The Stars Align

Why

The wind blew softly through the air, its gentle caress lifting strands of hair as they lay together amidst the plush, vibrant flowers. Ishtar's eyes fluttered open, her face flushed as she noticed the man beside her, holding her close. She glanced around and realized it was nighttime. Her gaze quickly returned to him, his eyes still closed, not yet awake.

She softly ran her fingers through his hair, tracing the contours of his jaw, anticipating his awakening. Her gentle touch promised it would be soon. Moments later, the man's eyes fluttered open, locking with hers. She smirked, her cheeks coloring as she saw him register the night sky above. He shifted, slowly extricating himself from her embrace. Rising quietly, he dressed, then helped her with her attire. Once they were both presentable, they stood facing each other, both uncertain of the words to break the silence.

"Uh..." he began, scratching his neck, still unsure of how to start. After a brief cough, he added nervously, "I wasn't expecting that to happen. I wasn't too hard on you, was I?" His eyes scanned her body, searching for any signs of harm. Relieved to find none, he exhaled deeply, easing the tension.

Ishtar met his gaze briefly before replying softly, "Apologies, I don't know what came over me," crossing one arm over her chest and squeezing it tightly. She looked away, feeling a pang of discomfort.

Unsettled by her avoidance, Vax took her chin in his hand, gently turning her face toward him. His voice was firm, "Don't turn away from me."

She nodded, her breath catching as they stood there, the air between them thick with something unspoken. They lingered for a few more moments before deciding to return to the village, their hands still clasped, their grip unwittingly tight.

When they reached the tavern where they had first met, Vax led her inside without hesitation. They scanned the room until he spotted his friends, and then glanced at Ishtar, his expression softening slightly. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, his breath sending a shiver down her spine, "I want to introduce you to my friends."

Ishtar hesitated but nodded, allowing him to guide her. She felt the weight of their eyes upon them as they approached the table. Vax cleared his throat and greeted them nervously. "Uh, hey guys."

"Where the hell were you?" Vex demanded, arms crossed and eyes narrowed in disapproval.

Unfazed by her glare, Vax shot back, "That's none of your business, sis," before stepping aside to reveal the woman who had captured his thoughts. "Meet Ishtar."

The group looked at her with curiosity. "Oh, it's the kitty from a few days ago," Grog exclaimed with a laugh, prompting chuckles from the others. Weary from the tension, Vax made his way to his usual seat, pulling Ishtar onto his lap without a second thought. She blushed furiously but settled against him, still somewhat dazed by the sudden affection.

"I remember you; you're the girl who beat up that dog," Pike said, grinning as the others joined in.

Ishtar nodded with a smile. "How did you manage that?" Vex asked, clearly impressed.

After a brief pause, Ishtar replied, "I was trained by the elders from the age of twelve. They taught me everything I know."

"Still badass," Vex admitted, taking a sip of her drink.

Vax smiled, adding, "Well, let me introduce you properly. These are my friends: Pike, the white-haired dwarf, Grog, the big guy, Keyleth, the redhead, Percy, the tall guy with white hair, and Scanlan, who's flirting with the pub owner's wife," he said with a grin. "And this is my twin sister, Vex."

Ishtar nodded in greeting. "Hello, my name is Ishtar," she introduced herself softly.

Vex leaned over and whispered to Vax, "Now, brother, how did you get this lady to be in your arms?" Her voice was filled with playful curiosity.

Vax smirked and leaned in to whisper back, "I have my ways." The pair joined in the laughter that filled the table, the atmosphere warm despite the tension between them. Ishtar began to feel more at ease, as though she had always belonged here with them.

The night passed with laughter echoing throughout the tavern, until the door burst open with a loud crash. A man, missing an arm, stumbled in, shouting, "Run, run, they're coming!" His words sent a cold shiver through the room. Before anyone could react, a massive claw impaled his chest. His eyes widened in horror before he was hurled aside like a ragdoll. Silence fell over the tavern as the bloodied body hit the ground, and then chaos erupted.

Tables were overturned, limbs scattered, and screams filled the air. The once-cheerful atmosphere transformed into a battleground. Vox Machina moved as one, their instincts taking over. Vax scanned the room frantically for the golden-haired figure he had been thinking about, but she was nowhere to be seen.

A wolf suddenly leaped at him, its jaws snapping for his arm. Before it could bite down, Vex sidestepped, nocking an arrow with swift precision. She released it, striking the wolf in the head, bringing it down instantly. She rushed to her brother's side, taking his hand and pulling him up. "Thanks for that," he said, brushing off the dirt.

"Try not to die on me, brother," Vex scoffed, then turned back to the fight.

Once the wolves inside the tavern were dispatched, Vox Machina burst outside into a scene that could have been torn from a nightmare. The streets of the village were littered with bodies—children, women, and men—each life brutally taken. The screams of the dying echoed through the night, mixing with the chaos of battle. The group stood frozen for a moment, horrified, but the fight continued.

They jumped into the fray, blood pumping, but the first line of defense had already been broken.

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