infernalapparatus

[infernalapparatus]

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

LIKE SHE NEEDED A REMINDER OF THAT . Weathered hands worked hard into the muscles of her shoulders, kneading slow circles into her flesh to relieve the pent-up stress. She sits behind the smaller woman, her large hands easily covering a portion of her slender shoulders, and they shift down to rub at her back as well. Karlach is always pleasantly warm - perhaps a little sweltering at times, but it's nothing close to searing.

" I know, you really needed this, Ser. " The big barbarian hums softly, continuing with easy motions of her thumbs and palms, easing the knots out of particularly tight muscles. SHE HAD DONE THIS ONE OR TWICE BEFORE. A hand snakes forward for just a moment, giving her breast a playful squeeze, before it wanders back again leisurely. " Bah, callin' yourself old... You're a hoot. Guess kid number three doesn't get much easier on you, now, does it? " She grins, pressing her lips to the back of the elf's head for a moment, before her motions continue.

[infernalapparatus]

SHOULDER VENTS EXHALE PUFFS OF SMOKE . Wispy and light smoke, form just a little touch, just a little kiss. It seems her excitement knew no bounds. Even the littlest touch would get her revved up.

" Lookin' into plans already? I should be so honored! Much as I love that idea, I think I should dedicate my time 'n effort right now into a kid. " She respectfully says, smiling to herself as she positions her body to face Sera better. Had half a mind to drag the busty elf into her lap - but she wouldn't be so crude in front of the woman's daughters. SHE WASN ' T THAT DARING YET .

" Still gotta brainstorm names. Something pretty but tough for a girl, and... Something friendly and strong for a boy. This is kinda my, ah, first time doing this whole parenting thing. So I'm prolly gonna be leaning on you quite a bit for that. "

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

HER TOUCH WAS ADDICTIVE . It was immediate, the way she melted into the gentle touch of her cheek, feeling the softness of her hand, the cool embrace of her touch alone. It sent sparks flying. She releases a breath, feeling so overwhelmed by the thought - but this was good. No, this was great. Wasn't it? To have some place to go after Avernus, after she was free. She still can't seem to wrap her head around this - around the swelled belly of the elf. Proof of their love's labor. They weren't together much - only a handful of times over the course of a week, but she wasn't particularly careful. How could she be, when Sera was so tempting, so beautiful?

She is dragged into the house by her hand and her prehensile tail catches the door, swinging it shut, and she is guided to the kitchen. The house isn't entirely built to accommodate someone of her size - but not many places were. She only has to duck a few times to avoid smacking her horn off of a doorframe or two. She ends in the kitchen, where there are two other girls, already settled at the table. Karlach grins and approaches, brushing her lips against Sera's pointed ears she slips past, and the behemoth of a tiefling settles at the table. Her tail swaggers behind, flickering about to show her positive emotions. IT WAS QUITE THE TELL .

" Alicia, Lief - nice to meet you girls in the flesh. " She greets, a cheeky grin on her lips, and her hands fold over themselves politely. Very conscious of her size and the amount of space she takes up. Her eyes shimmer when she glances at the elf in question, feeling how her engine fluttered in her chest at the mention of it. PRIDE , UNSHACKLED . " Aye, guess so. " She warmly says - and has half a mind to drag the elf into her lap and rest her hands against the swell of it. But she'd play nice.

" Your mum has mentioned you two a lot - colleges and monasteries - she's pretty proud of you two. Pride 'n joy, right there. "

[infernalapparatus]

WHO KNEW A TOUCH COULD BE SO CLEANSING ? Like a weight lifted free from a heavy burden to shoulder. A softness she hadn't fully felt before settling in its place, her eyes like shimmering gold relaxing by such a simple action. Her palm, resting over what might grow to be a great person some day. It was an affirmation. She hoped to raise this kid to be compassionate. Loving. She hoped she could find that with Sera.

Eyes flicker up at Alicia's comment, as it startled out of her stupor, and she offers an embarrassed grin. THAT WOULD TAKE SOME GETTING USED TO .

" Hey, kiddo. How 'bout Mama K for now? Had lotsa people call me that. Rolls off the tongue a tad easier, don't it? " She chimes, before settling into her chair. GETTING COMFORTABLE . She still wasn't gonna finish that tea. " Yeah... I like the sound of that. Whaddya think, 'mum'? " She playfully elbows Sera's arm, her grin picking back up.

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

HER TOUCH WAS ADDICTIVE . It was immediate, the way she melted into the gentle touch of her cheek, feeling the softness of her hand, the cool embrace of her touch alone. It sent sparks flying. She releases a breath, feeling so overwhelmed by the thought - but this was good. No, this was great. Wasn't it? To have some place to go after Avernus, after she was free. She still can't seem to wrap her head around this - around the swelled belly of the elf. Proof of their love's labor. They weren't together much - only a handful of times over the course of a week, but she wasn't particularly careful. How could she be, when Sera was so tempting, so beautiful?

She is dragged into the house by her hand and her prehensile tail catches the door, swinging it shut, and she is guided to the kitchen. The house isn't entirely built to accommodate someone of her size - but not many places were. She only has to duck a few times to avoid smacking her horn off of a doorframe or two. She ends in the kitchen, where there are two other girls, already settled at the table. Karlach grins and approaches, brushing her lips against Sera's pointed ears she slips past, and the behemoth of a tiefling settles at the table. Her tail swaggers behind, flickering about to show her positive emotions. IT WAS QUITE THE TELL .

" Alicia, Lief - nice to meet you girls in the flesh. " She greets, a cheeky grin on her lips, and her hands fold over themselves politely. Very conscious of her size and the amount of space she takes up. Her eyes shimmer when she glances at the elf in question, feeling how her engine fluttered in her chest at the mention of it. PRIDE , UNSHACKLED . " Aye, guess so. " She warmly says - and has half a mind to drag the elf into her lap and rest her hands against the swell of it. But she'd play nice.

" Your mum has mentioned you two a lot - colleges and monasteries - she's pretty proud of you two. Pride 'n joy, right there. "

[infernalapparatus]

WHO KNEW A GRIN COULD BE SO BRIGHT ? Playfully her massive hand is withdrawn upon being playfully slapped - but for only a moment. Because it moves right back in to rest with Sera's again, thick fingers slipping between slender ones, and she marvels at the difference of their size. Such a small woman, so quick to nestle up to her. She hid her grin behind another sip of her tea.

... Which she nearly spit out at the comment. Karlach had laid with Sera many different ways over a week, back six months ago, but that position had been one of the first. To ensure that she kept the elf in one piece - and she didn't mind that outcome. HELLS , SHE DIDN ' T MIND THIS ONE . Her cheeks flushed a light cyan color at the comment, but her grin didn't falter. It kept her lips from closing around the rim of her comically small cup, however, so she gave up trying to sip at it.

" Seems like that might be your good luck charm. " The barbarian teases with a chuckle, before her lips curl into a more romantic look and her eyelids flutter to a half-close. She stares back at the elf, giving her hand a small, supportive squeeze. " WELL . . . couldn't leave you all alone with this little devil, now could I? M'folks raised me better than that. Plus... " And she leans over a little more, setting the cup down to tentatively raise a hand to her stomach. But she doesn't touch. " This could be... Nice. A nice change. "

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

HER TOUCH WAS ADDICTIVE . It was immediate, the way she melted into the gentle touch of her cheek, feeling the softness of her hand, the cool embrace of her touch alone. It sent sparks flying. She releases a breath, feeling so overwhelmed by the thought - but this was good. No, this was great. Wasn't it? To have some place to go after Avernus, after she was free. She still can't seem to wrap her head around this - around the swelled belly of the elf. Proof of their love's labor. They weren't together much - only a handful of times over the course of a week, but she wasn't particularly careful. How could she be, when Sera was so tempting, so beautiful?

She is dragged into the house by her hand and her prehensile tail catches the door, swinging it shut, and she is guided to the kitchen. The house isn't entirely built to accommodate someone of her size - but not many places were. She only has to duck a few times to avoid smacking her horn off of a doorframe or two. She ends in the kitchen, where there are two other girls, already settled at the table. Karlach grins and approaches, brushing her lips against Sera's pointed ears she slips past, and the behemoth of a tiefling settles at the table. Her tail swaggers behind, flickering about to show her positive emotions. IT WAS QUITE THE TELL .

" Alicia, Lief - nice to meet you girls in the flesh. " She greets, a cheeky grin on her lips, and her hands fold over themselves politely. Very conscious of her size and the amount of space she takes up. Her eyes shimmer when she glances at the elf in question, feeling how her engine fluttered in her chest at the mention of it. PRIDE , UNSHACKLED . " Aye, guess so. " She warmly says - and has half a mind to drag the elf into her lap and rest her hands against the swell of it. But she'd play nice.

" Your mum has mentioned you two a lot - colleges and monasteries - she's pretty proud of you two. Pride 'n joy, right there. "

[infernalapparatus]

Duty Sentences, Vol. 2

(Sentences from various sources for muses that have duty demanded of them. Adjust phrasing where needed)

"Such a display of loyalty! You don't see that much anymore."

"It's hard for me not to follow orders."

"Duty is a good teacher."

"You set standards for yourself no one could meet."

"I expect more from you than the polite appearance of cooperation."

"Have you forgotten who you're working for?"

"You don't care about your family's legacy?"

"I am proud of you. Proud that your obedience is absolute."

"You disappoint me."

"Don't allow yourself to get distracted."

"You've gone soft. We're going to fix that, for your own benefit."

"If there is something that needs to be done, I will do that."

"Do you find it hard to do your duty?"

"Blood takes precedence over everything."

"I know you will not disappoint me."

"Feelings don't matter any more than right or wrong. Orders are what matter."

"In society, one must learn to conform."

"I had no real childhood. I was an imitation adult because that was what was expected of me."

"Your appreciation is neither expected nor required. Your commitment is all that I ask."

"I admire your loyalty. I hope you feel that for me someday."

"You were out of line today."

"It's your duty to see that no one gets hurt."

"Are you ready to be important?"

"What the hell has my country done for me?"

"I do not expect you to fail."

"You brought embarrassment to me, to yourself, and to this country."

"I'm not going to give up. I can't give up."

"I'm just following orders."

"I'm a monster. What I do is evil - I have no illusions about it, but it must be done."

"I did as I was told, as always."

"Fail, and you will be held accountable. Am I making myself clear?"

"It's not my first choice, but it's my only choice."

"You've lost track of the greater good here."

"You do this properly or not at all."

"You'll do as you're told."

[infernalapparatus]

A BURLY HAND GRIPS THE SHAFT OF HER AXE . She drags it up out of the dirt with a fluid motion, hefting the blade upwards, and she swings it over her back. It's habitual at this point, sheathing her weapon, and she can do it with one motion without giving it much thought. Her other hand locates the snaps and she fastens the shaft, most of the blood having dripped off when it was in the ground. She steps over the bodies and nods at her companion, looking rather smug.

" Aye, guess you got a valid point. " The tiefling replies, shuffling her boot against the ground - smearing red along with it. And, her other foot shuffles forward, a quick little dance with her feet to wipe everything off. Her shoulders shrug as massive arms stretch out, keeping herself limber, and she paces over to join Astarion. HER ENGINE STILL BURNS HOT - HE COULD FEEL IT FROM A FOOT AWAY .

" Bloodbath now, actual bath later. Maybe a nice river or something - get all the grime 'n guts off. Well, I'm ready to march on! "

" NEVER WOULDA GUESSED THAT , WITH YOU BEING SO FAR AWAY . " Karlach remarks, taking a few steps in - until she's only a few paces from Astarion. The hulking woman swings her axe down and impales the heft of the blade into the dirt below - allowing the blood to siphon off and feed the soil beneath. Regardless of how she looks, like a fresh massacre, Karlach releases a jovial little noise, her pearly whites flashed in his direction. Her own tiefling fangs, all eight of the buggers. It was no wonder she didn't question his own.

" Ha! Almost sounded a little like Lae there, didn't I? Bet I can do a smashing impression. " Karlach giggles to herself, her eyes flickering over the tall, slender man - but not nearly as tall as her. KARLACH WAS THE TOWERING TYPE . She never let that get in the way, though. It was obvious the way her eyes lit up at his comment, however, and her tail swishes with excitement behind her.

" Mff. You know how to flatter a woman, soldier. Careful, I'll start burning hotter if you keep that up. " And it's proven, the way that thick black smoke chokes out of the vents in her shoulders, and her eyes seem to glow in a nearly animal way. EXCITEMENT .

[infernalapparatus]

KARLACH ' S CHUCKLE IS HEARTY AND GENUINE . She had a knack for that sort of thing - and Sera would have learned it over their brief time together. Her lips twitch into a grin once more, her pointed canines revealed with the motion, and she takes the tea on the plate. Quite frankly, the cup looked ridiculous in her thick hands, but she was remarkably careful. As soon as Sera found her place next to the barbarian, her tail curled around her back, the prehensile appendage seeking her out to wrap gently around her.

The little glass presses in her lips as she sips it - before sticking her tongue out. YUCK . It didn't burn her, as it would have been impossible to do so, save for if it were imbued with Hellfire. Still, she politely drank the tea anyhow.

" Little early to think about tying the knot. " Karlach nonchalantly says, her eye shifting down to the slender hand laying atop her own - and she makes a note of the difference. One hand would easily capture both of the elf's, if she so desired. But she would be so careful with her. SHE HAD A LITTLE DEVILISH BUN IN THE OVEN , AFTER ALL .

" Think I'd prefer to feel things out first. I've rushed into shit all my life - time to take it a little slower. BUT . . . I'm gonna be a part of this one's life, no matter what. " She mumbles, sliding her gaze back to Sera's abdomen, her engine thrumming with her nerves. Her fingers shift to wrap around the other woman's, cradling her hand in her own. " I'm no substitute or replacement for pops, you two, but... Least I can do is help keep ya out of trouble. I'm not the sharpest axe in the arsenal, but I've got some experience. If, uh... You don't mind if your mum keeps me along for the ride. " Heh-heh. Double entendre.

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

HER TOUCH WAS ADDICTIVE . It was immediate, the way she melted into the gentle touch of her cheek, feeling the softness of her hand, the cool embrace of her touch alone. It sent sparks flying. She releases a breath, feeling so overwhelmed by the thought - but this was good. No, this was great. Wasn't it? To have some place to go after Avernus, after she was free. She still can't seem to wrap her head around this - around the swelled belly of the elf. Proof of their love's labor. They weren't together much - only a handful of times over the course of a week, but she wasn't particularly careful. How could she be, when Sera was so tempting, so beautiful?

She is dragged into the house by her hand and her prehensile tail catches the door, swinging it shut, and she is guided to the kitchen. The house isn't entirely built to accommodate someone of her size - but not many places were. She only has to duck a few times to avoid smacking her horn off of a doorframe or two. She ends in the kitchen, where there are two other girls, already settled at the table. Karlach grins and approaches, brushing her lips against Sera's pointed ears she slips past, and the behemoth of a tiefling settles at the table. Her tail swaggers behind, flickering about to show her positive emotions. IT WAS QUITE THE TELL .

" Alicia, Lief - nice to meet you girls in the flesh. " She greets, a cheeky grin on her lips, and her hands fold over themselves politely. Very conscious of her size and the amount of space she takes up. Her eyes shimmer when she glances at the elf in question, feeling how her engine fluttered in her chest at the mention of it. PRIDE , UNSHACKLED . " Aye, guess so. " She warmly says - and has half a mind to drag the elf into her lap and rest her hands against the swell of it. But she'd play nice.

" Your mum has mentioned you two a lot - colleges and monasteries - she's pretty proud of you two. Pride 'n joy, right there. "

[infernalapparatus]

ASPIRATIONS WERE A NICE THING TO HAVE . These young girls seemed to be full of them - and it was admirable. Karlach's eyes, having faded back from blue to gold, shine with adoration. She leans forward, placing her elbows against the table, as she turns her gaze up towards Sera again. More pointedly, where her hand continues to rest. Fingers toy idly with claws. She tears her gaze back, pointed now at the daughters instead.

" Your mum makes a good point. Adventure will wait for ya to age up a little first - get you properly prepared and all that. " She muses, shifting a little in the seat she was in - and her lips pull into a smaller, crooked smile. IT SEEMED A LITTLE SUBDUED .

" If I'm honest, Ser? I've had enough adventure to last me a lifetime. I just want to settle down - own a tavern. Been a dream of mine for a while. Exacted my revenge, and I'm not burning up anymore - so I just want to take it slow where I can. " She admits, and her left thumb thoughtfully brushes over her heavily scarred right hand - WROUGHT WITH BURNS FROM A LIFETIME OF HARDSHIP .

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

HER TOUCH WAS ADDICTIVE . It was immediate, the way she melted into the gentle touch of her cheek, feeling the softness of her hand, the cool embrace of her touch alone. It sent sparks flying. She releases a breath, feeling so overwhelmed by the thought - but this was good. No, this was great. Wasn't it? To have some place to go after Avernus, after she was free. She still can't seem to wrap her head around this - around the swelled belly of the elf. Proof of their love's labor. They weren't together much - only a handful of times over the course of a week, but she wasn't particularly careful. How could she be, when Sera was so tempting, so beautiful?

She is dragged into the house by her hand and her prehensile tail catches the door, swinging it shut, and she is guided to the kitchen. The house isn't entirely built to accommodate someone of her size - but not many places were. She only has to duck a few times to avoid smacking her horn off of a doorframe or two. She ends in the kitchen, where there are two other girls, already settled at the table. Karlach grins and approaches, brushing her lips against Sera's pointed ears she slips past, and the behemoth of a tiefling settles at the table. Her tail swaggers behind, flickering about to show her positive emotions. IT WAS QUITE THE TELL .

" Alicia, Lief - nice to meet you girls in the flesh. " She greets, a cheeky grin on her lips, and her hands fold over themselves politely. Very conscious of her size and the amount of space she takes up. Her eyes shimmer when she glances at the elf in question, feeling how her engine fluttered in her chest at the mention of it. PRIDE , UNSHACKLED . " Aye, guess so. " She warmly says - and has half a mind to drag the elf into her lap and rest her hands against the swell of it. But she'd play nice.

" Your mum has mentioned you two a lot - colleges and monasteries - she's pretty proud of you two. Pride 'n joy, right there. "

[infernalapparatus]

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

HER TOUCH WAS ADDICTIVE . It was immediate, the way she melted into the gentle touch of her cheek, feeling the softness of her hand, the cool embrace of her touch alone. It sent sparks flying. She releases a breath, feeling so overwhelmed by the thought - but this was good. No, this was great. Wasn't it? To have some place to go after Avernus, after she was free. She still can't seem to wrap her head around this - around the swelled belly of the elf. Proof of their love's labor. They weren't together much - only a handful of times over the course of a week, but she wasn't particularly careful. How could she be, when Sera was so tempting, so beautiful?

She is dragged into the house by her hand and her prehensile tail catches the door, swinging it shut, and she is guided to the kitchen. The house isn't entirely built to accommodate someone of her size - but not many places were. She only has to duck a few times to avoid smacking her horn off of a doorframe or two. She ends in the kitchen, where there are two other girls, already settled at the table. Karlach grins and approaches, brushing her lips against Sera's pointed ears she slips past, and the behemoth of a tiefling settles at the table. Her tail swaggers behind, flickering about to show her positive emotions. IT WAS QUITE THE TELL .

" Alicia, Lief - nice to meet you girls in the flesh. " She greets, a cheeky grin on her lips, and her hands fold over themselves politely. Very conscious of her size and the amount of space she takes up. Her eyes shimmer when she glances at the elf in question, feeling how her engine fluttered in her chest at the mention of it. PRIDE , UNSHACKLED . " Aye, guess so. " She warmly says - and has half a mind to drag the elf into her lap and rest her hands against the swell of it. But she'd play nice.

" Your mum has mentioned you two a lot - colleges and monasteries - she's pretty proud of you two. Pride 'n joy, right there. "

[infernalapparatus]

TO HER SURPRISE , THE FACE THAT GREETED HER WAS FAMILIAR . Not the one she was expecting, but one she remembered from an illustration she had seen - one of Sera's daughters. The younger one.

" I take it you're Alicia? " The barbarian chimes, offering a hand out, and her broad lips pull into a grin. " I'm Karlach. Your mum's friend. But, guessin' you picked up on that. " Her tail flickers behind her, the tip twitching in excitement, even as the teenager turns away and calls for her mother. The giant barbarian withdraws her hand, taking note that it went unshaken - damn, maybe she was getting old. It probably wasn't cool to do that anymore. SHE DIDN ' T KNOW .... But what she DID know was that Sera's appearance caused her engine to whir in joy, and her brows to rise.

The tiefling doesn't step inside, somehow so polite after years in the worst place, but her jaw does drop upon seeing Sera. Sera, the elf she has messed around with, who she would have called lover if she had more time back then - was pregnant. PREGNANT . Her brain short-circuits for a moment.

" S-ser. " She takes a moment, grabbed round the shoulders, and pulled into a kiss. So sweet, one that drags a moan of surprise out of her lips - and a giant hand falls to rest against Sera's tentatively. Against the curve of her belly. Karlach pulls back a touch, gazing down with wonder filling her eyes - which shifted back to blue. Intimacy tended to do that to her. " Sh-shit! I mean, I, uhm- " She stammered over her words. SMOOTH , SOLDIER .

" I, you're... Is... " WORDS WERE HARD . She struggles, taking her palm back, so many thoughts running through her head. She groans in frustration, before looking back into the elf's eyes, and she embraces her suddenly. Mindful of her belly. " Gods! I've missed you. Sorry - I'm thick in the head, or some shit. I'm -- is that.. handy work. Gods, did I knock you up? "

SIX LONG MONTHS IN AVERNUS . That's what it took for Karlach to fight her way, tooth and nail, out of that shitty place and find a suitable replacement for her engine-heart. And after she found it? Well, that was easy. She found her way to an address given to her months prior - and found herself standing outside of a house she had never been to. Weathered hand rubbed together nervously. What the bleeding hells was her problem? She felt anxious to even knock on the door.

But she was tougher than that. Ten Faerûn years and some number of months? THAT WAS PROOF . It was then that she raised her fist - and scarred knuckles rapped against the wood.

" Sera? You here? Shit, hope I got the right place... "

The door opens and a teenage tiefling looks out, then up. "Bloody hell you are huge like ma said." She says, her hair white with red streaks, a familiar elven cast to her features. "I'll get ma." She turns and runs inside, leaving the door open. "Ma ma, there is a fire giant here to see you!"

Grumbling, there is a moment before Sera reaches the door, one hand resting on a swollen belly. "By the gods, you came!" Her face lights up as she grabs Karlach and pulls her down into a kiss. "Come to see your handy work?" She teases.

[infernalapparatus]

THE WORLD WASN ' T A PLEASANT PLACE . If you weren't careful, it would chew you up and spit you back out, and had no remorse doing just that. But the scariest thing weren't the creatures lurking about - dragons or monsters or shit. It was the people. IT WOULD ALWAYS BE THE PEOPLE .

Karlach was something of an open book. Always one to speak her mind and express her opinion, even if it just so happened to not be the most popular. This tiefling was unapologetically herself, and her mouth tended to get her into trouble that her fists had to find a way out of. She wasn't suave or particularly well spoken - but she was honest. She didn't have the strongest control over her thoughts, and more often than not, using the tadpole her companions could easily explode her thoughts. On the surface, she thought a lot about sex. PLAYING OUT FANTASIES MORE OFTEN THAN NOT . Something in the forefront of her mind, especially in the late hours. But she was a little too afraid to do anything, lest she light her damn tent ablaze. No imp to blame it on this time. But, beneath those thoughts, were darker intentions. Still hurt from her enslavement. AND BETRAYAL . She couldn't wait to stomp Gortash into nothing.

" Not a lick wrong with that, soldier. " Karlach hums, taking a seat on the log across from Robin, keeping her molten gold gaze leveled on the other woman. Her body language suggested she was relaxed, and more than open to speaking amicably. The fire crackled between them. " Real convenient that most of our wayward souls are from the city. But it's a great big world - 'course you can be from somewhere else. Doesn't make our current goal any different. " A LOG SPLINTERED FROM THE HEAT .

Her expression shifted slightly to a contemplative but attentive one as the ranger continued to speak. Eyes search her expression, her body language, searching for any hints of discomfort. She wouldn't push her to talk - but wouldn't stop her, either. Knowing who you're marching around with typically makes it easier to fight for them. Patiently, even as Robin fell silent, the towering tiefling sat still and listened. Only her tail moved, sweeping along the dirt idly behind her log. HANDS JOINED TO RUB TOGETHER , BUT NOT FOR WARMTH . Moreso out of thought.

A short story, but educational nonetheless. She was quiet, listening, patient, until she found a comfortable pause that indicated her companion was finished for now. She leaned forward, elbows resting right above her knees as her weathered red hands remained clasped together. " Never believed much in the gods. Think they all look away from me - seeing what I've done. What I've been through. " A brief pause. REGRET ?

" Yanno, I'm not, uhm... Don't got a ton of time, I'd reckon. At the temp I'm burning. But if I've got it, I wouldn't mind helping you look for 'im. Your brother, I mean. Haruki. After all this shit is over, y'know? I've got my own agenda that I've got to tackle that comes after kicking these squirmy little squiddies out of our brains - but after that? I could help. I'm not much of a tracker, but I could really stick-it to a dragon if it comes to it. " And Karlach offers a smile. A SUPPORTIVE , TOOTHY SMILE . " Bah, normal people are a drag, anyhow. World'll never understand me - that I know for sure. Hells, I can't even touch anything. Lucky me, aye? "

@infernalapparatus - from here

Did Faerun have a bone to pick with her?

Robin sighed, gazing over at the soldier with a glimmer in her eyes. Yes, she could feel her tadpole squirming behind her eye, wanting so badly to read Karlach's thoughts and search her memories. But the wolf bit it back, wanting to be polite.

"Well… It's a little complicated. The world I come from is so different from Baldur's Gate. I know many of us in the party have hailed from the city, but I… I technically do not."

Yes, her father and mother had met there and had their first born son, but they swiftly left for the forest not even a moon later. A year later, in that cabin, Robin was born.

"My mother was a worshipper and paladin of a goddess many do not think even exist these days. My father was a ranger. He taught me everything I know of being a ranger, how to care for the land and its inhabitants. I took over his job of caring for the Lost Woods once my brother…" The shifter's voice trailed off. Then she straightened.

"My older brother, Haruki, was the designated guardian. But he disappeared. I always wanted to leave the woods to find him but… Responsibility, n' all. The Mindflayer ship scooped me up on my way to the city to get supplies, and well, here I am."

A pause. "I do not think the world will understand us. Even without our little hitch hikers." Robin chuckled quietly. "We're not the norm. But maybe... Maybe I'd rather be around the nonconformists."

[infernalapparatus]

THERE WAS A DEEP - SEEDED REGRET LINGERING IN ASTARION ' S WORDS . Typically, sorrow wasn't the type of emotion to come on its own. Most commonly it was brought about and sowed by someone else - a curator. Karlach didn't know much, but what she did know was this - CAZADOR WAS KARLACH ' S GORTASH . She didn't remember much of the man, besides being an old creep who stuck to his property. Which noble didn't?

That damn palace had been quite the eyesore. An eyesore that Karlach found herself wishing she could see, if only because she grew up dirt-fucking poor. Would have been neat to walk about in a place like that. But she never thought much of it, the manor and it's spooky atmosphere. Places like that didn't have happy endings - most of the money that people had to own or build such a place typically came from blood. THE TYPE OF BLOOD THAT WAS COMMONLY FAMILIAL , OR COLD MURDER . Places like that weren't happy. She felt it just by looking at the front doors.

She could feel the cold of that place, just like she could hear. It was so strange to feel how damned cold it was - because she wasn't been cold in a very long time. Her extended sabbatical prevented her from kicking around anywhere remotely cold, and the engine keeps her body burning hot. Even still, it felt as if the Shadowcurse aimed to snuff out the hellfire burning in her engine. Seeking it out, with the intention to douse the hope of light in dreary bleakness. Luckily, things of Infernal descent tended to be cockroaches in a way, because it kept on burning. AT LEAST SHE COULD WARM HER COMPANIONS A SMIDGE .

" Unfortunately no. Unless you've got an elixir of fire resistance specially for Hellfire - cause that is what comes off of this engine. 's why I can just shove my hand in lava - makes me fireproof. To, well, fire on this plane. " She glances down at her right arm - covered from fingertips to shoulders in severe burns. Burns from Hellfire. She chuckles lightly, bringing her gaze away - BECAUSE SHE ' S NOT GOING TO LINGER ON THE GLOOMINESS OF IT ALL . " I can be gentle, yanno. I'm not some beast - though, I can look like one sometimes, if I get too pissed off. "

She hums at his next comment, lips beginning to tug into a slight smirk, showcasing her pointed canines. " Hehe. Bet your fingers are pretty chilly, aye? Wouldn't mind riding your ass to the Faewilds 'n back, Starry. If you're offerin', that is. " AND HER ENGINE SEEMED TO PULSE A LITTLE BRIGHTER - OUT OF EXCITEMENT .

KARLACH 'S LAUGH WAS LOUD , PROUD . How the tiefling usually kept herself. She needed to, in this crushing abyss of gloom. She could keep her spirits up, and it helped her companions too, whether they would admit it or not. The barbarian shrugs her shoulders simply, crossing her arms against her chest as she settles back. Her tail swishes eagerly behind her, side to side, no longer attempting to rob the rogue of his coins. Innocent, in a way.

" Well, you're not a devil. And you're not all nasty, no matter how hard you try to be, Fangs. " Comes the chuckled response of the tiefling, who leans her elbows down against her knees, arms still crossed, but it's not in a defensive sort of posture. She's open, as she always is. THE LIGHT IN HER EYES ALMOST LOOKS LIKE ADMIRATION . " At this point, it doesn't matter much who it comes from. Just... Anything. Gods, anything. I'd kill for at least a hug. You've got no idea what I'd do for a rump. " She chuckles, her expression softening a bit, and she hums in thought, casting a glance down at her chest.

" But... Might be given a break soon. Even my engine is struggling to keep up in this cold. Been hurting real bad, and I could use another replacement, or however Dammon worked his magic hands the first time... "

[infernalapparatus]

WERE THEY REALLY SO DIFFERENT ? Karlach couldn't say for sure. Both knew pain - suffering. But those were pretty frequent commodities in this world. It was rare to not know pain, and she meant by any type. But their pain was something that not everyone could relate to - for Kristen spent years in her own personal Hells that she could only vaguely recall to Karlach. It was never much - bits here and there, when they came and went. Karlach didn't go much into her experiences either, but she could bring up silly stories here and there to keep the mood alive. To keep it light-hearted, by telling a story about catching things on fire when she gets too excited, and blaming it on some soddy imp. Her time in the Hells wasn't anything to laugh about, but she could find humor in the worst things. It was just the type of person she was.

She sucks in a breath, wanting that touch to last forever - needing it to. SHE WAS BEING SELFISH , SHE WAS CERTAIN . . . But maybe it wasn't bad to be selfish, every now and again. Maybe she even needed it.

And even more that, it was the touch from Kristen that felt so much. Someone who seems far more prone to avoid it and indulge it - but this was special. She initiated it, of all things. Allowed Karlach to feel her fingers, and she didn't even have to ask. Now that she thinks about it, she should have -- rather than just grabbing her wrist all of a sudden. But it was as if her palm was drawn to that slender wrist. LIKE IT WAS A MOTH DRAWN TO FLAME . Funny how that worked, wasn't it?

What a smile, too. Genuine. Small as it was, but damn it, she had one. Karlach's own cheeks hurt from grinning. Was that normal? WHO GAVE A SHIT .

" YOU ' RE DAMN RIGHT WE DO . " Breathes the massive woman, her tail swishing behind her with excitement. Something she just can't help. " Gonna see it through to the end. " And gold shimmered, reflected in seafoam green eyes, and her toothy grin softens into something else. A sure smile, brow creasing in the process, while her grip stays gentle. Just enough for the other tiefling to pull away if need be. She'd always give her that choice. " You 'n me, soldier. Those upgrades'll keep me kicking for a little while longer. I know we gotta march on... But I think I'd like to stay like this for a little longer. If you'll indulge this 'ol barbarian. "

[trail] for sender to run their fingertip along receiver's jaw.

【 ♨ . ROLEPLAY PROMPTS 】 - @viridanira

GODS , WHAT A FUCKIN ' TOUCH . Karlach had finally, FINALLY , gotten the last upgrade to her engine. It was in the dreariest of fucking places, in the one pocket of light in the gloom of the curse. One last repair, for her engine to finally cool off. It wasn't enough, because Dammon began to warn her about overheating, about how her engine was meant to run on this plane -

BUT SHE DIDN ' T GIVE A SINGLE DAMN . Didn't have time for it. And it didn't matter, because she could TOUCH . BE TOUCHED . And her fellow tiefling companion, whom she had forged a friendship initially out of vengeance with that had evolved, was the first to indulge her. A slow, nearly hesitant touch - and she damn near flinched.

But gods, it was bliss when Kristen's gentle fingers finally found her strong jawline. BAPTIZED WITH THE TOUCH OF HER COMPANION . Golden eyes immediately flutter shut at the tentative touch, and she melts into such simple contact. She could cry. That familiar tightness welled in her chest cavity, squeezed at her engine - because she could finally touch. After ten years.

" Oh, fuck. It's so good to be alive. " Karlach whispers, tenderly, and her hand trembled as she raises it. Slowly, her thick fingers find Kristen's wrist... And she grasps. Slow, careful. Golden eyes slide open again, finding piercing blue, and her own threaten to flicker and change - out of that bliss. IT WAS BETTER THAN SHE EVER COULD HAVE HOPED . " Kris... Thank you. For trusting me. " And it was nearly a whisper - damn near reverent. In fear of how her voice might break, had she spoke it any louder.

[infernalapparatus]

THERE WERE A FEW THINGS RAGING THROUGH KARLACH ' S MIND . First and foremost, she was basking in the freedom. In the wonder of nature - loving the sound and the feeling and the rush of the outdoors, literally fucking anything besides hot and sand and brimstone. This was the life she was meant to live. Secondly, she could feel her anger and her hate cresting for a certain politician. A certains someone who was probably slumming it in the Gate and ruining someone else's life - because what the hell else would he be doing? She needed revenge. That shit has been a long time coming.

Not an alchemist, but able to craft potions. Not a healer, but able to heal. Carried a sword, but wasn't a soldier. This Linkle must have been one helluva jack of all trades. THAT WAS A JACKPOT FOR KARLACH . She liked to keep that sort of company - and they could help each other out. She didn't doubt the woman knew how to use that sword hanging from her belt, but maybe Karlach could hit a little harder. At the very least, she could be her guide, to all things Faerûn.

AND COMPANY . COMPANY WAS NICE TOO .

" Gods be damned, woman 'o many talents, aren't you? Lucky you stumbled over me, soldier. I'll be counting my lucky stars. " The tiefling chuckles, nodding her head along, as she begins to march. Farmer, adventurer, explorer, with quite the impressive know-how. It was good to be well versed. " Sounds like a sturdy plan to me. There's nothing too exciting about me - I can hit stuff pretty hard. Makes me a valuable asset. But right, right. QUESTIONS . You like cities? I'm gonna be making my way to Baldur's Gate. Pretty big coastal city in this place. "

(From a prompt with a little more! Hope you don't mind!)

"That looks like it hurts." The five foot tall Hylian looked worried at the blood the taller red skinned woman had on her. "Are you injured? Do you need some first aid?"

【 ♨ . ROLEPLAY PROMPTS 】 - @linklewinklewoman

THAT WAS CERTAINLY A LOT OF BLOOD . Karlach was a tank, a frontline fighter - used to taking real hard hits, and dishing out the pain even harder. The giant tiefling was currently crouching down by the fire, a bandage held in her hands as she sticks her hands over the fire - and s strange, flammable substance is poured over top of the thick bandage in her hand. A strange wrap, fire retardant - that Karlach brings it in after toasting it over the flames, and she shoves it against her stomach. The tiefling draws in a breath and glances down at it, watching the bandage slowly melt against her flesh - and the heavy bleeding stops.

" Phew! That coulda been bad. " She replies, bringing a bloodied hand up to swipe the sweat from her brow. She offers a crooked grin at the Hylian, while she remains kneeling. " Sorry 'bout that, soldier. It hurt, like a right bitch - but nothing I won't live through. " Understatement of the year. I ' VE JUST BEEN THROUGH FAR WORSE . " Think this'll be the ticket for now - oh! Unless you're a healer? That'll work a little better than this 'ol wrap from my old stomping ground. "

[infernalapparatus]

WHAT SOFT LIPS . It's hardly anything else that she can think of when Sera presses their lips together. She relaxes, so easily, with her other arm draping over the elf laying in front of her. Hips kept close, ensuring nothing more than necessary spilled out, as slender fingers dance across her abdomen. Karlach offers no complaints, her eyes darting down, and she watches quietly as those same fingers follow the path of countless scars, of brands. Brands burned into her skin by Zariel, marks, ownership.

A reminder that she belonged to the archdevil, that she was her slave. But not here, not in Faerûn. SHE WAS FREE HERE . " Mhhhh. Strange way indeed. " The tiefling huffs, amused, as her hand lifts to trace down her side, following every curve, every mark she left. Many, from her teeth, from her fingers. FROM GRABBING HARD ENOUGH TO BRUISE . Her other hand hugs Sera's head in, fingers threading through her hair, as her lips press slowly against her forehead. Keeping that head cradled close to her chest.

" Won't hear any complaints from me... You're drop dead gorgeous and a real winner. That's an ace in the hole for me. "

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

THAT DIDN ' T HAVE ANY RIGHT BEING SO DAMN ATTRACTIVE . As soon as the door was shut, the elf's smaller hand made a b-line for her waist. She could have sworn she saw stars when that sinful hand finally wrapped around her throbbing cock, still tucked painfully into tight pants. Tighter then they had been before, as she stiffened up. A stuttered gasp escapes her lips at the sudden touch and she is quick to realize that Sera isn't the type to waste time. Good.

Karlach unceremoniously dumps the elf onto her sheets but she stays pressed close against her, bucking her hips with every stroke. IT 'S ENOUGH TO MAKE HER EYES ROLL BACK . And when they return to the elf's sharp features, her engine, her eyes, are glowing blue. Changed, as they so quickly do, with intimacy. This intimacy was the gods damned best.

" Hooooo, fuck, Sera. " She breathes out, sliding her hands up - one tugging at the buttons on her shirt, uncaring for how they pop off and break. If it was an issue, she'd replace it. She needed this damn shirt off, and their glorious tits filling her palms. Her other hand, however, shifted South, her thick fingers immediately finding heat between spread thighs. Pushing the pads of her fingers enticingly against her, rubbing her core through whatever clothes she didn't care to look at. THINKING IS HARD AT THE MOMENT - MUCH LIKE HERSELF . Gods damned hard. But she forces coherent thought, and after a quiet moan at the sensation, she speaks her mind.

" I think... You should ride. See how much you can comfortably fit in you. Look, Sera, I... I wasn't talkin' about my size like a bragging point. More of a warning. A damn shame about having a big cock, cause it don't fit in most places. " She huffs, tipping her head up to relish in those kisses to her throat - because she soon would be marking Sera's with her teeth. SHE WOULDN ' T MIND LEAVING SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE PERMANENT . " As long as you think you can get offa me before I cum... Bet I'm gonna make a real mess otherwise. "

[infernalapparatus]

SERA WAS AWFULLY GENEROUS . To offer her a place to stay if she ends up finding a way out of this? They really didn't know each other that well... But that gave her all the more reason to try. Her tail squirms around, before it slides over and wraps around one of Sera's legs, the cartilage tip flickering gently against her knee in the process.

The stroke to her horn was marvelous - having them touched was such a pleasant sensation. The tiefling makes a soft noise with her exhale and relaxes, nuzzling her head against the hand stroking her intact horn. Her clawed digits stretch out as she yawns, fingers and toes, coaxed on by Sera's own. " Wonder if your girls would like me. " BUT HER LATTER SENTENCE MAKES THE TIEFLING GAZE AT HER WITH SURPRISE . " Huh... Guess that's right. Some sort of... Relationship between us. " Had she ever been in one of those? Shit. It was hard to recall. " Maybe I could... Stick around a little longer than the last ones. Aye? If my engine doesn't kick the bucket, that is... "

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

THAT DIDN ' T HAVE ANY RIGHT BEING SO DAMN ATTRACTIVE . As soon as the door was shut, the elf's smaller hand made a b-line for her waist. She could have sworn she saw stars when that sinful hand finally wrapped around her throbbing cock, still tucked painfully into tight pants. Tighter then they had been before, as she stiffened up. A stuttered gasp escapes her lips at the sudden touch and she is quick to realize that Sera isn't the type to waste time. Good.

Karlach unceremoniously dumps the elf onto her sheets but she stays pressed close against her, bucking her hips with every stroke. IT 'S ENOUGH TO MAKE HER EYES ROLL BACK . And when they return to the elf's sharp features, her engine, her eyes, are glowing blue. Changed, as they so quickly do, with intimacy. This intimacy was the gods damned best.

" Hooooo, fuck, Sera. " She breathes out, sliding her hands up - one tugging at the buttons on her shirt, uncaring for how they pop off and break. If it was an issue, she'd replace it. She needed this damn shirt off, and their glorious tits filling her palms. Her other hand, however, shifted South, her thick fingers immediately finding heat between spread thighs. Pushing the pads of her fingers enticingly against her, rubbing her core through whatever clothes she didn't care to look at. THINKING IS HARD AT THE MOMENT - MUCH LIKE HERSELF . Gods damned hard. But she forces coherent thought, and after a quiet moan at the sensation, she speaks her mind.

" I think... You should ride. See how much you can comfortably fit in you. Look, Sera, I... I wasn't talkin' about my size like a bragging point. More of a warning. A damn shame about having a big cock, cause it don't fit in most places. " She huffs, tipping her head up to relish in those kisses to her throat - because she soon would be marking Sera's with her teeth. SHE WOULDN ' T MIND LEAVING SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE PERMANENT . " As long as you think you can get offa me before I cum... Bet I'm gonna make a real mess otherwise. "

[infernalapparatus]

WELL , THAT WOULD CERTAINLY THROW A WRENCH IN HER PLANS . How was she supposed to just kill Gortash and die now? When she could possibly have a child, at some point? That was... Concerning. Made her think too hard about it now. Her tail sways behind her, having untangled itself from the caster's leg, and it twitches occasionally on the bed. Tip flickering now and then, her glowing eyes beginning to fade back to their usual gold as the passion fades. But not before she meets Sera for a gentle kiss. Slow, sensual, with more feelings than the tiefling could hope to properly expression. She draws away and her eyes flicker down, to take in the appearance of a slender hand against her belly. A gentle, almost reverent touch, that makes her engine clench in her chest.

But Sera wasn't done yet. The proposition of doing this a few more times this week... How could she say no? If she were to get pregnant, tonight was the night it would have happened, surely. Why would she continue to play careful after this? THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THAT . " Well... Can't say no to that proposition. " She mumbles, a tad breathlessly, and a lazy smile graces her lips.

" Y'know, would it be weird to say that I'm... Strangely happy? Content. Even with all this shit going on. But... Does kinda make it more difficult. How the hells am I supposed to just lay over and die with this shitty engine for a heart when I could possibly have a little one? I mean... Prolly gotta.. search for alternate options, now. "

【 CONT . 】 - @darkseraphscorner

THAT DIDN ' T HAVE ANY RIGHT BEING SO DAMN ATTRACTIVE . As soon as the door was shut, the elf's smaller hand made a b-line for her waist. She could have sworn she saw stars when that sinful hand finally wrapped around her throbbing cock, still tucked painfully into tight pants. Tighter then they had been before, as she stiffened up. A stuttered gasp escapes her lips at the sudden touch and she is quick to realize that Sera isn't the type to waste time. Good.

Karlach unceremoniously dumps the elf onto her sheets but she stays pressed close against her, bucking her hips with every stroke. IT 'S ENOUGH TO MAKE HER EYES ROLL BACK . And when they return to the elf's sharp features, her engine, her eyes, are glowing blue. Changed, as they so quickly do, with intimacy. This intimacy was the gods damned best.

" Hooooo, fuck, Sera. " She breathes out, sliding her hands up - one tugging at the buttons on her shirt, uncaring for how they pop off and break. If it was an issue, she'd replace it. She needed this damn shirt off, and their glorious tits filling her palms. Her other hand, however, shifted South, her thick fingers immediately finding heat between spread thighs. Pushing the pads of her fingers enticingly against her, rubbing her core through whatever clothes she didn't care to look at. THINKING IS HARD AT THE MOMENT - MUCH LIKE HERSELF . Gods damned hard. But she forces coherent thought, and after a quiet moan at the sensation, she speaks her mind.

" I think... You should ride. See how much you can comfortably fit in you. Look, Sera, I... I wasn't talkin' about my size like a bragging point. More of a warning. A damn shame about having a big cock, cause it don't fit in most places. " She huffs, tipping her head up to relish in those kisses to her throat - because she soon would be marking Sera's with her teeth. SHE WOULDN ' T MIND LEAVING SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE PERMANENT . " As long as you think you can get offa me before I cum... Bet I'm gonna make a real mess otherwise. "