vax'ildan, of vox machina (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
othlir) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
asgardgenesis2019-11-25 07:10 pm
othlir) wrote in asgardgenesis2019-11-25 07:10 pm
first: video
[ The video begins with a bit of jostling, but when it finally settles, a handsome half-elf man is sat there. He's taken one of Frigg's rooms and decorated it with a bunch of plants and feathers, trying to give it an air of home. It's not quite working, but he'll take it.
He grins at the camera, gives a little two-fingered salute. ]
All right, Asgard. I'll admit you've got some interesting stuff here. That party wasn't too shabby, for one.
I'm here because— well, mostly I'm looking for some people. My family. If you've heard the name Vox Machina I'd like to speak to you, but if you haven't, I've also got some visual aids just in case you've come across them and not realized it.
[ He shifts, picking something up from just out of frame. Turns out it's a sheaf of papers, and he reveals them one by one as he lists people off. Of course there are illustrations, because who knows how good everyone's imaginations are. ]
This one isn't the brightest — he looks like he could kill you though, and he probably will if you piss 'im off, but really he's a big softie. Likes drinking and hitting things, sometimes at the same time. He's massive, got grey skin, lots of tattoos and a handsome beard. Name's Grog, though sometimes he goes by Phillip, or the Grand Poobah.
Then there's two little ones, about yea high [ and he gestures to about three feet off the ground ]; one likes to sing and will try to charm you out of your pants, and the other is actually charming, probably one of the best people I know. The singer's Scanlan, and if he asks you about spices, just ignore him. The other's Pickle — Pike, and she is just the absolute best, honestly. Brunet and white-haired, respectively, like you can see in the drawings.
There're also two that are more my stature: one's got red hair and wears antlers, and actually now that I think about it, she's taller than me, too. Sometimes she turns into a rock, or an eagle. She can be kind of airheaded, but she's incredibly earnest and does her best. That's Keyleth, also known as the Voice of the Tempest. She's got pointy ears too, same as I've got.
The other one's Percy. Short white hair, bit of a prick sometimes. He wears glasses and builds guns, and is also probably one of the richest bastards I've ever met. Seems to have a penchant for talking to demons; if you see him doing it, you're welcome to punch him for me. Also, my sister's married to him, so she'd definitely like to hear from him.
Speaking of my sister — this one's a long shot, but has anyone seen a big bear? Wears armor, also a really big softie. He likes chocolate and belly rubs and is the best nephew a man could want.
[ Once he's gone through the roster, there's a pause — no, he didn't need to draw Tary. He's home and safe with his family. This is fine, instead. So he sets the papers aside before leaning his head on a hand, pursing his lips a bit. ]
If you've not seen any of them, maybe you can help me with something else. Has anyone here even heard of Pelor? Sarenrae? [ There's some small, almost imperceptible trepidation as he adds: ] The Raven Queen? If any of those names are familiar, I'd like to have a word. Thanks.
[ ooc: I found a super old post I was super proud of and wanted to reuse my bad drawings; please feel free to give Vax shit for them!! My feelings won't be hurt, I promise. And in case you were wondering, there is absolutely one for Vex as well; since she's here, though, she's left off the list. ]
He grins at the camera, gives a little two-fingered salute. ]
All right, Asgard. I'll admit you've got some interesting stuff here. That party wasn't too shabby, for one.
I'm here because— well, mostly I'm looking for some people. My family. If you've heard the name Vox Machina I'd like to speak to you, but if you haven't, I've also got some visual aids just in case you've come across them and not realized it.
[ He shifts, picking something up from just out of frame. Turns out it's a sheaf of papers, and he reveals them one by one as he lists people off. Of course there are illustrations, because who knows how good everyone's imaginations are. ]
This one isn't the brightest — he looks like he could kill you though, and he probably will if you piss 'im off, but really he's a big softie. Likes drinking and hitting things, sometimes at the same time. He's massive, got grey skin, lots of tattoos and a handsome beard. Name's Grog, though sometimes he goes by Phillip, or the Grand Poobah.
Then there's two little ones, about yea high [ and he gestures to about three feet off the ground ]; one likes to sing and will try to charm you out of your pants, and the other is actually charming, probably one of the best people I know. The singer's Scanlan, and if he asks you about spices, just ignore him. The other's Pickle — Pike, and she is just the absolute best, honestly. Brunet and white-haired, respectively, like you can see in the drawings.
There're also two that are more my stature: one's got red hair and wears antlers, and actually now that I think about it, she's taller than me, too. Sometimes she turns into a rock, or an eagle. She can be kind of airheaded, but she's incredibly earnest and does her best. That's Keyleth, also known as the Voice of the Tempest. She's got pointy ears too, same as I've got.
The other one's Percy. Short white hair, bit of a prick sometimes. He wears glasses and builds guns, and is also probably one of the richest bastards I've ever met. Seems to have a penchant for talking to demons; if you see him doing it, you're welcome to punch him for me. Also, my sister's married to him, so she'd definitely like to hear from him.
Speaking of my sister — this one's a long shot, but has anyone seen a big bear? Wears armor, also a really big softie. He likes chocolate and belly rubs and is the best nephew a man could want.
[ Once he's gone through the roster, there's a pause — no, he didn't need to draw Tary. He's home and safe with his family. This is fine, instead. So he sets the papers aside before leaning his head on a hand, pursing his lips a bit. ]
If you've not seen any of them, maybe you can help me with something else. Has anyone here even heard of Pelor? Sarenrae? [ There's some small, almost imperceptible trepidation as he adds: ] The Raven Queen? If any of those names are familiar, I'd like to have a word. Thanks.
[ ooc: I found a super old post I was super proud of and wanted to reuse my bad drawings; please feel free to give Vax shit for them!! My feelings won't be hurt, I promise. And in case you were wondering, there is absolutely one for Vex as well; since she's here, though, she's left off the list. ]
no subject
Excuse me? ]
I'm─ What?
[ See Vex'ahlia, mouth agape, torn between fury and confusion. ]
Who told you?
no subject
[ It doesn't hit him at first.
And then he realizes what he'd said about Percy.
Oh sh— ]
Listen, Vex— [ Can he salvage this? He's not so sure. There's a bit of a wince. ] It's fine, okay?
no subject
[ Run Vax, she's getting suspicious of you now. ]
in the distance, a herd of crabs starts screaming "now you fucked up"
It's fine. This is fine. Maybe. He doesn't want to lie to her. Won't lie, not to his sister. But maybe if he conveniently leaves some things out.... ]
...would you believe me if I said Percival told me? I don't think he meant to, either.
haha, you're in danger.
She opens her mouth, pauses, and closes it again. ]
I... Actually I would, but still begs the question of why he told you.
this is fine. how soon can he clear out of frigghaus and disappear into the woods. THIS IS FINE
[ He remembers how Keyleth had reacted, once they'd known Vex was safe and accepted by Pelor. Remembers the look on Percy's face when he realized. ]
We were— discussing you, sister. [ It's not a lie!! She can't get mad at him. That's how this works!! ] And he..let slip that you were betrothed.
are you sure you wanna go out into the woods buddy?
If I didn't love him so much I would strangle him. [ Exhale. ] I was planning on telling you but... [ Reasons. ] Anyway when did this happen?
hey far as he knows they're fine okay
[ It's said jokingly, maybe?? He can relax a little??
And then she asks when it happened. Hm. Hmm. ]
Not long ago. Maybe a couple of weeks? [ But— hey. She doesn't get to be mad that he didn't tell her he knew; she didn't tell him at all, and they're twins. So there's a little bit of a frown. ] Honestly though— why didn't you tell me? It's.. fine if you didn't want to invite me. You could have at least said something, though.
she'll still find you
[ Vax, you walked right into that one. ]
A couple of weeks for you maybe. [ Wait, did he just turn this on her? How dare he turn this on her? The fact is that he's hiding things from her and she is by no means pleased by it. ] Vax, no.. in what world would you think I wouldn't want you there? It was spur of the moment and I told you not to go off and get married without telling me... Which in hindsight was incredibly hypocritical of me.
We were planning on telling you, really, but with Scanlan's return and the ziggurat.. it never seemed like the right time.
liam neeson voice: i will find you. and i will kill you.
[ He walked right into it. He totally did. He's still mortified.
Still. There are more important things at hand, and he sighs. ]
It was hypocritical, a bit. All you had to do was pull me aside, Vex'ahlia. [ Is he leaning into the guilt trip? Yes. Yes he is. His sister is sharp as a tack and he knows it, but the more he can distract from the details of how he'd learned of her marriage, the better. ] You know we could have talked about it when we got a free moment. And Keyleth was so upset. Percy's her best friend, you know.
*exactly*
Vex'ahlia exhales heavily, hand coming to her face to pinch the bridge of her nose. Is he trying to guilt her? It definitely feels that he is and she isn't happy about it. When her hand falls her expression becomes just a little sharp, nails tapping against the grip of her bow. ]
A free moment? Darling, we haven't had a free moment since Scanlan came back. I might not know what happened after Deliah Briarwood disappeared into the orb but I'm sure there wasn't much down to time to talk about secret weddings. [ Don't do this to her, Vax. ] I am sorry, Vax, but don't you sit there and try to make me feel guilty when you're hiding more than I can possibly imagine.
no subject
[ But hey, those words catch him up, and he knows that he can't completely deny them. Vax pauses, frowns, and then sighs. Closes his eyes, and there's a mirroring gesture as he pinches at the bridge of his own nose before brushing a hand back through his hair. ]
I'm not— [ But that's a lie, and he won't lie. Not to her. What can he tell her, instead? ] Vex'ahlia. Ask me anything. I will not lie to you, my twin.
no subject
Ask me anything. I will not lie to you, my twin. ]
Where are you, brother?
[ She can't have this conversation over these bracelets, or even their earrings that no longer work. She has to see him, she has to look him directly in the eye. ]
no subject
Just in my room.
[ Honestly, he doesn't want to. He doesn't know what she'll ask, doesn't know what should be told. He could tell her everything. That Delilah had been successful, that Vecna had nearly destroyed Vasselheim. He could tell her just about everything—
—but if she asks about the Raven Queen, he doesn't know what he'll say. Vax is somber as he looks at his sister's image on the screen. ]
Do you want me to meet you somewhere?
no subject
Vex exhales, naps tapping at the grip of her bow again. ]
You'll answer whatever I ask? No more secrets, not between us.
[ Once again they are all each other has. Separated for their family, their loved ones. Can they really afford to have secrets? ]
Come to the edge of the forest, Vax'ildan. I'll be waiting for you.
video > action!
[ Then there's a nod, before: ] I'll be there soon.
[ And about ten to fifteen minutes later, Vax appears, decked out in his full armor. He doesn't know if they'll run into anything dangerous from the forest, still hasn't quite forgiven Asgard for throwing zombies at them as soon as they arrived. But if he and his sister are going to have A Conversation, he wants to be prepared for it.
There's a small smile as he walks up to her, brushes a leaf out of her hair. ]
Hi, sis.
no subject
Does something happen to you, Vax? Did she take you after we defeated Vecna?
[ Not beating around the bush today. ]
no subject
Still. He'd promised to answer her questions truthfully. ]
Yes. [ It takes a minute for him to find his voice properly. ] Not long after the battle.
She came for me, and then I woke up here.
no subject
The answers comes like a knife to her chest; too sudden, expected and unexpected in equal parts. Vex'ahlia breathes in, sharply, emotions rushing to her with such ferocity that Fenthras falls from her grip. And her knees buckle second after, sending her crumbling to the dirt below. ]
No...
[ Hands are quick to cover her mouth as she tries to hold back her tears, hot and stinging, but she has little success. Choked sounds first, followed by shoulders shaking, then the first tears falling despite her protest. ]
How...? Why...? Was this the price you had to pay for my life? Is that what she demanded of you when you became her champion? Your life for mine?
[ With her words come more tears, flowing so fiercely she knows her makeup is running, the dam bursting open. Why him? Why Vax'ildan? Her brother, her twin, her other half, why did she take one of the few things she loves so much it hurts. ]
I-I don't accept this, I can't accept this.
no subject
It wasn't your fault, Vex'ahlia. [ It's the first thing he has to say, the main thing he needs her to know. ] This was always bound to happen. We all have— had a destiny, and this was mine. I offered it to her, freely, of my own choice. You know that I would give anything for you, sister. That will always be true, no matter what.
[ There's a bit of a laugh at those words, then, though it's devoid of any mirth. Vax closes his eyes, leans his head against hers. ]
Do you want to know something funny? That's the exact same thing you said when she came. But it's okay, Vex'ahlia. It's all right. I need you to know that, okay? We stopped Vecna. We saved the world. And no matter how far our paths diverge, you are always with me, and I am always with you. You know that.
no subject
She hates this. All of it.
Vex'ahlia buries her face in his chest, breathing in the familiar smell of leather and lavender, barely able to hold back another sob. ]
Why did it have to be your life, Vax? When did it become your life? [ After all the hours pouring over books, she was never completely able to uncover the Raven Queen's plans. She couldn't figure out what she wanted with Vax, if she accepted the oath Vex'ahlia had sworn that day in Vesrah. Had she always intended on taking his life? ] It isn't alright, you're going to leave me and I...
I'm going to have part of myself ripped away from me.
( text )
I'd ask a God if I were you. Maybe they'd give him to you if you both ask enou gh.
text.
Could they do that, though? I guess I haven't looked too deeply into them — while the gods I know are pretty powerful in their domains, they're still limited to just that. If he's not exactly Trinket, I think she'll just be madder than anything.
video;
I met a girl asking about a bear! Maybe that's your sister?
video;
Very possibly. I don't know many girls who frolic with bears; did she happen to look a bit like me, with blue feathers in her hair?
video;
he takes a moment to think back and remember what she looked like, since he'd been so distracted by talk of the bear that he hadn't really considered what she looked like all that much. eventually though, he nods. ]
I think so, yeah. She was really worried about the fact that magic from home doesn't work here.
no subject
[ He'd almost said wings. Gotta be careful of that. ]
I dunno if she told you — normally she keeps him in her necklace, we weren't sure if he was still in there, if he could breathe or not. Gods, that'd be horrible, wouldn't it?
no subject
[ magic is interesting! he loves to hear about the different versions of it in various worlds. ]
She did mention something about that, yeah. Do you know how the magic actually worked? Like was the bear actually physically kept in the necklace or did it act more like a conduit?
breaks hiatus for this, video
I know the Raven Queen and Pelor, though. The Empire likes them, Sarenrae not so much. [Molly cocks his head to the side now, jewelry glittering as his head moves.] I think I’d quite like to hear that word.
HELLO FRIEND, video
[ But that's surprising, that someone else knows of Pelor and the like. He'd hoped that someone else would be from Exandria, that he and his sister wouldn't be alone — but this is both a comfort and a concern. ] You're in luck, then. I'd actually like to have several words with you. First and foremost: what d'you mean when you say "the Empire?" And how's it possible anyone doesn't like Sarenrae? She's wonderful, I can't imagine anyone would have a problem with her.
no subject
[Molly, you sweet summer child.]
I mean the Dwendalian Empire, over in Wildemount. [He’s not surprised Vax doesn’t know about it, since, after all, it’s not like Molly knows shit-all about Tal’Dorei or Marquet or anywhere else that’s not in his, admittedly limited, experience.] You’d be surprised. The King has a rather sizable problem with Sarenrae. And—all but six of the gods, really, Pelor and the Raven Queen among them. The rest, you could get arrested for worshipping. [He isn’t okay with this, but at the end of the day, there’s not a whole lot he can do about it.]
no subject
[ Oh, but that does give him pause. ]
I'm sorry— did you say Wildemounte? [ Red alert, red alert: ] Do you know anyone by the name of Delilah or Sylas Briarwood? [ He has to check, needs to make sure. This isn't another of their unwitting accomplices, is it? ] And— is that true? They only allow six of the gods over there?
and he just keeps failing his history checks welp
[Oh no, buddy, it's worse.]
Uh. Yes, I did say Wildemount. No, I've never heard of anyone by that name. And yes, at least in the Empire. If you worship anyone other than those six, you get very good at hiding it because the Crownsguard can get very angry about heresy.