[ 'Food toys' made a conversation with Molly flicker in the back of his mind ("I'd just eat it and then have sex, what's the point?") but once he catches up with where Shaun was going he shakes his head to dismiss the tangent his mind was taking. No one needs to know about that. ]
A domino, as you call it, like that would be incredibly useful. When it was just me and Molly on the island I would cut down some geese for us every month and put the meat in the cold cupboard, then go foraging for grapes. There wasn't as much safe to eat in the wild back then. The first feast on the island was laced with the aphrodisiac poison and I ... I ate from it because I was hungry, but I left soon after.
My point is, if we ever run out of magical help, the cold-cupboard in the Neinhaus is always stocked and you're welcome to make use of it, of course. It's basic fare but you have my assurance that nothing in there will ever be poisoned and there will be enough for all of us.
[ He can't do spells or fight the Augur and he isn't interested in saving the lives of the majority of people on this island, but for those he cares about Fjord has made sure his family have provisions. ]
[ Shaun chuckles. He knows exactly what Fjord imagined when he said toys. It's interesting that the man won't admit it but perhaps he's not that comfortable with Shaun yet. ]
I've talked a little with Caduceus about the food available. He grew some very nice mushrooms for me at the party. But if I can magically provide some food for people and make a little profit at it, what's the harm?
[ He shrugs a shoulder and takes another drag of smoke. As he speaks it rolls out of his mouth making him look like a dragon about to breathe fire. ]
You're a very caring man, Fjord. Here I am a practical stranger who moved in. Yet, you've been kind. I appreciate it. I'll always have a feast ready for this house. These houses. You simply just need to ask.
[ There's always the bigger picture to consider but looking after friends first is still admirable. ]
[ A glance down tracks the smoke when complimented. ]
It's really shit that we're trapped here, scrambling to survive at the most basic level. [ Things are much better than they were, so he won't complain. Much. ] I hope we can stay in touch when we go home, I'll have to learn a Sending spell or something that can reach Tal'dorei.
[ He wonders about Tal'dorei and Wildemount, how things will be when they return. How he can save Vax, which he is more determined to do with every day, just as much as Fjord is set on bringing Aphrodite home with him. ]
We had a house like these back in Rosohna, Essek gave it to us. I don't know if we will still be welcome in the Bright Queen's dominion when we return, but if we are then you should stay with us. It's always twilight there, I think you would like it.
Oh, that's very kind but my business and my home, my friends, are mostly in Emon or scattered around Tal'Dorei.
[ They must be worried if they've noticed he's disappeared. It's one thing to miss Vax but he's dead. Shaun wasn't. Vox Machina would search for him. He knows they would even though they're retired. ]
While you and your group are fantastic company here. I can't see myself leaving Emon behind. Though, I would love to visit. I've never been to that part of the world. I want to see your Port Damali if it looks like this.
[ But for now, this is his life and he will make the best of it. Grab happiness while he can even on a sex fueled island. ]
And drow are just incredibly rare but talking with Essek has been fascinating.
Oh, yes, of course, as a visit. It sounds like you have your own life to get back to eventually, but after defeating the Augur there needs to be some kind of decent party before you go home.
[ He says it with such certainty; the Augur will be defeated. For Fjord, that's the endgame of this adventure, one way or another, if it refuses to send them home. ]
As for Essek, [ he tilts his whiskey to his lips and can't stifle a reluctantly fond smile, as if ambushed by his own affection for him, made deeper by their time in the City, ] he's ... Essek. Fascinating is one word, yes.
[ Fjord would have chosen something along the lines of stressed, it seems a more accurate descriptor of the drow. ]
You think the answer to escape is to defeat the Augur?
[ An interesting thought. One Shaun hadn't had, actually. He had mostly thought of modifying a teleport spell when he got that power back. ]
I suppose it must be different knowing him as long as you have. [ He can tell that from the way Fjord smiles about him. He wonders if there's anything else there as well. ] But we had a very pleasant game of dominos and conversations about magic. As magical sorts are want to do when they gather together.
[ Very calmly, without missing a sip of his drink, he says, ]
I want the Augur dead for what it's done to us. To me.
[ But that's lost to the wayside as he rolls onto the topic of Essek, a far lighter one. ]
We haven't known Essek very long in the grand scheme of things but he's probably in trouble back home because of us now, just by association. Letting us crack some of his walls may not have been wise, even if it was good for him. [ Closing his eyes for a long moment, he thinks of all the things they have to do when they go home, and especially if they take newcomers. ] I'm thinking of my bed in Rosohna and how badly I want to take a nap there.
Well, Vax killed a God once. I'm sure with everyone here it can be done again.
[ That's the best way Shaun can think of the power that controls this place. It's a God or a demi-God. Hence why he thought teleportation would be more practical.
Shaun's expression softens. Fjord is hardened, sure, but not cruel. There's a real softness to him and Shaun imagines he doesn't show it to everyone. ]
In the back of my shop... I have a teleportation circle. It takes me home to my parents. For the same reasons you want a nap in your home. I love Emon but it will never be the same.
[ What a thing to leave out! Although, Fjord hasn't brought up some of the weirder shit the Nein have defeated, and he knows being almost-pals with Artagan is not at all impressive. Who gives a fuck about archfey.
It's nice to know Shaun has parents, a whole family to return to. Somewhere safe. ]
What are your parents like? They must be proud of your business.
Vax will rarely brag about himself. If you want to hear about his adventures ask about his sister. He'll brag about Vex all day long but never himself.
[ Perhaps Fjord has noticed that Vax does not think of himself as anything special. Shaun's noticed for years. None of the humility is an act. ]
They are proud and happy where they are. I've helped them a little but they don't like to take my gold. Kind. Welcoming. The warmest people you'll ever meet. Generous to a fault.
[ Oh, he misses them. He hopes they don't worry too much when he doesn't visit for a long time. ]
I could show up at their door with absolutely no warning with everyone in these two houses and they would open the door like it was a planned event.
[ And sad, even when in Fjord's lap, he gets a look in his eye and there's a distance. the best Fjord can do is reel him back into warm awaiting arms. ]
They sound wonderful. [ The description makes him smile, only having experienced the same kind of welcome in one place before. ] Jester's mother is like that. Marion lets us stay at the Lavish Chateau whenever we turn up and she drops everything to be with her daughter, she never lets us pay for the rooms.
The Chateau is in Nicodranas, if you ever drop by. Hearing the Ruby of the Sea sing is a special experience.
He has lived a very hard life. Which I will not tell you about. Vax'ildan has told me many things in trust and I won't betray that confidence.
[ Fjord is one who clearly cares about Vax a bit more than others. Shaun understands it perfectly and he's only a tiny bit jealous. It's a feeling he can ignore. ]
Jester is another friend of yours? [ He smokes a little. The names will stick with him. Ruby of the Sea sounds delightful. ]
[ A nod agrees he doesn't expect to hear a thing about the sordid details of Vax's life from another, particularly not Shaun. There's a push-and-pull between him and Vax that Fjord doesn't want to get in the firing line of.
His eyes crinkle with a smile. ]
Yes, she's the youngest of the Nein. I met her a couple of weeks before the others, she's a blue tiefling Cleric. I ... I'm glad she isn't on this island, it would be difficult for her.
[ For a wide variety of reasons, he thinks. Molly's and Aphrodite's faces swim before his mind's eye. ]
She likes to read the dumb porn books our group collects, but ...
[ Thinking of Jester on sex island makes his insides twist uncomfortably, there's a lot to unpack. ]
[ There's a history deeper and more complex than anyone knows. Only Caduceus has gotten Shaun to open up about it. Things are smoother now. They've talked but there will always be something. ]
A blue tiefling? They can come in blue? [ They really don't get many of the diverse races in Emon. Which is strange considering it's a port city. ] The only one I ever worked with is red. Beautiful white hair. A warlock. I should see how she is when I get back.
[ He's noticed Fjord's rising discomfort so he imagines a change of subject is in order. ] I was surprised to meet Molly. He's the loviest shade of lavender I've ever seen.
[ He's grateful for the new direction the topic takes, sighing out a laugh and swigging his drink. ]
Yes, he's a beautiful bastard alright, and he knows it. He always has.
[ Lucien hadn't cared about his looks, one of the top ten weird things about the son of a bitch. With Molly flouncing around so obviously it's a comfort, mainly because Fjord isn't sure he could switch his emotions off if Lucien took over. ]
You know, when we first saw each other on the beach after we arrived, we didn't believe either of us was real, not until he had to stop me passing out from poison with his Blood Hunter abilities. [ "Passing out" being a watered down version of "rock hard and humiliated", but that's buried in the past. ] That's when we stumbled up the road to this house and collapsed in the derelict shithole that it was, back then. We were so shaken up.
[ Shaun thought he would get along with someone who read bad porn novels for fun. He loves a good laugh. ]
I know. That's why I liked him right away. We have the same ego.
[ Of course they flirted. It was their way. Shaun liked the tiefling and would absolutely sleep with him if presented the chance but that's neither here nor there right now. ]
I thought I was dead when I saw Vax. It was the only logical explanation for everything.
[ Shaun and Molly do have the same hedonistic vibe. Fjord wonders if he should warn him about Lucien and the dormant threat there, but ultimately that's Molly's story to tell. ]
He doesn't have a pulse.
[ It blurts out before he can think of the implications and he clears his throat a moment later. ]
But he's not ... well, undead. I wonder how the Augur does it.
From what I understand when the Raven Queen claimed Vax as her champion and took him she essentially made him a wraith or a lich but not corrupted. This is all I've been able to piece together reading. I don't know if any of it is actually what Vax is.
[ He's very aware of Vax's lack of pulse but his heart and soul are just as Shaun remembers.
He is everything Shaun loves. As he always has been. ]
It's not really that unusual of a trait. There are certain sorcerer imbued with the Shadowfell itself and their hearts rarely beat. I think it can happen with some warlocks as well but don't quote me on that.
[ He's going to deal with the Raven Queen ... somehow. There has to be a way.
His frown eases as they go on. ]
I'm a Hexadin! [ Brightly tossing that out as if it's a real word, he elaborates his own nonsense for Shaun's sake. ] A Warlock-Paladin. I was a Warlock originally with my first patron, then when I left him the Wildmother took me on.
[ Even Shaun, for all he loves Vax, knows better than to mess with that deal. It was freely made. He won't cheapen Vax's sacrifice for his own selfish desires. ]
An interesting way to put it. [ That actually makes him smile. It's a very silly way to say it but he likes the humor. ] So you and Caduceus share a... well, I don't want to say patron. The support of a Goddess. I've never had the faith for such things. Good for you.
Patron's alright, that's what she is. Caduceus is the reason I found her, he's got a stronger connection through the earth and ... all that. [ Plants fucking hate Fjord. ] I respect her, so I serve her. If she could reach us here, she would never have let the Augur block her out.
[ He pauses, then decides to reveal, ]
... My old patron punished me repeatedly by taking away my powers the way the Augur has. He would only give them back if I did what he wanted, and sometimes I would wake up helpless.
[ Which sheds more light on how personally Fjord has taken the Augur meddling in his goddess-bestowed boons and why he wants to destroy it. ]
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[ 'Food toys' made a conversation with Molly flicker in the back of his mind ("I'd just eat it and then have sex, what's the point?") but once he catches up with where Shaun was going he shakes his head to dismiss the tangent his mind was taking. No one needs to know about that. ]
A domino, as you call it, like that would be incredibly useful. When it was just me and Molly on the island I would cut down some geese for us every month and put the meat in the cold cupboard, then go foraging for grapes. There wasn't as much safe to eat in the wild back then. The first feast on the island was laced with the aphrodisiac poison and I ... I ate from it because I was hungry, but I left soon after.
My point is, if we ever run out of magical help, the cold-cupboard in the Neinhaus is always stocked and you're welcome to make use of it, of course. It's basic fare but you have my assurance that nothing in there will ever be poisoned and there will be enough for all of us.
[ He can't do spells or fight the Augur and he isn't interested in saving the lives of the majority of people on this island, but for those he cares about Fjord has made sure his family have provisions. ]
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I've talked a little with Caduceus about the food available. He grew some very nice mushrooms for me at the party. But if I can magically provide some food for people and make a little profit at it, what's the harm?
[ He shrugs a shoulder and takes another drag of smoke. As he speaks it rolls out of his mouth making him look like a dragon about to breathe fire. ]
You're a very caring man, Fjord. Here I am a practical stranger who moved in. Yet, you've been kind. I appreciate it. I'll always have a feast ready for this house. These houses. You simply just need to ask.
[ There's always the bigger picture to consider but looking after friends first is still admirable. ]
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It's really shit that we're trapped here, scrambling to survive at the most basic level. [ Things are much better than they were, so he won't complain. Much. ] I hope we can stay in touch when we go home, I'll have to learn a Sending spell or something that can reach Tal'dorei.
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But going back is the right thing. They can't let this island hold them hostage and feed it with sex forever. ]
You and your friends would be welcome in my shop anytime. I would be happy to sell you my best goods at a fair price.
[ He waves a hand. ] I'll enchant you some sending stones. You won't have to worry about it then.
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[ He wonders about Tal'dorei and Wildemount, how things will be when they return. How he can save Vax, which he is more determined to do with every day, just as much as Fjord is set on bringing Aphrodite home with him. ]
We had a house like these back in Rosohna, Essek gave it to us. I don't know if we will still be welcome in the Bright Queen's dominion when we return, but if we are then you should stay with us. It's always twilight there, I think you would like it.
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[ They must be worried if they've noticed he's disappeared. It's one thing to miss Vax but he's dead. Shaun wasn't. Vox Machina would search for him. He knows they would even though they're retired. ]
While you and your group are fantastic company here. I can't see myself leaving Emon behind. Though, I would love to visit. I've never been to that part of the world. I want to see your Port Damali if it looks like this.
[ But for now, this is his life and he will make the best of it. Grab happiness while he can even on a sex fueled island. ]
And drow are just incredibly rare but talking with Essek has been fascinating.
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[ He says it with such certainty; the Augur will be defeated. For Fjord, that's the endgame of this adventure, one way or another, if it refuses to send them home. ]
As for Essek, [ he tilts his whiskey to his lips and can't stifle a reluctantly fond smile, as if ambushed by his own affection for him, made deeper by their time in the City, ] he's ... Essek. Fascinating is one word, yes.
[ Fjord would have chosen something along the lines of stressed, it seems a more accurate descriptor of the drow. ]
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[ An interesting thought. One Shaun hadn't had, actually. He had mostly thought of modifying a teleport spell when he got that power back. ]
I suppose it must be different knowing him as long as you have. [ He can tell that from the way Fjord smiles about him. He wonders if there's anything else there as well. ] But we had a very pleasant game of dominos and conversations about magic. As magical sorts are want to do when they gather together.
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I want the Augur dead for what it's done to us. To me.
[ But that's lost to the wayside as he rolls onto the topic of Essek, a far lighter one. ]
We haven't known Essek very long in the grand scheme of things but he's probably in trouble back home because of us now, just by association. Letting us crack some of his walls may not have been wise, even if it was good for him. [ Closing his eyes for a long moment, he thinks of all the things they have to do when they go home, and especially if they take newcomers. ] I'm thinking of my bed in Rosohna and how badly I want to take a nap there.
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[ That's the best way Shaun can think of the power that controls this place. It's a God or a demi-God. Hence why he thought teleportation would be more practical.
Shaun's expression softens. Fjord is hardened, sure, but not cruel. There's a real softness to him and Shaun imagines he doesn't show it to everyone. ]
In the back of my shop... I have a teleportation circle. It takes me home to my parents. For the same reasons you want a nap in your home. I love Emon but it will never be the same.
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[ What a thing to leave out! Although, Fjord hasn't brought up some of the weirder shit the Nein have defeated, and he knows being almost-pals with Artagan is not at all impressive. Who gives a fuck about archfey.
It's nice to know Shaun has parents, a whole family to return to. Somewhere safe. ]
What are your parents like? They must be proud of your business.
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[ Perhaps Fjord has noticed that Vax does not think of himself as anything special. Shaun's noticed for years. None of the humility is an act. ]
They are proud and happy where they are. I've helped them a little but they don't like to take my gold. Kind. Welcoming. The warmest people you'll ever meet. Generous to a fault.
[ Oh, he misses them. He hopes they don't worry too much when he doesn't visit for a long time. ]
I could show up at their door with absolutely no warning with everyone in these two houses and they would open the door like it was a planned event.
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[ And sad, even when in Fjord's lap, he gets a look in his eye and there's a distance. the best Fjord can do is reel him back into warm awaiting arms. ]
They sound wonderful. [ The description makes him smile, only having experienced the same kind of welcome in one place before. ] Jester's mother is like that. Marion lets us stay at the Lavish Chateau whenever we turn up and she drops everything to be with her daughter, she never lets us pay for the rooms.
The Chateau is in Nicodranas, if you ever drop by. Hearing the Ruby of the Sea sing is a special experience.
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[ Fjord is one who clearly cares about Vax a bit more than others. Shaun understands it perfectly and he's only a tiny bit jealous. It's a feeling he can ignore. ]
Jester is another friend of yours? [ He smokes a little. The names will stick with him. Ruby of the Sea sounds delightful. ]
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His eyes crinkle with a smile. ]
Yes, she's the youngest of the Nein. I met her a couple of weeks before the others, she's a blue tiefling Cleric. I ... I'm glad she isn't on this island, it would be difficult for her.
[ For a wide variety of reasons, he thinks. Molly's and Aphrodite's faces swim before his mind's eye. ]
She likes to read the dumb porn books our group collects, but ...
[ Thinking of Jester on sex island makes his insides twist uncomfortably, there's a lot to unpack. ]
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A blue tiefling? They can come in blue? [ They really don't get many of the diverse races in Emon. Which is strange considering it's a port city. ] The only one I ever worked with is red. Beautiful white hair. A warlock. I should see how she is when I get back.
[ He's noticed Fjord's rising discomfort so he imagines a change of subject is in order. ] I was surprised to meet Molly. He's the loviest shade of lavender I've ever seen.
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[ He's grateful for the new direction the topic takes, sighing out a laugh and swigging his drink. ]
Yes, he's a beautiful bastard alright, and he knows it. He always has.
[ Lucien hadn't cared about his looks, one of the top ten weird things about the son of a bitch. With Molly flouncing around so obviously it's a comfort, mainly because Fjord isn't sure he could switch his emotions off if Lucien took over. ]
You know, when we first saw each other on the beach after we arrived, we didn't believe either of us was real, not until he had to stop me passing out from poison with his Blood Hunter abilities. [ "Passing out" being a watered down version of "rock hard and humiliated", but that's buried in the past. ] That's when we stumbled up the road to this house and collapsed in the derelict shithole that it was, back then. We were so shaken up.
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[ Shaun thought he would get along with someone who read bad porn novels for fun. He loves a good laugh. ]
I know. That's why I liked him right away. We have the same ego.
[ Of course they flirted. It was their way. Shaun liked the tiefling and would absolutely sleep with him if presented the chance but that's neither here nor there right now. ]
I thought I was dead when I saw Vax. It was the only logical explanation for everything.
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He doesn't have a pulse.
[ It blurts out before he can think of the implications and he clears his throat a moment later. ]
But he's not ... well, undead. I wonder how the Augur does it.
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[ He's very aware of Vax's lack of pulse but his heart and soul are just as Shaun remembers.
He is everything Shaun loves. As he always has been. ]
It's not really that unusual of a trait. There are certain sorcerer imbued with the Shadowfell itself and their hearts rarely beat. I think it can happen with some warlocks as well but don't quote me on that.
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[ A wraith or a lich. He isn't sure he knows what a lich is but it sounds evil as hell. Vax can't be one, he reasons. That's insane. ]
Warlocks who die, yes. We can be brought back and forced into eternal service if we renege on a pact.
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He's the champion of the Goddess of Death and Fate. Did you think it would be a gentle job? She's not a merciful one, the Raven Queen.
[ There's nothing evil about Vax. Whatever he's been made into hasn't changed him fundamentally. Anyone should be able to see that. ]
You don't strike me as a warlock type but I shouldn't assume. I would've thought Caduceus was a druid if I did.
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His frown eases as they go on. ]
I'm a Hexadin! [ Brightly tossing that out as if it's a real word, he elaborates his own nonsense for Shaun's sake. ] A Warlock-Paladin. I was a Warlock originally with my first patron, then when I left him the Wildmother took me on.
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An interesting way to put it. [ That actually makes him smile. It's a very silly way to say it but he likes the humor. ] So you and Caduceus share a... well, I don't want to say patron. The support of a Goddess. I've never had the faith for such things. Good for you.
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[ He pauses, then decides to reveal, ]
... My old patron punished me repeatedly by taking away my powers the way the Augur has. He would only give them back if I did what he wanted, and sometimes I would wake up helpless.
[ Which sheds more light on how personally Fjord has taken the Augur meddling in his goddess-bestowed boons and why he wants to destroy it. ]
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