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She recalled the first time she had seen the Tiefling, he had been arguing with his companions at the doomed Emerald Grove she had stumbled upon. Tav couldn’t help but overhear his deep voice echoing around the cave. He was asking them to flee, that they had no allegiance to the people here and needed to make it to the city. She had wanted to speak with him, but some unknown force was pulling her towards this man. She wasn’t sure if she knew him since her memories had faded of the past as of late. As soon as she approached she realised the mistake she had made, of course he didn’t recognise a random Drow, most people don’t want to know them anyway.

“I think…you should stay” she shrugged, attempting to look nonchalant as she looked at the others “We need everything we have got, wizards included”

“Oh and get killed here by your kind? I think not!”

She winced at the insult but didn’t let it sway her.

“Well I mean you could take your chances on the road” she pulled out her bloody rapier “I managed to slaughter maybe 10 of the 500 Goblins on the way here, so you might have a fair chance.”

“See Rolan, we need to protect them! These are our people, think of the kids! We were just like them once…” the female answered.

“Lia is right Rolan, we can’t abandon them for the city. Besides it’s dangerous out there” he nodded at her sword “Even the fighters are struggling.”

“Who said I was struggling? Killing goblins is as easy as slicing through rats” Tav scoffed, smiling then correcting her face when she saw their horrified faces “I mean, I am a seasoned Warlock! I can deal with a horde or two” she sheathed her rapier and crossed her arms.

“Look I don’t have time to deal with Drow insanity at the moment, please excuse my siblings and I” he sneered.

“What’s so important that you would rush into a goblin camp to reach the city anyway?”

“My apprenticeship with the great Lorroaken!”

“Huh”

“Rolan is very excited about this” the girl called Lia replied “Says he’s the greatest wizard of all time.”

“Never heard of him” Tav shrugged back “Can’t be that great.”

“Warlocks, uneducated brutes” he scoffed.

“Wizards, stuck up book bores” she stuck her tongue out, she was sure she had never acted so childish in her life.

She heard his siblings giggling as the Tiefling called Rolan stared at her in disgust. Still she felt something swirl in the pits of her stomach, she wanted to ride that man hard and hold his horns as she did so. Something in his demeanor told her he was not going to make it easy for her, but she was up for the challenge.

“Fine! Cal, Lia! We will stay. If I miss this opportunity I will personally hold this against you for the rest of my life, Drow”

“Oh, I hope you will” she winked at him before laughing and heading off.

Tav had picked up an unlikely bunch of her own companions after the crash. An overeager wizard, some guy pretending he wasn’t a vampire, a follower of Shar, a random Gith and they had just gained another Warlock. They made camp that night together with Wyll now joining them, together they discussed some Warlock shit and Tav realised this guy really was a goody two shoes. She wondered who his patron was but if he hadn’t told her this far he wasn’t going to. Shrugging it off she downed the rest of the wine and thought back to the Tiefling Rolan. She had liked his freckles and bright eyes, she laughed as she remembered his abhorrence towards her. She was totally going to wear that man down.

***

A few days of sneaking about a goblin camp and the surrounding areas had left Tav feeling, and smelling, as though she had waded through 5 layers of shit. She recalled the Grove had a secluded area down by the lookout with a waterfall, she thought it the perfect place to strip off and wash the filth from her body. After sneaking by the druid and refugee posted there she got naked to climb in the water. The other day she had bumped into a priest of Loviatar in the goblin stronghold, for his blessing she’d let him whip her back a good few times. At the time she had relished in the pain, the adrenaline had left her restless with nowhere to put the energy. As she slipped into the water she felt the lashes sting and she let the pain wash over her comfortingly. She thought about the last few days of her adventure.

They now had added a Tiefling woman to their growing community, a brave soul called Karlach who Tav felt herself warm too immediately, not just because she was basically on fire. Wyll’s patron had arrived, honestly who has Mizora as a patron, he should’ve just gotten a normal Fey one like her own. For failing his contract he himself grew some horns which Tav thought added to his charm, he didn’t look so goody good now. Tav started washing her hair and humming a tune to herself.

Soon she heard some footsteps approaching, could hear the muttering of a very annoyed wizard and smiled to herself. She turned to position herself to look at him, her arms on the bank as her head followed him pacing. He hadn’t noticed her yet, he was too busy with his own musings often casting off some lights from his fingers. She admired his build, he seemed strong for a wizard. Actually both wizards she had met on the last week were oddly hot, normally they were wizened old men with grey beards. She watched his tail twitch and had the urge to lick it to see his reaction. After a few more half uttered spells he stopped and removed his robe, Tav sunk her head down and smiled seeing his red skin in the sun. He still had his trousers on but if he didn’t spot her maybe she would get lucky. Sadly luck was not her friend and he locked eyes with her as he placed the robe on the ground.

“Ah! Wha-oh it’s you, Drow” he rolled his eyes and held his robe over his chest to cover himself.

“Rolan! You know, my name is Tav…I don’t call you wizard or Tiefling” she smiled at him “The water is really nice, you should join me” she winked at him.

“Uh no” he scoffed, Tav didn’t realise that red skinned Tieflings could blush but could see where his skin deepened around his cheeks and neck.

“Why not?” she kicked her feet behind her “I won’t bite, unless you ask me that is.”

“God’s above, I am leaving” he turned round and put his robe on.

“Aw why?” she stood up getting out, letting the water drip off her “Don’t you want a peek, Rolan? I won’t tell, if you won’t.”

“A peek!? A peek of wha-” he turned to see what she meant and came face to face with her naked form “What are you doing!?” he spluttered at her.

Tav smiled as she wrung the excess water from her hair, she realised despite his tone he hadn’t looked away from her. She wondered if he had ever seen anyone other than Tieflings naked, with the way his eyes looked shocked she doubted it. She laughed as she noticed his tail sweeply slowly side to side, his mouth agape and his hands out in front of him as though he was about to cast a defensive spell at her. She walked over to him, not taking her eyes off his. He flicked his eyes back up into hers and she could see the flush behind those freckles of his.

“Do you like it?” she asked, standing only two feet away from him.

She saw him gulp, his eyes widened as he looked down as though not sure what his eyes were allowed to see. Tav decided she’d make him suffer a bit more, she liked playing the long game and as much as she wanted to see that red cock of his she only winked before going to grab her own clothes. She didn’t fail to notice his eyes not leaving her body as she turned her back on him to pick up her boots.

“I uh-I um what were…those wounds?” she heard him finally managing to choke out.

“Let a priest whip me a few times” she laughed “Anything for an extra bit of luck from a Goddess eh?” she laughed as she walked back over to him, as she brushed by him she commented “Maybe next time I’ll let you touch, if you’re a good boy” She only heard him squeak as she laughed and walked away leaving him rooted to the same spot he had been in since she had stripped down.

***

Rolan stood and stared at the ground where the woman had just been standing, naked, in front of him where anyone could’ve seen them. He could feel his hardness straining against his trousers and thanked the Gods he had put his robe back on, he hoped she hadn’t noticed. In all his years he had never had a woman just appear naked in front of him, he had not actually seen many naked women. One time he had nearly been with another Tiefling, but he had over-thought the situation and made an excuse to leave before it went any further. Since then he had focussed on his studies and securing his apprenticeship.

“Gods above, she will be the death of me” he sighed as he looked over to where she had disappeared.

He had just wanted a nice soak, away from his siblings as he thought about the new spells he was trying to finish. Instead he had been ambushed by that Drow warlock and her tits! He would be lying if he said she didn’t interest him, if he wasn’t intrigued by her heroism act. Her dark red hair and her bright red eyes had caught his attention, but he put it down to nothing more that a fleeting fancy. He had no time to spend thinking about women, no matter how fascinating he found them, he had work to do. He huffed and waited a sufficient amount of time to head back to the grove without drawing suspicion.

Sitting on an uncomfy stool Rolan was huddled over a complicated spell in a tome, he needed to get better if he was ever going to protect his siblings. He didn't need some Drow Warlock playing protector, he could do it just fine if he could only have some peace.

“Where'd you go off and hide earlier?” Lia bounced by sitting on the table “Couldn't spot you at all earlier.”

“None of your business, now I have work to do so excuse me.”

“Weren't sneaking off with someone were you Rolan?” she laughed then noticed his cheeks flushing “No way! Who!?”

“I did not sneak off with anyone Lia, don't be so ridiculous” he spat back but he knew his flushed cheeks gave him away. What was the use of red skin if the blush creeped up anyway.

“Come on Rolan, you can tell me! I won't even tell Cal!”

“Tell Cal what” Cal now wandered over.

“Just great, can't a wizard get 5 minutes of peace in this God's forsaken cave” Rolan slammed his book shut, sighing.

“Tell you that Mr. Wizard here blushed when I asked him if he sneaked off with someone.”

“Rolan!? Sneaking off with someone” Cal snorted “More like they were escaping his non stop mumblings.”

“I don't think so Cal, look at his little cheeks” Lia reach out to grab him but Rolan slapped her hand away.

“Enough, both of you. I simply went a walk to clear my head, she wa-” he stopped realising his mistake.

“SHE!?” Lia jumped off the table “There is a she Cal! Told you!”

“No!” Rolan argued but was ignored.

“What tiefling caught your eye then, Rolan? I bet it's Alfira!” Lia pondered.

“Oh please, like I need some tone deaf bard infiltrating my peace and quiet” Rolan scoffed.

“Lakrissa!?” Cal proclaimed.

“Hmm no, I was with her all day today” Lia shook her head.

“Gods above, I'm not involved with any Tieflings. I'm leaving” Rolan stood to leave.

“Not a Tiefling you say” Lia and Cal shared a glance at one another before breaking into twin grins.

“Stop it now, no more guessing” he made to leave the tent but they stopped him.

“It’s Tav isn't it” Cal smiled.

“It's totally Tav” Lia agreed.

“What!? No! The Drow!? Don't be so ridiculous” Rolan stammered but he felt the rush of blood to his cheeks as he recalled the water dripping off her naked body.

“Oh my Gods it is! Look at your cheeks!”

“She is cute Rolan” Cal patted him on the shoulder as he pushed by.

“Shut up” he growled as he walked away from them. He could feel himself getting warmer as he thought more about her and those two idiots bringing her up didn't help.

***

Tav stood skipping rocks over the water at the lake, tomorrow they'd be heading into the goblin camp in an attempt to rescue the druid Halsin. Everyone had been going on about him since they arrived a week ago, so she supposed she should go get him since the tadpole gained her entry. Tav was starting to realise a lot more people would be relying on her and this parasite in her head. As she stared across the water she tried her hardest to piece together her fragmented mind. Who was she before this? She could recall denouncing Lolth, but why? She knew who her patron was, her own name and some past relationships. Some memories appeared as black, blank slates as though they had been burned from her mind. She shrugged, maybe it was best she didn't know.

“Hello, Tav. Skipping rocks I see? You know down by my tower in Waterdeep I would spend a good few afternoons with Tara seeing how far I could get them with some spells.”

“Gale, nice to see you in good spirits” Tav smiled at the wizard “Are you ready for tomorrow?”

“Yes yes, the artefact you gave me earlier has completely tidied me over for now! Now, are you ready Tav? Dangerous territory we will be traversing tomorrow!”

“It is indeed Gale. I’m probably going to swing by the merchant at the Grove tonight, grab a few more provisions to make sure we survive the quest.”

“Wise decision indeed! I would be more than happy to accompany you, if you so wish”

“No no, it'll be a quick trip, you stay here! I spotted an empty pot at the campfire and you know we all adore your cooking, Gale”

“I do know my way around a kitchen…well should I say a campfire! I'll make sure to whip up something edible with everything you've managed to bring back.”

Tav headed back towards the Grove, she felt bad not taking Gale up on his offer to join her but she was rather hoping to see another handsome wizard. Rolan had been on her mind since their run in this morning, the way he had looked at her and how his already red skin flushed at the sight of her. She had wanted to say bye to him, just in case the worst happened. She was hoping he'd fuck her under the stars on what could be her last night alive, but she'd settle for a kiss…or even a nice word at this rate. Something about the grumpy Tiefling had really started something in her, she wanted to kiss his freckles and feel his hot skin on hers. Wizards were always too concerned with their books to fuck but something told her she had gotten under his skin.

After trading with Arron, Tav headed down into the cave in an attempt to seek out her prey for the night. She doubted he'd let her share his bedroll if he slept beside his siblings but maybe she could convince him to sneak away with her. She headed to where she had seen them congregate before but only found Cal and Lia, they were whispering and drinking together.

“Hello” Tav said “Enjoying your night?” she was trying to peek past them to see if Rolan was anywhere to be seen but sadly no, the wizard was not hunched over a book or sleeping.

“We are…are you looking for something, Tav?” Lia smiled.

“Or…someone” Cal winked.

“I always am” she smiled at them innocently “You'd need to be more specific than that.”

“Well a certain Tiefling mentioned something about getting some sea air away from his idiotic siblings” Lia giggled.

“Yes, it seemed he was sick of our questioning!” Cal laughed with her.

“You two, noseying in the wizard's personal life!? Never!” Tav chucked along.

“Seemed he went missing this morning and refused to say where he'd been” Lia said “Although his cheeks flushed at the mere sound of a certain name.”

“Rolan blushing? I guess I'll need to see for myself” she winked at them before waving and heading down to the shoreline.

She nodded at the mix of Tieflings and Druids on her way, some offering kind words of encouragement whilst others avoided her Drow eyes completely. She cursed her Underdark heritage, maybe if she looked softer like Shadowheart people might not go out of their way to make their distrust so obvious. She only wanted to help…and in the process get this thing out of her skull, so what if she got to relish in a little bloodshed on the way. As she looked over the rocks she spotted Rolan’s red robes, he was attempting to hide, maybe her Underdark roots came in useful with how good her dark vision was.

“Hi Rolan!” she said as she dropped down next to him and felt him jump “Nice night isn't it?”

“Gods above, what have I done to deserve your presence. I am trying to read, so leave me alone. You've pestered me enough today, Warlock” he snapped at her.

“Ah you’re cute Rolan” she beamed at him. She saw his face falter from annoyed, to slightly confused before back to furrowing his brow.

“Pray tell, whatever do you want this time? Here to strip off in the moonlight for your patron?”

“Hmm no. I just wanted some nice company before I march to what might be my death tomorrow” she shrugged and looked up at the moon “Although the moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?”

“Yeah” he sighed, she didn't look at him but could tell he was facing her. It made her smile more.

They sat with their backs against the rock for a while, she could hear Rolan flicking through the pages of his book as she soaked in the moonlight. The sound of the wizards mutterings and fingers against the paper soothed her, rescuing these refugees had totally been worth it to meet him.

“Rolan?” she whispered, looking at him.

“What now? I was enjoying pretending you weren't here” he rolled his eyes at her.

“Would you be sad if I die tomorrow?”

“You're not going to die, Tav” he huffed looking back in his book.

“Oh, a seer now” she prodded him “Tell me oh Rolan the all seeing seer, what does my future hold!”

“A gag for that mouth of yours if it does not shut up”

“Oh I won't need a gag for that, I can think of another way” she nudged him with her shoulder and felt him tense up beside her.

“A silencing charm? I did happen to see one in here, maybe I should be practicing that instead.”

“You are funny, Rolan” she smiled at him “Handsome too” she saw him look quickly back in his book as the deep red blush creeped back up his neck.

“Yes well…thank you, Tav” he nodded “Now, don’t you have a rescue quest to plan for, shouldn't you be resting up, oiling your blades or something?”

“Maybe, or maybe I'd rather sit with a handsome wizard. I could use a good luck charm, got any of those?”

***
Rolan was growing tired of her games now. What did she want from him? To taunt him, to make him miserable for trying to abandon the Grove? He wanted to be left alone, to practice this healing spell in case they needed it on the road; but here she was, again. She should be prepping for the fight tomorrow, not hanging around with him.

“No, don't be so stupid” he spat back, he didn't mean to be so angry at her. He just wanted her to take this seriously.

“Oh? I think you have one that you could easily give!” she had turned to face him now, her legs crossed as she looked up eagerly at him.

Rolan snapped his book shut and looked at her. Her pale skin had a sort of purple hue he noticed in the moonlight, the reds of her eyes shining up at him as though pleading for something. He had no clue what she wanted, why someone like her would want to be around someone like him. She was so close, he could see some light freckles appearing on her from her days in the sun. Could smell a sweet scent almost like berries, he could easily reach out and tuck her red hair behind her pointed ear. His heart thumped in his chest and he was aware she could probably hear it, who knows what type of super senses the Drow have.

“Out with it then, what do you want from me?” he said. She had her own wizard to ask for spellwork and her own patron for everything else. What could he possibly have for her?

“A kiss” she smiled at him.

“A a-what!?” Rolan choked “Are you…are you mocking me?”

“No” she shrugged “I simply wanted to kiss something beautiful before I need to be covered in goblin guts tomorrow.”

Rolan swore his heart almost stopped at her words, what did she mean? It had been years since he had kissed another person, years since he even wanted to. Now, he did want to, he looked at her lips. They looked soft, would his sharp teeth hurt them? Would his claws damage that thin, pale skin or his horns accidentally bang against her head? Rolan was not a risk taker but, just maybe he could be, for once. Before he realised what he was doing he had nodded at her. Who knows, maybe he would also die tomorrow if she failed in her quest.

“Is that a yes?” she smiled shuffling closer “I won't do it if you don't say yes.”

“Yes” he whispered.

She was so close now, he was gripping his book not knowing what he was to do with his hands. He wasn't sure if she wanted him to cradle her face, to touch her hair or run his hands down her back. His book was safer, it helped ground him as he felt her hand cup his cheek. She was looking at him as though he was the only man she'd ever seen, he was hoping it was admiration in her eyes and not a passing fascination for his difference. His heart raced as he remembered this was a Drow, once a Lolth sworn follower renowned for their violence and mistreatment of everything they viewed lower than them, including his own kind.

Her nose bumped his cheek as her other hand held his shoulder, she gently pulled his face closer to hers. He felt her breath on his lips before glancing down, she took the moment and pressed her lips to his. His whole body shook as though it was struck with a witches bolt, a surge that sent his nerves on end. Just as she went to pull away his hand shot to her face to pull her back, he wasn't ready for it to end. She smiled and he felt it against his own mouth, soon he felt her lips part against his. He mirrored her movements scared he would mess up, that at any point she’d pull away to laugh at his inexperience. He felt her tongue against his own and he let out a low moan unable to control himself. Thankfully she didn’t mind, instead her hand moved to his hair to deepen their kiss further. Her tongue carefully and skillfully avoided his teeth, although he swore a few times she had positioned her bottom lip as though she wanted him to bite her.

Rolan was aware of every movement either of them made, his own tail he made wrap around his calf to stop it grabbing on to her. She had pushed him so he was flush to the rock now, her hands loosening the bun in his hair, he didn’t mind, he didn’t mind anything she did to him. He had been such an idiot, why did he have to say such awful things to her yet here she was. He let the book drop to the ground beside him as he grabbed her by the waist to pull her further in, he wanted to feel her against him, that this was no specter haunting him. She followed his suit and before he could gasp she was on him. She had maneuvered herself so quickly onto his lap, her knees either side of him as he was pinned to the rock. He couldn’t help but wrap his arms around her, to hold her in place as she held his face.

***

Tav was surprised that Rolan had agreed to this, she was sure she would be leaving with some sort of curse on her head for even suggesting it. When he had kissed her back she swore the world had stopped moving, that her racing heart was the only sound within 500 yards of the vicinity. When he had pulled her closer she couldn’t help climbing on top of him, this time tomorrow she could be dead and this was exactly what she needed. Although she was in her camp clothes Rolan still wore his robes, she wondered if he ever dressed casually. Despite the thick robes and trousers she could feel his hardness against her core, she felt him moan as he pulled her down causing the slightest bit of friction. She smiled at his noises, wizards were never known to hold their tongues.

“Rolan I-” she whispered into his mouth but it was cut off by him crashing his lips to hers again. She let him shut her up, she had said it would afterall and if this was the price to pay she wouldn’t complain.

Soon she felt the heat rise in her, she knew Tieflings ran hot but this warmth was over a different kind. She wanted this wizard’s skin against hers, wanted him carnally to fuck every anxiety from her about tomorrow, about the tadpole, about everything. Tav moved her hand from his soft hair to trace down his chest, she damned the man for wearing so many clothes. She felt him hitch at her movement, she could feel his heart thundering against her palm as she stopped it there. Both of them finally pulled away from the others lips, she still had a hand in his hair as his arms loosened around her waist.

“Um, excuse me Tav” he coughed “I should go.”

He avoided her eyes as she searched his, had she done something wrong? She thought he had also wanted the same thing as her.

“Oh! If you are sure?” she questioned as she moved off him as he grabbed his book and stood up straight.

“Yes” he cleared his throat and straightened his robes, covering his hardening length “You have a big day tomorrow and I- I don’t have time for this, goodnight warlock”

With a short nod he headed back towards the Grove’s entrance leaving her on the ground confused. She let out a frustrated groan and laid down on the cold rock to soothe the unrelenting fire burning inside of her. Since being whipped by that priest she really needed a good fuck, she guessed tearing goblins apart tomorrow would need to suffice. She hauled herself back to the camp meeting Astarion on the way, the blood still covering the side of his lips. She laughed and shook her head at him, he really thought she was oblivious.

“Yes? Can I help you?” he sighed, crossing his arms at her.

“Late night hunting? You’ve got a little something…” she indicated on her own lip.

“What!? No I-I…”

“Give it up, come on - you can fill me in on the way back to camp” she motioned to him, he only huffed before falling in step with her to relay his story to her.

***
Rolan stalked back to his bedroll, his tail basically between his legs. He couldn’t believe what had just happened, of what had nearly just happened as well. He was sure she wanted more than a kiss from him, when her hand traced down his chest he nearly set himself on fire with panic. What had he been thinking!? Letting her kiss him, kissing her back? He had his family to focus on, surviving the journey to Baldur's Gate and starting his apprenticeship. He didn’t have time to think about women or relationships.

But she had been so soft, he touched his lip where she had been only moments before. He would never be able to touch silk or satin again without thinking of her soft skin pressed against his. He could still smell her sweet forest smell, the feeling her fingers in his hair and her heart against his chest. She was everywhere and nowhere, tomorrow she might even be dead. He finally made it back to Cal and Lia, he swore to himself when he saw they were both sitting up, staring straight at him.

“And what time do you call this, brother?” Cal whispered to him, while other refugee’s were dozing nearby.

“I was…reading, in peace” he huffed.

“Oh I’m sure” Lia muttered “Reading” she nodded to Cal with an eyebrow raised.

“Yes, not that it is any of your business! I’m trying to protect us here!” he snapped trying to keep his voice low as he got on top of his bedroll.

“We’re sure” Cal giggled as Lia chuckled, Rolan rolled his eyes.

“Oh Rolan?” Lia whispered.

“What?” he hissed.

“How is Tav?”

“She is- what no, how should I know” he huffed.

“Get better at lying Rolan, your hair looks like an owlbears backside” Lia laughed smacking a hand over her mouth to stop it being too loud. Cal was sniggering at the otherside, he couldn’t escape them.

“Oh do fuck off” he pulled a blanket over his warming face.

He stayed there until he heard them both stop their childish snickering, he then looked up staring at the ceiling of the cavern. Maybe he should’ve asked to stay at Tav’s camp tonight, he was sure she would’ve dragged him there if he asked. He wondered if she slept wild, under stars she wouldn’t see in the Underdark or if she had a comfy tent with plush pillows. After seeing her in the moonlight he thought he would prefer she were under the stars, soaking in the radiance of nature. He felt restless and unsettled, twice today he had been pent up with no release thanks to that woman. The second time he had denied himself it, had been too craven to let her go further then left without even wishing her luck. He really hoped she didn’t die, not just because it would be disastrous for everyone here but because selfishly he hoped to touch her once more.

***

Tav stood by the doors of the ransacked goblin camp. Her companions and her were head to toe caked in everything from guts to spider webs. Using some Lolth propaganda she had managed to convince the goblins' pet spiders to turn against them, letting them loose in the building. She would need to warn the druids there may be some giant Lolth worshipping spiders on the loose soon…she would cross that bridge when it came to it. She had managed to free the Druid named Halsin, she was in awe at the sheer size of him and wondered how he even got captured in the first place. She had even managed to free the odd writer Volo and saw the Lothian priest wave at her as he headed out the side. The warlord Drow Minthara escaped her clutches; she had been surprised to see another Lolth denouncer devoting themselves to a fake God. She was sure the battle would’ve been grand if she had gotten the chance, Drow vs Drow fights were always a performance.

They all trudged back to the Grove to let them know it was safe, that the Druids could live in peace and that the Tieflings could move on to the road, onto the next destination. Tav felt her heart sink a bit, Rolan would be keen to head off as soon as he could. The road ahead was dangerous for them, for everyone. Tav had already decided the Underdark would be her party's next move, she belonged there and wanted to visit to see if it would bring any hazy memories back. As they reached the gates they could hear the Tieflings speaking excitedly and the Druids calling out to Halsin who welcomed them with open arms.

Tav spoke with Zevlor, he prattled on about his thanks and offered them some gold. She caught eyes with Rolan as she pushed the pouch back to the older Tiefling, she didn’t need his money, she had raided enough from the goblins. She gave a short wave to Rolan realising she must look horrendous, blood everywhere including her already red hair. She didn’t miss the look of relief on his face as he looked her over. Maybe he did like her after all she smiled to herself before shifting her focus back to Zevlor. They had decided to host a party, they would all join her at her camp later on this evening before they set off for the city. Tav was just glad she could get a chance to wash up beforehand.

After helping Halsin with some Druid stuff, she and the companions cleaned themselves up. Gale was cooking a large pot of something when the first of the Tiefling refugee’s started filtering in. Tav, with a drink in hand, went round checking on everyone. She listened to Alfira play her lute, a guilty pang in her stomach as she recalled a dark urge to kill her a few nights ago. Thankfully she had resisted it, with every fibre of her being she had resisted and she was glad, the music was sweeter than it had been at the Druid camp. As she made the rounds she was sure Rolan was actively avoiding her, anytime she got close to where he was he would all of a sudden be gone again.

“Hey Tav!” she heard a voice call, she looked over to see Lia by the fire “Come here!”

“Hi Lia, good party isn’t it” she sighed, she noticed Rolan wasn’t with her and she tried to hide her disappointment.

“Yeah yeah, grand” Lia brushed her off “Now tell me, why is Rolan avoiding you?”

“Oh, I did think that! I was actually hoping you could tell me” Tav laughed, she wasn’t going crazy…well anymore so than usual.

“Damn that brother of mine” Lia shook her head “Man wouldn’t know how to flirt even if he read a hundred books on it. Did something happen between you two last night? He came back to bed a bit…flustered shall we say. Then all day today he didn’t sit still, he didn’t even read a chapter of his book! He was too busy pacing between the look out areas!”

Tav couldn’t help the smile that creeped up her face when she heard Lia say that, indeed Rolan had been worried for her. She laughed and shook her head at his sister.

“Now Lia, I don’t kiss and tell shall we say” she offered her a wink “Although I would like to say goodbye to him at the very least. Any idea which way he slinked off too this time?”

Lia grinned at Tav, it was obvious they were enjoying torturing their brother by making him face her. She pointed out a space between the trees just by the lake, apparently he had told Lia he needed some peace to practice. Tav nodded before grabbing a full bottle of wine and heading off in the direction giving Lia a thankful wave as she went. She had no idea what mood she would find Rolan in, would he be as warm as last night or as bitter as their first few run ins. Either way she had to see him, at least to say goodbye.

She came to a small clearing in the thick of the trees, leaning against the trunk of one she watched him silently as she set the bottle of wine down. She could see his striking side profile from here and admired it as he made small galaxies dance about him. He really was a beautiful man she had always thought, now as she watched him pouring his passion into his magic she felt her chest constrict. She wished she could run to him, that he would pick her up and spin her before embracing her but she doubted he would appreciate it. Instead she clapped, giving him a small fright in the process.

“You again” he sighed.

“I bring wine” she picked up the bottle and wandered over to where he was standing, the lights of his illusions lighting his face in blue hues “A thank you gift, your good luck really came through for me” she smiled up at him.

“Yes well…I am glad, now we can finally get to the city!” he managed a smile back at her and she felt her head swim.

“Please, have a drink with me” she pouted and he huffed yet nodded “Oh…I should’ve brought a blanket to sit on, sorry”

Rolan only sighed then waving his hand a thick purple blanket appeared before them. He muttered something about warlocks but she only laughed as she planted down beside him on it. She took a swig of wine before offering him the bottle.

“You didn’t even bring mugs!?”

“Rolan, my tongue was in your mouth last night stop being so prissy” she pushed the bottle at him and after a pointed scowl he took a drink.

“Yes…well we thought we might die today” he muttered.

“I think I might die any day to be fair” she sighed, staring at his lingering illusions.

“That…that must be hard” he whispered back “What were you before all this?”

“I-I don’t know” she said and smiled sadly at him “I sort of have missing memories, it does mean I can start over though so it’s not all bad” she shrugged “Plus, I got to meet a very handsome wizard.”

***
Rolan felt the blood rush to his cheeks and he took another drink of the wine to avoid looking at her. He had missed her since he had left her on that rock, missed her touch, her taste, that soft skin against his face. He had hoped he could avoid her tonight so that he could leave without thinking about her, without thinking what would happen if she could just come with him. Of course she couldn’t come with him, he was off to do great things and she was away to get rid of that parasite in her brain before she exploded or whatever. He felt her take the bottle from where he left it, she downed a drink before setting it down again. He quickly took another shot hoping it would calm some of the nerves.

“Can I visit you Rolan? If I get to the city?” she leaned against him now, he stiffened at her confidence. She really did just go for it.

“Well if you are needing the best scrolls and tomes in the city you will know where to go” he laughed, he let himself lean back. Perhaps it was the alcohol loosening him up.

“I don’t care about them” she had now brought her hand to his knee “I would like to see you, the great wizard Rolan in his element” he looked down at her.

Those red eyes bore into his very core. He was drowning in her Hellfire within those very pupils and he didn’t want to be rescued. Only she could render him speechless from a look, only she made his words stick in his mouth like ochre jelly slime coated it. He couldn’t form a real thought, he wanted to touch her lips again and wrap his arms around her again. Instead he broke his gaze to take another drink.

“I think I would like that, Tav” he finally managed to get out “But, I will be very busy.”

“I know, but it would be nice don’t you think?” she smiled as she took the bottle from him, her cold fingers grazing his own as she did.

He could only nod, his illusions had started fading from his lack of concentration but the moon lit the sky perfectly for them both to still see one another. She rested her head on his shoulder, he didn’t mind, for once he didn’t mind the touch of another. Soon her hand reached up to his cheek again, he felt himself leaning into it wanting it to sink through to his very bones. It was smooth and cold, so different from his own ridged, warm flesh.

“I’m going to kiss you again Rolan” she whispered “And honestly, I don’t think I’ll stop unless you blast me off you.”

Before he could say anything she was there, her lips once again blessing his own. He made a surprise noise before letting her, the wine had emboldened him more than he had been last night. He instantly grabbed her own face to pull it deeper to his, he kissed back passionately wanting to show her with his actions what he couldn’t with his words. That all day he worried, that all day he thought of her out there in danger wishing and hoping she would come back safe, to him. This time he pulled her onto his lap, needing her close again, needing her cool skin against the furnace of his own.

In his need he accidentally caught her lip with his sharp teeth, he went to pull away. He wanted to apologize for his inhuman features harming her but she didn’t let him, she only nipped his lip back in return. He relaxed into her, trying to savour the moment more than he had done last night. He could feel her squirming against him, hear her small breaths in between their kissing and the small noises she would make when his hands grabbed at her. They were embraced in one another and Rolan hoped to the Gods nobody would break this paradise for him, he needed this. He let his tail sweep up her body, it rested on her leg and curled around her thigh which was on the side of his hip.

“Rolan, you are magnificent” she whispered to him as she pushed him down on his back.

“Tav I-”

He never got to finish his sentence before her tongue was back in his mouth, he wanted to tell her she was beautiful, that she was like a rare untouched tome in the library but she never gave him the chance. He also wanted to tell her that he hadn’t fucked someone before, that he had never even thought about it until he had met her but he couldn’t. He didn’t want to disappoint her, didn’t want her pity or empathy. Instead he let the alcohol soothe his anxieties and let her make him feel good. He tangled his fingers in her hair before tracing along her pointed ear, he felt her shudder and smile into his mouth. She pulled away and quickly disposed of her shirt she had on, Rolan boldly took his off as well. He was trying his hardest to copy her movements, to make it seem as though this was natural.

He watched her smile as she gently traced the ridges across his chest, he had always hated them but with her touching them maybe he could grow to love them. He took another drink of wine before she pushed him back down to kiss along his neck. His tail traced circles in her back as his hands held her waist. He felt her kiss down his chest, his heart threatening to burst out of his chest cavity the closer she got to his hardened cock. He wished he knew how to please her, how to make her feel good but for now he’d let her lead, let her think he was submissive to her. She was a Drow, this was how their kind did it anyway, surely it was expected he just let her do all the work.

Her hand was finally there, he decided to position himself on his elbows to see her. She was smiling as she pulled down his trousers, he hissed as the cold air hit his warm skin on his erection. He brought a hand to his mouth as she started pumping him, he could see his own wetness on his head and watched as she slid it down him.

“Rolan, don’t cover your mouth! How will I know you’re enjoying it if I don’t hear those pretty moans” she pouted, he couldn’t breathe. He removed his hand and nodded at her to continue.

He looked at the sky as he moaned at her touch, it seemed she could tell he wanted her to be gentle. For some reason he thought she would be rough, would rush into it but no as per usual she surprised him. Her soft cold hands against his ridged warm cock was driving him insane, he knew he wouldn’t last even with just her light touching. He decided to grab her face and pull her back up to his face to kiss her again. It was now or never, if he didn’t fuck her now he never would or end up finishing in her hand. His hands went to her own trousers as he clumsily attempted to remove them, she smiled and moved to take them off herself.

“Eager are we” she grinned before climbing back on top “I’ve never fucked a Tiefling before.”

I’ve never fucked anyone he thought to himself as his hard cock rested between them.

“I uh - hope it’ll be okay?” was all he could say.

“With you? It’ll be more than okay” she kissed him before maneuvering herself over his hardened length.

He could feel heat coming from between her legs and as she brushed the tip of his cock against her he heard her moan. He moaned himself and grabbed onto her. He never thought his first time would be sitting in a forest, with a Drow after she had ransacked a goblin lair for his people to flee. She looked him in the eyes as she eased herself down his cock. He could feel how warm she was inside, how soft and wet it felt against him. He searched her face for any sign of regret but only saw her looking happy, he let himself relax, she was okay. He tried gently to grip her but knew his claws must be hurting her but from the sounds she was making, he guessed she enjoyed it. She then pushed him back down, he looked up at her and concentrated hard on not prematurely ending the night.

***
Tav was in pure bliss as she rode Rolan, sure his cock had stung as it went in but she was no stranger to pain and it only fueled her lust. He had ridges along the front of his shaft and honestly she was in sheer envy of the Tiefling women who get to experience this all the time. She could hear Rolan moaning under her, he had his claws in his hips but she didn’t mind it only encouraged her to go harder. She could see the blush rushing up his chest running even deeper than before. His yellow eyes rolled back in ecstasy as she rode him to chase her own orgasm. She had been pent up for days and killing those goblins had hardly scathed the sides, fucking this man below her was really taking the edge of. She relished in Rolan’s whimpering and moans, throwing her head back and making herself grind deeper into him. Just as she was close, just as the band was about to snap she saw his face change.

“Tav-I oh fuck fuck” he gave her a surprised look before he let out his loudest moan yet.

“Rolan!” she said worried something was wrong, then she felt it. He had completely finished inside of her, she felt him twitch below and she rode him through it knowing her own finish was now long gone. “Are you alright?” she asked. She let him completely empty as she sat on top of him, he was avoiding her gaze.

“Sorry…”

“For what? It’s sex, it happens” she smiled at him and stroked his cheek before climbing off. She used a handy spell she had picked up a few years ago to clean them up, thanking her patron as she went “Been a while for me as well, no biggie!”

Still naked she picked up the wine and took a drink. Rolan had started gathering his clothes still not looking at her. She offered him the wine but he ignored her.

“Shit” she said and started shoving her clothes on “Rolan! Are you okay!?”

“I’m fine!” he snapped at her.

“Clearly not…did I do something wrong? I thought…I thought you wanted to fuck me?” she said, she had honestly assumed it was what he had wanted.

“Well of course it’s just I-never mind Tav, I’m leaving. Enjoy your wine” he spat.

“Rolan what the fuck…wait-” she choked out. She started putting two and two together, his shyness and his lack of touching her “Rolan was that -”

He stopped putting on his boots and sighed. He sadly looked down at the ground, she felt her heart stop.

“I didn’t know Rolan, I'm sorry! I would’ve been so much mo-”

“More what Tav!?” he hissed at her “More likely to mock me, to laugh at me?”

“No! When have I ever done that Rolan!?” he was still avoiding her eyes “Rolan, look at me” she snapped at him.

“What!?” he finally looked at her.

“I would’ve been more gentle…I would’ve chosen somewhere nicer than a forest and not drank before it!” she leaned over to him and touched his cheek “Rolan, I-I like you. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or pressure you.”

***
He felt her hand on his cheek, could see the sincerity in her eyes but he couldn’t believe it. How could she like him, he was a horrible person to her. His skin was monstrous against her own, everything she was he was not. He wasn’t brave or kind, he wasn’t witty or funny, he didn’t make friends, all he had was his studies.

“You don’t like me Tav” he shook his head “You just wanted a fuck and picked on me.”

“What? How could you say that” she dropped her hand from his cheek.

“You’re saying since that day in the river you didn’t just want a fuck?” he snapped remembering her that day.

“Well of course I wanted to but that doesn’t mean I don’t like you, Rolan!” Tav snapped at him, he was finally getting the rise he deserved from her.

“Oh please, you only like the attention and the praise to your already inflated ego” he spat at her. He didn’t mean it, he knew in his heart he didn’t but he couldn’t stop. He didn’t deserve someone like her.

“What!? You think I do this for my ego?”

“You obviously enjoy killing things beneath you, look at you! You’re a Drow for fucksake!”

“Rolan, how…” she looked at him in shock. He could see her face fall with hurt and he was glad she was finally seeing the real him “I hope you get what you’re looking for Rolan” she said as she started putting on her boots “I hope you and your siblings make it to the city safe.”

With that she left, he couldn’t say anything to her as she sadly walked back to her camp. He stood staring after her realising he had completely ruined any semblance of what could've been a meaningful relationship. He was thankful, he didn’t need her or her distractions getting in the way of his purpose in life. His siblings and him still had a long way to go before they were safe in the city, where he could provide the life they deserve for them in his apprenticeship. Scoffing at himself he downed the rest of the wine she had left, letting the burn singe away any lasting flavour she had left on his tongue. He stared at the spot where she had embraced him, the imprint of his own body against the blanket. There was no way she liked him, nobody liked him and he merely tolerated others apart from his family. Hopefully that would be the last time he would need to see her.

***

Chapter Text

Tav and her ragtag team of companions packed up their camp and said their goodbyes to the druids.  The Tieflings had all already moved on, her heart sank at not being able to wave them off, even after how Rolan had acted in the end.  She would still miss him, miss his sly comments and freckled nose.  Halsin had decided he would join them, he was determined to lift the shadow curse and Tav didn’t argue, the Druid could prove himself useful.  After blowing up a Githyanki Creche the team decided it would be best to travel in the Underdark for a while.  Tav spent her days leading the group through the dark and the nights staring at the endless cavern.  She had hoped this place would lift the veil that clouded her mind, but sadly it had not.  The urges to kill came more frequent, she was just glad that the monsters of the Underdark could stave them off.

After siding with the Myconaid colony Tav promised she would bring the head of the Drow Nere to them.  She took great satisfaction in severing the tendons of the male's neck, she laughed as she did it.  She was thankful that the vampire and the Gith were all for the bloody affair, the rest seemed uneasy but she let the bloodshed seep into her.  Finally she felt the burning ache in her start to release, she hoped she didn’t need to behead more Drow just to be satisfied.  At every turn the words Moonrise Towers haunted them, they needed to make their way to the stronghold and soon.  Finally they burst into the Shadow-Cursed Lands after a certain old annoying wizard told Gale to blow himself up, she was really tired of them now.  At least Gale was friendly enough, possibly too friendly at times.

After defeating the Lolth abomination the group started following some Harper’s to their haven, an Inn just off in the distance.  On the way there they passed fresh corpses, Tav’s heart caught in her throat as she noticed the tails and the horns of the bodies.

“What happened here!? We…we know these Tieflings!” Tav demanded of the Harper’s, she was fighting the urge to relish in the blood but the burning panic won.  Where was Rolan and his siblings?

“Ambushed, some made it to us but the others either died here or were taken” a man told her, she could hardly register it.

She scanned every body but she couldn’t see Rolan, Cal or Lia.  Hope flooded her, Rolan was a capable man, maybe he got them out in time.  They would arrive at the Inn and they would be there, shaken but alive.

“Are you alright, Soldier?” she felt Karlach’s warm body beside her.

“He’s not here…let’s move” Tav nodded to them all.

Although she had never outright said what happened between her and Rolan some of them had guessed, Karlach probably knew the most as she had watched her flee from the forest after that night.  Most of the group had given her a wide berth for a few days afterwards and refused to discuss it, at least in front of her.  She was grateful that they didn’t pry, how could she tell them she was heartbroken over a random Tiefling she had only known for over a week.  Making it to the Inn they then complied with the Harper leader Jaheira's questioning, Tav decided to just tell her the truth.  She was desperate to get in, to see if Rolan was there and check on the rest.  Before she made it in the building she bumped into a familiar face, the blacksmith Dammon.

He helped fix up Karlach’s infernal engine again, meaning the Tiefling could now touch others.  Tav grabbed her knowing she had been dying for a cuddle for how many weeks now, Karlach thanked her.  Tav then asked what happened on the road, why were there so many of the refugee’s dead on the way.  Tav waited for him to explain, waiting for Rolan’s name to come up in the conversation so she knew how he was.  Dammon let them know that Rolan had helped them, helped the kids escape but had lost his siblings in the process.  A bunch of them, including Cal and Lia, had been taken to Moonrise.

“Where is he?” she asked Dammon, her eyes pleading with him.

“Probably drinking at the bar” he nodded to the building. “He isn’t in a good way, Tav.”

She didn’t care, she pushed by the others and nearly sprinted over, she could hear Karlach telling her to wait up.  She ignored the guard stationed at the door and heard him before she could see him.  He was shouting, he was always shouting but relief washed over her.  She had never been so happy to hear a full grown man shout at children before, or maybe she has been who knows.  She walked over to him and waited for him to finish his demands to the kids.

“Oh, it’s you” he sneered, she could tell he was drunk, drunk and mad. “Please spare me the pleasure of your company.”

“You’re okay!?” she burst out, she took in his face.  His perfect freckles still in place, a small bruise on his cheek but otherwise he was alive.

“No actually, I don’t know if you care to notice but my siblings are gone” he turned his back to her to drink again.

“Rolan I-”

“Don’t fucking bother Tav.  It’s your fault you know that?” He turned to her now, his face full of rage. “If you hadn’t filled their heads with all the self-righteous heroic crap at the Grove, none of this would’ve happened.  If you hadn’t distracted me from my studies maybe, just maybe I could’ve saved them, or at least died trying.”

“I’ll go Rolan, I’m heading there soon as I can I-”

“They’re my responsibility, they are nothing to you” he had stood now to tower over her, slightly swaying as he did so. “You go save the world, or your own arse, whatever it is you do.  I’ll fix this.”

“Rolan you can’t go there!” Tav laughed, she was shitting herself going, how was he meant to go?

“What’s it matter to you, my life is of no significance to you.  Now piss off and let me drink in peace” he sat back down, his back facing her.  It took every fibre of her being not to drag him back to a room to either shout at him or crash her lips on his.  In the end she only shook her head and headed back with Karlach to speak with the others.

***
Of course she’s fucking here Rolan thought, wherever there is trouble there is Tav swooping in trying to save the day.  He had hoped she wouldn’t track him here, wouldn’t come this way on her travels and he wouldn’t need to see that face again.  He put his head in his arms, he had completely failed his family and it was her fault, before her they would’ve listened to him when he said run.  They wouldn’t have tried to fight, wouldn’t have gotten involved with the cultists.  Now he was stuck in this Gods forsaken land, alone and angry at everything.  He nearly let a tear out thinking of her face, her sadness as he berated her and unleashed his anger on her.  Why didn’t she fight back at him, he deserved her tongue to lash at him as he had done to her.  He deserved to be punished for what he had done to her, deserved the wrath of her fury and the insults she must have.  Yet as per usual she was patient, her eyes showed only kindness he had never seen before.

“Fuck it” he muttered to himself, he made his way to his room to sulk for the rest of the evening trying to avoid her.

***
After meeting with Isobel a fight ensued, no matter where she went it seemed Tav just couldn’t catch a break.  They had wanted to kidnap the woman but Karlach had split the former fists head open with a battle axe.  Sadly Mol had been taken but it seemed everyone else had escaped relatively unscathed.  She had even caught Rolan channelling some of that unbridled rage into taking out a few winged horrors, and he had said she enjoyed killing.  She was proud of him, her heart beating faster as she watched him work his powerful magic.  She really hoped they could make up again, she missed feeling him against her.

Tav camped under the stars that night just outside of the Inn, the rooms had been taken up by the mix of Harpers and refugee’s.  Some of her companions jumped at the chance of a spare bed, which left Karlach and Tav on bedrolls, they preferred to sleep outdoors anyway.  She didn’t mind, the glow of Isobel’s barrier was comforting.  Stretching out her tight muscles the next day she saw Bumi approach her, he was one of the kids asking if she could save Mol.  The list of people she needed to save was just getting longer, it was getting harder to not place herself at the top of that list now.  He told her Rolan was gone, he had left some sort of projection on the bar.

Tav already knew where he had gone and the projection confirmed it.  She grabbed Karlach and Shadowheart before heading off towards the towers, she had asked the others to work with the Harper’s on how to infiltrate the towers whilst Halsin comforted some bubbling idiot.  She was hoping to scope out the prison tomorrow, to use her tadpole and win over the trust of the cultists stationed there before freeing the prisoners.  After about a half an hour walk they could hear a disturbance, they followed a path of shadowed orbs to where they saw the Tiefling attempting to hold back two Shadows.  Tav admired his bravery and skill before Shadowheart’s spirit guardians destroyed them, reducing them to orbs that fell at his feet.

“Gods damn it all, I can do nothing right – not a damn thing” he cursed drawing his eyes off her.

“Easy now Rolan, are you alright?” Karlach called to him.

“No, I’m not alright!” He laughed.

“Please tell me you weren’t looking for Moonrise Rolan?” Tav stared up at him, she knew he was but wanted him to see his folly.

“So what if I was? Cal and Lia could be there!” He spat at her, his eyes furious. “Instead, I found myself cornered by shadow-fiends and in need of rescue.  From you, of all bloody people” he looked down defeated.

“Rolan, I said I would go.  I said I would look and I would get them if they are there” she stepped towards him.  She ached to hold him, to bury her face in his chest but he held his hands up at her and she stopped. “Please, trust us” she muttered.

“I’ve failed Cal and Lia, again.  Be on your way – I’ll return back to the Inn…I know when I’m outmatched.”

“Rolan wait we’ll wa-”

“No!” he shouted as he stormed off back the way they had just come.

“You would think you would choose a more pleasant person to share your bedroll with, Tav” Shadowheart half laughed.

“Where is the fun in that?” Tav sighed back shaking her head as she watched him. “Well whilst we are here, we may as well do some exploring around.  I bet there’s loads of hidden treasures about here” Tav smiled as they got to looking.

***
Rolan could not believe his lack of luck.  How is it every time he failed she was there, attempting to pick up the pieces which he had smashed apart.  She hadn’t even shouted at him, didn’t tell him off or mock his inability to protect himself from those monsters.  Her and her gang simply showed up, did their jobs and moved on.  She made it all seem so effortless, of course she was built for this life, the life of killing and being covered in blood at all times.  He was not, he was nothing like her.  He slumped back to the bar, his mood ruined and knew she would appear at some point.  He should thank her, should express some sliver of gratitude for saving his life.

He wished he could show her what he felt, hold her in his arms again and let his body do the talking for him.  He would heat up her cold pale skin with his, wrap his tail around her and bury his face in her hair as he pressed kisses to wherever he could reach.  Sadly he had ended that, had made sure she would never let him touch her again with the vile words that spilled from his mouth out of fury.  He ordered a drink and sat to sulk and sat obediently like a dog waiting for their owner to return.

***
Tav left Shadowheart and Karlach by the forge, they had been discussing what they had found on the outside with Dammon.  She decided she had left Rolan long enough to sulk on his own, she wanted to check he was actually okay and she hoped he wouldn’t cause a scene.  She spotted him with a book open at the bar, she was convinced he wasn’t actually reading and just using it to look busy.  He didn’t look up as she slid into the stool beside him and ordered a drink from one of the kids.  The wine was strong but bitter, Tav shrugged as she took another mouthful.

“Hi” she whispered to the wizard.

“Yes, yes you saved me from the shadow-creatures.  No need to gloat” he said sadly.

“Actually I just wanted to check on you” she didn’t look at him worried she would trigger his rage again.

“I’m fine” he snapped but then softened. “It’s Cal and Lia who need help…your help” he muttered in the last part.

“I know.  I’m sorry Rolan, I should’ve come with you.  If I didn’t have this fucking tadpole I would’ve escorted you all” she finally turned to look at him, his yellow eyes avoided her as per usual.

“I’m sure” he scoffed.

“I suppose, no point thinking on the what ifs” she shrugged, taking another drink. “If I didn’t have this tadpole I might not have met you.”

“Hmm” he said as he drank.

She saw his hand on the table, it was just beside his book and within her grasp.  She wanted to comfort him in so many ways and took the chance, she placed her cold palm on top of his warm hand.  He didn’t pull away but only sighed.

“Why do you keep coming back?” he whispered. “I have tried so hard to push you away.  I’ve said such horrible things and yet here you are comforting me.”

He had turned his hand to hold hers now, his long fingers delicately avoiding hurting her with his claws.  She smiled at the small gesture and let his warmth seep in, she always ran so cold and his warmth brought such comfort to her.  She gave his hand a squeeze before answering.

“I already told you” she shrugged “I like you.  I like your passion, your dedication, your loyalty.  But I also do like your face, quite a bit” she laughed and saw a small smile on his lips as a blush crept up his face. “I also enjoyed your coc-”

“Okay I get it! There are children about” he threw a glare at her but it was half playful.

“Do you not like me? You sort of give me mixed signals, but I couldn’t stop thinking about you.  In the Underdark I saw so many things I wanted to show you, found so many interesting books I wanted to carry them all to give to you.”

“I-I don’t have time to pursue personal relationships, Tav” he scoffed before taking another drink. “I have a family in peril and an apprenticeship to start.”

“Gods above, I’m not asking to be your girlfriend Rolan! I don’t know if you noticed but I sort of have a ‘saving the world’ thing going on” she laughed. “I could live with you maybe tolerating me?”

“Fine” he half chortled. “I tolerate you, Tav, happy?”

“Yes! Now tell me” she leaned closer in, she whispered in his ear. “Did you enjoy fucking me in the forest, Rolan?”

She felt the heat radiating from his ears and cheeks before she saw them flush, the skin under his freckles nearly burning her.

“I-I Tav!”

“Well?”

“Yes” he whispered, he still didn’t look at her.

“Good, cause next time I’ll do it properly” she placed a kiss on his cheek before jumping down from the stool. “I’ll take some of that good luck again, I’m infiltrating Moonrise tomorrow.”

“Already?” he sputtered.

“Meet me by the harbour in five minutes if you’re willing to provide that lucky charm again” she winked at him as she walked away.

***
Rolan sat frozen on his seat, had they just had a civil conversation ending in her admitting she still liked him? Still wanted him to touch her, for her to touch him.  Rolans head was swimming with everything that was happening, how could she think of such things during these times.  But also maybe living for the moment was a better idea.  He nearly tripped over his own tail in the rush of standing up to follow her out the door.  He had thought about kissing her since the last time, he was a glutton for her attention and he had been starved, craving her.  As much as he tried to fight it he was completely defenceless against her charms.  He spotted her leaning against one of the dock walls behind some crates, just out of sight if he wasn’t looking for her. She motioned him to come over and he followed, beckoned like a stray dog to a kind hand.

“Tav I-” he started but she pulled him behind the crates and pushed him against the wall.

He looked down at her and could see, for the first time in her face, the slightest hint of fear was tinged behind those red eyes.  She was worried about the towers, worried about the prisoners and what lies behind those shadows.  She was gripping the front of his robes, he moved his hands to her waist and pulled her up to his lips.  He knew he was taller than her but didn’t expect her to need to be on her toes and him bowing his head to catch her mouth to his.  As soon as he tasted her he felt his fear ease, his bubbling rage simmering as her softness edged it away.  Once again she went to pull away and he held her flush to him, he couldn’t let it end so soon.

“No” he whispered, before using his hand to keep her face at his.

***
Tav let him hold her, let his grip squeeze out the unbridled fear that had been rising in her gut since arriving in this wasteland.  He had drawn her in when she tried to stop, he needed this just as much as she did, some care and love in these unprecedented times.  She reached her hands into his long hair, her fingers tangling in the soft strands as his lips moved perfectly with hers.  The kiss was gentle but she hoped he could tell how much it meant to her, how much she had wanted to feel him again and needed him safe.  His hand was now holding her head as though ensuring she couldn’t break away too soon, she would kiss him for as long as he wanted.  Kiss him until some other noble hero took on the quests she was destined for.

Let her and Rolan live in peace, let them escape to Baldur’s Gate.  She could find a job in the city, maybe joining the city watch whilst he finished his apprenticeship.  They’d hold dinner parties for his family and her friends, they would spend evenings tangled together and days reading in the sun on some balcony whilst drinking wine.  But no she was destined to destroy whatever this Absolute was.  And get a tadpole out of her brain before she turned into even more of a monster than she already was.  He finally broke the kiss and held her to his forehead as their breaths hung in the air.

“I hope that is a sufficient amount of luck” he whispered as his golden eyes caught hers.

“I hope so too” she whispered back, she didn’t want to move.  When she woke up in the morning they were leaving. “Maybe if we just hide here someone else will go, someone else can play the hero?” she whispered at him, affronted at the words.

“I don’t think there is anyone else” he shook his head against her. “It’s always you, only you Tav.”

“I know” she sighed as she dropped her head from his. “Thanks Rolan, I’ll do my best tomorrow.  Try not shout at too many Harpers whilst I’m gone” she smirked.

“No promises” he held her hand as she pulled away.  She let it drop as she headed back to her lonely bedroll set up next to Karlach’s.

***
Rolan had watched them leave from the window upstairs, he could see even from this distance Tav’s hesitation of the quest.  Others may not notice it but he could, he had seen that vulnerability in her last night.  He knew she’d bring them back, that if anyone in this cursed place would it would be her and those companions of hers.  He wrung his hands together sending some unintentional sparks from them.  Rolan was worried she might not come back, there was a good chance she would sacrifice herself just to free those people.  There was also a good chance she would kill herself slaughtering every cultist in that place.

The only thing settling his mind was this was a rescue quest and not necessarily a fighting one. From what Rolan had heard the General was supernaturally immortal so they were just seeking answers.  She would be using that horrid tadpole to sneak in and hopefully rescue the prisoners without arousing suspicion.  All she had to do was keep that pretty mouth shut…

“Shit” he muttered to nobody.

She’d be fine, she’d done the same in the goblin camp not that long ago.  That had ended in basically a genocide, but she had rescued that Druid perfectly fine.  Rolan ended up spending the rest of the day pacing.  He paced between rooms, outside by the forge, by the docks in case they arrived by boat.  At one point Dammon brought him a mug of wine and told him to sit down before he burnt a hole in the floor.  He wondered if Dammon thought he was worried for his siblings only or if the blacksmith knew he was also thinking of Tav.

Soon he heard the Harpers shouting to one another, they had gathered round the entrance of the bridge and Rolan guessed the party was finally back.  He pushed through hoping to see his siblings, to hear Lia berate him and Cal’s soft laughter.  Instead he was confronted with Tav’s anguished face dragging another female Drow on her shoulder, the leader from the goblin camp that had escaped.  Rolan felt the anger rise up and only glared at Tav as he left, she had rescued that vile woman and nobody else.  He should’ve known better than to trust a Drow.

***
Tav hauled Minthara along, the woman had been through an ordeal and could hardly stand.  The others did not completely understand why she wanted to rescue the Drow but Tav couldn’t leave her there.  Couldn’t let her be punished for something that she had done, let them break her mind completely so she was a husk.  She wasn’t sure if it was empathy for being a Lolth exile too, or what she had seen when she entered Mintharas mind; but she had done it now.  She was a strong warrior and they needed good allies against the Absolute, Tav’s own bias knew Drow’s were good for it.  As she entered the camp she saw the disappointed faces of everyone, of the Tieflings waiting for family and friends, of Barcus waiting for his companions and of the Harpers hoping they could finally storm the stronghold.  She had failed them all.

After setting Minthara on a bed Halsin agreed to help her, Tav had to plead the former leader's case for her.  She could feel the hostility from the others in the Inn, her own companions tried to comfort her but she knew they were questioning her leadership.  They had watched Ketheric Thorm pull a battle axe from his severed neck, killed goblins in front of an audience to prove themselves, had been tasked with finding a missing Balthazar and only managed to quickly speak with the prisoners before sneaking out with Minthara.  She had wanted to rescue them all, the Gnomes and the Tieflings but the guards were on high alert due to the transfer of the Duke.

Only Isobel had thanked her for trying, only Isobel had seen the good in bringing the other Drow out of that place alive.  Rolan had refused to even be near her, she hadn’t seen him since the look of disgust he had given her as she came in.  Sighing she hid down by the side of the docks out of sight, she didn’t want to be berated by anyone any more.  Everyone always put so much faith in her, wanted her to always do good things and know what to do.  She didn’t even know her own birthday, she couldn’t remember her parents' faces or where she lived.  How was she supposed to save the world, save this land, save all those souls locked below that tower.  How was she supposed to kill the unkillable?

At some point she sneaked to the bar and stole a bottle of wine from under the kids noses, they were too busy arguing amongst themselves.  Probably about how she failed to rescue Mol, but she hadn’t even seen Mol at Moonrise.  She went back to the hidden spot to drown her sorrows, she watched the peaceful water and the dancing lights of Isobel’s protection reflecting off.  She sat there until it was dark, until the noises of the Inn went still and her bottle was empty.  The cold had set into her bones and she wished she had Rolan beside her to warm her, to have him seep some life back into her.  Blinking back tears she looked at the stars and wished everything were different.

After she was sure her blood was ice she decided to find a fire to pass out by, as she sulked by the quiet bar she spotted Rolan.  He was half asleep reading a book at a table, other than the Harpers on guard he was the only one awake.  He glared at her as she stopped to look at him, she couldn’t handle it.  From everyone else she could take the hate, she could take the dirty glances and the sorrowful looks, but not from him.  The tears felt hot on her cold cheeks as she couldn’t take her eyes off his sad face.

“Rolan I-I’m so sorry” she burst out wiping her tears on her sleeve like some insolent child. “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t save them.  I can’t do anything.” She shuddered as her vision blurred of all the failure manifesting before her eyes.

“Tsk” he said as he got up. “Move, Tav, I’m not having you pathetically weep in the lobby.”

She let him pull her along, she had no idea where they were going as her face was buried in her sleeve.  She wasn’t sure if she was frustrated, sad, annoyed or just miserable; but it was flowing from her after weeks of this.  Soon she heard a door close behind her and she realised she was in a small dark room with a single bed, which must be where Rolan had been sleeping.  She looked up at his angry face and attempted to stem the emotions.

“They’re alive, Rolan” she sighed. “I spoke with them, I swear I’ll go back when I know more.  Now I know the layout of the towers. I can do it next time, please give me another chance” she had started rambling to him now.

“You had time to bring back that villainous Drow bitch, Tav” he spat.  The room was small enough that he was only a few feet away from her, she could hear every venomous punch in his words.

“She-she was in a different area, in a completely different situation Rolan I swear!” she reached to grab him but he shirted away.

“You Drow, always looking out for yourselves.  If we didn’t have these abominable horns and tails would you have saved them? If the Gnomes weren’t your favourite hunting prey would you have managed to get them out as easily as Minthara!?”

“Stop!” she shouted as loud as she could without alerting others outside. “That’s enough Rolan!” Her anger had peaked now “Who slayed an entire army of goblins to ensure your people could move on safely from the Grove!? Who is the first to volunteer to put their own lives on the line to rescue any creature!? Who intimidated the Duergar to free those Gnome slaves in the Grymforge!? Fucking me, that is who Rolan” she had started poking his chest now. “What do I ask for in return? Nothing!”

“You just enjoy the bloodshed, Tav” he sneered, lowering his face and his lip in a snarl.

“Does that matter!? I’m a purpose built weapon and I’m doing my best” she laughed. “Did I need to save your sorry ass from the Shadows? No! Did I need to do any of the things I have? No!”

“I didn’t want your help, I didn’t ask for it so don’t turn this round on me” he shook his head, his features softening now.

“For some genius Wizard you sure are as thick as shit, Rolan” she spat at him.

“Huh, says you, Warlock.”

“You’re impossible” she couldn’t help but smile at him.  She felt much better, the tears still fell but being by him and letting some of her frustrations out had helped. “I am sorry, I really tried Rolan”

“I know” he sighed.

***
Rolan looked down at the woman, he noticed for the first time a flush on her tear stained cheeks.  Her hair was a mess, her eyes red from crying and she shivered where she stood.  He could feel the cold on her, it nearly burned his warmed skin.

“Why are you so cold? How long were you sulking outside?” he asked her, he crossed his arms looking down at her.

“I dunno, when did we get back?” she shrugged as she looked at him.  Tears still fell from her red eyes and he was surprised they didn’t crystallise to ice as they hit her cheek.

“A while…” he saw her shiver again.

“I’m scared, Rolan.  I’m scared I can never kill that General, that I’ll die never knowing who I am or get my companions killed in the process.  Every morning could be my last and I’d never know” she whispered.  He could see her shaking, her eyes darting about his face as the tears fell and saw her wring her hands together.

“I know” he nodded and took her in his arms.  She was completely frozen as he held her head to his chest.

He moved to rest his head on her hair, his arms wrapped around her waist as she sobbed into his shirt, he had changed into something comfy for bed earlier.  He had no idea what to do in this situation, he wasn't great at comfort and nobody would want him to be anyway.  He did what felt right and soothed down her hair; he could feel her body heating up from his warmth and smiled that she was no longer shivering.  He had been so angry at her, so mad for disappointing him but she was right.  She had done a lot, he had only known her a few weeks yet had accomplished so much, he couldn’t stay mad.

“I-I’m sorry, Tav” he whispered, he half hoped she wouldn’t hear.  He felt her laugh against him.

“What was that?” she moved her head to look at him, her tears slowing. “I don’t think I caught that?”

“Don’t push your luck” he brought his head down to rest against hers, she moved her arms to hug him back.

“I should go, let you sleep” she whispered.

“Do you have a bed yet?”

“No but it’s fine, Karlach radiates enough heat, plus she’ll keep a fire going” she shrugged and started pulling away.

“Stay here, with me?” he asked, he didn’t want to be alone any more.  He had gotten used to sleeping beside his siblings and the rest of the refugee’s.  He was happy to have his own room at first but soon he had missed the soft breathing of others.

“Really?” she whispered, when he nodded she grabbed his face.

He let her kiss him, let her wet cheeks dry on his warm skin as they embraced together.  Her kiss was eager, more so than last night.  She grabbed at his hair and pulled him closer, Rolan wanted her on him.  Not fully knowing what he was doing he grabbed her ass and pulled her up to wrap around him.  Her thighs hooked around his hips as he pushed her against the wall a foot or so away.  He heard her moan in his mouth as he squeezed the flesh under his fingers, he wished he had removed her trousers beforehand so he could feel it properly.  His tail thrashed behind him as he lost concentration and fully immersed himself in her.

He couldn’t help his moaning when she reached up to grab one of his horns, she used the opportunity to kiss his neck.  He rocked his hips forward desperate for the friction and felt her nip at his skin as he rubbed against her.  He couldn’t get enough, he wanted her to touch every part of him but he couldn’t pull himself away to even take off his shirt.  He owed her, he owed her more than she would ever know, more than he could ever repay.  It was his turn to try and make her feel as good as he made her.  He picked her up again and lowered her to the bed, it was just a single but it was a lot better than the forest or the wall.

Not being able to help himself he removed her shirt, he kissed her breasts and marvelled at how soft they really were against his mouth.  She had grabbed his horn fully now and he moaned at the pressure.  He guessed she liked when he kissed her there, her movements and noises encouraging him to go lower.  Her back arched as he made his way down, using his claws he hooked onto her trousers and pulled them off, leaving them on a pile on the floor.  Everywhere he touched was so soft, his hands roamed her body and his fingers felt every curve of her muscles.

He hadn’t even realised he was between her legs, he had been too busy admiring her soft skin to even notice the wetness of her sex.  Rolan was now kneeling on the floor, her legs draped over his shoulders as he pressed a kiss to the inside of his thigh.  He had no idea what he was doing, no idea if she would like it but something was driving him to taste her.  He was scared to use his fingers in fear his clawed hands would tear her so instead he placed a kiss.  He felt her shudder and heard a moan, he guessed he was correct in what he was doing when the hand on his horn forced him forward more.  Her thighs now closer to his burning ears, he looked up and caught her red eyes wide with excitement.  He used his tongue to collect the wetness that had collected around her cunt and both of them moaned.

He had never tasted anything so good, he knew now he couldn’t stop.  Exploring he let his tongue and lips explore the whole area, he knew he must be making some explicit noises as he lapped at her.  With her holding his horns he took the direction from her, she would hold him closer then move him up or down depending.  He could feel himself nearly bursting out of his own trousers from the pressure on his cock.  He removed a hand from her thigh to release it before the mere friction of the seam made him cum.  He couldn’t help but wrap his hand around the base of it to start pleasuring himself.

“Rolan, do not stop” she sighed, he watched as she threw her head back.

He wasn’t sure what was happening, he had to let go of himself to hold her in place as she wriggled.  Her thighs had now clamped around his head and he swore he was going to suffocate a happy man.  Before he knew it her back arched and his tongue was flooded with her, her taste penetrated every taste bud and he lapped at her more and held her down as he went.  His own cock twitched from the lack of attention but he didn’t care, he needed her to make those noises again, needed her to let him have more of that nectar.  He realised her breathing had calmed and heard her laugh.

“Fuck, Rolan” she huffed “Where did you learn to do that?”

He finally removed himself from her, he could feel his face was soaked in both her and his own spit.  He wiped it on his sleeve before leaning on the bed to look at her.

“Just there” he laughed, he felt happy.  Not fleetingly so, but as though something finally made sense in his life, like when he got accepted to his apprenticeship.  He knew it was his duty in life to make this woman happy, to hear her whimper and he would try everything to do this.

“Come here” she grabbed his face to pull him up.  Rolan stepped out of his trousers as he climbed on top of her and stripped off his shirt.

He took in her flushed, smiling face and kissed her.  How did this Drow woman ensnare him so, how did she get him to let his guard down so much that he now couldn’t imagine life without her taste on his lips.   His erection was pressed between them, he knew there was no way he would last if she even looked at it.

“Would you like to…?” she traced his cheek with her thumb and placed kisses down his neck.

“Yes” he replied.  He did, he wanted to be buried in her completely.  He wanted nothing more than to feel her soft, warm wetness on his cock again.  He just hoped this time he could not be such a fucker afterwards.

“Remember, sex is fun Rolan” she whispered as she bit his earlobe. “Do what feels right, I’ll tell you if I don’t like it.”

He could only nod at her as he moved his hand to his weeping cock, it had been begging for her since that day by the river and he feared he would never control it again.  He looked down as he moved, could feel the slick of her entrance against his head, he was already moaning just at that sensation alone.  He watched as he slid in, amazed at how well she took him and the feel of her made him emit a low growl he couldn’t contain.  Once he was fully in he looked at her, she smiled and kissed him.  Now he was here he did what felt good, he held her by her head as he moved in and out of her.  He felt her bite his lip and he moaned in her mouth.

“You make such pretty noises Rolan” she whispered as she kissed down his neck now. “Are you enjoying it?”

He only nodded as he tried to concentrate on his movements, her thighs had wrapped around his waist and he held onto the flesh with his free hand to help him along.

“Use your words” she pressed another kiss to his chest.

“Yes”

“Yes what?”

“Yes, it feels so fucking good” he managed to choke out before he locked her lips in his again.

He decided he wanted to see her, to look down on her and as hard as it was he pulled away from her lips with her placing one last nip.  He placed his hands on either side of her head and looked down as he rocked into her, he was surprised at how long he was lasting this time.  She placed kisses to his fore arms and rocked herself with him.  Soon her back had started arching and the pressure on his cock increased.  He couldn’t help but say her name, she had grabbed his bicep now and was looking at him with her red eyes half closed.  He knew what was happening, it wasn’t as much as a surprise this time.  He felt himself shake as the orgasm took him and felt her own walls clench around him only heightening the experience.  He collapsed into her as he finished, kissing his neck as he managed to regain some consciousness of where he was.

***
Tav finally felt that band in her snap again for the second time as Rolan came in her, he even managed to keep going until she was finished this time.  She felt the man kissing down her neck, his breathing as fast as her own.  When he looked down on her she smiled and kissed him deeply, poured all of her gratitude into the kiss and hoped he understood.  She could feel him smiling against her lips and she laughed into his mouth just as he sighed.

“Why are you laughing now” he smiled at her, he had pushed some hair from her face.

“I’m happy” she shrugged and tucked his loose hair behind the pointed ear he tried so hard to conceal around others.

She was happy, happy that Rolan had forgiven her.  Happy that she finally got a good fuck as well as good head, happy that Rolan was smiling on top of her.  She felt him move and he rolled on to the side looking exhausted, it had been a long day for them both.  She used the clean up spell again before she ruined the sheets.  The bed was small so she went on her side to face him, she had never seen him look so relaxed.  She wondered if he had ever been so blissful before, so quiet and unbothered.  All this time the grumpy Wizard just needed an orgasm.

“Rolan?” she whispered.

“Tav?” he whispered back.

She pushed his hair from his face and felt him wrap his arms around her.  Their legs tangled in one another and she felt his tail curl around her calf gently.

“That was nice” she smiled as she kissed him again.

“It was” he nodded.

“Is it okay if I fall asleep here? It’s been a day” she pushed her head under his chin and felt him kiss her hair.

“I can’t stop you doing anything anyway.”

“True” she smiled and let his warmth wash over her as she finally fell asleep.

Tav woke up a few hours later, she could feel Rolan’s soft breath against her head.  They hadn’t moved, still a mess of limbs and a tail holding one another.  As she snuggled more into his chest she promised she’d bring them all back, for him.  She would defeat Ketheric Thorm, for him.  She would be rid of this parasitic tadpole and make it to Baldur’s Gate alive so they had a chance at a normal life.  She thought back of when she first saw the Tiefling, she knew she wanted to fuck him but she never imaged falling for him.  She was completely enamoured by him, somewhere along the way she had fallen for this stubborn, grumpy man.  With a smile she fell back asleep until first light.

The next few days were spent working out the best way to free the prisoners.  With their previous investigations and speaking with the imprisoned Gnomes they felt escaping via the docks was their best bet.  After sneaking Wulbren his hammer Karlach and Tav destroyed the other wall, she just hoped their faces wouldn’t be spotted since they needed to come back to discover more on Ketheric.  Whilst on the water, all the prisoners secured Tav let out a hysterical laugh.  She had done it, the tears fell from her eyes as she hugged Cal and Lia.

“Rolan might not kill me now” she laughed to them “Promise me you won’t leave him again?”

They hesitantly agreed as they patted her on the back probably thinking she finally had lost her brain to the tadpole.  Docking up by the Last Light Inn Tav felt in higher spirits compared to last time.  The people waiting were smiling and cheering as they approached, some cried seeing their family and friends alive.  She spotted Rolan, his arms crossed but his face eager to see his siblings.  Tav hung back as she let everyone reunite, although she could hear Rolan’s docile tone carrying as per usual.

“...thought you were dead, you ass…”

Tav snickered as she headed into the Inn to clean up with Karlach, they were covered in dust from tearing down the wall and knew the freed prisoners would be using the wash room soon.  After refreshing herself Tav saw Rolan sitting with his siblings, they were laughing and sharing a drink.  Warmth spread up her spine as she saw the way Rolan’s face was finally at ease, he could finally breathe again.

“Tav!” Lia shouted and waved her over.

“Lia, Cal” she nodded “I hope you’ve settled in well, your brother was a bit lost without you.”

“I was just…overwhelmed” he rolled his eyes and pouted.

“And?” Tav raised an eyebrow at him, she wanted to see how far she could push him.

“Thank you – for saving me.  And the two idiots” he shook his head. “I’ve lashed out at you, drunkenly and otherwise, and you helped anyway.  You didn’t deserve that – I’m sorry.  And…thank you.”

“You, are very welcome Rolan” she winked at him.

“Oh my Gods, what did we miss!?” Lia looked between them both.

“Nothing!” Rolan snapped at her.

“Doesn’t look like nothing” Cal said as Tav laughed at the blush creeping up Rolan’s neck.

“You can thank me properly later, Rolan” she blew him a kiss and headed off, leaving him bickering with his siblings.

As the people of Last Light partied Tav sneaked away to the spot she had found by the docks, bottle of wine in hand.  This time she sat in high spirits, she wanted to go back and reflect.  Last time she had sat here she had let everyone down, now they were one step closer to their goal.  They even had a lead on the General, hopefully in a few more days it would be all over.  She smiled as she drank some wine, she was already tipsy but was enjoying the lack of responsibilities for the night.

“Tav?” She heard a hushed voice and knew it was Rolan.

“Here” she stuck her hand up so he could see her hidden away.

“Why are you hiding?” He asked as he came over.

“Join me?” She smiled up at him. “I have wine.”

“You always have wine” he laughed as he lowered himself into her hiding spot.

She had to move to let him sit comfortably, she was now basically on his lap but she didn’t mind.  His arm rested on her waist as his other one took the bottle to take a drink.

“Not so prissy now are you” she giggled as she kissed his cheek.

“I’ve gotten rather used to you invading any form of personal space I’ve had” he rolled his eyes at her but leaned against her.

“You like it.”

“Maybe” he kissed her cheek now. “What will happen next you think?”

“Next? Hmm we will sit here and you’ll tell me thank you all over again.”

“Don’t be greedy” he smiled into her neck.

“Fine, we will sit here and drink.  I’ll kiss you, you’ll kiss me back and then we’ll probably have sex somewhere…although I don’t think anywhere will be private sadly.”

“Hmm” he kissed her neck up to her ear.  She was enjoying this new found confidence, he had even held her hand the other day in front of Dammon. “We’ll just need to be quiet then” he muttered into her ear before pressing a kiss to it.

“But then how will I hear your sweet noises?” she took another drink as he laughed into her.

“You really will be the death of me, Tav” he pushed some hair back from her face before taking a drink as well.

“Can’t live with me, can’t live without me, Wizard” she smiled as she caught his lips to her own, the shared taste of wine on their tongues.

“You will come won’t you? To visit me, I mean” he blushed as his tail wrapped around her leg.

“Nothing will keep me away” she traced the tip of his ear, parting his hair whilst she did it.

“Promise?”

“You never believe my promises” she laughed as she drank.

“I’m starting to change my mind.”

“The most stubborn man I have ever met!? Who are you and what have you done with my grumpy Tiefling” she asked accusingly.

“Your grumpy Tiefling” he furrowed his brow “Tav wha-”

“Sorry, I was just joking” she cut him off after realising.

“No Tav, I need to ask” his golden eyes looked over her face. “What are we?”

“Fools” she whispered “Complete and utter fools.”

***
Rolan could only nod his head.  She was right, she was always right.  They were fools, to get attached like this when she was off fighting for her life and everyone else’s.  When he would be heading to the city to spend weeks cooped up inside a tower, studying his days away.  At one point it had been his dream, to learn under the great Lorrokan and throw himself into becoming a renowned Wizard.  Now he couldn’t imagine it without her, without her waking up next to him and her soft lips pressing kisses to his hard body everyday.  It was never meant to last, they would soon part ways and he would spend months, if not years yearning for her until he completed his apprenticeship.  Maybe by then she would’ve moved on…or she could be dead if things didn’t work out.

“We’ll see each other again Tav, you can’t keep away” he half laughed then drank some of the wine.

“That is true” she said as she nestled into him more.

They sat watching the water drinking their shared wine.  Rolan finally nearly felt at peace, he had his siblings back safe and sound.  In his arms and on his lap was the most beautiful creature he had met, the only person that had broken down those thick walls he had built around himself for all those years.  Once the wine was finished they sat embraced in one another, at one point they heard Cal and Lia shouting for them.  They giggled as they stayed out of sight of them and listened in.  Each had a hand over the other's mouth.

“Lia, did you ever imagine we’d need to try and track down our brother because he ran off with a woman!?” Cal sounded exacerbated.

“Not in this lifetime” she huffed. “Anyway, if he is with Tav he’ll be safe.  I call his bed!”

“Are you sure you want it…” Cal said, sounding horrified.  Rolan looked at Tav, tears of laughter were leaking from her eyes as she struggled against his hand laughing.

“Ugh gross Cal! When you put it like that maybe not…”

“I’m only looking out for you, come on let’s go.”

As soon as they were gone they both burst into laughter, Rolan couldn’t remember the last time his sides hurt from it.  Tears escaped his own eyes as he watched Tav giggling as she wiped the tears from her cheeks.

“They do have a point” she said, slightly out of breath.

“Shut up” he said into her lips. “It was only a few times.”

“Still” she pressed a small bite to his neck and he moaned. “It does mean your room is free…”

“Let’s go, now” he said in her ear as he pressed a kiss to it.

Carefully, hand in hand they sneaked back into the building.  Some drunk stragglers were asleep on the table with a few still dancing to Alfira’s lute as she played song after song.  For once he was glad of the noise and the distraction, it meant they might not be heard.  Tav opened the door and dragged him in, he fell on top of her on his bed.  After the past few days his confidence around Tav had grown, he had learned quickly how to make her melt under his touch.  He was still mindful of his claws but she had insisted she liked them. Still he preferred to use his mouth anywhere she wanted it.  He removed his own shirt as she took hers off, taking a moment to admire her before he bowed down to press himself against her.

Their legs tangled, he raised a knee to her core and felt her grind against it as she moaned in his ear.  His cock twitched as it always did anytime she made those noises.  He finally understood why she wanted him to always be vocal.  Quickly he slipped a hand down her trousers to play with the bundle of nerves he had become acquainted with, he knew he could press here and she would moan the way he liked.  She grabbed his horn to hold him to her mouth, he moaned as she raised her hips to meet his hand.  He loved every move she made, every soft kiss she planted, even every bite she had given him.  He felt her trace her other hand over his hardness and he bucked his hips at her touch, what he would give to have her here squirming in pleasure below him every day.

“Rolan…would you like to try something different tonight” she whispered as she took a breath.

“Do you think I’m ready?” he was worried he would be bad, so far they had stuck to basics and he didn’t want to let her down.

“It’s not a test Rolan!” she giggled and pushed him up, he shivered at the loss of contact from her. “It’s just another position, I think you might like it!” she smiled up at him and he nodded. “Words, Rolan.”

“Yes, yes I want to try” he sat on his knees waiting for instruction.

“Good boy” she kissed his lips and he felt his heart tighten at those words.  He would be so good for her.

Tav took off her trousers, Rolan copied her and removed his own.  He rubbed his hardened cock as he admired her, he wanted to hold her now.  Feel her around him, around his body, around his cock.  She took his free hand and placed it on her ass before she turned round, she was on all fours looking back at him.  He squeezed her flesh and took in the new angle of her, he could see her glistening, waiting for him.  It took him his all not to use his tongue, to not bury his entire face in her.  Instead he waited, like the good boy she had said he was.

“Fuck me, Rolan” she winked at him.

Suddenly he knew what she wanted, he had seen animals fucking like this but hadn’t considered others might.  He moved over on the small bed to be right behind her and he lined up with her opening.  The all familiar warmth caused him to moan already, no matter how many times he did this he never thought he would get over it.  Slowly he slid in, he moved his leg so he could angle himself better against her.  He heard her hum as he stretched her out, once he was in he kissed her shoulder.  He missed seeing her flushed face, missed looking in those red eyes.  But as he pulled away to only plunge back in as he held on to her hips he shuddered.  He swore he had never been so deep in her before.

He continued the pace, he couldn’t help but grip her tightly.  Her face had fallen now into the pillow, unable to keep herself up.  She placed her arms on her back, her wrists crossed and Rolan guessed what she wanted.  He held them in his hand, his size able to hold them both with no issues.  He realised he could pull her towards him as he thrusted in, the new leverage causing more friction than he thought he could handle.

“Tav, fuck I-I don’t think I’ll last” he gasped as he slammed back into her.

“Just keep going” she squeaked at him, the noises she was making were enough to encourage him he was doing the right thing. “You’re doing such a good job, Rolan” she said in between breaths.

Her praise and moans were driving him insane.  He wanted to see her but the feeling was too good, nothing could stop him now, he would tell Lorroakan himself to fuck off if he interrupted this.  Rolan knew his end was coming soon, his nerves were on edge and he swore he was on the cusp of passing out.  He let go of her arms and held on to her hips as he fucked her, he tried to hold on, he could feel her tightening around him and knew she was close.  If he could only keep going, he leaned down and without thinking bit into her shoulder as he continued.  He was sure she screamed his name but he couldn’t hear it, he was seeing stars as her orgasm hit him.  His own followed immediately with his jaw still in her flesh, he was trying not to break the skin but he knew she would bruise.  After what felt like an eternity Rolan finally finished, he loosened his jaw and kissed where he had bitten, the skin red against her pale skin.  He felt a pang of shame at marking her like that.  He had no time to apologise before she collapsed under him, his cock slipping out.

“Tav! Are you okay!?” he panicked.

“I am perfect, fuck Rolan” she laughed. “You done so fucking well.”

“But I bit you…I’m sorry” he avoided her gaze as she rolled on to her back.

“I liked it” she reached up and grabbed his shoulder to pull him down onto her.  He heard her mutter the spell that cleaned them up.

“You need to teach me the trick” he smiled into her mouth as she kissed him.

“Why? Need it for all those pretty girls you’ll fuck in the city” she half laughed but he could feel sadness in her voice.

“Don’t be stupid!” he snapped, he couldn’t imagine anyone but her touching him. “I want to do it for you sometime, that’s all!”

“Maybe one day” she sighed as she wrapped her hands around his neck. “Now you know you’re good in bed, I thought you’d want to…you know, experience it with others?”

“Tav, I don’t like anyone enough to allow them within two feet of me.  Why would you ever think that?” he looked in her sad eyes, she was worried about when they would be apart and it made his heart sink.

“You let me…”

“You…you’re different” he placed a kiss to her lips. “You’re the only one.  The only one I want to do this with, the only one I trust enough to do anything like this with” he knew it was true.

“Oh…even when you get to the city and all the pretty noble ladies want to date the handsome new apprentice?” she shuffled over so he could lie next to her.  He instinctively wrapped his tail around her leg and watched her as he held his hand on her face.

“I went this long without being courted Tav.  I think my personality scares the ladies away” he scoffed and started tracing down her chest.

“I have no idea what you mean! You are just so open and friendly Rolan!” she giggled as he snorted at her. “But…you mean it? You don’t want to sleep with others?”

“If I hadn't met you I probably would’ve died a virgin in some stuffy old library, I would never even have known what I was missing” he shrugged. “I only ever want to share my bed with you, even when we are apart it’ll only be open to you.”

“What if you meet another pretty Drow willing to call you a good boy?” she smiled and winked at him.  His already spent cock twitched and he nipped at her ear.

“For it to have happened to me once is a far greater blessing than I could have ever received, twice it would just be a trap” he smiled.

“Rolan, does this mean you don’t want me to sleep with others?” she stared at him, his brows furrowed as he wondered who else she had time to annoy. “I mean I’m not at the moment! Sleeping with anyone else, I mean.  I just wondered…”

“What’s going to happen when we part ways” he sighed and moved to bury himself in her neck. “I don’t know.  All I know is I will wait for you, if it takes a month or five years.  I’d wait for you to come back to me.  Fuck who you want in that time, as long as you would come back to me” he kissed her throat.

***
Tav looked down into his eyes and knew he was serious.  He had waited his whole life for someone like her, someone to not be put off by his attitude and he wouldn’t mind waiting longer.  Wizards were stubborn things and could live a long stubbornly time if they so pleased.  Her heart dropped when she thought about fucking another person again, she knew her desires and urges burned deep within her but nothing would compare again.

“I don’t think I want to fuck others” she ran her thumb over the freckles on his cheeks. “You’ve ruined me for other men, with your ability to listen and taking instruction so well” she laughed.

“I’m secretly glad of that” he pulled the blanket over them and she then moved to snuggle into his chest.

“I’ll get to Baldur’s Gate Rolan, I’ll get this thing out of my head and we can start over.  Deal?”

“Deal, now go to sleep.  You’ve destroyed my brain enough today with anxiety and orgasms” he whispered into her hair before kissing her head.

“Fine” she smiled as she felt his heart beat against her ear.

***
The next five days  Rolan only saw Tav at night, she would stumble in his room exhausted and curl up in his arms.  He was enjoying seeing her, enjoying being the one to hold her each night even if it was not to last.  Soon he, his family and the other refugees would need to move on to the city.  Tav had been busy working with the Harpers and the information she got from Moonrise on how to make this happen.  He would wake up to her kissing him goodbye every morning and a promise to return at some point.  Sometimes she came home more positive than others.  Until he knew it was the time, the Harpers had been on edge for days now and it seemed they were getting ready to make a move.  She lay in his arms, gently soothing herself with his tail between her fingers.

“Rolan…” she whispered, fear on her face. “I need to do something today, something dangerous.  Something that may change the entire future of these lands.  But it does mean you can hopefully leave safely.”

“I see” he nodded, she wasn’t looking at him.  “Will this be the last time I see you? Before you come to the city of course!”

“I don’t know, Rolan.”

She didn’t let him speak as she kissed him, he could feel the desperation in it.  She stopped tracing circles in his tail to hold him close to her, her leg tightening around his hip under the sheets.  He held her back, he would not panic.  She was Tav, she had done a multitude of seemingly impossible stunts and made it back alive to him.  He would focus on his family for now, she had enough on her plate than hearing him fuss over her.  She moved from his lips and kissed every inch of his face as though committing it to her memory.

“We’ll see one another again, you can’t help but butting in my personal affairs at every given point” he tried to smile.

“That is true” she smiled back. “I will find you, always it seems.”

“Come back to me? Please, come back alive.  I don’t care if it takes weeks, months or years but you’ll find me?”

“I will.” she nodded and they entwined again.  He would miss seeing her like this.

He held her hand as her party got ready to depart, she held it until the very last moment when she let it drop and gave a weakened smile.  She waved at his siblings and marched into the shadows over the bridge, the Harpers hollering as she went.  He had no idea what she was going to do, no idea how long it would take or if anything would even change, but he had to believe in her.  Even his siblings didn’t make a comment, they only patted his shoulder sympathetically and led him inside.  They sat together in silence, waiting.

A day had passed and nothing had changed, no word had been heard of the whereabouts of Tav and her party.  Rolan drank some wine to calm his nerves but his pacing soon started, he walked from the docks and round the entire Inn.  The fourth time he passed Dammon the blacksmith told him to calm down but Rolan only shook his head.

“Rolan, you need to sit down and eat something” Lia fell into step beside him.  “The Harpers aren’t even this on edge you nee-”

“Do not tell me what I need!” he snapped.  “Our entire lives depend on her doing this, if she’s dead in some ditch we will be soon too!”

“I know, Rolan” Lia soothed. “But panicking won’t help.”

“Just leav-”

His sentence fell short as a light burst across the sky.  Everyone outside stood to stare as brightness enveloped the surrounding darkness, people spilled from the Inn to watch it.  Soon he could hear Jaheria shouting for her Harpers to assume ranks, that they were heading to Moonrise Towers.  She had done it, Tav had completed whatever quest she had set out on and the rest of the plan could move forward.  His chest constricted hoping she didn’t die doing it, didn’t have to sacrifice herself for this.

“She did it” Lia laughed. “That insane Drow of yours actually did it.”

“Yeah…” he smiled at the sight of the stars left in the wake of the light streak.

“Come, let’s go inside for a bit Rolan whilst the army marches.  You don’t want to get swept up in it…or do you?”

He shook his head and followed his sister into where the rest of the refugee’s had gathered.  They had started packing up their limited possessions for the next stage of their journey, Rolan and his siblings doing the same before coming to sit at the bar.  They sat half falling asleep, the rest of the people waiting often dozing off as they waited.  Rolan let his head rest in his arms, he was exhausted from his worrying.  He started drifting off to the sound of her voice, he must really be missing her he thought as he smiled at the noise.

“...Shadowheart please! Just rest here! Please just for now, you can’t go on like this!”

Suddenly he jumped up and turned to where he heard her, she was there, by the door.  She was dusty and dirty but unharmed, some blood splattered her clothes but he was used to that.  Her and Karlach were helping Shadowheart on to a chair.

“Please Tav, let me go with you! I can do it!” Shadowheart pleaded, the woman looking paler than Rolan had seen.

“No.” Tav shook her head. “You have gone through enough Shadowheart, I will reach out if I need you.”

Tav sighed and left Karlach to deal with the Cleric.  She hadn’t noticed him looking, hadn’t looked his way as she slumped against the wall and sat on the floor.  He spotted her other companions organising their gear and packing up supplies.

“I thought you’d be halfway to Moonrise and leading the Harpers’ charge on the tower” he whispered as he sat beside her.

She instantly put her head on his shoulder and shuddered.  He wrapped his tail around her waist and held her dusty hand.

“Just a five minute break” she sighed into him.  His heart was bursting with worry, he should keep her here.  She had done enough.  He pressed a kiss to her temple, she looked exhausted and he held back his worry.

“You done it” he whispered.

“It’s a start…now for Ketheric and his army” she shuddered.  She turned her head and kissed him on his lips, her hand cupped his cheek gently.  Soon she stood up and he followed, he’d follow her the whole way to Moonrise if she’d let him. “I’ll tell you all about it, okay?”

He pulled her into a hug needing to remember he was hers, he would always be hers.

“I’ll hold you to that” he pressed another kiss to her head and before his bravery faltered he whispered “Now go on – the day needs saving.” He could see her companions waiting, with Shadowheart sitting in a huff with Halsin.

“Fine” she muttered. “I’ll see you in the city, stay safe my pretty Wizard.  One last good luck charm?” she smiled and he pressed a kiss to her mouth as was routine now.  Then she was gone.

Rolan knew they’d be gone before she came back here, with the armies distracted it was only a matter of time before they left.  He stared at the spot she had disappeared too and smiled, she had made it this far.  She would be fine, she always was.

Chapter Text

Tav stared at her face in the mirror, they had made it alive to the Elfsong Tavern and she had plundered enough coin to rent them a suite to share. Her companions laughed together, they sorted out their beds and started unpacking their few belongings. Her red pupils caught the scar that now ran through her right eye. Ketheric’s Myrkul scythe had left the nasty gash across her face as they landed the final blow on the deformed husk. She sighed, it had been over a month, nearly two since she had last seen Rolan and now she looked even more monstrous than she had before.

“Chin up, soldier” Karlach nudged her “Makes you look tough, as ferocious on the outside as you are inside.”

She only nodded, she didn’t want to show her violence so openly on her face. Her urges had only been getting worse the closer they got to this city, the enemies she had taken down on the road here were a testament to that. Even Astarion had started commenting on the savage way she had been leaving corpses in her wake. Her hands shook as she adjusted her clothes, she had chosen some nice casual wear from a shop in the city, nothing fancy since she wanted to fit in with the Baldurians. Although part of her knew she was technically one of them. Her memories were still jaded after speaking with Gortash. Did she have other relations in the city? Was there perhaps a lover waiting for her, someone who cared for her? No, she knew there wouldn't be. Gortash and Orin were all that awaited for her here, one happier than the other for her return.

Karlach and Gale decided to come with Tav for a walk around the city, Gale was desperate to find any new books and Karlach just needed air. As they waved off Larkissa they made their way along the busy high streets, Tav was starting to miss the quietness of their camps and the peacefulness of the Grove. She would even settle for a night in Last Light Inn, preferably sharing it with Rolan. As Karlach spoke with a newspaper vendor and Gale stopped in at yet another bookshop Tav leaned against a wall taking in the sights. Just as a giant steel watcher thumped past she heard her name over the mechanical noise.

“Gods above, Tav!? You’re finally here!” Lia ran up to her and threw her arms around her, Tav patted the Tiefling on the back.

“Lia, it is good to see you again” she smiled as she pulled away “How are you?”

“Oh fine fine, Cal and I have a place just down the street here!”

“Lia!” Karlach had spotted the new arrival and pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

They chatted until Gale came out of the shop and greeted Lia also, they then agreed to come along with her to see Cal at their new apartment. Tav guessed that Rolan wouldn’t be there, but wondered why Lia hadn’t mentioned his name yet. She hadn’t heard from him since he left her at the Inn, when he kissed her in front of everyone promising he’d see her again. She had written to him but received no reply, which tracked since she never spent more than one night in a place after leaving the now not so Shadow-Cursed Lands. Lia led them upstairs to a spacious living space, Cal waved at them and expressed his surprise at seeing them whole and alive. Well mainly whole when Tav thought of her face, she absent mindedly traced the new mark which still stung from time to time.

“So how are you guys finding city life!?” Karlach asked as she bounced on the balls of her feet, Tav pushed her down on the sofa to stop her getting over excited. Tav slumped next to her as Lia brought them over some mugs.

“Amazing! I’m trying to join the city watch, recruitment is soon so I’ve been training everyday! Maybe one day I’ll be as good as you Tav” Lia winked at her.

“I don’t think you want that” Tav laughed back. “You’ll be more refined than me.”

They caught the Tieflings up on everything that had happened since they saw them last, Karlach showing them moves of the main fight and Gale describing the gross colony they had found under the towers. The sibling’s nodded along, gasping and Cal retching at the gruesome parts. Tav looked around the room and noticed nothing of Rolan’s was there, maybe he stayed with his teacher then. She had hoped he might pop in, might sense she was in the city and rush to her. Sadly he did not, and Tav was getting annoyed at his siblings dancing around the subject of him. They described getting to the city with him then nothing.

“I think it’ll be a great oppor-” Lia was saying something but Tav cut her off.

“Where is he Lia? Cal?” she shifted her eyes between them.

They avoided her gaze and looked at each other.

“Oh, I should get more tea!” Cal jumped up and grabbed the teapot to escape to the kitchen.

“Lia?”

“Hmm?” she half smiled at Tav.

“Look if he’s moved on with someone or doesn’t want to see me that is fine. Just let me know he’s alright” she was hoping that it wasn’t true but she had to ask.

“No! No! Nothing like that Tav I swear!” Lia half laughed “It’s just…we don’t see him anymore.”

“Rolan? He doesn’t come by? My, his master must be keeping the apprentices busy” Gale chipped in as he skimmed through a new book “Mystra at least let me have weekends, sometimes.”

“Umm well he doesn’t leave the tower, ever” Cal piped in as he placed more tea down, he refilled their cups “We’ve tried to go see him but he just tells us to leave, that he’ll come by soon…”

“But…something isn’t right” Lia said as she sipped on her tea “He’s…”

“What?” Tav asked, she didn’t bother with her tea. She needed to know he was fine “Has something happened to him? Lia, you better tell me, now.”

The Tiefling woman flinched at her tone as though she had lashed her.

“He would kill me if I told you, Tav!”

“I’ll kill you if you don’t and you know who wouldn’t make it painless” Tav growled, her urge setting fire to her entire core.

“Oi! Tav, down!” Karlach smacked her shoulder to bring her back.

“Sorry, Lia” she looked at the horror on her face and felt guilt “I wouldn’t hurt you, I’m just…worried about him, your faces are telling me something isn’t right” Tav took a deep breath to try and steady herself. She focused on the most recent Bugbear she had disembowelled a few days ago and felt much better.

“It’s Lorroakan” Cal blurted out “The man is psychotic!”

“Hmm, I haven’t heard much about this wizard if I’m being honest” Gale chimed in again, then was silent.

“Yeah thanks for the input, Gale” Tav snorted but he ignored her, too busy in his book “What is he doing to him?”

“We aren’t exactly sure, he told us not to worry about it” Lia looked at Tav as though she was pleading for her not to do anything.

“Where’s the tower?” she stood up making her way to the door.

“Tav, don’t make a scene, you know he’d hate that!” Cal said to her.

“Wait up!” Karlach jumped and pulled Gale by his collar “I’ll show you the way, if you promise to leave your weapon here” Karlach nodded to the rapier on her back.

“Fine!” she pulled it off and dropped it on the floor.

“And the daggers, Tav, don’t hold out on me here!”

“If we die because you made me leave these all I swear I will haunt you forever.”

“Oh please, like you don’t have 500 spells up your sleeve that your patron has granted you!” Karlach snorted “Let’s head out! See you guys later, thanks for the tea! I’ll make sure this one doesn’t flatten the tower.”

Tav stomped outside and waited for Karlach to lead her, Gale trailed along still trying to read his book. Last time she lost Gale he was miles away reading a book alone, she had to misty step for ages trying to find him again. She shrugged, the city was safer and she was sure he’d track them down since it was a magic shop they were heading for. Soon Tav could see the looming tower, Ramazith's, Rolan had told her once. She assumed whoever made it was certainly accounting for something. She stepped in the shop and was overwhelmed with everything going on, every corner had some spell working its magic, some elementals stomped about the floor. Upstairs she could see portals swirling with guards stationed around them.

“Welco-ah it’s you…” she heard his voice and turned to see the man she had been aching to see for so long.

She didn’t even look before she leapt, her feet left the floor as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She buried her face in the crook, his familiar smell finally soothing the burning pit in her stomach that had been scolding her since they parted. She noticed he wasn’t reciprocating, he didn’t kiss her cheek or hold her back. It had been nearly two months, she thought she would at least get a hug back.

“Not here” he hissed in her ear “Meet me in the cupboard by the ‘Hold Person’ scrolls in five minutes.”

She nodded and let him go, he nodded at Karlach before stalking away from them.

“What the fuck was that!?” Tav exclaimed to her.

“He’s at work, you know he likes to be professional!” Karlach laughed “Although he didn’t look right…”

“He said to meet him in the closet” she huffed “Like I’m some cheap whore looking for a fuck.”

“Well aren’t you” Karlach nudged her.

“I’ll have you know I’m an expensive whore, you could never afford me!” Tav relaxed and giggled.

Karlach mentioned she was going to try and visit Dammon’s new shop nearby so headed out, Tav left Gale on a chair by some books knowing he wouldn’t go far. She then sneaked into the store cupboard indicated by Rolan, as soon as she closed the door she felt him grabbing her. He pulled her into his arms just like she had been wishing, just like he used too in the Inn.

“Rolan” she managed to say in between his kisses.

“You shouldn’t be here” he muttered as he pressed her against the wall.

He lifted her up and her legs automatically wrapped around him, his tail brushing against her calf as it normally did. She tangled her hands in his hair like she used too, tasted him again and let him take over every broken piece of her as he held her together. He moved to her neck and placed his affection there as she buried her head into his.

“I missed you, so much” she whispered, she could feel tears as she realised she had made it back to him “I told you I would come.”

“I was so lost without you, Tav” he whispered as he pressed a kiss to her ear “I have felt a hollow emptiness since I left your side, since I last felt your lips on mine.”

She kissed him harder and moved her hands to his face, she felt him wince and realised there was a cut there. She moved and felt another before realising some of his beautiful face was swollen. She pulled back to look at him, he tried to chase her lips but she held him back gently, trying not to touch the wounds.

“Rolan, what is on your face!?” she tried not to shout but it came out sharper than intended.

“What!? I can say the same for you!” he said as he lightly traced her scar.

“I fought a fucking Apostle of Myrkul! You’re meant to be the one safe, here in the city away from risk!” she spat.

She turned his face side to side as she assessed the damage, his golden eyes avoiding her gaze. Even in the dark in the room she could see the bruises and welts on his face, could feel them under her finger tips.

“Who, Rolan?!” she said as her temper flared, she knew now why Karlach made her leave her weapons. Knew now why his siblings refused to say more.

“It-it doesn’t matter, let me just hold you, please Tav” he tried to bury himself back to her neck but she pushed him away letting herself fall.

“Rolan. I have killed a lot of people to get here, left a trail of corpses from the Grove to Rivington” she said and saw him flinch at her words. “One more will be nothing.”

“It doesn’t concern you Tav, let it go” he said sternly.

“Doesn’t concern me? You look worse than me and I’ve spent the last two months healing this wound on my face and sleeping in the mud!”

“It’s nothing I can’t handle!” he hissed.

“Yeah right, like the time I had to rescue you from the Shadow-Fiends” she laughed, how was he not seeing this.

“I didn’t ask to be saved then and I am not asking to be saved now” he spat “I see your ego has inflated even more so with your conquests.”

“Fuck you Rolan” she snapped “Tell me who done this to you so I can rip their throat out with my teeth” a growl left her mouth. She was shaking from the pure rage that filled her, her urges called to her and threatened to overtake her.

“Don’t be so fucking barbaric”

“Why not? You told me it was my nature” she snorted “Told me that I loved ‘killing things beneath me’ once, and let me tell you the person who has marked your face is lower than you could imagine.”

“Leave it” he stepped back from her “I knew you would overreact like this, you-”

“Overreact!? You’re fucking black and blue Rolan!”

“You do not need to be concerned, now if you excuse me I need to get back to work. If you have information on the Nightsong my Master would be greatly interested.”

“It’s him isn’t it” she stared at him, the tears threatening to fall on her lash line “It’s that fucking wizard, he’s doing this to you?”

“Tav, if you wish to purchase anything I will be at the counter” he said plainly then left.

Tav stood in the dark room, her tears falling feely after his warmth left her at last. He was truly lost to her, he would never leave his dream even if it was hurting him. She wiped the tears and bared her teeth as she thought of a plan. She stalked over to Gale and grabbed him, he let himself be dragged to the counter. Rolan gave her a straight face as though she were any other customer. In the light she could properly see the damage on his face, static crackled across her hands and Gale finally put down his book. He gasped but before he said anything Tav cut him off.

“We have information regarding the Nightsong, where is the oh so proud Master of this tower? I wish to discuss this with him” she plastered on a fake smile and saw Rolan flinch.

“Do you actually have information on it? Or are you just here to cause trouble?” he sighed.

“It’s in my room at this very moment, isn’t it Gale?”

“Huh- what? The Nightsong yeah, actually you know Rolan sh-”

“Shush, Gale” she nudged him “Would an esteemed wizard such as my friend Gale here lie to you?”

“Hey Rolan, oh God-”

“Shut up Karlach” Tav hissed as the woman made her way over. “Rolan was just so graciously going to tell us where we can find his lovely master. Hey I don’t even have any weapons on me, no threats here” she showed her hands as a sign of peace.

“Yeah I sorta made her leave them at your siblings house…” Karlach nervously laughed.

“Fine” he snapped “Up the stairs, if you speak the truth you will know the answer to the riddle and choose the correct portal. Do not cause any trouble.” he squinted his eyes at her and she stuck her tongue out like she had on their first meeting.

After easily passing the riddle Tav saw an arrogant figure lounging as he read a book, a suit of armour aiming a weapon at a poor assistant. Normally Tav loved a bit of chaotic fun like that but not today, she had one thing on her mind and that was the man’s blood scattered across her hands. As they approached he sneered as he got off the chair as though it was a great effort to speak with her.

“Who do we have here? I’m guessing since you passed the riddle you either have information on the Nightsong or you are just an idiot that guessed correctly.”

Tav reached for her weapon then cursed, remembering she had been forced to leave them behind, there was no way she could beat the wizard with just her own cantrips and spells. Karlach and Gale would obviously jump into action if she started but she wanted to be prepared, to fully fill them in on why this man had to die. She controlled her face and forced a smile to the man she so wanted to stab.

“As it so happens I have the Nightsong” she glared at him.

“You have the Nightsong” he laughed “Don’t be so stupid, nobody can just own the Nightsong, you would know that if you really had…it”

“She just so happens to be travelling with me” Tav spat, she hated this man. At the mention of she Lorroakan’s eyebrows shot up, she had him.

“Oh is that so, and would you be so kind as to tell me where she is then?”

“I can bring her if you want.”

“Tav, what the fuck are you doing” she heard Karlach whisper. If she had time she would’ve told them she planned to bring Dame Aylin here to murder him together, but she just had to hope they trusted her enough.

“You would bring her here, willingly? The bounty is quite a high price” the corners of his mouth turned up in a crooked smile. She might slit them to his ears.

“I would, for the bounty, but also for something else” she hummed.

“You are making demands of the Great Wizard Lorroakan? Some Warlock Drow thinks she can set the terms of the deal, ha laughable” he smirked.

“Fine, I’ll take her elsewhere” Tav shrugged “Plenty of people are hunting her these days after your bounties went up across the land” she smiled, his face contorted into something ugly.

“You fucking snake” he hissed “Fine, what do you want? Riches, scrolls, rare tomes?”

“For you to treat your staff with respect” she sneered at him “That apprentice down there, his face tells me more about you than your fancy tower ever could. It’s bad for business.”

“Fine, I will stick to lashing his back instead” he drawled. Tav felt Gale and Karlach stiffen beside her, they now understood what was happening.

“You see Lorroaken, I don’t like bullies. I say if you are going to play with your food at least make the meal interesting, don’t let it be something you have power over. It really shows your true weaknesses” she laughed, it felt manic and the wizard’s eyes widened “I will bring you the Nightsong as promised and you, you will leave your staff alone.”

“We shall see, Drow” he said, she could hear his previous confidence waiver now.

“Good, see you soon…Lorroakan” she let the words fall out of her mouth as she imagined his blood dripping out of it and gave him one last grand smile. She saw him shiver in disgust.

She stormed out the portal and down the stairs, Karlach and Gale tailing behind her in silence as they digested what had just happened. She walked straight up behind Rolan and tapped him on his shoulder as he stocked a shelf. Before he even had an insult loaded she stuck her lips on his, she didn’t care who saw. Lorroakan himself could probably see it through those mechanical guards, but she was going to flay the skin from his fingers soon so she wasn’t worried. Rolan finally pushed her off and a deep blush set as he looked around panicked.

“Tav, what the fuck!?” he spat.

“I’m coming back for you. Do not listen to a word that vile man spills, do not let him touch you again. Rolan I swear to the Gods I am about to destroy him” she snapped the last part “I have defeated worse but I will take great pleasure in seeing his body broken. Goodbye, for now.”

***
Rolan watched her leave, he could feel the crackling of her own magic lingering on his skin. This was not good, she was pissed and he had seen the destruction of her when she was calm like when she took on the goblins. He had wished she would appear, almost as soon as Lorroakan landed his first blow on him that she would one day storm in seemingly drawn to his misfortune. No matter where he was he knew if he was in some trouble she would appear. She wouldn’t even gloat about it, just deal with it and kiss him afterwards.

He touched his bruised lip, she had finally returned to him after nearly two months apart. He felt himself smiling for real for the first time since he arrived here. When he had grabbed her in that store cupboard he almost felt whole again, he felt the confidence she had given him those few days at the Inn seep back into his pores. He had been tempted to take her there and then, he probably would’ve if she hadn’t noticed his failures on his face. She would always make him feel better, make him feel as though he wasn’t pathetic or worthless like others had, like his Master does.

He was shocked when he saw her appearing, his heart fell seeing that scar across her beautiful face. Mainly he was upset he hadn’t been there to support her, to offer his healing spells to help her and to make sure she took care of herself properly. His chest tightened realising that was probably how she felt looking at him, looking at his own wounds. Her first reaction would always be rage, he should’ve been more calm, he should’ve taken the time to be patient with her and not let her race into battle mode. But his pride stopped him, as per usual his own mouth had hurt her yet again. Still she came back to him, had kissed him in front of the whole store and promised she would come to get him.

Rolan blinked away tears, he hoped it would be true. Hoped that she would rescue him deep down, that maybe this was too big for him. He couldn’t just leave, he’d be giving up his passion, his dream and the money he made helped pay for his siblings to live a comfortable life. But if anyone could make it work it would be her. His Drow Warlock that he dreamed about night after night, of when he touched silk he reminisced of her skin and when he ate berries would be reminded of her sweet taste. He would be okay, she was here.

***
She stalked off, she sent Karlach and Gale back to Lia and Cal’s to grab her stuff since Gale had left a book there as well. Tav needed to discuss what she had discovered at Lorroakans with Dame Aeylin and hoped she would agree, the wizard was bad news. She slammed the door to their shared room and saw Astarion lounging on a chaise reading that foul book. She huffed as she strapped on her armour.

“Oh trouble in paradise? Did your Tiefling find a new girlfriend and you’re away to reclaim him” he giggled at his own scenario.

“Shut up. You’re coming with, get up and get ready” she snapped.

“Ugh whaaat? But I just got to a really good bit, take Wyll instead” he pouted.

“Rolan’s master is beating him. I am going to make every wound that I inflict upon him make him wish that I had simply beheaded him and moved on” she spat at the vampire.

“Coming, darling!” he jumped up and made his way to get ready.

Tav told Dame Aeylin and Isobel the entire story. Against Isobel’s wishes Aeylin agreed to help, she suspected this wizard was seeking the same power Ketheric had and wanted to put an end to it before it got that far again. As soon as Karlach and Gale arrived back they nodded in understanding and got themselves ready to head off. Tav paced the halls as the others got prepared, Gale had demanded he had a meal before he could fight. Tav was just glad he had stopped absorbing her precious magically infused items. Not being able to wait any longer she stalked off, she headed straight for the tower and saw Rolan’s face fall as she turned up.

“Tav, why are you in full fucking battle gear…” he gasped at her, his eyes taking in her blades.

“The Nightsong is coming, Rolan. I suggest you either hide or be prepared for a battle yourself.”

“The Nightsong!? It-it’s dangerous” he whispered as he pulled her into a corner away from the mechanical guards.

“Very” she touched his face, gentle to not hurt him. She couldn’t see any fresh marks, not visible ones anyway “Please Rolan” she forced him to hold her face and pressed her cheek to his palm “I am only giving him what he wants…and deserves.”

“Tav…” he whispered, his golden eyes searching over her face and his brow furrowing at her new scar. She hoped it didn’t impact how he felt, that she would still be attractive to him despite it.

She pulled him deeper into the bookcases to avoid the customers, it was later on in the evening so it wasn’t as busy. She stopped and stared up at him.

“I’m sorry, again. I’m sorry I let you travel alone, I’m sorry it took so long for me to get here. I’m sorry I can’t keep my ego out of your business and I’m sorry that I am going to kill your Master.” she blurted out in one go “I’m also sorry for the massive ugly scar that has completely ruined my otherwise, very pretty face.”

She stood and stared up at his bewildered state, he shook his head before looking at her. Although dressed in her fighting gear she had never felt so vulnerable as his golden eyes took her in. Suddenly he grabbed her and kissed her ferociously, his teeth bumped her lip in her surprise but she smiled. His hands grabbed her face, his claws carefully avoiding nicking her and she held back tears as her fingers tangled in his hair. Soon she felt his tears on her face, the hot splashes landed on her cheeks and she couldn’t hold her own back. She sobbed into his mouth as he continued to kiss her deeply. She would save him every time, from anything and everything.

“I would love you regardless, Tav” he whispered in her mouth.

“Love?” she answered, looking in those golden eyes that swallowed her. His tears were drying on his own cheeks but his lash line was still wet.

“Love” he nodded as he smiled and kissed her again.

***

The fight was over, Dame Aylin made sure of that when she snapped the Wizard’s back over her great knee. Tav manically laughed at the man's broken body, the tears streaming with happiness at seeing him dead at her feet. She went to plunge her rapier into him, to see the life force seep from his wound but she was held back. Arms grabbed at her as she tried to free herself from their grip, she didn’t know who was preventing her from spilling his blood, only that they were shouting something she couldn’t hear.

“What...what is she doing!?” Rolan's shocked voice pierced her ears.

“Tav, he’s dead. Stop!” Karlach screamed as she picked her up like a feral cat.

“Let me bring him back so I can watch him die again” Tav snarled. She had started raising her hand to mutter the spell but Rolan stood in her way.

“Tav…I I’m here it’s okay!” Rolan shouted over her.

Tav caught his golden eyes on hers, he was okay. It was over and Rolan would be safe from the horror’s of that man forever. She went limp in Karlach’s arms showing the urge was over, that she only needed to check on him now.

“Sorry…he was a bastard and I got a bit carried away” she sighed as she was dropped to the ground.

“She does that at times! Isn’t she just a delightful little killer” Astarion giggled, Tav glared at him. Rolan didn’t need to know about what horrors existed within her, she had only recently found them out herself.

“Rolan, are you okay?” she grabbed him by the shoulders and did a full inspection.

“I’m fine, thanks again to you. You never stop meddling do you?” he laughed softly as he cupped her cheek.

“What happened Rolan? Tav didn’t tell us much” Karlach asked, looking between them.

“Lorrroakan was a cruel and vicious man. By day, I’d tend the shop, but at night - he’d fire the most nonsensical questions at me” Rolan started, Tav nodded to encourage him on “And…for every one I answered ‘wrong’, he’d beat me. I could’ve killed him with my own two hands, but I kept thinking it was all a test. It had to be.”

“Prick” Tav fought the urge to kick the lifeless body “I guess this makes you the Master of this tower now, Rolan” she smiled up at him.

“Oh, I like the sound of that! I do indeed” his face burst into a grin.

“I’m sure you do, master” she winked. She laughed as Rolan’s face turned five shades redder and her companions groaned.

“I’m leaving, I refuse to bare witness to Tav’s shit attempts at flirting” Astartion snorted, she spotted him pocket a gold chain before heading through the portal.

“Gale and I will go grab your siblings Rolan” Karlah smiled. They waved as they headed in the portal.

It left Tav and Rolan alone, minus the body of his former master lying lifeless on the floor where The Nightsong had left him, they would need to deal with it sooner or later. Tav was sure they could talk their way around it, a small disintegration spell and a cover that he was off exploring or joined the Absolutes forces. They’d think of something but for now she needed him, needed Rolan against her. Needed him back to his cocky, grumpy self that she had fallen for. She grabbed his hand and squeezed.

“We should tidy up before your siblings arrive…” she said, her eyes not leaving his golden pupils.

***

He looked down at her, the wonder that had rescued him over and over. The one person that rendered him speechless, the only woman he would ever swear himself to. Cleaning up could wait, he grabbed her and brought her to him before pressing a hard kiss to her. She smiled and he laughed, they were here finally. They could be together now, safe in the city. Safe in his tower, his siblings nearby. She wouldn’t need to struggle anymore, no more bedrolls or foraging for food, no more dangerous enemies trying to destroy her. He dragged her to an office off the side of the main room.

“Always eager” she giggled as he removed her top.

“You have no idea” he whispered, removing his own robe.

“Oh? Tell me Rolan” she kissed his neck. “Tell me, did you touch yourself thinking about me? Did you lay at night and remember how good we feel together? Did you think about me wrapped around you” he moaned as she grabbed his hardening length through his trousers.

“Tav I-” he blushed at her words. Of course he had, of course he spent many a night with his cock in his hand so wishing it was hers. So many times he had finished with her name on his tongue as though he could summon her beside him.

“You did, didn’t you” she grabbed his horns and pulled him to her. “Show me, show me what you wanted to do to me. Show me everything, Rolan” holding him she bit his lip before harshly kissing him.

Rolan growled as he picked her up to sit her on the desk, he rutted against her as she opened her legs to let him stand between them. His hands were everywhere, he didn’t know which part he wanted of her first. He licked down her throat to make her way to her breasts, he had missed their softness against his rough skin. She moaned as he took a nipple to his mouth, he then decided he needed to taste her. It had been so long and he was completely parched without her. He forced her trousers down in one swoop, she shifted to allow him in easier.

She was still holding his horns as she leaned back, he bent down and pressed kiss after kiss up her thigh until he got to her sex. He wanted to tease her, to make her desperate for him but he couldn’t hold back even one more second. He was on his knees, her legs draped over his shoulders and his clawed hands gripped at her thighs bringing her closer to him. He felt her shudder against him, a hand moving to his hair to grab at him. He was worried he might have forgotten how to please her but it was ingrained within him now. Making her whimper was in his blood, it was something he would never forget.

As she moaned he couldn’t help but move his hand to grasp his cock straining against his trousers. He moaned into her as he rubbed himself through the fabric, he was desperate to fuck her but needed her to cum before he did. He had no idea how long he would last once he was inside of her again. He felt her grinding against him, the pressure on the horn she was holding increasing and he knew she was getting close. Her legs were nearly suffocating him but he didn’t care, he never cared as long as she would flood his mouth with what he so desperately craved. Just as he thought he might need to stop for a breath she forced him closer, her scream muffled from his ears by the thighs on the side of his head. He moaned into her as the rush saturated his tongue. As she finished he pulled away from her and removed his desperate cock from his trousers.

“Rolan” she moaned. He only kissed her as he pushed into her, he needed her now.

“Gods above I have missed this” he said as his hands wrapped around her to hold her closer.

Her legs were around his waist, her hands holding his shoulders as he watched her flushed face. He was fully in her now as he stared in wonder at her, everything they had been through, everything he had said to her and she was still here. He moved a hand from her waist to cup her cheek, his thumb traced circles to it.

“Are you okay?” she asked him gently.

“I just love…this” he smiled.

“Then fuck me, Master” her grin was wicked as his cock twitched in her.

She always knew the words to get him flustered and as soon as she had said it he couldn’t help but start thrusting. She was at the perfect angle for him to go hard, he could hold her in place against him as his hard force smacked against her.

“Tell me you missed me” he panted as he continued fucking her. “Tell me how much you missed me buried in you. How much you missed my body against yours.”

“I missed you so much, I missed your pretty freckles” she moaned and kissed him hard. “I missed tangling my fingers in your soft hair, I missed your warm skin against mine. I missed your sharp tongue and your hard cock, Master.” She moaned the last word and he groaned.

The desk was now banging against the wall, the books and instruments clattering to the floor with the fierceness's of their fuck. Rolan knew he was about to snap, he panted and moaned in her ear as she scratched up his back. Her moans were all he could hear, they drove him forward as he kissed her neck trying to hold off until the very last moment. When she bit his shoulder it was all over, he felt his eyes roll back in his skull as he buried himself deep inside her to finish. He felt her clench around him and the waves of her own orgasm nearly rendered him unconscious as his overstimulated cock twitched.

“You are so perfect, Rolan” he felt her kiss where her teeth had been. “So good, so perfect. I don’t deserve you in this life or the next.”

“Tav…” he whispered as he pulled out of her, she didn’t let him go and tightened her grip.

“I mean it, Rolan. You could do a lot better than me” he could feel tears against his neck from where her face was pressed in. “I-I’m very lucky to have you.”

“You will always have me, my body, my soul. You can have every part of me” he whispered into her ear. “I’m completely and utterly yours, for as long as you have me and afterwards.”

“I’m not a good person Rolan, I’m barely a person anymore…” he felt her shiver and he embraced her in his warm skin. “I’ve caused so much bloodshed, killed so many people on my way here and it’s not over.”

Rolan didn’t know what to say, he didn’t know how to comfort her. She was right, of course, she was always right. She had slaughtered probably hundreds to make her way here, to rescue and protect others and, he was sure, for fun from how she acted at times. He stroked her hair hoping his presence would be enough, hoping that he could hold her together until she could do it herself again. He placed kisses to her hair and his tail held on to her leg. She didn’t sob but he could feel the tears hitting his skin, he knew she hated crying, being vulnerable.

“If I were a good person I’d leave you. Leave you to find a pretty wife that would treat you gently, who wouldn’t leave you to come home with their hands soaked in blood. Someone who didn’t have a fucking tadpole corrupting every thought and didn’t need to save the world. Someone who wasn’t…me. But, I’m not a good person” she shook her head. “I’m selfish and I want to keep you for myself."

“Have me, I don’t care. I’m not good either Tav, I’m not kind nor tender to others. I spent years lashing out, years of hatred before you” he pulled away to look into her sad red eyes. “I don’t want anyone else, I’ve never wanted anything else. I’ll be yours until my bones are dust, and all that remains of me is a whisper of my name in what the history books will write about me.”

She scoffed at his remark but he was glad to see a soft smile touch on her lips. He kissed her face, her cheeks, her forehead, anywhere he could. Just as her tongue slipped in his mouth he felt his cock twitch. He smiled as he pressed against her again and she nipped his bottom lip.

“Should we go aga-” she started to say before they heard a noise.

“Rolan? Tav? Karlach said you guys should be here” Lia’s shout sounded dangerously close.

***

Tav giggled at Rolan’s shocked face as he quickly scrambled to put his trousers back on. She silently cast the clean up spell to help them speed up the process.

“Uh…one - one moment Lia!” he shouted back.

“Are you in there?” Lia was on the other side of the door, as the handle started turning Rolan quickly cast arcane lock. “What the fuck, what are you do-oh…GROSS ROLAN! Ugh. Cal! Don’t come up, Rolan and Tav are fucking up here!”

Tav couldn’t help but laugh out loud, she knew Lia would hear her but there was no use in hiding their predicament now. Rolan shot her a dirty look before he shook his head and pulled his robe over his head. She sat naked still, her legs swinging from the desk as Rolan fixed his hair. He sighed as he started helping her to get dressed. He kissed her calf as he slid on her trousers, pressed his lips to hers as he pulled her shirt over. They stood in the silence, her hands on his chest as he smoothed her hair down. For a moment or two they got lost in each others eyes, not wanting to be the first to pull away.

“Hurry up you two! Gods above!” Lia shouted, she sounded quite far now. Tav laughed as she pressed a kiss to Rolans mouth before he unlocked the door.

Tav helped Rolan and his siblings clean up the tower after the battle, she wasn’t ready to go back to the tavern. She didn’t know if she would ever be ready to leave this tower again. Outside she still had responsibilities, she had promises to fulfil that she had made with her companions. And then stones to collect before attempting to defeat a massive brain. And the whole Bhaal thing...How could such things have befallen to her, why not someone brave like Wyll or strong and righteous as Karlach. Her hands shook as she placed book after book on a shelf, the last few months had started to crack her mind. At first the adventure had been fun but now, she wanted nothing more than to disappear to nobody.

“Tav?” Lia asked, noticing her “Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine, just tired as well” she nodded to the Tiefling. They were finally safe and she refused to worry them any further.

The group had decided to lay low in the city for a while, this meant Tav was on her best behaviour. She decided to stay with Rolan for this rare downtime she had. He had wanted to completely reorganise the tower so had put her and his siblings to work assisting him. Tav was glad for the mundane tasks during the day, it helped soothe her mind and made her feel like a normal person. In the evenings they'd have Lia and Cal for dinner, oftentimes inviting her companions and Dammon. Turns out Cal was quite the chef that even Gale would take a step back in the kitchen.

After three days of normalcy the pressure of the upcoming future loomed in Tavs mind. More and more her thoughts drifted to the Absolute, to Orin and Gortash. To the army currently marching towards the city and how she played a part in all of this. Her own revelations of her addled mind, of what Gortash had told her. She had managed to hide it from Rolan well, making sure to only break down when he wasn't in the room. Tonight she laughed with Shadowheart and Karlach as they drank wine in the lounge of the tower. Cal and Lia had gone home for the evening and Rolan was in his study. She felt light but knew her companions had the same worries she did, that they too feared the quakes that shaked the city, of the ever looming stench of death on their doorstep.

After waving them off she sought out Rolan, he was in the very office they had fucked in a few days prior (and a few times since). He was, of course, trying to read three books at once and hadn't even noticed Tav leaning against the doorframe. She stood to admire him in his element, his brow was slightly furrowed as his eyes scanned meticulously across the pages. His soft hums as he whispered soothed her, his tail sweeping in concentration, her heart panged with guilt. He still wasn't safe, she had been trying to fight tooth and nail for him to be safe. But she brought chaos no matter where she went.

“Are you coming in or are you just going to linger by the doorway?” his voice brought her back, his golden eyes followed her as she walked over.

***

Rolan had noticed her absent mindfulness in the last day or so, how at times she looked deep in thought with a concerned look on her face. When he noticed her in the doorway she wasn't really there, her eyes dazed over and he could see she was shaking. She shook a lot these days, it only seemed to stop when he would hold her or when she noticed people watching. When she got to his side he pulled her to his lap and she buried her head in his chest. He didn't speak as her trembling slowed, he only held her closer worried he would say the wrong thing. Rolan knew she was troubled, knew she was putting on a brave face for the rest of them. When she rested at night the façade fell away, the few hours she did fall asleep she twitched before waking fitfully.

“You can tell me, you know?” he whispered. “Whatever it is on that mind of yours, I might be able to help?” He felt her shake her head against him.

“It's nothing” her eyes caught his and he could see how much they had dulled recently. “Can we go to bed?” she muttered avoiding his look. Her slightly purple hue didn’t shimmer as it normally did and the circles under her eyes were dark.

“If you promise you’ll actually sleep, properly, and not just that trance” he was stern with his words.

“I’ll try” she sighed as she slid off his lap.

Tav had helped Rolan move into the master bedroom, helped him completely strip it bare for when he would get the chance to redecorate. Now they lay in the four poster bed, her head on his chest as he used a claw to gently draw wards on her bare skin. He really wished he knew what words she wanted to hear, maybe if he had interacted more with people he’d know what they needed in their times of need. Instead he could only offer his body to make her feel good, he hoped his warmth of holding her and their sex had helped her.

“Tav?” he whispered, he knew she wouldn’t be sleeping yet.

“Mm?”

“Please tell me what I can do” he squeezed her as he said it and felt her sigh against his skin.

“This” she nodded. “Just this, Rolan.”

“Okay” he kissed her head and they drifted off.

Rolan woke with a start, Tav had started screaming beside him in her sleep. He looked down as tears poured out her closed eyes, her face in such anguish he had never seen before. He shouted her name but she didn’t wake, the sobs were wracking from her body and he worried she had been cursed unknowingly by something in the tower.

“Tav!?” he shook her shoulder. “Fuck, Tav!? You’re okay!” he tried to say but he wasn’t sure if he could even hear him.

Not knowing what else to do he wrapped her in to himself, he felt her hands grip his shirt as she bawled into him. He placed one of his hands on her head to hold her against him, her legs still twitched as they sat together on the bed. The sheets lay in disarray and soon he felt her calm down, her sobs not as vicious or gut wrenching as they had been.

“I can’t” he felt her shake her head. “I can’t defeat it, please” she had choked it. His heart fell.

“Tav? What can’t you defeat?” he whispered as he kissed her hair and rocked her.

“The Absolute” she shuddered.

He pulled her away and looked in her face as he wiped her tears. Her eyes were open and wild, the pupils dilated and darting over his face as though she had never seen him before. He took her hand and placed it on his cheek hoping she would realise she wasn’t dreaming. That she would snap out of this nightmare and speak with him.

“Rolan?” she finally muttered as her eyes focused. “You’re okay?”

“Yes, Gods above Tav! Are you!?” He asked. “You were screaming! What was going on?”

“I- nothing” she shook her head and assessed his face. “I’m fine.”

“Stop” he put their hands on the bed “Please just stop. I’ve watched you the last few days, I’ve seen that light go out in you. I’ve noticed you turning away, refusing to speak, avoiding every conversation with me. You’re not sleeping, you’re hardly eating and you keep saying you’re fine. You have never taken me as a fool before, do not start now” he snapped.

***

“You can’t help” she said, more harsh than she intended. “Just, I just need you to stay safe. Please.”

“Tav I’m a fully capable Wizard! What do you mean I can’t help?!”

“We can’t win, Rolan!” she finally snapped. “I saw it, the Absolute. Below that fucking tower, in that accursed land.” She had only discussed it with her companions, those who had witnessed it for themselves. She knew one or more of them might die in this upcoming fight, that they all might die trying. There was also the fear of herself, her own core that relished in the art of slaying, that she fought every minute of the day. “I don’t think I’ll be coming back…”

She searched his features, her eyes bleary from unfallen tears. She could see the worry in his face, she didn’t want him to be scared but he was acting as though everything was fine. He had no idea what was out there, had never faced a mind-flayer, never felt the pain of a tadpole in his mind and she hoped he never will. He had never had the urge to slit the throat of the person sleeping next to him just to see their blood coat the sheets. She had to tell him of her urges at some point, of her true heritage, but she feared his rejection.

“You said you’d come back, you said you’d always come back to me Tav. Don’t break your promises now, you always come back the hero.” He shook as he looked at her.

“What if the only way to save you…the only way to save everyone is for me t-”

“Don’t” he barked. “Don’t even think about that, there has to be a multitude of different ways! I’ll search this tower high and low, just tell me what it is. Please.” He was begging her. “I’ll do anything for you, Tav.”

“Don’t say that Rolan, you don’t understand what it means when you say things like that.”

“Then tell me! You all have a go at me for being emotionless, for being closed off yet here you are!”

“I think…I know, there is something wrong with me, inside me I mean. And no not this tadpole! It’s like an evil within. You said I was a killer once, we all assumed it was a Drow thing but…what if it’s not?” She looked into his eyes.

“Tav…I didn’t mean that when I said it I-”

“Yes, you did. Everyone says it" she shook her head. “It’s just…what if I’m not the hero?”

“Not the hero? Impossible, you can't step 3 feet in Faerûn without someone praising your name!”

“Rolan, I'm not who you think I am. At least I wasn't? I don't know.” Tav exasperated. “I shouldn't be here, with you.” she glanced around the room and started to get out of bed.

“Wait, no!” Rolan grabbed her arm. “Tell me, don't just walk out like this isn't something! Like we aren't something..."

“I can’t be that person for you, I can’t be the saviour or the hero” she whispered as she tried to pull away from his grip. “I told you Rolan, you deserve much better than someone that slaughters, someone who only brings chaos and danger. You deserve to be safe!”

“Every time I have been in danger, by my own free will may I add! You, Tav! Have rescued me! Every vulnerable and embarrassing moment I have had over the past few months, you’ve been there to fix it. Please, let me do the same for you!”

Tav could hear the heartbreak in his voice, see the tears falling from his eyes as his hand only tightened around her wrist. The others hadn’t rejected her, her companions could still see some sense of good in her. They didn’t blame her for what she had done, for what she was but believed she could do better.

“I did it” she sighed, a weight dropping from her shoulders. “I started this infernal war, I conspired with Ketheric and with Gortash. I did it in the name of Bhaal…” she knew she was shaking, Rolan’s hand let go of her wrist as she said her piece.

“Gods…Bhaal!? You don’t mean?” his voice quivered at her.

“I understand if you don’t want a Bhaalspawn in your bed. I should’ve told you, I only found out when I got to the city…” she wiped her tears and stood up. “Rolan, you will be safer and happier with someone else. I promise to do everything I can to end what I have begun, end everything.”

She looked at Rolan, the man she had grown to love. His eyes glistened with fear as he was absorbing what she had told him. She started to undress out of his shirt and went to find her own clothes, she had no place here next to him anymore.

“Don’t go” he whispered.

“Rolan…”

“I-I see the good in you, Tav” he cleared his throat and got out of bed. “And I am guessing those companions of yours do as well. There have been records of Bhaalspawn rejecting their nature, you surely are one of them. If anyone can defy this, you can.” He made his way over, she felt the cold air on her skin and shook. “I have seen you save a child from sirens and one from a snake, save a whole grove of refugees for nothing. Infiltrated and freed prisoners, Gods you even rescued an ex warlord out of kindness!” he had grabbed her hand now “I believe in you.”

Her heart felt as though it was several sizes too large for her ribcage as he pulled her to his chest, every piece of her shattered mind and body craving him to put her whole again. If Rolan said she could do it then maybe it was possible, if he could hold her bloody hand through this then maybe there was redemption on the other side. She stared down at where the warmth of his hands seeped into hers. The memory of meeting in the Grove seemed so far now, of her silly crush on the man.

“You accept me?” she whispered.

“All of you.”

It was all she needed for now, her naked skin was freezing as she crashed it to his warm body. His arms held her to him as she let the sensation wash over her in waves.

“I'll be yours, only yours. You can have whatever is left of this wretched soul, whatever is left of me.” She cried, his tail wrapped around her leg and she reached up to place her hands on his neck. “If you can still look upon me, with this face and this curse, then I promise I will come back to you.”

She didn't know if she could speak anymore, if she had any more words in her throat to tell him how much he meant to her. She had pestered him for that first kiss, called it her good luck charm and now she couldn't imagine life without her grumpy Wizard. She pulled herself to his lips and let them finish what she couldn't, let them stifle any protests he may have as she couldn't bear to hear them now.

She pushed him back towards the bed, their feet tripping over each other as they fumbled. She pulled up his shirt to feel at the ridges of his skin under her fingertips, committing each one to memory. Her lips never left his as she climbed on top of him, not wanting his warmth to leave her for a second in fear he'd disappear forever. She could feel him under her, his loose trousers still on straining against them. She needed to show him how much she needed him, how much he meant. He had always been such an eager giver, such a generous lover and she knew it was her time. She left his lips to trail a few kisses down his jaw to his neck, he whined at the loss of her and she smirked up at him from his chest. She placed a small nip on his stomach and she felt him buck his hips. Before he gained any hint of what she was going to do she pulled down his trousers as she kissed his hips.

“T-Tav…what ar-” he groaned as she gripped him in her hand.

“Shh, patience Wizard” she sighed into him before bringing her tongue from his base to the tip. She smiled as she heard him moan and felt him shudder. His clawed hands gripped his sheets as his breath hitched.

She kept her hand on him as she wrapped her lips around his head, she let her tongue flick and used her other hand to steady his hip. As she moved her head down she heard him whisper her name, her cheeks hollowed the further she made her way down until the tears prickled at her eyes. She continued the motion, slowly so as to not overstimulate Rolan beneath her. The ridges felt foreign on her tongue but she teased at them, hearing his moans when her tongue would caress them. Due to the sheer size of him she could feel her jaw tense from the movement, the tears that streamed from her mouth joined the saliva dribbling from her mouth. She removed her lips from him to draw a full breath and caught his eye, her chin wet from her efforts.

“Do you like that?” she asked.

“Yes, Gods yes Tav.” he sighed as he touched a hand to his cheek. “I don't think I can last if you keep doing it, come here.” he reached over and caught his lips to hers as he pulled her back on top.

“Yes, master” she moaned as his hands threaded into her hair.

“Fuck Tav” he stuttered. A hand grabbed at her ass and she smiled against him.

Not wanting to waste another moment she moved her underwear to the side to allow him access to her. The top of his cock still wet from her mouth as she felt it brush against her, she slid down and cursed at the stretch. The ridges of the skin on his length in her sent her eyes rolling back as his hands gripped at her waist. She placed her hands on his chest and took him in. His flushed cheeks, his fanged teeth flashing behind his parted lips and his hair scattered across the pillow. She’d kill a thousand Ketheric Thorms to see this sight, would travel a thousand more miles to hear his sweet noises.

She fell forward as his hips snapped up, he smiled as she fell into him. His lips found hers again and their kiss was tender, soft and passionate. His hands still gripped her hips as he brought his knees up, he started thrusting up into her as he held her in place. She held onto his shoulders not ashamed of the moans that left her mouth, she could feel his claws pierce her skin as he lost himself in the moment. She could hardly catch her breath as she felt every inch of him thrust into her, she watched his expression and smiled at the concentration on his face as her orgasm approached.

“Rolan” she choked out.

“It's okay? Should I go slower?” he asked with his eyebrows knitted.

“Harder, please, master” she sighed and felt him twitch below her as his own moan left his mouth.

“You have no idea what that does to me, fucking Hells” his stokes became harder and he moved her body with him.

Her resolve snapped in the moment as she let him take full control of her, let him fuck her through the orgasm. Her legs shook as he held her up his own orgasm chasing hers, she heard him swear and could feel his back arch into her as he pulled her down. The kiss was messy, their breaths harsh and mouths dry from the panting for so long. She smiled into him as she shuddered, the adrenaline leaving her body and collapsing on him as he let her go.

“Fuck” she managed to get out.

“Fuck” he nodded in agreement. They laughed together, everything seeming as though it made sense again. She moved to look at him, brushing her nose against his as she looked on to the constellations of his freckles scattered across his face.

“I'll come home to you, I'll crawl out of my own self made grave to be with you.” She whispered, “My grumpy Tiefling, my good luck charm, my heart, my soul.”

“Thank you” he whispered back as they embraced once more. It would all be fine in the end, they were sure of it.