Curse of The North {Vax'ildan x Reader}

Chapter Two - Merry Band of Idiots

Vax returned to the tavern, the faint noise of merrymaking filling the air as he entered. He shook his head, his hair still partially damp from the rain. He strolled toward the bar, his shoulders loosening, he couldn't help feeling a tinge of disappointment at Aen's sudden disappearance. He approached the bar, the chatter of other patrons filling the stuffy tavern. He sighed softly, his eyes flickering around before walking to the bar to order another drink. The rogue made his way back to where the rest of Vox Machina sat. Vax settled back with a sigh, reaching the familiar table where he had sat with his party. He ran a hand through his damp hair, the sound of laughter filling the area. He slid into his seat with a small smile, the warmth of the room soothing his rain-chilled skin. Vax took a moment to let the sounds of laughter and chatter wash over him, his eyes scanning over the faces of his party, finding a sense of comfort in their familiar presence.

"You took your time," a familiar, teasing voice remarked, and Vax turned to see Percy, his brow raised with curiosity.

"I was busy," Vax grinned at Percy's raised brow, leaning back in his chair, his tone a mix of nonchalance and mischief as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Busy? Where did you go?" *Percy pressed, a note of playful suspicion in his voice. He raised a brow, his eyes flickering with a hint of intrigue from behind his glasses.

"Let's say I found a little something to occupy my time," Vax smirked, his tone laced with a tinge of mystery. The corner of his lips curved into a small smile while he shrugged in feigned nonchalance, his eyes flickering with a slight spark of amusement he couldn't fully hide.

He wanted Aen to join them, she seemed a valuable asset.

"Oh really?" Percy pressed further, his eyes flickering with a hint of amusement, a corner of his mouth curling up. His brow still raised, a spark of interest in his gaze.

"A little something, huh?" Scanlan snorted, taking a long pull of his ale.

"Yes, indeed," Vax mused, still grinning. "A rather interesting encounter, you might say." He leaned in, his fingers drumming on the table, his eyes flickering with slight mischief. Percy raised a brow, his eyes narrowing with subtle suspicion, a small smile on his lips.

"Must have been quite an encounter. Mind me asking who exactly you crossed paths with?" Percy asked. Vex leaned forward from where she sat across from Vax, curiosity dancing across her face. Vax met Percy's gaze, a small grin crossing his face as he leaned on the table, his eyes flickering as he recalled his encounter

"I wouldn't say crossed paths, more like... happened upon," he laughed softly, his tone light and casual, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You wouldn't believe it if I told you."

"Is that so?" Vex raised a brow at her brother, leaning forward slightly, her eyes narrowing with a mix of intrigue and amusement. "Now you've piqued my curiosity and my interest. You can't just leave it there." The rest of the group leaned in, curious. Vax chuckled softly at the evident interest of the rest of the group. He raised his eyebrow, meeting the curious gazes of his companions.

"You really wanna know?" he asked playfully, a smile on his face, an almost teasing tone in his voice.

"Obviously," Pike said simply, leaning forward with a curious gaze, her hand tightening around her half-empty tankard. Keyleth rested her chin in her hands, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Yes, please fill us in," she chimed in, a soft smile on her face. Vax grinned, the group's anticipation fueling his eagerness to share.

"Alright, alright, since you're all desperate to know," he sighed dramatically. Vax leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially, keeping an air of mystery in his tone, "I stumbled upon a woman."