#tieflings

One of my many other favorite pieces by Avanciia 😂❤️ One of Emmy's immortal daughters, Neeve (a wild magic sorcerer) accidentally turns Emmy into a baby. Anxious for a way to reverse it, Neeve and Kairon leave Emmy with her older brothers while they find a solution.

Fanden and Therran handle baby responsibilities, while also embracing this moment since they didn't grow up with her (for more on their lore, check my pinned post). You can also read all about this chapter in my fic! Let me know if you'd like to read this specific chapter and I can send it to you. 😂❤️

You can find the rest of my fic here

I slide on my night gown that barely fits over my belly and tiptoe into the bedroom, where Kairon is lying on the bed in his robe that's exposing his bare chest. 

“Ah, there you are, my love. How was your bath? You look refreshed and ready for bed,” he murmurs with a cheeky smile, patting the open space next to him with his hand. I end up curling under the blankets and snuggling next to him, trying not to freak out from the sounds I heard in the bathroom. An echo of Raphael’s evil laugh sounded way too real for it to be in my head. 

“Did you hear anything strange while I was in the bathroom?” Kairon turns his head to face me, raising an eyebrow as he tries to recall anything. Silence fills the room for a few seconds. “Kairon?”

“No, I haven't heard anything to my knowledge. But I was also a little distracted picturing you –” Kairon clears his throat and wraps his arm around my torso, burying his face in my neck as he scoots down to match my level.

“Ha, ha. Though I do hope me being pregnant doesn't change the way you view me?” He chuckles as he kisses my neck delicately, causing me to burst into a raging fit of uncontrollable giggles. 

“Never. You're radiant, glowing…absolutely beautiful, my angel. I'm guessing the neck kissing is tickling you? I was trying to be sexy, but that backfired rather quickly.” I chuckle as I turn to face him, placing my hand on his perfectly structured jaw and planting a kiss on his silken lips. 

“You're always sexy. I'm going to sleep. But maybe tomorrow, if I'm up for it, we can…partake in a few rounds of lovemaking.” 

Kairon lets out one loud laugh and I assume it's because of the verbiage I used. I groan and throw my head back on the silky, violet pillow that feels like heaven against my skull. I turn to the opposite side and close my eyes, feeling sleepiness conquer my body as Kairon’s arms wrap around me from behind. His hands touch my bump as his lips press against my ear while I drift into a slumber. 

“I am always down for our bodies intertwining with one another under the silk sheets and enjoying every inch of your flesh with my lips. Every inch. Goodnight, my love.” My eyes shoot open as he speaks those words, and now I feel like my hormones are all over the place.

The following morning, Kairon walks me to the markets to get my booth set up to sell my homemade jam. We both place the many jars up for display and once finished, he places a kiss on my forehead. 

“I'm off to work, my love. If they all sell out before I get off work, your mother will be here shortly to walk you home. I love you.” I take a deep breath, hoping this entire ordeal goes well. This is my first time selling homemade jam, and I worry it will end up a disaster. I did let Kairon sample it, and he was obsessed…and it's possible he ate two full jars of the peach flavor on the sourdough bread I baked last night. I’m hoping I have some jars left to indulge in myself. 

“I love you too, enjoy your day. I'll see you before you know it.” The early morning sun feels amazing on my flesh as I sit down on the stool, waiting for customers to come by. As people started bustling in the streets, many came by and bought a few jars. Hell, some of the same customers came back for more, which really felt good. Now, the line is long, my back hurts, and I'm trying to manage this all by myself. 

Fuck, I think to myself, feeling a contraction make it's way through my uterus. I'm not due for another two months, so I'm hoping this is a damn joke. Keep it together, Emmy. Don't let these customers see your pain. Every minute that passes and each jar that I bag, I feel more exhaustion course through me and the heat gets more intense. As long as the contractions don’t come back, I think I’ll be alright. 

Then, a miracle happens. 

“Emmy!” Therran and Fanden call out from a distance, joining me at the booth. 

“Oh thank the Gods… Guys, what are you doing here?!” My sweet, considerate brothers begin bagging some of the jars for customers, helping me out as I struggle behind the booth. “Fanden, Therran…”

“Baby angel, you’re pregnant. It’s blazing hot out here. Are you sure this is a good idea?” Therran asks, handing the final customer in line a bag with three jars of blueberry jam. We all sit down on the empty bench, with only three jars left that all of us decide to eat out of with a spoon. Fanden got the jar of strawberry, I got the jar of apple, and Therran got peach.

“Kairon tried to warn me, and I didn’t listen. For months now, I’ve been wanting to do this, and… I’m glad I did. Thank you for the help.” We all continue eating out of the jars with our cute little spoons. Fanden finishes his jar and wraps his arm around me sweetly.

“You’re so welcome, sweet girl. Mom is on her way over here, and we’ll take you home–”

“Ugh! Kairon won’t be off work for another… Well, until the sun sets. What am I going to do until then? The baby’s room is all finished, the house is clean, I don’t have anything to garden, and Delilah is with Elsabeth for the day. I’ll just be home alone. I didn’t realize how many sold out so soon… And of course, I was selfish and wanted a jar for myself.” 

The boys laugh in unison, helping me up from the bench as I struggle to do it by myself.

You can find the link to my fic on my pinned post 💜

I lean back in my seat, full as can be from devouring such a delicious breakfast. Little baby Gehenna begins kicking away, which is the result after consuming a cup of coffee, which I shall not be ashamed of considering I can have up to three cups a day. However, the sweet danishes also didn't help my case. 

“Ope…” I place my hand on my belly as I lean forward, feeling a little foot getting stuck in my ribs. Fanden and Therran stare at me in concern, curious as to what's going on in my current state. 

“Emmy, are you alright? Is it the baby?” Fanden asks, then proceeds to scoot next to me while in his chair. It isn't long before Therran does the same. 

“Just kicking away, but I take full responsibility for any potential baby-related situations that occur on this fine day. Thank you both for hanging out with me and buying breakfast. My treat next time, don't you forget it.” My brothers stand up on each side of me, reaching out for my hands, so of course I fully take advantage of the help and allow them to help me up. 

“Of course. I'm glad we live down the road from you for now, so if you need anything at all… Just know, we’re here for you. Okay?” Therran's voice is so sweet and calming to the mind, and it makes me forever grateful that my life ended up here. I grew up bullied without any friends or siblings to talk to; the only actual person I had in my life besides my own mother was Kairon. Still, siblings would have been nice growing up, especially during the two year period Kairon and I were separated. 

“Say, come to the baby shower, you two. I'll be sending invites out next tenday,” I mention, feeling a huge weight on my chest as I try to breathe just from standing up alone. 

“You bet. Let us know what baby items you need and we’ll be there.”

“No need, Therran. Kairon and I just want you two to be there, no baby items attached.” The tiefling twins cross their arms and stare down at me with the same exact smirk painted on their faces, and that's how I realized they're both stubborn as fuck. 

“We’re doing it anyway,” Fanden responds. “We’ll just surprise you, deal?” I roll my eyes playfully but accept defeat at this point, since I really don't have it in me whatsoever to argue or negotiate anything due to the sudden exhaustion I'm feeling. 

Since it will be a while before Kairon comes home, I decide to show the boys around the city of Waterdeep for a little while, exploring its beauty and quiet aesthetic. Between the calm ocean, various libraries, restaurants, and serene trails that lead into beautiful forests, what's not to love? 

I don't miss home. In fact, when I moved to Waterdeep and away from Baldur’s Gate, it was a breath of fresh air that took away so many negative emotions that stirred within me for so long. Even though Baldur’s Gate was fully restored and much more safe to live in, I still hate picturing everything I endured there before the defeat of the monstrosity known as the Elder Brain. Yeah, the ‘God’ citizens called the Absolute that was fully responsible for turning people into mindflayers. Showing my brothers around Waterdeep just makes me appreciate this place even more. 

After a little while, I'm brought back to the tower because the boys are completing the final touches on their new home today. As I open the front door, I notice a surprise in front of me: Karlach sitting on the sofa across from Kairon in our living room. While it’s been ages since I've seen her and I should be jumping with excitement, nervousness causes me to feel beyond nauseous. Usually it's the pregnancy that makes me feel this way, but not today. 

“Soldier! You’re– you're glowing!” She kneels down for a moment to speak to baby Gehenna that continues to dance happily in the womb. “And little soldier! Auntie Karlach is so ready to babysit the shit out of you. Emmy, my gods, I can't even begin to tell you how much I missed you.” She immediately springs off the sofa without skipping a beat and bolts my direction with open arms. Of course, in response, I do the same. 

“I sure have missed you Karlach. I definitely didn't expect to see you today, how have you been?! What are you doing in Waterdeep? Tell me everything. Should I make tea?!”  After hugging for a solid minute, we released each other from the comforting grip that brought back memories. While I was hoping to bump into her at some point, I most certainly didn't expect it to happen today. 

“I'll let your husband tell you the fantastic news! Kairon?!” My husband smiles as he stands up and saunters towards me with a little jig in his step. My eyes shift in various directions, curious as to what in the hells is going on now. 

“I'll take it as a ‘no’ on the tea, then.”

“Karlach bought a cottage here in Waterdeep, so not only will you be closer to Shadowheart and Astarion soon, but also our favorite energetic tiefling. Now, while I'm teaching at the Academy, you'll be able to reconnect with our friends again.” 

My jaw drops from excitement while I bounce on my toes from the good news presented to me. It will be nice to stay connected with my best friends and continue to be close with them, especially with my due date just around the corner. 

“Well, one of our favorite energetic tieflings,” I tease as Kairon pulls me in close for a hug. It isn't long before her excited facial expression shifts into a more bamboozled one. Yes, that's exactly how I'm going to start up the awkward conversation I've been dreading this whole time. 

“Have I been…replaced? Soldier, I’m hurt!” Karlach teases, and it shows because the smile she tried to fight manages to break through the mask. However, I sigh as I try to break the news. Karlach senses my distress, so she takes my hand within hers and drags me away from Kairon’s embrace so I can sit on the sofa. My husband comes to the realization of what's about to happen, but he maintains a calm structure and blank expression as he sits down next to me.

“Karlach, there's no easy way to say this…and I'm begging you not to abandon our friendship over this, because I care about you so much. But… I met with my biological father yesterday after many years of not knowing who he was. And–”

“It's Gortash, isn't it? The bastard that ruined my life?” Off to a great start. I feel my heartbeat accelerating within my chest as I try to hold in the panic. 

“Yes.” Karlach sighs and places her face within her hands, trying to stay calm as he accepts the news. “But listen–”

“Don't justify what he did, Emmy. Just don't. I know you can't help it that you were born from his dastardly seed, but do not excuse his horrible actions. The atrocities. Tyranny… None of it was okay.”  I’m trying my damned best to keep my emotions in check, but I can feel warm tears forming behind my eye sockets. 

“I'm not. What he did was inexcusable and I hate that he put you through that. He explained everything to me and how he turned out the way he did, the torture he went through, the horrible childhood… And he said he will never forgive himself for what he did to you. Ever. I don't know if I'll ever fully forgive him either. In fact, I'm torn on how to feel.” Kairon’s hand inches toward mine, then delicately grabs it. Our fingers link together as I try to hold back the sobs that are attempting to escape. 

Karlach stays silent for a moment as she studies my face, then takes a heavy breath as she tries to pull herself together. 

“I love you, Emmy. Always have, always will. You’re my best friend for life, but…it will take some time before I can come to terms with this fully. I don't know if I can ever face this man again, but if I do, I expect more than just an apology from him.” I nod, fully understanding where she's coming from. It's uncertain where the future leads us and who we can really trust in the end, but only time will tell. 

I end up telling Karlach about my brothers as well, which luckily calmed the tension that was being built up. She's actually thrilled to meet them at my baby shower, which makes me happy to know she's actually coming. 

As she's about to leave, I notice a little bit of sadness and fear within her eyes, and that's exactly what I was afraid of. 

“Hey soldier. It'll be alright. Just give me some time, alright? Love you. See you soon.” While her words are reassuring, I still feel an ache in my heart. 

“Love you,” I whimper as I watch her turn around and shut the door behind her. A devastated sigh creeps through my lips, yet I manage to relax my shoulders. I feel Kairon’s hand rub my back in comfort, but as I turn to face him, I notice an expression of relief painted on his face which includes a light smile. 

“That went a lot better than anticipated I think. How do you feel?” Kairon asks me as he places a hand on my cheek, gazing passionately into my eyes with his. A huff escapes my nostrils as I try to fight a sigh. 

“I suppose. The baby shower will be awkward though. Oh well, I just have to hope for the best I suppose. Thank you for being by my side through it all.” Somehow the perfect smile on Kairon’s face still lingers, and it's actually rather comforting to say the least. 

The rest of the day consisted of finishing up the baby’s room and gathering the remainder of the fruits from my garden to create homemade jam for the markets tomorrow morning. I always love going and selling food from my booth in the middle of the city, I always meet new and interesting people. Seeing other vendors there is also a lot of fun. 

It's finally evening and, after a fulfilling dinner, I’m ready for a warm lavender and curling up in bed with the love of my life. I start the bath water, watching the tub fill up with water as I add in the rose petals and lavender herbs. I begin stripping myself of all the clothing, placing my hand on my bump as I feel the little one calm down. The scent is refreshing and soothes my senses as I carefully step into the tub. Kairon is waiting in bed for me, and I'm so excited to just curl up under the thick blankets with him, our bodies touching intimately as we gaze into each other’s souls. 

I'll be growing old with this man. 

As I lean back into the tub and close my eyes, I hear a very faint, maniacal laughter from somewhere in the distance, or possibly my mind. It resembles Raphael, who I'm almost confident I killed…at least, I thought I did. 

Thank you for the tag @unovafarm and @kt-catt !! 😁

Since I'm on a *short* writing hiatus with Song-Hexed, I am going to just post chapter 6! 🥺✨ you can find the rest of my fic on AO3 (link pinned on page)

CHAPTER 6

Shadowheart and Astarion ended up staying over much later than anticipated, and the moment Kairon and I crawled in bed together, I immediately remembered that my brothers will be here in the morning to pick me up for breakfast. Plus, Kairon has to work. 

“Mmmm,” I groan as I lie here sleepily in bed with Kairon, the baby active and kicking my insides as I attempt to fall asleep. 

“An active little one, I take it? Or are your muscles hurting again, my love?” Kairon gently twirls my thick, curly brown hair with his fingers as I'm curled up next to his warm body. My eyes are closed, but I'm still awake for the most part as I continue to think about the nervousness of meeting up with my brothers and eventually telling Karlach all I've learned over the course of a day. 

“Mmm…the baby…” Kairon places his hand on my belly and chuckles, feeling our little one squirm nonstop in the depths of my womb. He rubs it gently and begins to hum softly, in an attempt to calm the baby down. If anything, it put me to sleep and I slept through the movements somehow. I did feel Kairon’s lips touch the top of my head softly as I drift into a heavy slumber, however. 

I slept a long time but it didn't feel like it, considering I woke up to Kairon shaking me awake. As I lift my head, drool drips down my chin and onto my purple, silk pillow. 

“My darling Emmy, I have to go to the Academy for a few hours, but the day will pass by before you know it. Fanden and Therran – who are very nice gentlemen, by the way – are in the living room waiting for you.” I stretch my body as I lift myself out of bed, then manage to stand up without any issues other than the fact my hair is a disaster. Kairon kisses my lips sweetly and chuckles as he brushes my curly bangs out of my face. 

“I'll miss you. Have fun teaching today,” I murmur as I get on my tip-toes and plant a kiss on his lips. His hands are on my waist, pulling me close and not wanting to let go. For some reason, I get the impression he loves feeling the baby bump between us. 

“Oh I will. Don't hesitate to send Delilah to get me if a problem occurs. I love you.” I smile, watching him open our bedroom door as he begins to leave the bedroom. I call after him before he shuts it behind him,

“I love you too. So very much.”

I don't want to keep Fanden and Therran waiting, so I brush out my chocolate-brown hair as quickly as possible, putting it up in a bun, where my half-elven ears are well exposed. I slip into my brown pants that are embroidered with a pink vine and floral design on the sides, and slide on my pink shirt with ruffled sleeves. This shirt really exposes my baby bump – and by that, I mean I look extra pregnant. But hey, today marks the seventh month of pregnancy, and at least I look somewhat put together.  I take a deep breath, nervous yet excited to get to know my brothers more, and then step out of the bedroom. From the upstairs railing, I notice them sitting on the couch talking, while I begin to trot happily down the stairs. My brothers both smile at me as I approach the living room. 

“Hey there little sis– er, Emmy,” Fanden comments, standing up with Therran as we prepare for the morning ahead of us. I laugh lightly, grabbing my pack from the kitchen counter and then reaching out for a hug. 

“You can call me little sister. Or, if you feel inclined, the nicknames ‘princess’ and ‘baby girl’ work too.” 

For the first time, my brothers and I hug one another. And at that moment we exchanged a comforting embrace, I felt a surge of happiness and safety, and I didn't want the feeling to disappear. 

“Well then, shall we scoot, baby girl?” Therran asks, a cheeky smile curling on his face that's beyond contagious. I hook both of my arms around his and Fanden’s, who both stand on each side of me, and we leave the tower ready for a light yet beautiful morning ahead of us. 

“Nice tower, by the way. And your husband seems nice. Kairon, was it?” Fanden asks as we stroll along the path that leads to the middle of the city. “By the looks of it, he's a professor.”

“Correct on both accounts. It's a long story, but mother moved to Neverwinter when she was pregnant with me to start fresh. Kairon ended up being my neighbor when we were six years old and we became best friends immediately! In fact, he was my only friend… Anyway, fast forward, he moves to Baldur’s Gate a few years later, and so do we. We ended up reuniting in school, started dating, and… Well, here we are. We moved in with each other, but then got abducted on a nautiloid where we were infected with goddamn Mindflayer tadpoles, and– Well, we got married shortly after defeating the Absolute. Whew! Sorry guys, I'll shut up.”

As I attempt to continue walking, Fanden and Therran pause in their tracks; gee, I wonder why? It couldn’t be because the word vomit that spewed out of my mouth sounded like absolute nonsense, but then again, a majority of Faerȗn is all too familiar with the whole catastrophic and traumatizing events that killed many. I stare at them with a puzzled expression, tilting my head as I attempt to understand why they stopped. 

“You were one of the ones that fell victim to that?” Fanden’s eyes widened, appearing to be in a complete state of shock. “Emmy, I’m so sorry.” I shrug, disregarding the trauma that stuck with me for over a year, and acting like it’s no big deal anymore. My brothers won’t take their eyes off me, trying to grasp the fact I nearly died. I sense ‘overprotective brother’ already becoming present despite the fact we just met, and I’m not even going to complain.

“Nah, it’s all good. I’m alive despite it all, and in a place I never imagined myself in. I’m really thrilled to know I have two brothers I can experience life with, too. My baby has uncles! Which… I have over a million questions for the two of you once we sit down. How familiar are you with Waterdeep?”

“Not at all, we’ve lived in Baldur’s Gate our entire lives, so lead the way. Show us your favorite breakfast place,” Therran states with a kind tone and cheesy smile on his face. I squeal, and immediately release my arms from theirs, skipping enthusiastically ahead of them. 

“Come on, follow me!” I lead the boys to my favorite pastry shop that also sells various teas and coffee, and it’s actually the very first place Kairon and I went on a proper date after moving to Waterdeep. It’s actually an outdoor restaurant that just reopened for the rest of the year, since winter just left us at last. I’m so glad we arrived before it got too busy! We take our seats at the first available table and my brothers gaze over the menu, while I already know what I want. 

“You already know what you want, huh?” Fanden questions with a smirk that shows off his tiefling fangs. His crimson hair shines from the rays of the exposed golden sun.

“There’s one very important thing you need to know about me: I will throw hands for cherry danishes and a nice coffee. That’s my go-to breakfast. Kairon calls it the ‘Emmy special.’ I’m very particular about my coffee, though.” 

“We’ll keep that in mind, baby girl.” I kick my feet excitedly, absolutely loving the adorable names my brothers are calling me, and I hope they don’t stop. They both laugh at my reaction as they place the menus down in front of them. The waitress then proceeds to take our orders, and once she steps away, I prepare my questions to ask the twins. 

“Alright. Boys… Tell me about you. Your mother, your life growing up…” Fanden raises an eyebrow and chuckles, while Therran leans back with a tilted head. “Too soon?”

“No, just surprised you want to get straight to the point with the more personal stuff. Which we will gladly get into. So… Fanden and I were separated at birth. Our birth mom had us in the middle of the streets, left me for dead while Fanden was being raised by her. I was found by my adoptive mom, who found me in the middle of the streets crying.” Therran is managing to keep a straight face as he speaks, but a sparkle in his eye tells me that he’s fighting the urge to cry. He shifts his gaze toward Fanden, who begins to tell his part of the story. 

“When I was eight, our birth mom ran off somewhere and never came home. I was left with a baby sitter most days, and she ended up leaving when she realized my mom was never coming back, which led me to roaming the streets and trying to find a way to survive. I was put into an orphanage, but lucky for me, Therran’s adoptive mom adopted me too. So we found our way back together.” Fanden places his hand on Therran’s shoulder and they smile at one another, which melts my heart just seeing them so close. Hopefully, I can form just as strong as a bond with them. 

“I’m sorry you both endured so much. But I’m glad you both grew up with such a wonderful woman. Do you visit her often?” 

Fanden and Therran exchange a saddened look, hesitating as they try to figure out their next words and who is going to say them. I waited patiently, yet hoping I didn’t strike a nerve somehow. 

“She died,” my brothers say simultaneously, and at that moment my chest began to hurt. Sadness courses through my veins as I sit here with a blank expression and a mind that’s racing a million miles per second. 

“I’m… I’m so sorry. I wish I knew what to say. I wish we grew up together and we could have experienced this weird thing called life side by side.”

“It was a few weeks ago. Larina, your mom, considers us her own now. I hope that’s alright,” Fanden comments, his voice soft yet weak from fighting tears. I nod without a second thought, giving them a light smile in the process for reassurance. I already feel so close with my siblings, and we just found out about each other yesterday. 

“I would be offended if she didn’t consider you her own. How did our father find you? I’m so confused about how all of this just…came about all at the same time, how everyone found one another.” 

“Gortash didn’t know he had kids until recently. However, he saw a letter Zephrine, our birth mom, wrote him. It wasn’t until it was too late, and she said she gave birth to two of his kids. After that…it was all a blur. Thanks to a healer in Baldur’s Gate, we confirmed our blood matches his. Hopefully we’ll know more as life goes on,” Therran confirms, and at that moment, the waitress delivers our breakfast to the table. The delicious scent of cherry danishes causes my mind to go rabid from the excitement. 

“Well, you guys have me as long as I’m around. I hope you know that. And I know this is…weird for me to say, considering we hardly know much about each other, but… I love you guys.” I shut my eyes nervously, feeling like a dummy for even saying that and they probably think it’s weird. My eyes are shut so tight, I can almost feel my entire head stiffen. I hear a light, wholehearted sound of laughter from both of my brothers. 

“Emmy, baby, open your eyes,” Therran murmurs, his voice calm and collected. I slowly open the windows to my soul, noticing Fanden and Therran smiling ever-so sweetly at me. “We love you too.”

I’m so happy. So very happy.