Another Baldur's Gate Simp

Astarion

Thrives on the ability to humiliate Raphael in his own home, how could he pass an opportunity like this up?

Looks at the portraits decorating the halls, and can’t help the temptation to make a mockery of “The House of Hope”.

Doesn’t take a loss well, and tends to pout afterwards claiming he let his opponent win. 

Is still on guard given the location- maybe not as much as Lae’Zel or Wyll, but a rouge’s instincts are to disappear at moment’s notice

Absolutely delighted by how flustered Gale gets over a child’s game with strategy.

Though immediately starts pouting when Gale wins over him any single time to two play against one another.

Keeps glancing at Karlach, noticing her tense posture. He smirks, clearly enjoying her barely-suppressed anxiety, “Relax, big girl. Just a harmless game.”

Not incredibly surprised over Lae’zel’s lack of wanting to participate, but it having a hell of a lot of fun taunting her about it-

Secretly impressed that Tav managed to at least get the group standing in one area long enough to indulge in something like this. 

“Darling, if Raphael knew what you were doing to his precious forehead… Well I do suppose that’s half the joy of it.”

Gale

At first, absolutely gobsmacked that Tav has decided Tic-Tac-Toe is the best game to play here- “In Raphael’s sanctum? Really, Tav?”

But when Tav comes at him saying maybe he just doesn’t have the skill to play Tic-Tac-Toe

Gale locks in

Goes to explain how there are only so many ways that one can win in tic-tac-toe, and that if you know the right spots, you’re practically invincible.

Proceeds to prove it- winning over and over, which infuriates Karlach and Astarion alike.

“Would you rather I play badly on purpose? That seems disingenuous.”

Secretly enjoys it, though his amusement shows more in smug little smirks than open laughter.

Although caught up in the so called “strategy” of tic-tac-toe, he is also pretty distracted on the time and place of everything-

Eventually joins in with Wyll to try to break it up and to move on before someone spots the sheer amount of vandalism up and down the hall. 

Genuinely baffled by Karlach's ability to find pure joy in the most dangerous situations

Appreciates Shadowheart's actual competence at keeping watch

“Strategy is strategy, no matter the board. Even children’s games bow to mathematics… in one way or another-”

Karlach

When Tav first floats the idea, she doesn’t laugh right away- her shoulders stiffen, eyes darting around. “Here? Are you mad? We just need to get the hammer and go.”

More akin to Lae’zel and Wyll- Karlach just stands watch-  shuffling idly on her feet as Astarion, Gale, and Tav play- 

And finally- the waiting part gets to her, and she joins for a few rounds- anything to keep her mind off of the fact that they are sitting there like ducks.

Unlike her usual loud and brash self, Karlach is almost antsy- and pretty short with any quips she gives off

Though- it does give her some joy to be marking up Raphael like this along with the sheer amount of destruction.

Almost sends Astarion down a staircase when he taunts her about calming down, not the place.

Appreciates Lae’zel and Wyll for keeping their eyes out for trouble while she lets herself get distracted

It’s actually kinda jarring seeing Karlach be on edge, not her usual forte

Though if this were anywhere else, she’d probably be participating wholeheartedly

“If laughing at Raphael’s ugly mug keeps me from remembering where I am… then hand me the damn chalk.”

Lae’zel

Arms crossed, unimpressed, not amused.

Keeps her eyes trained for anything out of place, even in the debtors costumes they wear, “keeping them safe”. She just overall think’s it’s a pointless notion to desecrate the halls of a place they are trying to not get caught in. 

But the second Astarion goads her, she snatches the chalk, following the moves she had been watching Gale make, winning

After her win, tosses the chalk straight for Astarion’s head like a stone. “There. Satisfied? Istik.”

Returns to guard duty, muttering about fools and children.

Genuinely confused at why they’re pausing to do this, when there are much more important matters at hand.

Like getting the hammer-

Really doesn’t appreciate that being put on the back burner, but she’s not gonna venture off without the group.

“If Raphael’s hounds come, I will not be risking my life for this foolishness.”

Shadowheart

Fully disinterested… at first.

To start she hangs back pretending that she is above it all, like Karlach, she’s half invested, half distracted by where you all are.

Finally decides to step in and tie a few games against Gale- just to get him to shut up about being unbeatable-

Is a bit more smug about his outrage over getting caught up in being tied, “Guess you’re not as clever as you thought.”

Is actually really enjoying Astarion’s comments in mocking Raphael’s vanity, finding herself laughing from time to time

Appreciates Wyll's actual usefulness as backup lookout while the others play

Finds herself oddly invested in who wins each round despite her “lack of interest”

“If nothing else, it’s an improvement to the décor.”

Wyll

Immediately horrified. “Tav… stepping on the wrong side of a devil is not the brightest idea while in the Hells.”

Refuses to play, no matter how much Astarion taunts or Tav begs-

Stands firm as lookout, listening hard for any sign of danger while the others laugh too loud for his comfort. Though he’s not exactly as intense as Lae’zel is with playing look out.

Can’t help smiling when Karlach makes a jab towards Astarion being a sore loser or when Shadowheart shuts Gale down in two moves.

Still, he’s always the one to cut the game short after a fair few of Raphael’s likenesses are desecrated by tic-tac-toe

Partly out of worry about Karlach’s stress levels while being down here, and does make a few attempts to cut it early even before he puts a foot down on moving

It was late- too late. With the moon beginning to set, the rest of camp having disappeared to their own little corners for rest, and nearly two bottles of wine to yourself… Well, conversations were bound to get out of hand. Even through the haze of the last bottle of Ashaba Dusk, the red dancing on your lips, it was easy to look up at Karlach and say- “Truth.” Big mistake. The smile that broke out on Karlach’s lips was wolfish, “Bold choice, Soldier. I’ve been saving this one.” She shifted back against the log she’d dragged over earlier, rubbing her hands together, fire licking up her palms. Her eyes seem to glow behind the fire. The reflection of which made the gold of her eyes seem to dance as if they were lit themselves. “Alright then. Spill it- who was the first person you ever fancied?” Your face felt hot, hotter than the wine should’ve made it- the fire? No- but you can feel your face growing tacky under Karlach’s gaze. “I, uh- didn’t? I guess.” The words feel lopsided coming out of your mouth. But it’s true.

As a kid- well, no one really caught your eye. First loves weren’t something that you had really thought of. Flowers, dresses, courting, dancing- just slipped from the front of your mind growing up… Until the last few years or so… when the thoughts had surfaced. Along with a tidal wave of worries that kept you up at night. Karlach blinked a few times, her brow furrowing in surprise, “What, really?” Her tone wasn't unkind, or even jeering. Just a curiosity that seemed to be bubbling from under the surface. She leaned forward, squinting like she was checking for a joke. “Not one? No puppy love, no dramatic swooning over some bard with nice hair?” You shook your head, lips tugging into a nervous half-smile. “Not even a kiss. I just… I don’t know.” Your finger tracing small circles into the dirt unable to meet Karlach’s eyes, letting the truth slip free.

The words tumbled out before you could stop them, the wine loosening your tongue far too much. “Last thing I need is to make a fool of myself, you know? Or worse- what if I don’t even like it? Then I’m wasting yo- ” you caught yourself, redirecting quickly, “- wasting whoever’s time, and mine too. All for nothing.” You expected, maybe laughter? Who makes it this far into life without a kiss right? But when you raise your eyes up to Karlach. There’s no mistaking the softer look in her eyes as she lets a softer smile come to her lips. It isn’t until our eyes meet that Karlach even says anything, her voice surprisingly a lot gentler than usual-

“Solider, there’s no wasting a kiss. ‘Specially the first one,” Karlach snorts a bit as her eyes turned to the sky for a moment, “believe me, I’ve had some piss poor experiences before this ol’ tin can was installed.” She knocks her fist against her chest as the engine behind it thrums. “My first? Teeth clacked together, I was a foot taller than the bloke, he tasted like raw onions- and- ha. Here you got me goin’ on telling my first kiss ‘stead of your own.” She leans back against the log, eyes warm. “That’s beside the point- I still look back on it fondly. Each kiss has their place, even the shit ones.” The laugh escapes your laugh despite yourself, as you look down to the absent minded drawings in the dirt… Karlach’s words easing your worries some.

“But- if you’re truly that worried about it. I am always down for practice.” Your eyes snap up off the ground to Karlach, who has a smirk on her face- a knowing glint behind her eyes.

“ You hate it, we go our separate ways, no harm done.” With that Karlach rises off the ground, shooting you a small wink before heading off to her own tent for the evening. “On the other hand… if you like it. Well- that’s a bonus for me.” A wide smile graces her face again as she throws up a hand in departure-

“Just let me know, Soldier.”

Tav paced behind their tent holding the loose parchment paper in their hands, and spinning a piece of charcoal in the other. This was something that they had been contemplating for at least the last tenday. How to approach the warlock that had kept the attention of their muse for the last four years or so?

The Blade of Frontiers.

A real life hero, helping the Sword Coast, fighting monsters, completing righteous and just tasks. It seemed like that’s all he had ever done was help people for the sake of it.

Of course… that view has… changed a little bit now, but- it doesn’t change their mind on the man that they’ve come to know. Warlock, folk-hero, hell-touched or not- he’s Wyll, and Wyll is still their muse.

Finally, Tav feels their feet pull them along the dusty ground towards Wyll’s tent seeing the man himself drinking out of a pint glass while skimming a book we had found in the blighted village. His new horns seeming to shine in the lanterns placed around camp. Taking a deep breath, Tav steadies themselves, before coming forward. Clutching the charcoal tightly in their hand as they approach.

“Wyll, do you uh, do you have a moment to chat?” Tav’s voice seems to have to force its way out of themselves, their chest becoming tight from the worry building within it. As soon as they speak Wyll’s attention turns from his book up to Tav giving them a warm smile, setting the book down by his side with his drink and rising. 

“Of course I have a spare moment for you, Tav.” He chuckles lightly before looking at the parchment and charcoal held in their hands, and gesturing to it. “Are you planning on reciting a sonnet? Or-” He raises an eyebrow looking to Tav, clearly in jest trying to wind them down for the moment. 

Tav swallowed thickly, looking down at the parchment in their hand as a laugh manages to force its way out of their lips. With a final spin of their charcoal- and swallowing back their feelings they look up to the man that they had idealized for so long, swallowing their nerves to some forgotten pit of their stomach.

“Well… not exactly.” Tav reaches up tucking a cowlick back from getting stuck to their skin. “I was- more… hoping that I may be able to capture your portrait.” Tav sucks on their teeth trying not to fumble over their words as they meet Wyll’s eyes. The eye that had been chocolate brown when they had first attempted… now cherry red- and impossible to read.

“I made an attempt- years ago now.. But I never felt like I captured the legend properly.” Tav gestures to Wyll with their charcoal as he leans back crossing his arms over his chest as his brows begin to knit together. Concern? Agitation? Confusion?

Tav can feel their knees buckling beneath them as they try to get a grip of themselves before finally sputtering, “I just feel I can do you justice now- that I know the man. Not the myth.”

Wyll’s expression almost immediately softens as the slightest of laughs leaves him, nodding his head as his arms fall to his sides. It was… relief?

As a smile begins to pull at Wyll’s face he looks at Tav, who has finally begun to start relaxing in their boots. “The man, not the myth…” He chuckles a bit at that, “a request much easier said than done.” 

Wyll strikes a pose, his arm coming gallantly across his chest, “To this point most have only seen the Blade as a hero to help those along the Sword Coast, defending those in need-” before he drops his arm gesturing to his new horns, “only to have been turned into a monster of his own making.”

Tav’s grip on the charcoal tightened as their heart ran around wildly in their chest. The feeling of being denied starts to creep up their shoulders. Wyll chuckled lightly, as though sensing the storm of nerves, and eased himself onto a nearby stool. “But… I would be happy to sit for you.” He looks around the area of his tent. “Would you have me as I am or…?”

A quiet understanding comes between the two of them, and Tav can feel a smile rising to their own face as they sit in front of Wyll, picking up the book he had been reading to provide some stability.

With the knot in their chest loosening, Tav gives Wyll a genuine smile. “As you are,” they murmured. “That’s what I want.”

Stepping into the Shadowlands after coming through the river valley shaped through the mountain pass, is heartbreaking. No more sunlight. Shadows kissing your feet if you even think about putting your torch down- and that’s not even the worst part… it’s the echoes. The vestiges left behind from the Shadows they slayed on their way to Last Light- Tav… couldn’t help, but listen, to each one… the memories associated with the twisted person who once was. Now a mindless monster- these were people. People who loved- had lives. No one had been spared by Shar’s madness…

When they finally approach Last Light, making their rounds through- meeting Jaehira, Karlach getting her second upgrade, having a few drinks in relative safety. Breath of fresh air, specially for Karlach- who’s having the absolute best day of her life. Before the group decides to retire as a collective and set up camp for the night- Karlach and Shadowheart both distracted with ensuring their spaces are set-up for the night, they don’t miss until Gale calls for supper- that Tav’s gone-

Exchanging a worried look, both quickly split off to check opposite ends of the well-lit camp, but finding no trace. They quickly reconvene near Withers slightly out of breath-

“She wasn’t near Scratch- or by Halsin’s tent-” Shadowheart look’s out over the pass towards that area, scanning over it again as if she may have missed her. “Not hiding around any of our’s either.” Karlach’s voice is stiff with the worry she feels, before she tilts over to Withers, “You- you haven’t seen Tav have you there Withers?” Karlach can’t stop herself from biting down on her bottom lip- anything for a distraction. Wither’s just turns his head up the hill signaling up towards the abandoned cabin at the top of the hill, but not saying a word.

The second he gestures up the hill, the two of them nearly bolt up the wood stairs, Karlach running up two at a time, and as soon as they head in… they can hear the soft sobs of Tav. Coming from behind a busted wardrobe. Another look is exchanged between the two as they approach slowly, the wood creaking from under their feet. 

“Tav?” Shadowheart looks around the corner, seeing Tav hidden inside the cavity of the cavity, her head burrowed in her legs and she can’t help the sigh that escapes her, “Oh… darling..” She kneels beside the wardrobe. Gesturing for Karlach to come over.

Karlach rests her hand on top of the wardrobe, towering over the two on the floor, looking at Tav with soft and concerned eyes. As Tav’s sobs just seem to get louder- neither one of them is the best equipped to deal with… well- sadness. Both having to be disconnected from their emotions from so long- years of conditioning working against them. But what they do know… is now's not the time to just leave Tav to her own devices. “You want to talk about it, Soldier?” Karlach’s word come out uncannily soft, “or.. Just have a moment to cry it out?” Karlach sinks next to Shadowheart, leaning back against the wardrobe carefully, looking in at Tav still crumbling in on herself. “I-I just… Gods- I can’t do this-” Tav’s voice wavers out, muffled from the little cocoon she’s buried herself in. “This is just- it’s too much-” Tav’s hand moves on top of her hair as if she's holding herself down, trying to reground herself, and Shadowheart reaches a tender hand out rubbing her back lightly. “Everything we do is marked in pain- and anger- and-” another sob breeches her mouth.

“No one ever said this was going to be an easy path, unfortunately…” Karlach taps her fingers on the ground, “and it’s fucking terrifying having to look this shit down the barrel… but we have to keep moving on Tav…” Shadowheart lets out a sigh, as Tav’s cries seem to soften into sniffling, keeping her hand on her back, and gently pulling her out of the wardrobe, next to her, wrapping an arm around her. Both of them get their first clear look at Tav’s face, tear stained, and flushed with her eyes trained on the ground. “She’s right… there’s more important things to turn our attention to-” Shadowheart starts softly.

“No!” Tav sniffles, her voice hoarse as she looks between the two of them, and a near bitter laugh leaves her, “I know. I know- what we have to do- I know it’s necessary-” She brings a hand up to her face wiping at the tears before letting her hand fall to her lap. “It just hurts- I never wanted… this.” Tav’s lips form a thin line, her eyes shutting… as she takes in a deep breath.

Oh-

Karlach, carefully wraps her arm around the lower part of Tav’s back pulling her into her side, as Shadowheart embraces her from the other.

Astarion gives a small stretch as they step back into the sun-kissed lands right outside of Baldur’s Gate. Staring at the city before them, with the Chionthar peaking right near their camp- there was no denying that this was… actually peaceful. Compared to the Shadowlands, this was- a breath of fresh air as it were. Though, the decadence of actually being back in the city, was something Astarion still found himself looking forward to- actual comfort. No more bedrolls, or tents. He gives an internal chuckle at the thought of actually being able to live whatever is the rest of their lives in relative comfort. Though he also knows what he’s going to be facing again. Cazador. Who would no doubt be looking forward to getting his hands on him. The city now looking much more like a stone trap, than comfort-

When his ears twitch, picking up the trot of someone behind him as he leans against the cliff face overlooking the city, he turns to see Tav. Bright faced, and smiling at him- Gods- he still doesn’t understand how someone manages to be this chipper- “Hey, Star, um, I was just wondering if you’d maybe want to- go for a swim with me? Just take a little break before-” They gesture to the view of the city waving their hand over it as if trying to smudge it out, “all that, and after-” Tav turns behind them gesturing towards the Shadow Cursed lands, “All that… I feel like we could both use just a second of peace.” Tav purses their lips trying to read his expression. In which Astarion lets out a bit of a laugh, chuckling and raising an eyebrow at them. “Swimming, now? Here?” He doesn’t mean to sound condescending, but he can’t really keep the scorn out of his voice. Now’s not really the time. They’re staring down the edge of their possible deaths, and they want to go for a swim? It’s laughable at best-

“You know, you don’t have to be so stuck up.” Tav shoots back, coming to stand next to him, and jabbing a finger into his chest. “If anything, just come down to the river bank with me. You don’t have to swim, you can brood while I have fun~” Astarion looks at Tav a bit surprised, and he guffaws, a chuckle passing his lips. “Fine, lead on my dear, but only because I’d hate to see you get washed away~” His tone slowly ebbing from distaste to amusement. He gives a slight bow, but Tav grabs his hand, starting to pull him down to the lower river valley. When they arrive down there, the sun basking against the wet river rocks, and long grass with the river churning along in wide swaths. It feels more akin to a large lake than a river at this point. He watches as Tav disrobes, setting the clothes down, and chuckles slightly to himself as he watches them slowly step into the water.

Astarion sits down on a patch of grass, leaning against one of his legs as he watches Tav splash about… and float… and he purses his lips. Tav looks… really relaxed. He swallows thickly… debating with himself. Relationships… really weren’t his forte… healthy ones. But there’s something pulling at him, telling him that… this would be- good.

Slowly he stands up disrobing his own clothes. Before slowly wading out into the cool water alongside Tav. As the water slips around his calves and he starts to dip down, Tav perks up seeing Astarion finally join them. Their face lighting up in a grin.

“Glad to see you decided to join me.” They call out, deciding to swim closer to him, as Astarion dips beneath the currents shuddering lightly. 

“Well I couldn’t let you have all the fun now could I, my dear?” He chuckles a bit as Tav swims within reach, and he wraps his arms around them pulling them close as he leans back in the water. Floating with them… this had been one of his favorite things to do recently, just hold them. No other expectations, just being together.

The sun is just beginning to creep behind the horizon by the time they leave the water. Laying in the grass together and looking towards the sky. “That was… nice…” Astarion murmurs, pulling Tav into the crook of his arm, as he stares up at the clouds fading to the inky black of night, the ground still warm from the heat blasted into the dirt from earlier in the day. Keeping their chilled bodies warm. “We should… do this, again..” He presses his nose to Tav’s wet hair, holding them close as he hears a giggle pass from Tav.

“You know… I think that's a good plan for the future..” Tav murmurs out.

Gale

From down the hallway Gale can hear a racket of coughing coming from the study even with the door shut. Carefully making his way down the hall, he opens the door peeking into see Tav rubbing at her face. flushed as she sits in one of the cozier chairs he has set up... he shuts the door gently- before getting to work on the best accommodations he knows- It's not long before he returns to the library, Tav still sniffling in the chair as she tries to read over her book, and Gale gives a soft cough announcing himself, "My love, would you please come with me for just a moment?" His face quirks into a soft smile as he holds out his hand for her. Tav reluctantly takes his hand stumbling a bit, to which he just wraps his arm around her waist steadying her. "What's this all about Gale?" Though there's a teasing lilt to her voice, it's clear it's hoarse. "Oh nothing. Just a little something to make you feel better." He muses, as he guides her out of the study towards their room. When they walk in- the spread he set up- A second comfortable duvet. A tray filled with his homemade beef stew, fresh bread sitting next to it. On one of the nightstands, a cup of tea sitting idly. As well as a small bowl of potpourri to clear the sinus'. Curtains drawn, small candles lit about so as to not cause a headache as he guides her to bed helping her change into something much more comfortable before laying her down. "I'm just ensuring that you are well-taken care of. Rest for the day my love, and let me know if there's anything at all I can do for you." He presses a kiss to her forehead, before setting a bell next to her. "Ring when you need me, I'll be here in a moment."

Astarion

As Astarion makes his way down to the mess hall, he jolts at the sound of hacking bouncing off the stone walls. His face pulls into a frown as he starts to look around to see where in the Hells it's even coming from. Before seeing Tav on her hands and knees, peering off a cliff hunched, a soft groan emanating from her direction. "Darling, are you quite... alright?" He cocks an eyebrow carefully dreading forward, as Tav heaves into the crevice- panting lightly- "Do I look like I'm alright?" Tav's voice is hoarse, and Astarion just heaves a sigh, coming up behind her and lifting her up. "Gods, you'd be useless without me wouldn't you?" He chuckles a bit as he takes Tav back to where they have their own little area set up, laying her down on the bed, before tossing fur after fur to her- "Cover yourself up- I'll go see what I can't find you for a decent meal- around here." Astarion muses before he turns to look at Tav, who is now sitting firmly beneath what could've once been a whole pack of wolves. Looking near crushed beneath the pelts. A soft smile comes to his face, as he walks over brushing some hair behind her ear. "Just relax for a while, I'll be back soon." Before Tav has any chance to protest, he takes off. When he returns, a backpack slung over his shoulder, walking into their cozy spot. Astarion can't help the laugh that leaves him- Tav's out- Sitting up in bed, layed back on the copious amount of furs, with a small trail of droll coming from her lip as she snores. Depositing the bag on the ground, he walks over to their bed and crawls in next to her, resting her head against his shoulder, pressing his lips to her head and breathing her in.

"Gods, you're lucky you're cute..."

Halsin

~"Oh I know darling, you Selunites just don't know how to take a bit of pain do you?"~

Shadowheart enjoy's stringing along Tav for hours. Whispering to them all the while teasing and toying with her body. Finger's working over her clit in deliciously slow circles, right until she's on the brink of paradise, before pulling away. Her fingers instead trailing lower, curling inside her heat changing the tune. As Shadowhearts lips met Tav's swallowing any desperate plea that might escape from them. ~"Surely, you can keep enduring such sweet torment, can't you pup?"~

Once Shadowheart allows Tav to cross that line, to be trembling and shaking in her release. Leg's clenched tightly around Shadowheart's hand. She changes her playing field. After all- this is what Tav had wanted right? To indulge in the pleasure's of the body? To be left shivering, helpless beneath her? Shadowheart would continue to draw that pleasure out of Tav over and over- prying her legs open and dropping her head down. Tongue lavishing over the sensitive lips. Revealing in the sound of Tav's cries, legs wrapped around her head, Tav's hands strained and pulling at her hair to remove her. ~"That's it cry to your lady, I assure you- it's falling on deaf ears."~

Shadowheart's first impressions

When thinking about our almighty Shar worshipping Cleric who secretly has a sweet-heart (pun intended). I would picture her looking at this girl who's not so shy with her emotions and nearly doubling over herself. There were probably many nights she spent in her own tent dealing with the unhealing wound sending pain up her arm whenever she thought about initiating something with Tav, and probably struggled inside and out when deciding to ask her to share a bottle of wine. Whether she remembers it or not- Tav probably reminds her of herself. Constantly changing on the outside, but at the core being someone overly sweet and considerate of others. Wanting them to find their best selves.

Karlach's First Impressions

On Karlach's end of things- she probably had a soft spot for Tav right away. Especially with how they backed her up when Wyll wanted to kill her outright. And of course while she has her moments of being oblivious and even child-like, she's not blind she knows Tav's got a thing for her. Though it probably didn't hit her over the head just how much she had a thing for Tav- until she saw her in combat for the first time. Magic and melee combat whoo-boy. That definitely gets things kicked up another notch for her. I can see her doing laps around camp talking to herself about Tav about how to go about this before she gets her engine upgrades. If she even says anything, acts on it- I mean it's not like she can touch Tav- but shit. To meet someone coming out of the hells who's genuinely kind, and up front on honest- it'd send her swooning.

Together

Now I figure the whole romance plot goes a bit something like this- before the tiefling party even happens, and before Karlach has realized her extent of feelings for Tav- Shadowheart finally caves to wanting to know more about Tav. Inviting her to split a bottle while overlooking the cliffside. There's just something about the way that Tav composes herself, seemingly so confident in herself when dealing with others- but how she seems so nervous around their companions she finds incredibly endearing- that she's just, to the point where she needs to know more. The conversation goes as well as you could expect with Tav tripping over herself often being in the same vicinity of Shadowheart, but over time and half a bottle of wine finally gets her to chill out after awhile. It seems that they can finally talk so smoothly, that it was meant to be. Waking up in the morning and seeing Tav still passed out on the cliffside next to her fully at peace, Shadowheart's incurable wound would probably act up again- because she dare to find herself wanting to do anything for this girl. When her devotion is supposed to be to Shar. I think Karlach the next day would notice the two had snuck off together, and would probably figure there's something more going on between them based on how Tav not only seems to drool over her, but Shadowheart too... and that's where she decides- that at the next opportune moment. She's gonna tell Tav. Because if she can't touch Tav, Shadowheart certainly can for her- until the engine thing gets sorted out anyways- Which leads then to the tiefling party. With everyone in high spirits, she'd seek Tav out and ask to speak with her that night.. just the two of them... alone for the time being- Probably mentioning off hand that she knows there might be something going on between Tav and Shadowheart- but it's just a chat... a friendly- harmless- chat- and when even that suggestion is made, sending Tav into spiraling giggles, Karlach is fully hooked. That night I can see her first romance scene playing out as it usually does... riding til stars', wishing that she could touch Tav, and each time she speaks watching Tav's cheeks light up with that beautiful red glow, makes her feel all giddy inside- even if she can't do half the things she wishes she could... I can imagine over the next couple of days there would probably be an unspoken tension between Shadowheart and Karlach- as Tav slowly descends into her own madness over two very hot (one quite literally) women having a thing for her. But Shadowheart and Karlach are going to have to come to an understanding of what all this is and what it means going forward. Especially when you have two people not very well versed in relationships who have their sights aimed at the same person. Personally, my head cannon for them approaching this would probably be pretty late at night after everyone has gone to sleep and both have gotten far enough into their own respective bottles to even approach the subject of Tav. Karlach would be the one to initiate first, not so gracefully saying what they're both thinking. They want Tav, but there's no way in the hells Tavs ever going to be able to actually choose between them- so to share is the best possible option. Whatever that means for the two of them- whether that's getting closer, or keeping it separate- they'll figure it out. But there's no way Tav's gonna be able to make it without slowly losing her mind if they make her choose. Shadowheart would probably agree, and she's a sucker for a good romance, so the whole thing she's noticed between the mutual pining between Tav and Karlach- it's good stuff. Full of the drama she remember's living for in those bad novellas, might be nice to have her own personal romantic tragedy playing out before her.

The letter sitting on the desk almost feels like a mockery.

An invitation… to reconvene with your companions… your friends- the people who have become your family, even across the miles. 

Only, there was one issue with that notion- not everyone would be there.

A slight hiss passes your lips as you take another drink from the blood red wine that has become your one aid in falling asleep in the past six months. It hurts to think about, she hurts to think about.

Karlach-

The woman that you had loved so deeply… but for such a short time- hells, you knew every moment with her was borrowed time. That she wasn’t going to be able to stay around forever, but you thought if- maybe if she just-

Why didn’t she just go to Avernus with you-

It feels like a stab to the heart everytime it crosses your mind, the pain flooding your senses like a tidal wave threatening to drown you in a sea of red. 

As you lay there watching the orange light of the setting sun ease your bedroom into all consuming darkness, you can’t help but think about that night… the night where you knew- that this woman would be the end of you.

Is it betrayal if you honored her wishes in the end-? You let her go, let her slip through your fingertips as she became the embers of dying light that kisses the horizon each night. A love letter to the heart you thought you’d lost.

Tears sting at your eyes once more, as the bed begins to call your name- begging you to rest rather than wallow in your own self-pity, and a sigh passes your lips as you fall back into the blankets. Cold. Everything’s fucking cold now.

You’d been heroes after all- saving the tieflings. Had done something right- and as her face crosses your mind, near glowing in the fires light, you knew spending the night with her had been the right thing too-

Karlach was so infectious- her laugh, the way she just seemed to be able to smile at everything. But when she smiled at you- Gods above. It was hard to think that anything else brought her any joy.

What you wouldn’t give to just go back- to that day- that night-

Even if you couldn’t touch her, just one night, one more night to hear her voice, to feel her warmth, to bask in her presence-

It’s almost comforting feeling the heat of your tears beginning to trail down your cheeks. Some semblance that although Karlach’s gone. Nothing, but dust in the wind. You know at least- the feelings are real. She was real, and for a good long moment.

Name: Sarade Race: Human, mid twenties Class: College of Swords, Bard + Way of the Open Hand, Monk Deity: Corellon Larethian Alignment: Chaotic Good Romance: Karlach

Backstory: Sarade before the nautiloid was a troubadour. Wandering the Sword Coast, and the wilds to deliver a bit of joy into people's lives. It's how she was raised- her parents belonging to a group that sticks to the coast line. Though if you lined said group along a wall and told her to pick out her parents- she couldn't tell ya.

More of a commune sort of thing versus distinct family units. Because it was more communal like that she was raised with a crap ton of different beliefs and lessons to follow. So she's pretty back and forth when it comes to do the things she wants to do, but she's got a few tenets she sticks by.

1.) Give no shit, but take none in return. If someone insults you return the compliment. It's all about being respectful until someone disrespects you- the second they do, gloves off it's time to party.

2.) You are better than no one, but that doesn't make you any worse than them. Kind of goes with the first one, it's why you respect everyone around you. But this serves as a reminder that you aren't hot shit either. You're just as mid as everyone else.

3.) Gods and powerful beings are not to be trifled with. (Given by a man who was polymorphed into a frog for the better part of two years- he does not recommend).

4.) Waste not, want not- you equip yourself with the shit you find (dead, abandoned, on the ground- it's yours for the yoinking), don't spend your hard earned gold on shit you can find on your own. That being said- if it can't be crafted by your own hands- get it or find someone who can.

5.) There is always another way out of a sticky situation. Fighting is a last resort. Running away- never an option. If this was a hill you decided to make a stand on, you better be willing to die for it or get locked up for it.

6.) As much as you are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, you need to be wary of the strengths and weakness of those around you- the last thing you need is someone who's going to run away when they need to stand and fight or who would send you down the river for a few gold pieces.

7.) The only good rich man is a dead one. No one can be that fancy and have it through good means. There's always something fishy about them. Find it out, take em down. Any means necessary. Though Sarade has taken this to mean more of- she'd rather oust them as pieces of shit, and get public approval before doing what she needs to do, refer to tenet five.

She left her commune at 19 wanting to see more of Faerun, and hasn't encountered them again. She figures fate will pull em back together if need be, but for the time being she understands that she learned what she needed from that path.

Sarade plays the fiddle (violin, fiddle- main difference is she prefers folk to the high class music heard in proper society), and really enjoys being able to wow the kids with certain feats of sword play. Though there was an incident, she almost caught her hair on fire when a trick went awry- she doesn't think that tavern was ever able to rebuild, and she can't step foot in Blackford Crossing again.

Actually she was just leaving that disaster and on the outskirt of Triboar when she was was nabbed by the Nautiloid.

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