infernalapparatus

[infernalapparatus]

                                       𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 [...] 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄

fights honorably / fights dirty

prefers close - quarters / prefers range

chats during / goes silent

low pain tolerance / high pain tolerance

attacks in bursts / attacks steadily

goes for the kill / aims to disarm / fights defensively / strikes first

is provoked easily / provokes their opponent / teases

gets visibly frustrated / shouts while attacking

uses strategy / focuses on the battle / experiences conflicting thoughts during battle

rushes in recklessly / tries to read their opponent before engaging

fights wildly / fights calmly / fights apathetically / fights with anger / fights with excitement

fights because they have to / fights because they want to

fights without regard to wounds / runs away when wounded / hides wounds / takes a blow to protect another

prefers a blade / prefers a gun / prefers hand to hand combat / prefers a bow / prefers a shield / prefers a personalized weapon / prefers magic or spells

their greatest weakness is physical / their greatest weakness is mental / their greatest weakness is emotional

transforms for battle / fights as they appear

relies on strength / doubts their strength / relies on speed

uses everything they have / proceeds with caution / hides their full potential

exhausts quickly / has high stamina

behaves arrogantly / brags after landing a hit / belittles their abilities

uses psychological tactics / uses brute strength

avoids civilians / strikes down civilians

damages surroundings / avoids damaging surroundings

signature fighting style / makes it up as they go

mastered skill - set / learning their skill - set

fancy footwork / sloppy footwork

messy fighter / elegant fighter

accepts defeat / refuses defeat / begs for mercy

compliments their opponent / insults their opponent

uses unnecessary movements / moves efficiently / barely moves

prefers to dodge / prefers to block

defends their blindside / has no blindside / leaves blindsides vulnerable

uses all available advantages / strictly uses one main method

plays around / holds back / fights ruthlessly / shows mercy

waits for an opponent to be ready / strikes when opponent isn’t ready

fears death / fears pain / fears killing

has ptsd / avoids fighting

has lost a fight / has won a fight

has killed / refuses to kill

wants to die standing / would succumb slowly

tagged by: stolen

tagging: @harpershigh , @baldurianrogue , @theundeadgospel , @weaveofwaterdeep , and YOU , SOLDIER !

[infernalapparatus]

My dream is to see all the Hells blooming with countless fields of flowers - AND FUCKING-STUPID-ARSEHOLE-DICKHEAD GORTASH ON HIS HANDS AND KNEES PLANTING THEM ALL WITH A BROKEN SHITTY FUCKING TROWEL .

[infernalapparatus]

A GODS DAMN MIRACLE , THAT WAS . A shipment of wine, ripe for eager consumption. It seems that Jaheira had already gotten quite the headstart - but Karlach was certainly going to catch up. She allows herself to be poked in the shoulder, exaggeratedly stepping back with the foul blow, before she chuckles and flashes her widest grin.

" You don't know the swill I've been drinkin' in Avernus, do ya? I'll show you the tricks I've got up my sleeve with Ol' Rusty of mine-- you care to wager? " The tiefling supplies as she circles a drunk Harper, tail flickering about, a challenge in her eyes. AN INFERNAL FIRE LIT BY DEADLY SIN .

Jaheira straightened up — or at least tried to — when she spotted Karlach. She was the girl's hero, after all, or so she seemed to think... And she had better act the part. Seeing her childhood hero stumbling around drunk wasn’t exactly the impression Jaheira wanted to leave on Karlach. Gods, the last thing she wanted was to let Karlach down, not when she’d already failed enough people to last a lifetime.

Her attempt at a dignified stride was immediately undercut by the fact that she couldn’t walk a straight line if her life depended on it. She waved a hand dismissively as if to say, “No, no, everything’s fine,” and muttered something about the ground being uneven. But when she tripped over nothing at all and caught herself on a barrel, she shot Karlach a look of defiance. "What? Don’t give me that face, I’m as steady as a treant in a storm!"

【 UNPROMPTED 】 - @harpershigh

KARLACH WAS A SMART WOMAN . At least, she fancied herself to be so in street-smarts, at the very least. Did she know too much about formal education and everything that entailed? Was she illiterate for most of her life and only recently learned how to read and write? MAYBE . . . Yes. And it showed in her penmanship. There wasn't a lot of writing or reading in the Hells, save for diabolical contracts that some cruel devils loved to scrawl out on parchment.

So when she saw Jaheira stumbling around, the tiefling had to hold back a squeal of excitement, deep in her chest where her engine rumbled with enjoyment. If anyone was a smart woman - IT WAS HER . A hero from her childhood, immortalized! ... Well, maybe not exactly. She was a little older than when she had done all of her prime adventuring, but that only added to her Wisdom, she was sure of it.

So imagine her surprise when she saw the stumble, the dismissive wave, and the more spacy look in her pointed gaze when she was walking through the bazaar. Karlach hadn't been too fast to react when Jaheira tripped, but the barbarian found herself bounding over to potentially help her up after a little stumble. It was then that she caught a potent whiff of ale - and her lips suddenly twitch into a smirk. JAHEIRA ' S DEFIANT LOOK GROWS THAT SMIRK INTO A GRIN .

" Aye, that right? " Karlach chuckles, her tail swaggering behind her as she moves to her side, thick hand gently wrapping around the half-elf's arm to help her align upright again. " Sure those roots are still firmly planted ? " The tiefling beams - BANTER , WITH HER HERO . She was so damned giddy, and it shimmered in her eyes. Keeping her voice steady was a challenge.

" Alright, say I buy that -- which I don't -- in which case I'll ask where ya got the ale! Think I could go for a stiff drink, too. Maybe I'll even buy ya a few more rounds... IF YOU CAN KEEP UP , HARPER . "

[infernalapparatus]

FOR A BARBARIAN , HER TOUCH WAS GENTLE . It was a surprise, if someone didn't know Karlach that well - but after learning this tiefling, who was once Zariel's prized soldier in the Blood War, slept with a little teddy bear named Clive? It was impossible to see her as a war-hardened veteran. She was a softy. She was so gentle with her touch, sliding a broad palm along Luna's waist, until she lifted it free to cup the other woman's cheek gingerly. Her thumb tenderly traced the scar over the bridge of her nose, several thoughts running behind molten gold eyes, but Karlach didn't vocalize those. Passing thoughts, lingering as her fingers did against the jagged scar she just wanted to kiss.

Gods, and seeing her blush like that? Unbidden, her own cheeks burned a faint cyan, and all she can do is grin into her cheeks hurt. " Well, hey, how 'bout we agree that we're both hot, huh? " The tiefling supplies, grin never fading, and her calloused thumb slowly smooths over her rosy cheek. Something tender swells in her chest. A WIDE GRIN TURNED MORE GENUINE . Something like gentle love. " I did, actually. Seeing Gortash again really, ugh.. got my engine burning. "

But she pauses, as if hesitant to dwell on that. Her hand does the same, falling away with a light drag of a touch. " You're real thoughtful, pretty little dove. Thank you. But I'll be okay. Anytime you need a little lovin' from Mama K, don't hesitate to find me, 'kay? ANYTHING YOU NEED . "

THERE WASN ' T ANYTHING BETTER THAN A GENTLE TOUCH . She was convinced of that right now - but they would probably change, when she got horny. It usually did. But for now? She melted into it. This sweet little elf has indulged her time and time again - and sometimes, she really just needed something.

The anguish that came with Gortash's coronation made her so angry. Even having the repairs it did, her engine ached and burned within her chest some nights - and the disturbance of Gortash being declared the fucking Lord of this stupid fucking bridge made her all sorts of ferocious. FERAL AT THE MERE THOUGHT . She wanted to smear him like the proper shit stain he was.

Retiring to Elfsong was a much needed reprieve. She had been angrily putting her stuff away, trying not to linger on the face that she had witnessed such a nightmare - but she didn't have to. Luna lurked, and she gently took the other woman's hand to place it against her chest. Something to soothe her. TO REMIND HER SHE WASN ' T JUST SOME HELLBEAST . The hug? Fucking Divine. Karlach drew her in, too eagerly, her thickly calloused palms falling to cradle her waist gently - so small that both hands could probably wrap completely around it if she tried. Her tail wagged, but it was slow, lazy. She arches her head down, pressing her lips against the cleric's soft, wispy air, her glowing gold eyes slipping shut.

" Mm. I could. " Karlach responds with a warm inflection of her tone, thumbs venturing against her ribs in a slow path atop her robes. " You'll hear no complaints from me, soldier. You're just so irresistable to cuddle. AND HOT . "

... Oops. DID SHE SAY THAT OUT LOUD ?

[infernalapparatus]

I can't pickkkk so surprise me with the spicy gif meme?

【 SPICY GIF PROMPTS 】 - @bearlydruid

[ mxm 2c ]

THEIR SHARED BREATH WAS HOT , TOO HOT . Karlach's heavy breathing painting Halsin's ear with every desperate pant, desperately shoving her hips up to bury herself deeper and deeper within the burly man. One hand was against his strong chest, pulling the broad druid back against her, while the other was between his legs, calloused palms jerking off the stiff length bouncing with her every thrust. The only other thing fully filling the space between them was the glow of her engine, enchanting and ethereal, the vents across her shoulders occasionally spitting out small puffs of steam. It wasn't burning hot, not like it once was, and left an odor akin to a burning campfire and brimstone behind. It was hardly distinguishable among the thick, heady scent of sweaty sex.

Speaking of, as her lips drag against the column of his thick throat, she groans impatiently and rocks her hips with desperation, chasing her own orgasm, even as her leg cramps from the position. She needs it, and she isn't afraid to be vocal about it. " Halsin, " She moans against his neck, cyan blue tongue lolling out to lap at the sweat beaded against the side of his throat, before she teases her incisors against his skin. TEMPTED AND DANGEROUS . " Ffffff-uck. Can't hold on for much longer. " She damn near whines, right hand pumping with a renewed vigor, and her words were less of a request and more of a warning.

Red hips stagger suddenly and she drags him against her fully, bullying every inch of steaming hot infernal length she can possibly stuff into him inside, and her heavy balls raise in alarm. Her back arches and a sudden groan escapes her, desperate and sloppy and loud, and what follows is a rush of glowing blue release. Thick and viscous, pouring without any remorse or hesitation, and her hand finds pause at the base of his length - giving it one final squeeze to see it erupt. MUCH LIKE SHE DID .

[infernalapparatus]

. . . WHAT WAS KARLACH TO SAY ? There wasn't much. That was kind of surprising. She was the type to yap and yap, but she wanted to say it was never without cause. Astarion at least listened to what she had to say- err, she thought so at least.

It was rather hard to think about anything when his damn cold fingers were running over her chest, where her engine burned the hottest. It felt so good - something chilly, relieving. She needed that. GODS KNOWS SHE NEEDED THAT .

" Yeah. 'Course I fuckin' am. " Karlach replies, and there is no hesitation. She releases a breath, her head resting against his chest - and it's a reminder. THERE ISN ' T A BEATING HEART BETWEEN THEM . How funny was that? " Your freedom is just as important. You deserve it. We'll kill that motherfucker. "

It's an absolute promise. Astarion's monster was just as bad as hers, wasn't he? Gortash. Cazador. Zariel. Motherfuckers came in clusters, and there was no short supplies of them in the Hells - and Faerûn. Her hand settles against his breastbone, and she traces her claws against his skin. " I PROMISE , FANGS . "

@infernalapparatus cont.

ASTARION'S FINGER played circles onto scarred skin beneath , as she laid on him . If the injuries didn't prevent them from keeping up , they'd be already storming the city , concluding their mission . Instead , the two of them took a longer rest in a shared room .

Wyll's choice , though not unexpected , still raised some questions in him -- what was he capable of sacrificing in lieu of his freedom . And the answer appeared pretty clear for the former slave, just as it was for Karlach .

Nevertheless, something else seemed to stir in him, when his crimson orbs turn to look at the tiefling - something he wanted ask since long time coming. " I know you're ready to maim, and kill for your own freedom, darling . But the question is -- are you willing to do the same for me, when the time comes. "

[infernalapparatus]

HER EYES LIT UP LIKE A FIRE BOLT IN A DARK ROOM . Giddy and widening, just as her grin does. Her large hands clench at her sides with glee and the tiefling's flickering tail is a dead giveaway for her pronounced excitement. She ducks her head down, joy sparking in azure blue eyes, and she flashes her incisors with her wide smile.

" Hehe, did I enjoy kissing someone who definitely stole the otherworldly countenance of a fuckin' Aasimar? Well, the answer to that is Hells yes. " She chuckles, the sound rich, low - and she extends her hand gingerly for Luna to take, if she so wishes. A CERTAIN DEVIL HOPES SHE DOES .

" Would'ya kiss me... Not under the mistletoe, too? " She asks, and it's damn near impossible to staunch the excited little lift in her cadence. She's trying to be charming, suave - BUT SHE ' S TOO DAMN GIDDY .

【 JUST A QUICK PECK 】 - @selunaris

A WARM CHUCKLE FILLS THE AIR BETWEEN THEM . The tiefling was leaning against the door frame, only glancing up occasionally at the mistletoe hanging above the door. Her eyes were filled with joy, glowing with an unprecedented heat from the hellfire tamed within the infernal machine rumbling under her ribcage.

" Aye, you'd be right. I missed this silly little tradition. " Remarks the tiefling, bowing her head down when coaxed, and her lips meld sweetly with Luna's own. She doesn't linger long - ALTHOUGH SHE REALLY WANTS TO . When she pulls back, her irises have twisted and faded to azure, a low blue flame that flows between them. It happens when she's happy.

" Ahh, it's a good 'ol life, isn't it? " She murmurs. AND SHE ' S QUITE HAPPY WITH THAT .

[infernalapparatus]

WHAT DOES YOUR SOUL LOOK LIKE ?

THE BROKEN MIRROR .

You are the rebel. You are the one who refused to fit into the box. They broke you because you refused to conform, but they never expected you to turn your shattered pieces into sharp edges aimed for their throats. They will face your pointed fragments and see their own reflection in your ruin. You are a reckoning. You are the threat of a future unsuited for weak minds. How unfortunate it is that your existence is solitary. That you cut everyone who comes close. Maybe one day someone will show you how to be something besides a weapon. Maybe one day they will help you put your pieces back together to see yourself as a person instead of a cause for once.

Tagged by: @harpershigh

Tagging: @theundeadgospel , @dvilsdesire , @ninehclls , @chasingtitans , and YOU , SOLDIER !

[infernalapparatus]

【 ♨ . HEADCANON : GAMBLING DEVIL 】

Avernus was a brutal, brutal place. Serving in the Blood Wars, Karlach didn't have much to do in the various battle scenes she found herself camped out at. There wasn't much to do during downtime besides brawl, drink and feast, and while she hated this life at first, Karlach grew used to it.

She traveled with the same company for the most part, devils getting replaced as others died and positions were filled, until she was rather high in the ranks. Being Zariel's prized warrior held merit when within proximity of the FLYING FORTRESS - but it meant nothing on those warm nights leagues from Zariel's scrying eye.

One of the most valuable currencies in the Nine Hells were SOUL COINS . Trapped with souls who had lost their lives to nefarious devils and twisted deals, these coins were used for barter - but more importantly, they were used to fuel Infernal Vehicles. When used in an Infernal Machine, the souls were consumed to fuel it - and one such machine was buried in Karlach's chest.

Years of forced consumption caused for Karlach to become ADDICTED to Soul Coins. It got to the point where she was willing to do a lot for these pick-me-ups - and turned to gambling.

Karlach never gambled with anything of value besides coin. She had learned a bit back in the Gate, and taught all of the devils how to play BALDUR ' S BONES . Years of gambling and gaming in the Hells gave her quite the pokerface, but her tail tends to be a tell for her.

[infernalapparatus]

WHICH FLOWER REPRESENTS YOU ?

Amaryllis, Pride.

you think yourself above others, whether consciously or not. your deeds are always comparatively more impressive... and you want to tell others of your accomplishments. perhaps, though, you should temper this pride, or eventually it may be the only thing keeping you company.

Tagged by: @harpershigh

Tagging: Anyone who hasn't done it - that means YOU , SOLDIER !

[infernalapparatus]

HER CHUCKLE IS WARM WITH AMUSEMENT . Thick fingers dip between parted thighs to gently toy with the little bundle of nerves she finds, tenderly dragging her rough fingertips against her clit in slow strokes. They dip further, delving between blossomed lips to part her sex, cautious of her claws. Her lips press against Sera's head in a slow kiss, sliding down to nip at her pointed ear, while her left hand languidly strokes over her thigh and side with the smallest amount of soap. It's clear her intention isn't to help wash the elf sitting in her lap.

" I mean, I'm no pirate... But I don't mind some plundering. " She chuckles heartily, grinding her hips up against the elf's in her lap with slow, deliberate passion. Her chest glows azure, a fire lit that couldn't possibly be quenched, as her incisors find Sera's ear to nibble and murmur sweet promises into. THERE ' S NO HIDING THE STIFFNESS PRESSED BETWEEN HER THIGHS .

" You're the best fuckin' treat there is, you know that, Ser? " Karlach rumbles deep in her chest, one thick finger eagerly sinking into her hot, inviting heat. She massages her entrance with deliberate strokes, sliding just the tip of her finger in and out slowly, intentionally, as her crooked nose bumps her hairline. " CAN ' T WAIT TO CLEAN UP THE MESS I MAKE . . . "

[ CONT . ] - @darkseraphscorner

KARLACH ' S SHIRT WAS ALREADY OFF BEFORE HER SENTENCE EVEN FINISHED . She threw it aside, jumping out of her trousers, her chest glowing brightly with joy. She returns the same look, eyeing up the voluptuous elf lounging across the rim of the filled tub, and she throws those aside, as well.

" Ah, what a damn shame that is. " She chuckles quietly, eyes sparkling with need and desire, and she doesn't waste any time. The massive woman slips into the tub behind Sera, ignoring the water that rushes out from her added volume, and she drags the smaller woman into her lap. RIGHT WHERE SHE BELONGED .

" Mm, better get you washed up. Hope you don't mind if my hands wander... " She trails off, and they already begin to do what she warned of. FINDING EACH SWELL OF HER DELIGHTFUL FORM .

[infernalapparatus]

GODS , DID SHE HATE THE DISTANCE HER ENGINE FORCED HER TO MAKE . Karlach loved contact, revelled in it. Her massive hands always touching something. And hugs. She missed those the most. Except for sex. Which was just a hug with no clothes, right?

Stop thinking about sex. STOP THINKING ABOUT SEX , DAMN IT . She struggled with that way too much. She was lucky she could keep her thoughts turned away from intimacy when she shared them with Keiko - any glances into her headspace now might reveal some very particular fantasies. She would do best to keep those to herself. Touch, she needed to think about touch. The only damn things she could touch were devils.

AND SHE SURE AS SHIT WOULDN ' T BE DIDDLING ONE OF THOSE .

... Maybe herself. If she wasn't so damn scared she would burn her tent down. Who would she blame it on, this time? No imps around. A candle? She had darkvision, she didn't need that. GODS , DON ' T GET ALL HOT AND BOTHERED THINKING ABOUT IT NOW . . .

... Touch. Her thumb grazes her fingertips again, like she had actually touched Keiko. She wished that she could hug her. The thought was unbidden, and so were... Others. That she wouldn't linger on. More praise, more soft looks - but the Drow helped her thoughts get pulled away from dangerous territory when dark lenses landed on her engine. That stare was enough for discomfort to brew - and then, hate. THE ONLY THING MORE INTOXICATING THAN LUST . Centered in towards herself, at the center of her very being. The disgusting machine forced into her, the heart dragged out of her chest. Her hand raises to tentatively touch the flesh - where she had tried to claw it out all that time ago.

Her expression grows into something more somber. Should she admit the truth to her companion? Most of her didn't want to. Having to tell her that she suffered from chronic pain, that the engine always ached and twisted and burned. Maybe it was too much to admit - maybe Keiko would see it as a weakness. Maybe it was best she omit that information for now. MAYBE ONE DAY SHE WOULD SAY IT .

" This here is Ol Rusty. Named her, since I can't get rid of 'er. But this machine is run off of Hellfire - shite that makes the Hells go 'round n 'round. But it gets really hot - so the steam comes out of my shoulders, and uh... Other places. " She chooses not to elaborate for now. " As for the pain, erm... It's not comfortable. " The barbarian, who never shies away, CAN ' T HOLD HER GAZE .

" It's burning up. Fast. I just... TRY NOT TO THINK ABOUT IT. "

KARLACH DREAMS WITH DECADENT HUES . Her memories of everything seem to be so bright, so vivid. Paradise unrivaled was how her perception of the city came through - how she felt. When she reached out with her telepathic connection to the lithe Drow, it had been an open invitation, rather than harsh prod. If she chose to delve in, Karlach would do her best to respect her boundaries and not push forward any unwarranted images. Luckily, she was reminiscent of the city, and that seemed to absorb all of her thoughts.

All of that time in the Hells had only made her engine grow fonder - and her memories regarding that place were sensationalized. Fresh, open air, cool breeze from the sea, plenty of noise from the city proper - and then something else. A distinct cologne, the smell of someone who could afford to douse themselves with such frivolous scents. Vaguely pine and some afforded rum, and Karlach's memory shifts from the city to something more specific. It's her massive hands, unscarred mostly, free of burns, landing the chest of a drunken Flaming Fist - and she shoves him away. He reels and hits the ground, coin purse scattering across the cobble, and Karlach crosses her arms. The man slurs and points, but it's right behind her - as a man set his hand on her shoulder, and she beams. A younger man, dressed with expensive tastes in black and gold, his hair disheveled with a keen smirk pulling on his lips. He pulls her along, and she eagerly obeys. But when she follows, where she once saw a halo - NOW BOASTS A SET OF DEVIL HORNS .

But she doesn't let this mar her memory for long. Back to the city, ignoring the surprise visit of her old boss - until their connection fades and Karlach opens her eyes again. She surveys the other woman's face, a smile pulling on her lips, and she leans forward to rest her elbows against the tops of her knees. " If the squiddy hitchhikers don't take us there, I'll take you there myself. " Karlach promises, grinning to herself, seemingly invigorated by the glimpse of the city. AND THE MAN SHE COULD THROTTLE WITH HER BARE HANDS .

" Think you might like it. I mean, I've only ever heard tales of Menzoberranzan... But I heard it's pretty in its own way. Beating the city, though? Nothing is more fond than memories, for me. " She sighs, and it's wistful - it's reflective. She tries not to linger on the other thoughts that resurfaced at the end. But her eyes shift up, and her Infernal fire meets Underdark chill. She scans her face briefly - and catches her hand from reaching out. She tugs it into her chest, fingers anxiously rubbing tips against one another, and she chuckles almost remorsefully. NO TOUCHING , REMEMBER ?

But gods, maybe she was misinterpreting. It definitely wasn't meant to be flirtatious. She was just desperate. Her chest bloomed with warmth and the glow filled her in an inhale, for just a moment. She tries to dismiss that small struggle. " Ha! Look at you, makin' me sweat. " The tiefling boisterously laughs, palm pressing against her chest, where the engine rumbled and ached beneath. Her tail curls and wags behind her - even if she tries to disguise it. She distracts herself by picking her gaze up and looking back out around them, though it's a tad sheepishly. " You're sweet. Real sweet, Keiko. " And a softer murmur. " Thank you. REALLY . "

[infernalapparatus]

Hey, do you have any Baldurian in you?

.... D'ya want some-?

[infernalapparatus]

Karlach is, defaultly, very gentle in bed. Very aware of her own strength and while she manhandles the shit out of her partners while aware of her sheer size, she's quite careful while having sex

... Unless you tell her that you can handle it?

Then we're talking ALL SORTS of crazy positions. I'm talking holding her partner up, upside down, full-nelson, cervix bruising shit and she would definitely break a bed or two

She's got claws and eight incisors, you best BET she's biting AND leaving marks. Gotta show everyone the pretty trophies she gave them

[infernalapparatus]

Karlach but with huge, thick hands and fingers. Super calloused and scarred. Big forearms with really prominent veins and muscle. Huge claws she has to clip down into something more manageable.

Think about it

[infernalapparatus]

' DO YOU WANT A HUG ? ' What a strange thing to leave Minthara's lips. Strange, out of place, almost forced, foreign, but gods was it so needed. A hug, something so pure that it seemed too sweet a question to leave the drow's lips. Minthara wasn't soft, she wasn't weak.

. . . BUT BEING SOFT WASN ' T WEAK . It took so much fucking strength to show that kind of emotion. Maybe they thought differently - maybe it wasn't different at all. All she knew for certain was that she couldn't take this moment for granted. Who knew when such a request could ever come about again?

The question didn't linger for long. A silent reply, as Karlach surged forward suddenly and encapsulated Minthara in the most loving pair of arms that could strangle the life out of someone at will. Completely scarred, branded and wrong, her muscular arms wrapped taut around Minthara's torso. Dragging the smaller woman into her chest, basking in the cool embrace of her arms. Karlach made a lot of jokes, she acted chipped so often, but there was one undeniable fact about the tiefling - SHE WASN ' T OKAY . No matter what front she had put up for others. She didn't talk about it, didn't bring it up, and outright denied it with a joke and a smile.

She didn't have the luxury to worry or lament on things like that. Her chest was a ticking timebomb just waiting to erupt. All at once, this would all be over, and she would have no chance to goodbye to the things and the people she loved. She could be gone tomorrow. It wasn't because she was too weak - if she were, the barbarian never would have survived the process. It was because of her strength that she was here, in this situation. Tears welled in golden orbs, but she didn't let them fall. Her massive hands greedily clung to the paladin, holding her oh so close, as a hit face buried into her neck. SAVORING THIS MOMENT FOR AS LONG AS IT LASTED .

FInally, she uttered her reply. " ... More than you know. " Karlach breathed, chest clenching, and she holds this - holds her, for several beats longer. There was vulnerability in this, in the solace she found in someone else's arms. Vulnerability in the way she could surrender herself to a touch - even if only for a moment. Then, only then, does she slowly untangle her arms, thick calloused fingers dragging down her shirt, as if hesitant to release. THAT ' S BECAUSE SHE WAS .

「 LINGER 」 : for senders touch to linger on the receiver.

It took everything in her power not to bite the hand that lingered on her face. Its warmth was unparalleled as was its comfort, though she would never admit the latter. Gentle touches was not something Minthara was well versed in giving or receiving. She was even more a stranger to freely longing. That was not to say she had never longed for something. When under Orin's thumb she longed for freedom and her former goddess. Once she longed for a priestess. Currently she longed for the touch to remain for a moment longer, long enough the moment would feel like an eternity, but Minthara knew better. She knew how undeserving of that she was as well as how she shouldn't indulge. Both of them needed focus, to be ready for what ever may come and at their peak. Even still, she didn't go to move from the barbarian but she didn't lean towards her either. Instead they stood in a limbo that she certainly wasn't going to be the one to break.

[infernalapparatus]

" All I want for Christmas is your balls, darling."

【 TIS THE SEASON 】 - @centuriesundead

" EHHHHH . . . Y'mean my eyeballs? 'Cause I don't mind lookin' at ya if that was your request. " Then, her lips twitch into something a little more cheeky, and she raises her brows.

" Unless you meant something a little naughtier, soldier. EVEN THEN I MIGHT HAVE A HARD TIME TELLIN ' YOU NO . "