[ Vex doesn't appear all that intimidated by the implied threat. Perhaps being dragon-cursed here is lending more courage than she might usually have. Still, she shrugs. His human form is not unattractive, after all. And while her interests may lie elsewhere, flirting is a force of habit. ]
But you see what I mean now, right? Ao, was it? [is it okay to shorten his name? not that it'll stop her doing so anyway] Anyway. Now that we're introduced: I'm a half-elf. Normally.
The scales are new. As are the wings. [which get spread out dramatically. they are pretty great, that much she'll admit] What about you?
[Being treated with a flippant attitude isn't really new to him, especially by someone that appears at least partially to be dragon, but disrespect from a mortal is a different story. He narrows his eyes, not sure whether the insult is quite enough to lash back against--and he isn't really sure what he's dealing with either. Not completely. Actually, her explanation doesn't clear that part up.]
Ao Lengshan. [What the hell, strange creature? He isn't even sure he can be angry at that. It's so strange.]
I am a dragon. Grandson of the Northern King, Ao Shun.
[Wasn't that obvious from the name? He doesn't know how this confusion could have happened.]
[ The touch does not last long, partially because they are strangers, and partially because Vex feels confident in the distance they put between themselves and the seller. (The goblin trader can weep into his log books later.) ]
Well, first one has to consider supply and demand. Right now, there are many new people in addition to the regular locals, and some will try to capitalize on the greater demand. However, part of the fun of things is to haggle. Sometimes the price only decreases a little. Sometimes, you can get more of a bargin. [her smile is brief, and almost razor sharp - perhaps due to dragonfang? It vanishes quickly enough] And sometimes, if the seller won't budge, you can say no and walk away.
The trick of course, is to know when to walk away. And since he agreed to my price, why not pay it?
If he was truly selling illicit goods, well. Sneaking it past guards is ballsy, though given how thinly spread they are right now..
[ He listens to the explanation attentively and politely, letting the hand fall and continuing to follow her obediently even without being pulled. He looks back at the merchant, then again at Vex, seeing her grin and the general indifference of everyone around them. ]
Noble miss, could it be that you have negotiated unfairly with that merchant to obtain your desired items?
[ He sounds like someone solving a complex strategy rather than someone making any kind of accusation. Lan Xichen just folds his hands in front of him, standing back to observe with puzzled curiosity. ]
If he were selling something illicit, it would be wrong to purchase it.
You may call me Vex'ahlia. Though I am nobility back home, I rather doubt that applies here. [which sucks, because being a Lady is still a new and shiny title that brings her such delight] As for negotiation-- unfairly? That's rather harsh.
I would prefer to say that I am simply the superior negotiator in this particular circumstance.
[ Learned from necessity, and years of being on the wrong side of the poverty line.
..Gods, you're a bit on the innocent side, aren't you? It reminds her, rather fondly, of Keyleth. ]
Very true. Though one might argue that it depends on what "it" is.
[ He doesn't quite seem to understand why her nobility wouldn't apply, tilting his head slightly but not asking. Of course it applies. ]
Forgive me, I do not mean to offend the good lady's honor. Perhaps I have merely understood a custom.
[ Lan Xichen raises his hands in front of him, forming a circle with his arms as he lowers his body forward in a straight-backed, formal bow. ]
Forgive my ignorant words. I am Lan Xichen, sect leader of the Gusu Lan. My preferred title is Zewu-jun, and I humbly entreat Lady Vex'ahlia's lenience.
[ He holds that position for a few more moments before straightening up again, looking at her with steady warmth. ]
May I be bold enough to ask what it is, then? What you have purchased?
There's no need for such formality, I assure you. And I'm not really offended, darling. [reassurance, followed by a smile. it's even quite sincere]
[ Though in spite of her words, it is clear that the gestures, the bows, are recognised for the respect intended, and she IS flattered. ]
..Well, It is a pleasure to meet you. Lan Xichen--ah, Zewu-jun Lan Xien? [before or after? she's not quite sure]
Are the [she motions slightly with her hands] something your sect does? I've not encountered their like before, is there one I should be giving in return?
[And of course: back to shopping!] I was referring to a hypothetical "it", I would certainly hope my purchases aren't on the wrong side of legal. But, [she knows exactly what's what, but it doesn't hurt to make a small show of opening the small carry sack to check her wares] I have what's reported to be a healing potion, one that supposedly cures, or was it curses? any manner of poisons, and...ah, an amulet they claimed 'improves chances of finding someone to bond with'.
Not that they're permitting those right now to new arrivals like me.
[not that she knows what bonds are, but it's probably some sort of bounty system? the people in charge had been more concerned about her not coming out of the right mirror..]
[ He does act with calm, trained grace, but the warmth is also sincere, softening his gaze when Vex reassures him that he's forgiven. Lan Xichen may question people, but he rarely aims to offend them. It usually takes a particularly unwelcome attitude before his comments turn sharp or impolite. ]
That is a relief. I would feel truly ashamed if I had upset someone on our first meeting. Zewu-jun seems to be what most prefer to use here. Lan Xichen is my courtesy name, for any general use.
[ And that is actually endearing. ]
It is a common form of respect where I am from, yes. There is no need to return the bow, although we do offer it in greeting as well.
[ Even though what she says as she explains her haul is technically touching on illegal, he keeps his smile. ]
Perhaps the claims are a little ambitious, at least for some of those items. But one can always hope that they find treasures within stone. Although, the amulet is perhaps unnecessary. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a bonding partner, if you wish one. You are a friend of Young Master Percival, are you not?
Then I will make sure to remember it. [both name and gesture] I suspect we are from very different planes, you and I, unless you're from further west in Orthanzia, or located in Wildemount?
[ Perhaps those names will ring a bell, or perhaps they won't. She's certain that his clan doesn't reside in Tal'dorei, in the very least. ]
That's entirely possible. In which case, it's a good thing I got a good deal on them, wouldn't you agree? [As for bonding partners:] Given I apparently didn't arrive through the correct sort of mirror [whatever that's about] they were a little concerned about whether a bond would even--
[wait
The question earns a blink, and Vex. Freezes. She's never heard of anyone calling him 'young master' (she recalls all too well his reaction to "grand sire"), but just hearing Percival's name seems to make her lock up, lips closing, then parting, then closing again.]
[ He seems pretty proud of himself for being right, taking Vex's reaction as a positive sign. One can never really be sure with so many people coming in and going out and all of the worlds and times being unpredictable, but when Vex stops suddenly, Xichen assumes that means she does recognize his name. Ah, he'll be so delighted! ]
Then is it true? I could not be certain, but if you are his friend, then he shall be greatly relieved, I think. Young Master Percival has been instructing me recently in the forge and on personal matters, and I am very grateful to him. I would be blessed to be able to see him reunite with a friend.
[ He doesn't realize that maybe this is a weird way to present a coincidence--just happy to be here, Lan Xichen all around. ]
Ah, and even if you have not arrived through a conventional mirror, I am sure that between people of the same world there must already be a connection. It must be a sign of good fortune.
[ The unintentional upset he had been so concerned about causing has arrived, well intended words causing a myriad of emotions. That such pride comes after a reveal that Vex is still reeling from, back straighter and lips pressed into a thin line as she listens to this man.
She had thought him kind, if naive. Now she is the one who feels like a fool. ]
Fortune? [her voice doesn't crack, but the note is a touch sharp] If this is a joke, it's decidedly unfunny.
[She is quite the opposite of happy; but what sounds like anger cannot mask the emotion visible not on her face, but in her eyes: grief, from some painful and still fresh wound.] I don't know what "truth" you seem to think you've uncovered. But I think you've have me confused for someone else.
Excuse me.
[and she turns, reshouldering her bag with haste.]
[ The change is so abrupt that Lan Xichen stays frozen for a moment, confused and slightly panicked by the way Vex'ahlia's mood changes and becomes decidedly cold. He certainly assumed she would be glad to know Percy was there, but he can't even begin to guess what the reason for her response is, even if they were fighting. Wouldn't Percy have mentioned that? Maybe not. ]
Ah, please, don't leave! [ He can't just let her go like that. ]
I don't understand. Why would I be joking about a companion?
[ Naive is pretty accurate, because he doesn't know what he did wrong to defend himself. ]
Lady Vex'ahlia, I may indeed have confused you with someone. My familiarity is only in passing, but if you wish, we can go to the young master and talk to him about it. That way there will be no misunderstandings.
[ That's the worst of it, really: he hasn't done anything wrong. In the very least, he's speaking the truth as he knows it.
But it is a truth that runs counter to what Vex'ahlia knows, what she has lived through, and the thought that Percival could be here, that he's still.. No. That's too much to bear.
She does not stop moving, meaning Lan Xichen will have to stay on his toes to keep up with her. And the crowd is thin enough at this time that she can't simply lose him, particularly when he is far more familiar with the place than she is. ]
Why should I believe you? [she doesn't look at him] I don't know you. And you certainly don't know me. And I am not talking to anyone else here. [oh no, she's not falling for that old trap]
[ Luckily for Lan Xichen, he is actually quite athletic despite his refined aesthetic. He does give chase, walking quickly alongside her with an ever-growing expression of concern. This is not a fight. This is something worse. ]
Please, Lady Vex'ahlia, I promise that what I say is true. It is forbidden for me to speak falsehoods, and I would not make light of anything involving one's connection to their home! As you say, I do not know you, so what reason would I have to mislead you? Surely that would not serve a purpose.
[ Forbidden to speak falsehoods? That gets the most incredulous side-eye. How can anyone live like that? That's absurd. (Scanlan would die.) He's annoyingly persistent (takes one to know one, really), and she begins to scoff at his insistence that misleading her would serve no purpose.
Save that something gives her pause, amidst the turmoil within.
The problem with being perceptive, with having learned how to read people from the earliest of ages (at your mother's knee; in your father's stifling court; in bustling towns where no one but your brother is on your side), is that you can see to the heart of things - even when you really don't want to give that heart a chance.
Lan Xichen is being truthful, in this moment. In the very least, he is genuine in his confusion and genuine in his concern. She has no reason to doubt him.
But if she's honest with herself, she's not ready to hear what he has to say. ]
Fine. I believe you aren't lying. [said, tightly wound] Now, please excuse me.
[She says she believes him, which of course he also accepts without question, but she sounds angry, and upset, and Lan Xichen is no closer to understanding how he has managed to offend her by mentioning someone he thought she would want to see. Could they have had some terrible falling out? It did not seem so when Percy spoke to him. He had looked rather fond in that dream... But then, wouldn't Wei Wuxian have looked fond of his younger brother if he had managed to accidentally wound Lan Wangji somehow? He would have smiled just as much, loved him just as much, even if Wangji wouldn't forgive him.
He has made a terrible mistake. Somehow, without meaning to, Xichen has hit a nerve he never knew existed.]
Yes, I- I apologize. I should not keep you from your business.
[He lowers his head in respect and to hide his expression, voice going quiet as he steps back out of the way. He's going to have to apologize to Percy as well for this transgression.]
[ That's going to be an interesting conversation, one that Vex won't likely be privy to - though one she'll certainly be embarrassed about later.
But this one is at an end, and her head inclines in a nod of acknowledgement of the apology. She's already been incredibly rude; she doesn't trust herself to speak further, so she sidesteps away, then forward on, soon disappearing into the market crowds.
But surely the magical nonsense with the mirrors won't prevent a chance for an apology. Right? ]
[ Daenerys would not be the first mother to be caught off guard while tending to her child. Fortunately, Drogon is not human, and Daenerys is not alone!
That stench is awful! Of all the things she expected from dealing the creature an injury, the smell permeating the clearing isn't one of those things. Then a command from Dany, and the not-so-baby dragon's jaws open to release a bout of flame.
Vex'ahlia possesses no water magics. But she can't help but hope that her own scaling will help protect her against different dragon fire.
She dives away, unsurprised but resigned by fire's indifference where friend or foe is concerned. Body drops and rolls, her own wings tucking in tightly, and she muffles a curse of pain and landing on the left one's joints awkwardly. Still, the Shade is still loose, and Vex brings up her bow to bear, firing off another shot once she's up on one knee. ]
[ It was unfortunate with how hot Drogon's fire was. It burns, rips into brush and wood as if it was nothing. He has a long way to go since she last recalled his mighty roar, but it was enough to help. Dany wishes it didn't spread so much, put the other woman into danger – but she can't control a dragon, no matter the mothering nature she has.
Daenerys is still a woman unskilled with weaponry, no matter the tutor a knight or her weapon forged from the most notable steels. She was no warrior but she tries. The creature lunges and Daenerys drives her arakh into the crook of its neck, right at the moment Vex's arrow impales into the side of its jaw. It falls onto her, a deathly cry mirroring Dany's fearful grunt and plead.
Trying to wiggle free, to not allow the beast to ooze anything onto her in fear of infection. Her voice trembles as she barely can wiggle out, her legs pinned and Drogon taking a defensive curled root feet away into the ground. ]
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Vex'ahlia | Critical Role (Campaign 1) | Dragon | { OTA }
Ao Lengshan
Dinner first, I would hope.
[ Vex doesn't appear all that intimidated by the implied threat. Perhaps being dragon-cursed here is lending more courage than she might usually have. Still, she shrugs. His human form is not unattractive, after all. And while her interests may lie elsewhere, flirting is a force of habit. ]
But you see what I mean now, right? Ao, was it? [is it okay to shorten his name? not that it'll stop her doing so anyway] Anyway. Now that we're introduced: I'm a half-elf. Normally.
The scales are new. As are the wings. [which get spread out dramatically. they are pretty great, that much she'll admit] What about you?
no subject
Ao Lengshan. [What the hell, strange creature? He isn't even sure he can be angry at that. It's so strange.]
I am a dragon. Grandson of the Northern King, Ao Shun.
[Wasn't that obvious from the name? He doesn't know how this confusion could have happened.]
What is an elf?
Lan Xichen
[ The touch does not last long, partially because they are strangers, and partially because Vex feels confident in the distance they put between themselves and the seller. (The goblin trader can weep into his log books later.) ]
Well, first one has to consider supply and demand. Right now, there are many new people in addition to the regular locals, and some will try to capitalize on the greater demand. However, part of the fun of things is to haggle. Sometimes the price only decreases a little. Sometimes, you can get more of a bargin. [her smile is brief, and almost razor sharp - perhaps due to dragonfang? It vanishes quickly enough] And sometimes, if the seller won't budge, you can say no and walk away.
The trick of course, is to know when to walk away. And since he agreed to my price, why not pay it?
If he was truly selling illicit goods, well. Sneaking it past guards is ballsy, though given how thinly spread they are right now..
no subject
Noble miss, could it be that you have negotiated unfairly with that merchant to obtain your desired items?
[ He sounds like someone solving a complex strategy rather than someone making any kind of accusation. Lan Xichen just folds his hands in front of him, standing back to observe with puzzled curiosity. ]
If he were selling something illicit, it would be wrong to purchase it.
no subject
I would prefer to say that I am simply the superior negotiator in this particular circumstance.
[ Learned from necessity, and years of being on the wrong side of the poverty line.
..Gods, you're a bit on the innocent side, aren't you? It reminds her, rather fondly, of Keyleth. ]
Very true. Though one might argue that it depends on what "it" is.
no subject
Forgive me, I do not mean to offend the good lady's honor. Perhaps I have merely understood a custom.
[ Lan Xichen raises his hands in front of him, forming a circle with his arms as he lowers his body forward in a straight-backed, formal bow. ]
Forgive my ignorant words. I am Lan Xichen, sect leader of the Gusu Lan. My preferred title is Zewu-jun, and I humbly entreat Lady Vex'ahlia's lenience.
[ He holds that position for a few more moments before straightening up again, looking at her with steady warmth. ]
May I be bold enough to ask what it is, then? What you have purchased?
no subject
[ Though in spite of her words, it is clear that the gestures, the bows, are recognised for the respect intended, and she IS flattered. ]
..Well, It is a pleasure to meet you. Lan Xichen--ah, Zewu-jun Lan Xien? [before or after? she's not quite sure]
Are the [she motions slightly with her hands] something your sect does? I've not encountered their like before, is there one I should be giving in return?
[And of course: back to shopping!] I was referring to a hypothetical "it", I would certainly hope my purchases aren't on the wrong side of legal. But, [she knows exactly what's what, but it doesn't hurt to make a small show of opening the small carry sack to check her wares] I have what's reported to be a healing potion, one that supposedly cures, or was it curses? any manner of poisons, and...ah, an amulet they claimed 'improves chances of finding someone to bond with'.
Not that they're permitting those right now to new arrivals like me.
[not that she knows what bonds are, but it's probably some sort of bounty system? the people in charge had been more concerned about her not coming out of the right mirror..]
no subject
That is a relief. I would feel truly ashamed if I had upset someone on our first meeting. Zewu-jun seems to be what most prefer to use here. Lan Xichen is my courtesy name, for any general use.
[ And that is actually endearing. ]
It is a common form of respect where I am from, yes. There is no need to return the bow, although we do offer it in greeting as well.
[ Even though what she says as she explains her haul is technically touching on illegal, he keeps his smile. ]
Perhaps the claims are a little ambitious, at least for some of those items. But one can always hope that they find treasures within stone. Although, the amulet is perhaps unnecessary. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a bonding partner, if you wish one. You are a friend of Young Master Percival, are you not?
no subject
Then I will make sure to remember it. [both name and gesture] I suspect we are from very different planes, you and I, unless you're from further west in Orthanzia, or located in Wildemount?
[ Perhaps those names will ring a bell, or perhaps they won't. She's certain that his clan doesn't reside in Tal'dorei, in the very least. ]
That's entirely possible. In which case, it's a good thing I got a good deal on them, wouldn't you agree? [As for bonding partners:] Given I apparently didn't arrive through the correct sort of mirror [whatever that's about] they were a little concerned about whether a bond would even--
[wait
The question earns a blink, and Vex. Freezes. She's never heard of anyone calling him 'young master' (she recalls all too well his reaction to "grand sire"), but just hearing Percival's name seems to make her lock up, lips closing, then parting, then closing again.]
I beg your pardon?
no subject
Then is it true? I could not be certain, but if you are his friend, then he shall be greatly relieved, I think. Young Master Percival has been instructing me recently in the forge and on personal matters, and I am very grateful to him. I would be blessed to be able to see him reunite with a friend.
[ He doesn't realize that maybe this is a weird way to present a coincidence--just happy to be here, Lan Xichen all around. ]
Ah, and even if you have not arrived through a conventional mirror, I am sure that between people of the same world there must already be a connection. It must be a sign of good fortune.
no subject
She had thought him kind, if naive. Now she is the one who feels like a fool. ]
Fortune? [her voice doesn't crack, but the note is a touch sharp] If this is a joke, it's decidedly unfunny.
[She is quite the opposite of happy; but what sounds like anger cannot mask the emotion visible not on her face, but in her eyes: grief, from some painful and still fresh wound.] I don't know what "truth" you seem to think you've uncovered. But I think you've have me confused for someone else.
Excuse me.
[and she turns, reshouldering her bag with haste.]
no subject
Ah, please, don't leave! [ He can't just let her go like that. ]
I don't understand. Why would I be joking about a companion?
[ Naive is pretty accurate, because he doesn't know what he did wrong to defend himself. ]
Lady Vex'ahlia, I may indeed have confused you with someone. My familiarity is only in passing, but if you wish, we can go to the young master and talk to him about it. That way there will be no misunderstandings.
no subject
But it is a truth that runs counter to what Vex'ahlia knows, what she has lived through, and the thought that Percival could be here, that he's still.. No. That's too much to bear.
She does not stop moving, meaning Lan Xichen will have to stay on his toes to keep up with her. And the crowd is thin enough at this time that she can't simply lose him, particularly when he is far more familiar with the place than she is. ]
Why should I believe you? [she doesn't look at him] I don't know you. And you certainly don't know me. And I am not talking to anyone else here. [oh no, she's not falling for that old trap]
no subject
Please, Lady Vex'ahlia, I promise that what I say is true. It is forbidden for me to speak falsehoods, and I would not make light of anything involving one's connection to their home! As you say, I do not know you, so what reason would I have to mislead you? Surely that would not serve a purpose.
no subject
Save that something gives her pause, amidst the turmoil within.
The problem with being perceptive, with having learned how to read people from the earliest of ages (at your mother's knee; in your father's stifling court; in bustling towns where no one but your brother is on your side), is that you can see to the heart of things - even when you really don't want to give that heart a chance.
Lan Xichen is being truthful, in this moment. In the very least, he is genuine in his confusion and genuine in his concern. She has no reason to doubt him.
But if she's honest with herself, she's not ready to hear what he has to say. ]
Fine. I believe you aren't lying. [said, tightly wound] Now, please excuse me.
no subject
He has made a terrible mistake. Somehow, without meaning to, Xichen has hit a nerve he never knew existed.]
Yes, I- I apologize. I should not keep you from your business.
[He lowers his head in respect and to hide his expression, voice going quiet as he steps back out of the way. He's going to have to apologize to Percy as well for this transgression.]
no subject
But this one is at an end, and her head inclines in a nod of acknowledgement of the apology. She's already been incredibly rude; she doesn't trust herself to speak further, so she sidesteps away, then forward on, soon disappearing into the market crowds.
But surely the magical nonsense with the mirrors won't prevent a chance for an apology. Right? ]
Daenerys
[ Daenerys would not be the first mother to be caught off guard while tending to her child. Fortunately, Drogon is not human, and Daenerys is not alone!
That stench is awful! Of all the things she expected from dealing the creature an injury, the smell permeating the clearing isn't one of those things. Then a command from Dany, and the not-so-baby dragon's jaws open to release a bout of flame.
Vex'ahlia possesses no water magics. But she can't help but hope that her own scaling will help protect her against different dragon fire.
She dives away, unsurprised but resigned by fire's indifference where friend or foe is concerned. Body drops and rolls, her own wings tucking in tightly, and she muffles a curse of pain and landing on the left one's joints awkwardly. Still, the Shade is still loose, and Vex brings up her bow to bear, firing off another shot once she's up on one knee. ]
no subject
Daenerys is still a woman unskilled with weaponry, no matter the tutor a knight or her weapon forged from the most notable steels. She was no warrior but she tries. The creature lunges and Daenerys drives her arakh into the crook of its neck, right at the moment Vex's arrow impales into the side of its jaw. It falls onto her, a deathly cry mirroring Dany's fearful grunt and plead.
Trying to wiggle free, to not allow the beast to ooze anything onto her in fear of infection. Her voice trembles as she barely can wiggle out, her legs pinned and Drogon taking a defensive curled root feet away into the ground. ]