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Wyrm’s Crossing was proving to be… interesting, to say the least. The party had just found themselves assigned to investigate the murder of Ffion, the Stern Librarian, a missing courtesan under the employment of Mamzell Amira in Sharess’ Caress. Venturing further into the establishment, they came upon a pair of Drow twins also employed by Mamzell. You could hire them individually, or much to the disgust of Karlach, together. Karlach felt a familiar tug at the tadpole lodged behind her eye. Someone was wanting in, but, looking around, she couldn’t tell who. She opened the connection and felt a wave of jealousy, anger, repugnance, and to Karlach’s surprise, ownership. She then heard the voice behind the mental intrusion, low and raspy, menacing, but somehow also sweet.
‘I do not share. You so much as touch them and I will cut you,’ Minthara hissed out as a warning.
‘Trust me, mate, I would rather have my clitoris cut off than to touch them. I mean, twins? Gross!’ Karlach responded via the tadpole.
She turned to steal a quick glance at Minthara and saw the corners of her mouth had turned up in a slight smile. They had been casually sleeping together since the death of Ketheric Thorm. In fact, their first encounter is one of Karlach’s favorite daydreams:
Karlach was charging her one good horn head-on into a tree like a rutting ram when she spied Minthara approaching out of her periphery.
“Has this tree done something to offend?” Minthara inquired with a light chuckle.
Karlach answered, “Nah. I’m just trying to burn off some excess, uh, energy.”
That energy being battle lust, to be more precise. Karlach was suffering badly from it after the particularly hard fight against Thorm. Touching herself proved to be inadequate, and without any other relief, she decided to beat it out of herself instead. She unintentionally gasped when she felt the light touch of a dark hand on her shoulder. She met Minthara’s gaze with a desperate look in her eye that the Drow recognized all too well, having seen it many times in her centuries lived and battles fought.
Minthara raked her nails lightly down Karlach’s arm, eliciting a stuttering gasp. The Drow leaned in close and whispered roughly, “I could ease your suffering if… you are amenable.”
The memory always makes Karlach two things: incredibly happy and incredibly horny. She had never undressed so fast in her entire life. Or orgasmed so fast. She was grinning from ear to ear from the memory up until they found the remains of Ffion in the flophouse. “Man, what a terrible way to go. Chained up in the attic of a flophouse,” Karlach remarked.
“Guess it’s back to Sharess’ Caress to inform Mamzell,” Tav said. They headed back down the street and into the brothel. Mamzell was upset, but only because she had lost money from her pocket. The reward was a free night with the Drow twins.
“Ugh. Hard Pass,” Karlach muttered under her breath.
Within the next few hours, the group had talked to Raphael, Kith’rak Voss, dispatched some doppelgangers who were impersonating Harpers, and completed the impossible task of talking to Naaber until her ran out of questions. The group was beat and decided to head back to camp. Karlach spotted Minthara talking in a hushed voice to Tav, then turning back towards the city instead of camp. ‘Hmm. Wonder what she’s up to?’ Karlach would maybe have a chance to ask her tonight, if she were “amenable.”
-
Minthara was on a personal mission as she coolly marched back into the brothel. She made sure Tav and the others were long gone before returning so she could simply lie about where she had been. With no one to see her, no one would question her, not that she cared what any of her companions thought about her. She steeled herself, then walked through the red curtain covered entry way. “Nym. Sorn. A word.”
It wasn’t a question; it was a demand. House Baenre did not ask permission, they demanded obedience. Obedience which was returned typically out of fear for one’s life. The twins looked at each other, and Sorn nodded to his sister to take the lead. “Matron? How may we serve?” Nym asked in a light and cheery tone. Although pleased with the answer, Minthara did not show it. It was the respect she was due after all, no need to pat Nym on the head and tell her she’s a good girl.
“I seek a scroll,” Minthara said coldly. “If I recall from past youthful experiences, there is a scroll that would allow a female to magically acquire… male parts. If you have one, I should like to make a purchase.” She disdained magic unless it was in the form of healing wounds. Then again, there were potions that could do the same job. She disliked magic so much, in fact, that she only referred to Gale as “wizard.”
Nym smiled and bowed her head. Lying to a woman like Minthara, well, especially to Minthara, would be a death sentence. “We have two, matron. Would you like them both?” Nym asked, still employing her light and cheery tone. It was almost bubbly enough to give Minthara a headache.
“Yes,” Minthara answered coldly and flatly.
Nym bowed her head again and sent Sorn to their chambers to retrieve the scrolls. He handed them to Minthara, now bowing his head as well. He looked at his sister and nodded. They spoke wordlessly to one another as if they had tadpoles as well. An ability twins often have, Minthara noted. “Please, matron. Take them as our thanks for finding Ffion.” This pleased Minthara greatly, almost to the point of saying thank you. But not quite that far. She merely nodded curtly, spun on her heels, and exited the room to return to camp.
Minthara tucked the scrolls tightly into her pack. They were very rare indeed, usually only found in Menzoberranzan. She did not actually know if the Drow twins had any when formulating her plan, but considering their line of work, and that they were from the Underdark, she had just assumed. And that assumption had proved correct. She was even more pleased that she had gotten two. ‘These will do nicely. Perhaps at a later date.’ She mused to herself as she hiked up the hill and back to camp.
-
Karlach had eaten, bathed, and was hanging out with Clive in her tent by the time Minthara had returned. She was so curious to learn what her Drow friend had been up to but was also a little scared to ask. Minthara liked to be a mystery, as were all Drow. Although they had shared their bodies a few times, they had not exactly shared their secrets. She shifted on her bedroll so she could see the entrance to Minthara’s tent. The Drow entered, closed the flap, then returned moments later already in her camp outfit. She knelt down outside the opening and began her nightly meditation. Karlach knew there would be no body sharing tonight, but she could at least gaze and admire. Another tug at her tadpole. Although she really didn’t enjoy using the brain invader, she did like the secret connection she shared with her dark friend. She opened the connection and felt… warmth, curiosity, contentedness.
Then she heard Minthara’s voice echo in her head, ‘Go to sleep, child. Do not be greedy. There will be plenty more to come, and you will certainly need your rest.’ Karlach sighed but obeyed.
-
The group finally reached the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate the next day. Their first stop was to the Elfsong Tavern where they ran into Lakrissa and Alfira. It was a wonderful reunion, one that Karlach was glad to have seen. Even more to Karlach’s delight was that Tav managed to rent the entire top floor. Enough space for all the adventurers. No more tents! No more sleeping on cold, hard ground and taking baths in ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams! Hot meals! Alcohol on request! Karlach was so happy she could scream.
Minthara saw the large Tiefling busying herself with claiming a bed and decided to approach. “Karlach.” She greeted the red woman more warmly than anyone else in the camp. Possibly even her life.
“Oh! Hi, soldier!” Karlach grinned back. Minthara couldn’t help but to curl her dark lips into a smile at the sight of her happy-go-lucky friend. ‘Friend? Yes. Friend. Just friends. Friends with certain… exceptional benefits.’
“Would you mind if I bunked near you? I find the vampire exceedingly irritating, the Githyanki snores, and the wizard, well,” Minthara snorted, “He’s a wizard.”
While those were all true, she secretly just wanted to be near Karlach. The longer they traveled together, the more Minthara felt herself wanting to be near the Tiefling. Even in battle, Minthara would often find herself in some close proximity to Karlach. She found the red woman’s ferocity in battle matched her own, earning respect and admiration.
“Course! Make yourself at home!” Karlach gave the Drow one of her lopsided grins and made a sweeping gesture to the empty bed in the corner. Karlach also, and not so secretly, wanted to be near Minthara. She purposefully picked a bed next to the one in the corner, hoping that the Drow would seize the opportunity. ‘Mission accomplished, Mama K!’ Karlach triumphed in her mind. She continued to grin as she set up her things around her bed, placing Clive next to her pillow. Pillows. Another luxury for which she was thankful.
Karlach woke late the next morning. Apparently, the soft mattress plus the feather pillows, meant Karlach slept like a baby. She didn’t hear breakfast being ordered, served or eaten, didn’t hear her companions putting on their armor, didn’t hear those armored footsteps marching out the door, and neither felt nor heard whoever had left a folded note pinned to her top. In perfect, flourishing cursive, the note read, ‘Phaedra’s house, near Bloomridge Park. Tonight. X, M.’ Karlach looked around to make sure no one was in camp, and when the coast was clear, squealed with excitement. ‘Alright, big K. We can do this. We’ve been waiting for this. Nice top, nice trousers, buff up the horn a bit. Breathe.’ The last command was immediately disregarded as she grabbed a pillow and, hugging it tightly to her chest, squealed again.
The day absolutely dragged on for Karlach. Lae’zel eventually made an appearance at camp, having been scouting for information about Prince Orpheus and the Orphic Hammer. The Githyaki agreed to a sparring match, which helped to pass the time, but did not necessarily help to calm the Tiefling down. Once, after knocking Lae’zel flat on her back, Karlach found herself in the middle of a giggle fit.
“Oh, man. I’m sorry, Lae’zel. I’m not laughing at you, promise. I’m just in a really good mood,” Karlach explained.
“Yes,” Lae’zel hissed. “No doubt from all that sleeping and general laziness you have exhibited today. Chk. You should have been up and dressed at dawn like the Drow. She is an exceptional warrior. No doubt battling an enemy as we speak.”
Karlach stared off into the distance upon hearing that Minthara was up and dressed at dawn. What was she planning? Why so early? Why so secret? As the red woman stared off at nothing, Lae’zel swept her greatsword under Karlach’s feet, knocking her down with a loud THUD. Karlach laid on the floor for a minute, stunned, then broke out into another giggle fit. She heard Lae’zel sigh and stomp off, irritated with Karlach and clearly finished with their session. She decided it was late enough that it was a good time to get a bath, get dressed, and start searching around Bloomridge Park for Phaedra’s house.
-
Karlach explored the Bloomridge Park area with a spring in her step. She stopped at every house to read the sign, looking for the name Phaedra. She found it just west of the park. A modest two story house with a blue door and mailbox. She was nervous, but not sure why. She and Minthara had spent time plenty of time together traveling, had sex as often as they could, and even slept in neighboring beds. This time just felt different. She had been invited somewhere. Personally. By a very fierce, very bold, and altogether frightening Drow. ‘Breathe, K.’ She reminded herself as she knocked loudly on the door.
The door was opened by a Halfling man wearing a red sport coat with tails, black trousers, and shiny black shoes. His brown hair was short and slicked back, his face mottled with irritation likely caused by the woman in charge that evening. He looked her up and down, as if he were appraising whether she was worthy enough to be invited in. “Karlach, I presume? Right on time.” He spoke in an even tone as he ushered her into the house. “This way,” He said as he veered off to the left. The Tiefling followed and was led into a large dining room. The Halfling pulled out a seat for her and poured her a glass of wine once she was settled. “The lady will be down momentarily.” He turned on his heel and walked into an adjoining room, which, judging by the smells and noise, must have been the kitchen. Karlach took a sip of the wine and coughed as it hit the back of her throat. Strong. She peered at the bottle, but the label was in a language she didn’t understand.
“Spiced Ulaver wine from Menzoberranzan. My favorite.” Minthara had slipped into the room unnoticed and was standing behind Karlach, leaning on a low buffet set against the wall. She had been standing there for a little while, just admiring the muscles working underneath Karlach’s shirt. Karlach turned around to reply but could do nothing but drop her jaw. The Drow was wearing a white, ankle length gown with a slit on the side that went all the way up her thigh. Another slit left her chest exposed from the neck to right above her navel. The fabric barely covered her breasts. Gold circlets wound their way up both her arms, and her feet were covered by red, pointed leather heels. The heels were the same color as Karlach’s skin. But the thing that made the Tiefling’s jaw drop was seeing Minthara with her hair down. For the entire time they had been traveling together, and even during their sexual encounters, it had always been up in a messy bun. But now, her silvery white hair curled and waved halfway down her back. Which, incidentally, was also as exposed as her thigh and chest.
“Gods be damned.” Was all Karlach could say when blood finally came rushing back to her head. Minthara chuckled and slid up beside her. She cupped the red woman’s face gently in her hands, bent down, and placed a feather light kiss on her lips.
“Well? Do you find it enjoyable?” Minthara asked. Karlach reached an arm around her waist and squeezed an ass cheek.
“Very much!” Karlach wiggled her eyebrows and gave the cheek another squeeze.
“I meant the wine, but I will take the compliment.” She let out a raspy chuckle and bent down to kiss the Tiefling again.
The Halfling man returned from the adjoining room and announced, “Dinner is served.” Two other Halfling men came rushing from the kitchen carrying various plates and trays of food. Roasted chicken, yams, boiled cabbage, grilled Rothé ribs, thinly sliced Rothé steak, and various stews and soups. Karlach hardly knew where to start but waited for Minthara’s signal. Although they hadn’t shared much of their past lives to each other yet, Karlach did know that members of House Baenre were used to large banquets, most of which, unfortunately, ended in bloodshed. She waited to see if Minthara had any special instructions or expectations for the meal, like where to start, what fork to use… Karlach started to internally panic about the forks. Minthara put her hand over the red woman’s and tenderly squeezed. “Eat up, child. You will need your strength.”
The Drow smiled and walked back over to the low buffet and started inspecting the wine selection. She picked out a red bottle, poured a glass, and set in front of the Tiefling. “I think you’ll find this much more to your liking,” She said, adding a little smile. She took the goblet of spiced Ulaver wine and drank it down. Karlach piled up her plate and watched as Minthara chose her beloved sliced Rothé steak, some sides, and a small bowl of soup. They talked casually as they ate and as the kitchen staff worked around them, taking used plates and replacing them with new ones, refilling wine glasses, cleaning up the dinner table, and serving dessert.
After the feast wound down and the kitchen cleaned, Minthara excused the kitchen staff. They all left immediately as if they were absolutely terrified of her. They probably were, which was reasonable. Minthara sat her glass of wine down and stared at Karlach. “Y’okay, Mints?” Karlach asked suddenly feeling small under the gaze of the powerful Drow.
“I should ask the same of you. You have been unusually quiet tonight. I would have thought to have been showered with questions by now,” Minthara quipped.
Karlach took a deep breath and finally let out all the questions she had been holding in:
“Who were those Halflings? Did you hire them? Whose is Phaedra? How do you know them? Did you rent this place for the night? Where did you find the Underdark wine? Where did you get that outfit? Gods, you are beautiful.” The last part, obviously not a question, but a statement that slipped out due to the many glasses of wine she had drank. She didn’t care though. It was the truth as far as she was concerned.
Minthara chuckled and took another sip of wine before sucking in an equally deep breath. “The Halflings are part of the staff that typically works here. No, I did not hire them, they came with the house. Phaedra is the woman who owns this house. I do not know her; I only know she had an advertisement for a house rental. Yes, I rented it for the night. I purchased the wine from a trader in town who I know also trades in Menzoberranzan. I got this outfit from Figaro Pennygood specifically for tonight. And thank you; you are quite beautiful yourself.”
‘Holy shit.’ Was all Karlach could think.
“Shall we retire upstairs? That is if… you are amenable.” Minthara flashed a rare full smile at the Tiefling. She also remembered their first night together and the exact words she had used to propose their encounter.
“Fuck yes!” Came the loud response.
The Drow grabbed the red woman’s hands and pulled her to her feet. Karlach realized that Minthara’s heels made them the same height, something she hadn’t noticed while sitting. Minthara pulled her in for a kiss. She kissed Karlach softly at first, then flicked her tongue over her ruby lips, and finally into her mouth, tasting everything she could explore.
Already panting, Minthara broke away and led Karlach upstairs. A large bed with its headboard pushed back against the wall sat in the middle of an equally large room. An unlit fireplace decorated the opposite wall, flanked by two plush leather chairs. A rosewood desk and another plush leather chair sat against another wall between two full bookcases. A rosewood armoire stood in the corner, decorated by several potted plants on top. A soft blue rug, the same color as the door and the mailbox, carpeted the floor. Karlach spotted Minthara’s bag sitting on the carpet next to the desk.
Karlach thought it was strange that the Drow hadn’t put her bag in the armoire, knowing how organized and exacting she is, but she didn’t have much time to think about it before Minthara put her arms around her, pressing her cheek into the red woman’s back. Her hands lingered around Karlach’s waist for only a moment before moving up to trace the outline of her breasts through her shirt. She pressed a kiss into Karlach’s back, then in her commanding Nightwarden voice said, “Strip.”
Karlach tried turning to face her but was stopped mid spin. “No. Strip where you are. Now.” A shudder worked its way through the Tiefling’s body. She decided to comply, but slowly. Minthara wasn’t one that allows for disobedience, but she did allow Karlach a wide berth when it came to playful, mild defiance. She could hear Minthara chuckle at the show she was putting on for her, which only made her strip even slower. Slipping her underwear off, she swung them around above her head a couple of times before looking over her shoulder and tossing them the Drow’s way. This garnered a genuine laugh from her dark companion.
Now fully naked, Minthara decided to inspect her quarry. She took her time gazing over Karlach’s scarred and tattooed body. “I am disappointed…” Karlach furrowed her brows at the statement, now feeling a bit self-conscious, but Minthara continued, “That I haven’t taken the time to appreciate your body until now.” The Tiefling un-furrowed her brow and smiled; she felt her engine tick up a beat as well. Minthara finally stopped her circling and stood in front of her. Not sure what the next command would be, Karlach stood at attention. “Stay.” Came the order she was awaiting.
She watched as the Drow walked over to her bag next to the rosewood desk she had noticed earlier and take out a roll of parchment. ‘That a scroll? Minthy doesn’t do magic.’ Karlach was confused. She wanted to ask but wasn’t sure if she if she should. Before she decided not to ask, however, the words were already leaving her mouth. “That a scroll?” She asked cocking an eyebrow. Minthara glanced over at her for a second but chose not to answer the question. She turned to the Tiefling, unrolled the scroll, and murmured the words softly. A purple swirl wound its way around Karlach’s waist, caressing her skin, burying itself deep into her core. She felt tingling like sparks of electricity were tickling every fiber of her being.
As the mist subsided and Karlach looked down and her eyes widened in shock. “Oi! What the fuck!? My lady bits!” The Tiefling was looking down at a semi-hard - “Cock! I’ve got a cock!” She started giggling and shifting her hips to try and swing it around. “And BALLS! Oh shit!” For a moment, she was so preoccupied playing with her new appendage that she forgot Minthara was even in the room until she heard the Drow clear her throat. She turned to face the dark woman, pointed down, and said, “You seeing this?” Minthara closed the distance between them and took the large new extremity in her hand, lightly stroking up and down the shaft until it was fully hard. Karlach moaned. Her brain wasn’t quite catching up to what was happening.
“Not quite.” Minthara replied. “Perhaps I could use a better vantage.”
Minthara knelt down and placed her lips on the tip. “Oh, I can feel that!” Karlach threw her head back and moaned. She had experience with sex toys before, but this was the real thing. The very real, very large, and very hard thing. The Drow then used her other hand to cup and massage the Tiefling’s newly grown and very swollen balls, then took a length into her mouth, sucking softly. Karlach let out a long groan at the sensation. She had never felt anything like it. It wasn’t as intense as the feelings she gets from her clitoris, but it was still thrilling. And seeing Minthara on her knees in front of her, cheeks hollowing out as she took more and more of her length – it was exhilarating.
The Drow took one last long suck, making sure she looked up at Karlach to catch her eye, then stood up. She kissed her Tiefling deeply, her tongue exploring the whole of Karlach’s mouth, mingling their flavors together. She used her new height advantage to lick and kiss tendons and veins along her red neck. She sunk her teeth into a piece of red flesh and lightly bit down, enjoying the sounds it was eliciting from the woman in her arms. She pulled back, her red eyes dilated with lust.
“Lie back on the bed.” Another command. Karlach did as instructed and crawled up in the middle of the bed and flopped on her back. She couldn’t help but giggle again watching her new cock jiggle as she moved. In the meantime, Minthara slipped out of her heels and gown, discarding both in some dark corner, and climbed on top of the red woman, straddling her backwards, slowly rubbing back and forth, up and down the underside of the shaft that lay heavy on Karlach’s middle. She occasionally looked back at the red woman just to see the passion on her face.
“Mints,” Karlach panted, “this is amazing.” Minthara only chuckled, then lifted up, locked eyes with Karlach, lined the head of the shaft with her entrance, and eased down slowly, taking in the whole thing with one fluid move.
Karlach groaned and lightly lifted her hips as Minthara slid down onto her. She was afraid of finishing too soon, so she started thinking of things to keep her mind occupied. Clive, dinner, their traveling companions. She was running out of thoughts when she felt Minthara lift off of her. She watched as the Drow threw her leg over her to turn around and face her, giving Karlach an idea. Before Minthara could ease herself back down, Karlach sat up, wrapped her arms around Minthara’s waist and flipped her down on her back.
The Drow’s eyes grew wide, both with surprise and apprehension. Sensing the change in demeanor, Karlach leaned down and kissed her lips sweetly. She kissed her slowly and deeply until she felt the dark woman’s body relax. Her lips wandered down her neck, leaving feathery kisses on her collarbone, then her lips lavished dark breasts. Karlach had took a nipple into her mouth, alternating between licking, sucking, and nipping with her teeth. She did the same to the other – she didn’t want it to be left out, of course. The Drow writhed and moaned under her, eventually pulling Karlach back up by her horn. She pulled back a bit so she could place the Drow’s legs over her shoulders, giving her better access to Minthara’s entrance. She eased the length back into her, then lowered her body down until she was eye to eye with her lover. She kissed her again, over and over, her lips, her face, her neck. She wrapped her arms around her upper body and started thrusting in earnest. Everything in this moment felt right with the world. It was just Karlach and Minthara. No Gortash, no Orin, no illithids, no tadpoles. Just the two of them enveloped in ecstasy.
Minthara had experienced many sexual activities in her last two centuries of life– bondage, masochism, knife play, all kinds of sex toys, multiple lovers at once. She was even forced to poison her first lover and held her as she died. This was entirely different. Something she would have never allowed back in Menzoberranzan, or anywhere else for that matter. Karlach was on top of her and making love to her. And she wanted it. She was enjoying it. She was loving it. She loved… her. There isn’t even a word for love in her language. ‘Alurlssrin’ is the closest word she can manage, but this is a word defined by the traitor, Eilistraee, not the followers of Lloth. But – she was no longer a devotee of Lloth. She was free to be herself. Free to love. Free to use this word. She made a new oath in her head, an oath to Karlach. She vowed to love her deeply and devote herself completely to her. With this new oath made, she felt the last of her cold shell melt into Karlach’s arms and allowed herself to fully experience the moment. She felt Karlach’s weight on her, her heat, her breath on her neck, the scars on her hips and thighs as she thrust in and out of her… Most importantly, she saw the azure glow emanating from her as they made love. As she focused on their current activities, she felt the tightness of an orgasm building deep within her. She moaned out Karlach’s name and dug her nails into the red woman’s back.
Karlach knew this sound all too well. She knew Minthara was close and wanted to orgasm with her. She finally stopped focusing on all the clutter in her mind that she had been using to keep her from coming and started concentrating on the dark woman underneath her. Minthara pushed her back for moment to untangle her legs from Karlach’s shoulders. She then brought her up even closer and wrapped her long legs around the Tiefling’s waist to pull her in even tighter and deeper.
“Karlach, please,” Minthara panted into her ear.
The Tiefling sped up, thrusting harder, feeling the tightening of her own orgasm building. She heard Minthara moaning out her name with every breath, then finally one last scream of Karlach’s name before she felt the Drow’s thighs squeeze tight around her waist, her inner walls tensing, relaxing, and pulsing again and again around her length. The sensation sent Karlach over the edge, and she groaned out Minthara’s name as she pushed herself entirely inside her until their pelvis’ met, then stilled her thrusting as she experienced her own orgasm. She felt the new shaft release something thick and warm deep inside the Drow but was unsure what it was. Minthara felt it too - Karlach’s release exploding in surges against her cervix. The pressure of it extended the dark woman’s orgasm until she had no voice left and her thighs shook against Karlach’s sides.
With her energy expended, Karlach all but collapsed on top of Minthara. The last of what strength she had was being used by her muscular biceps so she didn’t crush the woman beneath her. She stayed inside of her until she felt her magical shaft go fully flaccid. She expected the Drow to push her off or at least ask her to move, but she only held her tightly, one hand holding onto her horn and another twisted in her hair, chest heaving against hers. Minthara held on as if she were afraid Karlach would disappear if she let go.
“Minthy? You alright?” Karlach asked into her neck. “You can let go, soldier. I’m not going anywhere.”
She felt hands leaving her head only to reappear on her shoulders, touching her lightly. She lifted her upper body all the way so she could see all of the Drow’s face. Minthara was covered with a soft sheen of sweat that glistened against the glow of Karlach’s flames. Her cheeks, and the tips of her ears were blush colored, and her lips were slightly parted. Her nostrils flared as she still breathed heavily. Her eye lids were heavy from their workout; the Tiefling knew from their past experiences that she was spent, and sleep would be calling her soon. She smiled as she gazed down at her. She really was the most beautiful woman Karlach had ever seen.
“You okay?” She asked again.
“Yes. Fine.” Minthara panted out, still trying to catch her breath. It didn’t help having an enormous, flaming Tiefling with an engine for a heart lay on top of her.
Karlach finally rolled off to the her side once she was satisfied with her answer. Karlach looked down at her manhood. “So, ah. This’ll go away, right?” As much as she had enjoyed the experience, she also enjoyed her original parts. She already had her heart removed and replaced and she wasn’t exactly excited about having male parts forever.
Minthara smiled and breathed out a chuckle. “Yes, by morning you shall be reconstituted as you were before.”
Relieved, Karlach sighed. “Thank the gods. This thing is kinda gross when it’s just flopping around.”
Minthara laughed and curled up beside Karlach, placing an arm around her waist and her head over the red woman’s infernal engine. “You are exquisite,” She said. She looked up and watched as Karlach smiled and closed her eyes. Minthara laid there in the dark for a while, thinking about the passion they had shared and how much she genuinely adored the Tiefling. She thought about her life before being rescued in Moonrise. Before being recruited by the Absolute. She thought about how it all went wrong. Then she thought about Karlach and how much joy the woman had. How much joy she had brought to Minthara. How utterly perfect this moment felt. When she thought Karlach was asleep she kissed the engine where her heart once resided. Closing her eyes, she whispered into her chest, ‘Alurlssrin.’
-
It had been a month since their encounter. Their adventuring was going slowly, but steady. They had plenty of requests for help from needy citizens and Tav wanted to get those out of the way before continuing with the Steel Watch and taking down Gortash. Karlach still had a spring in her step. It really was no more than her typical spring, so no one asked any questions. She had a question, however, and didn’t really know who to ask. She hadn’t quite fallen asleep that last night she shared with Minthara and had heard the Drowish word that Minthara had muttered against her chest. She had no idea what the word meant but didn’t want to ask Minthara. She knew better. If the Drow had something she wanted someone to hear, they would damn well hear it. For her to wait until she thought Karlach was asleep… Well. That either meant it wasn’t really for Karlach to hear, or, uh, she wasn’t sure what the other reason could be.
They were headed to talk to the Anti-Hag Society – her, Tav, Wyll, and Gale. She and Wyll were bringing up the rear, quietly strolling, while Gale and Tav were having some discussion about the magical properties of Shovel, the creature they had found in the Alchemist’s secret basement in the Blighted Village.
“Hey, Wyll?” Karlach started. “You know anybody back at camp who speaks Drow? Other than Minthara?”
Wyll cocked his head to the side. “Hmm. Interesting question.”
“Yeah, so, Minthara said something the other day and I just wondered what it meant is all. I don’t want to ask her, cause she scares the shit out of me, ya know. Worse than a cambion, she is.” Karlach didn’t meant that and mentally scolded herself for saying it. She meant to keep up the façade was all.
“I think Gale might know a few words, just from all his books. He seems to be the most offended when she says things in Drowish to him, like he understands the insults. Just a suggestion.” Wyll shrugged his shoulders in uncertainty.
“Aw, thanks! I’ll ask him later.”
They arrived at the Anti-Hag Society, and much to their surprised had to fight a voodoo doll to turn Mayrina from a sheep back to human form. Then learned from her that there was a hag somewhere in Baldur’s Gate. Great. Because fighting a hag is always fun. They continued on with the day, next investigating a missing child, which lead them to the Blushing Mermaid and a confrontation with Captain Grisley, who turned out to be, you guessed it, Auntie Ethel. ‘Didn’t we already kill this bitch once?’ Karlach’s irritation came through via her great axe as she brought it down into Auntie Ethel’s skull, nearly cleaving her in two. She just wanted to get back to the Elfsong and ask Gale her burning question. First things first, however. Back to the Anti-Hag Society to report the hag’s (second) death, then to visit the kid we rescued from her stomach to make sure she got home okay.
Finally, with the day’s activities concluded, and they were back at the Elfsong. The group splintered off to bathe, eat, rest, or explore the city. Karlach hung around her bunk waiting for Gale to be free. She noted that Minthara had been absent when they left and was still not at the tavern when they returned. Gale was finally free, so she trod over to him, plopping down cross legged on the floor in front of his bed.
“Hiya, Gale,” She said while looking up at his towers of books.
“Ah! Karlach! What fortune brings you to my humble quarters?” Gale smiled.
“You know any Drow? Like, the language, I mean. Drowish. Not an individual. Obviously, you know an individual. Minthara. The twins at the brothel… You might know another Drow, I dunno.” Karlach was rambling.
“Karlach.” Gale stopped her.
“Right. Sorry. I’ve got a word I need translated. Probably a slur based on the speaker. Could you tell me what it means, if you know it, that is? Pleeease?” Karlach looked up at him with her best puppy dog eyes, which made Gale sigh. She knew that meant challenge accepted.
“Oh, alright. No need to twist my arm. What’s the word?” Gale reached for a stack of books, likely about languages in the Underdark.
“I might get it wrong. But it sounded like, aller. No, wait let me try again. Aller surin. Shit. Ok.” She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and recall how the words sounded. “Al-url-ssrin.” She sounded out each syllable to try and get it correctly, or as close as she could. “I think that was it. It’s as close as I can get anyway. I’ll be honest, my common isn’t even that great, let alone a Drow word that I’ve only heard once.” She chuckled, but then abruptly stopped when she saw Gale’s face contort into a serious pose.
“This word, Karlach, is not a slur. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, and not a word you hear often leaving a Drow’s lips. Especially not here on the surface. Where did you hear this word? No wonder you didn’t want to ask Minthara. Where you might have an engine for a heart, she has a stone. Maybe not even that. A dagger made of ice! Aside from that, this word comes from Eilistraee, Drow Goddess of beauty and freedom. Ultimate enemy of Minthara and her Lloth-loving kin.” Gale was deep into a diatribe about the evil spider Queen and the even more evil Minthara when he heard Karlach groan out a sigh.
“Gale. I adore you, but can you please tell me what it means?”
“Love,” He replied with a kind smile. “Although more specifically, a deep love borne of unselfishness. A total devotion to a particular being. This type of love would not be taken lightly among the Drow. Even the word is serious enough to cause all out warfare among various Underdark sects.” Gale looked the Tiefling over and asked again this time with added emphasis, “I am quite curious, Karlach, where did you hear this word?”
“Uh, ya know, I think I just overheard it somewhere. Maybe on the street.” Karlach felt uncomfortable and started fidgeting with a burn hole in her trousers. She shouldn’t have asked. She should have just let it go. But the word burned in her brain hotter than the engine in her chest. She didn’t realize one word would mean so much. She didn’t realize one word could mean so much. Did Minthara really love her? Like, love love her? She sat on the floor and stared off into space, daydreaming about that night, and hearing Minthara mumble the word into her chest. As if that word could heal her, replace her engine and give her back her heart.
“Karlach?” Gale bent down and placed a hand on her shoulder, bringing her back to reality. “Is something the matter? You know you can talk to good old Gale. I won’t judge. I’ll only listen.”
She didn’t realize it, but as she was thinking about Minthara and the implications of the word, her flames had turned blue. She looked around before quietly answering, “I can’t. It’s not that I don’t want to. I’d love to shout it from the fucking moon, but I can’t. Sorry.”
“Ah.” Gale said, smacking his lips. “No need for apologies! We all have our little secrets, and I won’t pry if it’s something you’re not ready to discuss. Just know that I’ll be here when and if you need to talk.”
Karlach leapt to her feet and swallowed Gale into a crushing hug. “Thanks, Gale.” She mumbled into his shoulder.
-
Minthara strode coolly into a specific shop to pick up a specific order she had placed about a month ago for a specific person. No scrolls this time. This was something completely different. The shopkeeper recognized her when she sauntered in and signaled he would be right over. She perused the goods under the glass display case as she waited when she heard a familiar and irritating voice behind her.
“Minthara! What a wonder meeting you here. I would have never taken you for the jewelry type. Picking up some custom restraints?” The voice prodded at her.
“Wizard,” Minthara hissed. “What business of it is yours?”
“Come now, I was merely joking. No need to bite my head off.” Gale smiled wide. He often joked that Minthara bit the heads off her lovers when she was done with them as a former devotee of Lloth.
“But wouldn’t that be a wondrous time.” She quipped. “Why are you here?” She asked before she could stop herself.
“Oh, I was exiting the Sorcerous Sundry and happened to notice you coming in. I thought it would be entirely rude of me not to come say hel–“ Gale was interrupted by the shopkeeper returning. In his hand was a small, leather wrapped box that he sat down gingerly on the glass showcase.
“I hope you find your order satisfactory,” Said the shopkeep. He then opened the box to reveal a matching set of rings. A smaller ring set with a diamond in the middle, flanked by two smaller smooth, glassy, red-veined black stones. The larger ring was the opposite, a large piece of the black stone set in the middle, flanked by two smaller diamonds. Gale’s eyebrows shot up as he recognized the black stones.
“Gods, is that infernal marble?” He was shocked. Infernal marble was infinitely rare and damn near priceless.
“It is acceptable, shopkeep. Wrap it, and that will be all.” Minthara ignored Gale, refusing to even look at him.
“Well, I can see my company is unwanted –“ He was cut off again, but this time by Minthara’s hand grabbing his wrist.
“Wiza-“ She stopped herself and took in a deep breath. “Gale,” She said. She spat out his name as if it stung her lips to do so. “What would be your intentions if you took the Netherese Crown for yourself?”
“A great question! I would give power back to the people. Their futures and destinies would be their own to control, no longer guided or dictated by squabbling gods who ultimately don’t care whether we live or die anyway.”
“Would there be a limit to your power? Let’s say someone offered up a ‘Galerian’ prayer to heal someone who was dying before their time of something another god, or say… devil, inflicted. Could it be answered? Would it be answered?” Minthara narrowed her eyes and stared at Gale with a ferocity she usually reserved for battle. She was challenging him. He realized there was a motive behind her question. Minthara was not one to make flippant inquiries.
“I do not know what my limits would be. If any. And I would certainly reverse an infliction caused by a reckless god. Or, and especially by, a devil. I would try, anyway. Mortals deserve their fair shake at life, happiness, and of course, love.”
Minthara looked away and closed her eyes. Gale watched her whole body tense for a moment, her jaw twitching as it clenched. The shopkeep came back with the wrapped box, which Minthara stowed away. Gale noticed she stowed it on her person, rather than her pack. It was clear the rings meant a great deal to her. He was not a stupid man. He knew what was going on as soon as Karlach asked him what ‘alurlssrin’ meant. And now the Drow specifically mentioned a devil in her line of inquiry and had purchased rings set with infernal marble. Minthara turned away from him towards the door.
She swallowed hard. In a low, near trembling voice, she spoke to Gale as if he had already ascended. “I would offer the first prayer to Gale the God, then.” He watched as she swallowed hard again and shook her head. “I pray that Karlach’s heart is repaired and she can live, love, and be happy, and free.”
“A cure for Karlach would be no simple task,” He softly told her.
Minthara turned back to face him and stepped forward, closing the gap between them, and leaned in so close to his face they were almost nose to nose. Her red eyes blazed with anger, fear, and uncertainty. “Know this, wizard,” She growled, “I would destroy the whole of Menzoberranzan if it meant finding her a cure.” She exhaled sharply, straightened herself, and marched out into the street, disappearing into the crowd.
Gale smiled and said faintly, “Your prayer has been heard. So may it be answered.”
-
Months passed by quickly. Orin was defeated, Gortash dethroned and de-gutted, the Netherstones united. The last act was to free Orpheus so he may save his people. The final fight with the Netherbrain was nearing. Karlach and Minthara had been spending the usual amount of time together, fucking, making love, fucking again, somehow managing to keep it a secret from everyone. They thought it was secret, anyway. Karlach noticed Minthara spending less time on the battlefield, which she thought was curious, but was happy enough in her arms not to ask. Karlach could feel her engine sputtering, however, and wasn’t sure how much time she had left. All she wanted to do with whatever was left to her was to spend it in the safety and comfort of her Drow. The words sounded weird in her head. Her Drow. She would have never believed 11 years ago if you would have told her she would spend 10 years in the hells, then be “rescued” by an illithid nautiloid only to be infected with a mind-flayer tadpole, then finding out her engine was burning out, then finding the love of her life that, on top of everything, is a noble-born Drow from the most powerful house in all Menzoberranzan. She would have laughed her tits off at you. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear Minthara approach.
“Do you… have a moment?” Minthara rumbled in her gravelly voice.
Karlach leapt to her feet and flashed a full smile at the dark woman. She looked around before replying, “Always for you.” Then tilted her head to the side to give Minthara a lopsided grin.
“Would you, perhaps, be agreeable to a date this evening? Say the Singing Lute at dusk?” She asked at full volume, not even looking around to see if anyone was within hearing distance.
“Oh, well, yeah! I’d love to, thanks!” Karlach replied. Seemingly satisfied, Minthara walked off to her own bunk, kneeling into her meditation pose. She and Shadowheart shared the same approach to prayer, although neither prayed to anything anymore. Karlach was delighted. Not only was she going on another date, but Minthara had asked her out loud. In front of anyone who happened to be in the room. ‘Wait. Who is in the room?’ Karlach glanced around, but only saw Gale, Wyll, and Jaheira. Gale was reading, as per usual, Jaheira – also reading, and Wyll was practicing his dancing in wide circles near the center of the room. ‘Ugh. Can’t believe she asked, and nobody was even around to hear it!’ Karlach picked up Clive, hugged him tight to her chest and flopped backwards onto her bed. She couldn’t wait for the sun to start setting.
-
Hours passed like weeks. Time crawled and Karlach hated it. For once in her life, she wanted time to speed up instead of slow down. When the sun finally started to hit the horizon, she popped up off the bed and readied herself for her date. Tav and Gale were playing lanceboard accompanied by Astarion who was providing amusing commentary concerning their gameplay, Shadowheart was playing fetch with Scratch, Halsin was using his bear form to wrestle with the owlbear, Wyll and Lae’zel were sparring, Jaheira was still reading (albeit a different book), and Minthara had left hours ago. No one seemed to be paying her any attention, so she threw a small bag over her shoulder and started to head for the door. Just before reaching the exit, she heard Jaheira teasingly say, “Be careful, cub. Don’t let her rip out your throat.” Karlach let out a loud guffaw and shook her head as she exited the room. Now she was doubly excited – someone knew her little secret and she was headed on a date!
Karlach practically skipped all the way to the Singing Lute. She was met by Tender Henk at the door, who gruffly welcomed her and showed her up the stairs to a waiting Minthara. The Drow sat with her back to the wall, looking out over the balcony, sipping what looked like a cup of tea. When Karlach stepped out onto the balcony, she put the cup down, quietly rose from her chair, walked right up to Karlach and pulled her down for a kiss. On the balcony. In public. In front of Henk and anyone watching down below on the street.
“Gods, your lips are gorgeous. What was that for?” Karlach asked as she sat down at the table and picked up a menu.
“For you, of course,” Minthara smiled and did the same.
They ordered their meals, ate, and discussed various topics: the best way to kill imps, noble houses of Menzoberranzan, Karlach’s parents came up at one point, which seemed to be an interesting topic to Minthara.
“Your mother… her name was also Karlach?” She quizzed.
“Yeah but spelled different. With a ‘C’ ‘stead of a ‘K.’ And an ‘E’ for fun. Spelling it out would probably be easier, huh?” She wiggled her eyebrows and Minthara let out a burst of laughter. “Okay, C-A-E- uhm… R-L-A-C-K. Caerlack, spelled the Infernal way. They spelled mine the common way. Not sure why they did that, but here I am. Boring, ol’ Karlach.” She finished with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. She loved talking about her parents and missed them deeply.
“There are plenty of words I would choose to describe you, Karlach, neither of which would be boring nor old. Especially not old.”
“Hey, that reminds me. Uh, how, uh… How old are you, Mints?” Karlach asked, genuinely curious.
Minthara avoided the question and chose to continue talking about Karlach’s parents. “Might I ask how they died? I believe you said they were buried here in the cemetery, yes?”
“You’re avoiding the question,” Karlach teased.
“Older than you,” Minthara stated bluntly.
Karlach let out a bemused laugh. She knew she wouldn’t be getting a real answer and chose to tackle Minthara’s question instead. “So, my mum died of a fever. My dad died when his cart overturned. He was making a delivery one day and never made it home. One of the worst days of my life. We were poor, but we were happy.” She gazed off over the balcony and watched the stars twinkle for a while. Minthara fell silent for a few minutes, letting Karlach work through her emotions. Eventually, Karlach looked back at the Drow and smiled. “They would have adored you.”
Minthara smiled. She doubted that would have been the case but didn’t want to ruin the moment by arguing. Instead, she took Karlach’s hand in hers and kissed her rough palm. “I would like to retire elsewhere, my dear. That is, if… you are amenable.”
Karlach nearly flipped the table over leaping out of her chair. “Shit! Sorry!” She cursed. Minthara only laughed, squeezed her chin with her index finger and thumb, then descended the stairs. Karlach followed, staying close. It was not lost on her that the Drow had called her “my dear.” Once they got to the street, Minthara turned down the familiar road to Phaedra’s house. She had been renting it so much that Karlach thought it was a miracle she hadn’t just bought it outright. They had actually met Phaedra one night when she invited Minthara to dinner. She wanted to get to know the ruthless Baenre Drow that had been renting her house almost once a month for six months. She was a Halfling, just like her servants, and was often away for trade deals. She had a customs shop by the docks and was kind enough to offer a discount to the couple for renting out her house so much.
Karlach was busy watching Minthara’s ass bounce around in her dress as she walked a little ahead of her. She pouted when the Drow suddenly slowed to walk next to her, her once bouncy view now obstructed. Her eyes almost fell out of their sockets when Minthara grabbed hand and casually held it as they strolled down the street. She gave the red hand a squeeze. “Does this bother you? I will stop if it does.”
Karlach squeezed the dark hand back. “Gods, no! I’d carry you if you’d let me!”
“Maybe later.” Minthara husked out a laugh, and so did Karlach. She felt normal. It was the best feeling in the world.
They finally reached the bedroom at Phaedra’s house. Karlach stood at attention like a good soldier and awaited orders from her Drow. Minthara took in a sharp inhale and sat on the bed. She patted the spot next to her for Karlach to come sit. Red eyes gazed into orange. Minthara swallowed hard. The same kind of swallow she had taken while talking to Gale at the jewelry store. She was uncomfortable. Nervous. Feelings she normally never experiences.
“Alright, Mints? Not breaking up with me, are you?” It was Karlach’s turn to swallow hard.
Minthara didn’t answer. Instead, she reached under one of the pillows and took out a small box wrapped in red paper. She took Karlach’s hand, flipped it palm up, and placed the box on top. “Open.” She commanded.
Karlach crinkled her nose as she tore the paper off. She inspected the leather box without opening it and jokingly said, “You got me a fancy box!” Then she shot Minthara a dopey grin, nodding her head to the side as she does when she’s trying to be cute. It made the Drow melt, and she knew it.
Minthara raised up and kissed her forehead. “Open.” She said in a much softer tone.
Karlach opened the box. Then her mouth. She was so shocked that she almost dropped it on the rug. For a few good moments all she could do was stare at the contents. “Mints… what? Is… I?” Karlach lost the ability to speak.
Minthara took the smaller ring from the box and placed it in Karlach’s other hand. She held out her finger and motioned for Karlach to put it on her. It slid on perfectly. The diamond sparkled in the candlelight and the smooth black stones complimented her complexion well. She then raised her hands and cupped Karlach’s face. She swallowed again and stared so deep into the Tiefling’s orange eyes that she thought she could feel the gaze washing over her soul. “I am yours, Karlach.”
That’s all it took for the dam to burst. Tears started to flow down the red woman’s face. Minthara took the larger ring from the box and slid it onto Karlach’s waiting finger. Karlach sucked in some air, trying not to blubber like a child. “I am yours, Minthara.” The dark woman leaned forward and started kissing the tears off Karlach’s face. Then she wrapped her arms tightly around her neck, and just held her and let her cry.
“I want to discuss something.” Minthara said into Karlach’s hair once the tears had stopped openly flowing.
“Anything.” Karlach kissed her arm.
Minthara shifted until she was back to piercing Karlach’s entire soul with her expressive red eyes. She was sad about something, Karlach could tell. “When the time comes, promise me that you will go back to Avernus –“
“Oh, Mints!” Karlach interjected. “Ten years of that shit! I can’t go back. I won’t go back!” Karlach was resolute.
The Drow let out a huff of air and looked up at the ceiling. She closed her eyes, got up, and did something almost as shocking as buying them matching rings. She fell on her knees in front of the Tiefling, clasped her calloused red hands between her own and looked up into Karlach’s eyes. “Please,” She begged. She was begging. She was begging Karlach. Minthara Baenre of House Baenre, noble-born Drow of Qu’ellarz’orl, Menzoberranzan, did not beg. As a matter of fact, she used to laugh in the faces of those who begged as she slit their throats. “Karlach…” Another hard swallow. Karlach could see now that Minthara’s eyes were glistening, and she was trying hard not to cry. The swallowing, the sighing. She was controlling her emotions. Emotions she had for Karlach. ‘Gods be damned.’ Karlach thought as another wave of sadness overtook her.
Minthara finally continued, “I cannot do this without you. Your strength, your beauty, your joy… You give me courage. I am invincible when I am with you. Please. I need you to live. Even if you are in Avernus, at least I will know you live. Wyll has already pledged to go with you. You would have the Blade of Avernus by your side. And it would not be forever. Only until we find you a cure.” She kissed Karlach’s hands before adding another, “Please.”
Karlach was crying again. She hated all of this. Hated that Minthara was pleading, hated that she was dying, hated that she was crying again, but most of all hated that Minthara was upset. The Tiefling let out a frustrated groan. Then a defeated sigh. “Okay,” She whispered. Minthara jumped into her arms, knocking her backwards onto the bed, the smaller woman falling on top of her. The Drow covered her in kisses. “Thank you,” She breathed into Karlach’s ear. Karlach placed a hand on her cheek and drew those red eyes to meet her own. The Tiefling took a shaky breath and said with a full heart, “Alurlssrin.” They spent the rest of the night entwined, inseparable, as one.
-
The Netherbrain was destroyed and Baldur’s Gate was slowly being rebuilt. Gale had left to re-forge the Crown of Karsus, Tav and Shadowheart had retired to a little cottage outside of Baldur’s Gate. Wyll had accompanied Karlach to Avernus, Astarion was living in the Underdark with the vampire spawn they had rescued from Cazador. Lae’zel was somewhere in the Tears, riding a red dragon and fighting for the freedom of her people. Halsin had traveled back to what used to be the Shadowlands to check on Thaniel. Dame Aylin and Isobel were fighting against Sharrans among some Selûne rebels. And Minthara... She was alone. Completely and utterly alone. She lingered in a private room at the Elfsong unsure of what to do with herself without her traveling companions and Karlach. She hated the feeling of being unsure. She had always had a plan, but now, without Karlach, what was the use? Gods, she hated everything. The Drow remembered that Jaheira had a house in the Lower City. If she took in all those children, perhaps she could take in a wayward Drow.
She chose to pay to ride on the back of someone’s cart but covered her head and body with a black cloak and hood for anonymity. A noble Drow must always be wary of would-be assassins, after all. She twisted the ring on her finger as nerves got the better of her. She had always been so shrewd, so cunning, bold and impenetrable. Now she was a lone Drow hitching a ride on a cart to ask a woman who doesn’t even like her if she can live with her. The cart dropped her off right outside Elerrathin’s house. It was just down the street from Phaedra’s. The memories made in that house hurt Minthara’s heart. She started to walk up to the porch of Jaheira’s home, but before she could even step up onto the porch, one of the small resident miscreants ran in the house yelling, “Under-elf! Under-elf!”
Upon hearing the alarmed cry that an ‘Under-elf’ was darkening her doorstep, Jaheira herself came to the door. Minthara wasn’t expecting that, but neither was Jaheira expecting a Drow to come knocking. “State your business,” She said curtly. Minthara lowered the cloak’s hood to reveal her face, and shifted her cloak so it fell slightly open to let Jaheira see she was (for the most part) unarmed. Jaheira took a startled step back. Not only could she see that Minthara was (for the most part) unarmed, but she could also see that the Drow was heavily pregnant. “Ye Gods!” Jaheira yelled. “Get inside!” She ushered Minthara into the house quickly.
Jaheira led her into the kitchen and put a kettle of water on her wood burning stove. Minthara groaned as she sat down at the kitchen table. The rough wooden chair was not exactly comfortable to her swollen body.
“What are you still doing in the city? I thought you would have been Overlord of all the Underdark by now?” Jaheira asked, not immediately acknowledging Minthara’s situation. She had so many questions but didn’t ask a single one. Who had she been with other than Karlach? How far along was she? Who was the father? She knew she wouldn’t get any answers even if she had the audacity to ask.
“Would that I could.” Minthara tapped a finger on the table’s wooden surface. “It would be unwise for a woman in my…” Minthara took a sharp inhale before continuing. “Condition.” She then cleared her throat. “And, although Overlord of the Underdark sounds like a wonderful position, I would first be named Queen of Menzoberranzan before conquering the rest of the Underdark.”
“So, what exactly are your plans?” Jaheira sat two cups of honeyed tea on the table, sliding one over to Minthara.
Another sharp inhale filled the dark woman’s lungs. She flared her nostrils as the air exhaled. “I… I do not know.” Her sharp eyes met Jaheira’s, and frustration showed on her face. She twisted her ring again.
“Well. You will stay with me until you figure it out.” Jaheira raised a hand before Minthara could even think of a response. “It is not up for debate,” She said, resolutely. Jaheira then called out for Jord and Rion to come help her move a bed into her study for Minthara.
About a month had passed when Minthara suddenly woke in the wee hours of the morning to a warm, wet sensation underneath her. “Straj!” Minthara yelled loudly. Rion’s room happened to be right across from the study, and she came knocking at the door when she heard Minthara yell.
“Everything alright?” She peeked her head inside the doorway to see Minthara straining and struggling to lift herself off the bed. “Mother!” She yelled for Jaheira who came running in a few seconds later.
“Stay there,” Jaheira issued an order to the Drow. She rushed to her side, inspecting the cause of Minthara’s outburst and saw the damp spot growing underneath her. “Minthara, I think your water has broken.” She grabbed some pillows and shoved them behind the Drow’s back. “Rion, I need boiling water and clean rags. As many as you can find. Go!” She put a hand on Minthara’s shoulder. “It is time. You need to lie back and relax.”
Minthara, as always, did the opposite. “I have survived many things, Harper, I will survive thiii-aaaah!” Minthara’s statement turned into a scream as she was overtaken by the sharp pain of a contraction, followed by a slurry of Drowish curse words. She had never been happier to have Jaheira healing her than she was in that moment.
Her labor lasted well after sunrise, but not quite to midday. There was a flurry of activity when Jaheira shouted, “I can see the the head!” Minthara had known pain before, but nothing quite like this. Jaheira’s healing spells could only do so much to ease the pain of a baby ripping through her most intimate parts. “Keep pushing – the head is out – you have one more push!” She heard Jaheira yelling, but she was exhausted. She just wanted to lay her head back and sleep. To turn the time back to all those months ago when it was just her and Karlach holding hands on the balcony of the Singing Lute. Gods, how she missed her sweet Tiefling. She felt tears welling up in her eyes and angrily growled out one last push, finally freeing the child from her womb.
Jaheira looked the baby over. It was a rather large and well-nourished red-skinned baby with a thick head of silvery white hair. Jaheira counted ten toes, ten fingers, and… a tail? And horns? Had this House Baenre Drow really just given birth to a half-Tiefling baby in study room of the High Harper? Jaheira tried to hide her shock while she bundled the baby up in a blanket that Jhessem had picked out for it from the market a few weeks ago. Jaheira handed the baby to Minthara and said, “It’s a girl.” She watched as Minthara smiled down at the baby, the sincerest smile the High Harper had ever seen on her face.
“Do you have any names picked out?” Rion asked. Jaheira shot her a disapproving look but said nothing. She knew how private Minthara was, how pretty much all Drow tended to be. Not once during her stay had Minthara mentioned being pregnant except on the first day she arrived, only referring to it as “her condition.”
“Yes,” Minthara said without looking up. “She will be named after her mother and her grandmother.”
Jaheira rolled her eyes. ‘Gods, of course. Selfish Drow,’ Jaheira thought to herself. ‘That’s all we need. Minthara Baenre the Third. Daughter of Overlord Minthara. She gives birth to a half-Tiefling yet is still an arrogant ass!’ She forced a smile despite her displeasure.
Minthara never saw it though. Still staring down at her daughter, a single tear fell down her cheek before she stunned Jaheira with one word: “Karlach.”
-
Time seems to never pass in the hells. There’s no sun, no day or night, no way to tell how long one has been down there. You simply sleep when there are no enemies around and fight when there are. Karlach and Wyll were in the middle of a heated battle with a horde of imps. “On your left!” Wyll yelled as he cast eldritch blast. Karlach only growled in reply as she sunk her great axe into an imp’s shoulder blade. She leapt forward and was about to swing down her axe into another imp when she was swallowed by a dimension door spell.
Her axe swing landed in the middle of a cloud. “What the fuck? Am I dead?” She asked, stunned and confused.
“No, not dead. Merely summoned.” She heard a familiar voice beside her and swung around to see Gale, almost hitting him with her axe.
“OH! MY! GODS! GALE!” She threw her weapon around herself to harness it onto her back and rushed to take Gale up in her arms and swing him around in circles like a child would a doll. He laughed heartily as she sat him back down. “Look at you, man! You’re all, I dunno, purple and shit!” She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. “Oh, my gods, does this mean you fixed the crown thingy?” She had forgotten the name of the crown, or perhaps more accurately, she never bothered to learn the name of it. But she was excited for him, nonetheless.
“You are correct. I retrieved the Crown of Karsus, re-forged it, and ascended to godhood. I’m now Gale, God of Ambition.” He beamed with pride at his new title and with himself in general.
“Couldn’t have gone with a cooler name than Gale?” Karlach joked and pulled him back in for another hug.
“Oh, Karlach, I have missed you.” He said, slightly pulling away.
“So, uhm. You said I had been summoned. Whaddya need? Got some devils that need punched in the face? Cause I’m reaaaally good at that!” She giggled at her own joke.
“No, no, nothing like that. You’re here so that I may answer a prayer.” He put a hand on each of her shoulders.
“Okaaaay…” Karlach was nervous and twisted the ring on her finger. “I mean, I guess I’ve maybe said one prayer since being back in the hells, but it wasn’t to you.”
“This prayer, which was really more of threat if I recall, was asked of me long before I ascended. I promised if I took control of the crown that I would do everything within its power to answer this prayer. I finally found what I needed to complete the task, so, here we are.” He made a wide sweeping gesture with his hands then placed them back on Karlach’s shoulders, “Now. I need you to trust me. Close your eyes and feel and listen.”
She complied immediately, never being one to ask too many questions. Gale smiled again even though she couldn’t see it. He took his hands from Karlach’s shoulders and placed them over her infernal engine. He then called out a spell; his words echoed and thundered through time and space itself. She suddenly felt… cool. She could feel Gale’s hands on her chest, and they felt warm. No one’s touch ever felt warm to her. She remembered to listen. She didn’t hear anything at first, but then, a light thumping noise that she couldn’t quite place. She realized that she couldn’t hear the roar of her engine. Her eyes snapped open from fear.
“My engine! Where’s my engine gone?” She panicked.
“Exactly. Gone,” Gale replied. “Say hello to your new heart,” He smiled warmly and lifted his hands from her chest.
The engine was gone. The flames were gone. She had a heart again. She had a heartbeat again. SHE HAD A HEART AGAIN! She screamed, picked up Gale again and gave him a bone crushing hug. He thought he would stop breathing if she didn’t put him down. He tapped her shoulders signaling his need for air, for even gods need to breathe, and she put him down gently.
“I can’t believe this! You fixed me, Gale! You actually fucking fixed me! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” She ran around in circles.
“Oh, no. You shan’t be thanking me. I’m not the one who prayed for this.”
“Alright, go on, then. Who’s been praying to the great God Gale for boring ol’ Karlach?” She chuckled at calling him that.
“Minthara.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “Minthy?”
“I accidentally stumbled upon her when she was buying the very ring that I spy is still on your finger. She asked what I would do if I were to seize the crown and repair it. I told her what I told everyone. Give power back to the people, fix mistakes of other gods, and even devils. She said she wanted to offer the first prayer, and, I’ll be honest, at the time I thought she was going to pray to be Dark Empress of the Universe or something. She did not. She prayed that I could fix your heart. I’ve gotta tell you, Karlach, I did not see that coming.”
“She really said all that?” Tears were now falling freely down her face, and she was trying, and failing, to wipe them with one of her leather bracers.
“She said to me, ‘I would destroy the whole of Menzoberranzan if it meant finding her a cure.’ I’ll be honest, Karlach, it should probably be you standing here instead of me. Karlach, the goddess of conquering evil Drow women.” He laughed at that, but Karlach did not. His voice turned gentle, he took the Tiefling’s hands in his and looked into her orange eyes. “Her custom and her pride may not allow her to say it, Karlach, but she loves you. She didn’t just offer up that prayer on that particular day. She prays it every single time she meditates. Knowing that you’re still alive, even if you’re in the hells, knowing that you might someday be cured, it keeps her going.”
“Thank you.” Karlach whispered on the wind as she openly sobbed. Gale embraced her gently and held her there until the tears stopped.
“Now, Karlach. Speaking of going, I think it’s time you go enjoy the rest of your life. I am going to send you to Baldur’s Gate, and it would be in your best interest to visit Jaheira. I think you’ll find a very warm welcome there.” He rose his eyebrows up slightly so Karlach would get the insinuation. “And as for Wyll, I plan on summoning him next. I’m sure you two will reunite in Baldur’s Gate eventually. But for now, Jaheira. Go.”
Gale let go of her hands and as soon as she blinked, she found herself on the streets of the Lower City, right in front of Elerrathin’s house. She put a hand over her chest and felt the heartbeat just to make sure it was real. She pinched her arm, just to make sure it was real. ‘Alright, soldier. Here we are,’ She thought. Before she could step up onto the porch to knock on the door, a small child ran inside yelling, “Red Tiefling! Red Tiefling!” She slammed the door shut behind her as she continued to yell. Karlach’s ears followed the noisy child as she ran yelling from room to room. There was suddenly a bustling of noise and energy from inside the house - thumping here, clanking there, then the door burst wide open, straining the hinges from force.
Minthara.
She ran and jumped into Karlach’s arms, wrapping her legs around her waist. They kissed for what seemed like an eternity until Karlach heard a different small child say, “Eeeew!” She sat Minthara down and they both laughed. Their hands cradling each other’s faces, foreheads touching. Karlach dropped to her knees, wrapped her hands around Minthara’s waist and squeezed tight, holding her there like she was trying to hold onto a ghost. She heard Minthara above her whisper, “Thank you, Gale.” Then she kissed all over the top of Karlach’s head, her forehead, the tips of her ears, every bit of Karlach she could reach with her lips. The Tiefling felt her Drow shaking subtly, then felt wetness on her scalp. She scrambled up off her knees and saw that Minthara was openly crying. She pulled her in for another gentle hug, shushing her sweetly.
“Can you two get a room?” Jaheira joked as she passed by the wide-open front door.
Karlach was the first one to speak, “I can’t believe you’re here with Jaheira. I thought you’d be elbow deep in some kind of family-o-cide back in Menzo by now!”
Minthara wiped her face and finally found her words. “Not quite. Come inside. There is someone you very much need to meet.”
Minthara tangled her fingers with Karlach’s and led her to Jaheira’s study. She let the hand go and whispered, “Stay there.” Ever the soldier, and always ready for Minthara’s command, she did as she was told and stood in the middle of the room. Minthara floated over to a wooden bassinet in the corner of the room, which was set next to her bed. She reached down and retrieved a rather large bundle wrapped in plush purple blankets. “Hold out your arms.” The Drow instructed, and the Tiefling obeyed. She placed the bundle into her waiting arms and stood back to watch Karlach realize what she was holding.
“A baby! Is it a Tiefling?” Minthara nodded at the question, still waiting for the realization to hit her. “Look at those horns! They’re all curly like mine – and it’s got orange eyes like me too! Aw! And look at that white hair, looks just like yours!” Karlach softly bounced the baby in her arms. “I bet if we could have a baby it would look like this!” She was utterly clueless and continued her quizzical assault, “What its name? Is it a girl? Where did it come from?” Minthara chuckled in that low rumble that Karlach had desperately missed.
“I can answer those, but backwards.” Minthara’s eyes twinkled as she talked and Karlach was finally noticing the glow around her and the sparkle in her eyes. “Do you remember that night we used the special scroll I received from those idiot Drow twins?”
“I mean, yeah! How could I ever forget that! It’s what was getting me through my second round in the hells.” Karlach was adorable. She was also still very, very clueless.
“It is a girl. And she is named after her mother and grandmother. Karlach.”
Her orange eyes grew wide as they flicked back and forth between Minthara and the baby. “Her mum? Karlach? Is this – this – from that Drow scroll? From that night? Did we make this? My baby? Our baby?”
Minthara counted seven questions and gave seven answers, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.”
Karlach was internally screaming. Her new heart felt like it was going to burst. Her eyes felt like they were going to burst. Her whole being felt like it was going to burst. She had to remind herself not to scream so she wouldn’t scare the baby, but gods, did she want to. She looked down at the baby and pulled a face. To her surprise, little Karlach laughed. “She laughed!” She whisper screamed to Minthara. “I’m a mum! You’re a mum! We’re mums!!!”
“She is a very happy little one. Much like her mother.” Minthara was standing next to her now and placed a kiss on her upper arm. “Would you like to know what really makes her happy?”
“Wossat?”
Minthara walked back over to the bassinet and retrieved something small, fuzzy, and brown, trying to keep it hidden behind her slender back. She suddenly whipped it out from behind her and lifted it up to cover her own face.
“CLIVE!” Karlach whisper screamed again. Little Karlach laughed again as her small orange eyes watched Minthara use Clive to play peekaboo. “I thought I’d never seem him again after having to go back to the hells so fast! Definitely never thought I’d see you using him to play with our baby. Gods! Our baby!”
“Truth be told, Karlach, I had already stolen him weeks before that. I simply kept you too… occupied to notice.” Karlach laughed and Minthara placed another kiss on her upper arm.
“So…” Karlach wasn’t sure what she wanted to ask, or how to even ask it, but felt a question brewing. “Now that I’m back, would you want to… I mean, we should probably live together, yeah? We can’t live here with Jaheira. Wait – do you want to live together? I shouldn’t have assumed – but if you do – do you want to stay here? Go back to Menzoberranzan?” Karlach rambled. Minthara hadn’t realized how much she missed Karlach’s rambling questions. She had never met someone so inquisitive. Karlach always had a question and wanted to learn everything. She might not remember everything, but she always wanted to absorb. She hoped little Karlach would have the same curiosity.
Minthara replied in a rational tone, that typical Minthara fashion that made Karlach give her another lopsided grin. Her time with Jaheira had helped her think things through and make a plan for when and if Karlach returned. “The Underdark is no place for a Tiefling. I speak for both you and our daughter,” Karlach melted upon hearing our daughter, but tried to reign it in so the Drow could finish. “As for Menzoberranzan. We can visit when the time is right. When Karlach is strong enough to wield a weapon and cunning enough to poison her enemies. For now, Phaedra has offered to sell me her home. That is, of course… if you are amenable.”
“Minthara Baenre, I would live in a owlbear cave with you if that’s what you wanted!”
Minthara cupped her hands around Karlach’s face. “Cliffgate,” She said softly.
Karlach didn’t understand. “What?”
“Minthara Cliffgate of House Cliffgate.”