#iron-hearts-ablaze

[infernalmechanic]

While he didn't want to slump his entire body weight onto her, at least not all at once, Dammon was sorely tempted to by every soothing affectionate caress over his back and tail. For once, his mind let him stay in this tender moment, let his worries about his work wait a while. The feeling began to unravel tension Dammon hadn't realized he'd carried, most apparent in a few subtle pops in his lower spine.

He couldn't quite tell whether the brightness he'd noticed in her lovely eyes was the start of tears or not, but he didn't push to find out. Instead, he let out a warm laugh past a slant in his smile, pressing his cheek into Karlach's palm.

"Of course I want you to. Though maybe sooner than a week," Dammon teased back. One hand smoothed along the outer side of her thigh again, while his other combed through soft dark waves near Karlach's ear and neck. "Especially if those other tricks of yours are anything like this."

In his own way, Dammon also felt like here, in this room, everything could feel normal for a while. No shadow-curse outside, no endless busy work to keep his thoughts and hands occupied, no fears about the travel still ahead - just the two of them together, in the soft glows of her engine and of candles.

Dammon answered that sharper, gasping moan with an encouraging hum against Karlach's neck. Each noise was another treasure, to be held close in his memory alongside everything else about this night - or, morning? who could tell - whether it'd be their only one or not.

A few of his own softer, clipped groans escaped with his breaths at how she tensed around him. Dammon kept circling his thumb all the while, even going a little faster when he felt her clench up hard and her legs tighten on his waist. His cock gave a valiant twitch in answer to those fluttering squeezes, while he watched in open adoration as Karlach moaned.

When she began to relax, his attentions to her clit slowed and shifted, smoothing gently over it but also letting his spread fingers rub over her hip, then up her side and down onto her thigh. Peppering more kisses up Karlach's neck and onto one cheek, Dammon lifted his head just enough to meet her eyes with a soft smile. The rest of him didn't pull back, or pull out. Not yet, not unless or until she wanted him to.

"No better word for it," he agreed. "Or for you." Another kiss, to her lower lip. "Incredible. I know what I'll be dreaming about for the next week straight," Dammon added with a fond, faintly breathy laugh.

[sharransepulchre]

. ☽◯☾ . cont. from here - @iron-hearts-ablaze

❝ mmh , ❞ Was the first soft, contented noise to escape the cleric's plush lips. All too easily did her emerald eyes slip shut when those strong arms found their way around her slender waist. Instinctively, her weathered hands slide down to Karlach's sturdy shoulders, thoroughly appreciating every ounce of pure strength present beneath her burly form. Her touch is nearly reverent, dexterous fingers dancing across the warm vents of her shoulders, in a soothing and careful manner. A rhythm, her palm smoothing against the burn scars of her right arm in a lazy, thoughtless path.

❝ you , out of anyone , deserves one of these . and , if i may be so bold . . . i rather enjoy these quiet little moments . it ' s truly difficult to find any real respite in such trying times , and your arms are much like the welcoming hearth of a cabin ; fully ablaze and lingering with the scent of campfire . ❞ Then, her lips turn coy, and she muses, a tease that rolls far too easily off of her silvered tongue. ❝ with only a hint of that avernus stink . ❞

[apalestar]

@iron-hearts-ablaze cont'd

Karlach’s employer fielded him earlier. A cobbler’s son clawing and fighting his way for a place in high society. Scraping for anyone in the patriars to give him that all coveted sponsorship to elevate his social status. A hard sell for a man who smelt of sulphur and shoe tact. Even as little as the nobles thought of Astarion, they thought even less of Gortash.

But his guard? She was of Astarion’s interest. He knew for a fact the little noblemen that played at swords were gods awful when it came to actually fighting. The few that had some measure of skill were already accounted for. And he just happened to be in the market for a personal guard. He didn’t trust the Fists. And the few that remained as part of Cazador’s household were… tainted in his eyes. Loyal to the very same bastard he feared might return.

He graced the tiefling in his home with a smile. Mindful at the last moment to hide his fangs. “Oh heavens, no. Gods forbid this party actually be that lively.” The dancing pairs. The food he couldn’t partake of. The idle chatter and exchange of blackmail. “Your first soiree? I promise not all of them are usually so dull.”

“Blood. Vicious rumors. An affair caught in the open. We aren’t so fortunate this evening.” Astarion appeared rather bored. “And a far cry from the celebrations you find in the taverns in the Lower City.”

“Ah, but where are my manners? I owe you an introduction. Astarion. Szarr.” He extended his palm to her upturned to receive hers in a proper greeting as social decorum dictated.

[fxrest-bcrn]

A starter for @iron-hearts-ablaze

Tavrayn hated sitting by the fire alone: he needed to talk to people... even if half of camp would rather not be talked to. The half-drow bounced his knee as he glanced around, ears flicking as he glanced around the tents; such a disparate group, brought together by... by some tadpole? (He'd heard of mind flayers, of course... even heard of people being infected by them. But his companions seemed, well... rather uninfected.) But who could he ask about such a sensitive subject? Tav looked around again.

... And settled on the member of their crew least likely to drown him in a lecture or bite his head off... or simply ignore him. So he stood and ambled over to her tent. As he stopped in front of her, he waved a bit, a lop-sided grin tugging at a corner of his mouth.

"Hey... Karlach. I was wondering if I could, y'know, maybe ask you some questions?"

[vlaakithschosen]

@iron-hearts-ablaze asked: "giving up" isn't in my vocabulary.

"Of course it isn't Karlach, and that's what I like about you.. you always find ways to make the battle more.. 'interesting.'"

Lae'zel said as she was cleaning her sword and wiping the blood off from the goblin blood from it, it is true; ever since she has met the tiefling, things for her just got more interesting in some ways, and it's better to have a barbarian in the group.

[astarigod]

CONT. @iron-hearts-ablaze

VERMILLION HUES SQUINTED suspiciously at his fiery friend, single white brow arched as her words tickled his pointy ears.

❛ You must've cheated, Karlach, ❜ Astarion snorted with indignation, ❛ That's the only explanation. I mean , there's no way you could've beaten me in the archery competition otherwise. I can't prove it, but I'm sure you did, ❜ Came the snarky elf's retort, treating the toy waved before his face with disregard as it were.

The crowd before them suddenly shifted and started their agitated applause as a suspicious and pesky looking clown appeared on the stage before them, accompanied by his large dog performer, called Bitey Buddy , as Dribbles announced him.

❛ Oh, good, puns .. almost as good as the clown's, dear,❜ Astarion quipped before turning back to Karach. As if clowns weren't enough of a horror already ,❛ These stale jokes really bore me. Let's start a fight.❜

[whomuses]

Roll the dice! (I'll let you decide the muse!)

Send ROLL THE DICE and receiver will roll a d20 / random number generator -

17. Receiver gives sender a gift

"Ah, Karlach?" Gale was hovering in the doorway to her tent, uncertain. "I wondered if I might bother you for a moment. I, uh - well, I have something for you." he said, with a faint smile. He was holding, shock! awe! a book. He carefully passed the tome between his hands, unsure if this was foolish or not, but, well. "It's a book of fairy tales, uh - I'm aware that may sound childish, but I reassure you, there is no such thing here - one of those rather aimed at an older audience. I recall you saying you haven't read much and I thought it might provide... anyway. I have laid an enchantment upon it so it cannot be damaged by heat, so - you needn't worry about scorching it."

[griefgoddess]

“no one will hurt you as long as i’m breathing.”

protector / protectee starters // @iron-hearts-ablaze

THE PETITE CLERIC NEEDN'T protection , or at least what she thought , and her fiery friend was well aware of it . The darkest of Shadows were lurking into these Cursed lands , nonetheless nothing could make her to abort her mission in progress .

⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚

She mustn't fail . And those barren lands were twisted and corrupted by necrotic energy. Most trees within shriveled up and appeared as if dead, while others retained only a few brown and red leaves. Desiccated 'shadowroots' rose above once thriving earth, forming a lattice of dead plant material spread out like a network of veins. Patches of otherworldly, red grass appeared sporadically across the withered soil. Flora only appeared in its typical state in regions still-blessed by the despised moon witch goddess , Selûne.

Umbral influx, rendered the flesh of living creatures, and replaced with eerie, blue-green energy.

But Shadowheart felt at home here , maybe even more than anywhere their mutual path has lead them thus far. And those dark wraiths do not tear or drain at the flesh , like they did with the rest -- this meant she must be special, a true Shar's chosen.

Her cold hands shook with excitement , as she attempted to paint her emerald hues in darker shades , in honor of her Dark Goddess -- she attempted to always look as if her eyes were cloaked in shadow. Furthermore , it suited her bone structure.

Once Shadowheart's done with her preparation for Shar's trials , she finally glanced up at the big tiefling. The cleric abhorred being patronized , nonetheless, Karlach was her friend. And even though the kiss they'd shared to test her ability to be lend a touch after that first Dammon fix might not turn into nothing more , for both of them had so much to deal as of current , the barbarian will always remain her friend.

Her shaded eyes , softened a little , as they picked up Karlach's face and she allowed a mischievous smile to kiss her own lips despite nerve-racking anticipation -- she has resolve within herself to become the best Dark Justiciar , for Lady Shar mustn't be failed, she can not fail her.

⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚

" You promise? , " Came a curt response from the Sharran priestess , allowing herself to dally a little , as she drowned into one fiery gaze.

[feyrevelry]

CONT. / @iron-hearts-ablaze

SYLVERIAN’S SHOCK HAD MORPHED INTO ANGER, then sorrow, then back to anger again ; a storm raging in his chest, too wild to contain.

He adored her. Her courage, her soul, the way she never failed to make him laugh. The way she fought, unyielding, against a world that had given her nothing but cruelty, and still managed to smile. And now she was telling him THIS was how it ended? Just like that??

No. It could’t be.

Tears welled in his iridescent eyes, shimmering with a fury so unlike him as they locked onto hers.

❝And now you surrender? After everything you have survived, all the trials you have endured?? What has all that fighting been for, if you just— You cannot simply——❞  His voice caught, rage and sorrow strangling his words.

Sylverian, empathetic as he was, had always been terribly stubborn, and now was no different. He refused to believe this was the end. And he refused to accept that this was her choice alone to make!

His throat felt tight. He paused, his lip trembling as he found his voice once more. ❝There must be another way, there always is!❞ Though his voice wavered, his words were now charged with conviction. ❝I will tear the realms apart to find it, and if there is none, then we shall make one ourselves!❞

[starbvund]

@iron-hearts-ablaze cont'd from here.

Young love. Halsin smiled thinking on it. Karlach doesn't lose her composure over speaking about their companions without a just reason. To see her curl inward even more telling. Right now she reminded him of newly born cubs uncertain of the world they found themselves in.

"No, Gale and I haven't spoken on subject recently. He does speak fondly of you when I'm in his company. Truly, you two care greatly for one another." The wizard was a veritable peacock showing off his colors to get the lady's attention. Any druid with even half a merit could see that.

When he first joined the encampment he had mistakenly thought the two of them were already lovers. In whatever capacity they could be given Karlach's restrictions. But Astarion had informed him otherwise. Prattled on about how the pair of them were driving him insane. Something about sexual tension and longing glances. He'd even started a running bet with Halsin over when the pair of them would finally come together.

"Do not be troubled." Halsin said gently. "I'm sure he'd have more kind words for you if you only asked."

[infernalmechanic]

Dammon answered her smile with a gentle one of his own, gaze still fixed upon Karlach's tear-streaked face until falling shut when their foreheads met. He moved a half-step closer and offered another squeeze to her palm, the end of his tail curling around hers.

He didn't rush. Dammon stayed there in the belltower until Karlach decided to lead the way back down and to the tavern. And for as much of that journey as possible, his hand stayed in hers.

After they reached the Elfsong's double doors, Dammon turned toward her again and took hold of her other palm as well. "I'd love that. I can already think of a few options to bring."

When Karlach emphasized her gratitude, only to then hesitate on something, he stayed silent. He knew what he hoped might follow, but didn't want to presume. Her admission brought a broader smile to his face, and Dammon let go of one hand to cradle her cheek instead.

"I really like you too, Karlach," he assured softly. "A lot. ...It isn't just the whole world that's brighter with you in it, it's my world. My life. Any day I get to see you is a day made better. And there will be a lot of those days to come." He'd make sure of it.

He could feel her hand shaking in his, but his only acknowledgement was his thumb smoothing a small arc back and forth over it.

If Karlach's question stung him to hear, Dammon could only imagine how she felt asking it. Though he already knew his answer, he didn't cut into her pause. He knew too well how it felt to hold so much in and hope no one would worry, even if some of his own concerns and fears were different from hers.

Brows tilted upward in keen sympathy, the threat of tears prickled the corners of his eyes when Karlach hid her own. At the same time, it reinforced his determination to succeed tomorrow, as well as his answer in the present moment.

"You won't," he assured just as softly. Free hand's fingertips resting on her jaw, hoping to coax her into facing him, Dammon emphasized in earnest, "You won't die, Karlach. Not if I've any say in it." He lifted their clasped hands between them, to kiss each of her knuckles. "This will work. The Gondians and I worked through every possible issue. By now, it's probably even better than anything the Steel Watch had."

Dammon couldn't claim there was no danger, given the magnitude of what would be done, but he refused to allow that danger to take Karlach from the world. Everything and everyone were as prepared as they could be.

[sharransepulchre]

a previously discussed roleplay - @iron-hearts-ablaze

This had been a long time coming. One by one, everyone was finally getting their vengeance. But, even as each companion vanquished their monsters, slayed their demons, something seemed to change for them. In their eyes, something intrinsic would take shape, something darker than before. A darkness that Shadowheart herself had recognized, something she saw too often in the eyes of those she surrounded herself with. The eyes of those hidden behind bone white visages when praying around a ritual offering bowl, with nothing but the windows to their very souls on display. People who had lost it all, and never wanted it back. To embrace that loss - that grief, of letting it all slip through their fingers, but never letting it rest.

How could they, when it was all they ever knew?

But her party, she told herself, they were different. She no longer followed Shar -- she would return to her place of creation, the Cloister of Sombre Embrace. Not as Shar's champion and Chosen, but as their liberator. There, held within the deep recesses of the inner sanctum nestled deep beneath the streets of the city akin to a sewer, surely that was where her parents were held. Aylin told her so , and the paladin did not seem like the type to fib. All she could think about was rescuing them, no matter the cost.

But, standing at the top of the towers, Shadowheart stared with what was almost fear. Before her, a blazing Karlach was slamming the desecrated body of Gortash into the chiseled stone bricks below. Again and again, although he was far from fighting, far from drawing any breath into his utterly splintered and shattered ribcage. Red painted the floor in blossoming bouquets, a macabre arboretum that stained the imported carpets and outlined the grout of the stone blocks. It was hard to tell where Gortash's life essence ended and Karlach's skin color began. It was all crimson. Splattering and eliciting visceral noises with ragged every impact, until it was surprising she could have any hold on him at all. Burning flesh, the tiefling burned hotter and hotter the more she consumed those soul coins - it was ruining her. This wasn't Karlach. This was what Zariel wanted her to be.

❝ stop . ❞ She whispered, and there was no way the massive raging barbarian could hear a single utterance. Another impact, and this time - that foul red liquid splattered against her cheek. ❝ stop it , ❞ She drew her hand up, shell-shocked, and slowly wiped the gathering of it against her skin. Hot to the touch and sticky, and drawing her slender hand back revealed how the very color stained her pale skin. ❝ you -- stop it, Karlach ! Gods damn it all, he ' s dead ! ❞ It was enough to snap her out of that stupor, where a memory had been so close within reach. Like thrusting her hand into the fog and expecting to see a crystal clear image; but it was murky, shrouded. Just outside of reach. She didn't draw any closer to the barbarian yet, who almost looked like a devil -- no, no she wasn't, what was she thinking? But Karlach burned, engulfed in that fire, she could feel the uncomfortable warmth against her frigid skin from several feet away. Even so, she willed her feet to move, forcing her closer as anger burned in her own eyes. Not so cleverly disguised, as there was desperation behind her gaunt emerald gaze.

❝ snap out of it ! damn it, can ' t you see how those soul coins are consuming you ? this isn ' t you ! ❞ She tried, voice cracking slightly in her desperation. This was a side she had never seen - a side she didn't even think had existed. This anger, she knew it was warranted - but to mutilate his corpse in such a way? There was no need for that! It had to be the soul coins, she told herself, because Karlach wasn't a monster. She couldn't be.

[apalestar]

"If I get rabies from your biting, I'll crush you! I don't care how cute you are in your bat form!"

(NOW it's me!)

@iron-hearts-ablaze are you sure about that?

He flashed his sharp teeth at her. He would bite as much as he damn well pleased. No rabies here, only vampirism. "Fear me."

[never-surrender]

@iron-hearts-ablaze \\ Aurelia

He was had found her, she was certain of it. Not only was he found her, but he was reaching for her, about to take her... that much her dream had convinced her of as she woke in a flurry of screams and flailing limbs. It was dangerous for Karlach to get close to her as she scrambles in blind terror away from the only person there with her, convinced that Karlach was Cazador somehow. Begging and screaming for them to leave her alone, Aurelia was blind in her utter terror, backed into a wall...

It takes some time before Aurelia notices and recognizes the sound of Karlach's voice. Curled into a tight ball against the wall to be as small as possible, Aurelia whimpered as she dared to look up, vision clearing to show her standing before her...

And the moment she realizes that she's safe? The moment she recognizes that it had been an awful dream? She practically devolves into a sobbing mess, unable to talk for several minutes as she hugs herself tightly, uncertain if Karlach would even want her going to them. Surely she wouldn't... so as she finally finds her voice, she takes a deep shuddering breath, reaching to scrub away the tears with the heal of her palm.

"S-sorry.." she manages to apologizes to them miserably, unable to look Karlach in the eyes.

[fatedmuses]

💋 from Wyll pleeeease!

Wyll had kept careful track of the days, since they'd gone to the hells. And, if he'd managed to keep time correctly, tonight was the start of the new year.

"Karlach!" In between killing demons, he pulled her close, stealing a quick kiss when he could. "Here's to another great year."

[chaoticbard]

"Okay, call me fucking psychic but I think that maybe...perhaps...somewhat....... You have a thing for Halsin."

"You needn't be psychic to pick up on that. I can't even pretend to hide my immense feelings about him."

"If he had a pair of horns and scales I'd have already long ago lost my senses."