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The Underdark truly lived up to its name. It’s not that she didn’t like the dark - Shadowheart revelled in it. Darkness was the domain of her lady, and therefore it was comforting. No, the real problem was the ‘under’ part. The creatures down here were awful. Shadowheart’s healing had never been in higher demand. She was truly exhausted, and they still had more ground to tread. Their strange little troupe were scattered around the area, sorting themselves out after the fight. That thing - a Bulette, Gale had called it - was awful! Huge, lumbering, but insanely fast. It was truly lucky that they were all relatively alright.
Well… Almost all of them were. A few paces away Karlach was bandaging her arm. She’d smiled and laughed it off, but it was a particularly nasty gash. Unaware she was being watched, Karlach winced every time she tightened the bandage. It wasn’t fair! Karlach was always throwing herself in front of danger to keep them safe, but Shadowheart couldn’t help her the way she could the others. No. She could resolve to do the very best she could. With her intentions set, she took the few steps to sit beside Karlach on the floor.
“That looks painful. How are you doing?”
Karlach met Shadowheart’s worried gaze with a smile, almost as bright and blazing as the fire she exuded.
“I’m doing just fine! Seriously, don’t worry about me. I’m hearty.”
“Even if I didn’t worry, it’s not strategically sound to let you hurt. We need you in top form, you know.”
“Awwe, I knew you were a softie!”
Karlach’s laughter resounded through the cavern, echoing off the walls. Shadowheart could feel the dirty glances in their direction. If something disturbed their rest, most of the party would riot.
“I’m… Just let me have a look, okay?”
“I would if I could, y’know. But it’s not like you can get anywhere near me.”
“I know. You can’t stop me helping as best as I can, though.”
Refusing to wait for any further arguments, Shadowheart reached out to Karlach with what healing she could muster from a distance. Having to bridge that gap took a lot more out of her, but it was worth it. Shadowheart couldn’t see the wound itself, but she could see the way Karlach’s breathing steadied. It wasn’t perfect, but she had helped.
“Woah… Hey, that really does help! Thanks. Seriously.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Shadowheart smiled. “Like I said - it benefits everyone. Plus, healing is sort of what I do.”
“Don’t play it down! You’re so impressive, and you’re super kind to be helping us the way you do!”
Shadowheart felt her cheeks warm at the onslaught of compliments. If she had any luck, the darkness hid that from her companion. Unlikely, yes, but she could hope.
“Fine. You win. I accept your praise. Happy?”
“Heck yeah I am. My arm’s all fine and I got you all smiley? My day could not be going better.”
Shadowheart opened her mouth to reply, but wasn’t given a chance. It appeared that they were being called over. Wonderful. The rest of the day spent walking around these tunnels. At least… At least she had company.
-
Shadowheart hated everything about this. Out there, she was blessed by Shar, untouched by the curse. In here? She was under Selunite protection. It was ridiculous. Truly beneath her. Still… She couldn’t find it in herself to be wholeheartedly angry. These Selunite blessings ensured that her companions could travel safely. Companions just like Karlach. She was sitting just to her side, carefully popping the cork on their wine bottle. The two sat on the edge of the inn’s protection, staring out at the land of shadows. Shadowheart thought the view could be considered beautiful. Most of the others disagreed. Most of the others weren’t experiencing it with Karlach at their side.
“Aha! There we go!”
Karlach broke Shadowheart from her thoughts with a triumphant cheer. She had gotten the bottle open, and was offering the first taste to Shadowheart.
“Thank you, Karlach.”
Shadowheart smiled warmly as she took the bottle, taking a sip. The two of them were long past the need for glasses, content to just pass back and forth.
“Oh! This is lovely. How did you manage to get this?”
“Is it?”
Karlach took the bottle, taking a drink herself.
“It is! Nice! As for how I got it… I just asked the kids. They’re good at finding this sort of stuff.”
Asking the kids meant that this bottle was almost definitely stolen from the inhabitants of this inn. Good. Serves them right. But… Thank goodness the tiefling children were on their side. That little group was quite a force to be reckoned with.
“Hm. Lucky for us then.”
The two of them shared a smile as they shared the bottle. Conversation turned to small talk, as they discussed everything from the state of camp to the awful haircuts they’d seen along their journey. It was so nice to get to talk about nothing, for a change. Being with Karlach warmed her heart in the same way alcohol warmed her stomach. To be fair, being next to Karlach would keep anyone warm. But not as warm, Shadowheart noted. She was cooler now. It really did work! Shadowheart was so happy for her friend. Now, without even noticing it, they could sit so much closer to each other. In fact… They were really quite close. Almost close enough to touch. The idea warmed Shadowheart’s cheeks. She hoped Karlach would assume it was the drink, instead.
“But how are you feeling, though?”
“Huh? I’m sorry, would you mind repeating that?”
Curse her ability to zone out in the middle of these talks. Karlach didn’t seem to mind though, laughing softly as she shook her head.
“Distracted, huh? Don’t blame you. How do you feel about all the… Y’know. Godly curses and blessings.”
“Obviously, I’m incredibly honoured to be blessed by my Lady. It’s also fascinating to travel through her lands, and I truly hope to find her stronghold…”
“Yeah, you’ve got a pretty great time of it! Lucky bastard. Wish a God would help me out like that.”
Karlach’s annoyance was over-exaggerated, and Shadowheart couldn’t help but smile fondly at it. Noticing her gaze, Karlach smiled back. She had a beautiful smile.
“I’m sensing there’s a ‘but’ on its way, though. What’s up?”
“It’s just… The Selunite blessing. Being under her protection. It goes against everything I stand for! But… I can’t be truly upset with it. It protects you, and the others, after all. I just wish I did not have to be here. I can’t help but feel Shar’s disapproving gaze.”
Shadowheart’s gaze drifted down to the hand holding the bottle. That same hand that would fill her body with pain without the slightest warning. She trusted Shar, of course she did - but no other Cleric she had encountered suffered the same situation. What grand plan was she meant to be part of? Suddenly, she felt strong arms around her. Shadowheart made a highly undignified sound, finding her head resting against Karlach’s chest. It was awkward, for a moment. But Shadowheart found the strength to move again, and wrapped her arms around Karlach in return. She had no memory of this sort of physical affection. It was strange. It was safe.
“Karlach… Thank you. Really. Look at you. Hugging me. I’m so happy for you.”
“What? Aww, thanks. I’m just happy I can give you the hugs you deserve.”
The two let go, but didn’t move away. They were mere inches from each other, and Shadowheart could feel the warmth of Karlach’s breath as she spoke.
“I mean, it’s amazing! I can finally touch people! I can give you all hugs, and carry people when you guys get tired, and… Well, I can be with people now. Be properly affectionate, and everything.”
“That goes two ways, Karlach. I can finally bandage you up when you inevitably get into danger.”
Shadowheart laughed softly, recalling the sheer amount of times Karlach would make it back to camp covered in scrapes and bruises.
“And, well… I’m happy I can finally do this.”
Gathering all the courage she had inside of her, Shadowheart leaned forwards. Her lips brushed Karlach’s. It’s as if everything but the two of them melted. Shadowheart felt her own heart pound in her chest. She drew back, already preparing an apology. But she didn’t have the time to speak. Karlach closed the distance again, her lips once again meeting Shadowheart’s.
She knew she shouldn’t enjoy this as much as she did. There was a world to save, and Shadowheart had to prioritise her lady, and- No. This was a moment she could steal away to enjoy herself.
Karlach drew back, and the two locked eyes. Karlach looked as sheepish as Shadowheart felt.
“So, um…” Karlach breathed out, uncharacteristically hesitant, “Does this mean, we’re, like-”
“Together? I’d like that… If that’s okay with you.”
“Hells yes! I mean- Ahem-”
Enamoured by the stuttering, but too impatient to wait it out, Shadowheart pulled Karlach into another kiss. There, with Karlach, nothing could harm her.
-
The sea shimmered, its shifting surface reflecting the light of the sun. It was beautiful. In contrast, the city surrounding her was dirty, busy, and filled with shadowy corners. To Shadowheart, that was its own kind of beauty. Of course, it was difficult to take such beauty in when her mind was distracted. This was a homecoming, but it also wasn’t. She had betrayed Lady Shar, and a reckoning was coming. All of her companions were coming to terms with their own struggles, as well. She had found a strange sort of kinship in Gale and even Lae’zel as the three of them turned away from the Goddesses who had once defined their very beings.
And of course, there was Karlach. Beautiful, sweet Karlach. Her love was preparing to kill the man who betrayed her, and then… No. Shadowheart wasn’t going to think that far. As she tried to shake the thoughts from her head, Shadowheart was enveloped by strong arms. They wrapped around her, and lifted her into the air.
“Karlach, what are you doing?”
She protested, but couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her as Karlach held her close.
“We’re in the middle of the street!”
“You looked like you needed a hug!”
Karlach laughed, spinning them around. She placed a kiss upon Shadowheart’s head, then gently lowered her to her feet.
“Feeling better, love?”
“Yes… Yes, I am.”
Shadowheart smiled, leaning up to give Karlach a quick kiss.
“Now, let’s get going. If we don’t get all these things before the shops close for the night, they’ll never let us hear the end of it.”
“Nah. We’ve got time! Let’s wait here for a bit.”
With an exaggerated yawn and stretch, Karlach stepped over to the edge of the path, staring out at the sea. They really didn’t have the time, there was so much to do and barely any time to do it - but she stood next to Karlach anyway. They could afford a few minutes together. They stood in silence for a while. Shadowheart allowed the noise of the waves to fill her mind, quieting her thoughts. The warmth of Karlach at her side made her feel safe, as if nothing was going to hurt them.
“Hey, Shadowheart?”
Karlach, her voice soft, broke the silence. Shadowheart nodded her head, indicating she was listening.
“I’m really proud of you, y’know? You’ve come a long way. Been through a lot. But you’ve kept going. I love you.”
“Oh…”
Shadowheart was stunned by the statement. She hadn’t really looked back, but… Maybe she had changed throughout their journey, for the better.
“Meeting you was the best thing to happen to me. You’ve come so far, too. I love you too, Karlach.”
Shadowheart felt herself pulled into another hug, which she quickly returned. Wrapping her arms around Karlach, together in the sunlight, was everything for her. It’s all she ever needed. No matter what happened, no matter how things ended, they were going to be okay, because they had each other.