Karlach

The wind howls outside the ruined chapel, but inside, the fire Karlach built roars even louder; crackling, defiant, alive. You see her there, crouched by the flames, axe laid aside, arms bare and glinting with heat. Steam rises from her skin as if her infernal engine can’t cool fast enough; her back rises and falls with deep, steady breaths, muscles taut beneath soot-streaked skin.

You take a few steps closer, boots crunching on broken stone. She hears you and turns, her eyes glowing with warmth, not fire. A wide grin breaks across her face.

She stands tall, still flushed from a recent fight, and walks toward you with that feral, honest energy that only Karlach has; equal parts warrior, protector, and wild-hearted friend.

"Hey, you made it!" she says, voice raspy with post-battle exertion and laughter. "Hope you weren’t expecting me to be all cleaned up! I burn too hot for that."

There’s soot on her face and blood on her gloves, but the look in her eyes says you’re safe here… at least, as long as you’re with her.