I have layers and leathers, you don't. [She turns then, well aware she's disrupting the start of the second braid, in order to fix Vax with a Look. It's not on par with Pike's Momster glare, but she does at least want him to take this seriously.] Will you at least borrow it until we have the silver to replace a few things?
[ She'll let herself be maneuvered back to facing the wall and window soon enough, shifting her weight and seating on the bed to stay comfortable. The mention of chicken gets a laugh. ]
So long as we're not going all vegetables all the time in retaliation. I think there's only so much salad I want to look at in a given meal, never mind Grog when he wakes up/ [Some greens are good for you, that much is true, but they can go for something a little more balanced, right?]
[ Fingers thread together and she rests her joined hands on one knee as she hums thoughtfully. ] These apartments won't work for him, but the people here come in all shapes and sizes. We may have less trouble working with that than we did back in Emon, or Westrunn, or Whitestone.
No. But it could have some knives for you to make use of. And it's not like you're unfamiliar with good quality weapons - there could be job openings. [not that she expects him to take a Normal Job, hell none of them are cut from that cloth] I hear they have a forge too. I'll have to remember to mention that to Percy, if he's not aware already.
[ oh, he sees the look. but the difference here is that she's not pike. no matter how great her Look might be, she is also his sister. his baby sister, who is impressive and wonderful and talented and intelligent, but also his sister. so she gives him the Look and vax simply lifts his brows in response, looking back at her innocently. what?
and then he shrugs. ] It might be more suspicious if I do end up wearing them. [ now he's just being difficult, and he knows it, so with a sigh he does relent. ] I'll think about it. If I get on a job that I need it, I'll wear it. Deal?
[ and then he snorts, going back to her braids. this is an easy enough conversation to have, so vax won't complain for a little time to relax and feel like things are normal again. ] Gods no. But I wouldn't complain about some beef stew every now and then. Some fish. Honestly, just a bit of variety? I don't think I could go back to only-chicken. [ though, still, there's an ache in his chest. a kind of knot in his stomach. scanlan was still a sore subject, and vax wonders if he ever wouldn't be. wonders what will happen when scanlan wakes up.
that's something they can deal with when it happens, though. ]
We'll just need to do some searching. House hunting, even. [ he snorts at his own joke, closing the braid he'd been working on and reweaving her feathers back behind her ears.
the next bit, though, has his brow arched curiously at her, his hands falling now that he's finished with fixing up her hair. ] You want me to become a knife salesman? [ he snorts again, shaking his head as he shifts on the bed again so that he's sitting next to her, relaxing.
then there's percy, and vax looks over at vex curiously. it hasn't gone unnoticed, by the way. how differently they're acting around each other. ] How are things going with him, by the way?
[It's a good attempt but no, she's not Pike, much as she loves her. The Look does not waver, even knowing it's really not working, and there's a huff as he deflects, a mock-sulky pout forming until he offers his 'deal'.
She knows full well it's just lipservice. He says this but Vax won't actually wear it. But it's the closest Vex will get, so: ]
Fine. You'd better. [a pause] Or I'll tell, Pike.
[ Don't push her, Brother, she will do it!
Discussing a new home --and that's what they need to make it, a home, it's going to be theirs, she never got to build hers and-- is a good distraction from any distressing topics and trains of thought. She has to chuckle and nod, just slightly, so she doesn't disrupt his work on her braid, and sighs a bit. ]
We'll have to make time, once we have the silver, to try a few meals at the market, see what's good and local. Only a little, though, and then find someone who can make it for us, or something. [because while they can do some basic cooking in the field, none of them are Laina; she swallows then - did the Natha save their staff from the Storm, too?] Think we can find somewhere with some kind of garden for Keyleth? I mean, whatever we get, we'll make do, but I think we should make that a priority.
[ She can't get over the fact Keyleth was awake first, that she'd been awake three whole months. For Vex, it barely seems any time at all since she closed her eyes on the Deera's deck, brother and bear at her side and stars overhead. Then her brother is shifting to alongside her once more, and she pulls the braid over her shoulder, lightly running fingers over the plaited weave. ]
No! Well, not unless you wanted to be. [she chuckles then] I was thinking more that you could offer to show how well specific knives work to potential customers. [dagger dagger dagger, and all that.] Just something to keep in mind, yeah?
[ Pretending you're not pining on some level for a more-than-dear friend is perfectly normal, right? Right! So Vax's question gets a blink, and her nose wrinkles slightly and her brows furrow as she turns her head to look at him. That's a funny question, Brother. There's nothing at all different in how Vex and Percy are treating each other.
[ there is a certain something else that pike has that none of them can really muster. and that's okay. they have their different things. and honestly, vex's Look isn't too bad in the first place! she's just. trying to use it against the one person who probably has complete immunity to it.
but she agrees, and vax doesn't even try to hold the tiny little smirk in response. ] I will. I swear.
[ and then it's on to other things. easier things, or at least he assumes so. things like homes, and food, and silver. he does catch the moment's hesitation, can assume where vex's thoughts have wandered, but they both push through. ]
I'm sure Keyleth could make a garden anywhere, once we settle in a spot and let her know she can have that area. But she'd enjoy that. Her room is a mess of potted plants right now. [ there is so much that weighs on him in that moment. from keyleth's months alone, the lingering way she'd look at them, her separate house. he doesn't like it, but he also knows that there's very little he can do about it.
at least right now. that won't stop him from worrying. and then he's moving, and vex is checking her braid, and he pulls himself out of that line of thinking. later, when he has time to go talk to keyleth. then he'll figure out how to handle it. ]
Like a teacher? [ the incredulous look he gives her is more hypocritical than anything else. it's not so far fetched an idea, he knows, but giving demos and selling items? really? still, he knows her intentions are good, so he does make the effort to at least look like he's thinking about it. especially for the sake of coin. he probably won't, but for vex's sake he will look curious. ]
I'll keep it in mind. [ another shrug-off, but what can you do. it's vax.
then, suddenly, is that feeling again. like something is off. only it's heightened tenfold because it's vex, and nothing should ever be off with his sister. so he watches her, totally unfazed by the reaction she's giving him, both brows raised. is she still trying....they've already had this talk. what is the point of pretending otherwise. ]
Just...well? [ an expectant pause, before vax sighs. ] Sister, last I came to visit you both you- [ and then the thought hits him, sudden and overwhelming, like walking into an invisible wall or not seeing grog come in for a body-slam. he blinks, then his brows furrow. ] There's nothing...you want to talk about?
He swears, and she's almost tempted to turn around just to see if she can catch him crossing his fingers while doing so. But she doesn't, and Vex just huffs again, pulling her other leg up so she's cross legged on the thin blanket. There's just enough room for her to do that, and for Vax to sit comfortably without being nudged off his bed. ]
[a chuckle follows - she can just about picture one of these spaces half full of greenery spilling off window sills and shelves.] Somehow that doesn't surprise me. Well, if we can't get a garden, then she at least needs a room to grow things in. And a prayer room for Pike! ..And you, I guess? [she bites her lip; she hasn't really thought to ask about her friends' godly patrons - perhaps now is as good a time as any?] Any word from Her, out of interest?
Well, more like demonstrator, I guess. But I suppose teaching could work, too? [he's far more patient than she is, after all. Well, on some matters moreso than others. Setting aside that business with that Kynan kid, Vax could do a pretty good job, in her eyes. There's a shrug.] Would being a teacher really be so weird? Assuming there's no one like Asum here who could make use of your talents if our joint "being Vox Machina" doesn't pay the bills. But we can worry about that after we see some of the jobs Highwind digs up.
[She's just trying to do her best to keep as many options open as possible. Hence why she started talking to him about mercenary work in Olympia to begin with.]
[ If anyone would recognise that Vex'ahlia was lying, even with her exceptional gift of the gab, her brother Vax'ildan is it. And there isn't a trace of it in her speech, not in the puzzled looking and headtilt, expression edging into a rather familiar discomfort. ]
I'm not sure what you're asking. [or rather, she has a theory, but first:] And, what do you mean, 'came to visit'? [the bafflement is there, frown forming as an icy finger of discomfort runs its way down her back.] Where did you go that the rest of us haven't been lately?
..This isn't another one of your "keep your eyes open" talks is it, because now is really not the time or place, Brother.
[ she can remember it all she wants. vax isn't going to be doing any of this differently. vex resettles and so does vax, comfortable in the shared space between them, feeling at ease with the familiarity of it all. even with the topic of conversation somewhere else, vax feels at ease, and he's not really sure he wants to change that. ]
She's also got a pet. [ he's quiet for a second, thinking about the room, about their conversation. ] A little bird. [ and....now he waits for the quippy comment from his sister. because he knows it's coming.
he snorts at vex's complicated tone regarding the raven queen, shrugging even if she can't see it from behind her hair. ] Worry about Pike first. She'd like a prayer room, and I can figure something else out in the mean time. [ he knows he should be putting more attention to it. knows that his time in zephrah had been spent slowly getting better. every whitestone trip had been with the understanding that some of that time would be praying. would be giving service. percy had built that temple for them both, hadn't he? vax falls, a bit distractedly, into that line of thought so much that it takes a moment before he realizes his sister has asked him a question.
he worries at his lower lip. ] No. [ a pause, and then a sigh. ] Not that I got many words from her back home, either, but it's...different. I still have some of the use of my magic here but no...connection? I guess? To her. [ he doesn't feel like he's constantly being watched, which is the biggest thing, but he also doesn't want to talk to his sister about his battle with the crushing weight of paying back that debt. she doesn't need to worry about it. he doesn't want her to worry about it.
he makes a noncommittal noise at the idea. ] Maybe. It'll depend on how well the jobs pay. I'll think about it. [ and he actually will. because while he'll never think of himself as the teaching type, if it'll help get kids off the street? why not?
but then the conversation shifts. they're sitting side by side again, and vax is watching her, and vex isn't lying. isn't playing a game. isn't playing coy. as she asks her questions, his brow continues to furrow even further, his frown a bit thinner.
then he remembers his conversation with keyleth, and vax's stomach lurches. ] Sister. [ with the kind of tone that makes it obvious how serious he's being, no matter what is about to come out of his mouth. ] What's the last thing you remember doing before the Storm? And you were brought here?
[ In this maelstrom of crazy, sibling time makes everything better, and Vex is profoundly grateful that her brother's here with her. Not that she doesn't dearly love their friends, and certainly doesn't envy what Keyleth went through, but it wouldn't be the same without Vax being here. ]
A pet. [echo echo. she can't quite hide the grin that starts forming] A bird? It's not a raven, is it?
I can worry about you both, even if I would prefer to ensure I don't have reason to. [she rubs a finger along the pleats of her braid, tipping her head slightly to one side.] May be worth checking if the temple district allows worship for gods other than the Moon-- You know, Zahra would think that's hilarious, and right up her alley-- because who knows if someone who follows Sarenrae or the Raven Queen were here before us.
[ or, you know. don't encourage worship of other gods, and they'll need to keep it on the downlow. That could also be a legit cause for concern here.
As it is, she turns a little, watching his face as he chews on his lip, and there's a light bump of her shoulder to his. Vex doesn't consider her life as something held in the balance, but she knows her brother. She's well aware of why he's in the Raven Queen's service to begin with, but You've still got me, she thinks, so that means something. Or should. She doesn't say anything more on that, however.
Instead, she's watching him watching her, trying to figure out what he's digging for, trying to fathom what it is he wants to know. This isn't his own brand of heart-on-sleeve sharing, either, not with how his lips twist and his expression grows so stern and serious. She doesn't like it. Doesn't like that herald of bad news that easily rival's the gun of the same name.]
What is..? [She shifts on the bed, brown eyes locked with brown, trying to get a bead on why he's asking this] We were on the Deera, night time. You were with me, and Trinket, up on the deck, looking at the stars. [is he serious? ..he really honestly is asking that question. She can feel her back stiffening] Heading south from Ank Harel, across the Ozmit, had maybe less than half a day until we reached Glintshore.
[ if he was going to be honest - he probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for her. not here here so much as he means able to sit still, in a room, in a bed, relatively relaxed in spite of it all. if vex wasn't here, vax wouldn't be able to sit still, spending every waking moment he had up near the mods searching her out. waiting.
now, though, he can have a semblance of a time outside of that. one where he has a cramped room in the same house on some kind of new land that he's, apparently, supposed to live. but that's another thing to think about for another time, because right now? vex is giving him that look and vax is rolling his eyes. ] No. It's a little blue thing. Very chipper. [ he's not jealous he's not jealous he's not jealous-
but then there are gods and the religious district and vax just shakes his head. he's gotten better at it, yes. he's accepted his role for it. but talks about temples and talking to other worshipers and possibly dealing...vax shakes his head. ] I don't know if the Orbiters really want us messing with that, you know? I'll probably try and do some research, but I might...hold off on asking if I can set something up for the Raven Queen in the district just yet. [ is vax avoiding all of that? just a little bit. but also there's a whole lot more he feels like they should focus on instead.
like, for instance, this whole issue with memories. and time. and things being off. he still hasn't quite wrapped his head around it from his conversation with keyleth, but it hadn't even occurred to him that vex would be off too. except that it starts to settle in, and when he asks the question and she watches him in return, his stomach drops out from under him. ]
Deera? Heading to...Glintshore? [ he asks, as if trying to remember himself. which, all things considered, is a bit harder to place. the amount that had happened over the last year for him is hard to keep straight on its own, nevermind trying to remember specific moments. days. things that happened. he does know the deera. he remembers the crew. captain damon. the last time he saw them, it'd been-
vax freezes his eyes going wide at the sudden realization he has. not about thordak, not about the conclave, but about a time before. when they'd been searching out the vestiges, their chase around the land. he remembers the cloak, whisper, their journey to get there. it had felt so long ago that it didn't really seem important to bring up before now, but with the way vex and percy had been acting, how frustrating it had been to watch, it suddenly...makes more sense. ]
I...remember. We were chasing after Ripley.
[ if vex is watching close enough, she probably sees a very unfamiliar look cross over vax's face. a look that he had never really experienced before. a two part thought of she doesn't know and do i tell her happening all at once. ]
[All their small talk, everything from little blue birds to religion, falls to the wayside as a new and unexpected topic raises its head, and something in Vex clenches hard. They had been parted so briefly aboard the space station, tossed into this strange new life, and yet here he is and here Vex is, and Vax is staring at her with an expression she doesn't understand.
Something in that look scares her. Just a little, just enough, that one hand sinks into the fabric next to her, vice grip turning knuckles white. The other tightens around her braid. ]
Right. Glintshore. We were going after Ripley to take the vestiges she stole back. And then beat the ever living shit out of her for Percy. [to put it mildly.
(She has no idea.)
Vex had never heard Percy admit to fear before. not for anyone, not even when facing down the Briarwoods. Not as he had in the tavern, hunched over his ale and barely meeting anyone's eye, self-loathing for such fear evident. Vex wanted that woman dead, for his sake, because that woman had done such harm, and would do so again if left unchecked.
And now here again is a Look, a different look that she doesn't understand, dredging up an entirely different sense of dread. Vex doesn't know what it is her brother sees, what he's thinking, and she doesn't like it. Not at all. ]
..What's wrong? Vax? [she swallows, tongue suddenly leaden] What do you remember?
[ it's the confirmation that does it. a sudden moment in his eyes, on his face- confirmation that his fears were founded, that vex doesn't remember it, any of it. it feels a lot like the floor is falling out from under him, even when he's sitting. this space growing wider between them.
briefly, he wonders if this is how keyleth has felt since they arrived. if this is what she's been carrying. vax feels like he understands that look she has been giving him a little better now, not that it does anything to the dark curl of guilt there. ]
Right. [ he repeats her word without really thinking about it, his eyes moving from her to his lap to the room around them. for whatever reason, knowing that vex doesn't know - know what? the list is endless. where does he even start? the vestiges, thordak, raishan, percy. does he tell her? could he? what was important, and what wasn't worth the time? - makes vax unsure of himself. a pillar of his life he'd always had, now...what?
it's not panic that constricts his throat, but certainly something close to it. but before letting it overwhelm him, he takes a breath, his eyes still to the floor as he starts. ] Keyleth told me about this- this thing. [ which, really, is a fair place to start. ] I don't understand it. I don't know what it means. But they do something to some of our memories. We can all be together, but when we wake up here not all of us remember everything. You- [ this time when vax looks at her, it's with a tired, scared kind of look, brows slanted and eyes wide. she's seen that one, they both know she has. lost and helpless and young. he searches her face for some kind of tell, some idea of how she's reacting to all of this. vax doesn't want to hurt her, would never do anything to hurt her, but he also doesn't want to lie to her. ]
The last thing I remember is over a year later from when we went to Glintshore, Vex'ahlia. And for Keyleth, it's been even longer.
[ She does not like how distant he suddenly looks, how there seems to be a gulf between them where there wasn't one previously. She doesn't like that look, not at all, and her hand moves from her hair to grasp at her brother's arm.
All this from one question. And now he won't even look at her, and she tries to duck her head a little, trying not to let her own distress show. ]
Brother? [she tries not to let her voice sound as worried as she feels, but can't quite manage a tentative smile] A thing..? Memories? [what. she tries to follow, but she's distinctly confused. He remembers, but maybe he's also..forgotten? But no, that's not quite right either. there's a flicker of outrage though, back stiffening] They did something to us while we were asleep? But, what, why?
[ She's confused, he's confusing. And then her breath stalls out. ]
A year? But.. But how can that.. [Lifting her hand from the blanket, she rests a hand on the side of his face, making him keep even gaze with her.] A year?
[ her hand at his arm helps to ground him, but it doesn't help how much further away he feels. vax thinks back to keyleth, back to when he couldn't wrap his head around things getting worse than they had been, and now he understood.
vax can't meet her eyes just yet. not when he tilts her head to try and see him. but then there's her voice, worried and tilted even when she tries to not make it so, and he hates it. he shakes his head at her questions, his brow furrowed as he does so. ] I don't know. I don't know any details, she didn't want to talk about it-
[ all of a sudden, he understands. he gets it. he doesn't want to talk about what happened, he doesn't want to add all of that to vex's plate. but lying to vex had never been something he was good at. was this lying? lying by omission?
her hand settles on his face, and he looks at her, keeps his gaze on hers despite how much he does want to pull away. how much that age old urge has him thinking about running. somewhere. anywhere. but he won't, because the only place he'd ever run to had always been to her.
at the question, he gives her a slow nod. ] At least. I don't know how, or why, but when I agreed to this whole thing it had been much, much later than Glintshore. We stopped Ripley, we got the Vestigates, we- [ brought percy back. but he can't say that, can he? can't drop that on her. when he exhales, his shoulders drop with it, unsure of how to deal with this with vex. were it anyone else, vax would be find not to share it all. it would unnecessarily complicate everything, so why bother? except this is vex, this is his other half. ]
Not that it matters, I guess. [ when those words escape, they're quiet. unsure. vax takes in a breath and then leans forward, setting his forehead on vex's shoulder. ] You're okay. Everyone's...okay.
[ Not that it matters, I guess. Those words ring hollow in her ears, a falsehood that Vax can't quite pull off, and though her voice doesn't turn shrill, she's certainly going to call this out. ]
So much has passed and it doesn't matter?! Vax, you can't be serious about that part, in the very least. That's...so much time lost.
We'll just..have to find some way to get them back. And even if we can't.. [hand drifts up into his hair when he ducks his head forward, letting him rest against her shoulder while she stares at the beads woven there, then past him to the wall. She knows how much Vax depends on her, and there's a knot of guilt forming, almost unreasonably upset at herself for causing her brother pain however inadvertently.] We are okay. We're both here, and we're both alive, and everyone's --almost all here.
[ She falls silent for a minute, trying to deal with this sudden revelation that's been dropped into their laps, and her hand stills at the back of her brother's head. Her voice is almost tiny, but the need for clarification, for confirmation is clear. ]
...but we won? Against Vorugal, and Raishan. [a beat] Thordak. We won?
[ he winces a bit at the sound of her voice, knowing that it wasn't the right thing to say. knowing that he should have worded it a bit differently. but the point is still there - does it matter that there's so much time between them? what does it change? other than his selfish discomfort that his sister is somehow, here, out of his reach...at least she is here.
vax realizes he needs to stop thinking it will all be as easy as he wanted it to be. their world ended, and some otherworldly beings came down to save them. it would be too much to assume it would all stay the same. ]
I don't know if we can, but we can try. [ he wants to try, but also, he wonders if he should. having vex remember everything would be easier, yes, but wouldn't it inadvertently cause her more pain? with all that they've lost. with all that's happened. if he could spare her all of that pain....
but then there is that shift to her tone. and vax is suddenly aware of what could be going through her head. he pulls away from her then to find her eyes, his own intense and serious. ] We are. [ he confirms, like there was ever a question. ] We were back home, and we are here. Everyone else will wake up, and then when they do we can really figure out what's going on... [ he shakes his head, suddenly realizing how what he said came out and wanting to right it. but then there are her questions, and vax calms briefly, the small smile more subconscious than anything. ]
Yes, sister. [ because that much he can tell her. ] Tal'dorei is safe. Or- was. [ the storm is another issue entirely that he's not sure he wants to get into. that, and what keyleth had told him. it all gets so much worse. does that mean that if they get their memories back, if they get them all back, they'll get those too?
no, he can't worry about that. for now, he just smiles at vex, leaning forward to set his forehead against her's and letting his eyes close. ] We won.
[ It's bad enough that she knows Vax, knows he'll do anything to protect her, even from herself sometimes; she doesn't know if he'll willingly keep things from her now. But given the choice to remember, and the choice to (permanently?) forget, Vex will take memories every time. They're hers and no one else has the right to deny her them. Furthermore, she could never choose to allow others to bear this burden alone. ]
There's definitely more than meets the eye here. [She didn't miss that trailing thought, Vax.] They could be scattering the lot of us across this whole world, but they're not. Instead, we're all centered here. And seem to think it's where we need to be.
[ Neither twin is a fan of destiny, of fate - particularly the fate-touched sibling who offered himself in her place. Yet she can at least thank them for keeping her with her family, incomplete memories or otherwise. ]
..Fuck. So all of that was worth it. ..Even if the Storm overtook Tal'dorei, we did it. We..won. [she can't help but smile as at least some relief crashes down, washes over her like a wave, voice full of affection.] You fuck! You could have fucking led with that, you know! [she shoves his chest hard, before resettling so they can sit forehead to forehead once more.
She just really wishes she could remember that victory.]
[ he just...needs a bit more time to think about it. and yes, he knows that isn't the best route to take, and that his sister will be mad at him if he decides to come back and bring it up with her, but he just...can't do it right now. so he lets the conversation shift away from it, to something more tangible. to something that they can do something about.
he smirks a little at vex's thought. ] Gods can't keep us apart. They've tried that already. [ is that offensive? should he be worrying about the raven queen listening it? either way, he feels better for it. falling back into a comfortable place for them. them against the world, gods and destiny be damned. ] But it certainly makes things easier. [ no, she's right. they should be thankful that they all ended up in the same side of this world, in the same town, close enough to hear jenga being yelled out across a market square. he doesn't really know what he'd be doing right now if he hadn't found them when he did, but that's also not something he needs to worry about.
her relief is palpable, and vax feeds off it. unable to keep the way his smile matches hers. he even lets her shove against his chest, laughing a bit too as their foreheads came back together. he wants to tell her. tell her how they followed thordak down into the sewers. how they took on the greatest of dragons, the entire conclave. how they won. but he's no wordsmith, he knows he'll fuck it up somehow, so instead he just closes his eyes and calms his heart.
it'll be fine. they'll deal with this. vex is safe and she is alive and their family is all together, complicated as always. ] And ruin the surprise? [ his grin grows a bit at that. ]
[ Vex will probably spend that same time overthinking the lack of memories, and then desperately ignoring the implications in an effort to move past the impact of this new discovery. It will probably go poorly, in all honesty, but by gum is she going to give it a try. ]
They're probably more afraid of the damage we'd do from trying to keep us apart. [because vox machina are pretty damned dangerous on a bad day] And since we're centralised, when Grog and Scanlan wake up, it'll be easier for them to find us too.
[ And Gilmore, and Allura and Kima, and Velora and and and and the potential list is endless. But she doesn't dwell on the present. Instead, there's that nebulous future-past that lies between her and Vax, and that grin gets another thump and a huff. ]
I hate you. [she doesn't and he knows it, especially given her answering grin] All right, fine, so what other surprises are you keeping from me that I should know about?
[ she can overthink all she wants, but vax will be stubborn in his current stance. for now, it doesn't matter. for now, they have bigger things to worry about. for now...
for now, vex is safe. and keyleth is safe. and pike and percy are here with grog and tary and scanlan, apparently, up in the pods. he can move forward with that and find footing with that. and if it keeps bothering vex, well. that's something he can deal with at that time. later. when he has a better idea of what he wants to do with it.
for now, he can work with this. ]
Yeah, you're probably right. [ she usually is.
and then there's scanlan, and vax pauses for a moment, already in on the- ] And Tary- [ before realizing everything that comes around it. he's got to be better about that, he realizes, and gives a sigh. ]
A lot...happens. But what's important is that we won, and we're all safe. The last thing I remember was a bit of...downtime, as crazy as that sounds. But we have the time and it's...good. [ his smile is a bit...weighted, there. not bad weighted, but interesting. the idea of vex staying back with percy, becoming the mistress of the grey hunt, a baroness, all of these things he doesn't want to take from her. not in simple, easy ways he would list them off. ] Really good. You open a bakery.
[ Vex will worry. And compartmentalise. And worry further. And no doubt it will all rush back to haunt at a moment most inconvenient.
But for now, there's a new situation and between the two of them, they'll be able to pull their found family through it.
A mentioned name gets a blank look, however. ]
Who?
So it would seem. [lips purse a moment] I'd say that's almost too good to be true, given how much we'll need it when we're done.. But I guess we are done, huh. [she brushes her fringe from her eyes, then squints at him] A bakery. [..uh huh.]
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(no subject)
Date: 2017-09-29 12:31 am (UTC)[ She'll let herself be maneuvered back to facing the wall and window soon enough, shifting her weight and seating on the bed to stay comfortable. The mention of chicken gets a laugh. ]
So long as we're not going all vegetables all the time in retaliation. I think there's only so much salad I want to look at in a given meal, never mind Grog when he wakes up/ [Some greens are good for you, that much is true, but they can go for something a little more balanced, right?]
[ Fingers thread together and she rests her joined hands on one knee as she hums thoughtfully. ] These apartments won't work for him, but the people here come in all shapes and sizes. We may have less trouble working with that than we did back in Emon, or Westrunn, or Whitestone.
No. But it could have some knives for you to make use of. And it's not like you're unfamiliar with good quality weapons - there could be job openings. [not that she expects him to take a Normal Job, hell none of them are cut from that cloth] I hear they have a forge too. I'll have to remember to mention that to Percy, if he's not aware already.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-09-29 02:12 pm (UTC)and then he shrugs. ] It might be more suspicious if I do end up wearing them. [ now he's just being difficult, and he knows it, so with a sigh he does relent. ] I'll think about it. If I get on a job that I need it, I'll wear it. Deal?
[ and then he snorts, going back to her braids. this is an easy enough conversation to have, so vax won't complain for a little time to relax and feel like things are normal again. ] Gods no. But I wouldn't complain about some beef stew every now and then. Some fish. Honestly, just a bit of variety? I don't think I could go back to only-chicken. [ though, still, there's an ache in his chest. a kind of knot in his stomach. scanlan was still a sore subject, and vax wonders if he ever wouldn't be. wonders what will happen when scanlan wakes up.
that's something they can deal with when it happens, though. ]
We'll just need to do some searching. House hunting, even. [ he snorts at his own joke, closing the braid he'd been working on and reweaving her feathers back behind her ears.
the next bit, though, has his brow arched curiously at her, his hands falling now that he's finished with fixing up her hair. ] You want me to become a knife salesman? [ he snorts again, shaking his head as he shifts on the bed again so that he's sitting next to her, relaxing.
then there's percy, and vax looks over at vex curiously. it hasn't gone unnoticed, by the way. how differently they're acting around each other. ] How are things going with him, by the way?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-09-29 06:27 pm (UTC)She knows full well it's just lipservice. He says this but Vax won't actually wear it. But it's the closest Vex will get, so: ]
Fine. You'd better. [a pause] Or I'll tell, Pike.
[ Don't push her, Brother, she will do it!
Discussing a new home --and that's what they need to make it, a home, it's going to be theirs, she never got to build hers and-- is a good distraction from any distressing topics and trains of thought. She has to chuckle and nod, just slightly, so she doesn't disrupt his work on her braid, and sighs a bit. ]
We'll have to make time, once we have the silver, to try a few meals at the market, see what's good and local. Only a little, though, and then find someone who can make it for us, or something. [because while they can do some basic cooking in the field, none of them are Laina; she swallows then - did the Natha save their staff from the Storm, too?] Think we can find somewhere with some kind of garden for Keyleth? I mean, whatever we get, we'll make do, but I think we should make that a priority.
[ She can't get over the fact Keyleth was awake first, that she'd been awake three whole months. For Vex, it barely seems any time at all since she closed her eyes on the Deera's deck, brother and bear at her side and stars overhead. Then her brother is shifting to alongside her once more, and she pulls the braid over her shoulder, lightly running fingers over the plaited weave. ]
No! Well, not unless you wanted to be. [she chuckles then] I was thinking more that you could offer to show how well specific knives work to potential customers. [dagger dagger dagger, and all that.] Just something to keep in mind, yeah?
[ Pretending you're not pining on some level for a more-than-dear friend is perfectly normal, right? Right! So Vax's question gets a blink, and her nose wrinkles slightly and her brows furrow as she turns her head to look at him. That's a funny question, Brother. There's nothing at all different in how Vex and Percy are treating each other.
At least, not from where Vex is sitting. ]
Well, I suppose?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-09-29 07:19 pm (UTC)but she agrees, and vax doesn't even try to hold the tiny little smirk in response. ] I will. I swear.
[ and then it's on to other things. easier things, or at least he assumes so. things like homes, and food, and silver. he does catch the moment's hesitation, can assume where vex's thoughts have wandered, but they both push through. ]
I'm sure Keyleth could make a garden anywhere, once we settle in a spot and let her know she can have that area. But she'd enjoy that. Her room is a mess of potted plants right now. [ there is so much that weighs on him in that moment. from keyleth's months alone, the lingering way she'd look at them, her separate house. he doesn't like it, but he also knows that there's very little he can do about it.
at least right now. that won't stop him from worrying. and then he's moving, and vex is checking her braid, and he pulls himself out of that line of thinking. later, when he has time to go talk to keyleth. then he'll figure out how to handle it. ]
Like a teacher? [ the incredulous look he gives her is more hypocritical than anything else. it's not so far fetched an idea, he knows, but giving demos and selling items? really? still, he knows her intentions are good, so he does make the effort to at least look like he's thinking about it. especially for the sake of coin. he probably won't, but for vex's sake he will look curious. ]
I'll keep it in mind. [ another shrug-off, but what can you do. it's vax.
then, suddenly, is that feeling again. like something is off. only it's heightened tenfold because it's vex, and nothing should ever be off with his sister. so he watches her, totally unfazed by the reaction she's giving him, both brows raised. is she still trying....they've already had this talk. what is the point of pretending otherwise. ]
Just...well? [ an expectant pause, before vax sighs. ] Sister, last I came to visit you both you- [ and then the thought hits him, sudden and overwhelming, like walking into an invisible wall or not seeing grog come in for a body-slam. he blinks, then his brows furrow. ] There's nothing...you want to talk about?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-09-29 09:23 pm (UTC)He swears, and she's almost tempted to turn around just to see if she can catch him crossing his fingers while doing so. But she doesn't, and Vex just huffs again, pulling her other leg up so she's cross legged on the thin blanket. There's just enough room for her to do that, and for Vax to sit comfortably without being nudged off his bed. ]
[a chuckle follows - she can just about picture one of these spaces half full of greenery spilling off window sills and shelves.] Somehow that doesn't surprise me. Well, if we can't get a garden, then she at least needs a room to grow things in. And a prayer room for Pike! ..And you, I guess? [she bites her lip; she hasn't really thought to ask about her friends' godly patrons - perhaps now is as good a time as any?] Any word from Her, out of interest?
Well, more like demonstrator, I guess. But I suppose teaching could work, too? [he's far more patient than she is, after all. Well, on some matters moreso than others. Setting aside that business with that Kynan kid, Vax could do a pretty good job, in her eyes. There's a shrug.] Would being a teacher really be so weird? Assuming there's no one like Asum here who could make use of your talents if our joint "being Vox Machina" doesn't pay the bills. But we can worry about that after we see some of the jobs Highwind digs up.
[She's just trying to do her best to keep as many options open as possible. Hence why she started talking to him about mercenary work in Olympia to begin with.]
[ If anyone would recognise that Vex'ahlia was lying, even with her exceptional gift of the gab, her brother Vax'ildan is it. And there isn't a trace of it in her speech, not in the puzzled looking and headtilt, expression edging into a rather familiar discomfort. ]
I'm not sure what you're asking. [or rather, she has a theory, but first:] And, what do you mean, 'came to visit'? [the bafflement is there, frown forming as an icy finger of discomfort runs its way down her back.] Where did you go that the rest of us haven't been lately?
..This isn't another one of your "keep your eyes open" talks is it, because now is really not the time or place, Brother.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-02 05:12 pm (UTC)She's also got a pet. [ he's quiet for a second, thinking about the room, about their conversation. ] A little bird. [ and....now he waits for the quippy comment from his sister. because he knows it's coming.
he snorts at vex's complicated tone regarding the raven queen, shrugging even if she can't see it from behind her hair. ] Worry about Pike first. She'd like a prayer room, and I can figure something else out in the mean time. [ he knows he should be putting more attention to it. knows that his time in zephrah had been spent slowly getting better. every whitestone trip had been with the understanding that some of that time would be praying. would be giving service. percy had built that temple for them both, hadn't he? vax falls, a bit distractedly, into that line of thought so much that it takes a moment before he realizes his sister has asked him a question.
he worries at his lower lip. ] No. [ a pause, and then a sigh. ] Not that I got many words from her back home, either, but it's...different. I still have some of the use of my magic here but no...connection? I guess? To her. [ he doesn't feel like he's constantly being watched, which is the biggest thing, but he also doesn't want to talk to his sister about his battle with the crushing weight of paying back that debt. she doesn't need to worry about it. he doesn't want her to worry about it.
he makes a noncommittal noise at the idea. ] Maybe. It'll depend on how well the jobs pay. I'll think about it. [ and he actually will. because while he'll never think of himself as the teaching type, if it'll help get kids off the street? why not?
but then the conversation shifts. they're sitting side by side again, and vax is watching her, and vex isn't lying. isn't playing a game. isn't playing coy. as she asks her questions, his brow continues to furrow even further, his frown a bit thinner.
then he remembers his conversation with keyleth, and vax's stomach lurches. ] Sister. [ with the kind of tone that makes it obvious how serious he's being, no matter what is about to come out of his mouth. ] What's the last thing you remember doing before the Storm? And you were brought here?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-02 08:51 pm (UTC)A pet. [echo echo. she can't quite hide the grin that starts forming] A bird? It's not a raven, is it?
I can worry about you both, even if I would prefer to ensure I don't have reason to. [she rubs a finger along the pleats of her braid, tipping her head slightly to one side.] May be worth checking if the temple district allows worship for gods other than the Moon-- You know, Zahra would think that's hilarious, and right up her alley-- because who knows if someone who follows Sarenrae or the Raven Queen were here before us.
[ or, you know. don't encourage worship of other gods, and they'll need to keep it on the downlow. That could also be a legit cause for concern here.
As it is, she turns a little, watching his face as he chews on his lip, and there's a light bump of her shoulder to his. Vex doesn't consider her life as something held in the balance, but she knows her brother. She's well aware of why he's in the Raven Queen's service to begin with, but You've still got me, she thinks, so that means something. Or should. She doesn't say anything more on that, however.
Instead, she's watching him watching her, trying to figure out what he's digging for, trying to fathom what it is he wants to know. This isn't his own brand of heart-on-sleeve sharing, either, not with how his lips twist and his expression grows so stern and serious. She doesn't like it. Doesn't like that herald of bad news that easily rival's the gun of the same name.]
What is..? [She shifts on the bed, brown eyes locked with brown, trying to get a bead on why he's asking this] We were on the Deera, night time. You were with me, and Trinket, up on the deck, looking at the stars. [is he serious? ..he really honestly is asking that question. She can feel her back stiffening] Heading south from Ank Harel, across the Ozmit, had maybe less than half a day until we reached Glintshore.
Remember?
[ He...does remember. Doesn't he? ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-02 10:37 pm (UTC)now, though, he can have a semblance of a time outside of that. one where he has a cramped room in the same house on some kind of new land that he's, apparently, supposed to live. but that's another thing to think about for another time, because right now? vex is giving him that look and vax is rolling his eyes. ] No. It's a little blue thing. Very chipper. [ he's not jealous he's not jealous he's not jealous-
but then there are gods and the religious district and vax just shakes his head. he's gotten better at it, yes. he's accepted his role for it. but talks about temples and talking to other worshipers and possibly dealing...vax shakes his head. ] I don't know if the Orbiters really want us messing with that, you know? I'll probably try and do some research, but I might...hold off on asking if I can set something up for the Raven Queen in the district just yet. [ is vax avoiding all of that? just a little bit. but also there's a whole lot more he feels like they should focus on instead.
like, for instance, this whole issue with memories. and time. and things being off. he still hasn't quite wrapped his head around it from his conversation with keyleth, but it hadn't even occurred to him that vex would be off too. except that it starts to settle in, and when he asks the question and she watches him in return, his stomach drops out from under him. ]
Deera? Heading to...Glintshore? [ he asks, as if trying to remember himself. which, all things considered, is a bit harder to place. the amount that had happened over the last year for him is hard to keep straight on its own, nevermind trying to remember specific moments. days. things that happened. he does know the deera. he remembers the crew. captain damon. the last time he saw them, it'd been-
vax freezes his eyes going wide at the sudden realization he has. not about thordak, not about the conclave, but about a time before. when they'd been searching out the vestiges, their chase around the land. he remembers the cloak, whisper, their journey to get there. it had felt so long ago that it didn't really seem important to bring up before now, but with the way vex and percy had been acting, how frustrating it had been to watch, it suddenly...makes more sense. ]
I...remember. We were chasing after Ripley.
[ if vex is watching close enough, she probably sees a very unfamiliar look cross over vax's face. a look that he had never really experienced before. a two part thought of she doesn't know and do i tell her happening all at once. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-03 12:18 am (UTC)Something in that look scares her. Just a little, just enough, that one hand sinks into the fabric next to her, vice grip turning knuckles white. The other tightens around her braid. ]
Right. Glintshore. We were going after Ripley to take the vestiges she stole back. And then beat the ever living shit out of her for Percy. [to put it mildly.
(She has no idea.)
Vex had never heard Percy admit to fear before. not for anyone, not even when facing down the Briarwoods. Not as he had in the tavern, hunched over his ale and barely meeting anyone's eye, self-loathing for such fear evident. Vex wanted that woman dead, for his sake, because that woman had done such harm, and would do so again if left unchecked.
And now here again is a Look, a different look that she doesn't understand, dredging up an entirely different sense of dread. Vex doesn't know what it is her brother sees, what he's thinking, and she doesn't like it. Not at all. ]
..What's wrong? Vax? [she swallows, tongue suddenly leaden] What do you remember?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-03 12:58 am (UTC)briefly, he wonders if this is how keyleth has felt since they arrived. if this is what she's been carrying. vax feels like he understands that look she has been giving him a little better now, not that it does anything to the dark curl of guilt there. ]
Right. [ he repeats her word without really thinking about it, his eyes moving from her to his lap to the room around them. for whatever reason, knowing that vex doesn't know - know what? the list is endless. where does he even start? the vestiges, thordak, raishan, percy. does he tell her? could he? what was important, and what wasn't worth the time? - makes vax unsure of himself. a pillar of his life he'd always had, now...what?
it's not panic that constricts his throat, but certainly something close to it. but before letting it overwhelm him, he takes a breath, his eyes still to the floor as he starts. ] Keyleth told me about this- this thing. [ which, really, is a fair place to start. ] I don't understand it. I don't know what it means. But they do something to some of our memories. We can all be together, but when we wake up here not all of us remember everything. You- [ this time when vax looks at her, it's with a tired, scared kind of look, brows slanted and eyes wide. she's seen that one, they both know she has. lost and helpless and young. he searches her face for some kind of tell, some idea of how she's reacting to all of this. vax doesn't want to hurt her, would never do anything to hurt her, but he also doesn't want to lie to her. ]
The last thing I remember is over a year later from when we went to Glintshore, Vex'ahlia. And for Keyleth, it's been even longer.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-03 05:12 am (UTC)All this from one question. And now he won't even look at her, and she tries to duck her head a little, trying not to let her own distress show. ]
Brother? [she tries not to let her voice sound as worried as she feels, but can't quite manage a tentative smile] A thing..? Memories? [what. she tries to follow, but she's distinctly confused. He remembers, but maybe he's also..forgotten? But no, that's not quite right either. there's a flicker of outrage though, back stiffening] They did something to us while we were asleep? But, what, why?
[ She's confused, he's confusing. And then her breath stalls out. ]
A year? But.. But how can that.. [Lifting her hand from the blanket, she rests a hand on the side of his face, making him keep even gaze with her.] A year?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-03 03:09 pm (UTC)vax can't meet her eyes just yet. not when he tilts her head to try and see him. but then there's her voice, worried and tilted even when she tries to not make it so, and he hates it. he shakes his head at her questions, his brow furrowed as he does so. ] I don't know. I don't know any details, she didn't want to talk about it-
[ all of a sudden, he understands. he gets it. he doesn't want to talk about what happened, he doesn't want to add all of that to vex's plate. but lying to vex had never been something he was good at. was this lying? lying by omission?
her hand settles on his face, and he looks at her, keeps his gaze on hers despite how much he does want to pull away. how much that age old urge has him thinking about running. somewhere. anywhere. but he won't, because the only place he'd ever run to had always been to her.
at the question, he gives her a slow nod. ] At least. I don't know how, or why, but when I agreed to this whole thing it had been much, much later than Glintshore. We stopped Ripley, we got the Vestigates, we- [ brought percy back. but he can't say that, can he? can't drop that on her. when he exhales, his shoulders drop with it, unsure of how to deal with this with vex. were it anyone else, vax would be find not to share it all. it would unnecessarily complicate everything, so why bother? except this is vex, this is his other half. ]
Not that it matters, I guess. [ when those words escape, they're quiet. unsure. vax takes in a breath and then leans forward, setting his forehead on vex's shoulder. ] You're okay. Everyone's...okay.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 01:32 am (UTC)So much has passed and it doesn't matter?! Vax, you can't be serious about that part, in the very least. That's...so much time lost.
We'll just..have to find some way to get them back. And even if we can't.. [hand drifts up into his hair when he ducks his head forward, letting him rest against her shoulder while she stares at the beads woven there, then past him to the wall. She knows how much Vax depends on her, and there's a knot of guilt forming, almost unreasonably upset at herself for causing her brother pain however inadvertently.] We are okay. We're both here, and we're both alive, and everyone's --almost all here.
[ She falls silent for a minute, trying to deal with this sudden revelation that's been dropped into their laps, and her hand stills at the back of her brother's head. Her voice is almost tiny, but the need for clarification, for confirmation is clear. ]
...but we won? Against Vorugal, and Raishan. [a beat] Thordak. We won?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 01:57 am (UTC)vax realizes he needs to stop thinking it will all be as easy as he wanted it to be. their world ended, and some otherworldly beings came down to save them. it would be too much to assume it would all stay the same. ]
I don't know if we can, but we can try. [ he wants to try, but also, he wonders if he should. having vex remember everything would be easier, yes, but wouldn't it inadvertently cause her more pain? with all that they've lost. with all that's happened. if he could spare her all of that pain....
but then there is that shift to her tone. and vax is suddenly aware of what could be going through her head. he pulls away from her then to find her eyes, his own intense and serious. ] We are. [ he confirms, like there was ever a question. ] We were back home, and we are here. Everyone else will wake up, and then when they do we can really figure out what's going on... [ he shakes his head, suddenly realizing how what he said came out and wanting to right it. but then there are her questions, and vax calms briefly, the small smile more subconscious than anything. ]
Yes, sister. [ because that much he can tell her. ] Tal'dorei is safe. Or- was. [ the storm is another issue entirely that he's not sure he wants to get into. that, and what keyleth had told him. it all gets so much worse. does that mean that if they get their memories back, if they get them all back, they'll get those too?
no, he can't worry about that. for now, he just smiles at vex, leaning forward to set his forehead against her's and letting his eyes close. ] We won.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-04 06:16 pm (UTC)There's definitely more than meets the eye here. [She didn't miss that trailing thought, Vax.] They could be scattering the lot of us across this whole world, but they're not. Instead, we're all centered here. And seem to think it's where we need to be.
[ Neither twin is a fan of destiny, of fate - particularly the fate-touched sibling who offered himself in her place. Yet she can at least thank them for keeping her with her family, incomplete memories or otherwise. ]
..Fuck. So all of that was worth it. ..Even if the Storm overtook Tal'dorei, we did it. We..won. [she can't help but smile as at least some relief crashes down, washes over her like a wave, voice full of affection.] You fuck! You could have fucking led with that, you know! [she shoves his chest hard, before resettling so they can sit forehead to forehead once more.
She just really wishes she could remember that victory.]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-05 09:14 pm (UTC)he smirks a little at vex's thought. ] Gods can't keep us apart. They've tried that already. [ is that offensive? should he be worrying about the raven queen listening it? either way, he feels better for it. falling back into a comfortable place for them. them against the world, gods and destiny be damned. ] But it certainly makes things easier. [ no, she's right. they should be thankful that they all ended up in the same side of this world, in the same town, close enough to hear jenga being yelled out across a market square. he doesn't really know what he'd be doing right now if he hadn't found them when he did, but that's also not something he needs to worry about.
her relief is palpable, and vax feeds off it. unable to keep the way his smile matches hers. he even lets her shove against his chest, laughing a bit too as their foreheads came back together. he wants to tell her. tell her how they followed thordak down into the sewers. how they took on the greatest of dragons, the entire conclave. how they won. but he's no wordsmith, he knows he'll fuck it up somehow, so instead he just closes his eyes and calms his heart.
it'll be fine. they'll deal with this. vex is safe and she is alive and their family is all together, complicated as always. ] And ruin the surprise? [ his grin grows a bit at that. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-06 07:49 pm (UTC)They're probably more afraid of the damage we'd do from trying to keep us apart. [because vox machina are pretty damned dangerous on a bad day] And since we're centralised, when Grog and Scanlan wake up, it'll be easier for them to find us too.
[ And Gilmore, and Allura and Kima, and Velora and and and and the potential list is endless. But she doesn't dwell on the present. Instead, there's that nebulous future-past that lies between her and Vax, and that grin gets another thump and a huff. ]
I hate you. [she doesn't and he knows it, especially given her answering grin] All right, fine, so what other surprises are you keeping from me that I should know about?
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-09 08:03 pm (UTC)for now, vex is safe. and keyleth is safe. and pike and percy are here with grog and tary and scanlan, apparently, up in the pods. he can move forward with that and find footing with that. and if it keeps bothering vex, well. that's something he can deal with at that time. later. when he has a better idea of what he wants to do with it.
for now, he can work with this. ]
Yeah, you're probably right. [ she usually is.
and then there's scanlan, and vax pauses for a moment, already in on the- ] And Tary- [ before realizing everything that comes around it. he's got to be better about that, he realizes, and gives a sigh. ]
A lot...happens. But what's important is that we won, and we're all safe. The last thing I remember was a bit of...downtime, as crazy as that sounds. But we have the time and it's...good. [ his smile is a bit...weighted, there. not bad weighted, but interesting. the idea of vex staying back with percy, becoming the mistress of the grey hunt, a baroness, all of these things he doesn't want to take from her. not in simple, easy ways he would list them off. ] Really good. You open a bakery.
(no subject)
Date: 2017-10-18 07:11 pm (UTC)But for now, there's a new situation and between the two of them, they'll be able to pull their found family through it.
A mentioned name gets a blank look, however. ]
Who?
So it would seem. [lips purse a moment] I'd say that's almost too good to be true, given how much we'll need it when we're done.. But I guess we are done, huh. [she brushes her fringe from her eyes, then squints at him] A bakery. [..uh huh.]