Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shadowheart inhaled through her mouth, nose wrinkling. Despite being no stranger to death or gore, she had to swallow a retch. The scent got more pronounced instead of being muted. The tang of blood heavy on her tongue.

“You awoke to this?” She asked in disbelief, shooting the tiefling next to her a look.

Observing the flex of her fingers, not even the darkness of her skin nor the canvas of night hid the spatters of blood on her form. Roused in the middle of the night she had looked forward to something amorous. Had been delighted that the paladin for once was initiating. But Hope was nothing more than an open wound after all.

“I know how it sounds.” Her voice wasn’t more than a deep rasp, her eyes staring at the corpse. “I went to sleep, and then my arms hurt, and I opened my eyes, swaying on my feet, before me —this.” Her fingers curled into fists, jaw clenched. “I offered her shelter here.”

“You don’t remember anything?” A shake of a head. “This looks almost ritualistic with the circles and runes but the savagery of the kill-” A flinch, her companion almost making herself smaller. “Did you sell your soul to a devil?”

“I wouldn’t know.” Tav rubbed her face, grasping at her temple and Shadowheart took inventory of the numerous scars.

The obvious nick in her right ear, the one splitting her upper lip. A broad shouldered tiefling with fit physique. She had seen her fight, knew the tiefling was capable of this, physically. But now seeing her this muted a spark instead of a blaze, without any restless energy. Seldom morose since they had met.

“Those intrusive thoughts, those urges-”

“Gone.”

“I see.”

“Perhaps you could look? Up here, I mean?”

“Use the tadpole?” Shadowheart bit her lower lip. “It couldn’t hurt.”

Instead of waiting for Tav to reach out like the other times, she did. Eyes closed focusing on the damn parasite, clenching her teeth at the nauseating squirming of it, until she found herself in Tav’s memory.

Her restlessness, the twitching of her muscles. Almost hyperaware of their companions, pacing around the parameter, humming under her breath. The attempt to drown out the pounding behind her eyes. The thirst in her throat, never sated, no matter how much she drank. Playing with the animals, hands shaking. Soothed by the soft fur underneath her fingers. The unending warmth while curled up between them. A snout nested against her side, a beak preening her hair. Lulled to sleep by the owlbear’s soft hoots.

Then eyes blinking back open. Ground unsteady. Falling to her knees, holding her head. Licking her lips, tasting blood. Massaging her aching hands until her gaze fell upon the bard, Alfira-

Her song whispered through her mind. Sweet and hopeful. Happy. Despite everything. Nauseating sweet a voice had murmured. Had wished for shelter, wished to make a difference. Inspired by her, now torn apart, eyes unseeing. Intensities squelching out of their confinement, the most enchanting perfume of death permeating the air. Comfort in the blood embracing her hands, familiar in its heat like a hug-

“Goddess.” Shadowheart broke their connection, exhaling shakily. “Like pages ripped out of a book. What do you remember?”

“Waking up in the ship to now everything, I believe. Except this.”

“That can’t be the tadpole.”

“It would be safer to put me down.” Tav fell to her knees with a dull thud, in front of her. Baring her throat, showing off the thick, red scar right in the middle of it as if someone had wanted to silence her forever.

Yet here she was placing a dagger into Shadowheart’s hands, holding it against her own throat. To be put down like a beast. Shadowheart inhaled, the cloying scent of dead heavy. She pressed the tip of the dagger against skin, pushing it up until its edge rested on the underside of the tiefling's chin. Out of the fine line, droplets of blood appeared.

Tav didn't flinch, didn't wince, eyes lowered submissively, completely fine with being under her mercy until nothing happened. Docile under her hands, hellish red eyes, flickered up to her, tracing her face, almost content.

Shadowheart shook her head, tapping Tav's chin with the flat side of the dagger once before sheathing it. “You didn’t wake me to slit your throat.” Not with how shaky the whisper of her name had been, not by the wide-eyes, the croak of her voice.

“If I can’t control myself, if I’m not even aware of my actions.” Tav ducked her head. “I would not forgive myself if I were to endanger you.”

Shadowheart ducked her head, ears burning at the raw earnestness. But this was the woman she had got to know. She closed her eyes at her own weakness. She sniffed audible, peering down at her haughtily. Kicking the tiefling's shin with no real force.

“You couldn’t if you tried. Spare me the dramatics. Get up. We should lay her to rest and clean away this mess before the others wake. I’m sure the Blade of Frontiers would not react well to such a sight.”

“We aren’t telling them?”

“There is nothing to tell until we have a grasp on what we are dealing with. To your pleasure, you’ll get to know my bondage expertise earlier than anticipated.”

The shadow of a smile. “Are you flirting with me over a corpse?”

“I’ll leave you to your delusions.”

*

An almost perfect performance. It had started days ago, a restlessness. The fidgeting with the githyanki artefact. A fading appetite. Sharp remarks, yearning to draw blood. She wasn’t even sure how Shadowheart managed to remain kneeling in prayer. Encompassed in her incense. Her rosary wrapped around her arm almost blending in with the tattoos twisting like vines from her wrist to her shoulder. Or rather more fitting like shadows crawling up her arms, wishing to swallow her whole. To Tav, it was obvious. The forced stillness, serenity. Shadowheart's brows drawn together in a frown. The lower lip almost raw from her biting down on it.

Tav tasted her disquiet. Eyes drawn back to the cleric again and again. The fine hairs on her neck rising when her gaze was met, certain a new sheen had entered those meadow green eyes. Having spent far too much time lost in them, attempting to compare them to anything, it was striking. A glint. Anticipation gnawed at her, as she waited for something. Another mystery.

Her mind nothing more than a blank canvas or rather nothing more than a grotesque mass of meat after it got smashed to bits with a mace or Morningstar, blood spattering the last throes of life wiggling out of it-

Tav blinked, grinning when she saw what had drawn her out of her thoughts. The cub. Chittering while attempting to snap at her fingers. Hooting as she let him chase her fingers allowing him to gnaw at them. He knew not to use too much force between her playing and Scratch correcting him softly when he got too rough. He got it down. Now it was mostly a nighttime routine. Scratch observing them already curled up in the little shelter they had made.

Like the rest of her companions, especially Karlach considering the deep snores audible in the silence of night. Even the spawn was not creeping around in the dark, hidden from the world in his tent.

The owlbear cub nudged her hand and she petted its head before fishing out of her pant pocket, a strip of dried meat. A little midnight snack for all of them. Chewing, her eyes wandered back to the purple tent. Unoccupied fingers drumming against her thigh.

The cleric had gone to rest early. With nothing but a quick mutter, her stride appearing almost angry. Her instincts were screaming. Like an arrow was notched and aimed. Muscles tense and beginning to shake under the strain. Breath held. Waiting.

One last round to check the perimeter wouldn’t hurt now, would it? With a last pet she left the animals, enjoying the night breeze on her skin, far too hot in her pants and loose shirt. But Wyll had blushed fiercely the one time he had seen her shirtless, choking on his drink, stuttering and offering his own to cover up. Uncomfortable in a way she didn’t understand, after all it was nothing more than flesh and skin. She didn’t understand the problem but everyone else beside Lae’zel had chimed in so sleep wear it was.

Even the cleric with a light scowl had commanded her to cover herself up despite her own wandering hands, always seeking out bare skin. But who was she to deny Shadowheart?

A low groan. Rustling. A crack. Louder than the snap of a twig. Followed by more. A louder groan.

“Shadowheart?” There was no answer and she padded closer. Unsure what to do. Shuffling. Was the cleric ignoring her? Or perhaps a bad dream? Surely she would be lenient if Tav risked a peek inside to ensure she was alright?

“Shadowheart?” She pulled the tent flap to the side a bit, ducking her head. Not ready to embarrass herself once more and get tangled up with her horns in the tent.

A growl. Green eyes. Glowing in the darkness. A hunched form. A snarl. Salvia dripped down a massive jaw.

“Fuck.”

Her face. She scrambled back. In time for a tearing sound accompanied by another snarl to ring out. Tav blinked. Cheek throbbing. Wetness dripped down her temple to her chin. Her prodding fingers, blood stained.

Eyes on her. Lips drawn back. Teeth like daggers. Like Shadowheart had said. A wolf. Shadowheart. A wolf.

Tav’s brain hurt almost as much as her face. They stared at each other. Wait, wasn’t there something about not staring a wolf into the eyes? Her Heart raged against its cage. Her own blood on her tongue, invigorating. Not only that, but her earlier tiredness long forgotten.

A soft hoot. The wolf turned, scenting the air. Spine arched up and this wasn’t good, their companions sleeping, the animals here-

The last thing they needed was a rampaging wolf. “Shadowheart?”

No reaction. She took a step back, toes digging into the earth. The massive head swivelled back to her. Another growl. Some distance between the camp and them should do.

Tav whirled around and ran into the woods. Ignoring the twigs and vegetation tearing at her. Stones and other things unpleasant against the bare soles of her feet. She strained her hearing. Senses on high alert. Listening to the scramble of claws behind her. Rustling of leaves.

Took a sharp right. Hearing the crack of a tree as the massive beast hit it full speed. There was no way she could outrun a wolf. She kept taking sharp turns. Listening intently. Hunter and prey. A chase with only the moon as witness.

Exhilarating. The cold air burned in her lungs. The pounding of her feet in synchrony with her heart. Another turn-

She hit the ground. Heavy weight on her back. Breath on her neck. Her skin burned, claws tearing through her clothing. On instinct, she lashed out, hitting flesh. Hard enough the wolf let up.

Tav scrambled on all fours forward, turning around in time for it to leap at her again. Pulling her shoulders up to her ears to protect her neck best she could. She went with the movement.

Teeth digging therefore into her right shoulder instead of her neck. She used the energy of the movement. With her back on the ground she placed her feet into the underside of the wolf, heaving it up and over herself.

A crack. A high-pitched whine.

Tav panted. Swallowing a mixture of blood and saliva. Rolled onto her belly, to get her knees beneath her. Shakingly heaving herself up into a crouch. Fists protectively raised. Mind spinning.

A trophy. The head of the wolf. Mounted on a pike. Her teeth buried into its flesh. Golden eyes met her gaze. Tongue lolling. Salvia dripping. Sharp teeth red with her blood. Her own ached to return the favour. Red as the haze descending on her mind-

Tav shook her head, grasped the bridge of her nose. Holding her breath. Calming herself.

“Shadowheart?” She tried again. Reminding herself. Needing her guidance.

Ears flattened to its skull were the only answer. “Alright. No reason not to be civil, puppy.” The gnash of teeth. It needed to not see her as a threat.

All the blood just made her hungry.

Hungry. The ribs of the wolf were stark noticeable under its patchy fur. It almost looked sick. Thin and gangly. Her hand was in her pocket and only at its, her scenting, Shadowheart scenting the air, she realized. “Food. Who doesn't like food, huh?”

The wolf, Shadowheart she reminded herself, observed her, tense. Ready to pounce at her once more as she moved. Lightly she threw a strip of dried meat into Shadowheart’s direction. It hit the ground. No movement. Perhaps even in this form Shadowheart’s need for refinement bleed over, yet she was sure her search for silverware now, would be not appreciated. And holding out the meat she either risked her limb or aggravating Shadowheart again.

Nose twitching, eyeing her with suspicion Shadowheart slunk closer. Turning her head, giving the impression of not being observed was enough. Without preamble Shadowheart swallowed the meat. Gaze remained on her.

Her body was sore. The moonlight was bathing everything in its light. Now no longer in a mad dash through the woods other sounds reached her. Other creatures slinking through the dark. And she was with a wolf in the woods. With Shadowheart. She threw another piece. Perhaps she had calmed enough. If something stumbled upon them, she had only her bare hands and a wolf that would turn on her. Or had a high chance to. The closer to camp they were, the safer.

Tav took a step back under watchful eyes. Seeing as Shadowheart made no move to attack she threw another piece of meat. Walking into the direction she thought camp was. Pace slow enough to lure the wolf hopefully back. Shadowheart luckily not interpreting her actions as an attack.

She didn’t know how long they walked, only relieved when she noticed the campfire in the distance the same time her stash of snacks had been depleted. Without her getting one bite. Her stomach grumbled.

With a last look behind her, she sat down against a tree, hissing when the wounds on her back made themselves known. In the shadows, a black form slunk closer. In her periphery but not getting closer.

“Good girl.” Tav offered, filling the air with absent chatter. Voice low and steady. To keep herself awake, the wolf at peace. It took the first rays of sunlight to crest for there to be a change. A whimper. She heaved herself up, drawing closer.

Bones breaking, rearranging, fascinating and beautiful. Flesh torn and healed in front of her eyes until the massive form gave way to that of a half-elf. Shadowheart. Pale skin glowing under the first rays of light, and hells the cleric was completely bare under her gaze. Tav looked away, grasping her own shirt to offer, only then noticing merely tatters remained. Hanging on her form. Cursing, there was nothing else to do.

Swift, apologies mumbled under her breath, she picked Shadowheart up. Her skin was cold against her own, but no visible wounds drew her attention as she made her way to camp. Luckily none of the others had risen, but it wouldn’t be long until at least Lae’zel would haunt the camp with her presence. The soldier easy to predict in her routine.

Tav placed Shadowheart into her ruined tent—slightly ruined after all only the tent flap had tried to imprison a wolf. And the material close to it had a few gashes. The bedding in difference. She threw out the pieces of bedroll, blankets, and pillows before leaving Shadowheart for a moment to rifle through the camp chest. Finding the clothes she had bought, a soft wide shirt and some loose pants and blankets because you never knew.

The pants were a little too long, but they could be shortened if necessary, Tav noted as she dressed the cleric, folding them up Shadowheart's legs. Afterwards, wrapping her up in blankets to keep the cold out. Alarmed by her cold skin while sweat beaded at her hairline, gathered at her temple. Tav hesitated, because Shadowheart's hair, her braid had come almost undone. Headpiece hanging on for dear life-

Tav let it be. Shadowheart had never let herself be seen without her braid. Not by her and definitely not by the others. Her braid, the intricate design with the chains and the headpiece—she took great care of it. After everything that had happened, she had seen without meaning to, it would be another encroachment. She wished for nothing more than Shadowheart to trust her, a selfish desire Tav tried to lock up.

The problem was no matter how much she yearned for her trust, to listen to anything and everything Shadowheart had to say. Enthralled by the soothing light timbre of her voice, it was out of reach. Out of question. Not when her actions weren't always her own.

But leaving was impossible. Her feet would not carry her. Shadowheart far too adorable, now curled up on her side, blankets pulled up to her chin. Looking so young, face smoothed out, no worry lines visible, no guard up. They had shared the tent a few times. Only then Shadowheart had barely slept the first few nights and Tav had been tied up. Shadowheart providing soft bedding, cheekily pushing her onto her side while her hands were bound behind her back as well as her feet. Ensuring her circulation wasn't cut off and her joint wouldn't hurt afterwards but also sure she would hear if Tav struggled with her bindings.

Still comforting Tav after what she had done. Still letting her remain close. Quite enjoying her on her knees, so obedient Shadowheart had whispered, cheekily stealing a kiss. Her presence, the soft whisper of her breath all she clung to while trembling, begging for nothing to happen.

In disbelief every morning when Shadowheart untied her, massaging her wrist, looking her over for any damage. Eyes searching hers. And then the cleric had one night simply stated it wasn't necessary any more. Tying her up.

The curse, urge, bloodlust or whatever sated for now. Even if it crept up on her again, at the edges of her senses. A quiet hunger. Her dreams remained gone. No screams or shouts, no haze of red. Shadowheart had made her promise to come to her if need be, if anything changed. If she required help.

Under the circumstances, Tav was sure she was allowed to remain. But wishing to respect Shadowheart's space and privacy as much as possible while struggling with her need to ensure her well-being, she curled up at the entrance. Almost sure the cleric would wake up either frightened or confused. Finally, herself tired, she yawned, wounds pinching a little. But her own unrest finally gone, her eyes slipped close to the sound of soft, steady breathing.

Chapter Text

Shadowheart awoke immediately on alert. Not knowing why. Inhaling sharply, the familiar growing mixture of incense and nature calmed her. Even if sleeping on the ground wasn’t. She squinted against the bright sunlight, yawning. Noticing then how stiff she was and hissing as she stretched her sore muscles. Goddess, she hadn’t been this sore when she had gone to bed. Sitting up, her eyes widened. Both at the sight of the massive tear in her tent wall but also at the sleeping tiefling. In her tent. Curled up, side rising and falling with every breath.

Shadowhart definitely had not invited her. Her hackles rose. Hoping the tiefling did not have another episode, perhaps tearing up her tent in an attempt to murder her. She shook her head. Naively, despite the fact she should know better, she trusted the tiefling. Just as the thought flashed through her mind, she winced, grasping her hand. Biting her lip to stifle a whine, relief came only as the sensation vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Pushing off the blankets she was wrapped in she noted in confusion her apparel. These were not her camp clothes. Closing her eyes she retraced her steps. Yesterday she had been on edge, moody, leaving the company of the others behind for the solitude of her tent. Twisting and turning in her bedroll not managing to get comfortable.

But she must have fallen asleep. It didn't explain the state of matters. Hopefully one could. Leaning over the tiefling her hand paused before reaching Tav’s shoulder.

Wide-eyed taking in the state of the tiefling. Stark red against her dark skin, scratches and marks, shirt in tatters. Covered in blood and dirt. Hells, the shirt was barely recognizable, baring more flesh than it covered. She looked like she had lost a fight with a bear.

“Tav?” Shadowheart touched her shoulder, unsurprised as the tiefling jolted awake at once, eyes wild as they darted around. Form tensely coiled like a predator going in for the kill. “It’s only me.” Her voice trailed off.

Horizontal beginning from her brow down to her chin, claw marks. Face caked in dry blood. The marks an angry red. “Shadowheart?” Her voice was a sleepy rasp, as she stretched her limbs, baring her fangs in a yawn.

“What happened?”

“Mhm?” Tav rose to a crouch, rubbing her face only to wince. “Ow.”

“To you, to the tent and why am I wearing your clothes?”

“How humbling, our night of passion so quickly forgotten. You were one ferocious beast.” Tav grinned, giving her a wink, tail flickering back and forth behind her.

Shadowheart frowned, browns drawn together. Tav respected her boundaries almost zealously, and she would remember if something like that had happened. “Stop jesting. You look like you are hurt, what happened to you?”

“Well, fluffy you came out to play. Thinking about it, last night was a full moon. Did you forget? Not that I mind fluffy you or a bit of roughness but a warning or a notice would have been nice. Or is it your way of keeping things interesting? Either way I think you need to eat more, you were starving, and your ribs were visible in that form-”

“Tav, what are you talking about? I don't remember anything.”

“Oh.” Tav paused, head tilted, considering her. Stare intense enough to unnerve her. Wracking her brain, the last thing she remembered was lying in her bedroll. Rubbing her neck, avoiding her gaze, Tav offered. “You do know you can turn into a gigantic wolf, right?”

Shadowheart blankly stared at her for a heartbeat or two before rolling her eyes. Not in the mood for the tiefling’s kind of humour. “Very amusing. I'm not one of the tiefling kids you tell your stories to. It is alright to admit if you sleepwalked again. We could try a sleep spell or a potion to let you sleep without any nightmares.”

“You don't know. I mean thinking about it, it’s a bit perplexing for a werewolf to be afraid of wolves-”

“It's a very common fear to have, and you assured me it didn't matter.”

“Still doesn't.” Tav reached for her hand, squeezing it. “But you also did turn last night into a wolf therefore you must be some sort of lycanthrope?”

Shadowheart covered her face with a snort. “Impossible.” She held up her hand, to stop Tav from speaking. “I don't care for this joke. This-” She waved between the two of them, shaking off Tav’s grasp. “Is dependent on trust. Until you are prepared to tell me the truth, you should leave.”

“Wait-”

“I think I made myself clear.” She tasted blood on her tongue. Heart hammering inside her chest. Fingers flexing, biting the inside of her cheeks. She watched Tav deflate before leaving with a nod.

Shadowheart shook her head, nails digging into her palm. No, she had trusted the tiefling with her greatest secrets. Her heart stumbled. Her a wolf? Ridiculous. The thought sent shivers down her spine, memories of dark damp walls prevevalent. Mother Superior’s voice flat and cold in her ears as she remembered her punishments. Glowing eyes, teeth like daggers. Claw marks left behind on stone.

Mind flickering to the one's seared into Tav's flesh. Looking down at her hands, she closed her eyes. Pushed these thoughts down. Gaze flickering through her tent for her rosary, prayer would offer her guidance. It had to.

*

“Show us what you got devil.” The duergar opened his hand, offering his flail.

Shadowheart sneered, glancing at the rothé. Her mark sending a jolt through her couldn't keep her from silently begging the rothe to gore their so called masters. As they deserved. Tav twirled the flail in her hand and she wanted to see her expression, her form as tense as it had been for days. No way to glean her thoughts.

Then in a quick motion, the flail cracked. Right across the duergar’s face, and before he even comprehended the attack he was lifted off his feet by the Greatsword forced into his chest. With a cough, and blood falling from his lips, he was dropped to the floor. Another of his companions fell to the gith’s swift attack and Shadowheart’s firebolt hit the last one at the same time as Gale’s.

Platform silent outside the huffing of the rothé. Face to the ground, hooves scraping against the ground. The shifting of their muscles under the fur was visible. Tav, when had she dropped to her feet, stood. Dropping the flail while parting from the dead duergar with a last kick before turning around.

Blood spattered as so often across her face, a deep frown marring her face, one hand grasping her chest. Shadowheart noted no wound, surprised as their gazes met for a single moment before the tiefling stomped away. While Gale seemed interested in the rubble the duergar had wanted to be cleared, Lae’zel was right on Tav’s heels.

Shadowheart left behind without a single word. Not that they had spoken at all besides what was needed in combat. Tav nothing more than a fleeting presence, with no witty remarks or bad jokes, no casual shoulder brushes or hand squeezes shared. Her quiet company missed, the soft rumble of her humming. No more kisses shared.

Hells she only had seen her when they headed out of camp. The tiefling seemingly just vanished from her sight when they made camp. Perhaps it was better this way. To not get attached, after all, she couldn’t, needed to remain focused on her mission.

It was better this way. A mantra, a resolution. Nothing to distract her. Absence not presence.

If her eyes lingered, her feet wished to carry her to close the distance then only because the gith had started to whisper into Tav’s ear. Hushed conversations, gazes exchanged. Planning something and Tav was far too blind to notice, too trusting.

Her nose crinkled, the heat of the lava, the scent of sweat, blood, hells if misery had a scent it was drenching the air. Her eyes watered at the intensity of the smells, and she covertly attempted to bury her nose in her collar. Listening distracted to the explosion clearing the rubble. Observed the freed gnomes running past her.

The hair on the back of her neck raised. Her spirit guardians flashed to life around her as Tav finished her conversation or rather disarmed the True Soul. Literally. Hacking off his hand with a swing of her sword, twirling it almost lazily at her side. Immediately a fight broke out. Her ears rang with shouts and the clashing of weapons meeting each other. The battle was confusing with the duergars on their side and those opposed to them. Hard to distinguish one from the other.

High-pitched screams as arrows whizzed past her. The lava swallowed life victims of the battle. Shield in front of her she blocked the swing of a duergar, who a moment later was cut down by the gith. Lae’zel, sharp teeth bared, snarling as she twisted through the battlefield. Ears perked up, elated by the blood shed.

Searching her eyes found Tav. In between the sergeant and another duergar. Holding her side, face cast into shadow so Shadowheart couldn’t make out her expression. Without thought, she stopped concentrating on her spirit guardians. A golden shimmer encompassed Tav as the next sword blow harmlessly bounced off. Their gazes met and Tav used the chance to cut down the Sergeant with a leap in the air bringing her down with a divine smite.

“Shadowheart!” Tav yelled looking past her and Shadowheart turned in time. Shield raised. Forced to her knees. Her arms shook under the force of the blow. An enlarged duergar stood over her, weapon raised anew.

Between a breath and the next, her sight was covered. Tav shielding her with her body. Shadowheart rose only to see an axe cleaved into the tiefling’s shoulder. Sword forgotten on the ground. Tav clawed at the handle of the axe. Struggling to keep it from burying further into her flesh.

The lips of the duergar moved, but Shadowheart wasn’t able to make out anything over the pounding of her heart. Raising her spear wasn’t even needed. Tav jolted the massive duergar closer by his weapon. The duergar stumbled into Tav’s strike. Dagger thrust into his chin, disappearing into his skull. While the duergar shifted back to his normal size, Tav vanished.

As if she had never been there. Shadowheart turned. Eyes roving over the fight, looking for those horns, Tav wasn’t small by anyone’s standards and definitely not the sneakiest individual. She had an axe stuck in her shoulder. Because she took a blow for Shadowheart. And now she was gone-

Her inattention cost her. A strike to her back. She stumbled forward. Turning she blocked another strike with her shield.

Lashing out Shadowheart struck with her spear. Leg hit, the duergar fell to his knees. Offering his chest for another strike of her spear. Panting, she realized, sweat dripping down her temple, the sounds of battle had ceased.

Few of their temporary allies already collecting stuff from the dead. Gale pale and his glossy hair tangled in knots, had fallen onto the nearest crate. The gith kneeled next to a body, stripping them of useful resources. Not looking in the least worse for wear or exhausted.

Tav took a moment to find. Feet carrying her forward on instinct. The tiefling at the edge of the battle, at the cave in, where Nere had stumbled out. Hunched over, grunting with exertion. Stabbing Nere again and again, the wet squelching sound ringing in her ears. The dagger disappeared into flesh up to the handle. Not slowing down.

“Tav.”

Despite her gentle murmur, Tav reacted as if struck by lightning. Jolting upwards, whirling around, teeth bared in a snarl. Legs shaking almost giving out beneath her and yet her dagger raised in defense. Back almost arched up similar to a hissing cat. So much blood, even her hair was slick with it. Shadowheart wasn’t even sure if any of it was her own or not. The scent was enough to turn her stomach.

She didn’t move, Tav blinking, settling. Shoulder slumping. “Are you alright?” The question was soft so abstract to her actions moments earlier, but the shift didn’t face Shadowheart.

How someone hip deep in gore, lost in violence, could ask so genuinely after her well-being, could step without hesitation into a blow meant for her, did. The head tilt, the rove of her eyes, the hand reaching out for her before stopping itself.

“Let me heal you.” Shadowheart evaded the question, afraid Tav would assured by her health would vanish from her sight again. Couldn’t take it at the moment, after watching Tav despite their last words exchanged still shield her. Not even for praise or approval. There the moment she needed her.

How without even a hint of hesitation Tav made herself smaller so Shadowheart was able to reach her face. Shadowheart didn't dare to invoke a prayer. Not with Tav almost nuzzling into her palm, eyes closed. Focused to scrap together the remains of her magic, to channel it into Tav, her shoulder. To knit back together what had been torn apart. While the tiefling did not wince, her magic connecting them.

Shadowheart thumbed lightly her jaw, eyes tracing the numerous scars. Caught at the newest ones. Angry red, three lines splitting Tav’s brow, running down to her chin. Fingers tracing over them, brows furrowed, because why wouldn’t they heal?

Shadowheart winced, pulling back her hands as her wound flared. The Mother Superior’s admonishing voice snarled in her ear. She ducked her head and clenched her teeth, forcing the images of the dark chamber away. To push away everything not related to Shar.

“Thank you,” Tav spoke, more a whipser than anything, despite this Shadowheart winced. Not meeting her gaze and unsurprised as the tiefling stepped past her without another word.

Leaving her and looking up Shadowheart fell on the grumbled statue of her goddess.

*

“Lower your weapons." No one moved. "Your loyalty is admirable, but without need. Your charm seems to have not left you, Oathbreaker.” The armoured knight didn’t move, despite the tip of Shadowheart’s spear poised where breastplate and helmet met. Unmoved by the others who encircled him, at the ready. No, his glowing orange eyes without any pupils focused only on one. “It has been a while, Oathbreaker, since your call reached me.”

A murmur. A growl of defence for the leader of their pack. Tav next to her shifted on her feet. Expression calm as she stepped closer to the Knight, who had appeared in their camp out of thin air. Not disturbed by his presence, fingers not even twitching for her weapon. It made her grip on her spear tighten.

“You know me?”

“You don’t remember?” The Knight hummed. “It does not matter. You called out to me the moment of your fall, Oathbreaker. You have once more a decision to make. One not made easily. One that should not be easy. Walk with me.”

Tav didn’t say anything and while the others relaxed, Shadowheart remained at the ready. Observed Tav rubbing her neck, fingers drumming on her leg. Surprised when a hand grasped hers, squeezing it. Looking down at it, Shadowheart did not even feel the warmth of Tav’s skin, her own gauntlet prohibiting it.

“Forgive me. I-.” Tav let her hand fall, shaking her head, turning away to follow the Knight. A step, another, Shadowheart grasped Tav’s arm, eyes flickering over her face. The raised brow, those sad eyes, glanced at the Knight waiting, observing.

“We know nothing about him. He could be dangerous.” Let me come with you, was what Shadowheart wanted to say, but bit her tongue.

“I don’t think so.” Tav met her gaze, offered a weak grin before following the Knight away from camp.

Sheathing her spear, her hands balled into fists. Unsure. The need to follow the two of them was overwhelming. How did the Knight know Tav? Why hadn’t she been surprised by his appearance? Had she remembered something? He had called her Oathbreaker.

She grasped the bridge of her nose, forcing herself to exhale. Clenching her teeth when just like every other time they came back to camp the gith started to sharpen her sword. That damnable racket. She hissed.

Closing the distance between the gith and her a few strides. “Would you stop?”

Lae’zel did not even spare her a glance, concentrating on her blade and Shadowheart tasted blood. Fingers twitching and without a thought, a crack and finally blessed silence.

“Shka'keth!” Her lips curled in disgust. Swamped with the scent of dried sweat and blood from the githyanki. Straightening as Lae’zel went up to her face, snarling. “I have ignored your childish outbursts for too long, Kainyank. I do not require the darkness of night to confront you if you are so keen to. I will have answers as to why an elf carries an artefact of my people."

The mention of the artefact stroked the fires. “Tav might believe your charade, but I know what your people are capable of. The artefact is off limits.”

“Charade? You are no better than the spawn. Every spoken word carries deception. Nothing more than a coward.”

“I will show you coward!”

“Brave enough to put action to your words? A duel and when I win I will know the truth elf-”

“Half-elf. And getting to trash you? I can’t wait.”

“We’ll see come dawn.” Lae’zel hissed, whirling around to storm off into her tent.

Shadowheart growled, her skin tight and white-hot rage, simmering inside her veins.

*

“You chose this,” Shadowheart growled, pinning with her knees Lae'zel's arms to the ground. Unmoved by the giths continued struggle.

“As I said, nothing more than a coward.” Her voice dripped with arrogance, even pinned to the ground looking down at her. Her nails dug into the gith’s neck, blade at her throat.

Saliva pooled in her mouth. Skin itching. Her hand shook. Not even the cool night air soothing the burning, curling in her stomach, spreading through her body. Lae’zel posed a threat. To them, to the mission-

Lae’zel heaved upward, jostling her enough to slip free a hand. Sharp pain bloomed, head knocked to the side. Shadowheart snarled, turning to face the gith, to end her life-

She was heaved into the air. Shadowheart struggled against the arm wrapped around her waist. Seething as the gith sat up, wanting to tear her apart, panting. Snarling.

“Shadowheart.”

Her vision cleared a little. Tav. She sunk back against the warmth at her back. Finding herself put back on her feet. Despite this, she couldn’t stop her twitching. Bile rose up her throat.

Her nose burned, everything burned. Without another glance, she fled from the scene. Ground unsteady on her feet. Squinted when the bright colours of the Underdark grew too much to bear, eyes watering. The sound of running water, the sharp smell of the flora.

Her fingers twitched. Hurt. She yelped, dropping the dagger. Fingers in front of her eyes elongating, shaping into claws. Her gums ached, her whimper coming out as a deep in her chest vibrating growl.

Shadowheart stumbled. Heart thundering inside her chest. Torn between anger, hells the gith, she ached to tear her apart. Her throbbing temple, where she had been hit worsening the need. The cloying scent of her own blood nauseating. The gith was unpredictable, focused on the artefact, despite it being the only thing protecting them and Tav had stopped her-

She hit the ground, yelping as her spine arched involuntarily. Her skin too tight for her frame. Hazily, vision narrow and swimming, her hands buried into the soil. A surge of searing pain coursed through every fibre of her being.

“Shadowheart.” It was hard to lift her head.

Tav! Shadowheart tried to speak, she didn’t know what was happening. No words escaped her mouth, jaw twitching. Another wave of pain, the breaking of bones. Pure agony.

“Shadowheart.” A hand cupped her cheek, grounding against her clammy skin. Soft red eyes focused on her, and she blinked against the persisting agony. That voice enough to drown out everything else. “It’s alright. Trust me, it's alright to let go.”

*

A last guttural scream ending in a howl.

Ripping of flesh. It couldn’t have taken more than a heartbeat, yet it was an eternity for her. The whine and whimper aching like the pressing of a bruise. One second the cleric on her knees, eyes having an unholy glow to them, stuck between two forms. Sprouting fur and fangs.

The next she was flattened onto her back. Air pressed out of her. Pearly white teeth, razor-sharp, bared, lips pulled back in a snarl. Ears flattened to her skull. Inches from her face. Claws felt even through her armour.

“You’re exquisite.” Words left her lips without her consent. But it was true. Eyes greener than ever, the circle of brown around her iris swallowed. Shining like lanterns in the blackness of the Underdark. The scar, pinkish, almost more raw looking in this form, trailed from the snout under her right eye, disappearing into black fur. Dark enough it drew the light, seemed to devour it.

After days of forcing herself to give Shadowheart space, the warmth of her, the scent of incense even lingering now, was soothing. Nothing sounded more appealing to her than letting Shadowheart rip her apart. To let her drench herself in Tav’s life force. Was close to begging her to dig her teeth in. Suck out her marrow to nurture herself. If nothing good was to be found inside, she could at least become part of something good.

How would she taste? Would her tiefling blood still carry the sizzle of the hells? Her armour might be an annoyance, but muscles were tender-

Though Shadowheart, the wolf, reacted to her voice, ears twitching. Snarl disappearing. “Let me guess, you’re hungry?” Shadowheart tilted her head. No recognition in her eyes, but not threatened enough by her to attack her or eat her. A pity.

Tav bared her throat, averted her gaze. Let Shadowheart have the control she needed. For once luck was on her side. She hadn’t even readied for bed yet, so her pack was still fastened to her back. Digging uncomfortably into her skin. Running inventory in her mind, she had at least a few things Shadowheart would be interested in. Enough to make at least a dent in her appetite.

Shadowheart stepped off her chest and Tav remained lying there for a bit longer. Just breathing until out of the corner of her eyes, she made Shadowheart out, more curious than frightened, taking in her surroundings. The beast and the half-elf were separate entities it appeared. She wondered if it was the same for all werewolves.

Snarling the moment she sat up, back hunched, ears flattened. She didn’t let it stop her, movement slow and steady she started to dig through her pack. Victorious as the chain of sausages wound up in her hand. The scent enough to entice Shadowheart, slinking closer, nose twitching. Instead of throwing it at her feet, Tav held it out in her palm. Stilling, breathing shallow.

Eyes flickered between her and the offering. Her behind was starting to go numb by the time a decision was reached. The sausages were snatched from her hands, Shadowheart scampering off a few feet. Swallowing her prize while suspiciously studying Tav, who continued to rummage through her belongings.

Ribs still visible beneath her black fur, and Tav needed to ensure she was getting as much food as she needed. Even in her other form. Shadowheart relaxed as a pattern established. Tav dug through her supplies for food, held it out to Shadowheart who would snatch it. Then create distance to safely eat it before returning,

All the while her stare unblinking on her. When the meat ran out and her proffered cheese was rejected dinner time was over. While she had feared Shadowheart might see this as the time to vanish into the night, probably stumble into something dangerous down here, she remained.

After ensuring Tav wouldn’t move or get any ideas, Shadowheart laid down a few meters away from her. Resting her head on her outstretched forelegs. A part of her was tempted to touch a paw, fluffy-looking as it was. But even as eyes started to close, they continued to blink now and then open to ensure she stayed where she was. Her ears stood at attention. Twitching with the cadence of Tav’s words. To sooth and familiarize herself to the wolf. Absently talking about the last few days and when her throat started to ache, she hummed instead.

With no stars and moon above them, time was a foreign concept. The only sign of the passage of time, was when Shadowheart shifted back. Fur giving way to pale skin, once more bare as the day she had been born, asleep.

Tav gently wrapped her up in the red cloak, her inheritance a voice whispered accompanied by a maniac shrill giggling, and picked her up. Progress had been made. After all, she wasn’t bleeding this time and Shadowheart at least did not have any visible wounds. Her stride was steady, the camp asleep as she laid Shadowheart down in her tent, hunting down new clothes for her before tucking her in safe and sound.

Mind buzzing. Restless, she left Shadowheart’s side, sitting down at the campfire. Starting to whet her blade.