#uh oh they're starting to relate to each other someone call 911

[imogenkol]

— WIP WEDNESDAY

tagged by beloveds @socially-awkward-skeleton and @inafieldofdaisies thank you 💕💕💕

tag list (ask to be added or removed!): @adelaidedrubman @florbelles @marivenah @simonxriley @shegetsburned @voidika @kyber-infinitygems @v0idbuggy @statichvm @aceghosts @jillvalentinesday @risingsh0t @unholymilf @thedeadthree

It’s a Cal and Imogen week I guess! (some Survivor spoilers implied)

“Who are you trying to be, Imogen? A protector? A bounty hunter?” Cal paused, knowing the next word out of his mouth would push him closer to a very steep ledge. “Inquisitor?”

Imogen suddenly directed her glare towards him as her entire demeanor shifted to that of a predator who grew weary of their prey’s game. “Watch your tone,” she calmly warned, her muscles rigid.

Cal made no defensive movements. He bravely held her intense gaze and kept his shoulders relaxed. The little droid perched on his back, however, cowered behind him like it was afraid to see whatever happened next. “I still sense the Dark Side within you, but you haven’t tapped into it in a while. How long has it been?”

Imogen did not have to think hard to come up with an answer, but she remained quiet for a prolonged, tense moment before she indulged him with a response. “Since the uprising on Ferrix.”

“How long until you let yourself give in again?”

“Whenever it suits me, Jedi,” she snapped bitterly. 

Cal never reacted to the word Jedi being utilized as an insult. To him, it would always be a source of honor. Yet, Imogen noticed the faintest wince at the edges of his green eyes when his gaze dropped for half a second. “And you aren’t afraid that the next time you do, it will completely consume you? What if it twists you into something even more unrecognizable than before? What if you hurt the only people that mean anything to you?” 

Imogen's eyes narrowed. She took a step closer and reached through the connection to the Force between them. If he felt her prodding, he did not react. Almost immediately, she sensed something familiar – a slight waver in Cal. It resembled the shame and fear she once experienced as a Padawan who struggled to resist the call towards greater power. Just like that, she understood this seemingly random interrogation. 

“My anger and my hatred has been there much longer than yours, Cal,” she said in a low tone, each word methodical. “I have wielded the Dark Side far more successfully than you have. So do not disguise such questions by directing them at me when it is clear that you are asking for yourself.”

And also have a little bit of Haelheart cause I’ve been in bg3 land a lot lately and I really loved Shadowheart’s comments about the Underdark

Hael found herself at the furthest edge of camp where even the firelight could not reach her. She stared off into the endless chasm before her and reminisced about what it was like to stare up at the clusters of glowing fungi as a child. They stretched so high up around the stalactites that the ceiling could have been considered a sky of its own. Hundreds and even thousands of mushroom stars to make wishes on. If only she had spent them more wisely. 

“Is it strange?” a soft voice asked from behind her. Hael turned to see the source of her growing affections. Shadowheart smiled sweetly as she sidled up beside Hael with a goblet of wine in her hand. “To be home again?”

Home. The word felt like a hard blow to her chest. Hael never thought she’d return to the Underdark once she made her pact. She made peace with it and released the idea of this place being a home to her. Or so she thought. As she stared back out into the distance, a wistful ache twisted her insides. Maybe no one could let go of their home — not truly. 

“I suppose it is. I had not realized how much I missed it,” the drow admitted bashfully. “The sunlight above is so harsh. This darkness is gentle. It makes me feel safe.” She smiled crookedly at the cleric. “I know how ironic that must sound to you in this wretched place.” 

Shadowheart shook her head. “I think the Underdark is beautiful, Hael. I envy you to have grown up with a sight like this. It’s unlike anything you’ll find on the surface.”