[ Percy can't help but but huff out a laugh, not much more than a slightly louder exhale. But how else do you respond to your own death, and the people you've left behind? Laugh or cry, and Percy has never been all that good at crying. ]
Honestly, I don't know either. [ And he hasn't questioned it much. Half out of some conviction that this might all turn out to be a dying dream after all, and half out of realizing he probably doesn't want to know. ] But I am...so glad to see you.
[ To know that she's safe. They're all safe. Even if the ritual doesn't work, it will be worth it knowing that much. ]
[ She'd felt impotent rage at being unable to reverse your fate herself. Only to find you here. The weird mirrors and all these scales are worth it to find you again.
And there isn't any question in her mind that the ritual will succeed. It will be in Pike's hands, after all. She swipes the corner of one eye with the heel of her palm; enough of that now. She's already cried so much. ]
So, a year, was it? [she can't see any scales, or wings, or fangs or claws - evidently he didn't get the monster treatment] And Bad News with you too. What's kept you busy?
[ Her wings remain settled around them, wing claws hooking together; unless he makes moves to break the embrace, she's staying right here for as long as he'll allow - one arm still curled around him and other hand resting on his coat. ]
[ He gives another one of those almost-laughs, something in the set of his shoulder loosening a little the longer Vex stays wrapped around him. How long has it been since Percy's had someone he trusted so implicitly that he could just let go? ]
Bad News and the rest. [ Diplomacy. Retort, for all that the pistol is missing now. Percy has guarded himself well enough. ] There's been use for them. The shades, you saw. Other things.
[ He opens his mouth, then closes it again. Better to let that lie in the past. Instead he lets an almost fond smile flicker across his face, even if she can't see it. ]
There's a forge I share with a friend. Hiccup. You'd like him. [ An unlooked-for younger brother. Percy still isn't entirely certain how that happened, but he can't bring himself to regret it. ] I've managed to stay occupied.
[ It's a familiar sound, and that gets a smile from Vex. One of the smaller, more sincere ones she only wears around her family. That he at least came here armed is some small relief. ]
Fenthras seems to have lost its power here, but is still effective enough at dealing damage. [she frowns slightly] I did see. I was warned about infection? Fortunately, it's not been an issue for me since I came out here to stretch my wings.
[ Quite literally, at that. Though let's pretend she wasn't strung upside down by webbing less than 10 minutes ago, alright? ]
I should have known you'd find a new workshop. [she may not see his fond smile, but the warmth carries in her voice] And you even made fr---wait, Hiccup? [surprise] You're the Percy he mentioned? [ugh] I met him in the markets, along with his pet dragon.
Toothless? [ That's definite amusement in his voice now. ] I'm somehow unsurprised. They do manage to get around.
[ Apparently that sort of thing happens when you're the friendly type. Percy will remain somewhat baffled by it.
As for the rest of it, he pulls in a deeper breath. If he can keep her from being blindsided by some of the things he's had to learn the hard way, it's worth having stumbled through it all. ]
Magic is...strange here. No doubt you've noticed. [ Wings and all. He's carefully not asking about it. ] Magic items don't work, unless you find someone to re-enchant them. Though considering half the population or so can do magic...
Toothless? [puzzlement] I guess it might have been, though I didn't exactly ask to look in the little thing's mouth.
[ It's truly strange, right? And yet, too much friendliness might turn you into someone like, oh, Scanlan? ]
No doubt. [she doesn't look at her wings, but she does lift those claws of hers on her right hand and wiggles them experimentally] I'm not sure I'm entirely a fan. The shifting back and forth is bit uncomfortable, and I'm not sure red scales are that flattering.. [but there is a nod, followed by a familiar, no-nonsense look] Is that prohibitively expensive? Or on average, since, as you say, so many do magic here..
[ She eyes him speculatively, then: ] You seem to lack my mirror gifted get-up -- though appearances can be deceiving. How did this place affect you, dear?
That's his name. [ There's a more-than-evident fondness there, for both he friend and the dragon. Dragons. ] There's another one too. Sharpshot. He helps me out at work, on occasion.
[ As much as he might be tempted to continue dancing around Vex's actual question, Percy is well aware that there's only so much deflecting she's willing to let him get away with. Most of the time he appreciates that. Right now, he's missed her too much to let it bother him. ]
I am one of the magic types, yes. Technically. [ His expression twists a little at the admission, but it's more wry than anything else. ] As for costs, it depends on the craftsman.
Ah! Sharpshot! That's the one I met. Shoulder sized, big bulging eyes? A terrible terror, I think he called it. No toothless dragons, though. [It was a pretty busy day in the market.]
[ Vex trusts Percy to be straight with her, and she's patient enough to wait until he's good and ready, when it isn't something she's called him on directly. She is very perceptive, after all, and what he doesn't say might reveal more than he does.
But oh. Oh, she sees that twist, and she has to bite her lower lip as eyes widen, dancing with laughter. Laughter she keeps reined in, but the smile still skirts at the edges of her mouth as she replies.]
Oh. Oh no. Oh, I'm so sorry, darling. [She knows how much you hate magic! She pats his arm consolingly] Is your magic at least useful for your tinkering?
[and there goes the redirect, the compliment earning Percy a pleased and flattered look. Before she smirks at him, one eye closing in that trademark wink.] They last longer than my brother's, too.
[because innuendo AND one-upping Vax is all in a day's work, even if her terribly missed twin isn't here to be taunted about it]
[ Well at least one of them is amused. Percy rolls his eyes in return, but there's no real bite to it. ] I can get by without. [ Which is a neat way of ducking around the fact that he can't actually do much in the way of magic anymore, but also happens to be true.
But if Vex is willing to be distracted, then it would be a shame not to follow up on it. ]
Quite. Can you actually fly like this?
[ He would imagine so, but none of the other humanoid dragons of his acquaintance have wings. It's worth the asking. ]
I've no doubt you can. [he is, after all, incredibly smart and she has absolute faith in his tinkering skills. ...for the most part.
She's not quite that distracted, however.] So what sort of spells are you not using?
I can glide, sort of. [read: falling, with style] I need to build up a lot more flight muscles before I attempt to properly fly. [dryly] Apparently knowing the basics isn't part of the package deal.
[ For any of them, really. He gives her a small, dry smile in return, both at the admission and his acknowledgment that she hasn't entirely let the other question go. ]
That would be quite the list. Magic here is almost as complicated here as it is back home. [ He hadn't been terribly interested then, shadowy legacy aside, and he isn't any better at it now than she is with her wings. ]
[ Only Percival would consider magic "complicated" enough to NOT learn when presented with such an opportunity. For a whole year. There's a rueful curve to her smile as she shakes her head at him, and can't help a chuckle. ]
A true understatement if there ever was one, darling. At least you don't have to worry about transforming on top of all that.
[ There's a rustle overhead, and Vex's attention snaps up, suddenly alert; what joy there is to be had in this reunion had almost made her forget where they were, and for a moment she remains wrapped around Percy, almost possessively protective in how her wings rise around them.
An owl hoots once, twice, then flutters overhead and away, and Vex lets out a sigh of relief. ]
..Perhaps we should find somewhere a little safer to continue our talk?
[ True enough, even if it earns her something of an impassive look.
But she's also not wrong about this not being the right place for extended discussions, and Percy nods once. He keeps Bad News held loosely in his hands just in case as he tips his head slightly back the way he'd come. ]
I have a place here, outside the wall, if you prefer.
[ She might want something that's a but more neutral ground. Unlikely, but he does have to check. ]
[a shrug] Aside from this place, I can't say I've seen much outside the walls.
[ But she trusts your judgment where this place is concerned, Percy.
Wings retreat, folding and settling against her back with only a bit of effort; she's had practice since the hunts began to get a feel for it. Only once satisfied does she move to link one arm with his.
(she won't say it out loud, but she's half afraid that if she lets go, he'll vanish on her..) ]
You're not missing a great deal, unless you go far enough to run into another outpost.
[ Which would be quite far indeed, by foot. Since Percy will assume his place is the better option at the moment, he flashes her a quick smile and keeps his arm folded around hers as he leads her back towards the forge.
It's not that far outside the wall which does mean a bit of a walk, but luckily they don't seem to be encountering much else in the way of shades at the moment. Percy is still very much on guard, and he would wager a guess that Vex is too, but perhaps the both of them have scared off anything that might try a sneak attack.
What finally appears is a small, comfortable house with a larger structure for the forge. Not difficult to tell which of them gets more attention, really. ]
How many outposts are there? [asks the ranger, who likely would find the wilds as interesting as the city - dangers and all.]
[ Arm in arm, one might mistake this an ordinary walk in the woods were it not for the extraordinary circumstances. Vex minds the paths beside and behind, even as her wings settle firmly, wing claws hooking in at her shoulders. The journey is, blessedly, uneventful - an unusual happening in her experience.
The house is noted, as is the forge, and the sizes in comparison. His question is what earns the arch of an eyebrow: she knows which space you prefer, and she's pleased he sees fit to invite her in. ]
Just the one, so far. Not much there, to be honest.
[ It's an absent response has he steers her towards the forge and lets them both in. And almost immediately, a good half of it is recognizably Percy's usual sprawl of barely-controlled chaos, designs and projects in varying states of completion. The other half is clearly someone else's work, different sets of tools and all. ]
Make yourself comfortable. [ A bit dry, but Vex has been in his workrooms before, she knows what to expect. ] Hiccup built all this, actually. Used to live here before he moved into the city with his bonded.
Hmmm. Isolated then, thanks to all those infected creatures?
[or perhaps there are other dangers she should learn about...ah, but that can wait for later, surely.
First things first: pack and bow are set against the wall, away from any fires, and she turns slowly so as not to knock anything with a wing. That done, she can't help but note all the projects spilled about the space with eagerness, turning slowly to get both her bearings and a good read of the space.
Being allowed into Percy's workshop for longer than a few minutes, or a group intervention, is always a delight for Vex'ahlia. ]
You HAVE been keeping busy. So what does Hiccup do, compared to your tinkering?
And you moved in in his stead? [a beat, then:] Bonded? He's married?
[an eyebrow goes up. She'd thought him a good bit younger than she or Percy, but--then again, she hadn't exactly had reason to ask his age, and it's not like people didn't wed young back home.]
Not married. [ Well, not as far as he knows at least. Percy's never questioned Hiccup's relationship much, but he knows there are certainly feelings involved. The less he knows about, the better. ]
Bonding is, ah. They recommend it here, between witches and monsters. Meant to sort of balance both out, or some such.
[ Is Percy's lack of enthusiasm with the concept clear enough? He doesn't quite roll his eyes, but it's close. ]
Hiccup's more of a swordsmith. Armor, that sort of thing. Much better with enchantments than I am, too. [ Not a high bar to clear, but Percy's approval is evident. ]
Oh. Hmm. [an easy mistake to make, but at least Percy is here to correct her before saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. She can't help but give him a quizzical look] Balance in what respect?
[the lack of enthusiasm is noted and she resists clucking her tongue; instead, she looks sympathetic] Is your Bonded that useless, then?
[ Do you need her to talk to them? She'll put the fear of Vox Machina into them for you if you want. ]
Sounds like a great partnership, especially if you've got a place like this together. Do you get a lot of work from people here? Mirror-people, or otherwise?
Mirrorbound, they call us. Mostly them, but a fair amount, yes. There's always a need for weapons, as I'm sure you've noticed.
[ Is he neatly sidestepping the entire conversation about bonds? Yes, probably. Though it's not exactly a surprise to anyone that Percy would much rather talk about his work. ]
The occasional odd project here and there. And we've collaborated on a few things. [ The almost boyish smile that flickers across his face likely makes it clear what sorts of projects those are. ]
I did, though I hadn't truly realised the extent of their need until they opened the hunts. Is it only you two that offer such service?
[ She noticed that side step, too, a knowing gleam in her eyes measuring Percy. Before letting it go - he will tell her, if he's willing, only when he's ready, and she has enough patience to wait for it.
(In spite of knowing that, back home, there is--was--a very real chance that there is no time left at all.
And if Pike fails..)
No. She's not going to think about that right now.
Seeing Percy smile, brief and small as it is, earns one in return, and Vex carefully perches herself on the corner of her work table, mindful not to sit on her wings as she did so. She has always liked listening to him talk about his projects, knowing he had no objections to questions if there was something she did not understand.]
We're the only ones that build them, as far as I know. There are other sellers around.
[ And oh the things they have. Finding guns readily on sale had been a shock to the system, and one he still hasn't entirely decided how to feel about yet. Mainly he just tries not to think about it, but what else is new.
As for the rest, he grins again and leans back against the edge of a table. ]
Ballistas. Two of them so far, one for the wall here and one for the Outpost. We've gotten rather good at putting them together now, if we find someplace else in need. [ Or even if there isn't a need, really. ]
[ Honestly he can't remember which of them started it. It hardly seemed to matter, once they actually started working, fitting near-seamlessly together over the project. There's a reason they've managed to share this one workspace for as long as they have.
Percy might sound just a little fond when he talks about Hiccup. ]
A few different things. Requests, mainly. [ He pauses, briefly. ] And I've been trying to get back into doing clockworks.
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[ Percy can't help but but huff out a laugh, not much more than a slightly louder exhale. But how else do you respond to your own death, and the people you've left behind? Laugh or cry, and Percy has never been all that good at crying. ]
Honestly, I don't know either. [ And he hasn't questioned it much. Half out of some conviction that this might all turn out to be a dying dream after all, and half out of realizing he probably doesn't want to know. ] But I am...so glad to see you.
[ To know that she's safe. They're all safe. Even if the ritual doesn't work, it will be worth it knowing that much. ]
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And there isn't any question in her mind that the ritual will succeed. It will be in Pike's hands, after all. She swipes the corner of one eye with the heel of her palm; enough of that now. She's already cried so much. ]
So, a year, was it? [she can't see any scales, or wings, or fangs or claws - evidently he didn't get the monster treatment] And Bad News with you too. What's kept you busy?
[ Her wings remain settled around them, wing claws hooking together; unless he makes moves to break the embrace, she's staying right here for as long as he'll allow - one arm still curled around him and other hand resting on his coat. ]
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Bad News and the rest. [ Diplomacy. Retort, for all that the pistol is missing now. Percy has guarded himself well enough. ] There's been use for them. The shades, you saw. Other things.
[ He opens his mouth, then closes it again. Better to let that lie in the past. Instead he lets an almost fond smile flicker across his face, even if she can't see it. ]
There's a forge I share with a friend. Hiccup. You'd like him. [ An unlooked-for younger brother. Percy still isn't entirely certain how that happened, but he can't bring himself to regret it. ] I've managed to stay occupied.
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Fenthras seems to have lost its power here, but is still effective enough at dealing damage. [she frowns slightly] I did see. I was warned about infection? Fortunately, it's not been an issue for me since I came out here to stretch my wings.
[ Quite literally, at that. Though let's pretend she wasn't strung upside down by webbing less than 10 minutes ago, alright? ]
I should have known you'd find a new workshop. [she may not see his fond smile, but the warmth carries in her voice] And you even made fr---wait, Hiccup? [surprise] You're the Percy he mentioned? [ugh] I met him in the markets, along with his pet dragon.
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[ Apparently that sort of thing happens when you're the friendly type. Percy will remain somewhat baffled by it.
As for the rest of it, he pulls in a deeper breath. If he can keep her from being blindsided by some of the things he's had to learn the hard way, it's worth having stumbled through it all. ]
Magic is...strange here. No doubt you've noticed. [ Wings and all. He's carefully not asking about it. ] Magic items don't work, unless you find someone to re-enchant them. Though considering half the population or so can do magic...
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[ It's truly strange, right? And yet, too much friendliness might turn you into someone like, oh, Scanlan? ]
No doubt. [she doesn't look at her wings, but she does lift those claws of hers on her right hand and wiggles them experimentally] I'm not sure I'm entirely a fan. The shifting back and forth is bit uncomfortable, and I'm not sure red scales are that flattering.. [but there is a nod, followed by a familiar, no-nonsense look] Is that prohibitively expensive? Or on average, since, as you say, so many do magic here..
[ She eyes him speculatively, then: ] You seem to lack my mirror gifted get-up -- though appearances can be deceiving. How did this place affect you, dear?
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[ As much as he might be tempted to continue dancing around Vex's actual question, Percy is well aware that there's only so much deflecting she's willing to let him get away with. Most of the time he appreciates that. Right now, he's missed her too much to let it bother him. ]
I am one of the magic types, yes. Technically. [ His expression twists a little at the admission, but it's more wry than anything else. ] As for costs, it depends on the craftsman.
[ There's a brief pause. ]
The wings do suit you, though.
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[ Vex trusts Percy to be straight with her, and she's patient enough to wait until he's good and ready, when it isn't something she's called him on directly. She is very perceptive, after all, and what he doesn't say might reveal more than he does.
But oh. Oh, she sees that twist, and she has to bite her lower lip as eyes widen, dancing with laughter. Laughter she keeps reined in, but the smile still skirts at the edges of her mouth as she replies.]
Oh. Oh no. Oh, I'm so sorry, darling. [She knows how much you hate magic! She pats his arm consolingly] Is your magic at least useful for your tinkering?
[and there goes the redirect, the compliment earning Percy a pleased and flattered look. Before she smirks at him, one eye closing in that trademark wink.] They last longer than my brother's, too.
[because innuendo AND one-upping Vax is all in a day's work, even if her terribly missed twin isn't here to be taunted about it]
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But if Vex is willing to be distracted, then it would be a shame not to follow up on it. ]
Quite. Can you actually fly like this?
[ He would imagine so, but none of the other humanoid dragons of his acquaintance have wings. It's worth the asking. ]
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She's not quite that distracted, however.] So what sort of spells are you not using?
I can glide, sort of. [read: falling, with style] I need to build up a lot more flight muscles before I attempt to properly fly. [dryly] Apparently knowing the basics isn't part of the package deal.
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[ For any of them, really. He gives her a small, dry smile in return, both at the admission and his acknowledgment that she hasn't entirely let the other question go. ]
That would be quite the list. Magic here is almost as complicated here as it is back home. [ He hadn't been terribly interested then, shadowy legacy aside, and he isn't any better at it now than she is with her wings. ]
Everything is a bit complicated, to be honest.
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A true understatement if there ever was one, darling. At least you don't have to worry about transforming on top of all that.
[ There's a rustle overhead, and Vex's attention snaps up, suddenly alert; what joy there is to be had in this reunion had almost made her forget where they were, and for a moment she remains wrapped around Percy, almost possessively protective in how her wings rise around them.
An owl hoots once, twice, then flutters overhead and away, and Vex lets out a sigh of relief. ]
..Perhaps we should find somewhere a little safer to continue our talk?
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But she's also not wrong about this not being the right place for extended discussions, and Percy nods once. He keeps Bad News held loosely in his hands just in case as he tips his head slightly back the way he'd come. ]
I have a place here, outside the wall, if you prefer.
[ She might want something that's a but more neutral ground. Unlikely, but he does have to check. ]
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[ But she trusts your judgment where this place is concerned, Percy.
Wings retreat, folding and settling against her back with only a bit of effort; she's had practice since the hunts began to get a feel for it. Only once satisfied does she move to link one arm with his.
(she won't say it out loud, but she's half afraid that if she lets go, he'll vanish on her..) ]
Lead the way then, dear.
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[ Which would be quite far indeed, by foot. Since Percy will assume his place is the better option at the moment, he flashes her a quick smile and keeps his arm folded around hers as he leads her back towards the forge.
It's not that far outside the wall which does mean a bit of a walk, but luckily they don't seem to be encountering much else in the way of shades at the moment. Percy is still very much on guard, and he would wager a guess that Vex is too, but perhaps the both of them have scared off anything that might try a sneak attack.
What finally appears is a small, comfortable house with a larger structure for the forge. Not difficult to tell which of them gets more attention, really. ]
House or forge?
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[ Arm in arm, one might mistake this an ordinary walk in the woods were it not for the extraordinary circumstances. Vex minds the paths beside and behind, even as her wings settle firmly, wing claws hooking in at her shoulders. The journey is, blessedly, uneventful - an unusual happening in her experience.
The house is noted, as is the forge, and the sizes in comparison. His question is what earns the arch of an eyebrow: she knows which space you prefer, and she's pleased he sees fit to invite her in. ]
Forge, of course.
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[ It's an absent response has he steers her towards the forge and lets them both in. And almost immediately, a good half of it is recognizably Percy's usual sprawl of barely-controlled chaos, designs and projects in varying states of completion. The other half is clearly someone else's work, different sets of tools and all. ]
Make yourself comfortable. [ A bit dry, but Vex has been in his workrooms before, she knows what to expect. ] Hiccup built all this, actually. Used to live here before he moved into the city with his bonded.
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[or perhaps there are other dangers she should learn about...ah, but that can wait for later, surely.
First things first: pack and bow are set against the wall, away from any fires, and she turns slowly so as not to knock anything with a wing. That done, she can't help but note all the projects spilled about the space with eagerness, turning slowly to get both her bearings and a good read of the space.
Being allowed into Percy's workshop for longer than a few minutes, or a group intervention, is always a delight for Vex'ahlia. ]
You HAVE been keeping busy. So what does Hiccup do, compared to your tinkering?
And you moved in in his stead? [a beat, then:] Bonded? He's married?
[an eyebrow goes up. She'd thought him a good bit younger than she or Percy, but--then again, she hadn't exactly had reason to ask his age, and it's not like people didn't wed young back home.]
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Bonding is, ah. They recommend it here, between witches and monsters. Meant to sort of balance both out, or some such.
[ Is Percy's lack of enthusiasm with the concept clear enough? He doesn't quite roll his eyes, but it's close. ]
Hiccup's more of a swordsmith. Armor, that sort of thing. Much better with enchantments than I am, too. [ Not a high bar to clear, but Percy's approval is evident. ]
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[the lack of enthusiasm is noted and she resists clucking her tongue; instead, she looks sympathetic] Is your Bonded that useless, then?
[ Do you need her to talk to them? She'll put the fear of Vox Machina into them for you if you want. ]
Sounds like a great partnership, especially if you've got a place like this together. Do you get a lot of work from people here? Mirror-people, or otherwise?
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[ Is he neatly sidestepping the entire conversation about bonds? Yes, probably. Though it's not exactly a surprise to anyone that Percy would much rather talk about his work. ]
The occasional odd project here and there. And we've collaborated on a few things. [ The almost boyish smile that flickers across his face likely makes it clear what sorts of projects those are. ]
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[ She noticed that side step, too, a knowing gleam in her eyes measuring Percy. Before letting it go - he will tell her, if he's willing, only when he's ready, and she has enough patience to wait for it.
(In spite of knowing that, back home, there is--was--a very real chance that there is no time left at all.
And if Pike fails..)
No. She's not going to think about that right now.
Seeing Percy smile, brief and small as it is, earns one in return, and Vex carefully perches herself on the corner of her work table, mindful not to sit on her wings as she did so. She has always liked listening to him talk about his projects, knowing he had no objections to questions if there was something she did not understand.]
Tell me about them?
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[ And oh the things they have. Finding guns readily on sale had been a shock to the system, and one he still hasn't entirely decided how to feel about yet. Mainly he just tries not to think about it, but what else is new.
As for the rest, he grins again and leans back against the edge of a table. ]
Ballistas. Two of them so far, one for the wall here and one for the Outpost. We've gotten rather good at putting them together now, if we find someplace else in need. [ Or even if there isn't a need, really. ]
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[ This desk has clutter, in the way a mind organised to build would consider efficient, but no plans are visible to Vex at first glance. ]
Really? That does sound fun to have. [she tilts her head, meeting that grin with one of her own] Your idea, or Hiccup's?
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[ Honestly he can't remember which of them started it. It hardly seemed to matter, once they actually started working, fitting near-seamlessly together over the project. There's a reason they've managed to share this one workspace for as long as they have.
Percy might sound just a little fond when he talks about Hiccup. ]
A few different things. Requests, mainly. [ He pauses, briefly. ] And I've been trying to get back into doing clockworks.
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