“I was gonna give her this rock I found,”

Karlach muttered, holding up a small shiny stone.

“It’s kinda heart-shaped if you squint. And maybe turn it sideways. And ignore the chip.”

Astarion placed a hand over his unbeating heart.

“Tragic. Adorable. You’re going to implode.”

Karlach looked up toward the sky.

“Okay. Okay. Deep breath. No punching. No screaming. Just feelings. I can do feelings.”

She marched toward your tent like a warrior into battle—clutching her rock like a lifeline.

You were sitting cross-legged outside, warming your hands by the fire when you saw her approach. Big, nervous, glowing just a bit too brightly.

“Hey, Karlach.”

“HI,” she blurted. “I MEAN. Uh. Hi. Hey. You look—you look like, um. Wow. Just. Hi.”

You blinked, smiling. “Everything okay?”

Karlach held out the rock like she was presenting you with a sacred relic.

“I found this and it made me think of you because it’s, uh, strong and… kinda sparkly and a little cracked but like, in a cool way. Not that you’re cracked! You’re great! I just mean—please take this rock before I die.”