#squid tag

Karlach found it easier to manage her Engine with help. Dammon being the main source,but her party did get all the iron needed for each upgrade. And yet still her favorite part is watching the blacksmith fumble around when the fey comes to him to offer help.

She sits near the forge,watching with endless amusement as Jerico explains to Dammon the Ins and Outs of feywild runes. The tiefling is a mess,his tail is wagging side to side as he watches intently.

Its a comedy in the making.

--Okay,so, these here are usualy used to control the wilder side effects of fey arcana-- they explained, their nails brushing across the carvings in the New upgrade-- These should follow the same principle.

--Oh,thats clever-- Dammon answered,his blue eyes sparkling-- Youre..very clever.

Their ears flicker,they laugh and smile a little nervous. His gaze softens and his tail wags, he tries to bite back the smile on his lips. Its a very pretty laugh.

--Thanks. -- they answer,putting their hands together to Keep them busy-- When I was studying at university in the Silver River, I was taught these kinds of things...im happy I can put them to use.

He takes the upgrade and looks at Karlach--Here you go,as usual you need to install it yourself. Theres a room behind the forge for privacy.

She nodds and takes the invention, she smiles and gives jeri a wink and walks off. There in the silence,with the crackling forge that takes over the lack of conversation. The light of the Fire softened the world around it, there in the Last Light refuge it was mostly silent.

Jerico shifts their stance and brushes away a few baby hairs,they feel awkward. But Dammon cant stop staring at how pretty they look. Their fur looks reddish like a hearth in the light, their eyes endless like the forest and beautifully green like a precious emerald. Their clothes,now merely linnen and silk for comfort and relief of the forges heat, flow freely and Mark the curve of their ribs and their hips,he can see the spot where the famous "hip dips" are. Truly,hes never seen a more gorgeous fey.

He sighs and looks away.

--I hope it works-- Jerico commented,looking at him with a shy smile.

--I hope it works too-- he answered-- I know what this means to Karlach. And to you.

--I cant wait to hug her.

The joyful smile on their lips is enough to vanquish the shadows in the room.

The sun is smiling at him.

--Im..sure she feels the same,knowing her-- he assured-- You two seem very close,its..sweet. Us tieflings dont get this treatment often.

--Idiots the lot of them- the druids at the Grove I mean.-- they replied-- You cant blame a whole race! Its not your fault. -- their hand rests on his strong bicep, they squeeze it reassuringly and they have to try not to swoon at the firmness.

--Youre...very kind.

--Im being thruthful...--Jeri sighs,their face warming up. They Gently pull back and he jas to fight the impulse to Grab their hand,to feel them touch him-- You have been nothing but kind to us,helping Karlach means a lot to me. Youre very sweet,thank you.

--its nothing really-- Dammon answered,scratching the back of his neck. He cant stop staring even if he wanted to.--Anything else I can do for you.

--Take a break-- they half joked-- And get some rest. For me- for Karlach.

He laughed and nodded.

Its then karlach returns,all hyped up. She rushes to Jerico and picks them up,they spin them around and squeezes them. Shes all laughs and smiles as her friend holds on for dear life.

--It works!--She beamed.

--Holy shit-! It works--Jerico squeezes their friend and feels her strong arms hug her tighter. Both laugh and Dammon watches all happy.

Karlach looks at him and brings him in for a tight,tight hug too.

--Thank you! Thank you!--Jerico said to the male tiefling. They hugged him,burying their face in his chest. He looks surprised as his eyes widen and his arms rest nearby their waist.

They smell so sweet,jasmine and green Apple,gentle citrus. He sighs in comfort at the mere smell,and his arms goes around their body. He presses his face go their hair and breathes them in.

--Its nothing,really-- his tail brushes against theirs,almost tangling together.

They squeeze him and breathe in their scent of old leather,smoke and sweat. They dont want to pull away, but they have to. Their eyes meet his as the hug breaks,they smile and their eyes wrinkle beautifully.

--We'll be back-- Jeri promised-- we need to tell the rest,Karlach. Come on.

Jeri offers one last look to the Man,he nodds and gestures with his head to the exit. They quickly run to Karlach and take her hand before running off to the rest of the party.

Dammon smiles,his heart hammering in his ears as he watches them go. His tail sways side to side.

--Im surprised your tail didnt wag back there,soldier-- Karlach said teasingly-- I know Dammon was all over you,hes whipped.

--I barely know the guy-- they shrug-- sure hes cute,and hot- And so very pretty,and Smart..kind..but I dont know if he finds me pretty too.

She rolled her eyes lightheartedly.

--His tail was wagging all over,thats as good an indicator as any! All tieflings do that when they like someone. Trust me.

They smile all flustered-- Oh,I see. -- she hears them giggle,and sees their tail wag,as both walk to the Inn where their party is.

Life keeps getting better.

-♡-

Jerico sighed, looking at the dull blade of their sickles. They twirl it around in their hand with boredom. They get up from the crate they were sitting on.

Val and Axcel were trading with one of the Harper merchants,they seem absorbed in conversation. The party is eating and sleeping off in the Inn. Thankfully,dammon seems to be present.

So off they go.

They walk to the forge and knock on the pillar.They smile as they see him work on a sword,hitting the hot metal with force. Sweat pools around his face and chest,their eyes flutter halfway closed at such a sight and their tail sways slowly.

Dammon is absorbed in his work,he knows the right ammount of strength and how to flip the flattened rode. He sets it on the Fire and keeps going for minutes until somebody clears their throat. He looks to the entrance,all flustered.

Oh.

--Apologies...-- He said,leaving the rod on the Fire. He takes off his gloves and looks at the battle worn fey. Their eyes seem tired,their body held slouched.-- How- how long have you been standing there?

--Few minutes,dont worry-- Jerico approaches him,a few feet away from the forge-- do you have time to sharpen my sickles?

His eyes closed half way-- for you? I always have time.-- he smiles--Let me see.

He offers his hand,they nodd and hand over their weapons. He looks at them,feeling the weight in his grip. He nodds and guides them to his sharpening station,and meanwhile they talk about their misadventures.

--You do look tired-- he said softly. He sees then how they melt,almost happy he noticed-- do you need to sleep? My cots free.

--Id like to,thanks-- they smile-- but I want to stay up for a bit. I...missed you,if im honest.

His face reddens, he looks away and begins to sharpen the blade. --I...missed you too. Please Grab a stool,just rest when youre able.

Jeri does as theyre told and sits beside him,they begin to talk and he hears them gladly. It makes him so happy to be by them, their sweet scent stroking his face.

There is a moment of silence after a while,a moment where he wonders why jeri has stopped talking. He had just finished the first sickle then,and he turns to see his companion asleep as they hold on to their staff for support.

He sighs and Sets down the weapon before easily picking them up and carrying them to their cot. He holds them like hes holding a baby,their right hand not letting go of the staff, probably out of habit from living on the road. Their calm breath kisses his neck and it makes his face warm.

Then,he sets them down on the cot. He tries to pry off the staff but their hands wont budge. He chuckles and strokes their knuckles.

--Jerico,Its okay. Youre safe...I need you to be comfortable-- He said softly,tracing down to their fingers and massaging the palm of their hand. It must be cramping. -- its okay...

Slowly he coaxes the staff out of their hand.

He stands over them,seeing them so peaceful and restful. He feels bad for them,an adventurers life wasnt easy,and they were putting their life on the line for him and others like him. A sigh leaves him and he pushes away their hair.

For a little while he stares at them and their Beauty,he wants to lay down with them...

But he doesnt. He tries to recompose himself by awkwardly clearing his throat and then leaves to Keep on his work,his heart racing and his face warming up at the thought of them.

He spends another hour sharpening the other sickle,and he takes a bit more time to polish it off. When hes done, he goes to wake Jerico. Their party was bound to leave soon anyway

--Jer dear?-- he called out softly-- im done, your party is heading out soon.

Jeri stirrs and gives him a thumbs up,he chuckles at that. They lay on their side before sighing deeply,dejectedly,and they slowly get up. Very slowly.

They stumble their way to their weapons and looks at the handiwork. A tired smile appears on their face,their tail wags happily and looks at the tiefling that almost seems to be waiting on his hands and knees for their praise.

--You polished them-- they noticed with a smile-- Thank you. You did an amazing job.

--Its nothing-- he smiled-- only the best for my favorite adventurer

They laugh and nodd-- Youre so sweet.

They twirl their weapons and then sheathe them. He Gently puts a hand on their back and adds.

--Be safe out there,its getting bad-- he said softly,worry in his voice-- come back in one piece.

Jeri nodd-- Of course I will,thank you for worrying-- they nuzzle the side of his face with theirs and leaves him a few gold to pay for his services. Then they flee before he can reject the payment.

His face is Pink as he toys with the coins, his tail wagging wildly. He smiles and giggles to himself.

-♡-

Jerico sits on the anvil as Dammon patches up their knee. Hes bandaging the long cut on their skin. Hes a bit mad as he talks.

--I understand Ketheric was a hard one but youre all bruise And battered. -- he looks up at them and those greyish green eyes. He sighs under his breath--I worried for you.

They look at him.

Such soft gaze,tired. They hold his gaze and Gently says-- Sorry,Dammon. I didnt want you to get all upset over me -- they answer, stroking one of his horns. The touch sends a shiver down his spine. They stroke up to the very tip with gentle touches, his eyes fall halfway closed and he forgets all about his anger.

--Its just...-- he gets up,his hands take theirs. Its hard to say it but...he couldnt wait any longer-- I love you,and I dont want to lose you.

They blink slowly at him.

--I...love you too-- They smile-- im sorry I worried you-- they squeeze his hands-- Can I...can I kiss you? For your troubles.

--Youre worth the trouble-- he smiled--But yes,please.

They pull him closer and kisses him. He kisses back and hugs their waist,squeezing them Gently. Now with them,with the shadows of the land gone, he feels lighter.

Jericos lips taste like chocolate. Their scent wrapping around him,intoxicating Him like fine wine. He sighs and deepens the kiss, their hands stroke his horns and he cant help but whine.

His face begins to warm up but they dont mind the way he reacts to their touch. They bring him closer and slowly their tails wrap around his.

They hold eachother tight and rock side to side. Meanwhile,halsin has his hand over Karlach's mouth as Shadowheart and Lae'Zel helps him Keep her back. The female tiefling seems to have a loud reaction to their Friends kissing.