the same house.

Chris.

Es todo. It is everything.

The other thought that very briefly crossed my mind was N going back to Norway to live with Lars while periodically writing to L. It was quickly dismissed as too improbable long term although it would perhaps both increase and necessitate L's enjoyment of his denial to the limits, maybe even the letters might stop too, leaving him only with those ephemeral visions of what they just might have done last week, last month and last year, or even be doing right now.

As I said it wasn't something I thought of as a serious contender, although maybe a temporary sojourn with N accompanying Lars back to Norway isn't out of the question. It could be that N helps Lars sort his affairs out while L is deliciously denied even longer until eventually both return once again to their home in London, the one they now share with L.

Chris

Aaardvarsky and N, these are only possibilities that flashed through my mind not what I think probable. I think it far more likely Lars goes back alone but may return, and possibly permanently)

[aaardvarky]

14.

It is early. How early is hard to tell without turning to look at the digital display on N’s side of the bed. Thin light cuts past drawn curtains. L feels a movement as the bed cover is pulled back, then the warmth of N’s body as she slips in.

L had been unaware of a creak on the stairs, the gentle closing of the front door and the sound of the e-Uber as it drew away across the gravel drive. Lars’ early morning flight was from Gatwick and he had left their guest room bed with stealth just after dawn. Only N had been conscious of his departure as she released her fingers from his back and felt his last kiss on her lips.

L mumbles something to the effect, ‘Has Lars left?’, to which N responds, ‘yes, Oly’s just gone’. ‘Are you ok?’, L queries. ‘I’m ok, just a little strange’, she replies.

They lay together like that for minutes. He feels her breath on his shoulder; she feels the hairs on his arms. Then she reaches her leg over his, sliding her breasts over him and bringing her mouth to his. He can taste her morning breath, slightly acrid but reassuring. He feels the weight of her full body as she positions herself on top of him. Without moving her lips from his she wriggles herself down his torso, her legs either side of his, her nipples pulling against his chest.

First he feels the touch. It is soft, warm and moist. Then, as if magnetically, she collects him against her labia majora, then vulva, and inside - in one smooth movement like a seal through water.

He is conscious of her wetness, feeling enveloped, embalmed. ‘Do you feel that?’, she whispers, returning her lips and tongue to his mouth. And with a slow circular motion she excites him to firmness, then stiffness as he realises the reason for her lubrication.

Within two minutes she slips from her position across his body to lie alongside him once again. Her breathing slows. He had climaxed quickly, as was her intention. Her fingers play with the hairs on his chest.

‘Oly said yes’, she adds after a moment of silence. ‘He thinks Buenos Aires is a great idea’, she continues, ‘and we can dance a second summer’.

L smiles. ‘I thought that might be the outcome’, he says, ‘we chatted about it last night whilst you changed, and he seemed quite keen’.

‘Argentina - don’t cry for me, for we are coming’, she responds teasingly as she takes his hand to place it gently between her closed legs.

[BDJ]

I'll rely on Chris to interpret the reference to an Argentina visit (another vacation perhaps for all three?) What is apparent to me is that L and Lars are co-conspirators now...in what? Though I still can't wrap my mind around having denial and a brief reclamation be as satisfying as a prolonged physical and emotional declaration of their love I recognize it is the way they have chosen to express it. As I have stated before: N is my goddess and her fulfillment, in every way, is paramount to the success of their journey together.

[Chrislydi]

The denial aspect of L's psyche must be extremely powerful as it seems to account for most of his sexual satisfaction. It's very much in the mind as the physical part seems done almost before it's started, just a final pull of the trigger and he releases after a long mental build-up. A large part of it has to be L's knowledge that Lars has lifted their union up to new levels made all the more special by L's presence as a witness or remotely adding to the bonding energy represented symbolically by the dress.

It's always hard to explain something slightly foreign to ones own nature, even if it's mild compared to many on this site, for me denial can be a consequence of your loved one getting better from someone else, rather than in any way desirable of itself. N though knows and understands his needs inside out, she gives him what desires and excites and that's what matters - there is always a connection between the three no matter where they are geographically, the dress being the great conduit of their captured energy, the arrangement suiting all three.

As for Argentina, I'm left guessing as there are no real definites, maybe denial will once again play a large part with Lars and N flying off to Buenos Aires alone, while N has his letters, emails and ephemeral visions to deliciously arouse and excite, who knows? - probably N knows exactly what would suit and Lars will definitely be up for it in more ways than one..

Ok I'll get my coat and leave

Chris.

[veub]

The denial aspect of L's psyche must be extremely powerful as it seems to account for most of his sexual satisfaction. It's very much in the mind as the physical part seems done almost before it's started, just a final pull of the trigger and he releases after a long mental build-up. A large part of it has to be L's knowledge that Lars has lifted their union up to new levels made all the more special by L's presence as a witness or remotely adding to the bonding energy represented symbolically by the dress.

It's always hard to explain something slightly foreign to ones own nature, even if it's mild compared to many on this site, for me denial can be a consequence of your loved one getting better from someone else, rather than in any way desirable of itself. N though knows and understands his needs inside out, she gives him what desires and excites and that's what matters - there is always a connection between the three no matter where they are geographically, the dress being the great conduit of their captured energy, the arrangement suiting all three.

As for Argentina, I'm left guessing as there are no real definites, maybe denial will once again play a large part with Lars and N flying off to Buenos Aires alone, while N has his letters, emails and ephemeral visions to deliciously arouse and excite, who knows? - probably N knows exactly what would suit and Lars will definitely be up for it in more ways than one..

Ok I'll get my coat and leave

Chris.

Well, L basically has no choice. He either "enjoys" the denial, or she is out the door.
For all the talk about triangles I can see only a circle for N and Lars with L as an insignificant dot off to the side: sometimes an amusing diversion, but no real connection to the couple.