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[Keyleth stretches her arms above her head feeling her body arc and her muscles gently tug awake. Her toes curl happily before releasing the tense position relaxing back onto the soft bed in relative comfort. The sky is dark but slowly lightening as the sun peeks timidly above the horizon.

Vax is asleep at her side and for the first few minutes of the day Keyleth watches him sleep, memorizing the shape of his nose before pressing an innocent kiss against his forehead. It's moment's like these that she treasures the most, committing every detail and sensation to memory.

As stealthily as she can, Kiki rose to her feet and tugs a pale green tunic over her slender frame. Her fingers run roughly through her short hair as she slips from the room and closes the door behind her. She isn't as quiet as Vax but she tries her best, knowing that neither of the twins are morning people.

When Vax awakes, he'll find Keyleth in the kitchen humming a bids song she'd once heard.]

[It isn’t that long after she starts humming that Vax emerges from their bedroom. His hair is loose around his shoulders and his pj pants have storm clouds on them. He settles by her side and scrubs at his face to wake up.] Hey,

[A little sleep peeled away from his mind is nice. He blinks again.] Want some help with it?

[He can get some coffee into him and wake the hell up all the way.]

[Keyleth looks up at Vax with a bright happy smile.] Good Morning! [She's as chipper as always.]

Yeah. Can you toast up some bread? Oh. [She gently nudges his side and points over to the far side of the kitchen where there is a pot of thick dark liquid on the counter.] I made coffee.

[There is enough for both Vax and Vex. Hopefully the new addition to their house doesn't drink too much coffee or they'll need to make more.]

How did you sleep?

[She's happy to be here with Vax though they haven't really talked about the current situation and she wonders if he's worried.]

Pretty good. A lot better than I have been. [He walks over to the coffee pot and pours himself a cup. Subtly less than usual. Their additions might want some. Then he could snag some more from the fresh pot. He sips his coffee as he walks over to pick up a pan.]

I can get the bread. [He grabs what he needs as he adds,] ...Has Vex told you what my last memories of home are?

[He checks the pan and moves the butter around in the bottom.]

[Keyleth hesitates at the mention of memories. This is something she had wanted to talk to him about but she's not the best at bringing up potentially awkward conversations.] She said a little but only that your last memories are different from ours.

I remember us going to Zephera and I introduced you to my father.

[She pauses her efforts by turning off the heat and covering the food she'd made so that she can stand next to Vax without having to split her attention.]

What is the last thing you remember? I mean exactly. Vex said you didn't remember us defeating Thordak. I guess the short hair might have surprised you too. That happened after fighting Rishan. She burned my hair.

[He puts the heat on low so the pan will slowly heat up. Then he turns his full attention to her. In the future he gets to know her dad.

That’s good. It had to be a positive interaction because she doesn’t seem worried about that. He reaches out to gently brush her hair out of her face.] It did surprise me. …to answer, we were starting the push into Emon to take down Thordak for good.

I didn’t know if we were going to survive it. The Fox appeared to me and everything stood still. [He closes his eyes for a few seconds. It’s easy to remember that moment in detail.] I was given the offer and I couldn’t ignore it. If I could be at my best to save the world…I took it.

I know we won. I know I go back with you. Vex stays in Whitestone and Scanlan….has things to sort out. Vex has told me that and about Tary.

[Keyleth slowly releases the breath she'd been holding.] That's right. So you know some of it... After defeating Thordak we had to chase after Raishan. After that, we went to the Water Ashari and with everyone's help, I completed my Aramenté. [Her voice choked up and she reached for Vax's hand, pressing his palm against her cheek.] You almost didn't make it... there was a Kraken.

But you came back to me. [She'd truly thought that the Raven Queen would have claimed Vax then, if not for Pike and Vex's help during the resurrection.]

I want to say that it was calm after that but it wasn't... we had to go to the Nine Hells to make sure that Hotis didn't come after you or Pike. [Keyleth pauses and laces her fingers through Vax's before gently kissing his knuckles.] That's a lot, isn't it? I'm rambling.

We finally got a break after all that... and... I understand the fox making an offer you couldn't refuse. That's how it was for me too. [She needs to get stronger and then maybe she can prolong Vax's life before it's to be claimed by the Raven Queen.]

[There is something grounding in talking this out. They need to know what the other knows. And his future is here with her. It always will be for as long as he has a choice in his future. He steps closer to her.

He brushes his fingers across her cheek.] It’s a lot but, we got through it. And now we’re here. We can choose what we do and work on this potential we have. And just fucking be.

I’ve wanted that for a long time. [He rests his forehead against hers. The world feels like it fades away. Just them. But he does keep an ear out for the pan.]

[Keyleth closes her eyes and smiles as their foreheads touch.] Me too. That's all I ever wanted Vax. [She knows that one day they'll have to return but that doesn't mean they have to return right now. Exandria will be fine in their absence and they could live out their shared dream here.]

I want that so bad Vax.

[She opens her eyes and leans forward to gently press her lips to his. It's a good thing he's listening to the sizzling pan because Keyleth is thoroughly distracted.]

[The moment she kisses him then he forgets everything but her. He gently squeezes her hand and holds her close while they share in the moment.

Being without her had made him feel hollow. This is being back home. Connected, almost whole. As whole as he can ever be. He draws back enough to breathe and say quietly,] It’s all I want too. So, until we have to go back. Looks like we got our wish.

For a while, at least. I’m so fucking glad for that.

[Keyleth smiles against his kiss before breathing a sweet acceptance.]

Yeah.

[It feels too perfect but perhaps that's only because of Vax's particular situation. For anyone else being here would be annoying or frustrating but Keyleth can't see it that way. Even if it's selfish. She'll just have to accept being a little selfish.]

Vex said you were here a month before I showed up. What was that month like?

[She tucks a loose strand of black hair behind his ear.]

It was a bit weird. So many people have never seen a half elf let along a normal one. I met a druid who has been…treated less than kindly by other Druids. Good guy tho. He helped me out of a bind.

[Oh he got the idea Henry has some trauma about Druids. He’ll elaborate in a bit as he lightly tugs her to hold on and follow him as he toasts some bread. Breakfast is important too.]

Lots of neat people. Met an Angel too but he isn’t doing so well. I don’t think either of us could help him. I didn’t know celestials could become mortals.

Vex told me about him. Henry, right?

[Keyleth follows Vax but remains close to his side as they finished up the last bits of breakfast. A part of her doesn't want to let him go but she knows that it's selfish. They have time now but a part of her heart continues to feel the weight of worry. Everything in life is fleeting but that merely makes it more precious.]

It is strange that those brought here are changed too. Like it doesn't matter what we were before. [She pauses as she considers Vax and adds in her thoughts.] Aren't Asamirs those with celestial blood? Wouldn't it make sense that celestials had to come to Exandria to make them?

[Her cheeks blush shyly at the implication before she releases a little giggle.]

Maybe everything goes both ways. [Her blush deepens.] I didn't mean... in a weird way.

[He thinks about that. Then laughs.] I get what you mean. But no, I mean. He is a celestial that is becoming mortal because his celestial power is…rejecting him?

[He looks at her with a trace of confusion. He hadn’t known magic could reject people. It didn’t seem normal to him. He tucks her close to his side and steals a kiss.] And yeah, I don’t understand why we’re changed. I’m really not complaining about the wings. They are useful. But I don’t get why we need to be changed at all.

Oh. That's strange...

[Her thoughts tunnel down the rabbit hole only to be pulled back to the present by Vax's kiss. She smiles up at him and presses against his side.] Maybe to reach out potential? I'm still getting used to the vines. I think they're a little like your daggers except they stay attached to me. It's... interesting. [It's also counter to Keyleth's druidic powers which are primarily focused on magic. At some point she should learn to fight without magic.]

Is it just the wings? Or did something else happen? I noticed my eyes sometimes change colors too... I don't see how that helps anyone.

[She's already easy to read. She doesn't need her eye color to give her away.]

They do change colors. I don’t see what it is for. I could tell how you were feeling before.

[Vax says as he opens his own wings. And there it is again, the light of dusk. The time of transition between night and day. Life and death. ]

I can’t tell how it helps our potential. But, I can teach you to use those vines like I use my daggers.

[Keyleth reaches out towards his wings and smiles.

They really are beautiful-- just like Vax.]

I'd like that. Thank you Vax. [She smiles at him and presses a kiss against his temple before grabbing the food that they'd put together.] Let's put this out on the table for when people wake up.

Then... well, [Keyleth blushes.] We have the whole day to ourselves.

[ Outside Vax's room is a little handmade gift: a bird made out of a pinecone which Grog has painted black to look like a raven, alongside a little note: ]

HAPY WINTRS CREST FRUM GROG

[Vax's present is left in the corner of his room while he's out - Percy has no illusions when it comes to his capacity to out-sneak his apparent brother-in-law.

A note attached reads, "Vax - I'm glad we're friends. Take care of yourself. - Percy"

Seems he's not the sappy type. The box, when the plain brown paper is removed, reveals a care kit for feathers. It's not a store brand or even bought together - each piece was hand-picked by someone who knows the pain and pleasure of having wings.]

[There's a package waiting for Vax! It's just outside the door to his bedroom at the Keep, wrapped in brown paper and tied with ribbon. Inside is a silver broach with a black onyx stone carved in the shape of a feather.

There's also a note. 'Vax'ildan - For Winter's Crest, in the spirit of the holiday. There is an enchantment here that will allow you invisibility once each day. I trust you'll only use it for good, or at least for interesting. - Caleb']

[Because they are twins and so alike, outside of the door Vax shares with Keyleth, he will find a lovely box with his name on it.

Once opened, he will find a new cloak in dark blue velvet, with three down the front clasps made of silver stars and the edges embroidered in silver with little leaves.]

It's been years since we got you a nice, new cloak. You deserve something pretty, warm, and that reflects you and those important to you. All my love, Vex.

[Vax's gift is left outside his door, in a small box wrapped in a blue ribbon.

Inside is one of Pike's holy symbols, an extra that she would carry just in case. The cord attached to it is wrapped around a small raven statuette, made of a shiny black stone. A note lays next to it.

Stringbean, this is just to remind you that you're never alone. Physically, mentally, spiritually. And you know me, I'll kick a god's ass for you. You're always there for everyone else - let me be there for you too, okay?

Also, this note serves as One (1) Get Out of Death Free Card, free of judgement or questions. Any after that I reserve judgement and laughter.

-Pickle]

[ On Christmas Eve, Henry stops by Greyskull Keep with presents for his friends who live there. Vax's present, wrapped in recycled paper, is a vegan-friendly dagger and sheath. Attached is a note: ]

I know this probably pales in comparison to the weapons you've already got, but if I learned anything from my time adventuring in the Forgotten Realms, it's that it never hurts to have another knife on hand.

Happy holidays, from your pal Henry.

[It's taken an extra amount of effort to keep the making of her gifts a secret from the twins. In the end, Keyleth is fairly sure that Vax knows what's coming but she knows that he'll act surprised. Wrapped up in the blanket that Vax had given her, she steps over to Vax and gently pokes him on the cheek to wake him up.]

It's ready!

[She's finally finished it.]

I'll make coffee while you open your gift.

[A small box is left next to Vax on the bed while the slender druid disappears to the kitchen. Once tearing through the leafy paper and opening the box concealing the gift, Vax will find a handmade hair clip with a tribal Ashari carved piece of antler attached to a light gray raven feather that is tipped in red wax . Keyleth has carved the antler herself and after a lot of mistakes and fifteen days of attempting to hide her activities, it'd turned into a skillfully made piece of jewelry. She'd made two, one for Vax and one for Vex. ~~Though Vax's turned out a lot better.~~

Along with the gift is a note.]

My Vax,

It's sometimes difficult to say what's on my mind but when I'm around you, I don't feel as if I have to. You understand me even when I don't understand myself. It's like you can see in the dark... magical darkness. What I mean is, I love you and I believe in you more than any god.

I know I don't have to say it but you are a part of my family and that makes you part of the Ashari too. That is why I made you this. You will always have a home with the Ashari people, your people.

Love Kiki

[Outside of Keyleth and Vax's room in the morning is a package and a note: May your Winter's Crest be blessed, my dear friends!

Inside the package is a pair of the most luxurious, downy-soft, magically self-fluffing pillows and silk sheets one could ever conceive.]

[On the morning of Valentine's Day, Vax'ildan will awaken with a simplistic box with a little note just outside his bedroom door. Inside the present he will find a fashionable cap!]

"To my good friend Vax'ildan, I know you are a big fan of cloaks but thought you might want to branch out a little bit so here's a nice cap I found in the trader's market one day I hope you love it as much as I do."

- The Scan Man.

Where the hell are you?

In the grove.

What’s wrong?

Stay there. I'm on my way.

[It takes her a few minutes to reach the grove after closing the bakery for the day. They can afford it and she's in no mood to be nice to people when one of her closest friends has just vanished overnight. Besides, she's absolutely sure that her brother needs her more than people need flour-based goods.

She spots him easily amongst the trees and is quick to put her wings away so that her aura doesn't blind Vax. Then she comes up beside him and wraps her arms around him in a giant hug.]

You know, you could almost be one of these trees with your getup.

[Vax wraps his arms around her to hug her back. Since Keyleth vanished he has been tending to the things left behind. There was no stardust. No beloved in a coma.

The tree that is the heart of the grove has grown tall enough he has to look up to see it. He sighs,] I know she’ll be back but it still.

I still. [It still feels like a yawning void within him. He closes his eyes.] So I thought I would keep up the work we were doing.

[She's not sure that she would be as calm as he is if Percy was gone.

Of course, since leaving Syngorn, she's been the hot fire burning quickly and hotly before smoldering for every to flare up again. He's been the slow, steady burn that rarely flares and always burns. It's a strange swap they've made as they've aged.

She watches his face, burying her own hurt to be his support. She knows that any of the others could leave and it would hurt, but not like this.]

She's always here. [She places a hand over his heart. It beats faster than it did when she checked in the Feywild, but she's not surprised this time to find that out.] And, well, you have the rest of us. I'm not Keyleth, but I love you a great deal, you know.

[They both know she would die for him if it would allow him to be happy, but she'd rather live for him.]

I suppose that means we'll just to help one another. Switch around some schedules. Have more drinking parties for a while.

Yeah, and if you don’t mind working with some trees. We could have some growth parties? [It ends in a question. Vax lifts his head and his wings manifest. The sunset colors. He’s just him.]

There’s never been any doubt you love me, stubby. I hurt but I’ll be okay. She will never leave my heart.

[He smiles then and sighs, gesturing around to the trees and plants around them.] And in a way I feel her here.

In every tree and plant growing in this grove. I planted the first one. My first druid magic.

Of course not. I might lose you amongst all the saplings, but that's the risk I run by dealing with you and trees.

[As if she'd say no to him. The two of them sitting in the grove and letting the trees just grow as they occasionally use Druidcraft to get them to excelerate? That might sound boring to anyone, but she loves being in the quiet of the trees and letting nature close in for a bit. It's been a long time since she's just been in the trees with Vax.]

Well, I'm glad because if you tried to replace her now, I might have to stab you myself. I have three sisters now and I refuse to add any more. Unless Grog somehow finds a woman he wants to settle down with.

[She frowns.]

No, wait. I have four. I forgot Cassandra. Don't tell Percy.

[Vex puts a hand on the tree nearest her, feeling a sense of peace and calm that only nature can really give and she sighs, feeling melancholic, but not like she'd cry.]

And I understand that. This entire area feels like Keyleth's magic, like when she's healing us or casting Polymorph. I'm glad that you got to make this place with her.

Me too. I understand now things I didn't know when we set out from that city all those years ago. [He lays his hand on another tree and the sense of peace washes over him. This stillness is not like the Matron but, it settles him all the same.]

I think I love it all now. Cities and forests. [And within the swirls of Keyleth's magic is the calm and peace Vax has come to know. Threads of it twist and sway as if caught by an unseen breeze. Sometimes ravens flutter and settle in the tree tops.

Vax takes a falling feather and offers it to his sister.] Do you want to see the first tree of the grove?

Well, brother, we were sixteen when we left. It's not like anyone knows anything at that age, even though most teenagers think they do. [They knew even less than some and their learning curve was pretty steep when it came to the other races and cities of Tal'dorei. But learn they did, learn, thrive and survive until they could learn how to actually live.]

You're not the only one. I might not love cities, but I don't really get much choice in the matter. I'm just lucky that Whitestone is in the middle of a forest that I can slip into if I'm overwhelmed.

[She doesn't even bring up here because everything is so weird that though her bakery is in Willow, the Keep is not and she prefers it that way. Best of both worlds.]

That's the one you planted together, right? Of course I do.

I made the seed and planted it. [Vax says as he steps to the side and gestures for her to follow. The grove is full of trees. Most of them have some growth on them as if they had been here for years.

But on a hill, over looking all sides of the grove is a hill with a large tree at the top. It’s a willow tree with long branches swaying in the wind. The bark is a grey color but the tree is healthy. It has a bit of the sense of the Matron about it. But, mostly the energy of a living healthy forest is all around them.]

I don't think I've actually done that yet.

[She likes to help plants grow, but she hasn't Druidcrafted anything into being. She'll have to think about that.

She doesn't really need him to pick out which one is the one he's influenced the most. The willow is obvious. It's pretty, but the ravens really give it away.]

Even in this grove, Her birds are just making themselves known.

I am her champion. I bet any trees you craft will glow with the light of the sun. Even at night.

[He grins at her. As he motions for her to follow him up the hill. While he walks he keeps talking. The Grove is a place he dearly loves.] And if you want to plant something here, it’s as much my grove as it is yours, sister.

[ After seeing Pike's announcement, Dorian had spent some time debating on whether it was a good idea to reach out or not. Of the remaining Vox Machina members, he was probably the most comfortable with Scanlan, but he at least saw Pike and Tary pretty frequently when working at the bakery. He'd only seen Vax every once in a while, often during some kind of trail or his infrequent visits to the keep.

But he likes Vax a great deal; given that many of their meetings were during quite stressful times, the other man had a calming air about him, not that dissimilar to Orym if he's being honest. And knowing that his sister is gone along with two of his other friends, Dorian can't help wanting to try to help somehow.

Even so, it does take him a while. He's sure that the rest of his friends could probably help more than Dorian himself can, and he doesn't know Vax well enough to know if he'd even want company during a time like this or if he'd rather be left alone. But he figures that it couldn't hurt to offer anyway. ]

Hey. I know we don't know each other that well, but if there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you.

Well, it would help if you stopped by whenever you want. We certainly have the drink and food to spare now.

[ Well it's certainly not what he meant, but he knows better than trying to push talking about things. Plus he did say he'd help in anything. ]

Of course, I can try to come by more often. I'm still not so great at cooking, so that's certainly helpful too.

[ He's getting there, but...it's a process. ]

I’ve gotten better on that.

…I. Losing all of them at once is hard. I’m still in shock. I guess? It feels like a reminder I’m on borrowed time.

You know?

IC Contact

Early Morning Chat's - Before Camp Event!

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WINTER'S CREST GIFT

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Left outside his room, mid-December

12/20 (Winter's Crest) Left outside his door

WINTER'S CREST

12/24 - delivery

Winter's Crest Gift

winter's crest - pretend this was on time

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Text | un: Mistress_Vex (After Keyleth's disappearance)

Text | un: RavenRogue

Text -> Action

Action

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Text | un: facethestorm (sometime after Pike's post)

Text | un: Ravenchampion

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