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"You know... Maybe if you got rid of the creepy mask, mortals wouldn't be scared of you."
The Raven King hummed in response not looking up from the book he held in his hand. The white, porcelain raven-esque mask fixed firmly to his face. He heard his champion give an annoyed huffed and move over towards where he was sitting. He felt the half elf flop down at his feet and saw his head come into view as he peeked at the book. The god shut the book, moving it away, finally looking down at his raven. Vax'ildan pouted slightly slight and stared up at him.
"I just wanted to see what you're reading." he said.
"Just a book. Nothing that you'd find interesting, my little raven." he said, a smile tugging at his lips even with it hidden. "They only fear me because of what I stand for. Not because of the mask I wear." he added. "How was your trip to see Vex'ahlia and Keyleth? I trust they are well?" he asked. Vax shifted and moved to lean against the god's legs.
"They're good. Living happily in Zephra. Finally engaged. Took them long enough." Vax answered. "I still say you should take it off.... At least when you're here in your own home. Why do you always wear it? Doesn't it bother you?" he asked.
"Ah, well, send them my congratulations next you visit." The Raven King stated. He then shook his head. "I've grown used to it... And I do take it off. Just not when you are around." he added. Vax scowled at that and crossed his arms.
"That's not fair." he said. The death god chuckled and tilted his head.
"Ah, does my raven think he has the right to see my face?" he asked, his voice teasing and light. He grinned seeing his champion flush and look away.
"W-well... I am your champion. I think I've been quite loyal." the half elf stated.
"You have been. You've also been a little thorn in my side since I claimed you as my champion. Still are at times." the god stated in amusement. "Hardly calls for such a reward." he added. Vax slumped and hunched his shoulders slightly, if he had his wings out the god could only imagine that he'd be hiding in them. The Raven King smiled and chuckled again. He reached down and gently stroked Vax's hair petting him lightly. Vax jolted slightly before relaxing and leaning it him more. "Do not worry, little raven. I don't mind honestly. You're feisty nature is rather refreshing honestly. Keeps things interesting." he said. Vax looked up at him and shifted resting his head against the god's thigh.
"...I'm never going to see your actual face am I?" he asked. The Raven king shrugged.
"Perhaps one day. but today is not that day. Get some rest, my champion. I'm sure it was a long trip, and I have task for you to do tomorrow." he said. Vax hummed and closed his eyes.
"...Can I stay here while I rest?" he asked. The god smiled behind his mask, petting the half elf.
"Of course, little raven. You know I'd never turn you away." he said. Vax gave a hum and shifted as he curled against him. The death god let him, gently playing with his champion's hair as he watched him drift off. He opened his book and returned to reading.
Vax quietly watched his patron as he worked. He shifted, stretching out on a ledge that, as he watched the Raven King slowly move along the threads of fate. Tracing a few as he looked through them all. There were thousands upon thousands of threads, all moving in different directions some over lapping others tangling into to knots. The god paused every now and then, singling out a single thread and tracing it, observing it before pulling it loose. Vax winced every time he did. He knew what it meant when his King didn't immediately sever a thread. It was always a tragedy. He didn't like it, and a part of him wanted to reach out to stop it but he knew he couldn't.
"If it bothers you, you do not have to watch." his king said, head tilting towards him. The hollow, dark eye sockets of the plague doctor like raven mask staring holes in him. Vax met his gaze. He frowned before shaking his head.
"No... I... I'm fine." he said softly. "...I just... How do you do it?" he asked. "How are you so calm?"
"... It is the way of things." The Raven King answered. "A natural part of life. Even if cause by unnatural events... I do not take pleasure in what I do. And there are some... That I wish I could spare, but that is not how this works." he said.
"But you could." Vax said, moving to sit up.
"But I will not." his patron answered, turning his gaze back to the threads to look them over once more before turning and walking towards Vax. "If I start sparing others, letting them live when they're time has run out then I would not be taken seriously... Besides. for some, this fate is better for them." he added. "They find peace, and rest. For some, safety."
Vax shifted and looked down, "... Yeah, yeah. It isn't bad. I get it." he said. "...But some of those were-"
"I am aware, Vax'ildan. And though I wish that they're threads weren't cut so short... Trust me when I say, they're in much better hands." the god stated. Vax stared at the ground before sighing and nodding. He lifted his head when the Raven King was finally standing before him. "Come. Let us go." he said. Vax dropped down and landed next to his patron and followed him from the Chamber of Threads. They walked in silence for a bit before Vax finally spoke.
"...You were mortal once." Vax said softly.
"I was. That was a long time ago however." his king answered.
"...Is that why you wear the mask?" Vax asked.
"Partially." the other answered. "Mostly it is to remind myself of what I was before I followed my calling to be the new god of Death." he added
"What were you?" Vax asked curiously. The Raven King looked down at him, and Vax tilted his head slightly. After a moment his god looked ahead.
"... A man who took fate into his own hands, without care of the consequences it brought." He said. Vax frowned slightly.
"... What... what exactly does that mean?" he asked. The Raven King sighed softly.
"A story for another time, my little raven." he said. Vax blinked and his frown deepened, but he gave a nod. A man who took fate into his hands? That left Vax with more questions then answers. Every time he thought he was was closer to knowing the other better he felt like he was thrown back to square one. He really wanted to see under neath that mask. But he'd have to be patient.
The Raven King was settled in the garden of his realm, enjoying the relative peace when he heard the fluttering of wings. His champion flew up and landed next to him. His feathers were ruffled as his wings tucked in close to his back. Judging by his annoyed and rather ruffled appearance he's latest task was finished, but luckily his champion didn't seem to badly hurt. Though the cut on his cheek was new, but it was healing. The god reached out, gently guiding Vax closer, and getting him to turn around so that he could properly tend to his little raven's wings.
"I take it that all went well?" he asked. Vax squirmed a bit before relaxing and settling down so that the god could preen him.
"...As well as it could have. I was lucky that I had Pickle and the others. It was actually a little worst then expected." Vax said.
"But you succeeded." the Raven King said.
"Of course! It just could have gone a lot smoother then it did..." Vax replied. He reach up to lightly rub his cheek and flinched slightly.
"You've returned to me in one piece. I'd say it went rather smoothly." the god stated, smoothing out the black feathers, and carefully removing the ones that were loose. He ran his hands carefully along his champion's wings, feeling them twitch slightly and Vax shiver as he melted under the attention. "...There. all fixed. Feel better, my little raven?" he asked. Vax hummed softly and leaned back into the god with a nod. He drew his wings around himself a bit and looked up.
"Thanks." he said softy. The Raven King smiled behind his mask and wrapped his arms around his champion.
"No need to thank me, Vax'ildan. I'm more then happy to take care of you. You are mine after all, and I wouldn't want to neglect you."
"You're very possessive. You know that right?" Vax asked turning towards him slightly as he moved to curl against the god.
"We gods are selfish creatures." The King answered in amusement. "You don't seem to mind however." he added. Vax stared up at him before looking away.
"..I did... at first. But not anymore." the champion answered. The Raven King hummed and reached up to run his fingers through his hair.
"That's good to hear." the death god said. Vax shifted slightly.
"...Were you like this with the others?" he asked quietly. He didn't look up as he asked the question instead staring at his wings as he gently picked on them. The god tilted his head.
"If I was?" he asked curiously. He couldn't see Vax's face fully, but he felt him curl in on himself just a bit more as he seemed to press closer to the god. He waited a moment before noting that Vax didn't intend answering him. He felt a smile tug at his lips and he chuckled softly. How cute, his little raven was jealous. He drew Vax closer and lowered his head, letting the beak of his mask lightly brush against his champion's cheek. "Not as much as I am with you." he said. "You're a much more special case little Raven." he added. He'd been possessive of his previous champion, sure. But not to the extant he was with Vax. Something about the half elf had him wanting to keep him close. Had made it difficult when allowing his friends to call him back to life. Vax ducked his head lower, wing drawing closer to him, but he could feel Vax relax. He grinned.
His little Raven really was adorable.
Vax stared up at the white mask as he leaned back into his patron. The Raven King was reading again, one hand holding the book the other reaching down to pet Vax's hair. The half elf tilted his head slightly and reached up a hand, lightly tracing the underneath of the beak. His god shifted and his head tilted down as he looked at Vax. Vax paused, briefly considering pulling away but decided not to. He gently rest his hand on the side of the mask, feeling the smooth porcelain. His Patron didn't move away, only watched him curiously, though Vax could have sworn he felt him lean into the touch. The champion paused, letting his hand rest on the side on the Mask's face. He likely could pull it off. But he doubt that the Raven King would be pleased with that.
"...What did you mean? Three weeks ago?" he asked. His god hummed softly, reaching up to cover his hand with his own.
"Back when I told you I took fate in my own hands?" he asked. Vax nodded. The god closed the book and set it aside. "...Before I ascended I was a nobleman.... tragedy struck my family. I was the only one to make it out alive." he started. "I'm not sure how long had passed before I struck the deal I made. I wanted vengeance. I'd lost faith in the gods on that path. When the deal was broken and I realized the damage I'd caused... It was... Overwhelming." he stated. "So... I did what I could to set things right. That so happened to lead me here. The Mask is a manifestation of the one that I had worn during those times." he finished. Vax shifted and straightened up, twisting so that he was facing his god, hand still pressed to the mask underneath the god's.
"... Orthax... He was the one you made the deal with back then.... wasn't he?" he asked softly. His god nodded.
"While he is the least of my concerns with Orcus around... He is still a threat. He was none too pleased of our deal being broken and losing his hold on my mortal soul. I'm sure his anger as only grown since i ascended." The Raven King answered. "...No matter. He is unimportant at present. for know he's some where cowering. no need to worry till he rears his head again."
Vax hummed in response. He quiet a moment before he spoke. "...What was your name? Back then?" he asked. His patron shook his head lightly.
"It doesn't matter." he said.
"I know. but I'm curious. What is it really embarrassing or something?" Vax asked. He heard the other huff.
"You'll keep nagging me until I tell you. So fine, if you must know. It was Percival. My friends called me Percy." the Raven king answered.
"Percy? That's not a bad name. Kinda suits you actually... But come on. What was the full name?" Vax asked. He could swear as the question left his lips if felt like his god had started to glare from behind those dark sockets. The Raven King sighed and lifted his head slightly, pausing before finally speaking.
"Percival Fredrickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III." he said, the name rolling off his tongue so easily as if he's said it a hundred times before. Vax had a feeling that he had.
"...Wow. That is a lot of names." the champion said. His King hummed in response.
"Hence why I went by Percy." he stated. "Are your questions satisfied?" he asked.
"...Mostly." Vax said, slowly reaching up his other hand to cup the other side of the mask. His god lowered his head slightly.
"Vax'ildan." his tone was quiet, warning. Vax looked into the dark eyes. He wanted so bad to see his god's face.
"... Can I, my King?" he asked. The Raven King was silent before he huffed out a heavy sigh.
"I spoil you to much." the god stated, the hand covering Vax's lowering. "...If you must." he granted. Vax blinked and bit back a grin before straightening up a bit more, carefully taking hold of the mask. He hesitated before slowly pulling the mask away. The mane of black and white raven feathers fluttered before lowering as the mask fell away, revealing the face underneath. Pale skin, and bright blue eyes stared down at him curiously. Instead of dark hair like his own his god had stark white hair. Vax blinked as he looked up at him. gods, he's handsome. As soon as the thought crossed his mind he saw Percy's lips twitch upward, and Vax felt his face flush realizing that the god had definitely heard that. He quickly looked away, fingers curling around the mask he still held. He heard Percy laugh softly before he wrapped an arm around his waist to hold him closer. "Oh? Is my little raven shy? What happened to that bold attitude of yours?" he teased. Vax felt him grab his chin lightly before tilting his head up so that Vax was looking at him again.
"N-No..." Vax denied. He winced at the stutter in his voice and averted his gaze. Honestly his feelings were nothing new. And he was certain that Percy knew of them. But he's never teased Vax about them or brought them up. "...Master..." he started.
"Percy." the god murmured. Vax looked up in shock. The god chuckled. "Surprised, little raven? If I wasn't alright with you using it, I wouldn't have told you." he said. Vax's eyes lit up.
"Al-all right... Percy, can..." Vax started softly, before letting himself trail off. He averted his gaze, shifting slightly as he held the mask a little closer. What was he even about to say? To ask? Hey can I kiss you? Don't be stupid he doesn't feel the same way, your just a mortal. He winced. "...Never mind." he said quietly. He felt Percy's hand on his chin again as his god tilted his head up to make him look at him. Vax closed his eyes, gods he was stupid of course Percy had heard that thought.
"Vax'ildan, look at me." the Raven King spoke softly. Vax frowned, not listening at first before finally giving in and opening his eyes to meet Percy's. The god was looking down at him, a gentle look to his gaze. Vax swallowed and flicked his gaze to the side.
"It... It isn't important." he said softly. "Really. Just... Just ignore it." he added.
"Don't say that. Of course it is important." Percy stated. Vax shook his head, pulling his head from the god's hand.
"No... Really it... it isn't. Its... its just a silly crush. nothing to really pay any mind too... it'll.... it'll pass." Vax stated. Don't say anything. Just let it go... Please.
"I'm not just going to let it go, Vax." Percy stated. Vax flinched and looked down, shoulders hunching. He heard his patron sigh softly before gathering Vax up and pulling him closer. "Honestly, little raven. You have no need to worry."
"It's... My King, please. I know its foolish. I know that it's pointless, Percy. I know that... that it isn't meant to be. It's fine really. just... Don't make me hear it.... please." he begged quietly, resting his head against the god's chest. He heard the other sigh again.
"Vax. Honestly, my little raven." he heard his god huff out. He frowned and lifted his head to look up at him. Percy caught his chin, lifting it and Vax had to move up to avoid being dragged. Before the champion could even speak, the other leaned down, catching him in a kiss. Vax's eyes widened and he gave a startled noise. He almost dropped the mask he was holding still. It took a moment for his mind to process and when it finally did he melted. He let his eyes close as he kissed back, moving to wrap his arms around his god's shoulders as Percy, held him close by the waist. The Raven King broke away and rested their foreheads together. "As I was saying. You don't have to worry, because I feel the same." he murmured. Vax stared at him.
"You... you do...?" he asked, and damn him if that didn't sound utterly pathetic. Percy gave a smile and kissed his forehead.
"Yes. I do. and do, this isn't some trick, my little raven. I wouldn't lie to you." he said. Vax swallowed, before moving to pull the god into another kiss. He felt Percy chuckle as he returned the kiss, reaching up a hand to hold the back of Vax's neck. Vax sighed through his nose, reaching one hand up to tangle it in Percy's hair, his other hand still holding tightly to the mask. The kiss lasted much longer then the first, but eventually ended. Vax buried his face in his patron's neck and shut his eyes. Percy nuzzled him, kissing the side of his head lightly. Vax relaxed and stayed there for a moment before finally pulling back. He carefully handed Percy his mask back. The Raven King took it, looking down at it before setting it off to the side. He then turned his attention back to Vax, wrapping his arms around him again. "Feeling better?" he asked.
"... Yeah." Vax answered, letting out a slow breath. He was still nervous. He couldn't shake it, even though Percy said he felt the same.
"Dearest, if you're worried that I'll grow bored of you that will not be the case." the god said drawing Vax from his thoughts. Vax looked up at him, and leaned into his hand as the other reached up to hold his cheek. "You've no need to worry about me tossing you to the side. I wouldn't do that." he added. Vax swallowed and nodded.
"I... I just want to stay by your side... always." Vax said quietly. Percy smiled.
"I wouldn't want you any were else, my little raven." he said pressing a kiss to Vax's forehead. The half elf relaxed and closed his eyes, leaning into the other as he gave a shaky sigh. He heard his god chuckle softly and a hand stroke his hair. Vax melted under the attention, nuzzling into the god's chest. As long as he got to be by Percy's side, he was happy.
Percy ran his hands through his champion's hair as Vax curled closer to him. He wasn't lying when he told Vax that he wouldn't toss him aside. Despite his better judgement he had come to love his mortal very much. But luckily for him Vax felt the same. The god gave a soft sigh, looking down at his little raven. He smiled and tightened his arm around Vax, holding him closer to him.
At least it made it easy for Percy to keep him now.