I never want to assume, but that is delightful to hear. See you momentarily!
[ Shortly after the message goes through, Percy departs for the circus tent. Although his attire is not the more formal looking adventuring outfit that was the first thing Molly had seen him in, it's clear that Percy put some effort into his appearance. It's perhaps not quite to the extent as one of the many parties or feasts he had attended as a dignitary at Whitestone, but he did wear a button up and a nicer pair of pants than his traveling outfit had consisted of.
Around his waist and strapped to his thigh was the holster which held Retort, the gun lifted from Anna Ripley, along with another pouch that held his ammunition and a few tools in case he was able to take a look at Molly's scimitars that evening. Upon arriving at the tent - which really, it's hard to miss, so at least he doesn't have to worry about accidentally knocking on the wrong door - he finds himself straightening up in an almost nervous gesture, loosening his collar, before finally taking the plunge and slipping in through the front of the tent. ]
Anyone home? [ Even amongst his nervousness, he manages to slip into a teasing tone as he takes a moment to just take this all in. ]
[The circus tent is a special experience; and interior seems to always change, as Molly keeps adding and tossing things out.
When Percy steps in, he can see that on the right side of the tent is a four-poster bed, with huge red pillows and silky covers. The floor is all boarded and covered in colorful carpets- some look expensive, some cheap, some even handmade. It is a bit separated with see-through fabric from the seating area, which is filled with all sorts of things- from peacock painted cabinet, to a bookshelf filled with weirdly shaped teacups, pots of odd-looking mushrooms, beanbags and sofas for sitting, round and very fluffy pillows, a tea table covered in red and white candles.
On the left side of the tent seems to be (now) neatly arranged boxes and crates where things once were, and with heavy drapes secluded part with cushioned seating, a round table, and a deck of cards. There are lanterns hanging all over the place, gently illuminating the interior, and giving it a cozy feeling.
Molly is lounging in one of the beanbags, very casually dressed, with an unbuttoned white shirt and fitting pants that have moon designs on it, long curly hair undone and falling on his shoulders. And he's going through a deck of cards, tarot cards, seemingly inspecting them all with utmost concentration, until he hears Percy's voice and his eyes instantly turn to the entrance of the tent.]
Percival, dear! Welcome! [He puts cards on the table and gets up to greet him. He definitively gives him an appraising look with a cheeky little grin, then opens his arms-] I am always home for friends~ Come on in!
[ The tent really is like nothing Percy has experienced before. In a way, it reminds him of the Feywild, with how beautiful and otherworldly it seems to someone who has lived amongst more conventional backdrops.
He takes a moment to absorb every inch of it, from the pillows to the trinkets displayed all over the place. It simultaneously feels expansive and cozy all at once, and for a moment he feels full of nostalgia, as if this is what coming home would have felt like, had he not grown up in a castle.
Were it not for Molly's voice bringing him back to reality, he probably would have been lost in thought for much longer. His eyes fall on Molly just as he gives him that cheeky grin, which is infectious enough to spur Percy into grinning as well. He walks further into the tent, taking a few more quick glances around and finally takes a seat across from Molly at the table. ]
You have a very lovely setup, here. I'm afraid my home is not nearly as magnificent as yours right now, though I am trying to make it a bit more...well...me.
[The tent does seem to be cut off from everything else and is like a little pocket dimension where Molly goes to hide. Or just have some downtime where he's actually frowning and weird thoughts about his would-be-destiny come crawling. He loves being here- with others, so his mind is occupied.
He doesn't have problems, no ser.]
Thank you! I'm glad you like it. The apartment that was given to us on arrival was, well, how to say it? Small. [He waves a hand,] Not in a luxury sense, but in openness. My whole life I lived with the carnival, my permanent residence is [he gestures around,] is an open road. Also! Very nifty if you have to run. You don't get stuck on different floors of the building.
[And as he talks, he walks over to where two scimitars are hanging mid-air, on chains and display hooks- with swiftness and ease he pulls out a colorful, glass and crystal decorated one, the golden one remains hanging where it is.]
This is the scimitar I was talking about. I got it through a friend of mine, and I'd hate to have to replace it. [There's damage on the handle, some of the glass and crystal are also chipped off and the blade looks dull and gray. One can easily tell that one or two more battles and that handle won't hold the blade in it anymore.
After he hands it over and lets Percy inspect it, he goes over to the peacock cabinet to pull out that wine he promised.]
[ Ah yes, that apartment. Percy knows all too well how small that is, used to growing up in a castle, living in a keep and finally in a mansion of magical origin. It is good for one thing, which is to encourage him to get out there and explore, but with how many dangers he has encountered so far, it is understandable that he is hesitant to explore all that often. ]
How did you come across this tent? Was it something you requested specifically? It's rather fitting for you.
[ The only thing Percy was able to incorporate is his workshop, and though it isn't enchanted to withstand a concussive blast, it should at least prevent the rest of his house from burning to the ground for now. But seeing what Molly managed to make of his living space almost has him considering alternative places to live. ]
I'm also not quite used to living alone. Even when I was growing up, I had brothers and sisters, servants. It...well, it can get a bit lonely.
[ At the appearance of the scimitar, Percy's eyes widen. He hasn't seen a weapon quite like it, especially with the way it was crafted with glass instead of metal. It's a magnificent weapon, as interesting as the one who wields it.
Of course, that does present a challenge as he is used to working with chiefly metals, and the introduction of crystals and glass will make this even less straightforward than he was anticipating. A challenge just makes this more fun than he originally thought it would be, though, and he starts brainstorming ways to work around the materials. ]
Ah, I should be able to at the very least reinforce and strengthen the handle. Perhaps even sharpen the blade back up. It's such a beautiful weapon, though, I do not want to do much to alter its beauty.
Unfortunately, that will mean a trip back to my workshop. I know, such a shame, you'll just have to come and visit me.
Oh, the tent I bought,[he waves his hand,] it's the patch of land I acquired. Apparently, after some time, you can petition for land here. There were also some big houses on offer, like BIG houses, fancy houses, but I kind of missed... this.
[The houses, manors to be more precise, will probably suit Percy a lot more than him. Especially if he has this workshop he keeps talking about. Maybe there's some basement in it, big enough for it, expand!]
Hmm, well, I can always come to visit and make you company! There's nothing here really for me to do. I was a somewhat pseudo-mercenary after the carnival disbanded, but that line of work isn't needed here.
All I do is read tarot cards from time to time, [he nods with his head towards a fancy(?), 'mysteriously' decorated part of the tent with table and cards on it,] but I do it more for leisure and to meet new people. [He loves it, and he loves hearing the stories, especially of places he's never been to, and will never be able to go to.]
Really? That would be great! I didn't know where I could take it here to have it repaired, as I mentioned, and I didn't want to lose it, so I used only one scimitar. [The magic one never gets dull, he realized, and he feels really lucky to have it.] It feels... odd, fighting with only one like I'm limited.
[He pours them the wine and places the glass in front of Percy,] Is that so? Well, I can't say no to such an invitation. [He does get serious after that,] If you need any of the materials, I can buy it no question. Also- while I don't have raw gold, this place doesn't deal in it, I can offer to acquire you anything you want or need for your workshop. As a payment, for repairing this for me.
[HPercy is using his free time and skills to repair something of more sentimental value to Molly than anything else, and he's not gonna fuck around with it. He has some level of fear of karma.]
[ Interesting, so there is hope for him to one day acquire a bigger piece of property. While he does not think he needs anything as big as Whitestone Castle, it would be nice to have some more space. He doesn't mind the coziness of his current home, but he can foresee it getting a bit stifling the longer he's stuck here. ]
Well, I think you did a marvelous job with it. Enough to have me coming back in the future, that much is for certain.
[ The thought of Molly coming to visit, even just to keep him company, is a nice one. And hearing that Molly also used to be somewhat of a mercenary was amusing to Percy. Of course he was. ]
Oh yes, I used to dabble in that as well. I suppose tinkering is a bit more in demand, but even so. [ He shrugs and turns his gaze towards the section of the tent devoted to tarot readings. As stubbornly lacking superstitions as he claimed to be, he is rather interested in finding out what Molly's reading would be for him. ]
How does it work, the tarot card readings? How well do you need to know someone before you can get an accurate reading for them? [ That has always been the part that puzzled him about so-called fortune tellers. Despite talking to literal gods and wielding a bit of magic himself, he cannot fathom that there might actually be something to tarot cards beyond just molding the interpretations to suit the person one is reading for. ]
Well, I would definitely not want you to lose this one. Especially if it holds sentimental value to you. [ When Molly returns with the glass of wine, Percy sets the scimitar aside for now and takes the glass in hand. He is caught by surprise when Molly gets serious, and wears a look of pleasant surprise, his heart feeling like it wants to simultaneously slow down and speed up. ]
Please, you are welcome any time. And...I would appreciate that, greatly. I am quite limited in what I can build at the moment, so it would be nice to have a solid supply of materials once again. [ He takes a sip of the wine, letting out a soft noise of pleased satisfaction. It's a good wine, and paired with such good company. ]
I didn't forget about my gun, by the way. I did bring it, as promised. [ He sets aside his glass for the moment so he can unholster Animus and place it carefully on the table next to Molly's scimitar for his inspection. ]
Thank you very much! It took a while to get it to the stage where I really like it. And- I still have more space!
[And he's always taking recommendations on what to put here and make it even spicier. And he won't judge him for not really believing in tarot cards, Molly himself is not a huge believer either, considering he made the cards himself; that was mostly in Moonweaver's name than anything else. But he did grow attached to them, as the deck contained his experiences and people he met.]
It's special! It's not the usual tarot card deck, and that makes it very unique! The other one is boring, mine is more personal, [he grins, making it very obvious that he probably reads tarot out of fun than anything else. But there are times when the cards just align themselves and let Molly be right.] It's a hit or miss, depending on the day.
[Molly shakes his head,] Don't worry. Just make me a list, I'll find a mule, [aka someone who'll carry all the stuff for him] and I'll bring it over to your place. You more than deserve it.
[But when Percy places the gun on the table, it instantly catches his attention and he shuts up for a moment. He doesn't take it instantly, instead leans forward, eyes squinting at it. It's... really something else, something he's never seen before. It looks ominous, yes, but with a glance at Percy, it kind of fits his style.
After a small pause, and his tail swishing in intense concentration and curiosity, Molly looks up at Percy, still leaned forward-]
May I? [take it for a moment, that is. He doesn't know how to use it, won't even try, but he's curious how it feels.]
[ Percy is continuously finding that the more time he spends around Molly, the more willing he is to accept that he maybe doesn't know everything. And hey, if Molly enjoys doing the readings, then does it really matter if there isn't always an accurate outcome, every time?
Either way, Percy is interested in finding out what the cards have in store for him. It is the main reason he came over, in addition to all the weapons inspecting. ]
Something tells me that it helps, the cards being more personal. Not that I really know all that much to what these readings entail, just. It feels like it would be easier to interpret what a card might mean when you're the one who made it in the first place.
[ Then again, Percy has some pretty keen memorization skills, so if he really had to, he probably could memorize what all the official meanings would have been. ]
I will certainly come up with a list then. You...are really too kind. [ Or maybe he is used to having someone else hold onto his funds and having to ask whenever he wants to spend coin. It was a fine arrangement, but having transactions work a little bit differently here has thrown him for a loop. ]
Please, be my guest. I didn't craft this one, but I did try to make a few adjustments at least. The woman who wielded it...well let's just say I would rather erase any connection she had to it. [ The names that were engraved on the barrels are no longer visible, and thankfully Keyleth had severed all remaining connection to Orthax. While he still mourns the loss of his first creation, he cannot help but admit, this is a much more refined design. ]
[That would've been one hell of a compliment. Molly does like to sell bullshit of 'I know all the stuff because I can read future with my cards', so to hear that someone really thinks he knows a lot more, well- that would be such an ego booster. Perhaps unneeded one, as it might make his head swell up and make him float away.
He gives a wistful sigh,] You get it. You actually get it! I don't want to use someone else's creation for my destiny reading business. I will read you cards eventually! I love doing it, I find it very fun and relaxing.
[He's only once seen a proper, old-fashioned tarot deck and he fell in love with it. And then made his own because the original didn't have spice enough in it. At least, that's ONE of the stories he gives when people ask him.]
No, I am not. I am just being fair in this business transaction. Now, me being kind is taking another bottle and bringing it with us as we head to your place, [he grins.
But before that- he's allowed to pick up the gun. So he does it.
It's heavier than it looks, and he tilts it a little towards the floor so he can look down the barrel, his tail making a "question mark" behind him; he's confused but intrigued as he shifts the weapon from one hand to the other.]
I can see why you would want that. It's the polar opposite of what I want with my weapon, [he nods at the scimitar. He could feel himself teether on the edge of telling the guy about Yasha and how he got these blades with her- but he holds back. For now.]
[ Speaking of ego boosts, there is something positively reaffirming about Molly praising him for understanding what his reasoning is behind using his own cards. It probably doesn't help that he has already drank a fair amount of wine, too, so he is not even trying to hide the grin in response. ]
Sounds like how I am with tinkering. There is something strangely calming to it. Though sometimes I get a bit carried away and lose track of time.
[ At the mention of bringing back wine to Percy's place, he raises an eyebrow, intrigued. Now there's an idea. ]
Then it sounds like you are both fair and kind.
[ He watches closely as Molly carefully picks it up and inspects it. He purposely does not keep it loaded, at least not here in Noctium. Were he on the road and expecting trouble, he would have kept it loaded, but with ammunition being in such short supply, he does not need to take the chance that it would accidentally go off.
And with Molly handling it, he does not want to worry about the tiefling accidentally pulling the trigger, since he has clearly never handled a gun before. Not that many people in their world have. ]
I've grown up with swords. Have a couple of my own. I don't know what it is about this weapon that intrigues me so much. It came at a terrible price, though.
[ And quietly, to which he would blame the alcohol for his surprising honesty, though part of it is just being around Molly has already started to tear his guard down. ]
A price that was worth it, in the end, I think. Though I still question what will happen with my soul once I really do die. [ It's a morbid conversation, but a topic that he does not bring up that often. ]
[He likes seeing people happy, and if a bottle of wine makes Percy this happy and excited, he'd give him the whole cabinet. Well, not the cabinet itself, but the wine in it, he can get more bottles later.
Tinkering with stuff reminds him of Nott and Caleb for a moment, the card he made for them, and he glances between Percy and the gun in curiosity, mildly wondering what would've Caleb thought of this kind of thing. It's a weapon...]
It is quite impressive, [he puts it back on the table and leans back, crossing his legs and running thumb over his chin as he observes it from a little distance,] I take it can't be too easy to wield it. [He assumes one needs some special training for it.
A terrible price for it though... Molly's own magic comes at a price of not fully knowing who he is, past coming to haunt not him but his friends and unleashing some kind of terror on them in a way he can't understand.]
I'm no priest or cleric or any such thing, [Molly leans to pick up his own glass of wine,] but I'm a good judge of character. And you don't look like you belong in any circle of hell.
If you think it's worth it, then it is. Anything that comes after it can be dealt with. I don't believe in the "some problems don't have solutions" type of thing. There always is a solution, hard to achieve perhaps, with enough time and effort, but it's always there. One only needs to work for it. And you don't look lazy to me, [he grins at him as he takes a sip of his drink.]
[ While Molly inspects the weapon, Percy can't help but watch Molly closely. Not in a way that implies distrust, but more out of curiosity. Molly's interests lie in a different school of thought than Percy is used to. Percy is all about science and logic, which should have lead to them clashing, but instead Percy finds himself even more interested. ]
Ah yes, it is very dangerous for someone unskilled to wield. And if the weapon has not been crafted properly the consequences can be disastrous. [ Anna Ripley and the loss of her hand is all the indication one needs to stay away from weapons you don't understand.
When Molly passes his judgment to him, a flicker of a smile appears on Percy's face, before disappearing so quickly it might have gone unnoticed. He never got a straight answer from the Raven Queen, but he likes to believe that he has spent enough of his life working towards atonement that maybe he won't be banished to the Nine Hells. ]
I've killed a lot of people, sent their souls to the Abyss. [ His face looks even more somber as he turns his gaze on the table out of shame, not sure he could handle Molly's response to what he's about to say next. ]
There was a time when I thought I was beyond redemption. That the best thing I could do was die once my revenge was complete. But I was given a second chance at life, and I tried to make the most of it. My path to atonement, it felt like it was never-ending. And now that I'm here, it has thrown me for a loop. This wasn't exactly part of the plan.
[Molly knows his limits, what he needs and what he wants; the gun is not something he'd ever use, but it is a curious thing, and seeing it sates his curiosity, the itch scratched.]
As I thought. [If the guy doesn't want to show it to people, he has a good reason for it. What if whatever he puts in it to shoot gets stuck and backfires? Molly doesn't get scared, but that thought is actually a bit terrifying.]
I've killed people too, [he shrugs, looking completely unbothered by this fact that Percy told him,] never really pondered on what would happen to me after. [Maybe he should start worrying about it...? But it feels like a waste of time and strength thinking about stuff that he has no control over. And he kind of wants to believe that this death cleric that M9 met will see to it that he doesn't make chaos after he dies (again).
He does listen carefully to what Percy is telling him, briefly reflecting on his own situation, and then leaning over to fill Percy's glass with wine,] Wanna know what I think? Take it. Any chance at anything that you can, do it. [He leans back and rests chin on the palm of his hand,] It's nice and all to seek redemption, but when that becomes your life, everything else that is good passes you by. And that's no way to live. You'll start asking yourself "What IF" with little or without a chance to go back and do it.
Gods are fickle, they don't look at you until you have something they want, [he downs the rest of his drink.]
[ Percy places the gun back in its holster, finding himself instantly breathing easier now that he knows it's in a place where it will be safe. Briefly, he finds himself imagining a terrible scene which causes a brief moment of panic, but Molly seems to accept his answer and wouldn't be seeking to use one anytime soon. ]
It's not just that I killed them. If it were just that, I think selfishly I could live with it? [ He sighs, because he had not intended on telling Molly about this so early on, but maybe it is better that he lay everything out there, every fucked up thing about him. Maybe it would help him to not fall into the same traps of keeping too many secrets, like he did with the rest of Vox Machina. ]
This entity that I made a bargain with, it said it would help me to get revenge. It showed me a vision, one that helped me craft this weapon. In exchange, those that I killed, their souls would be sent to him for, I don't know, an eternity of damnation? But it wasn't just the people who killed my family that I killed, there were others. Others who probably didn't deserve such a fate.
[ He definitely needs the wine, and so when Molly has refilled his glass, he accepts it and takes an eager drink from it. ]
Maybe it's not worth ruminating over, what's done is done. But it is something that will probably be looming over my head for the rest of time. When I first landed here, you know I thought this was punishment for all of that? [ He laughs and shakes his head. ] Though, I suppose you're right, what could the gods possibly gain from my being here? Besides, if anything this has given me a chance. I don't know what for just yet, but maybe I will figure out in due time.
[He listens very carefully to what Percy's telling him; he doesn't interrupt him or has any special expression on his face, he just looks straight at him as he talks. He swirls whatever wine's left in his glass and drinks it all out before finally speaking up when Percy finishes.]
For whatever you did, you show remorse, so I can't brand you as I bad guy. Even with the fact that you made that deal.
Demons are that, demons, evil; they look and prey on people to show weakness, and then exploit it against them. [There's a brief flicker of recognition in his eyes as he looks away for a moment from Percy, a wave of memories coming to him in a flash, but he shakes it off and focuses back on Percy.]
If they find a particularly deep wound, the claws just dig deeper. And it's hard to get out of it because it hurts, slices already open wound. All I'm saying is, [he stands up and shrugs off the coat he's wearing and goes to the rack of clothing, rummaging around for his beloved, long, ostentatious coat, and he puts it on in one big motion, making it swirl around him,] you were manipulated. You've accepted your mistakes and you're working to better yourself. But you already know that [he gives him a grin.]
As for this place- yes, it does feel like a second chance. It gave me a chance to build a normal life, have a house, and maybe find a wife or husband- yet what it really did is get me off the leash completely, I live in a tent, I drink as much as I want, and living my best life. [Pause.] When that Malachite guy is not throwing tantrums, that is.
[ While this isn't the first time he has heard a spiel like this, somehow hearing it from Molly, from someone who did not know him back in Exandria, it helps just a little bit more. He feels able to let go of some of that guilt, at least for now. He does make a good point, after all. Demons are designed to do just that, and in the end, he did manage to separate himself from said demon. It could have been much worse.
Somewhere along the way, Percy's mind starts to wander, though he does listen to what Molly says. It's more that he isn't paying close attention to Molly himself until he looks up to notice him changing into a new coat, and something about the fluidity of it all causes his breath to catch in his throat. He tries to recover quickly, ignoring the heat spreading on his cheeks in hope that if he ignores it, it won't be super obvious to Molly as well.
This is ridiculous; he's married for the gods's sake! ]
Yes, it took a while to get to this point, but I suppose it matters that I got here eventually.
[ He smiles as he listens to Molly speak about this world, about what it's done for him. Maye it's time for Percy to stop viewing it as a prison.
Though, he does find himself in the midst of a coughing fit at the mention of wife. Yet still he makes no mention of Vex'ahlia, and the only indication that there was anything tying him down would be small gold band around his finger. ]
Yes, that Malachite guy could really use some therapy, or so I hear. [ He grins as he finishes off yet another glass. By now, he is definitely feeling the effects of the wine, and if anything, that would be a good excuse for why his cheeks most certainly are looking flushed more and more often. ]
[It is something that Molly believes to be true. He doesn't know many demons and their inclinations or capabilities, but he does know they always search for victims to work through.
As for the heat in the cheeks, it doesn't go unnoticed, but it does go without a comment. He got a feel on what type of person Percy is when they first met, and then on the beach- if he pushes this angle TOO much, it will backfire, and he doesn't want that. The ring, however, does go unnoticed (and even if he noticed he wouldn't think much of it).]
There's that saying about enjoying the ride more than the destination, and I think that it's stupid. The destination is as important as the ride. In any case- didn't you want to go to your workshop? We can immediately pick up some stuff for you for it.
[It's the reason why he put the coat in the first place.]
The guy needs more than just therapy. He needs a whole new personality. [A dark joke, but he's kind of fed up with the guy. He walks back over to the cabinet and, as promised, takes out one more bottle for Percy to bring with him.]
I wouldn't suggest him getting drunk, I don't wanna die yet, [he chuckles, and offers the bottle to Percy, as he picks up the sword to sheath it at his side.]
[ Right, the workshop. Percy could, in all honesty, have spent hours just talking with Molly without realizing the time that's passing. Had he been sober, he probably would have taken closer notice of that, but instead he files that away to worry about later.
He starts to push himself up, thankfully still in enough control not to be too wobbly. And there is most definitely always room for more wine in his life, so he graciously accepts the offered bottle. ]
Yes, to the workshop!
And, I would agree with you. On both accounts. I've had one too many brushes with death already, I'd rather like to stay in the world of the living while I'm here.
[ He tucks the bottle under his coat, making sure that his gun was holstered and that he wasn't forgetting anything. His head felt like it was spinning, though whether that was the wine or the excitement of this kinship he felt with Molly starting to fall into place he could not say for sure. Whatever the case may be, he doesn't think he has felt quite so happy and energized since his arrival. It's a nice feeling, one that he wants to cling to as he waits for Molly to be ready to join him on their walk to his home, to his workshop. ]
[If it weren't for the agreement, Molly would've just gotten them comfier here and brought out the wine to drink until morning. Hopefully, some other time, they'd be able to hang out like that.
But their conversation won't suffer on the way to the workshop. It has been a while since he was able to talk with someone like this, so easily. Sure, there was this burden of his future that hangs over his head but, but- that can be ignored right now.]
I can't wait to see it!
Well, so long we remain vigilant and sleeping with one eye open, I'm sure we'll be able to pull through. [Even though he's the first one to get drunk and pass out under the table.
They make a brief stop at the jeweler's store for Molly to get some of the precious metal (or metal in general) Percy might need to fix the handle, and at the store with components and gadgets to pay off the first part of his bill. He doesn't like owing people.]
If there's anything specific you need, just tell me! [He says when he steps out with a box neatly back with random trinkets. He's sure tinkerer will make good use of them.]
[ Maybe Noctium wasn't all that bad. Percy has to look at the bright sides or he will go verifiably insane if he focuses only on the potential dangers.
But he also doesn't want to get too comfortable, either. His heart aches a little bit about thinking of possibilities of starting to settle down here, start a new life, only to wind up back in Whitestone.
For the first time, he is not actually sure what outcome he would rather have. ]
It'll be nice to have someone who has my back, and vice versa. [ Vex comes to mind, but it's always been different with her. She's her own person and requires a certain amount of independence that Percy can relate to. They had always made it work in the end, and it worked for Exandria, but this isn't Exandria.
The shops have such a different feel to them than the ones he had visited in Exandria. Although he misses Victor's eccentricity, it's a bit of a relief to not have to deal with all the haggling and shaking and dealing. Everything feels so much more straightforward here. ]
This is definitely a good start. I should have some materials leftover back home as well. [ Still, Percy takes a look in case anything else catches his eye. It's here when he gets the idea, sees a charm of a single moon and glances at the bits and baubles hanging off of Molly's horn.
While Molly's purchases are being rung up, Percy surreptitiously places a few more items in for tinkering.
Because one moon isn't enough; it's the two moons that connect them. ]
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[ Shortly after the message goes through, Percy departs for the circus tent. Although his attire is not the more formal looking adventuring outfit that was the first thing Molly had seen him in, it's clear that Percy put some effort into his appearance. It's perhaps not quite to the extent as one of the many parties or feasts he had attended as a dignitary at Whitestone, but he did wear a button up and a nicer pair of pants than his traveling outfit had consisted of.
Around his waist and strapped to his thigh was the holster which held Retort, the gun lifted from Anna Ripley, along with another pouch that held his ammunition and a few tools in case he was able to take a look at Molly's scimitars that evening. Upon arriving at the tent - which really, it's hard to miss, so at least he doesn't have to worry about accidentally knocking on the wrong door - he finds himself straightening up in an almost nervous gesture, loosening his collar, before finally taking the plunge and slipping in through the front of the tent. ]
Anyone home? [ Even amongst his nervousness, he manages to slip into a teasing tone as he takes a moment to just take this all in. ]
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When Percy steps in, he can see that on the right side of the tent is a four-poster bed, with huge red pillows and silky covers. The floor is all boarded and covered in colorful carpets- some look expensive, some cheap, some even handmade. It is a bit separated with see-through fabric from the seating area, which is filled with all sorts of things- from peacock painted cabinet, to a bookshelf filled with weirdly shaped teacups, pots of odd-looking mushrooms, beanbags and sofas for sitting, round and very fluffy pillows, a tea table covered in red and white candles.
On the left side of the tent seems to be (now) neatly arranged boxes and crates where things once were, and with heavy drapes secluded part with cushioned seating, a round table, and a deck of cards. There are lanterns hanging all over the place, gently illuminating the interior, and giving it a cozy feeling.
Molly is lounging in one of the beanbags, very casually dressed, with an unbuttoned white shirt and fitting pants that have moon designs on it, long curly hair undone and falling on his shoulders. And he's going through a deck of cards, tarot cards, seemingly inspecting them all with utmost concentration, until he hears Percy's voice and his eyes instantly turn to the entrance of the tent.]
Percival, dear! Welcome! [He puts cards on the table and gets up to greet him. He definitively gives him an appraising look with a cheeky little grin, then opens his arms-] I am always home for friends~ Come on in!
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He takes a moment to absorb every inch of it, from the pillows to the trinkets displayed all over the place. It simultaneously feels expansive and cozy all at once, and for a moment he feels full of nostalgia, as if this is what coming home would have felt like, had he not grown up in a castle.
Were it not for Molly's voice bringing him back to reality, he probably would have been lost in thought for much longer. His eyes fall on Molly just as he gives him that cheeky grin, which is infectious enough to spur Percy into grinning as well. He walks further into the tent, taking a few more quick glances around and finally takes a seat across from Molly at the table. ]
You have a very lovely setup, here. I'm afraid my home is not nearly as magnificent as yours right now, though I am trying to make it a bit more...well...me.
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He doesn't have problems, no ser.]
Thank you! I'm glad you like it. The apartment that was given to us on arrival was, well, how to say it? Small. [He waves a hand,] Not in a luxury sense, but in openness. My whole life I lived with the carnival, my permanent residence is [he gestures around,] is an open road. Also! Very nifty if you have to run. You don't get stuck on different floors of the building.
[And as he talks, he walks over to where two scimitars are hanging mid-air, on chains and display hooks- with swiftness and ease he pulls out a colorful, glass and crystal decorated one, the golden one remains hanging where it is.]
This is the scimitar I was talking about. I got it through a friend of mine, and I'd hate to have to replace it. [There's damage on the handle, some of the glass and crystal are also chipped off and the blade looks dull and gray. One can easily tell that one or two more battles and that handle won't hold the blade in it anymore.
After he hands it over and lets Percy inspect it, he goes over to the peacock cabinet to pull out that wine he promised.]
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How did you come across this tent? Was it something you requested specifically? It's rather fitting for you.
[ The only thing Percy was able to incorporate is his workshop, and though it isn't enchanted to withstand a concussive blast, it should at least prevent the rest of his house from burning to the ground for now. But seeing what Molly managed to make of his living space almost has him considering alternative places to live. ]
I'm also not quite used to living alone. Even when I was growing up, I had brothers and sisters, servants. It...well, it can get a bit lonely.
[ At the appearance of the scimitar, Percy's eyes widen. He hasn't seen a weapon quite like it, especially with the way it was crafted with glass instead of metal. It's a magnificent weapon, as interesting as the one who wields it.
Of course, that does present a challenge as he is used to working with chiefly metals, and the introduction of crystals and glass will make this even less straightforward than he was anticipating. A challenge just makes this more fun than he originally thought it would be, though, and he starts brainstorming ways to work around the materials. ]
Ah, I should be able to at the very least reinforce and strengthen the handle. Perhaps even sharpen the blade back up. It's such a beautiful weapon, though, I do not want to do much to alter its beauty.
Unfortunately, that will mean a trip back to my workshop. I know, such a shame, you'll just have to come and visit me.
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[The houses, manors to be more precise, will probably suit Percy a lot more than him. Especially if he has this workshop he keeps talking about. Maybe there's some basement in it, big enough for it, expand!]
Hmm, well, I can always come to visit and make you company! There's nothing here really for me to do. I was a somewhat pseudo-mercenary after the carnival disbanded, but that line of work isn't needed here.
All I do is read tarot cards from time to time, [he nods with his head towards a fancy(?), 'mysteriously' decorated part of the tent with table and cards on it,] but I do it more for leisure and to meet new people. [He loves it, and he loves hearing the stories, especially of places he's never been to, and will never be able to go to.]
Really? That would be great! I didn't know where I could take it here to have it repaired, as I mentioned, and I didn't want to lose it, so I used only one scimitar. [The magic one never gets dull, he realized, and he feels really lucky to have it.] It feels... odd, fighting with only one like I'm limited.
[He pours them the wine and places the glass in front of Percy,] Is that so? Well, I can't say no to such an invitation. [He does get serious after that,] If you need any of the materials, I can buy it no question. Also- while I don't have raw gold, this place doesn't deal in it, I can offer to acquire you anything you want or need for your workshop. As a payment, for repairing this for me.
[HPercy is using his free time and skills to repair something of more sentimental value to Molly than anything else, and he's not gonna fuck around with it. He has some level of fear of karma.]
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Well, I think you did a marvelous job with it. Enough to have me coming back in the future, that much is for certain.
[ The thought of Molly coming to visit, even just to keep him company, is a nice one. And hearing that Molly also used to be somewhat of a mercenary was amusing to Percy. Of course he was. ]
Oh yes, I used to dabble in that as well. I suppose tinkering is a bit more in demand, but even so. [ He shrugs and turns his gaze towards the section of the tent devoted to tarot readings. As stubbornly lacking superstitions as he claimed to be, he is rather interested in finding out what Molly's reading would be for him. ]
How does it work, the tarot card readings? How well do you need to know someone before you can get an accurate reading for them? [ That has always been the part that puzzled him about so-called fortune tellers. Despite talking to literal gods and wielding a bit of magic himself, he cannot fathom that there might actually be something to tarot cards beyond just molding the interpretations to suit the person one is reading for. ]
Well, I would definitely not want you to lose this one. Especially if it holds sentimental value to you. [ When Molly returns with the glass of wine, Percy sets the scimitar aside for now and takes the glass in hand. He is caught by surprise when Molly gets serious, and wears a look of pleasant surprise, his heart feeling like it wants to simultaneously slow down and speed up. ]
Please, you are welcome any time. And...I would appreciate that, greatly. I am quite limited in what I can build at the moment, so it would be nice to have a solid supply of materials once again. [ He takes a sip of the wine, letting out a soft noise of pleased satisfaction. It's a good wine, and paired with such good company. ]
I didn't forget about my gun, by the way. I did bring it, as promised. [ He sets aside his glass for the moment so he can unholster Animus and place it carefully on the table next to Molly's scimitar for his inspection. ]
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[And he's always taking recommendations on what to put here and make it even spicier.
And he won't judge him for not really believing in tarot cards, Molly himself is not a huge believer either, considering he made the cards himself; that was mostly in Moonweaver's name than anything else. But he did grow attached to them, as the deck contained his experiences and people he met.]
It's special! It's not the usual tarot card deck, and that makes it very unique! The other one is boring, mine is more personal, [he grins, making it very obvious that he probably reads tarot out of fun than anything else. But there are times when the cards just align themselves and let Molly be right.] It's a hit or miss, depending on the day.
[Molly shakes his head,] Don't worry. Just make me a list, I'll find a mule, [aka someone who'll carry all the stuff for him] and I'll bring it over to your place. You more than deserve it.
[But when Percy places the gun on the table, it instantly catches his attention and he shuts up for a moment. He doesn't take it instantly, instead leans forward, eyes squinting at it. It's... really something else, something he's never seen before. It looks ominous, yes, but with a glance at Percy, it kind of fits his style.
After a small pause, and his tail swishing in intense concentration and curiosity, Molly looks up at Percy, still leaned forward-]
May I? [take it for a moment, that is. He doesn't know how to use it, won't even try, but he's curious how it feels.]
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Either way, Percy is interested in finding out what the cards have in store for him. It is the main reason he came over, in addition to all the weapons inspecting. ]
Something tells me that it helps, the cards being more personal. Not that I really know all that much to what these readings entail, just. It feels like it would be easier to interpret what a card might mean when you're the one who made it in the first place.
[ Then again, Percy has some pretty keen memorization skills, so if he really had to, he probably could memorize what all the official meanings would have been. ]
I will certainly come up with a list then. You...are really too kind. [ Or maybe he is used to having someone else hold onto his funds and having to ask whenever he wants to spend coin. It was a fine arrangement, but having transactions work a little bit differently here has thrown him for a loop. ]
Please, be my guest. I didn't craft this one, but I did try to make a few adjustments at least. The woman who wielded it...well let's just say I would rather erase any connection she had to it. [ The names that were engraved on the barrels are no longer visible, and thankfully Keyleth had severed all remaining connection to Orthax. While he still mourns the loss of his first creation, he cannot help but admit, this is a much more refined design. ]
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He gives a wistful sigh,] You get it. You actually get it! I don't want to use someone else's creation for my destiny reading business. I will read you cards eventually! I love doing it, I find it very fun and relaxing.
[He's only once seen a proper, old-fashioned tarot deck and he fell in love with it. And then made his own because the original didn't have spice enough in it. At least, that's ONE of the stories he gives when people ask him.]
No, I am not. I am just being fair in this business transaction. Now, me being kind is taking another bottle and bringing it with us as we head to your place, [he grins.
But before that- he's allowed to pick up the gun. So he does it.
It's heavier than it looks, and he tilts it a little towards the floor so he can look down the barrel, his tail making a "question mark" behind him; he's confused but intrigued as he shifts the weapon from one hand to the other.]
I can see why you would want that. It's the polar opposite of what I want with my weapon, [he nods at the scimitar. He could feel himself teether on the edge of telling the guy about Yasha and how he got these blades with her- but he holds back. For now.]
This is very intriguing.
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Sounds like how I am with tinkering. There is something strangely calming to it. Though sometimes I get a bit carried away and lose track of time.
[ At the mention of bringing back wine to Percy's place, he raises an eyebrow, intrigued. Now there's an idea. ]
Then it sounds like you are both fair and kind.
[ He watches closely as Molly carefully picks it up and inspects it. He purposely does not keep it loaded, at least not here in Noctium. Were he on the road and expecting trouble, he would have kept it loaded, but with ammunition being in such short supply, he does not need to take the chance that it would accidentally go off.
And with Molly handling it, he does not want to worry about the tiefling accidentally pulling the trigger, since he has clearly never handled a gun before. Not that many people in their world have. ]
I've grown up with swords. Have a couple of my own. I don't know what it is about this weapon that intrigues me so much. It came at a terrible price, though.
[ And quietly, to which he would blame the alcohol for his surprising honesty, though part of it is just being around Molly has already started to tear his guard down. ]
A price that was worth it, in the end, I think. Though I still question what will happen with my soul once I really do die. [ It's a morbid conversation, but a topic that he does not bring up that often. ]
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Tinkering with stuff reminds him of Nott and Caleb for a moment, the card he made for them, and he glances between Percy and the gun in curiosity, mildly wondering what would've Caleb thought of this kind of thing. It's a weapon...]
It is quite impressive, [he puts it back on the table and leans back, crossing his legs and running thumb over his chin as he observes it from a little distance,] I take it can't be too easy to wield it. [He assumes one needs some special training for it.
A terrible price for it though... Molly's own magic comes at a price of not fully knowing who he is, past coming to haunt not him but his friends and unleashing some kind of terror on them in a way he can't understand.]
I'm no priest or cleric or any such thing, [Molly leans to pick up his own glass of wine,] but I'm a good judge of character. And you don't look like you belong in any circle of hell.
If you think it's worth it, then it is. Anything that comes after it can be dealt with. I don't believe in the "some problems don't have solutions" type of thing. There always is a solution, hard to achieve perhaps, with enough time and effort, but it's always there. One only needs to work for it. And you don't look lazy to me, [he grins at him as he takes a sip of his drink.]
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Ah yes, it is very dangerous for someone unskilled to wield. And if the weapon has not been crafted properly the consequences can be disastrous. [ Anna Ripley and the loss of her hand is all the indication one needs to stay away from weapons you don't understand.
When Molly passes his judgment to him, a flicker of a smile appears on Percy's face, before disappearing so quickly it might have gone unnoticed. He never got a straight answer from the Raven Queen, but he likes to believe that he has spent enough of his life working towards atonement that maybe he won't be banished to the Nine Hells. ]
I've killed a lot of people, sent their souls to the Abyss. [ His face looks even more somber as he turns his gaze on the table out of shame, not sure he could handle Molly's response to what he's about to say next. ]
There was a time when I thought I was beyond redemption. That the best thing I could do was die once my revenge was complete. But I was given a second chance at life, and I tried to make the most of it. My path to atonement, it felt like it was never-ending. And now that I'm here, it has thrown me for a loop. This wasn't exactly part of the plan.
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As I thought. [If the guy doesn't want to show it to people, he has a good reason for it. What if whatever he puts in it to shoot gets stuck and backfires? Molly doesn't get scared, but that thought is actually a bit terrifying.]
I've killed people too, [he shrugs, looking completely unbothered by this fact that Percy told him,] never really pondered on what would happen to me after. [Maybe he should start worrying about it...? But it feels like a waste of time and strength thinking about stuff that he has no control over. And he kind of wants to believe that this death cleric that M9 met will see to it that he doesn't make chaos after he dies (again).
He does listen carefully to what Percy is telling him, briefly reflecting on his own situation, and then leaning over to fill Percy's glass with wine,] Wanna know what I think? Take it. Any chance at anything that you can, do it. [He leans back and rests chin on the palm of his hand,] It's nice and all to seek redemption, but when that becomes your life, everything else that is good passes you by. And that's no way to live. You'll start asking yourself "What IF" with little or without a chance to go back and do it.
Gods are fickle, they don't look at you until you have something they want, [he downs the rest of his drink.]
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It's not just that I killed them. If it were just that, I think selfishly I could live with it? [ He sighs, because he had not intended on telling Molly about this so early on, but maybe it is better that he lay everything out there, every fucked up thing about him. Maybe it would help him to not fall into the same traps of keeping too many secrets, like he did with the rest of Vox Machina. ]
This entity that I made a bargain with, it said it would help me to get revenge. It showed me a vision, one that helped me craft this weapon. In exchange, those that I killed, their souls would be sent to him for, I don't know, an eternity of damnation? But it wasn't just the people who killed my family that I killed, there were others. Others who probably didn't deserve such a fate.
[ He definitely needs the wine, and so when Molly has refilled his glass, he accepts it and takes an eager drink from it. ]
Maybe it's not worth ruminating over, what's done is done. But it is something that will probably be looming over my head for the rest of time. When I first landed here, you know I thought this was punishment for all of that? [ He laughs and shakes his head. ] Though, I suppose you're right, what could the gods possibly gain from my being here? Besides, if anything this has given me a chance. I don't know what for just yet, but maybe I will figure out in due time.
I just love the pic of that coat
For whatever you did, you show remorse, so I can't brand you as I bad guy. Even with the fact that you made that deal.
Demons are that, demons, evil; they look and prey on people to show weakness, and then exploit it against them. [There's a brief flicker of recognition in his eyes as he looks away for a moment from Percy, a wave of memories coming to him in a flash, but he shakes it off and focuses back on Percy.]
If they find a particularly deep wound, the claws just dig deeper. And it's hard to get out of it because it hurts, slices already open wound. All I'm saying is, [he stands up and shrugs off the coat he's wearing and goes to the rack of clothing, rummaging around for his beloved, long, ostentatious coat, and he puts it on in one big motion, making it swirl around him,] you were manipulated. You've accepted your mistakes and you're working to better yourself. But you already know that [he gives him a grin.]
As for this place- yes, it does feel like a second chance. It gave me a chance to build a normal life, have a house, and maybe find a wife or husband- yet what it really did is get me off the leash completely, I live in a tent, I drink as much as I want, and living my best life. [Pause.] When that Malachite guy is not throwing tantrums, that is.
it's a very lovely pic
Somewhere along the way, Percy's mind starts to wander, though he does listen to what Molly says. It's more that he isn't paying close attention to Molly himself until he looks up to notice him changing into a new coat, and something about the fluidity of it all causes his breath to catch in his throat. He tries to recover quickly, ignoring the heat spreading on his cheeks in hope that if he ignores it, it won't be super obvious to Molly as well.
This is ridiculous; he's married for the gods's sake! ]
Yes, it took a while to get to this point, but I suppose it matters that I got here eventually.
[ He smiles as he listens to Molly speak about this world, about what it's done for him. Maye it's time for Percy to stop viewing it as a prison.
Though, he does find himself in the midst of a coughing fit at the mention of wife. Yet still he makes no mention of Vex'ahlia, and the only indication that there was anything tying him down would be small gold band around his finger. ]
Yes, that Malachite guy could really use some therapy, or so I hear. [ He grins as he finishes off yet another glass. By now, he is definitely feeling the effects of the wine, and if anything, that would be a good excuse for why his cheeks most certainly are looking flushed more and more often. ]
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As for the heat in the cheeks, it doesn't go unnoticed, but it does go without a comment. He got a feel on what type of person Percy is when they first met, and then on the beach- if he pushes this angle TOO much, it will backfire, and he doesn't want that. The ring, however, does go unnoticed (and even if he noticed he wouldn't think much of it).]
There's that saying about enjoying the ride more than the destination, and I think that it's stupid. The destination is as important as the ride. In any case- didn't you want to go to your workshop? We can immediately pick up some stuff for you for it.
[It's the reason why he put the coat in the first place.]
The guy needs more than just therapy. He needs a whole new personality. [A dark joke, but he's kind of fed up with the guy. He walks back over to the cabinet and, as promised, takes out one more bottle for Percy to bring with him.]
I wouldn't suggest him getting drunk, I don't wanna die yet, [he chuckles, and offers the bottle to Percy, as he picks up the sword to sheath it at his side.]
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He starts to push himself up, thankfully still in enough control not to be too wobbly. And there is most definitely always room for more wine in his life, so he graciously accepts the offered bottle. ]
Yes, to the workshop!
And, I would agree with you. On both accounts. I've had one too many brushes with death already, I'd rather like to stay in the world of the living while I'm here.
[ He tucks the bottle under his coat, making sure that his gun was holstered and that he wasn't forgetting anything. His head felt like it was spinning, though whether that was the wine or the excitement of this kinship he felt with Molly starting to fall into place he could not say for sure. Whatever the case may be, he doesn't think he has felt quite so happy and energized since his arrival. It's a nice feeling, one that he wants to cling to as he waits for Molly to be ready to join him on their walk to his home, to his workshop. ]
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But their conversation won't suffer on the way to the workshop. It has been a while since he was able to talk with someone like this, so easily. Sure, there was this burden of his future that hangs over his head but, but- that can be ignored right now.]
I can't wait to see it!
Well, so long we remain vigilant and sleeping with one eye open, I'm sure we'll be able to pull through. [Even though he's the first one to get drunk and pass out under the table.
They make a brief stop at the jeweler's store for Molly to get some of the precious metal (or metal in general) Percy might need to fix the handle, and at the store with components and gadgets to pay off the first part of his bill. He doesn't like owing people.]
If there's anything specific you need, just tell me! [He says when he steps out with a box neatly back with random trinkets. He's sure tinkerer will make good use of them.]
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But he also doesn't want to get too comfortable, either. His heart aches a little bit about thinking of possibilities of starting to settle down here, start a new life, only to wind up back in Whitestone.
For the first time, he is not actually sure what outcome he would rather have. ]
It'll be nice to have someone who has my back, and vice versa. [ Vex comes to mind, but it's always been different with her. She's her own person and requires a certain amount of independence that Percy can relate to. They had always made it work in the end, and it worked for Exandria, but this isn't Exandria.
The shops have such a different feel to them than the ones he had visited in Exandria. Although he misses Victor's eccentricity, it's a bit of a relief to not have to deal with all the haggling and shaking and dealing. Everything feels so much more straightforward here. ]
This is definitely a good start. I should have some materials leftover back home as well. [ Still, Percy takes a look in case anything else catches his eye. It's here when he gets the idea, sees a charm of a single moon and glances at the bits and baubles hanging off of Molly's horn.
While Molly's purchases are being rung up, Percy surreptitiously places a few more items in for tinkering.
Because one moon isn't enough; it's the two moons that connect them. ]