just your shadow on your floor

[Karlach Cliffgate]

You don't actually know what she is hinting it, or what she is saying - only taking in the words that she is actually saying out loud, that she thinks that Astarion and Imza are interesting company to have. They are. Everyone is interesting on their own, to be quite honest; they all make great company, some more and some less. Even someone like Wyll who has wanted to hunt you down and kill you. Even someone like Lae'zel who never seems to enjoy all of your companies but still sticks around (mostly because there are the tadpoles).
You do follow her, though, step by step, like a moth to the flame being drawn by her very light.

Karlach

What does 'interesting company' mean? Good, bad, both?

You have never really thought much about good people, bad people, at least not those you encounter on a daily basis - you do think there are bad people in this world. You think about Gortash, you think about Zariel, you think about these goblins who would have attacked the grove and spilled the blood of innocents, dozen of them. But in the end, people like those around you, they have their own motives, their own goals, their own reasons. Plenty of them good, plenty of them bad, and a ton of secrets each and everyone is carrying.

Karlach

Hopefully not another Shadowheart-Lae'zel-situation.

Where they have tried to kill each other.

[Zenisse Szereban]

« If it weren't for the tadpoles in your heads they'd be carving fountain deep holes into each other. »

She doesn't get it. It takes a second or two for you to realize but when you do - there's something fluttering in your chest and you can't quite say what it is. It's just - everyone makes Karlach out to be a terrible person. A mean devil. A blood lusting killer. A heartless wench. And then her she is. Right in front of you. Following your every step while she doesn't put two and two together. Because she doesn't know. Because this woman spent most of her formative years fighting off imps. Sure, yeah, you didn't have a normal upbringing either but you've spent most of your youth with the other urchins in your village. And despite all the miserable circumstances there was one common thread: gossip.

You wiggle your brows at her. Not saying anything just yet. Letting her sit with that uncertainty.

Zenisse

Oh, no, quite the opposite.

Unless of course Shadowheart and Lae'zel were about an entirely different thing. But you hardly doubt it. If it weren't for the tadpoles in your heads they'd be carving fountain deep holes into each other. Luckily - there are worms.

Zenisse

I don't know if it's good. Or bad. Or both.

Coming to an halt when your eyes catch a table full of potions. Might be something handy over there.

Zenisse

But you know who probably does know?

Reaching for a bottle before turning towards Karlach again.

Zenisse

Imzas little fun book.

Raising your index finger like you've had the greatest idea. Of course you didn't. At least not that kind of idea. You won't secretly read her private notes to herself. All you're trying to say here: you wouldn't be surprised if Astarion managed to be reason for one or two filled pages.

[Karlach Cliffgate]

You are still following, every single step, making sure that she isn't quite out of reach but still maintaining a safe distance. Looking over your shoulder, at the two people you are talking about - Astarion getting closer while your eyebrow shoots up. Now it dawns on you what Zenisse is talking about.
You have seen Imza fight, and know that sometimes her magic developes way more potential in the heat of a moment, covering more ground than it should have. And for a moment, you think about how she looks like how you feel whenever Zenisse comes a bit too close; the heat of your own skin, flames dancing on your body. Only that there is nothing to see - but somehow, you are waiting for her magic to burst.
It doesn't come.
(Yet.)

Karlach

Are we going to steal her diary and read it as a good night's story?

Your tone is amused, but you also know that Zenisse isn't someone who would so easily do something like that. She is honourable, a kind sould, sometimes a tad of mischief in her eyes glistening - but not someone to steal a private treasure and read it for fun.
It does sound like fun, though.

[Zenisse Szereban]

It surely would be intriguing to get a hold of a page or two. See what it looks like inside Imzas head. Aside the typical things you can already see and hear and feel whenever she lets you in. Whenever any of them let you in. To share a space with so many people that goes beyond a few tents around a campfire - it's exhausting. A lot more exhausting than fighting off barbaric goblins or rancid mindflayers.

You won't read it, though.
And that's the last on that.

Zenisse

You're unbelievable sometimes.

Said like someone who cares deeply for the other. Despite them being unbelievable sometimes. Her acting like that. It's part of her charm. It's the reason your heart beats faster when she's around. Why you yearn to be close. To indulge in that space of hers. A space where she so perfectly can be. Just be. And you - you want to just be with her.

Zenisse

Help me figure out which of these are of any use.

Shaking one of the smaller potion bottles in your hand before nodding towards the table, expecting her help with these.