Warnings: Strong and Sexual Language; Violence, Gore, & Death. This chapter will also contain sexual content. For those who don't want to read it, the section will be marked with ***
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One year ago
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and violet as the group set up camp in the dense woods. The crackling fire threw long shadows against the trees, creating a flickering, warm glow that softened the rugged features of the adventurers. Dinner had been a quiet affair, and now they settled into their routines, with Athena already volunteering for the first watch.
Vax leaned against a tree, his sharp eyes observing her as she adjusted the straps of her armor and scanned the perimeter with the keen vigilance she always displayed.
"You don't have to take first watch every time, you know," Vax said, his voice light but tinged with concern.
Athena didn't look at him as she responded, "It's fine. I'm used to it."
He pushed off the tree, walking closer to her. "At least let me join you, then. Keep you company."
She turned to him with a small, polite smile. One she had trained well to dismiss concerns from her new team. "Thank you, Vax, but I'll be alright. You should get some rest."
Vax hesitated, clearly reluctant, but eventually he nodded. "Alright, but if you need anything, I'm a light sleeper."
As the camp fell into a peaceful quiet, the others settled into their bedrolls. The gentle chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves filled the air, but for Athena, the night offered little peace.
She sat at the edge of the camp, her eyes scanning the tree line, her mind restless. Flashes of a memory played against the darkness—the moment Tyr had thrown himself between her and the enemy. His desperate shout. The way his body crumpled to the ground to ensure she could escape. Her grip tightened on the hilt of her sword, her knuckles turning white.
A sudden noise snapped her back to the present. She shot to her feet, sword drawn, her heart pounding in her chest.
"It's just me," Percy's voice broke through the tension as he stepped out from the shadows, hands raised slightly in a gesture of peace. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Athena lowered her weapon, her breath evening out as she nodded. "You're taking second watch?"
"I am," Percy replied, his expression calm as he moved closer. "But it seems like you've got things handled."
"I'll keep watch," she said firmly, the exhaustion in her voice betraying her stoic demeanor.
Percy tilted his head, studying her for a moment. "Suit yourself," he said mildly, turning to walk away.
As the minutes stretched into what felt like hours, Athena resumed her vigil. She was startled when Percy returned, this time holding two cups of tea. He silently handed one to her and settled beside her on the log she was perched on.
Athena stared at the steaming cup in her hands, unsure what to say. She glanced at Percy, half-expecting him to start asking questions. But he didn't. He simply sipped his tea, his eyes scanning the tree line with the same calm precision he applied to everything.
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable. It was grounding, steadying in a way Athena didn't expect. She found herself sipping the tea, the warmth of it easing the chill of the night air.
Percy cradled his cup, the steam curling around his face. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice soft and thoughtful. "Tea always helps calm me down when the nightmares come," he admitted, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Not that it makes them go away, but... it keeps me grounded."
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A Raven's Blessing | Vax'ildan x OC | TLOVM
Fanfiction"I don't know if I believe in the gods...but I believe in you, Vax." Athena never had it easy growing up in Tal'Dorei. Orphaned at a young age, she was selected to begin the brutalist of training to become a weapon as apart of a masked order of kill...
