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the-wolf-who-kissed-the-moon · 3 years

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• Randvi x female reader. 💋

• First part of an emotional little fic.

a sapphire for your heart, part I.

To see the world was a privilege given only to the brave or wealthy. Knowledge and beauty was hidden in every crevice of every mountain, in every drop of ocean or stone put in a castle.

The night you arrived at Ravensthorpe was a cold, stormy one. A group of cheerful Vikings greeted you at the docks, offering a helping hand to unload large crates and chests off your colorful longboat. The path to your temporary home was lit by beautiful oil lamps hanging from Norse decorations, and in the mild glow of their light, you slowly took in the intricate design of their homes, statues and monuments.

Even the trees seemed to bend in particular shapes, radiating a different kind of magic. What you’ve heard about this place was true; a little settlement sprouting from ruins overnight, quickly evolving into one of the most important trade points in Mercia. It was as beautiful as it was economically blooming, and you’ve barely managed to see a scrap of it through the dark, blinding storm.

However, you’ve not arrived here by accident, no. You were summoned.

“Ah, there you are my precious Sapphire!”

A small boy exclaimed as he emerged from his tent. It was Reda, the most renowned merchant and informant you’ve ever known, and the person who made arrangements for you to stay here for a while. You smiled as you turned to greet him and rid yourself of your drenched cape.

“I’m joyous to see you again, Reda. And even more joyous to hear what you’ve prepared for me.”

You spoke to him with friendly warmth and yet the same respect you’d address any adult.

“All in good time. Now, make yourself at home. I will see that you receive all the help you need to get settled in.”

The boy waved his small arm towards the group of men standing idly by the door of your temporary hut. You acknowledged the helpers with a polite smile, yet you declined.

“No need, I’ve brought only essentials with me.”

“Oh?...”

With a curious spark in his eyes, Reda watched you closely as you crouched next to one of your smaller crates. You motioned with your head for him, and he leisurely made his way over to see what was in the box. His eyes grew wide with astonishment.

“How…?”

A rich blue glow emerged from the contents. It was an impressive pile of precious stones, primarily polished sapphires, opal, and lapis lazuli. Among them were several scattered diamonds and rubies, but much smaller in size.

“I know where to look.”

You murmured with a cheeky smile as you carefully closed the chest and locked it with a key and a padlock.

“You never fail to amaze me. Tomorrow, after you rest, we will discuss more. If there is anything you need at all, call me.”

The young boy gleefully spoke as he stood, and you got up as well to walk him to the open door.

“Thank you, Reda. I shall.”

***

After Reda's departure, you eagerly resumed your work, carefully unpacking rare artifacts from various chests and finding safe, sturdy places for them to sit in all their marvelous, oriental glory. Albeit your journey was tedious and exhausting, you were filled with energy, eager to begin exploring this foggy, foreign land. With your heart fluttering and your mind already picturing the treasures these rocky mountains hid, you couldn’t get a wink of sleep.

Dawn pulled its lavender veil over the dark sky, beckoning the sun to shine. That quiet crepuscular glow peeked behind your open windows, finding you in good spirits as you neatly organized your shelves. Within a few hours, you’ve turned your temporary home into a small museum of curiosities; little statues carved into rare wood or stone, never-before-seen fabrics sewn exquisitely, ornamental daggers and jewelry for both men and women. All items were of high-quality, similar to what Reda proudly laid before the curious eyes of these villagers. However, they were considerably more rare, some legendary. The only things missing from your impeccable collection were gemstones.

“Now… I need to find a stream.”

You murmured to yourself as you gathered a few bottles of oils in your drying cloth. Before leaving your hut, you locked all doors and windows, and filled a small pouch with opals. It was still rather early for anyone to be awake, yet the quietness of this little village was a soothing balm to your wild, restless soul. The scent of the previous night’s storm still lingered in the air; earth, grass and tree bark. It was delightful.

In the distance, you caught a glimpse of the longhouse peeking from behind mossy rooftops and wild, overgrown trees. Even though you were beyond exhilarated to see everything, you took your time just to observe the various scents around you, the sound, the sights. Albeit it was a peaceful morning, you caught the distant smell of war in the wind, and saw clouds of smoke rising far beyond the mountains.

A lone Viking guard followed you with his gaze as you crossed the small bridge to climb up the course of a stream. To ease his mind, you nodded your head respectfully, and as you passed him by, you briefly explained why you were there.

“Oh behalf of Reda, I’m a merchant.”

He was reluctant at first, yet you took no offense to that. Understandably, you were an outsider, albeit clearly not a threat. After a few exchange of words, the man carefully lowered his guard and expressed interest in your wares, especially after learning about the beautiful fabric you owned. The conversation flowed freely from there, he was at ease around you, his dark eyes sparkling and he even dared to joke with you.

If there was one thing you were exceptionally good at, that was conversation. It was what got you easy access to squares and forts to present your one-of-a-kind items to the higher classes; your eloquent speech and your remarkable negotiating skills. Before he even knew it, this Viking man who stared you down suspiciously just minutes ago, was now ready to spend a hefty amount of silver on wares he’d yet to see.

This was quite a good start.

You bid him farewell for the moment and continued to stroll up the small river all the way into the forest, until Ravensthorpe quieted down behind you. Crouched by the shallow water in a patch of tall grass, you made sure no one was around before you undressed and vigorously begun to wash your arms, your neck and face. The water was almost freezing, making you hiss quietly as you splashed it beneath your arms and over your chest. A small, quivering breath left your puckered lips as you thoroughly scrubbed your tender skin, and just as you were about to douse your cloth in the water again, you heard a high-pitched, muffled cry.

The murmur of the flowing water was rather loud, yet you tried to listen very hard, both startled and curious by that unfamiliar sound. It came again – but deeper, like a strained wail. Quickly, you pulled your dark blue tunic over your head, securing it around your waist with a brilliant red sash as you rather clumsily tripped into your trousers. In a moment, you’d gathered all your belongings and you were ready to leave before someone would catch you sneaking about the bushes, unannounced.

But then it came again, that cry, and you froze.

“Eivor…”

That soft voice murmured in between secret, muffled sobs. Oddly, it seemed to pierce your heart, and curiosity turned to pity as you sat there in the grass, very still. It would’ve been unwise to suddenly emerge from your little hiding spot, not knowing who was out there and what they would do if you startled them – if they were armed or dangerous. However, you did find the courage to finally lift your head, and by the time you did so, the wailing had stopped. All you could see on the other side of the stream was the tall form of a woman, beautifully clad in intricate blue and green Viking attire.

What struck you was the vivid color of her braided hair, so rich and yet tamed, like rusty leaves in fall. You watched her until she disappeared behind the longhouse, and then you carefully made your way back to the settlement. There was a fog lingering over your mind – more than curiosity; it was wonder, contemplation. The name “Eivor” was familiar, yet you’ve never heard it spoken in such an anguished voice. As you passed by the longhouse once more, you slowed your pace and gazed at it from a respectful distance.

The red-haired lady was nowhere in sight.

- To be continued…

*part II.

#valhalla #randvi fanfiction #randvi #randvi x reader #lesbian fanfic #lesbian love #sapphic love

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unlockthelore · 4 years

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A Reprieve

Considerations emerge when questions are asked then answered, and Aether begins to feel just a bit better. This is part of the Where The Soul Lies Down series on Ao3. For more fics in this series, follow the where the soul lies down tag on this blog.

Initially, Aether wasn’t sure what to do with the child. There was no one he could ask for help or any means to inquire where she came from. After she’d finished coughing against his shoulder, water trickling down into the crevices of his vest, he’d heard a strange noise like a pigeon’s squawking. The girl whimpered and tiny hands fisted in the hair at the back of Aether’s neck as a small voice whined, “Hungry,” pitifully. That was the only word the girl uttered before she dropped into slumber, practically dead to the world with how easily he lifted her.

Concern gripped his heart when her hands flopped against his shoulders but gentle snores filled his ear and he sighed. Finding where she came from wasn’t something he could do but satisfying hunger definitely was. He tucked his fishing pole between two rocks to keep it upright and hustled over to the patches of grass beneath a tiny tree stuck between two slabs of rock. His fingers curled in the girl’s feathery white locks, keeping her head from bouncing against his breastplate’s golden epaulets.

Kneeling down in the dirt, grass, and sand, he balanced the girl in the crook of one arm and undid the clasps on his stole. The white fabric then slipped across his shoulders exposing his back to the breeze. A light shiver coursed through him but he focused on the task of laying out his stole then bunching it together. To his surprise, when he laid the girl upon it, she fit its length with a little extra fabric he used to drape over her in a blanket. Aether sighed, his brows slanted and lips pulled to one side as the girl laid there miserably enthralled in sleep.

He heard a few more pigeons’ crying then reasoned it must have been her stomach instead. “Food,” Aether reminded himself. A backward glance cast to the slumbering girl as he stood then jogged back to where his fishing pole was swaying to and fro - its line in tact but bobbing uselessly in the water with no bait. It didn’t take long for him to find a few worms attempting to burrow their way into the sands at his passing. A blue-horned lizard narrowly escaping his grasp by darting into a few shrubs before he could close his fingers around its tail.

Aether considered running after it but he was starkly reminded of the young girl still sleeping on the shore. His footsteps slowed before he could pass by the odd humming monument oft to the side. Its crimson gem reminded him of a teardrop while the upturned ornament escaped his recognition but thoughts of it haunted him as he jogged back to where he left the girl, peering over one of the rock slabs. His stole rose and fell with her breaths and he sighed with relief. Worms squirmed in the palms of his hands and he hastened to fastening them to the line, sitting down to continue his long wait.

Patience was required while fishing and while Aether honed his tolerance for the silence that came with waiting, he couldn’t seem to sit still. Every so often, he would rise to his feet and peer back across the sands to the slumbering bundle. Occasionally tucking his fishing pole between the rocks to jog over and ensure she was still there, let alone breathing. He’d begun to wonder if the girl was messing with him when her shallow breaths halted then started again with a raucous snore, jolting his heart to beat and leaving him gasping for breath.

Eventually, Aether gave up on fishing altogether and laid the small haul he’d caught on the rock slabs. At least she was sleeping and he didn’t have to explain the process of preparing a fish to eat. Aether didn’t know the first thing on how to explain it, nor could he really remember who taught him how to. Perhaps it was Lumine or someone they’d encountered on their travels. An old adage of teaching someone how to fish crossed his mind until he was battered by the thought of having someone to explain to.

How long had it been since he needed to do that?

When was the last time someone crossed his path that he’d talk to rather than avoid?

Another deafening snore pierced through his thoughts. Aether leant over the slab and saw the girl flopped on her side, a trail of drool rolling down her chin. He smiled sheepishly then shook his head. At least one of them was able to find a little peace. He allowed his muscle memory to pull him through the motions while his mind lulled off.

--------------------

Lumine’s firm hold squeezed tears past Aether’s tightly closed eyes. He could feel them dripping off his chin but couldn’t summon the will to make it stop. His eyes stung when he forced them to open, blearily staring down at their shadows, merged to where he could barely make out where Lumine ended and he began. Slowly, Aether lifted a hand to rest against his sister’s back and buried his nose in the crook of her shoulder.

He could smell wildflowers, ink, sticky sweetness from jelly beans they’d split from their pay, and dusty books. She must have spent most of the afternoon in the library while he’d run off. A little smile tipped the corner of his lips as he thought of his sister nose deep in a book until curator came to tell her it was time to leave. If they were together then they could have gotten twice the amount of work done but he tried not to dwell on that.

His attention easily diverted when his sister squeezed him around his middle. A sharp ache wrapped around his rib cage reminding him of why his wings were sore. Aether figured he must have flinched because Lumine pulled away from him, wiping away the mess of tears streaking his cheeks.

“Are you hurt,” she asked, her palms cupping his jaw tenderly.

Aether wanted to avoid telling her or anyone this for as long as possible. Careful not to take too deep breaths in case his ribs wanted to protest, he pursed his lips then looked down at the book that’d fallen in lieu of Lumine holding him. When Aether glanced up, she was still watching him intently and he internally sighed. “No, it’s just the bandages…”

“Bandages?” Lumine said breathlessly, immediately dropping her hands to his shoulders then roving around his torso as if checking for injuries.

A shiver coursed down his spine when her palm hovered over his chest. His hands shot up to stop her and he grimaced at the wide-eyed look on her face. Swallowing down his apprehension, Aether slowly brought his hands back to himself, hesitating then crossing his arms over his chest. “I thought.. If I used them on my chest, it would make it..”

Lumine blinked at him a few times then her eyes widened, understanding dawning on her face with a slight downward tick of the lips. “But your wings…” She started, then stopped, another realization flashed across her eyes with indignation. “And you’ve been flying for this long! You’re just going to hurt yourself..”

Aether grimaced and hugged himself tighter as if his arms could protect him from the weight of her words. “I don’t have a lot of options, y’know..” He grumbled, unable to keep the bite out of his voice.

The disappointment was palpable and he knew. He wasn’t sure how to tell her the depths of how much he knew that his wings, and his ability to fly would suffer. That it was terrible trying to re-bandage himself, and keeping them on for long periods made it hurt. But he felt better.

Lumine sighed and Aether braced himself for another rebuttal. “Why don’t we go to the seamstress in town,” she offered, and Aether whipped his head up to look at her, surprised. Lumine seemed to take that as anger and held her hands up defensively. “Maybe she can make you something that won’t give in the way of your wings but makes your…” Her gaze fell to Aether’s chest then returned to his face sharply. “Makes you feel comfortable.”

“But we were supposed to be moving in a few days,” Aether retorted although the prospect certainly caught his interest and his argument left him withering inside. “It’d take her awhile… and with gathering everything…”

Lumine waved a hand dismissively as if knocking all of his words and worries out of the air. “Don’t worry about that,” she stated, bracing his shoulders with both hands. “The Borealis won’t be ready for a while yet, so we have plenty of time…”

Aether must have looked as apprehensive as he felt because she held him a bit firmer then then pulled him into another embrace, adding softly, “And besides, you matter more.” Defenses he’d carefully crafted crumbled at once under his sister’s heartfelt sentiment. Aether’s arms unfurled and wrapped around Lumine in a vice, hugging her as close as he could without them being squished into one being.

When they separated, Lumine patted his cheek lightly. “We should get back, we’ll have to get up early, right?”

Aether nodded, stooping down to pick up her book and hand it to her. “Yeah..”

Dusk stretched on around them. The forest, dense and thick with tall trees, seemed less intimidating with Lumine at his side. His brisk pace earlier on replaced for a leisurely stroll that somehow left Aether more winded than he’d been before. Perhaps it was the adrenaline or dizzying relief from no longer having to keep his thoughts to himself - but he lagged behind his sister more than once. Lumine peering over her shoulder as they crossed gnarled roots, and shrubs.

“.. Are you okay?” She finally asked when Aether lagged behind for the umpteenth time, nearly tripping over a root in his haste to catch up to her.

“Just..” He took a gulp of air, and winced at his rib’s protest. “… A little tired.”

Lumine frowned and propped her book against a small bed of leaves draped over a tree’s roots. “Why didn’t you just say so?” She asked, turning on her heel and crouching down in the grass. “Here, climb on.”

Warmth prickled his cheeks and Aether shook his head, feeling a renewed sense of energy from panic curled in his chest. “No way, I’m way too old to be riding on your back.”

His sister’s hands dropped from where they were cupped by her ankles, resting on her knee when she shot him a look over her shoulder. “We’re the same age, and I ride on your back plenty.”

“That’s different,” he shot back.

She narrowed her eyes and a shiver rolled down his spine at the cold, creeping dread of her words. “Oh yeah?”

Aether wanted to say yes, but the confidence in his words died at the thought. He often carried Lumine back to bed when she passed out over a book or was too tired to lug herself inside when they went stargazing. He didn’t mind it. It was one of the few times he could take care of his sister. Repaying her for all of the times she looked after him as well. An uneasy silence fell around them and Aether toyed with his nails dragging against his palm. Shallow breaths making it easier on his aching ribs but he knew if he were to try and keep up, the pains would arise again.

“… Just to the gates, okay?”

Lumine eyed him then nodded, facing forward as he mounted her back and wrapped his arm around her neck. His hand held out when she offered the book to him before standing up. The slow shuffle of her feet through the tall grass was like a lullaby and soon, Aether found himself drifting off.

“You don’t have to do everything on your own, you know…” said Lumine as she hiked Aether up on her back, making sure she had a firm hold before she started to walk. “I’m always on your side.”

#genshin impact #genshin impact lumine #genshin impact aether #genshin impact paimon #fanfiction #my fanfiction #where the soul lies down

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the-witch-and-her-husbands · 3 years

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Day Twenty-One: Shadow

Her wedding night.

Their guests had departed, and she was now alone at last with her new husband. The handsome man of her dreams. Indeed, she felt like the luckiest woman in the world as she strolled on his arm. She could scarce believe that he was hers, and she was his, their souls bound as one for all eternity.

He had suggested that they take a stroll so that he could show her the grounds of his family manor. Hers, now. She still had trouble getting her head around the idea that she was Mrs Severus Snape, and mistress of the imposing Prince Manor.

Walking with him helped settle her mind about what was to come. Her sisters hadn’t told her very much, believing that it was up to a woman’s husband to explain her wifely duties to her. She knew the basic details of how a baby was made, but again it was seen as an unladylike topic for discussion. Nice girls didn’t talk about such things. It was up for her husband to educate her, if she had any gaps on the subject of relations between men and woman. She only hoped that it wouldn’t be too painful, the first time that he took her to his bed. Their bed.

The moon was bright and full, casting everything into sharp relief. The trees stood and lined the path like sentinels, throwing a dark shadow everywhere you looked.

Their steps led them to the family plot. Imposing gravestones loomed all around them. The entire place had an air of shadow and mystery, stone angels peering down curiously at them as they made their way into the cemetery proper.

It wasn’t only the autumn chill in the cold night air that caused her to shiver.

He looked down at her then, smiling as he drew her close. ‘My Dearest Heart.’

‘My darling Severus.’ She reached up to caress his face. Love and happiness was shining out of her eyes, unable to be contained as her heart filled with emotion when she looked up at the man who was her husband.

He lowered his head, pressing his lips to hers in a claiming, heartfelt kiss of passion. She moaned softly, arms wrapping around his neck. Tentatively, she parted her lips, allowing him entry. He was her husband now, after all, and she was his to claim.

He slipped his tongue into her mouth, causing her to moan from the strange, albeit pleasant, intrusion. She gripped him tighter, feeling a stirring in her loins as he kissed her deeper than she had ever been kissed before.

All of a sudden, she found herself being scooped up into his strong arms. Did he intend to carry her all the way back to the manor? It was a fair walk, so surely not. She knew it was tradition to carry the bride over the threshold, but not from this distance. Perhaps he had something else in mind…

He did. She wasn’t left to wonder for long, as he gently laid her on the grass in front of the largest monument. Her large black dress pooled around her, as dark as a shadow in contrast to her paleness.

‘Severus?’ But he seemed to be beyond hearing, almost in a fever of intensity as he pulled up her skirts, rending her undergarments so that she was soon naked from the waist down, exposed completely to his gaze.

She wanted to blush and cover herself, but this man was her husband. She belonged to him now, so if he wanted to look at her private areas she would allow him to do so.

‘So beautiful,’ he breathed, falling to his knees and reaching out to gently trail a finger up one of her thighs. She shivered again, as much from his words as the feel of his touch. She was now revved up to fever pitch, every nerve ending tingling to make her even more sensitive to each new sensation.

‘So beautiful,’ he repeated, as he hastily began to undo the front of his trousers. ‘I am sorry, my Dearest Heart, but I must take you now…I will take care, I will be gentle with you…’ He had never lain with someone he loved. It was never more than what it was, before now.

He carefully settled his weight on top of her, kissing her gently, and yet with passion.

Her heart began to race. This is it, she thought. He is going to put himself inside me, I will no longer be a virgin... I hope it doesn’t hurt, it looks too large to fit…he did promise to be gentle…and when he does put it inside me, I will truly be his wife.…

She wasn’t frightened, merely extremely nervous. After all, she wished mostly to please him. Hopefully he would not find her lacking, a disappointment, because of her inexperience. She gripped his shoulders tightly, needing him closer, but not knowing quite what to do.

He reached between his legs to stroke her, finding her nub. Instinctively her legs parted, wanting more of the glorious sensation his hand was providing. He shifted, and she could then feel his manhood pressing against her, wanting entry.

‘This might hurt a bit, Dearest Heart, but I must have you. I cannot wait any longer to make you mine…’ With that, he guided himself inside of her carefully.

There was a small bit of discomfort, but that soon passed as he moved inside her slowly.

The shadow of fear she had felt at losing her virginity was all but forgotten.

#drabble #day twenty-one #promptober #v:Shadow of Solace #lemon

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goodlawdmaude · 7 years

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Porto, Portugal

Day 1 (3/28)

We didn’t sleep much--or well--the night before our flight to Porto. But that was okay; the travel day was easy--a quick flight sandwiched between metro rides to/from the airports--and seeing Porto for the first time was electrifying. The city was sunny and hilly, accented by little patches of green grass and hillsides filled with colorful houses. In some ways, this arrival was more exciting than the first. Arriving in Madrid marked passage into a new world, but it was only one stop--only a baby step--and the prospect of traveling foreign lands for three full weeks still felt unreal. (”This is amazing... but I can’t believe it’s actually happening!!” I would think) Arriving in Porto made it clear that we were really doing it--that the adventure was only beginning.

Wandering through the town, I felt like we were in heaven. The sky was blue, the streets were friendly and bustling, and everything I laid eyes on was beautiful--from brightly-colored tile walls to soaring gothic-style spires. After settling in (unpacking, napping, and tasting some Port wine provided by our host) to our AirBnB, we set out to find some lunch and explore the city. We made the short walk down to the Duoro River and sat on a restaurant patio, eating pizza, drinking Port, and soaking up sunshine. I felt exhausted but ecstatic. How could life get better than this??

With no real sense of direction, we found ourselves at a picturesque highpoint of the city, on the grounds of a giant local monument, the Roman Catholic Church of Porto Cathedral (”Se do Porto” in Portuguese).

From there, we worked our way to the Monument Church of St Francis (Igreja de Sao Francisco). The church itself was grand: filled with ornate floor-to-ceiling wood carvings gilded in an estimated 400kg of gold. Allegedly, when Napoleon conquered Porto, he used the church, in all its opulence, as a stable for his horses. Below the church, we walked through catacombs holding tombs for members of the Franciscan order. At one point, we peered through a window to see remnants of actual human bones.

Porto confused me in the best possible way. On one hand, it felt so fresh: it was vibrant and young and creative with street performers and artists on every corner. On the other hand, it felt so ancient: the streets were flanked by centuries-old buildings and churches brimming with history and tradition.

That evening, we had a fabulous dinner--crab risotto for Jarod and vegetables over couscous with a yogurt sauce for me--accompanied by port wine (of course). From there, we simply wandered, admiring multitudes of old statues and beautiful, tile-covered buildings.

Like uncultured American swines, we stayed up late that night watching TV. Naked and Afraid, if you must know.

Day 2 (3/29)

We started our second day in Porto with coffee and delicious Natas (Portuguese egg custard tarts), which I could easily eat for every meal of every day. We followed this nutritious breakfast with a run--East along the river--during which we saw numerous fishermen and a funny Portuguese man that we felt like we were unintentionally chasing.

We got lunch at an adorable little sit-down sandwich spot. It was bustling and compact, with tables mere inches apart. The waitress was kind and hard-working, rushing from table to table with a smile. I had a mint lemonade as well as cauliflower soup and a pineappley salad--a full, delicious lunch for ~7€!

After lunch, we embarked on a port wine tasting journey. From our AirBnB, we crossed the river and walked along its bank, which was flanked by dozens of vendors who competed for our--and other tourists’--attention. We did a tour and tasting at Sanderson winery, where we learned about rubys, tawnys, whites, and vintages. (My take-home was that they all pair wonderfully with desserts!)

After the guided tour at Sanderson, we went seeking some independent tastings. We tried Ferreira, but they only had tours. We tasted some Porto Cruz ports, sitting on the alley-way patio of the restaurant adjacent to the winery. We walked up some serious hills past Offley--which looked closed--to Croft, where we enjoyed port flights on a balcony with a fabulous view. From there, we walked to Taylor’s which had a fancier vibe and a lovely back patio with purple flowers and peacocks. Once again, I was nearly overwhelmed with our good fortune; We are living our freaking best lives, I thought.

On our walk back, we stopped by an awesome coop that was selling clothing and art and port flights. We tried some Niepoort winery ports and cheered on the coop workers as they tried to shepherd a baby pigeon out of their warehouse-style building.

That evening, we made dinner at home. And we didn’t cheapen our cultural experiences with Naked and Afraid. Instead, we watched an intense climbing documentary. Real shit, people. Real. Shit.

Day 3 (3/30)

On day 3, we slept in. When we did get up, we did a short work out in the apartment and made breakfast. From there, we set out to hit some sights.

We wandered through the Sao Bento station, whose walls were covered in history in the form of hand-painted tiles. We strolled along busy streets and main squares, into a church where people people were kneeling, praying, and--in one case--crying (oops). We meandered over to on of the top-rated bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello. Even though it was brimming with tourists, it was a lovely shop: a kooky, forked staircase sprouted out of the center, and the ceiling was covered by beautiful stained-glass skylights.

We stopped for lunch and then went to the Clerigos Church to climb the bell tower and see Porto from its highest point. The stairways were crowded, but the views were well worth it!

We tended to some logistics; stopping to buy snacks (for the bus ride to Salamanca) and a Portuguese rooster (a souvenir for a coworker of mine). After, we attempted to see one last sight: the Palacio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace). They were closing, so we didn’t take a tour, but I did (*illegally*) start walking through the area where tours take place. I got to take a good 20 second look before someone stopped me. ;)

From there, we walked along the water and through some cool artisanal shops selling glass and clay figurines as well as tiles and paintings. Thirsty from all of the walking, we plopped onto a restaurant patio and sipped port while overlooking the river. (Best. Freaking. Lives.)

It started to rain a little, but I wanted to stop by a wine shop before heading back to make sure I got a Port flight for my best friend before the shop closed. As we walked back, the heavens opened up and started POURING! Most (normal) people ducked into shops or under awnings, but Jarod and I started running, laughing crazily the whole way. We definitely got weird looks. By the time we made it to our AirBnB, we were DRENCHED. I’ll never forget that kooky, exhilarating run through the rain.

That evening, we went to the restaurant next door for dinner. We had a fantastic experience eating amazing tapas-style dishes and chatting with the incredibly hospitable, generous restaurant owner. When we finished, we returned home and spent the evening blow drying our soaking wet clothes so that we could pack up, preparing for our bus ride to Salamanca the next morning.

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