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utilitycaster · 8 months

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Talking as players outside the game is an incredibly important part of having good PC/PC D&D relationships, and obviously the characters involved in the relationship talking to each other in meaningful ways is crucial, but I think the importance of talking in-game in depth to other people is really underrated, in that it not only tells the other player what your character is feeling without having to reveal it in-game to them, but also serves to engage other characters in the story and deepen those platonic bonds to the point where they might even serve as confidants or wingmen. To give a bunch of examples and what they achieved:

Vax telling Gilmore he didn't want to string him along made it clear out of game that his feelings towards Keyleth were his priority, even though it happened where the other characters were not able to hear.

Similarly, Vex giving her blessing eventually after her initial resistance signaled to Liam that this would not be a major break between the twins.

Vax asking Vex what she intended to do about her feelings for Percy served not only as an opportunity for her to voice them to someone; it also serves as a big green light for Taliesin as Percy to kiss Vex later that episode (which he had already from Vex's resurrection ritual, but it underscores it).

Pike talking about Scanlan with Keyleth and Vex allows her to make it clear that she does ultimately like a lot of things about him despite sometimes being annoyed, and her talking to him through her earring while Scanlan is very much not there but Sam is at the table also serves as this kind of green light.

Jester asking Veth about kissing in relationship to Fjord lets Travis know where Jester is at and invests Veth in-game in the relationship.

Caleb asking Jester if she's "sweet on [Fjord]" lets her openly reassess her feelings after an intense arc and also indicates in-game that Caleb has noticed.

Beau waiting to hear the sound of thunder signals to Ashley (who was not at the table but who was presumably staying updated on events) that Beau has feelings for Yasha; it also allows those playing Yasha (often Matt for pure RP and Travis in combat) to return that flirting, since the baseline was already established.

Possibly the most obvious example, but Beau and Fjord's conversation on Rumblecusp not only clarifies to the whole table where everyone is (opening the door, for example, for the scenes in the beer garden a few episodes later of Caleb having Fjord and Jester dance together and Caduceus encouraging Yasha to pursue Beau) but very much serves as a green light to Ashley and Laura respectively. This is then mirrored by them talking after Beau has asked Yasha on a date and Fjord and Jester have kissed, and everyone involved can "debrief" with their partners not present in-game.

As mentioned, this is mostly about PC/PC relationships because PC/NPC is an inherently different dynamic mechanically though still should be a conversation, but Veth describing Yeza and Jester asking Caleb about his feelings about Essek both give Matt clues for playing these NPCs and how things might be received.

FRIDA mentioning their crush on FCG to Deanna means it's not a complete surprise to Sam, since it is a very sudden relationship, and lets him prepare and decide how FCG would feel in the moment, and also establishes how Deanna will feel about it.

Similarly in the C3 Uthodurn arc, Fearne going to Chetney about Deanna is an incredibly good move from Ashley (to the point that talking about this is what led me to write this whole post). It lets Travis play out where Chetney is. It lets Aabria therefore hear not only where Chetney is, but also know that Fearne is potentially interested. It establishes a ton of the dynamics for a relationship that out of game everyone knows will not have a full campaign to play out since one of the characters involved is a guest. And finally, it signals to Christian as FRIDA what the situation is in case Deanna confides in them.

#critical role #genuinely this came from hearing snippets of rose city and Ashley's choices as fearne and thinking through some of her greatest hits #and also just thinking about how like...and this is a separate post #but how silly little small talk and joking and tiny reciprocated moments are so much of the connective tissue of a relationship #like...there's a reason why ashley's characters' relationships are good even when she wasn't around a ton in past campaigns #and it's because she does try to make the characters have moments when they can so it will count #the i've seen you a lot line or like that awkward watch early on are tiny but do so much and let Marisha as Beau know to keep going

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burr-ell · 3 months

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A Not-Necessarily-Exhaustive List of Good Moments from C1 1-27:

"I have an intelligence of 6, I know what I'm doing"

"We're here to right wrongs, and right lefts—" "And write comment cards"

Tiberius Kraghammer

Clarota

"We'll explain later. You're on the roof of Osama bin Laden's house"

"We'll be taking your weapons, your armor, and I believe your pride"

Percy making the first trick arrows for Vex after a shopkeep was a dick to her about arrows, which is canonically when she began to fall for him

Keyleth killing that one duergar from the TLOVM flashback

"I encourage violence"

Lady Kima being freed and then pulverizing the corpse of the duergar who'd been torturing her

Matt's fucked up body horror monsters

Scanlan taking a dump on a bed for the first time

Pike's crisis of faith when she slits a duergar's throat with her mace and her holy symbol breaks

When the limited T-shirt run went live and then sold out before Marisha could finish reading the announcement

Vax getting his foot burned off in lava

Scanlan the Kingslayer

"Can I use my Luck feat for this?" "You don't have any feet left"

Kima and Keyleth's argument (it was good, haters eat my shorts)

The origin of The Cube

"I'm Vax that's Vex ->" "I'm Vex that's Vax <-"

"Screw you, I want my final words with you to be indignant and irritated!"

"He has three-quarters cover" "I ignore three-quarters cover :)" "...then fuckin' fire!"

"Some people have no sense of fucking honor!"

Travis's notes that just say "I don't trust Clarota I don't trust Clarota I don't trust Clarota"

Percy reacting to the Briarwoods being namedropped during a council meeting

Meeting Gilmore on-stream for the first time

The Belt of Dwarvenkind and Grog's obsessive attempts to grow a beard

Scanlan's blue-shit-scrying potion

Grog "Philip" Strongjaw vs Kern

Vax giving Minxie!Keyleth a belly rub

The hydra fight and the beef with the Slayer's Take

Episodes 18 and 19, in their entirety, but specifically:

Zahra and Vex's initial rivalry-turned-friendship-turned-"I have a crush on Zahra"

Lyra. She's just. so much. idk of what but she is it

"I'm wearing the pajamas with the buttflap and the buttflap is down. The buttflap is DOWN"

Scanlan introducing himself to Rimefang as Burt Reynolds and then Matt, in his scary dragon voice, calling him "Burt"

"I'm sorry, I'm a genius, I'm sorry! Oh, god I'm clever!"

Zahra killing Rimefang

Percy and Vex working together on a history check (it's important To Me)

Wil Wheaton rolling five Nat 1s. In one session

Keyleth and Vax posing as a married couple to get information

Kash insight-checking Thorbir, believing he has to be actively sabotaging them because no one could possibly be that bad at their job (he's not, he really is just that unlucky)

Wil, playing a dwarven fighter, finally rolling a nat 20...for an insight check

The magic carpet losing its enchantment in a pit of acid and Laura's scream of horror from offscreen

"Rakshasaaaaaaa!" -jazz hands-

Kashaw and Keyleth, which was thankfully reworked in TLOVM but was also hilarious

Vex exasperatedly kissing Grog, portrayed by Laura kissing a bewildered Travis

Tyriok the cartographer

Grog, the Vasselheim merchant, and the first and only time Vex started beef with a retailer

Keyleth recounting a vision she had of her own death

The Aramente trial in Pyrah and a cameo from Thordak

Travis getting a medal from a fan for losing to Kern and Matt making it canon

Grog fighting Kern again and winning

Keyleth getting arrested. For the second time in Vasselheim alone

The first appearance of the man. The myth. The Viktor

Kynan's first appearance and Vax's idea of "tough love"

Percy telling his backstory to the party and them immediately affirming their support for him ("You don't have to get involved in this" "Oh, we are SO involved" "You said you wanted 'em dead!") and Taliesin himself being moved to tears over this

Percy creating Diplomacy

Vax and Keyleth bear-sitting Trinket and braiding pink ribbons into his fur

Gilmore finding out Vax wants to see him and teleporting in from half a continent away

Vax shaving half of Grog's beard and Travis breaking a mechanical pencil with one hand

The feast, where Percy actually threatens the Briarwoods to their faces while disguised as Vax

Vax and the Briarwoods. "Gosh you guys are good-looking"

Vax nearly dying and having a vision of the two people he cares about most: Vex and Keyleth

Sylas jumping out the window and doing a perfect 3-point landing...while Delilah blows the athletics check and faceplants in the dirt

"SYLAS"

Vex scoring two crits on Delilah

Tiberius getting Feebleminded

Percy's attack on Desmond. My horrid little skrunkly <3

"YOUR SOUL IS FORFEIT! DIE! DIE!" and Keyleth skipping her turn to just stare at Percy

Vox Moochina

Keyleth taking charge to save the ember roc

Keyleth conjuring a water elemental and Taliesin gargling water to translate her commands to it

And finally, the conversation between Keyleth and Percy where he privately confesses his own worries that he's going dark and that he's afraid of himself, and she expresses her concern for him and promises to be there for him

anyway c1 good

#critical role #vox machina #percy de rolo #vex'ahlia #vax'ildan #keyleth #grog strongjaw #pike trickfoot #scanlan shorthalt #if c1 is not getting lovemail assume i'm dead

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critter-rarepair-reccs · 3 months

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Hello all! I hope you're having a lovely day. Today I bring you our very first recc list, featuring eighteen fluffy fics! Some are pure schmoop, some come with a side of angst, and a few with a touch of smut as well. You can find them below the cut and I highly encourage you to check them out, and leave kudoes and comments to spread the rarepair love 🩷

To Keep It All In by rabbitxheart (2071 words, Teen) Pairing: Fjord/Caleb Widogast (Widofjord) Warnings: Drug mentions

Fjord touches a weird mushroom thing that makes him high and sick and has to be babysat until the clerics can heal him the next day. While Caleb is sitting with him he tries to make a confession.

Reccer Says: It's really cute and Fjord has sweet moments with Beau and Nott too. Just great sickfic fluff

lips pressed to the palm of your hand by vietbluecoeur (2410 words, General) Pairing: Yussa Errenis/Marion Lavorre (Rubygold) Warnings: None

Yussa does Marion's makeup for her before a performance. She returns the favor. They kiss about it.

Reccer Says: It's just SO beautiful. Every word feels gilded or done up in the cosmetics that cover Marion's vanity. The whole thing is poetry, not least of all the relationship between Yussa and Marion. They're so sweet and you can feel the affection they have for each other in every sentence. The way they banter and tease each other is adorable and Viet's voice for Yussa is also just so fun (let that old man say fuck! XD) Also, the way the title ties into the fic is just so sweet.

a place for us to dream by glossolali (1105 words, General) Pairing: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast (Shadowidomauk) Warnings: None

Essek, Molly, and Caleb share a cozy and domestic summer afternoon.

Reccer Says: I am a sucker for cozy cuddly domestic fluff and for Shadowidomauk and this combines the two in the sweetest package. They're snuggly and in love and it's absolutely wonderful.

cheap wine and new beginnings by bunnymauk (2618 words, Teen) Pairings: Past Lestera/Mollymauk Tealeaf, Hinted Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss (Shadowmauk) Warnings: Referenced drug use, referenced car accident

Essek and Molly leave the club early and hang out at Molly's place together, there's cuddling <3

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

fledgling pledges by hanap (3100 words, Teen) Pairing: Astrid Beck/Eadwulf Grieve/Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast (Blumenshadow) Warnings: None

Caleb, Astrid, and Eadwulf go on a date with Essek, and each try to woo him.

Reccer Says: Its adorable

she said "take care", but i take more than i bring by MouseInTheCastle (3385 words, General) Pairing: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss Warnings: None

Molly and Caleb are together, and Caleb and Essek are together, but Essek and Molly aren't - Essek gets sick and Molly takes care of him

Reccers Says: Warm and fluffy and cozy, very very sweet <3

December's Language is Imprecise Grief by Marvelouska (2688 words, Teen) Pairing: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast (Shadowidomauk) Warnings: None

Molly, Caleb, and Essek staying in the dorms over christmas break, and Molly and Caleb try to make it a great holiday for Essek.

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

someone as lost as you by floralprintshark (6500 words, Teen) Pairing: Beauregard Lionett/Jester Lavorre (Beaujes) Warnings: None

Jester asks Beau about her first kiss. The conversation leads to a question Beau didn't expect.

Reccer Says: It's very sweet and has a lot of mutual pining and disaster lesbian Beau

Thread by Crewe (2256 words, General) Pairing: Fjord/Caleb Widogast (Widofjord) Warnings: None

Fjord and Caleb develop a routine at night, Caleb reading his books and Fjord mending his and his friends' clothes.

Reccer Says: It's quiet and domestic Widofjord from the very beginning of campaign 2.

Maybe by Tulikettu (3389 words, Explicit) Pairing: Shaun Gilmore/Vax'ildan (Vaxmore) Warnings: None

Vax thinks a good cuddle will really set him right. And Shaun must give the best hugs. (Fluffy smut ensues)

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

Vivere, Ridere, Amare by noconceptoflife (20189 words, Mature) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Caleb Widogast Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Anxiety

AU where Caleb meets the Brenattos soon after leaving the asylum and hides with them in plain sight. Pretend poly marriage turns real.

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

The Maps are Gone (So Are Our Footprints Too) by J (6514, Explicit) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Caleb Widogast Warnings: Consensual voyeurism

Yeza knows Caleb and Veth have something special, and decides to show Caleb how best to take care of Veth on their travels.

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

Not Fancy Stuff by CriticalRolemance (3216 words, Teen) Pairing: Shaun Gilmore/Vax'ildan (Vaxmore) Warnings: None

Vax and Gilmore take a moment to forget about the looming existential threat of dragons and have a picnic dinner on the roof of Whitestone Castle.

Reccer Says: All the fics in this series are simple sweet fluff, but this one is probably my favorite. They're just a pair of romantic idiots and they deserve to get to be stupid in love together.

something sweet by roundtriptojupiter (4988 words, General) Pairing: Percy de Rolo/Grog Strongjaw Warnings: None

An oblivious, and very confused Percy, becomes subject to Grog's tribe-specific courting rituals when the goliath gets a crush on him. (He eventually gets the hint)

Reccer Says: It's a very niche ship written in a way that feels very authentic to the characters. It also completely got me onboard to the possibilities of said ship! As well as that, it's just a well written, very sweet fic. A great way to get acquainted with what is probably one of Vox Machina's rarest pairings.

The Scientist's Guide to Being Loved by tangereen (1237 words, Teen) Pairing: Eadwulf Grieve/Essek Thelyss (Esswulf) Warnings: None

Essek tries to figure out if Eadwulf is in love with him using logic.

Reccer Says: Essek is a goofy little guy trying to use science to explain emotions. I think it's cute.

bifurcation of heart and bone by 917651827 (2372 words, Explicit) Pairing: Eadwulf Grieve/Essek Thelyss (Esswulf) Warnings: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics

After his pregnancy, Essek can transform his body and fuck his partner the way he prefers.

Reccer Says: This esswulf focused entry in an Astrid/Eadwulf/Essek/Caleb series is so sweet! After he gives birth, Essek is able to get his dick back and fuck Eadwulf. They're both so loving and gentle with each other. It makes my heart burst!

Through the Years by piratesPencil (5649 words, Mature) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast Warnings: None

Scenes of how Caleb and Essek and the Brenattos' relationship grows over several years and they eventually form a polycule.

Reccer Says: I love each one on one scene between Essek and the others. Also great demi Essek feels 💕

And we have two reccs for; Today I Love You Even More by wtgw (5687 words, Teen) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Caleb Widogast Warnings: None

Yeza encourages Veth to pursue her crush and is surprised when he ends up developing one of his own. Takes place in Xhorhas between the time Yeza is rescued and the time they’re able to relocate him; a very sweet fic about Yeza slowly falling for and awkwardly romancing the Wizard boyfriend his wife picked up on the road.

Reccer 1 Says: I loooooove Yeza's characterization his dynamic with not just Veth and Caleb but the rest of the nein is great Reccer 2 Says: I always love any story fleshing out Yeza and his personality+motivations, and this one does it so well! His patience and kindness in letting Nott persue Caleb, and then his own developing feelings, are just so endearing and fun to read about.

Thank you for joining us for our very first recc list! We'll be doing these every Wednesday for the foreseeable future 🩷 All enclosed recommendations were submitted by the community via our submissions form, which you can find here. All fic information is as it was provided by the reccer, so it may not be accurate to the author's intent or the precise contents of the fic itself. Please assume good intent from all parties 🩷

Submissions for next week's list are already open! We'll be featuring Modern AUs. If you have any you'd like to highlight, you can send them in here. The week after that, the theme is Whump, and you can also submit fics for that now!

If you want more rarepair fic, check out @cr-summer-wildflowers and their event collections on ao3! If you want some friendship after all this romance, take a look at @critter-genfic-events and their recc lists! And if you're interested in everyone's favorite wizards, you can't go wrong with the lists at @aeor-is-for-reccing !

Thanks all and have a lovely day/night/timezone! 🩷

#critter rarepair recc lists #yeza x veth x caleb #esswulf #shadowmauk #beaujes #vaxmore #shadowidomauk #blumenshadow #widofjord #rubygold #percy x grog #yeza x veth x essek x caleb #critical role #cr fanfic

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vethbrenatto · 1 year

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TLOVM S2 E1: Thoughts

OH NO! The guy who thought scanlan was hot is dead

Raishan really is that bitch isn’t she?

If these dragons are bad why are they sick as hell

“And I’m so glad you’re alive too, Scanlan!” ahskfkfl

THIS VAX’ILMORE MOMENT MY HEART OH MY GOD- they just really GET gilmore

“Lock the gates!” Followed by the dragon smashing directly through the gates is so funny

Best Characterization: Gilmore I guess? Not a lot of character content, mostly a setup episodes

TLOVM S2 E2: Thoughts

FIRST MATT NPC!!

Vax your sexy death visions are sooo cool

Writing Zahra in as Vex’s “”””old friend”””” I see. So glad they fucked in canon

Ladies is it gay to wear your “””old friend”””’s feather on ur shirt

I thought the episode was a little scattered (trying to do too much- Groon, Vasselheim’s Council, Slayer’s Take) but I will say the payoff of the climax with Groon and Grog + the sphinx reading VM to filth.. very good

VICTOR I LOVE YOU

Best characterization: Vex

TLOVM S2 E3: Thoughts

THIS feels like the start of the adventure. The first two episodes did feel like a prologue

Nonono don’t bring my Kashleth heart into this

“Do not go far from me” he did it he said the line!

God Zahra and Vex are giving “you wanna fuck me so bad it makes you look stupid”

HOW THE FUCK ARE THEY GOING TO LEAVE IT THERE I THOUGHT THIS WAS A FOUR EPISODE DROP NOT THREE

best ep of the three by far

Best Characterization: Vax

Overall Thoughts: I think this was a much stronger start than S1, they understand the humor better and I had some real chuckles while watching. The first two episodes did feel like setup but damn did it pick up in 3. Im gonna be haunted by that closing shot. (Also to address my Pikelan agenda I am just asking for crumbs and they can’t even deliver that to me)

#the legend of vox machina #tlovm thoughts #tlovm spoilers

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anonymousonlyanonymoud · 5 months

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The Lost de Rolo Chapter Two

Scries and Answers

Previous Chp Next

After that morning's revelations and decisions, Vox Machina began preparing for their next journey.

Grog, Scanlan, Vex, and Trinket had all gone to the shopping district of Emon to stock up on healing potions, weapons, and whatever else they thought they would need before setting off. But what surprised everyone, was when Vax had declined to go with them.

They may tease him about the flirting between himself and Gilmore, but there was a genuine friendship between the rogue and sorcerer.

So, it felt a bit worrying that Vax was not jumping at the chance to see Gilmore and only gave a half-hearted reason to go to the temple.

Vex had eyed her brother, giving him a look that said 'We will talk about this later,'

Vax responded with one of his own that told her, 'I know,' as he trailed after Percy and Pike.

The three of them walked in silence, Pike's armor being the main sound as they made their way toward the Temple.

The rogue hung back at the end of their little train, his feet feeling like lead as they drew closer to the temple.

He was happy that Percy would get answers for his sister, Vax truly was. What worried the half-elf was the question he needed to ask, and the answer he may receive.

When they entered the temple, there were the usual groups of worshippers praying to Sarenrae and speaking with the clerics mingling around.

Pike weaved her way through the worshippers, stopping before the familiar elderly man dressed in the robes of Sarenrae and thinning hair on the top of his head,

"Father Tristan,"

"Pike Trickfoot. We welcome you and your friends here," The man said while giving the gnome a slight nod,

"Thank you, Father. We need your assistance on a private matter,"

Father Tristan looked between Pike and the two behind her, his eyes squinting a bit at Vax and Percy before nodding and leading them away from the main hall of the temple.

When they were separated from the rest of the groups, Father Tristan asked what they needed,

"I'm sure you've heard of the latest escapade that we went on," Percy said to which the cleric nodded,

"Yes. The tale has spread about your victory against those unholy creatures that subsequently freed our Sovereign and an entire city from their control," He said, "Many have come to pray for those recently freed. For the Everlight to assist Lady Cassandra as she leads your people through the rebuilding of Whitestone, My Lord,"

At first glance, it would seem like hearing himself being referred to as 'Lord' had little effect on Percy. But both Pike and Vax saw him make a small, jerking flinch that went unnoticed by those around them.

Percy managed to clear his throat,

"I... thank you, Father. I will be sure to inform my sister of the support we have here with the Everlight's followers," He straightened his shoulders and began their business as to why they had come.

The older Cleric listened to why they were seeking his help, a frown forming as Percy came to the end of their tale,

"We are aware that the source we got the information from is possibly the most unreliable out there," Vax said,

"That is true," Replied the Cleric, "Though, I can understand the need for truth in this matter,"

Father Tristan went silent for a long moment, deep in visible thought as he pondered the situation before saying, "I shall do what I can to assist you, My Lord. But, am I correct in assuming you have nothing that connects to your sister? No objects or clothing that would have belonged to her?"

Percy shook his head, "No. Everything that belonged to my family was destroyed years ago,"

"I see," Father Tristan hummed, "That will make scrying difficult,"

"But not impossible?" Questioned Pike, a hopeful tone lighting her voice,

"No. Not impossible," He replied.

Father Tristan continued his conversation with Pike and Percy, but Vax had distanced himself from the trio.

The rogue found himself standing before the main altar of Sarenrae and stared up at the image of the Everlight.

He was never one for prayer, especially since he and Vex'ahlia had returned to Byroden and were told that their mother had been killed. But recently... Vax has been unsure as to where to turn for answers.

Ever since the feast, since Sylas Briarwood had used him as a blood bag, Vax had been having...

Dreams? Visions?

It always happened when he was asleep, but they never felt like dreams.

Vax, when he went to sleep, would fall. However, it wasn't like falling from a cliff. It was more like... Sinking into a pit of honey.

But instead of honey, it was soft feathers that gently lowered him toward into a dark, endless void that was filled with shadows. Shadows that were illuminated by streaks of gold that flew illuminated the darkness.

There would be a gold streak circling around him, weaving up from the ground before becoming level with his chest and branching out in two directions.

The first found its way around a group of people Vax recognized easily as Vox Machina, illuminating their faces with its gold light while a small section branched off to circle tightly around Vex'ahlia.

Vax would always try to walk towards his friends, but the second streak would always pull him back, tugging him further into the darkness until his friends, his family, were no more than a small, golden light in the distance.

He would then be faced with who was on the other end, but could never make out who it was.

This figure would be clouded in a black energy with an electric purple hue that reminded Vax of Delilah Briarwoods' magic.

Vax would stare at the figure, unable to make out anything other than emerald green eyes that peered at the half-elf through the magic surrounding them.

The rogue would try to catch a glimpse of the face behind the haze, but his concentration would be broken by the croaking call of ravens as a pale, masked face loomed over the both of them.

Vax would jolt awake in a cold sweat after meeting the dark holes of the mask were eyes were supposed to reside.

He'd been unable to make sense of, whatever these things were. But, Vax needed to be sure this was nothing in relation to the Briarwoods.

Delilah Briarwoods had been a damned necromancer, it didn't seem beyond the realm of reason for her to be able to reach out to the living. And if she were trying to make some kind of connection with the living world through Vax, the half-elf needed to find out how to severe it before she succeeded,

"Hey, Stringbean?" Vax tore his gaze off of the Everlights image and looked down at Pike who returned his gaze with worry, "You okay?"

He glanced back up at the altar before responding,

"Yeah, Pickle, I'm okay. Just thinking things over,"

His friend looked unconvinced, but temporarily dropped the subject and pointed to where Father Tristan and Percy stood,

"If you're sure. We're ready to start,"

The room Father Tristan led them to was dimly lit with candles as a bowl of what Vax assumed was Holy Water sat on a small table.

The older Cleric stood at one side of the table while the members of Vox Machina stood at the other,

"This may take a moment," He murmured while focusing on the water, "And as I said before, Lord de Rolo, this may not work,"

"I understand,"

Vax could see Percy's fists clench at his sides.

Father Tristan began speaking down toward the Holy Water, casting a spell that made it glow as the surface shimmered.

There was a blurred image shown that began to fade as soon as it appeared, prompting the Cleric to renew his spell with vigor. His eyes scrunched in concentration as Percy grasped the edges of the table with shaking hands.

Pike rested her hand against Percy's, and the Lord glanced down at her. The gnome offered an encouraging smile then turned toward the water, prompting Percy to the same as Vax came to stand beside them.

The water's surface was still blurred, but it slowly began to clear after a few excruciating minutes to show them the image of a young woman with striking white hair that was pulled back into a loose braid,

"Is that her, Percy?"

Percy didn't answer Pike as his gaze was fixated on the image before them.

Vax stared at the image from over his friend's shoulder, studying what was shown in the water.

The woman was walking down a crowded street that looked familiar to Vax.

He'd walked that street before, looking for the people who were after his sister.

Vax had followed a dwarf with a staff made of tongues into that building.

Vax had walked down that street, away from that building with a threat looming over his head, while the new brand on his back burned under his cloak.

The group watched the image in the water as the woman, whom Vax assumed was Percy's sister, entered a tavern that the rogue recognized.

But as Ciara stepped inside, the image flickered and blurred before fading completely, showing only their reflections in the water,

"No! No!" Percy's head shot up and his eyes landed on Father Tristan, "Bring it back! The image! That was her! Bring it back!"

The Cleric shook his head with a weary sigh, "There is something blocking my sight, My Lord. I'm afraid that I am unable to-"

"Try! Please just-"

"Percy!" Pike was now between Percy and the table. The gnome grasped his hands tightly as she said,

"Percy, for an image to be disrupted like that- Something had to have disrupted it,"

"But we didn't see anything, Pike!" He exclaimed, "We only saw her walk into a damned building! And we don't even know what or where that is!"

"I know where that is," Everyone turned toward Vax who had slunk back into the shadows of the room, "I know that place,"

Percy reached Vax in two steps and grasped the rogue's arms, "Where is she, Vax?"

The half-elf remained silent for a long time before carefully peeling Percy's fingers from his arms,

"Westruun,"

"Westruun? Are you sure?" Pike questioned, "I don't recognize where-"

"Pike," The serious tone of his voice had her cutting off, "I know that area. It's in Westruun,"

Percy stepped away from Vax, his shoulders dropping in relief, "Westruun is only a day's journey from here. Ciara is closer than I could have ever imagined,"

"There is a darkness about her, My Lord. Even through the scrying I could see it," Father Tristan added, "I'm unable to discern what caused it, but don't imagine your sister has had a good life,"

The members of Vox Machina all tensed as each of them remembered a smoking demon made of shadows that had made itself known underneath the Castle of Whitestone.

A harsh sigh left Percy as he began pacing the room while violently tugging at his hair,

"But she is alive! And we know where she is!" He whipped his gaze toward the older cleric, "And right now, that's all that matters to me!"

With those last words, Percy stormed out of the room, the door slamming against the wall as he left.

Pike sighed while gently clasping her symbol of Sarenrae before apologizing to Father Tristan,

"We do appreciate the help, Father, truly," The Cleric waved his hand in a slight dismissal,

"I can understand his frustration, Pike Trickfoot. Though I do not appreciate it being thrown at me,"

Pike apologized a second time and made to leave the room, but stopped when she saw that Vax hadn't moved,

"You go on a head, Pickle," He said, flashing her a tight smile, "I'll catch up,"

Worry was still visible on her face as she nodded and exited, leaving Vax and Father Tristan.

The Cleric tilted his head, "Is there more assistance required of me?"

Vax sighed, pushing off of the wall to stand more in the center of the room,

"Yes. I am, worried that the Briarwoods have, left some kind of mark, or, connection to me," He said, then began explaining the dreams, or visions, he'd been having.

Father Tristan listened carefully to what Vax told him and thought for a long while before agreeing to check for any dark arcane energy that maybe clinging to him.

He placed his hands on either side of Vax's head and murmured a few words as the symbol around his neck began to glow.

A divine energy began to pulse through Vax and he felt a warmth fall over him. It wasn't invasive like Sylas' charms had been, but it was more like a friend welcoming him home, a secure embrace that made him feel safe. But, despite the warm feeling, it still felt uncomfortable having someone else in his head so soon after the Briarwoods.

It lasted about five minutes, then Father Tristan let his hands fall to his side as Vax released a breath he had been unconsciously holding.

He blinked a few times and looked at the Cleric, fearing the worst as Tristan began to speak,

"I can say with absolute certainty that there is no dark magic left by those unholy creatures," The weight on Vax's shoulders immediately lifted.

But it came back crashing down on him with Father Tristan's next words,

"There is, however, someone watching you," Vax stiffened, "But there is no darkness within this gaze. I cannot say who, but there gaze is, divine, in nature,"

Feeling more confused and uneasy than before, Vax questioned,

"Why would something like that be watching me?"

"I cannot answer that, Vax'ildan. I have a feeling, that the answer will be one you must decipher for yourself,"

---

The small tavern was quiet when Ciara de Rolo entered. But what surprised her was the fact that it was empty. Even though it was about midday, there would be some signs of life roaming about.

But at first glance, it seemed like Ciara was the only one there.

However, there was a man sitting in a darkened corner, the red glass of his monocle glinting at her through the low light,

"You were almost late," He tsked, "You know how dangerous it can be, to be late,"

Ciara said nothing as Spireling Shenn stood and began making his way toward her.

The man towered over Ciara as he stepped directly before her,

"Oh, why so quiet? I do love our chats,"

She dared not move and carefully forced out,

"You called me. That means you have a job,"

Shenn's face twisted into a smile, "Down to business as usual, Little Bird. Very well, very well,"

The Spireling straightened up and motioned for her toward the table,

"Sit. Have a drink and we'll discuss what I need from you,"

Ciara pursed her lips, closed her eyes, counted to ten, then sat across from the Spireling and braced herself for the long, drawn out meeting she would be forced to sit through.

#vox machina x reader #vax'ildan x original character #vax x original character #vax x reader #legend of vox machina #vox machina #critical role #percy de rolo #percival fredrickstein von musel klossowski de rolo iii #vex'ahlia #vex #keyleth #pike trickfoot #grog strongjaw #scanlan shorthalt #trinket #percy de rolo x vex'ahlia

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hiyaluronic · 1 year

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As we draw closer to season 2 of The Legend of Vox Machina is anyone else just super excited to hopefully see Vax cradling Gilmore in his lap all bloodied and covered in ouchies and just Gilmore slowly opening his eyes after Pike has healed him and lovingly reach for Vax while whispering how he knew Vax’ildan’s face would be the last thing he’d see in his final moments.

#No-just me?#the legend of vox machina #spoilers I guess??#vox machina #critical role #critrole #vax’ildan #shaun gilmore

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waltwhitmansbeard · 9 months

Note

⋆ “did you do this just for me?” for Vaxilmore

“did you do this just for me?”

Vax hates doing this. He and the rest of Vox Machina already rely so heavily on Gilmore's generosity, wouldn't have survived half the shit they've encountered without it—the last thing he wants to do is limp, bruised and bedraggled, to Gil's doorstep, a stray cat mewling to get in.

Yet here he is, shoulders slumped up to keep his head protected from the heavy rains over Emon, knocking pathetically on the front door of a darkened Gilmore's Glorious Goods. He's half-hoping the door doesn't open, that he has to slink back down the road, waterlogged and hobbling, so that Gil doesn't have to see him like this, so Gil doesn't have to worry, so that Gil isn't inconvenienced—

The interior of the store flickers to life, and relief floods through Vax's body like whiskey. A moment later, the front door is swinging open, just an inch or two, and Vax pushes inside, leaning heavily on the door. "Gil?"

"Sit."

It's Gil's voice echoing around the main floor of the shop, but Vax can't see him anywhere. He frowns, confused by the order, until a plush gilded purple chair dances up to him, its legs moving in a little jig until it comes to a stop just a foot in front of him. Vax stares, confident that he's hallucinating, but Gil's voice repeats, "I'm serious. Sit down before you pass out."

He's not going to argue. He sits in the chair, which takes off as soon as his ass touches it, cantering back toward the interior of the shop. Vax grips onto the arms for dear life, as if this chair is the most terrifying thing he's encountered today. (It is not.) The chair carries him up the stairs and delivers him into a room containing a small, deep pool of fragrant water that is surrounded by, if he had to guess, every single candle in all of Emon. The chair comes to a stop, and it remains still, as if it never moved at all.

"Shaun?" Vax starts to stand, his muscles screaming at the effort.

"Slowly, sweet bird." His voice is no longer sourceless, as Gilmore appears beside him, his hands coming to steady Vax. "You've seen better days, haven't you?"

Vax lets out a laugh. "That is...an understatement." He looks around the room. "Did I interrupt something, or did you do this just for me?"

Gilmore is carefully unlatching his blood-soaked leathers. "I have eyes and ears everywhere, Vax'ildan. I saw you coming a mile off."

Vax's throat is suddenly thick. "Oh."

"We'll get this blood off of you, and if you're a good boy, you can have a healing draught as well."

Vax's head tips onto Gilmore's shoulder. For the first time all day, he feels safe. "You're too good to me, Shaun."

A whiskery kiss is pressed onto the tip of his ear. "You're good to all of Tal'dorei, sweet bird. You take care of us, I'll take care of you." He tosses Vax's armor and linens into a pile, which Vax imagines will be cleaned through arcane means at a later time, and then guides his now-nude form into the water. It's warm, blissfully warm, and Vax can feel the knots in his muscles begin to loosen. He wants to sink down, down, down, until the water consumes him whole, but Gil's strong hands keep him up, working a lavender shampoo into his hair. His fingers feel so good, and Vax fights the desire to fall asleep right where he sits.

Gil must notice his drooping eyes, because he murmurs, "I won't let you drown, Vax'ildan. Nod off if you need to. I'll get you clean and in bed just fine."

Vax shakes his head to clear it. "No, not yet." He turns, hooks his hand over one of Gilmore's wrists. "Tell me about your day?"

With a smile so tender, so gentle it nearly knocks the breath from Vax's lungs, Gilmore leans in, kisses him once, and says, "Whatever you like, sweet bird." And as he begins to tell tales about his day here in the city, Vax's eyes drift closed once more, and he thanks each of the gods for the strength they gave his feet to carry him here.

#ask #vaxilfan #critical role #critical role fic #cr fic #vox machina #vox machina fic #vaxilmore #vaxilmore fic #my fic

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lavellenchanted · 1 year

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other thoughts:

I still love raishan so much, she’s just an amazing villain

and cree summer is stellar casting

lots of moments of vex yelling percy’s name to match is “vex’ahlia”s from the feywild and lots of moments of the two them covering each other, my shipper heart is so well fed

one thought I had is that percy seems to remember everything from the feywild this time around? which is super interesting

also nerd percy trapping his hand in his own model, my beloved

vax getting his wings was a very cool moment but I am kind of sad we didn’t get to see gilmore pushing him off a cliff

on the plus side: “I get a broom, and you get fucking wings.”

just wanna take a moment to appreciate travis willingham’s voice acting in the killbox, he absolutely smashed it

they brought back “I need you!” like that specifically to hurt me

also loved seeing bad news in action again

going to hold out hope that I will still a pike/vax moment of, “if the raven queen hurts you, she’s going to have to deal with me” despite the fact that vax has accepted his role as champion because it was one of my favourite moments in c1 and there are so few pike/vax moment as it is, I want as many as I can get

plus pike deserves to threaten a god

also wondering if they’re going to introduce kynan in whitestone at the beginning of s3, wanting to join vm after hearing about how they slayed umbrasyl? that would seem to be a good narrative point to work him in

#the legend of vox machina #tlovm #tlovm spoilers

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gilmores-glorious-blog · 10 months

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vaxilmore posting on main again because why not,,,, this small moment is one of my favorites between them because we consistently see gilmore being so smooth and flirtatious and put together when it comes to his interactions with vax, but in this one moment he is truly and utterly flustered and i just think it’s the cutest thing (for context, this is after the rakshasa attack when gil reunites with the group but vax also happens to be completely naked)

#flustered gil my beloved <3 #critical role #vaxilmore #eli.posts

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romeoandjulietyouwish · 1 year

Note

Vaxmore, 11?

just hold on to me

Gilmore groans softly, rolling over in bed. He winces as the motion pulls on his wounds, "Fuck," he breathes softly and stops moving, the pain too great.

"Shaun? What are you doing?"

He jumps, not expecting anyone to be in his room in Whitestone. The healers have been gone for a while now, leaving him alone. But when he turns his head, he sees Vax sitting in a chair beside his bed, looking exhausted.

"Vax'ildan? What are you doing here?" Gilmore asks, his voice soft as said man moves over to the bed and sits down beside him.

Vax smiles sadly and brushes his hair from his face, Shaun can't help but lean into the touch. He's in pain and he just watched his home be decimated, he's allowed this comfort.

"Like I would be anywhere else. How are you feeling?"

Shaun sighs, "Like a building fell on me. What about you, pretty bird?"

Vax chuckles at the nickname, "I'm alright. It seems like the rest of us are heading to Vasselheim tomorrow morning. I wanted to see you before we left."

Gilmore sighs, "You off to save the world again?"

"Something like that."

The two of them fall into silence for a while, just looking at each other with sad smiles. "Something is on your mind, Vax'ildan," Shaun says with a slight smile.

"I don't want to leave you, Shaun," Vax admits after a moment, his voice almost inaudibly soft. "You're hurt, you almost died, and I-" Vax cuts himself off, his eyes brimming with tears.

Shaun reaches up and brushes away his tears, "I'll be alright. Someone needs to make sure that Whitestone keeps standing. Don't you worry about me, pretty bird."

"It's hard not to," Vax chuckles. Then he sighs, "Can you just hold onto me? I just-"

"You don't have to explain," Gilmore assures him. "Come here. I'm afraid you'll have to be quite gentle with me since again, a building did fall on me."

Vax chuckles and nods, "Of course."

As Vax crawls into bed beside him, Gilmore lifts his arm, welcoming him under the blankets. Vax cuddles up beside him, head on his shoulder as Shaun wraps an arm around him. He presses a soft kiss to Vax's head, "Get some sleep," he tells him. "You'll need the rest tomorrow."

#tlovm #critical role #vox machina #vaxmore #the legend of vox machina #tlovm spoilers

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vokis-inn-and-tavern · 2 months

Note

for tlovm, ive been hooked on a modern!reader getting into Exandria and VM trying to help them home (but there's no way back lol) it doesn't have to be the exact moment they came through but id love headcanons of the journey, (whether its modern world of exandria or our world, just all i ask is there's no mention of reader knowing the show, like an isekai)

No way home

Characters: Vex'ahlia, Vax'ildan, Keyleth, Percy FancyLongName de Rolo, Pike Trickfoot, Grog Strongjaw, Scanlan Shorthalt, (and a guest appearance from Gilmore)

Type of Request: Headcannons

Word count: 1,887 words.

Notes: Usually don't write modern!reader but this gave me such a brainworm

You ended up in this weird fantasy world about... two weeks ago? You've lost count. You were just driving to home from larp event you had with your friends. It was late and you only closed your eyes for a moment, no more than a blink, and when you opened your eyes it was just you in the middle of a forest. But you've survived and managed to get a few odd jobs killing rats, spiders, and that one wolf pack (You can thank inflation your ability to stretch a gold piece). You are just trying to get a drink in this small town tavern when guards barge in saying that you're a part of this group, Vox Machina, and that you're under arrest. Despite your protests that you've never even heard of a "Vox Machina" you are thrown in this cell with two really short people (gnomes you think they're called?), two women with lightly pointed ears, a man with glasses and white hair, and a very tall and beefy bald man with grey skin.

...

Fuck.

Pike

Oh, you're so lost, and luckily she notices.

"Don't worry, we won't be here long."

She introduces you to everyone (and lightly smacks Scanlan when he flirts with you).

When you all break get out of jail, she is one of the first to suggest that you should come with him. After all, you clearly need help to actually be stable enough on your feet to protect yourself.

Loves hearing about your family.

The second she hears about you wanting to go home she's helping.

Buys every book on dimensional travel that she comes across. Takes notes on what you say happened. Asks every wizard she meets.

Girly just wants you to be happy and if that takes you going home then so be it.

Eventually Gilmore thinks that they've collected enough information for him to cast the spell.

Pike watches as you step into the circle, almost as excited as you!

And watches that expression turn to dread as the spell fails.

And that expression turn to despair when it fails again.

You are in your room for the rest of the night, missing dinner.

Pike knocks on your door that night, bringing dinner.

Her heart breaks even more when she sees your tear streaked face.

After she insures that you have eaten, you make her promise to stay.

"It's okay, I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay, I promise."

She lets you curl around her, clutching her close like a teddy bear.

In the morning she makes your favorite breakfast. And from then on she stays by your side.

Vax

Yeah... He's the one who told the guards that you were a member of Vox Machina. Also the one who broke all of you out.

"Sorry about that... But, I mean, I did also break you out of jail... So... Even?"

Agrees with Pike, you don't seem quite competent enough to be left to your own devices. Especially after figuring out that you don't even know what a half-elf is.

Is honest with you and tells you the about elves' less than stellar opinion on half-elves.

Thinks a world without magic weird. Like, how do you defend yourself from bandits without magic 'cause you don't really seem like the type who can only use mundane weapons.

Teaches you some dagger basics, just to make sure you can protect yourself.

He helps gather supplies for Gilmore's spell, just don't ask how he got them.

It's a bittersweet goodbye for him as you step into the circle, it feels like only yesterday when you met.

His small smile falls when the spell fails, his heart breaking for you when it fails a second.

He barely holds himself back from chasing after you as you run off to your room, he knows the face of someone who is barely avoiding crying, but he decides to leave you alone for now.

That mentality only lasts till dinner. The second he doesn't see you at the table he grabs both of your plates and heads to your room.

He doesn't bother to knock as he enters, sitting next to you on your bed and offering you a plate. He makes sure that you eat at least half of it.

Offers to stay with you. Even if you can't go home to your family, you should at least have some company.

"Hey, I'm here for you, all of us are."

Holds you close for the rest of the night, draping one of his raven wings over you like a blanket.

The next day is all about you. Vax waits on you, don't even worry about leaving the bed. Oh, and don't ask where he got that bracelet.

Vex

She is so going to lecture her brother for getting a random stranger involved with this.

"Sorry you got caught up in this, darling."

Doesn't think you should come along. In her mind, you're just another person to feed and house, another expense.

Lies and says something like half-elves are loved by all and considered the best, till the lie falls through and she explains the truth.

Starts to warm up to you when she notices your ability to stretch money.

Doesn't really want you to leave but keeps it to herself and helps by financing some of the supplies.

She gives you a small hug before you walk in the ring.

And watches your look of despair as the spell fails and fails again.

She watches you leave for your room, stuck between following you to comfort you and giving you space, but when she doesn't see you at dinner she makes up her mind.

You hear a knock on the door and open it to reveal Vex with some wine and a lavish charcuterie board.

"Hey darling, you look like you need some pampering."

She ends up pampering you for the rest of the night and you two fall asleep in each others arms.

In the morning you two have a spa day, expenses be damned.

Grog

He is so confused by you being in the same cell as them.

"Uhhh... Do we know you?"

He'd love to have you come along, you seem like a good person and having someone to teach combat to looks fun.

Wants to hear all about your favorite foods from back home.

Not bothered by you not knowing what a goliath is, there isn't really that many of them.

Teaches you how to swing an axe (just maybe exercise a bit more self preservation than him).

Takes you wanting to go home a bit personally at first but then sees how much it matters to you.

Pike he is so exited that you finally get to go home and see your family again!

He doesn't understand what is happening when you don't teleport and when you go off to your room looking sad. When someone finally explains it to him he goes to work trying to make your favorite food.

It doesn't look pretty but when he opens the door with that dorky smile (and a cask of ale) it doesn't matter.

"Hey, uh, I made your favorite food!"

You end up falling asleep on his chest. I mean, who needs a bed when you have a Grog.

The next day is spent cuddling and trying to make your favorite food again.

Keyleth

Even more lost than you when she sees you.

"I- uh- I think there has been a mix up."

Totally wants you to join! You seem super nice and you clearly need help.

Please tell her about all of your favorite plants from back home!

Wants to show you all of the cool plants of Exandria.

When you mention wanting to go home she is down to help!

She tries to provide some input on dimensional travel from a druidic perspective.

She excitedly waves as you step into the circle.

Her heart breaks when she sees the look of disappointment on your face when the spell fails.

And your look of despair when it fails again is even worse.

She gets really worried when you don't arrive to dinner and goes to your room to check on you.

"Hey, uh, a- are you okay? I- I brought some food for you!"

You two end up cuddled together surrounded by druidcrafted flower petals from your favorite flower.

In the morning she makes you a nice cup of tea and takes you on a nature walk.

Percy

Doesn't trust you from the moment you enter the cell.

"My name is Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III and I suggest you tell us who you are quickly."

Doesn't want you too come along. As far as he's concerned you're just dead weight and another person to worry about.

Totally doesn't believe you at all. Like, wdym you live in a world where fast horseless carriages and glowing rectangles that answer your questions in mere second? And you don't have magic?!

He slowly warms up to you as you tell him about the technology from back home.

Still doesn't fully believe you but that doesn't mean that he won't try to recreate the things you talk about.

He really relates to wanting to go back home to family.

As much as he helps with the research, there is a selfish part of him that wants you to stay.

He watches your excitement as you enter the circle.

And he can't help but blame himself for your look of despair as the spell he helped research fails.

He is so caught up in how he could have failed that he doesn't even notice you leave.

He spends the next three days closed up in his workshop, not eating or sleeping and barely drinking, researching how to fix the spell to not avail. It takes Vex (literally) slapping him out of it to shake him back to reality and get him to knock on your door with food for both of you.

"Hey, you probably need food just as much as me right now."

He spends the night cradling you close. He still blames himself but you help ease the ache.

In the morning, Percy's workshop was (thanks to Vex) firmly locked, but Percy never left your side long enough to notice.

Scanlan

Flirts with you on the first introduction.

"What did you do to get stuck in here? Other than being criminally hot."

Wants you to come along, you seem like a good time and it wouldn't be right to just leave you.

Loves the bright colors of your clothes and wants to hear all about your favorite music from back home.

Confidently misuses slang that you've mentioned.

Scanlan gets you wanting to go home, if his home was that cool he'd want to go back too.

He helps Vex barter for magic supplies for Gilmore's spell.

He kisses you hand before you step into the circle.

And watches as you nearly cry as the spell fails and you run off to your room.

He wants to follow you but is afraid of saying something wrong.

Later he comes up to your room with some wine and soup.

He plays a song on his lute as you eat, trying to make the perfect atmosphere.

"I know I don't say this much, but I'm lucky to have you as a friend, we all are."

Is a bit surprised when you ask him to stay (not like he'll show it) but would never say no. As you curl around him he plays with your hair and hums your favorite song.

The next morning is a rest day, Scanlan mandates it. You've dealt with far too much emotional stress to just go on like it's a normal day. And he doesn't let you forget about the found family you have now.

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burr-ell · 2 months

Note

🔥Given your thoughts on Vaxleth in TLoVM (hard agree) how are you feeling about Perc’ahlia (and Vex in general) ?

This may not be the answer you're looking for, because I really enjoy both!

I love the slow-burn approach TLOVM is taking with Percy and Vex's relationship. The moments between them are primarily substantive conversations or little gestures—even She Wear He Coat is connected to the actual story—but they're not being pushed as overtly romantic yet. They have some really strong scenes in the last episodes of season 1, but they're framed pretty platonically as opposed to the much stronger romantic coding of Pike/Scanlan or Keyleth/Vax or Vax/Gilmore. They got more development in season 2 and some really good original moments (I love their conversation in the Fey Realm and the arrowhead symbolism), but it's primarily in episodes 4, 7, and 8; aside from a brief battle couple moment in the Killbox and them yelling each other's names a couple times in the fight with Umbrasyl, there's not much material for them in the last three episodes of season 2, whereas even Kima and Allura have more going on by that point. It does well at establishing their dynamic without real romantic tension, which is vital for getting me invested in any relationship.

I will say I would have framed the "they are definitely not worth you" scene a little better. I think they were trying to make it subtle, but even when divorced from the context of the campaign, it's an intimate conversation where Vex reveals one of her deepest insecurities and Percy reassures her with an uncharacteristic show of his hand. It needs to visually convey that with tighter framing—more close-up and shot-reverse-shots, give Percy a little more hesitation as he says that line. Maybe have an introductory wide shot where Percy and Vex are standing farther apart and then the transition shot between their conversation and Devana and Velora's entrance shows that they've moved physically closer to each other, but the viewer hasn't noticed because of the intimacy of the close-ups. It's a small thing, but I think those kinds of nitpicky pushes would have made the scene stronger while retaining what they were trying to convey.

On the whole, though, I really like that they've committed to the slow burn, even in a fast-paced show like this. I will never not lament the loss of the 26-episode season and what this show could have been if that was still the norm, but I love what we have, and I love that they've also given us some new scenes to enjoy.

As far as Vex herself, I like how she's been adapted. I think they're very faithful to her character—bitchy, but not heartless; strong, but not invulnerable; snarky, but not uncaring; hungry, but not greedy. A character with as many layers as Vex has can be difficult to get right when you're balancing everything else the story needs to be condensed and adapted for a completely different medium, and I think they do a very good job. Now, full disclosure, I was and still am pretty irritated that they added Vax to the story of how she got Trinket—but aside from that? I'm very pleased. She's allowed to be unlikable, and that just makes me love her even more.

#tlovm #vex'ahlia #unpopular opinions asks #asks #one of these days i might dust off the ol animation degree and do an animatic; might be fun!

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star--joy · 1 year

Text

Whitestone Gala

Percy and Vex enjoy their first Whitestone Gala together.

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Warnings: None

Words: 1281

Originally posted: 1/30/22

Ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/44657167

Seeing the elegant ballroom of Whitestone’s castle bustling with the activity of a Winter’s Crest gala for the first time in almost a decade fills Percy with a ocean of bittersweet.

It’s lovely, of course it is. Cassandra is sampling the many pastries prepared, the ever-present tension lost from her shoulders. Keyleth and Gilmore are taking turns dancing with Vax, making sure he never has a free moment. Scanlan is giving plenty of feedback to the jaunty musicians, much to their annoyance. Pike and Grog are belaying wild stories of their youth to an overjoyed crowd of citizens.

Percy smiles, eyeing his strange family of oddballs. Although he’ll never stop missing his siblings, his parents, his life before… he’s happy. After all these years, all this loss, he’s come to a place of contentment that seemed unreachable for so long.

Still, there is one piece of the puzzle missing. In his opinion, the most important piece.

Vex’ahlia still hasn’t arrived.

Every few seconds, Percy’s eyes will flick to the grand entrance, willing her to finally step through. He’s excited for their first gala together.

“Waiting for Vex?” Vax’s smoothe voice asks as he makes his presence beside the Lord of Whitestone known. Percy only avoids startling because of how practiced he is with Vax’s sneaky habits.

“As if you aren’t,” he scoffs, lips ticking up. “Have Keyleth and Gilmore grown tired of dancing?”

Vax laughs, gesturing through the crowd to his partners, who have forgone him to dance with each other, instead, both giggling as they twirl through the dance floor. “No, they’ve just grown tired of me.”

With a chuckle, Percy plucks two glasses of champagne off a nearby tray, handing one to his brother-in-law. He goes to say something, a witty one liner, most likely, but any thought of the words fall from his mind when, out of the corner of his eye, he catches sight of the doors to the ballroom opening.

It’s with sheer skill, and a fair amount of luck, that Percy is able to prevent the champagne glass from slipping through his suddenly limp fingers.

Dear Gods.

Vex saunters into the ballroom, chin lifted and eyes crinkled with a smile. The navy gown she dons shimmers with every movement, a result of the tiny golden gems woven into every inch of the fabric. It clings to her upper body before spreading out in a wide flare at her hips. A gleaming necklace displaying a charm of the Whitestone Crest rests snugly against her neck.

Hazel eyes sweep across the crowd of people, many of whom are staring at the Lady of Whitestone with awe. At least, Percy assumes they are. How could anyone not be?

The glass of champagne is nabbed from his grasp, but he doesn’t pay any attention to Vax’s stealing. Every inch of his attention is focused on nothing but Vex’ahlia. She’s always been beautiful, otherworldly, even, but Percy has never seen her radiate this kind of aura.

“Stop drooling over my sister, Freddy, and go talk to her,” Vax insists, nudging Percy forward. “Tell her I love her, and that she better spend some time with me, not just you.”

He barely hears the words, but still follows the command, feet carrying him mindlessly in the direction of his wife. She spots him when he’s halfway there, lips curling into an even wider smile.

Percy swallows, trying to find a scrap of composure before he reaches her.

“Hello, darling,” Vex coos when he’s within earshot, sliding into place next to him like it’s where she belongs. Her arm hooks into his. “How do I look?”

“Vex,” he whispers, almost scolding her for bothering to ask. “You… there are no words.”

“Really? I can think of a few, myself. Gorgeous, stunning, spectacular. Honestly, there’s a whole vocabulary.”

Percy shakes his head. “None of them do you justice, my dear. I’m afraid you’ve transcended the Common language.”

“Well, you could always try Celestial,” she suggests, brushing a feather light kiss against his cheek as they begin to wander through the crowds aimlessly. He wonders if she left a trail of red lipstick on his face, but doesn’t particularly care. “Or one of the other languages you know. How many is that, again? Four?”

“I am speechless in every dialect,” Percy insists.

The grin that graces Vex’s face is so unrestrained. His footsteps falter with the force of it. For how taken he may be with the beauty of her outfit, nothing compares to the beauty of her joy. “Why, you’re sentimental, today.”

How is he supposed to be anything else when there’s Vex’ahlia? In his home, in his castle, with his ring on her finger. “You do make me feel… well, you make me feel.”

Vex peers at him, eyelids glittering with the silver shadow, curled lashes fluttering. Distantly, Percy wonders how she can make eyelashes attractive. “You make me feel, too. I’m very happy to be here.” For a moment, they simply stare at each other, love pulsing in the air.

“We’re being disgusting,” Percy notes.

“Oh, absolutely repulsive,” she agrees through a laugh. “What are they going to do? Kick us out?”

“I wouldn’t put it past them. Or blame them, really.”

“We’re the Lord and Lady of the town, Percy. How are they going to eject us from our own castle?”

“With the power of democracy, of course.”

Vex’s shoulder shake with her giggles.

Belatedly, Percy notices that they’ve stumbled upon the dance floor in their wandering, where couples of all kinds are waltzing. Vex spots it, too. “Care for a dance, Lord de Rolo?”

“How forward of you, Lady de Rolo,” he hums, easily slipping into position, thanking Pelor that his parents forced him to learn how to waltz. It’s a skill he hasn’t utilized in years, but the muscle memory is engrained.

Together, the couple join the others, twirling and skipping and stealing the spotlight. At least, Vex steals the spotlight. Percy just benefits from the proximity.

“Vax would like me to tell you that I’m not allowed to take up all your time,” he notes as they twirl. “Though I don’t know if I have the self-control to stay away.” It’s said half because it’s the truth and half because he knows it will make her laugh.

Sure enough, she tosses her head back with her chuckling, a sight far more majestic than the finest paintings. “I’m sure you’ll manage, dear. Besides,” Vex whispers, leaning in to mutter in his ear, “You’ll get my company all night, and I believe that will make up for any lost time.”

Heat engulfs him, smile spreading over his burning face. “Minx.”

“Patience is a virtue,” Vex sing-songs as he drops her into a dip.

Percy laughs. From the distance, he spots Vax approaching them, no doubt intending to steal his sister away for a dance or three, and despite his jokes, Percy would never get in the way of the twins’ time together. “Looks like I must hand you off.”

Standing on her toes, Vex halts their dancing to kiss him, a bit more passionately than socially acceptable. “Thank you for being such a gentleman, darling.”

“Of course. Go have fun, Vex,” Percy agrees, transferring his hold of her to Vax.

The twins flutter away quickly. Percy smiles as he watches them giggle and whisper together.

He’ll have to steal a few more dances before the night is over, but for now, he’ll be a good Lord of Whitestone and attempt to socialize, even if Vex will be the only thing truly on his mind.

One thing’s certain: he’s going to be holding a lot more galas in the future.

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