Well, I do love you a great deal, but not quite that way, Scanlan.
[She taps her dominant hand on the bar as she tries to find a way to word things. It's not that she doesn't understand his desire to ask. He has always been a part of Vox Machina, even before they called themselves that. And he'd been with Grog before then, so the thought of him leaving might just seem a bit anathema to him.
It certainly was to the rest of the group until he actually left.]
Honestly, I think it was a mixture of your insecurities and your daughter. I wouldn't say it's Kaylie's fault at all, but more like... your guilt surrounding her.
[Cue the absolute look of bewilderment in shock and awe when Scanlan heard the words 'your daughter' in the same breath. The tankard in hand slips from his grasp as the remaining contents sloshed onto the bar top in a mess choking on his drink.]
Did you just say what I think you said? I have a daughter?!?!
[There is a long moment of silence as the gnome slumps a bit forward on the bar still trying to comprehend the bombshell just dropped on him. Sighing solemnly he finally nods in understanding after a few minutes, looking back towards Vex with a strained smile. All he'd ever wanted was to love and cherish someone though he was not expecting it to be a daughter more so his significant other with children coming in due time. He was not disappointed, well perhaps with himself for not being there for her but he genuinely had no knowledge of her birth in the first place.]
Her name is Kaylie...a fine name. How old is she? What does she look like?
[Scanlan's mind running wild trying to think back on who might be her mother? Could the inconceivable have truly happened and the bard ensnared his lady love Pike and settled down in the future? Perhaps that was why she was so willing to put forth the notion of a date between them here? A mountain of questions racking his brain as he tried to stay calm and collected.]
[Vex looks at him, obviously amused as she goes to take a drink while he processes the information.]
Do I really need to tell you about the birds and the bees, Scanlan? You do enough fornicating to fuel a proper college of bards. I'm not sure why you're so surprised. [Vex cuts him a sly stare.] Of course, you did try to sleep with her before you found out.
As far as Kaylie goes, she's an excellent flautist, she has a sharp and barbed tongue, especially for you. She's pretty, about mid-twenties or so. Pretty close to Percy's age, I think. She's from Kymal and she spent a great deal of time traveling with Doctor Dramzel's troupe.
[She stops there, because the next part won't be so kind and he deserves to take this one shock at a time.]
[A half hearted bit of breathy laughter falls from his parted lips at the first bit as he takes a few more minutes to really process everything Vex had just laid out. After all this time feeling like no one truly gave a damn about him there was a daughter out there searching for him. A hand moves to pinch the bridge of his nose as a headache begins to form, shaking his head with a solemn sigh as he finally musters up the courage to speak up again.]
Guess she takes after her father in more than a few ways, huh...
[It fills his heart with pride to hear that his daughter had taken up the mantle as fellow bard and started to make a name for herself as a travelling musician with Dr. Dranzel's group in turn even if they were a little nefarious at times.]
Could be worse travelling companions Dr. Dranzel and the gang will see to her safety at the very least...But what becomes of us? Me and Kaylie?
[She says it in a teasing tone, bumping him a bit with her shoulder as she fills his cup up with the superior wine she's summoned from the Alchemy Jug. Kaylie is a bit of a sore topic though and Vex has to be careful as she tiptoes through this.
She's aware that he's from a great deal before things got tricky for Vox Machina, but she has to basically let him know everything. He deserves it.]
Thordak, Raishan, Umbrasyl and Vorugal all attacked Tal'dorei. Since they destroyed Pyrah, Emon, Westruunn and... [She sighs, still feeling the pang of loss of a good friend.] ... And Draconia. So many innocent lives were lost when they attacked, but many more were saved and we took them to Whitestone for protection. We met with Kaylie and the troupe in Westruun again.
Unbeknownst to any of us, you foolishly told her that you wouldn't die while we were fighting. But, honestly, we've all died so much throughout our travels that it just feels stupid that you would do that. You did, though. And, I understand it. However, I don't agree with it and I think it was incredibly selfish and short-sighted of you, especially where Kaylie is concerned.
[She wishes Syldor would've made any sort of kind declaration to her and Vax in the same vein, but Scanlan is a better man than her sire. Even if he is a fool too.]
[If the first bomb drop was meant to be the softer of the first blows then Vex's next confession is an atomic nuke by comparison as she continues to unfold the mysteries of his future. Not only had most of Exandria come under siege by fucking dragons but the bard went and got himself killed for real this time after all his close brushes with death in the past. Why the hell was it always dragons?
Scanlan's head hangs low as he peers into the tankard filled with the delectable wine provided though at the moment seemingly has little interest in drinking. Curious given the circumstances but right now all he could think about was if he lived to tell the tale or his grand story had come to a screeching halt before his time.]
So...what becomes of me then...Am I like fucking dead, dead? Just be honest with me, Vex.
[Not that she had been holding back or anything but right now the gnome just wanted a straight forward and blunt answer as opposed to beating around the bush.]
[Nothing about this is easy for her. However, she's not sure that she can leave this to Pike. And definitely not to the rest of Vox Machina. He's already hurt them all once. She's strong. She can take it.
She'll just go cry on Percy later. One of the joys of being married.]
Of course not, you idiot. You and I both fell taking out Raishan and Pike could get to me easily to bring me back quickly, but because we were in the lair of an Ancient Red Dragon, there was lava and fire everywhere. So, we hauled ass back to Whitestone. And while Pike was getting things ready for a ritual to bring you back, I...
[She sighs, fighting back the desire to cry.]
I went back to Westruun and brought Kaylie back with me to help. She was upset, but she did. And when you came back, you... You said awful, foul things to all of us. Claimed that we'd never made efforts to get to know you when you shut us out at every turn. We opened up to you and you never did the same thing. You screamed and raged and blamed and then... You turned most of your vitriol on Grog and Pike.
And then you and Kaylie left Whitestone to go on a trip. You traveled around Tal'dorei around Whitestone before you decided to go to Ank'harel to become the Meat Man again.
[When she suddenly mentions the fact that not only did he fall to one of the dragons they face in the near future but also herself in turn a wave of guilt washes over him as Scanlan visibly sulks forward defeatedly. What comes next after Vex seeks out his daughter after making such a promise causes him to ball his fists on the bar top but does not lash out like he apparently does out instinctively in a fit of rage in her memories past.
Perhaps the things said to her were warranted to a degree after bringing his long lost daughter to see his lifeless corpse, any word made to her now leaving false promises but he was shocked to hear both Pike and Grog were on the receiving end of his wraith was surprising. He considered them both close companions and never expected to lose his cool on either. Right now the gnome was simply at a loss for words for the first time in his life perhaps, silently absorbing everything Vex was confiding in him. Faulting her for being outwardly honest with him and being courageous enough to come forward with this heavy burden of information would be foolhardy now. There was nothing he could do about the future but here and now Scanlan could be better than that, Folkmore instilling in them to unlock their 'full potential' after all.]
Well- I cannot fault you for your good intentions and I can see why I lashed out instinctively although I clearly did not think about the repercussions of my actions.
[Finally Scanlan lifts his gaze to look the half elf in the eye bravely with a strained smirk, reaching out to give her forearm a reassuring squeeze before wrapping his hands around the newly filled tankard of fancy wine.]
I have done and said a lot of fucked up things in my long lifetime while never truly feeling like I fit in anywhere until I met all of you guys. While I cannot stop the future from happening I am sorry for any wicked words I may have said that offended you, Vex'ahlia.
[As someone who has participated in more revival rituals than all the rest of them, she has a good idea of what will make someone want to return if it's come to that. Getting Kaylie was the only way to make sure that Scanlan returned to the Prime Material Plane so that he could spend more time with his daughter. She'll never regret that, even if Scanlan hated her for a while for doing so.
However, his response irritates her in a way that she's able to fully understand. She's not feeling quite as forgiving as she was when he first strolled into Whitestone with Lionel and she's going to let him know how she felt.]
You were selfish, self-centered and stupid. I love you a great deal as a good friend, a member of Vox Machina and a part of our dysfunctional family. I promise you this, Scanlan Shorthalt, if you ever talk to Grog the way you did, I will hunt you down and turn you into a porcupine. Do. You. Understand. Me?
You can say whatever the hell you want to me, to Percy, to Vax, but if you hurt Keyleth or Grog again, there is no hole anywhere that is safe enough to hide you from my wrath.
[It leaves a bitter taste in his mouth as hears just how big of an asshole he truly was before departing from Vox Machina and going his separate ways with Kaylie. Scanlan always knew he was a bit of an outcast, never quite fitting in wherever he hung his hat. He would be lying if he said was not just a little bit curious what kind of horrible things said to his best buddy, visibly frowning as his brows knit tightly sighing solemnly once more.]
I don't even want to know what particular brand of bullshit I was on but I will have to apologize to Grog personally.
[He's hurt; Visibly shown between the grimace plastered over his features and his uneasy body language as he averts his gaze from Vex'ahlia ashamedly by his actions. Its clear the gnome had not been expecting all this when Taryon initially told him about the departure from the group, far worse of a fall out than he could possibly begin to imagine.]
Hopefully I was not a complete moron and made proper amends in the future but until then I can only offer my deepest sympathies towards you and the rest of the gang.
[She takes a long drink from her mug before setting it on the bar and leaning back over her chair to sort of stare up at the ceiling as she thinks of how to reply. There's a certain sense of relief at having told him how she feels, but there's also a bitterness that from his point in time, Scanlan's fairly innocent.]
If you want my opinion, it was the drugs. Imagine my surprise when Jarret approached me with Suude that you'd pressured him to get you and that he let it slip that it wasn't even the first time you'd asked him to do so.
And, only Pike, Vax and I know that you've apologized and made attempts to make amends with all of us, so you'll need to give Grog and Percy some time. They're both angry in their own ways, and rightfully so.
[His expression turns from one of shock to pure horror and disbelief as Vex begins to explain his impending drug problems in the future, turning to substance abuse to ease his suffering instead of dealing with his problems head on. Scanlan did have issues dealing with things and tended to run away from them when they did not suit him, perhaps they were merely a means to an end as his coping mechanism but that was no excuse, especially given he had a daughter to care for now. It was insanely selfish at the very least and he was rather ashamed with his actions.
Rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly the gnome sighed solemnly before draining back the remainder of wine in his tankard, nodding softly as he finally acknowledged his counterpart.]
Yeah…Guess I will just have to give them some time.
[There is a long silence between them until Scanlan finally clears his throat and raises his glass suggestively towards Vex with a slightly more jovial look.]
Well...unless you have any more bombs to drop on me I think it's about time we get pissed drunk.
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[She taps her dominant hand on the bar as she tries to find a way to word things. It's not that she doesn't understand his desire to ask. He has always been a part of Vox Machina, even before they called themselves that. And he'd been with Grog before then, so the thought of him leaving might just seem a bit anathema to him.
It certainly was to the rest of the group until he actually left.]
Honestly, I think it was a mixture of your insecurities and your daughter. I wouldn't say it's Kaylie's fault at all, but more like... your guilt surrounding her.
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Did you just say what I think you said? I have a daughter?!?!
[There is a long moment of silence as the gnome slumps a bit forward on the bar still trying to comprehend the bombshell just dropped on him. Sighing solemnly he finally nods in understanding after a few minutes, looking back towards Vex with a strained smile. All he'd ever wanted was to love and cherish someone though he was not expecting it to be a daughter more so his significant other with children coming in due time. He was not disappointed, well perhaps with himself for not being there for her but he genuinely had no knowledge of her birth in the first place.]
Her name is Kaylie...a fine name. How old is she? What does she look like?
[Scanlan's mind running wild trying to think back on who might be her mother? Could the inconceivable have truly happened and the bard ensnared his lady love Pike and settled down in the future? Perhaps that was why she was so willing to put forth the notion of a date between them here? A mountain of questions racking his brain as he tried to stay calm and collected.]
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Do I really need to tell you about the birds and the bees, Scanlan? You do enough fornicating to fuel a proper college of bards. I'm not sure why you're so surprised. [Vex cuts him a sly stare.] Of course, you did try to sleep with her before you found out.
As far as Kaylie goes, she's an excellent flautist, she has a sharp and barbed tongue, especially for you. She's pretty, about mid-twenties or so. Pretty close to Percy's age, I think. She's from Kymal and she spent a great deal of time traveling with Doctor Dramzel's troupe.
[She stops there, because the next part won't be so kind and he deserves to take this one shock at a time.]
no subject
Guess she takes after her father in more than a few ways, huh...
[It fills his heart with pride to hear that his daughter had taken up the mantle as fellow bard and started to make a name for herself as a travelling musician with Dr. Dranzel's group in turn even if they were a little nefarious at times.]
Could be worse travelling companions Dr. Dranzel and the gang will see to her safety at the very least...But what becomes of us? Me and Kaylie?
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[She says it in a teasing tone, bumping him a bit with her shoulder as she fills his cup up with the superior wine she's summoned from the Alchemy Jug. Kaylie is a bit of a sore topic though and Vex has to be careful as she tiptoes through this.
She's aware that he's from a great deal before things got tricky for Vox Machina, but she has to basically let him know everything. He deserves it.]
Thordak, Raishan, Umbrasyl and Vorugal all attacked Tal'dorei. Since they destroyed Pyrah, Emon, Westruunn and... [She sighs, still feeling the pang of loss of a good friend.] ... And Draconia. So many innocent lives were lost when they attacked, but many more were saved and we took them to Whitestone for protection. We met with Kaylie and the troupe in Westruun again.
Unbeknownst to any of us, you foolishly told her that you wouldn't die while we were fighting. But, honestly, we've all died so much throughout our travels that it just feels stupid that you would do that. You did, though. And, I understand it. However, I don't agree with it and I think it was incredibly selfish and short-sighted of you, especially where Kaylie is concerned.
[She wishes Syldor would've made any sort of kind declaration to her and Vax in the same vein, but Scanlan is a better man than her sire. Even if he is a fool too.]
no subject
Scanlan's head hangs low as he peers into the tankard filled with the delectable wine provided though at the moment seemingly has little interest in drinking. Curious given the circumstances but right now all he could think about was if he lived to tell the tale or his grand story had come to a screeching halt before his time.]
So...what becomes of me then...Am I like fucking dead, dead? Just be honest with me, Vex.
[Not that she had been holding back or anything but right now the gnome just wanted a straight forward and blunt answer as opposed to beating around the bush.]
no subject
She'll just go cry on Percy later. One of the joys of being married.]
Of course not, you idiot. You and I both fell taking out Raishan and Pike could get to me easily to bring me back quickly, but because we were in the lair of an Ancient Red Dragon, there was lava and fire everywhere. So, we hauled ass back to Whitestone. And while Pike was getting things ready for a ritual to bring you back, I...
[She sighs, fighting back the desire to cry.]
I went back to Westruun and brought Kaylie back with me to help. She was upset, but she did. And when you came back, you... You said awful, foul things to all of us. Claimed that we'd never made efforts to get to know you when you shut us out at every turn. We opened up to you and you never did the same thing. You screamed and raged and blamed and then... You turned most of your vitriol on Grog and Pike.
And then you and Kaylie left Whitestone to go on a trip. You traveled around Tal'dorei around Whitestone before you decided to go to Ank'harel to become the Meat Man again.
THIS IS THE FEELSTRAIN RIGHT HERE
Perhaps the things said to her were warranted to a degree after bringing his long lost daughter to see his lifeless corpse, any word made to her now leaving false promises but he was shocked to hear both Pike and Grog were on the receiving end of his wraith was surprising. He considered them both close companions and never expected to lose his cool on either. Right now the gnome was simply at a loss for words for the first time in his life perhaps, silently absorbing everything Vex was confiding in him. Faulting her for being outwardly honest with him and being courageous enough to come forward with this heavy burden of information would be foolhardy now. There was nothing he could do about the future but here and now Scanlan could be better than that, Folkmore instilling in them to unlock their 'full potential' after all.]
Well- I cannot fault you for your good intentions and I can see why I lashed out instinctively although I clearly did not think about the repercussions of my actions.
[Finally Scanlan lifts his gaze to look the half elf in the eye bravely with a strained smirk, reaching out to give her forearm a reassuring squeeze before wrapping his hands around the newly filled tankard of fancy wine.]
I have done and said a lot of fucked up things in my long lifetime while never truly feeling like I fit in anywhere until I met all of you guys. While I cannot stop the future from happening I am sorry for any wicked words I may have said that offended you, Vex'ahlia.
no subject
However, his response irritates her in a way that she's able to fully understand. She's not feeling quite as forgiving as she was when he first strolled into Whitestone with Lionel and she's going to let him know how she felt.]
You were selfish, self-centered and stupid. I love you a great deal as a good friend, a member of Vox Machina and a part of our dysfunctional family. I promise you this, Scanlan Shorthalt, if you ever talk to Grog the way you did, I will hunt you down and turn you into a porcupine. Do. You. Understand. Me?
You can say whatever the hell you want to me, to Percy, to Vax, but if you hurt Keyleth or Grog again, there is no hole anywhere that is safe enough to hide you from my wrath.
no subject
I don't even want to know what particular brand of bullshit I was on but I will have to apologize to Grog personally.
[He's hurt; Visibly shown between the grimace plastered over his features and his uneasy body language as he averts his gaze from Vex'ahlia ashamedly by his actions. Its clear the gnome had not been expecting all this when Taryon initially told him about the departure from the group, far worse of a fall out than he could possibly begin to imagine.]
Hopefully I was not a complete moron and made proper amends in the future but until then I can only offer my deepest sympathies towards you and the rest of the gang.
no subject
If you want my opinion, it was the drugs. Imagine my surprise when Jarret approached me with Suude that you'd pressured him to get you and that he let it slip that it wasn't even the first time you'd asked him to do so.
And, only Pike, Vax and I know that you've apologized and made attempts to make amends with all of us, so you'll need to give Grog and Percy some time. They're both angry in their own ways, and rightfully so.
no subject
Rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly the gnome sighed solemnly before draining back the remainder of wine in his tankard, nodding softly as he finally acknowledged his counterpart.]
Yeah…Guess I will just have to give them some time.
[There is a long silence between them until Scanlan finally clears his throat and raises his glass suggestively towards Vex with a slightly more jovial look.]
Well...unless you have any more bombs to drop on me I think it's about time we get pissed drunk.