[ Vax can tell Dion was very fond of Terence. He must have meant a lot to him. But Vax can't help but notice Dion said he was 'involved' with someone, and he 'appreciated' a great deal about Terence. But was Dion in love with him? That feels like too big of a question to ask. ]
To have known each other since you were young, it must have been very special.
[ He can also see that there are some things Dion would have liked from Terence, too. It must have been a tenuous situation at times to navigate a romance in. ]
[ It's true. Dion wasn't alone because Terence was there. Had there been no one who shared his values, he might not have had the strength to uphold them.
He's fortunate that he needn't find out. ]
I consider myself blessed to have had him in my life, though I fear I never could have given him all that he deserved.
[ It may have been selfish of him, accepting Terence's feelings when they couldn't stand as equals. Their world wouldn't allow them that. At the start, he'd denied that reality to himself, but he sees it now.
Cherishing someone was simply not enough. He lapses into silence, before realizing he may have grown quiet for too long a time. ]
Forgive me, I've not spoken of him much before. It would have made of him a target, in my world.
[ Vax knows what having someone by your side can do. The strength it can give. Similarly, he knows what it feels like when that support isn't there. How it feels to be lost and alone. Dion's circumstances were difficult, so it is a blessing he had Terence by his side. Maybe it wasn't perfect, but it was still priceless.
He doesn't interrupt the silence, allowing Dion to gather his thoughts or remain in them for as long as needs to. The silence isn't awkward. It gives Vax time to reflect, as well. ]
No need to apologize. I understand wanting to keep him safe. You must miss him.
[ When Dion says they parted ways, Vax assumes it's for the same reason Terence would have become a target. After seeing Dion's father, Vax doesn't doubt a man like that would do anything to exert control over Dion, including using someone Dion cared for against him.
The mention of a 'decision' is where Vax second guesses his assumption. ]
What do you mean? Did something happen to him?
[ Having set his glass down, Vax turns to face Dion a bit more. He moves one leg up, bent at the knee in front of him on the couch cushion and edges a bit closer to his friend. ]
[ A soft gasp, then a frown creases Vax's face as he notices how tightly Dion clenches his hands. Vax leans in a bit more to look at Dion. ]
But.. you don't know for sure, do you?
[ Dion said he sent Terence to that city, but has he confirmed Terence is dead? The wrath of a god may be difficult to avoid, but it's impossible. Perhaps there is hope. ]
[ With his recent track record, Dion hasn't found it in himself to hold hope of better. ]
Twinside was unrecognizable.
[ He responds quietly, as it is easier to maintain composure that way, but only just. His eyes meet Vax's reluctantly, apology in them even before he lends his voice to it. ]
I'm sorry... It hadn't been my intention to place my burdens on you, especially when you've your own troubles.
[ When Dion begins to apologize, Vax quickly shakes his head and closes the last of the gap between them, sitting right next to Dion on the couch. ]
No, don't.
[ Sure, Vax was upset earlier, but Dion already helped with that. Now it's Vax's turn, and if he can help, he wants to.
He moves his hand and rests it against Dion's back, between the shoulders just at the base of his neck, as if to steady him. Vax's gentle eyes don't waver as he looks into Dion's. ]
Listen. What I know is, Terence is your second-in-command. That means he must be one of the greatest dragoons in your army. With skill like that, do you think he'd go down easily?
[ Vax would bet good coin he would not. ]
Dion, if you can have an ounce of faith in me, you must have a hell of a lot of faith in him. Hold on to that.
[ Though he can't say it, though he thinks it a kindness he hardly deserves, Dion finds himself grateful for that grounding touch.
And he doesn't think Terence would go down easily. Certainly not in a fair battle. The man had earned his position on merit, and he proved himself to any who doubted.
But in the face of a god's power, the every thing Dion had meant to keep him away from...?
Terence wasn't a Dominant. Wasn't a Bearer. Formidable as he could be, he was still a man.
His hands twitch, though he says nothing at first. Perhaps Vax is right. It is unfair to doubt Terence so easily. The fear that he'd damned his first friend and so much else is simply difficult to overcome. ]
More than an ounce.
[ He manages a scoff, though it's a weak effort. ]
It may be that I fret too easily over him, but... Next to me, his life felt so fragile.
[ How is Dion not to fret? Vax would do the same for any of those he cares about. Especially if he had someone he felt that strongly about. ]
Don't discount us regular, little folks just yet.
[ His hand squeezes the back of Dion's neck, feeling the tension there and giving him a small jostling to tease him a bit. ]
We might not be big, bad dominants, but we're full of surprises. In my world, there's stories of people who fought the gods and won. Drove many of them who would have destroyed mortals from our realm. And even when that's not possible, we find ways to survive. I'm sure Terence is smart. Resourceful. Believe in him.
[ Not for the first time, it impresses upon him how incredibly kind Vax is. It's admirable as much as it is worrying.
But if someone or something should harm him, Dion decides he will just have to become the consequence of that act.
This resolve he keeps to himself, letting himself be jostled and managing the smallest of smiles for it. He'd really only ever had one person to confide in, and he thought that time was behind him, but perhaps not.
Something about that thought makes him feel a little lighter. ]
I'd do you both wrong to underestimate either of you, you're right. [ As Ultima had them, though the mindset behind that was vastly different. ] I shall endeavor to do better.
[ Vax has already unburdened himself to Dion. He hopes that Dion feels he can always do the same whenever he needs to talk to someone. And if it isn't him, Vax hopes Dion has a person he can go to. Either way, he'll always be there for his friend.
As Dion says he'll try to do better and not think such dark thoughts, Vax smiles. Leaning closer, he lifts his other hand and tickles two fingers under Dion's chin. ]
I know you will. Because you're a good dragon. Yes, you are.
[ Of all the things he might've expected, the return of the chin scratches wasn't one of them. ]
Am I now...?
[ The question breaks off into a chuckle for the sheer silliness of it. Normally he'd politely mask that behind a hand as he was brought up to do, but with Vax's hand being there, he just ducks his head instead.
[ Vax laughs a little as well just because it's nice to hear that chuckle. ]
Yeah. Too good.
[ Too good. Too perfect.
With a smile and a sigh, Vax lowers both hands and gives Dion some of his space back while reaching for his wine glass. Maybe it's going to his head, but if the silliness lifted Dion's spirits, that's the important thing. He'll worry about any hangovers tomorrow. ]
[ They're going to continue disagreeing about that. Vax smiles over at him until Dion has settled. He noticed how cute Dion's smile is when he's laughing, but he keeps that thought to himself. ]
Really? Well then, cheers.
[ He sips from his wine glass once more. Dion just gave him a 'get out of hangovers free' card. Is that wise? ]
[ Which of the two statements is he addressing? Both actually. He does think Vax is too kind, but that simply makes him want to look out for the man, should he need it.
As for hangovers, why should he suffer when Dion is near at hand and can wick off those consequences with his light?
He's silent for a brief while, before asking— ]
Have you someone back home?
[ Vax is more experienced than he is, clearly. And he's a charming, attractive man. It stands to reason he may have someone to return to in his world. ]
[ Vex would appreciate someone looking out for her idiot brother, no doubt. She couldn't hope for anyone more reliable or responsible than Dion for the job.
The question returned gives Vax some pause. He sets the glass down with a sheepish look and gets comfortable on the couch next to Dion once more. ]
Uh.. not really. Not in the same way it was with you and Terence. I felt that way about someone, once, but she... didn't think it was the right time.
[ He got let down as gently as possible. That was over a year ago by now. It's not supposed to still hurt, is it? ]
For what it may be worth, Terence only told me because I'd suffered an injury protecting him. Odin's blade would have slain him, had I not.
[ And thus, his concerns over relative fragility. Terence had admitted to harboring those feelings for a long time, so Dion has no doubt what spurred him was the fear that he might never have the chance to voice his feelings at all.
Dion only wishes he'd voiced them more, but that is hardly a new thought, and he sets it aside. ]
But do you no longer feel that way? It does not sound as though your feelings were spurned outright.
[ Vax phased it as having "felt that way once", so Dion can't help but wonder. ]
[ It's starting to sound like he and Terence are alike in that way. Vax confessed his feelings during a moment when he thought he might never get the chance. It was just bad timing all around.
No, his feelings were not entirely rejected, but they weren't accepted, either. Vax doesn't know what that means. Maybe she just wasn't ready or maybe she was just trying to let him down easily. ]
I don't know. It's been over a year since then, and I've been in this world for a long time. She's my friend. I still care for her, of course. But.. knowing what happens in the future, she would only get hurt.
[ A lot has happened since that moment at the Sun Tree. They quested for vestiges, killed another dragon, and he's been living in Etraya. On top of that, his time in his own world is limited. The important thing is saving Tal'Dorei. Vax doesn't think he'll be able to rest if he leaves his world and his friends in danger. No, the fight must be finished first. Then he can go in peace.
Realizing he's been quiet for a long moment, Vax huffs, then smiles to lighten the heaviness upon him. ]
There was one other, but... it's the stuff of romance novels. Less plot, more action.
[ Not the good kind of romance novels Dion likes. The other kind. ]
[ Whatever happens, it's out of our control. Vex's words still ring in his mind from time to time.
A slight shrug, and he nearly says something but then Dion throws in that remark and Vax bursts out laughing. He's quite red, too. Oh gods. Good thing he wasn't drinking or there'd be wine all over Dion's couch.
How unexpected to hear Dion, of all people, say that. Guess he's read a few of those, too. Not to mention, some of those books take place in fantasy worlds. It's not uncommon to see a beautiful elf on one of those covers. ]
I'm not sure I would go that far, but Shaun might.
[ Presented with a curious new genre right there amidst the expected fare, Dion couldn't help but be curious. He had purchased a few, even, simply for that reason. Their time on Earth was short, and anything he didn't strictly need could be donated to the library, after all.
He smiles at the sound of Vax's laugh. It seems he hadn't expected that at all, which may not be a surprise, given how prim he is. He's written a letter or two that might also surprise others, but he's content to keep that tidbit to himself. ]
I believe this is the first I've heard of Shaun. Is that the other you were referring to?
[ Vax didn't say very much about Keyleth, and Dion said so much about Terence. Guess he owes Dion a proper story, but this one is clearly a happy memory.
A deep sigh and he rests his head against the back of the couch, his body slouching in a comfortable, lazy position as he settles in while turning his head just enough to look over at Dion. ]
Yeah. I met him some years ago. He was.. older. Worldly. Experienced. And a very powerful sorcerer. I was.. in over my head.
[ Vax chuckles fondly as the reminiscing. ]
He's quite a character. And in recent years, he's been the greatest benefactor of my group of friends. We would have been lost without his knowledge and resources.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2025-10-23 04:44 am (UTC)To have known each other since you were young, it must have been very special.
[ He can also see that there are some things Dion would have liked from Terence, too. It must have been a tenuous situation at times to navigate a romance in. ]
I'm glad you had that. That you weren't alone.
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Date: 2025-10-23 04:59 am (UTC)He's fortunate that he needn't find out. ]
I consider myself blessed to have had him in my life, though I fear I never could have given him all that he deserved.
[ It may have been selfish of him, accepting Terence's feelings when they couldn't stand as equals. Their world wouldn't allow them that. At the start, he'd denied that reality to himself, but he sees it now.
Cherishing someone was simply not enough. He lapses into silence, before realizing he may have grown quiet for too long a time. ]
Forgive me, I've not spoken of him much before. It would have made of him a target, in my world.
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Date: 2025-10-23 05:07 am (UTC)He doesn't interrupt the silence, allowing Dion to gather his thoughts or remain in them for as long as needs to. The silence isn't awkward. It gives Vax time to reflect, as well. ]
No need to apologize. I understand wanting to keep him safe. You must miss him.
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Date: 2025-10-23 05:14 am (UTC)[ It wasn't safe for Terence to remain with him, not when he'd pledged what strength he had to fight a god that would see mankind destroyed. ]
Yet I fear my decision cost him his life.
[ The loss of that relationship, he could endure. He had to. But the thought that he'd sent the man to his death remains a devastating one even now. ]
It seems my legacy to never save those I mean to.
[ Could he even count the Phoenix, when he'd bought him mere minutes? ]
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Date: 2025-10-23 05:05 pm (UTC)The mention of a 'decision' is where Vax second guesses his assumption. ]
What do you mean? Did something happen to him?
[ Having set his glass down, Vax turns to face Dion a bit more. He moves one leg up, bent at the knee in front of him on the couch cushion and edges a bit closer to his friend. ]
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Date: 2025-10-23 05:29 pm (UTC)He'd asked Vax over to help his friend forget his troubles, not burden him with his own. But declining to answer may be little better, at this point.
His hands resolve to closed fists atop his thighs. ]
Where he went... The god I spoke of before razed that city shortly thereafter. It was my fault he was there.
[ He sighs, a tired thing. All he'd ever said of the matter to anyone was, "My heart died in Twinside", for it had, twice over. ]
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Date: 2025-10-23 05:35 pm (UTC)But.. you don't know for sure, do you?
[ Dion said he sent Terence to that city, but has he confirmed Terence is dead? The wrath of a god may be difficult to avoid, but it's impossible. Perhaps there is hope. ]
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Date: 2025-10-23 05:58 pm (UTC)Twinside was unrecognizable.
[ He responds quietly, as it is easier to maintain composure that way, but only just. His eyes meet Vax's reluctantly, apology in them even before he lends his voice to it. ]
I'm sorry... It hadn't been my intention to place my burdens on you, especially when you've your own troubles.
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Date: 2025-10-23 09:27 pm (UTC)No, don't.
[ Sure, Vax was upset earlier, but Dion already helped with that. Now it's Vax's turn, and if he can help, he wants to.
He moves his hand and rests it against Dion's back, between the shoulders just at the base of his neck, as if to steady him. Vax's gentle eyes don't waver as he looks into Dion's. ]
Listen. What I know is, Terence is your second-in-command. That means he must be one of the greatest dragoons in your army. With skill like that, do you think he'd go down easily?
[ Vax would bet good coin he would not. ]
Dion, if you can have an ounce of faith in me, you must have a hell of a lot of faith in him. Hold on to that.
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Date: 2025-10-23 11:30 pm (UTC)And he doesn't think Terence would go down easily. Certainly not in a fair battle. The man had earned his position on merit, and he proved himself to any who doubted.
But in the face of a god's power, the every thing Dion had meant to keep him away from...?
Terence wasn't a Dominant. Wasn't a Bearer. Formidable as he could be, he was still a man.
His hands twitch, though he says nothing at first. Perhaps Vax is right. It is unfair to doubt Terence so easily. The fear that he'd damned his first friend and so much else is simply difficult to overcome. ]
More than an ounce.
[ He manages a scoff, though it's a weak effort. ]
It may be that I fret too easily over him, but... Next to me, his life felt so fragile.
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Date: 2025-10-24 12:50 am (UTC)[ How is Dion not to fret? Vax would do the same for any of those he cares about. Especially if he had someone he felt that strongly about. ]
Don't discount us regular, little folks just yet.
[ His hand squeezes the back of Dion's neck, feeling the tension there and giving him a small jostling to tease him a bit. ]
We might not be big, bad dominants, but we're full of surprises. In my world, there's stories of people who fought the gods and won. Drove many of them who would have destroyed mortals from our realm. And even when that's not possible, we find ways to survive. I'm sure Terence is smart. Resourceful. Believe in him.
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Date: 2025-10-24 01:22 am (UTC)But if someone or something should harm him, Dion decides he will just have to become the consequence of that act.
This resolve he keeps to himself, letting himself be jostled and managing the smallest of smiles for it. He'd really only ever had one person to confide in, and he thought that time was behind him, but perhaps not.
Something about that thought makes him feel a little lighter. ]
I'd do you both wrong to underestimate either of you, you're right. [ As Ultima had them, though the mindset behind that was vastly different. ] I shall endeavor to do better.
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Date: 2025-10-24 01:48 am (UTC)As Dion says he'll try to do better and not think such dark thoughts, Vax smiles. Leaning closer, he lifts his other hand and tickles two fingers under Dion's chin. ]
I know you will. Because you're a good dragon. Yes, you are.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-24 01:58 am (UTC)Am I now...?
[ The question breaks off into a chuckle for the sheer silliness of it. Normally he'd politely mask that behind a hand as he was brought up to do, but with Vax's hand being there, he just ducks his head instead.
He sees Vax isn't forgetting that. ]
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Date: 2025-10-24 02:04 am (UTC)Yeah. Too good.
[ Too good. Too perfect.
With a smile and a sigh, Vax lowers both hands and gives Dion some of his space back while reaching for his wine glass. Maybe it's going to his head, but if the silliness lifted Dion's spirits, that's the important thing. He'll worry about any hangovers tomorrow. ]
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Date: 2025-10-24 02:31 am (UTC)[ Vax, learning of yet more flaws and thinking so well of him regardless. Dion doubts he'll ever understand it, but he thinks himself fortunate.
He shakes his head before he sits back, supposing he'll just have to accept not understanding it. ]
...Should you have a headache tomorrow, let me know. I've found my healing can soothe such things.
[ Soothing was, in fact, emphasized to him regarding the effect his light had. ]
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Date: 2025-10-24 02:47 am (UTC)[ They're going to continue disagreeing about that. Vax smiles over at him until Dion has settled. He noticed how cute Dion's smile is when he's laughing, but he keeps that thought to himself. ]
Really? Well then, cheers.
[ He sips from his wine glass once more. Dion just gave him a 'get out of hangovers free' card. Is that wise? ]
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Date: 2025-10-24 02:55 am (UTC)[ Which of the two statements is he addressing? Both actually. He does think Vax is too kind, but that simply makes him want to look out for the man, should he need it.
As for hangovers, why should he suffer when Dion is near at hand and can wick off those consequences with his light?
He's silent for a brief while, before asking— ]
Have you someone back home?
[ Vax is more experienced than he is, clearly. And he's a charming, attractive man. It stands to reason he may have someone to return to in his world. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-24 03:16 am (UTC)The question returned gives Vax some pause. He sets the glass down with a sheepish look and gets comfortable on the couch next to Dion once more. ]
Uh.. not really. Not in the same way it was with you and Terence. I felt that way about someone, once, but she... didn't think it was the right time.
[ He got let down as gently as possible. That was over a year ago by now. It's not supposed to still hurt, is it? ]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-24 03:39 am (UTC)For what it may be worth, Terence only told me because I'd suffered an injury protecting him. Odin's blade would have slain him, had I not.
[ And thus, his concerns over relative fragility. Terence had admitted to harboring those feelings for a long time, so Dion has no doubt what spurred him was the fear that he might never have the chance to voice his feelings at all.
Dion only wishes he'd voiced them more, but that is hardly a new thought, and he sets it aside. ]
But do you no longer feel that way? It does not sound as though your feelings were spurned outright.
[ Vax phased it as having "felt that way once", so Dion can't help but wonder. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-24 03:58 am (UTC)No, his feelings were not entirely rejected, but they weren't accepted, either. Vax doesn't know what that means. Maybe she just wasn't ready or maybe she was just trying to let him down easily. ]
I don't know. It's been over a year since then, and I've been in this world for a long time. She's my friend. I still care for her, of course. But.. knowing what happens in the future, she would only get hurt.
[ A lot has happened since that moment at the Sun Tree. They quested for vestiges, killed another dragon, and he's been living in Etraya. On top of that, his time in his own world is limited. The important thing is saving Tal'Dorei. Vax doesn't think he'll be able to rest if he leaves his world and his friends in danger. No, the fight must be finished first. Then he can go in peace.
Realizing he's been quiet for a long moment, Vax huffs, then smiles to lighten the heaviness upon him. ]
There was one other, but... it's the stuff of romance novels. Less plot, more action.
[ Not the good kind of romance novels Dion likes. The other kind. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-24 04:13 am (UTC)[ Terence was. It was plain on his face.
But when Vax mentions the other kind— ]
Ah, you speak of bodice rippers.
[ Said so casually.
From this guy. ]
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Date: 2025-10-24 04:27 am (UTC)A slight shrug, and he nearly says something but then Dion throws in that remark and Vax bursts out laughing. He's quite red, too. Oh gods. Good thing he wasn't drinking or there'd be wine all over Dion's couch.
How unexpected to hear Dion, of all people, say that. Guess he's read a few of those, too. Not to mention, some of those books take place in fantasy worlds. It's not uncommon to see a beautiful elf on one of those covers. ]
I'm not sure I would go that far, but Shaun might.
[ Shaun would relish the idea. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-24 04:34 am (UTC)He smiles at the sound of Vax's laugh. It seems he hadn't expected that at all, which may not be a surprise, given how prim he is. He's written a letter or two that might also surprise others, but he's content to keep that tidbit to himself. ]
I believe this is the first I've heard of Shaun. Is that the other you were referring to?
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Date: 2025-10-24 04:48 am (UTC)A deep sigh and he rests his head against the back of the couch, his body slouching in a comfortable, lazy position as he settles in while turning his head just enough to look over at Dion. ]
Yeah. I met him some years ago. He was.. older. Worldly. Experienced. And a very powerful sorcerer. I was.. in over my head.
[ Vax chuckles fondly as the reminiscing. ]
He's quite a character. And in recent years, he's been the greatest benefactor of my group of friends. We would have been lost without his knowledge and resources.
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