Vox Machina: Blood of the Primal Deities

Chapter 33 A Wounded Heart

"Ah what a lovely morning to find a Sphinx." Vex stated.

The morning was crisp as the sun gently rose over the east, casting an ethereal glow on their surroundings. Lydie dressed in much warmer clothing was worried about Grog however as he sauntered behind. He let out a loud yawn and cursed under his breath.

"Didn't get enough sleep?" Vex asked.

"Huh? Of course, I did." he stammered, "Lots of sleep with really nice dreams where no one died."

Lydie raised an eyebrow, "That's oddly specific." she said, "You sure you're okay Tats?" 

"I am really. Quit worrying Lydie." he assures her.

But it was easier said than done as she follows after the others. Just then she hears low whispering, she turns her head to follow then noise only to hear Grog whisper in a low voice, "I got nothing for you to eat right now."  She slowly made her way towards him wanting to know what was he talking about. 

Pike stood next to Lydie along with Scanlan, "Who you, uh, talking to big guy?" Pike asks as he quickly hides the blade behind his back.

"Uh, no...the-the-the trees," he answers with a chuckle, "Yeah, Keyleth taught me. Um...good luck with the termites, tree." he chuckles before taking wide steps behind him.

Now Lydie was concerned, "Pretty sure redwoods don't harbor termites." she spoke, "Something's up."

"I mean, he's real dumb. It's kind of hard to tell." Scanlan spoke up.

Lydie glances at Scanlan then rolls her eyes, "But don't you think he's focused more on that sword?" Pike points out.

Scanlan laughs it off, "Come on, Pike. You can't fault a guy for--"

"Yeah, we're not doing this. Come on Pike." Lydie said picking up the pace.

Pike sighed in annoyance, "Why can't you ever just be sincere?" she questions as she follows after Lydie. 

Axel was worried about his brother. It was like he was losing the laidback, sarcastic, and often times broody older brother and being replaced by  something dark and more brooding. Keyleth who was behind catches up, "Your armor, you, um...getting more used to it?" she asked.  

"Hard to get used to a relic of the goddess of Death." 

"Still, you have her vestige now. Maybe you could ask her for help." she informs.

"Ask? The Matron of Ravens?" he asks, looking at her from the corner of his eye. "Somehow, I doubt she'd listen." 

"You could try." she offers. 

Vax glances at her for a moment then looks away, huffing a smile. From the side, Axel glances at them before smiling himself. Axel then pulled out his amulet, the jewel glistening in the morning light. He wondered if this was truly a vestige. His mind was brought back to the very first time he heard the voice of the Moonweaver one night when the moon was at it fullest. Now he barely hears her at all, except for that time when he was interceding for Vex. 

The party continued up the mountain, inching closer to their destination.  "Oh man." Scanlan groans as Grog helps him up. 

"There it is, Rimecleft." Keyleth spoke pointing to the tall mountainous peak. 

"The place I saw in my vision." Vax stated.

"The entire range is eternally cold. Well, except for Pyrah. There's a myth about it, actually. A thousand..."

"Uh, m-maybe we just save the myth? My balls are ice cubes." Scanlan spoke up as he sniffles.