Prologue
She’s seventeen and she’s just been drafted first overall by the Taloned Highlands Junior A lacrosse team. Her parents warned her she was going to have to choose between her high school sweetheart, Relvin Temult, and her first true love, lacrosse. But now she doesn’t have to choose. Now she can have both.
She’s twenty and they’ve just won the Tal’Dorei Cup. It’s the best day of her life. Relvin proposes and promises a quaint farmhouse in the valley. They’ll have enough land to build their own outdoor box to practice in. Offers from prestigious universities and senior league teams start to pour in.
She’s twenty-one and in her last year with the Taloned Highlands when she finds out she’s pregnant. Starpoint Conservatory still wants her to come and play for their varsity team. They’re willing to provide extra support and lodging for Relvin and their baby. The university also offers some remote classes, so that Liliana can study at home in Gelvaan in the off-season. Jrusar wasn’t her top choice last year, but they seem to be her best option now.
She’s twenty-two as she and Relvin welcome baby Imogen into the world. Imogen has an independent spirit and her daddy’s eyes. After three months, she’s infinitely grateful for the box Relvin built. Every morning and evening she’s there behind the farmhouse. The sturdy boards hold up to the endless rubber balls she hurls at them. The asphalt is as perfectly flat as it can get as she throws herself back into training.
She’s twenty-four when she meets Ludinus Da’leth for the first time. He’s a guest lecturer in one of her classes. His passion for a better world is intoxicating. She goes to thank him after class for his inspirational words. Ludinus shares more of his dream with her. His deep desire to flip professional sports on its head. Make things more equitable for women, and more accessible for people with limited resources.
She shares Ludinus’ frustration with corporate greed. How it governs all the big-time sports like hockey, soccer, and football. Even the Olympics has been tainted. But Ludinus speaks of a world where they can be free of the corruption of the one-percent. A world not so different from the one he grew up in, where sportsmanship meant something. Where you could go watch a game and be inspired on less than a copper. A world where anyone could follow their dreams of becoming a star, regardless of how much money they came from. His belief in the pure values of the sport of lacrosse, to act as a catalyst for humanity to save itself, quickly became her own.
Relvin doesn’t like the dream. He thinks it’s childish, overly-simplistic. But Relvin hasn’t been educated like Liliana has. He hasn’t met people like Ludinus and learned from their life experiences. They start to drift. Relvin doesn’t support her like he used to. She doesn’t understand why, but knows their values no longer align as perfectly as before. Maybe this is just part of growing up, she thinks sadly to herself some nights.
She’s twenty-six when she finishes her degree at Startpoint Conservatory. She ends her tenure as the most decorated player in the school’s team sports history. She feels her playing career coming to an end, as the sport has taken a toll on her body. But Ludinus sees such potential in her. He wants to bring her on full-time at his grassroots organization, teaching sports to under-privileged youths. It will mean traveling a lot. She has her apartment in Jrusar which will act as a home base, with the skyport right there. She promises to spend time back at the farm when she can.
Visits back become less and less frequent. The last time she visits Gelvaan and their farmhouse just outside of town, Imogen is twelve. She watches from a distance, a head of purple hair bouncing across the field as a horse gallops towards her. Her daughter gracefully dismounts Flora and she wraps her up in a big hug. Surprise hits her that Imogen is almost as tall as her now. She can only stay one night, but she spends it tossing a ball back and forth with her daughter. They laugh and play together in the box that Relvin has maintained in Liliana’s absence.
She’ll ask Imogen to move to Jrusar for the summer. There’s a burgeoning minor league program that shares arenas between there and Bassuras. It shouldn’t be too far for Relvin to drive Imogen to play in Bassuras in the spring. She knows they don’t agree on much anymore, but they’ll always put their daughter’s future above all else.
Chapter 1: Heights and History
“…and the fruit is amazing, and the air is so pure, and the bakeries downtown!” Orym and Fearne gush to Ashton about all of the things they love and miss about Tal’Dorei. The thing they can’t get in Jrusar, and all the things they’re looking forward to doing in the continent’s major city, Emon.
Imogen’s three friends bubble with excitement as the skyship casts off from the landing dock. As it rises higher into the air, Orym leans over the side of the ship. The wind blows his usually carefully curated hair into a mess of tangles. Ashton and Fearne run up and down the top deck, revelling in the freedom. Imogen thinks she’s going to either vomit or pass out. Maybe she’ll vomit and then pass out. She fumbles her way to a seat, then squeezes her eyes shut as she sits on the ground, leaning on the chair legs bolted to the ship’s deck.
She doesn’t notice their approach but is surprised when she hears FCG’s voice. “Smiley day Imogen. You doin’ alright over there?”
She can tell FCG is still being cautious around her, even though it’s been 2 months since the debacle in Lake Korron. She was mad alright, but she forgave them right away. Honestly, having the scouts focused on someone other than her had been kind of nice for a change.
As much as she knows FCG wants to help, Imogen doesn’t think their methods are going to be useful right now. She opens one eye and tries to give FCG a smile. “‘m fine.” But just at that moment, the captain makes a sudden adjustment to avoid a flock of birds. Even from the floor, Imogen gets a quick view of just how high up they are. She squeezes her eyes shut again as the nausea now wars with fear of how high up they are.
“Do you want help going down to the cabins? They should be a little more stable, and it’ll be easier to rest.” FCG suggests, still keeping their distance.
Imogen can’t think straight. She’s just trying to get her breathing under control.
“Let’s do that.” FCG continues. “I’ll go get you some help.”
What could be two or twenty minutes later, Imogen feels a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Hey, kiddo.” Chetney’s voice cuts through the haze. “We’re gonna get you downstairs where it’s a lot more comfortable. Just lean on us for support, okay?”
Imogen feels a second set of hands on her other side. They’re softer than Chetney’s, and carefully maneuver her to stand.
Somehow, they make it someplace dark and soft and quiet. Someone is helping her count breaths. She’s horizontal and finally no longer feels like the world is spinning. A few more ragged breaths and she opens her eyes.
Chetney is leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, a look of mild concern. “For such a tough cookie, I didn’t realize you were afraid of heights. Or get motion sickness this easily. You okay?”
Imogen blinks and then sees Laudna across from her, sitting on Fearne’s bed. She’s looking at Imogen expectedly.
“Uh, yeah, I guess I didn’t really know that would happen. This is my first time flying.” She feels embarrassed, even though Chetney’s seen her do a lot more embarrassing things. Since Coach Laudna joined the team, Imogen’s wanted to impress her. She’s so cool, and so skilled at lacrosse, Imogen is drawn to learn everything she can from her. So, needless to say, it’s embarrassing that Laudna is seeing her like this.
Imogen feels like an immature kid that her coaches have to baby her like this. She dares a glance towards Laudna. She’s met with those dark brown eyes, full of concern but no pity or ridicule. “Thanks for helping me…” she mumbles. It must have been Laudna working her through those breath exercises.
“Well, one of us better go back up and make sure no one’s breaking anything.” Chetney growls. “Imogen, you okay if I leave you with Laudna here?”
She nods into the pillow and hears him close the door after himself.
Starting to feel a little better, she slides back against the headboard to sit up more.
Laudna rushes over with a couple of extra pillows from Fearne’s bed to help prop Imogen up. “Oh here, let me help you.” Laudna helps arrange Imogen’s limbs more comfortably as she sluggishly goes through the motions. Laudna reaches out, as if she was about to pat Imogen’s leg to signify the job done. But quickly pulls her hand back awkwardly. Imogen feels a dip in her gut, that’s completely different from the nausea of a few minutes ago. Did she want Laudna to pat her? Was that weird?
Laudna sits with her legs and hands crossed back on Fearne’s bed. “You know, my first skyship experience was also quite tumultuous.” Laudna leans forward and lowers her voice like she’s telling Imogen a secret.
“Yeah?” Imogen can’t help but smile at Laudna. They’ve been spending more one-on-one time together as the season’s progressed. Laudna has a similar play style to Imogen, and her attention to detail is insane. Imogen almost feels badly that she’s getting so much private coaching, when she was already probably the most skilled player on the team. Normally, Imogen would have pushed back and insisted that Laudna spend more time with her teammates. But she’s, uncharacteristically, enjoying the attention too much.
Imogen’s always had trouble making friends. Her daddy says her issue is letting people in, but that doesn’t make it any easier. It took years before Imogen felt comfortable just thinking about Fearne and Orym as her friends. And she really only considers Ashton her friend when Fearne or Orym are there to moderate. But with Laudna, it was instant, like she just got her from the start.
Imogen can tell that Laudna is about to go off on a tangent into one of her wonderful stories. She could listen to her talk for hours. The adventures Laudna went on with the Dwendalian National Team, to Vasselheim, Rexxentrum, Aeor. Her triumphs and failures playing Junior about a decade ago. How winning the Tal’Dorei Cup for the first time felt. Imogen loves Laudna’s relentless sense of wonder as she recalls every lesson learned, how she excitedly retells these tales hoping to pass on some sort of wisdom to her players. Sometimes, Laudna tells a story tinged with sadness. These make Imogen want to gear up for battle and drive the pain away.
Laudna sighs as she seems to bring herself back from a memory. “I don’t remember much of the trip, to be honest. It was shortly after I left my parent’s house and before I played for the Dwendalian Kings. I actually met Sylas Briarwood on that skyship. He… consoled me while I threw up over the side.”
Imogen didn’t like the Briarwoods. Not that she had ever met them, or had even heard of them before Laudna. Just the way Laudna talked about them. Or rather, it was the things Laudna didn’t say about them that made Imogen squirm. She wasn’t sure if Laudna was being vague on purpose, or if she didn’t fully remember. She heard that trauma could do funny things with memory. Coach Delilah sounded cruel, and her husband rubbed Imogen all the wrong ways.
“And then, him and Coach Dee helped me settle when we landed in Wildemount.” Laudna continues. “I don’t know what I would have done without them… I was so lost before.”
“I think you would have figured it out either way.” Imogen’s smile returns when Laudna looks over at her. “You said this tournament is field lacrosse, right? Was that invented in Wildemount?”
“Oh, yes!” The glaze disappears from Laudna’s eyes as they now glisten with excitement. “See, lacrosse was first invented in Tal’Dorei. It was played for hundreds of years on outdoor fields. It was used as a way of settling disputes amongst Nations, for exercise and training, and sometimes just for fun. I remember my grandmother telling me way back when I was a small child, that when her parents played – they felt connected to the gods.”
Much of this is new to Imogen. While lacrosse had always been such a big part of her life, she hadn’t learned much about its history.
“Then, when Zan Tal’Dorei and her family ‘settled’ and formed the new government, the game of box lacrosse was adopted.” Laudna continues. “Box and ‘indoor’ lacrosse (which is a slight variation of box lacrosse) have been the most successful at developing a fan base.”
Imogen is well aware of the commercialization aspects of the game. Even if she didn’t see her mama much, the apartment they shared was full of business plans and marketing material.
“Some folks in the Dwendalian Empire liked the look of lacrosse, but wanted to establish a less aggressive version for the ‘ladies’ of the Empire. So they invented ‘women’s field lacrosse’. While box lacrosse is essentially a cross between ice hockey and basketball, men’s modern field lacrosse is like a cross between box lacrosse and soccer. Women’s field lacrosse is closer to field hockey than anything else.”
Imogen appreciated Laudna’s different sports analogies, even if they didn’t mean much to her. Her daddy likes watching Marquesian football, but other than that it’s always just been horseback riding and lacrosse.
Laudna continues to explain the differences between the types of lacrosse games. “Even the sticks are completely different. You also don’t really wear any safety equipment. Just a mouth guard and maybe goggles depending on which league you’re playing in.”
“And some of the sticks are really long?” Imogen has done very little research into the different types but remembers seeing pictures of players with outlandishly long sticks.
“Oh, you’re probably thinking of ‘big sticks’. Those are in men’s field lacrosse. They can be almost double the length of a regular stick. In women’s, defender’s sticks can be slightly longer, but it’s hardly perceptible.” Laudna explains.
Imogen tries to picture all of these modifications, and it’s just so strange.
“And, which one are we playing in this tournament again?”
Laudna smiles, that endearing too-wide smile of hers. “We’re going to be playing women’s field lacrosse. I think it will be a nice little break, let you all be bad at something for a few days.” She puts her palms together and dances her fingertips against each other excitedly. “I expect the teams you’ll be playing will be far less fit than you, but their skills and knowledge of the game will be far superior. It’ll be fun!”
Imogen laughs. All remnants of her nausea and the panic attack seem to have left. She wracks her brain, trying to show Laudna she knows something about this sport. “So, if I remember correctly, the sticks are lighter and the basket has no pocket? Compared to box.”
“Correct! They have a flat netting. So your ball control and catching will have to be modified slightly. I’m sure you’ll pick it up in no time. Some of the others may have a more difficult time…”
“Any other weird equipment things or rules I should know about?”
“Well, there will be a nice tutorial practice once we land. Some of the old Vox Machina players have agreed to run you through some drills! But, checking is also quite different.”
“Right, women’s field lacrosse has no contact. That’s why there’s no safety equipment.”
Laudna makes a noncommital noise as she hums and haws at answering. “It’s not really that there’s no contact… There’s a lot of contact actually. Full on bodychecking is not that uncommon. But you aren’t allowed to move your arms outwards when you make contact. And you’re not allowed to have your stick horizontal either. In fact, best if you keep your stick perfectly vertical while playing defense. Unless you’re going to stick-check someone. But if you’re going to stick check, always swing away from the head.”
Imogen nods slowly. There were so many strange new rules. “I think I’ll hopefully get it more when we’re actually playing.”
“Oh of course! Like I said, I think you’ll be a natural. There’s nothing to worry about. This is just about spicing things up a little mid-season. Zero pressure on winning or anything. I don’t even think this tournament plays with all the official rules.”
The two chat a little while longer, totally losing track of time. Suddenly Fearne bursts through the door with a box of pizza. “You missed dinner!” Her friend yells, then noticing Laudna she says. “Oh, hi Coach!” Fearne hops onto the end of Imogen’s bed and puts the pizza box down next to her.
“Oh dear.” Laudna exclaims. “I guess we both lost track of the time.”
“That’s okay, I brought enough for both of you if you want to stay and hang out a little longer, Coach.” Fearne does her signature full-body shimmy in excitement.
“I got a pretty bad panic attack, and was super nauseous.” Imogen starts to explain. “So, Laudna was helping make sure I was okay.” She doesn’t know why she feels compelled to explain herself to Fearne. Fearne never needs an explanation for anything.
“Oh yeah, Chet told us you weren’t feeling great. It’s why I brought the pizza to you!”
The three ladies settle into comfortable conversation over their pizza dinner. Fearne yammers on about the shenanigans her, Ashton, and Dariax got into upstairs. When Imogen has trouble stifling her yawns, Laudna gets up from her seated position on Fearne’s bed.
“I should let you two sleep, it’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”
Chapter 2: Blade of the Tempest
Emon is a bustling metropolis and immediately overwhelms Imogen. She freezes up wading through a mass of people walking against her on the sidewalk, and fortunately, Fearne is there to link arms and steer her after Orym and Opal. Opal flies to Emon once a year to journey back to her hometown of Byroden for Winter’s Crest. In no time, the Bells navigate to their hotel and then the field where they’ll be playing.
A tall, slim man, with snow-white hair and round wire-framed spectacles stands in the middle of the field. He holds a clipboard and is surveying the Bells as they group around him. “Welcome to Tal’Dorei Screeching Bells.”
Imogen can’t help but notice his accent reminds her of Laudna’s.
“I’m coach Percival De Rolo and I’ll be working you through a series of field lacrosse skills today.” He has an official sort of attitude to him, with his impeccable posture and dress code. Instead of a tracksuit, he’s wearing slacks and a white button-down shirt. On top, he’s wearing a navy blue sport coat with two lacrosse sticks crossed, stitched over the breast pocket.
“Wonder what this guy does to relax,” Ashton whispers to Fearne and Imogen, a smirk pasted on their face.
Percival seems to clock the mild disrespect, as he glares in Ashton’s direction. “Keyleth and Vex’ahlia will be demonstrating most of the drills today. We are all here to help you learn the sport and answer questions you may have.” Two women who seem only a few years younger than Percival step up next to him. “Laudna has filled us in on your team’s goals, and season so far. I think the game of field lacrosse will be a challenge, but overall helpful with your season.”
The first of the newcomers is almost as tall as Laudna. She has long auburn hair held back with a narrow headband and introduces herself as Keyleth. She’s sporting a green power ranger outfit (same colour top and bottoms) and smiles ear to ear when she sees Orym. “Orym! I’m so glad you made it here!”
Orym grins and awkwardly offers a hand for a shake to the older woman. “Keyleth, I didn’t know you were going to be showing us the ropes. It’s great to see you!”
Keyleth accepts the handshake with vigour, and a similar level of awkwardness as Orym.
The other player-coach is slightly shorter than Keyleth and drapes a sultry arm across Percival’s shoulders. She is wearing a revealing cropped teal pinny with small black shorts, and introduces herself as Vex’ahlia. Imogen hopes that when she’s this woman’s age she’ll look even half as good.
They begin with passing and catching exercises. Imogen is pleasantly surprised when Laudna hops into the drills, dressed to play. They toss the ball back and forth as Imogen adjusts her followthrough to match Laudna’s.
“You’re a true natural, darling.” Vex’ahlia says after watching a couple of passes. “That or your coach has already been training you up.”
“Not I, Vex, Imogen is very capable all on her own!” Laudna smiles and Imogen feels warm with the praise.
“Did ya’ll ever play together?” Imogen ventures the question.
Laudna shakes her head. “No, Vox Machina and I only crossed paths a small handful of times in my career.”
“But we got to know each other quite a bit once Laudna returned to Tal’Dorei and got into coaching.” Vex supplies, gesturing towards Percival. “She’s coached some of our kids.”
Once all of the Bells are gracefully humbled through learning to pass and catch, Chetney takes a few players to one side to practice breakouts with Vex. Percival splits the rest up into three groups as he explains the different positions (defence, attack, and midfield).
“Defenders will be with Keyleth. You’re going to be responsible for protecting your goaltender from shots, keeping them outside as much as possible. You have to be very spacially aware as a defender, and control areas as best you can.” He goes into some detail explaining how in field lacrosse, you can only have so many players on each half of the field at a time. “Defenders sometimes go up into the offensive zone, but need a midfielder or attacker to hold back when they do. It works the same way going back onto defence. If an attacker chases back into the defensive zone, a midfielder or defender needs to hold back for them.”
Keyleth gathers Fy’ra, Morrighan, and Dorian.
“Attackers will be with Laudna.” Percy continues. “You’ll be depended on for your dexterity, shooting, and quick feet. But you won’t need to have the kind of stamina that defenders and midfielders have.”
Percival ushers Fearne and Opal to join Laudna.
“Finally, we have the most important position. Midfield, or ‘middies’. You three.” Percival looks to Ashton, Orym, and Imogen. “Come with me.”
“Midfield isn’t the most important position.” Imogen overhears Keyleth telling her squad. “Percy just has a big ego, and that’s the position he played back in the day.”
“Hey, nice stick.” Ashton nods to Orym.
Imogen notices the forest green shaft with a vine design grip, a sturdy head with small flowers painted on the plastic. She hasn’t seen it before.
“Thanks.” Orym blushes slightly. “The Tempest – ah, Keyleth, gave it to me.”
“Tempest?” Imogen wonders out loud.
“Her nickname when she was playing competitively.” Orym explains. “Quite the force to be reckoned with.”
After practice, Laudna and Chetney give the players some down time. They encourage them to check out the city, and Orym suggests they go to the Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
“Just don’t touch the Tal’Dorei Cup!” Chetney warns them. “Don’t want to be bringing bad luck on us all.”
Imogen chuckles at one of the little superstitions of the sport. “You don’t want to come with?” She turns to Laudna, hopeful.
“No, I have some old friends here I’m going to catch up with.” Laudna replies.
Imogen can’t help but feel a touch jealousy towards these unnamed people she’s never met. “Oh, okay. Of course.” Trying to play off her disappointment as indifference. She isn’t sure why she feels this way, Laudna doesn’t usually come with on the player’s adventures.
“I’ll see you all later for dinner though!” Laudna is in high spirits.
“Yeah, see you later.” Imogen drags her feet over to where Orym, Fearne, Opal, and Ashton are waiting.
“Wow, aren’t you just a ray of sunshine.” Ashton remarks sarcastically as they walk towards the Hall of Fame. “We’re in a sweet new city, and you look like your dog just died.”
Imogen shoots Ashton a death glare.
“Cool it you two.” Orym interjects. “We are about to embark on a journey through history, and I’ll be damned if you can’t get along for a couple of hours.”
“There’s so much stuff in there, you won’t even need to see each other if you don’t want to.” Opal adds.
And she’s right, the Hall of Fame just seems small and old from the outside. Its historical architecture is a stark contrast against the shiny glass skyscrapers surrounding it. But once inside, Imogen is overcome with nostalgia she wasn’t aware she had. They all start by watching a short film about the history of lacrosse. Imogen can’t help but think Laudna’s history lesson last night was more entertaining, but the information is good. Ashton and Fearne follow Opal into the interactive room, where they can practice their colour commentary and play the newest lacrosse video game. Orym is more interested in the history of uniforms and Imogen is excited to join him.
This exhibit seems a lot less popular than the interactive room, it’s just Orym and Imogen in here for now. The two friends peruse jersey and logo designs through the ages. They marvel over how much equipment has changed over the years.
Breaking the comfortable silence, Orym starts. “So, this is none of my business. And I’m probably calling the kettle black a little here…”
Imogen looks up from the framed old jersey with Da’leth stitched onto the back. “What’s none of your business, Orym?” her eyes narrowing slightly.
“I just can’t help but notice.” He’s not looking her in the eyes as he lowers his voice, even though no one else is here. “Is there something going on between you and…” He looks up and Imogen meets his gaze with a look of curiosity mixed with confusion. “Coach.” Orym finishes.
Imogen furrows her brows in deeper confusion. “What?”
“You know, like… romantically…” Orym looks down again, his cheeks gaining a light pink tinge to them.
“No. Neither of them, mind you.” She chuckles a bit.
“You sure? Cuz, it just seemed like maybe, you and Laudna…”
“We’re friends Orym. I can be friends with my coach.”
“Right. Friends. And anything more would be…”
“Inappropriate.” Imogen doesn’t hesitate.
“Right. Inappropriate.” Orym looks away.
Does Orym look disappointed? Imogen shakes her head and moves on to the next display case. She doesn’t have feelings for her coach. Right? She can’t. She really likes Laudna, sure. But as a coach, as a friend. It’s not more than good ol’ plutonic friendship. Admiration…right? Shit.
As if sensing the gears turning in her mind, Orym speaks up. “Maybe you need to try dating.”
“Wait, what? How did we get there?” Becoming flustered, Imogen quickly recovers. “I could say the same to you.”
“Hey, heartbreak is hard. I’ll be ready when I’m ready.” Orym retorts. “You, on the other hand, have no excuse. And there are plenty of people who would love to take you on a date.”
Still not sure how this conversation turned towards Imogen’s love life, or lack thereof, Imogen and Orym wander into the next display room. Ashton and Fearne are at the back wall looking at the Tal’Dorei Cup. Opal’s eyes are transfixed on the larger trophy in the center of the room.
“The Emon Cup.” Orym exclaims, walking over to Opal. “It’s just as awe-inspiring as when I was a little kid.”
Imogen’s attention is caught by the painted mural that stretches across three of the four walls in the large room. Every year a small handful of players are inducted. She recognizes different artist’s renditions of the most prolific players in lacrosse history. She sees Vex, Percy, Keyleth, and the other members of Vox Machina.
She doesn’t see her mother, and she’s surprised as her thoughts drift to the fight her parents had the last time she saw them together. Sadly, it reminds her that her mother cut her career short, because of her. And then a whole whack of uninvited memories and thoughts of the toughest years of Imogen’s life come flooding in. She liked to think she was good now, over it, but right now she just feels sad and weak.
Imogen retreats into the small hall between exhibits. She just needs quiet for a few minutes to collect herself. She makes herself small and sinks into a shadowy corner. No one seems to pay her any mind. When two darkly clad figures join her in the room, she doesn’t even think they notice her in there with them.
“Tomorrow night will ideal. Everyone will be distracted with the spectacle of Vox Machina making a return to the field.” The taller of the two speaks in a hushed voice.
“I can get us in, you’ll just have to get us out.” The second speaks.
Imogen freezes, imagining herself that she’s invisible as she senses this isn’t a conversation she’s meant to overhear.
“Once those kids move away from the display, we can get a better look. It shouldn’t be too difficult to get it off, but there must be alarms set up.” The shorter stranger continues.
Imogen looks around slowly, trying to figure out a way out without being spotted. When, thankfully, Ashton starts making a ruckus which holds up for a distraction just long enough for Imogen to slip into the next room. She doesn’t stop, as she goes straight through the gift shop. Texting Orym that she’ll meet them outside, Imogen leans against the stone exterior of the building and breathes heavily. Is someone planning on stealing the Emon Cup?
A short time later, Orym and Ashton meet Imogen outside. “Where’s Fearne and Opal?” Imogen asks.
Orym grimaces and Ashton just laughs shaking their head. “Those idiots thought they could pull off some heist shit.”
“And it turns out, that they can’t.” Orym looks disappointed.
Imogen is confused. “They tried to steal something? From the Hall of Fame?”
“Just from the gift shop.” Ashton supplies. “Something stupid, like a keychain or something.”
Imogen shares a look with Orym. “Stealin’s still stealin’ though.”
“Oh like your so innocent.” Ashton rolls their eyes at Imogen.
“Hey, that was one time, and it was a sticker, and I was like eight.” Imogen huffs in retort. “And I regret trusting you with that information.”
Ashton laughs.
“I just hope they don’t get in too much trouble…” Orym mutters.
Fortunately, Fearne and Opal are both citizens of Tal’Dorei and avoid immediate deportation. Which is what the police say could have happened if they didn’t have their citizenship. Imogen thinks their punishment is just a slap on the wrist, and unlikely to deter the two troublemakers in the future. But she’s also glad her teammates didn’t get into more trouble.
They arrive back at the hotel, and Imogen notices Laudna hugging an individual goodbye. As the hug ends and Laudna notices her players return. “Oh, Imogen! Orym! Come meet my dear friend, Dusk.”
Dusk’s appearance demands attention, in an almost surreal way. Imogen feels her hackles rise immediately. “Ah, the little players, you’re adorable!” Dusk grins goofily shaking each of their hands. “Captain, eh?” Dusk wiggles their eyebrows at Orym.
He shuffles uncomfortably and nods without saying anything.
“Dusk may hop into one of our games this weekend.” Laudna explains excitedly, one of her wandering hands ends up on Dusk’s arm. “Since the rules are quite open.”
“Ooh fun!” Fearne exclaims. “What position do you play?”
“Depends. But my natural position is on attack.” Dusk winks at Fearne. Laudna laughs in clear amusement.
Imogen doesn’t like this person. She excuses herself and returns to her hotel room until they have to meet up as a team again for dinner.
Dinner ends up being a big banquet with all of the participating teams. Orym and Ashton sit at a table with Keyleth and quiz her about the Hishari. Since the nightmare week of their home opener, Ashton has been more and more obsessed with digging into the fanatical offshoot of Ashari. To the point where Milo has even agreed to make some phone calls into their past if Ashton promises to take this part-time job as a youth counsellor instead of ‘security’ work with Paragon’s Call in the off-season.
Much to Imogen’s dismay, Dusk is also at the banquet. As is another friend from Laudna’s past, Prism. While Dusk could be Laudna’s age, Prism seems closer in age to Imogen. Apparently she was part of one of the first youth teams Laudna coached. Imogen sits with Chetney and shoots metaphorical daggers towards the three old friends. Laudna seems to be having a ball of a time catching up with them.
Subtly, Chetney elbows Imogen. “Why don’t we join that table over there?” He points towards a colourful group of people. “I believe that’s the team from my old stomping grounds.”
Slightly intrigued, but more interested in any distraction, Imogen bites and follows Chetney to the table.
“Mighty Nein!!!” A short woman with twin braids holds up a shot glass as she stands on her chair. The group all shouts a cacophany of ‘cheers’ in different languages and knocks back an amber liquid.
“Menagerie Coast?” Chetney points questioningly towards a few of the strangers.
“Yes! Nicondranas, you?” A cheerful woman gestures for Chetney and Imogen to sit down next to her. Their sparkly blue hair bouncing as she can hardly keep still.
Chetney plunks his stein of beer down as he sits at the table. “I spent many a night on the beaches of Port Damali.”
“Ah.” The man the next seat over exclaims. “That’s where I’m from. Fjord. Pleasure to meet you sir.”
“I’m Jester.” The blue-haired woman curtsies.
“Chetney Pock’oPea. Assistant coach of the Jrusar Screeching Bells. And this is our star player, Imogen Temult.” Chetney introduces them to this new group.
“Ooh, star player eh?” A woman with a side cut only wearing her sports bra jests. “Caleb, you got some competition buddy.”
A lean man with red hair falling out of a pony tail looks up from the book he’s engrossed in and locks eyes with Imogen.
Chapter 3: Nein on Nine
Day 1 of the tournament kicks off with the Bells playing against the Mighty Nein. The organizers have sprayed new lines on the field to accommodate the modified rules. Imogen notices Keyleth and a bunch of others wearing Vox Machina Foundation shirts, selling tickets in the bleachers.
“They’re using the attention the tournament has garnered, with Vox ‘coming out of retirement’ so to speak.” Laudna steps up next to her and follows her line of sight. “I believe the raffle ticket sales are all going to an organization that helps young people finish high school.”
Imogen looks up to Laudna and cocks her head.
“It’s so difficult to do much of anything these days without at least a high school diploma,” Laudna explains. “And certain demographics encounter a disproportionate amount of hurdles in the way of their education. Pike,” Laudna points to a petite older woman with white hair. “I believe it was her idea to start the Foundation. They support communities with especially low graduation rates. Vex and Percy have been running with the idea since.”
“That’s real good of them.” Imogen wonders if she’ll ever be able to be kind like that. She can’t imagine what her parents would have done to her if she hadn’t graduated high school. “To me, it was no question I’d finish high school. Heck, it’s just a given I’ll go to university. I know Ashton had a hard time getting through high school, but other than them – I never really thought much about it. Sometimes I feel so sheltered from the real problems of the world…” she frowns and that all too familiar sense of disappointment enters her gut.
“We all have our perspectives, and yours is equally as important as the next person’s.” Laudna smiles warmly at her. “Never feel bad for being who you are and knowing what you know.”
Her coach had such a way with words and making Imogen feel special. If Laudna believed something about her, it made Imogen want to believe in herself too. Even if the feeling was fleeting, the memory of Laudna’s belief could sustain her for a little longer.
“I missed being able to ask you, how exploring yesterday went.” Laudna takes the conversation towards something more neutral.
“Oh yeah, we spent hours at the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. It was surprisingly nostalgic.” Imogen admits. “All the stories my parents told me when I was younger, all the old sports movies we watched together.”
“I’ll bet. I love places with so much history like the Hall. So much to learn!” They chatter on about the Hall of Fame for a few minutes, before Launda’s tone then turns serious. “So, all good things yesterday?”
Imogen isn’t sure if Laudna is insinuating anything, but her mind drifts to how she acted around her. She was so immature yesterday, with Dusk, and then avoiding them at the gala altogether. The way Imogen had practically ignored her favourite person in the world, in favour of making new friends with the Mighty Nein.
“Uh, ya, all good.” She shyly answers, hoping Laudna didn’t notice how salty had been.
“Okay… Oh!” Laudna announces suddenly. “We forgot to show you how to take faceoffs yesterday!” She grabs Imogen by the arm and quickly jogs her over to where Ashton and Fearne are warming up. Ashton is still struggling a bit with the new stick.
Laudna coaches them through simple motions of the field lacrosse faceoff, before taking Fearne aside for a few minutes and leaving Ashton and Imogen to practice on their own.
Upon returning, Laudna explains. “As a left shot, Imogen, you should have an easier time directing the ball back to our defenders. Ashton will have an easier time pushing the ball towards our attackers.”
Imogen is surprised at how much fun she’s having. The Mighty Nein are probably the strangest team she’s encountered, but somehow they make it work. She finds herself squared off against Caleb more often than not. He plays attack but will swap over to help defend when one of the Nein’s midfielders needs a break.
It’s almost halfway through the game when Imogen notices Fearne and Opal haven’t been on the field yet. The nature of the game is friendly, and Imogen and Caleb easily converse throughout the game.
“So, you are all from Marquet?” Caleb asks in a heavy accent, Imogen learns is ‘Zemnian’. After she struggles to understand what he’s saying, he slows his speech a bit, chuckling.
“A few folks are actually born in Tal’Dorei, but the rest of us are all born ‘n raised in Marquet.” Imogen answers.
“Fascinating. I looked into a couple of universities in Marquet, when I was shopping around for my master’s degree.”
The ball has just gone out of bounds on the opposite side of the field, and Fy’ra is closest. She waves at Imogen to stay back as she’ll take a turn running up with the offence.
Imogen acknowledges Fy’ra and as the Bells take the ball into the offensive zone, Imogen and Caleb continue their conversation in the midfield. “Oh yeah? Which schools were you lookin’ at?”
“After my life sciences undergraduate program, I realized I didn’t actually want to be a doctor. So I started to think about other applications. Psychology interested me, and so Starpoint in Jrusar was on the list. The Aydinlan Seminary, in Yios, also struck my fancy.” Caleb discusses some of the merits of different programs at the two schools. “But in the end, I decided to gain more practical experience. I found a masters of engineering with an internship program in Port Zoon, on the Menagerie Coast. That’s how I met most of the Nein. Veth, Fjord, and I were all in the same program.”
“What would you have studied at Aydinlan?” Imogen asks.
“Ah, zee cosmos. Planetary bodies and how they move through space and time. Astrophysics.” Caleb looks skyward for a moment.
“But turns out that wasn’t for you?” Imogen implores.
“Nein. Maybe in another life, I am Professor Widogast, the astrophysicist. But in this one, I have a solid laboratory job that pays the bills, with just enough left over for me to travel with my friends and play the game I love.” He looks at her and smiles.
“Sounds like a pretty nice life,” Imogen admits. “I got to decide which college to go to in the fall.”
“You have not chosen yet?” Caleb shares a look of mild concern.
“Nah… I’m between the two in Jrusar, Starpoint Conservatory and Ascension’s Rise. But I do have an acceptance at Aydinlan too.”
“As far as I remember, those all are good options, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re accepted to all three, you must have a good record.” Caleb’s praise makes Imogen feel a little warm.
“Exactly, they’re all pretty different from each other. Starpoint has real good research resources and connections. They have good sciences and arts departments. Ascension’s Rise seems better for applied stuff like engineerin’, business, and technology. My daddy thinks Ascension’s Rise is more practical and that I should go there.” Imogen surprises herself, talking about her daddy to a virtual stranger.
“Sounds like your father’s influence may have something to do with why you’re discounting going to Yios.” Caleb suggests, boldly.
Imogen ponders for a moment. Is she being influenced by her daddy’s opinion of the university? “I just thought, it’s so prestigious, and what’s a country kid like me belong in a fancy place like that?” She doesn’t add that it’s the program she’s most interested in. She feels silly about it and doesn’t want Caleb to think she’s unintelligent. Imogen has only ever mentioned her interest in studying physics once. That was to Laudna a few weeks ago. “They also have the best lacrosse team of those three… and, I don’t know if I’d be good enough.”
“Nonsense, I’ve seen you pick up field lacrosse wonderfully in such a short amount of time. I’m sure they would jump at the opportunity to have you on their team!” Caleb’s confidence in her is surprising, but not unwelcome.
“Yios is also far from home.” She doesn’t add that it’s the only school that didn’t offer her any scholarships or bursaries. It does start to feel like she’s making up excuses though.
“I stayed in my country for undergrad, but I did leave home for it. It was tough, but overall, it helped me become who I am today.” Caleb shares. Imogen can tell that’s not the whole story, but she doesn’t expect him to elaborate. “Generally, I would recommend leaving home for university, if you have the opportunity to. I always tell my mentees: try not to think too hard about undergrad. Sure the degree is of some importance, but it’s only half the battle (if that). More importantly, are the people you meet there and the experiences you gain outside of the classroom.”
Imogen enjoys her off-and-on conversations with Caleb throughout the game. She learns about some of his shenanigans before he met the Nein and they ‘set him straight’. Jester and Beau take turns joining in on the conversation too, and she notices both of them playfully taking jabs at Caleb’s ‘flirting’. Imogen tries not to think too hard about that particular commentary. Caleb is oddly easy to talk to, and for the first time in a long time, she feels like she’s made a friend who isn’t someone forced to spend time with her.
After momentarily shutting down last night, between the Hall of Fame and the Gala, Imogen completely forgot about the conversation she overheard outside the trophy room. In between games, most of the Bells are sitting in the bleachers watching Vox Machina take the field.
Ashton leans against Orym as Fearne wraps an ice pack to their ankle. They had been playing great, until an awkward collision with one of the Nein’s midfielders – Yasha – had resulted in Ashton on the ground gripping their leg in pain.
“Seems to be only a sprained ankle,” Fearne concludes.
“Only a sprain.” Orym corrects. “Sprains can take as long, or even longer than breaks to heal fully.”
“Well, that’s only if it’s a bad sprain.” Fearne retorts.
Typically, Imogen would trust Orym’s opinion over Fearne’s. But Fearne did have the most first aid training out of all of them, after FCG.
“Either way. Hurts like a bitch.” Ashton grimaces as they shift, before settling with the injured leg on top of Fearne’s lap.
“Yup.” Chetney announces as he and Laudna walk over. “Looks like you’re gonna be out of it for the rest of the weekend.”
Ashton frowns.
“Depending on how painful it is…” Laudna chimes in. “You could try to swap Dariax out from between the pipes.”
“Goalie?” Ashton makes a face. “I like hitting other people with stuff, not the other way around.”
“Think about it,” Laudna suggests.
Chetney just shrugs. “Suit yourself, grumps.”
The coaches begin to walk off, discussing different lineup arrangements with Ashton out. Imogen is tempted to go join them, but then sees Dusk appear and slide up in between Laudna and Chetney and thinks better of it.
“Think she’ll let you and Opal play this afternoon?” Orym asks Fearne.
“Were you benched? Is that why you weren’t out on the field?” Imogen asks.
“I was wondering if you even noticed, you seemed awful busy with that new friend of yours.” Fearne doesn’t seem mad, if anything she seems playfully intrigued by the prospect of Caleb.
“He seems like a good catch,” Orym joins in. “You could do much worse.”
Imogen rolls her eyes at her friends but doesn’t protest as she thinks back to what Orym had said yesterday. She looks over to see Dusk affectionately leaning into Laudna as they discuss something on the clipboard. An ugly burning settles in her stomach. Maybe Orym has a point, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to try dating someone. And she could do much worse than Caleb, even if she didn’t think she was attracted to him like that.
“Did you two want to hear what Orym and I learned from Keyleth about the Hishari last night?” Ashton asks, not typically being one to indulge in relationship drama.
Imogen angles her body in a way that will cut her coaches out of her view. “What did ya’ll learn?” She asks, eager to distract herself.
Orym chimes in. “For one, we learned some history. Ashari practices originally come from what’s known as the Gau Drashari. One of the oldest, if not the oldest, recorded people to live on Exandria.”
“Thousands of years of evolution later,” Ashton waves their hands. “And you have three main groups of Ashari: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. But you also have this Hishari offshoot, which claims to practice the original Gau Drashari way of life.”
“So, the Hishari practice a religion from thousands of years ago?” Fearne asks matter-of-factly.
“Pretty by the book too, it seems,” Orym answers.
“Hm. And that book tells them to poison mayors during important moments?” Fearne looks to Orym and Ashton.
Ashton laughs. “That might be someone’s misguided interpretation.”
“From what we gathered from Keyleth, the Hishari have a bad reputation in general, for doing crazy backward stuff like that. But the core of Hishari belief is exactly the same as the Ashari.” Orym explains.
“And the Hishari connected to Hexum, and…” Ashton continues, stiltedly. “My parents… seem to be those who are using the literal interpretations in their favour for…”
“More violent means.” Orym finishes.
“So, do we keep digging?” Imogen wonders.
Ashton sits up a little straighter, groaning slightly as they move their leg. “Milo said they know some people. So when I get back, I’m going to trade a favour. I promised to give this counselling thing a try, and Milo promised to get me some safer connections.”
“Are you going to counselling or are you providing the counselling?” Imogen asks.
“I have my counsellor, who I am not leaving anytime soon,” Ashton promises with an eye roll towards her. “But this is that job I was telling ya’ll about. Where Milo works, there are a lot of teens that need supervision. Most of the staff are professional counsellors, but they need a few administrative staff to help out with stuff. Milo thinks it’d be a good fit.”
“I like it. Especially if it means keeping you away from those security gigs Ratanish keeps lining up for you.” Fearne has impeccable armour, but Imogen has been noticing small cracks forming as Ashton’s bad decisions continue to lead them to get hurt.
“Speaking of security.” Imogen knows it’s a bad segway, but all this talk of the Hishari has reminded her of those sketchy guys from the Hall of Fame. She recalls what she overheard, to her friends, making sure to keep her voice low.
“So,” Ashton looks to the three of them conspirationally. “Got plans tonight?”
Chapter 4: The Disruptors
The Bell’s afternoon game is more competitive, as they play a very serious squad. The Platinum Dragons are helmed by a small but firey head coach, making the trip all the way from Vasselheim in Assylra. Keyleth told Orym that Coach Kima had been a great resource to her and Vox Machina during their playing days. Kima runs a tight ship, and now that the Bells have one game under their belts, her Dragons hold nothing back against them.
Laudna ends up convincing Ashton to split the goaltending duties with Dariax. She also has Opal and Fearne back in the mix. “Really, I think they’ll all get into less trouble if they’re playing…” she admits to Imogen when the star player takes a break from playing in the second half. “But I don’t want you all just going through life, thinking there won’t be consequences for your decisions. If I can help you become responsible, contributing citizens of humanity, I will try my damnedest to.”
Imogen gets it. The Bells are full of troublemakers, intentionally or not. “If it’s any consolation, I think you’ve been doing a great job reigning us in and helping us focus this season.”
“Thank you, Imogen.” Laudna smiles. “You ready to get back out there?”
Nodding, Imogen reads over Laudna’s shoulder as her coach draws out a quick play. “That reminds me of our go-to box play, just a bit more spread out.”
“Exactly. I’m going to tag in too, and we’ll see if we can pull it one off with Fearne and Orym.” Laudna shouts out for substitutions. “And, Imogen, don’t be afraid of using the space behind the net either.”
It’s good advice, as Imogen finds the increased space behind the field lacrosse net perfect for setting up plays.
They end up losing the game, but the highlight has to be realizing just how good Ashton is at throwing breakout passes.
“I know you don’t care, Dariax.” Dorian chimes in after the game. “But I’m embarrassed for you at how much better Ashton is with a goalie stick than you are.”
Ever the crowd pleaser, Dariax just smiles wide and shrugs.
This causes the whole team to erupt in laughter, and for Fearne to give Ashton a big smooch on the cheek.
When they return to their hotel, Imogen finds a note from Caleb. “Hey, the Mighty Nein are inviting us out for drinks after dinner tonight.”
“Ooh!” Fearne shimmies excitedly.
“I guess they don’t have a 24-hour no-alcohol rule.” Imogen states. “Which, honestly, isn’t too surprising.”
“We could still meet up with them, even if we aren’t drinking.” Orym suggests.
“Me and a bar, and not drinking, don’t usually go well together.” Ashton shakes their head.
“Me neither.” Fearne laughs. “And I better not tempt myself, I think I’m on thin ice with Coach Laudna right now…”
Imogen sighs. “I guess we should see how this stake-out does first, and think about bars later.”
“I’ll go with you, either way,” Orym reassures her. “We can ask the others too.”
After a quick dinner, Imogen, Orym, Fearne, and Ashton quietly excuse themselves. Dusk, thankfully, wasn’t there, but Prism was. The perky athlete ended up talking Laudna’s ear off (though Laudna, bless her, didn’t seem to mind) for the better part of the meal. Imogen felt her competitive streak strongly when Laudna suggested they split dessert when neither of them could decide between the creme brulee and the flourless chocolate cake. Despite Prism commenting she also thinks they both look good. Why am I like this? Imogen wonders to herself.
The four friends stealthily walk to the Hall of Fame and find a good stake-out spot by the entrance. Orym suggests that two of them check out the back of the building for another entrance. Which is how he and Imogen find themselves tucked into an alcove in the alleyway behind the building.
A few minutes of silence goes by before Imogen breaks it. “Hey, thanks for that chat yesterday.”
Orym looks over at her with a surprised look on his face. “No problem. I was worried I had offended you, actually.”
“No, you didn’t at all. I think I needed that. I get so lost in my head sometimes… all the time.” Imogen looks down. “Like, I run these scenarios in my head over and over, without even realizing I’m doin’ it. Someone else giving me their perspective like that can help break the cycle.”
Orym just smiles as if he’s anticipating her to continue.
“I’m just so bad at acting on… feelings. And I don’t think I really know what I’m feelin’ half the time.” She tries to focus on keeping a lookout.
Orym softly replies. “I’m glad I was able to help you break a cycle of thought spiralling. I do it too, you know. And, we don’t all deal with stuff in the same ways, so finding what helps you get through that kind of thing is important.”
“I don’t think I even realized I’ve been having those kinda feelings. My experience in the romance department is so…” She shrugs heavily. “I don’t count high school, and so… it’s basically nothin’.”
“And there’s nothing wrong with that. We can’t all be as active as Fearne.” Which gets them both laughing quietly.
“I’m also real sorry I brought up…” Imogen trails off.
“Wyll?” Orym supplies.
“Yeah.” Imogen looks over to her friend. “I know things didn’t end great, and it was petty for me to bring that up. You know I have trouble taking things too personally sometimes. But I shouldn’t have gotten so defensive right away.”
“That’s okay. You’re one of my best friends, and I think I know you well enough now to differentiate from when you’re being mean and when you’re being hard on yourself.” Orym nudges her with his shoulder. “Spoiler alert, it’s almost always the second one.”
“Thanks for forgiving me. And, thanks for being my friend.” Imogen struggles to get the next bit out. “This is gonna sound stupid… but unless you and Fearne are literally telling me not to worry about it, I worry about it. I worry I’m a shit friend. And that you’re gonna realize someday soon I ain’t worth the hassle. I worry no one loves me, and I’m gonna die alone.”
“That’s not stupid, Imogen.” Orym puts her into a side hug. “I guarantee you, you’re not the first person to think that. And you won’t be the last. It’s not true! You are so well loved, and we’ll always be there for you no matter what. But, those feelings you have are real, even if they’re unfounded.”
They don’t say much after that until the sound of a car parking gets their attention.
Orym texts Ashton and Fearne, letting them know that a van has been parked by the back exit. Two men get out, dressed in dark clothes.
“That’s them.” Imogen mouths to Orym.
They watch as the two men take a few moments to crack the lock on the door, forcing their way in.
“I think we should call the police.” Orym whispers.
Imogen nods and sends that as a message to the group chat.
Fearne chimes in that she’s on it. Imogen thinks for half a moment that maybe someone who didn’t just get busted by the police should call, but it’s probably too late.
Orym snaps a few photos of the van and the busted lock, remaining adequately hidden in the shadows.
Group message
Imogen: who do we think they are?
Ashton: no clue. Any markings or symbols on the van?
Orym: <attachment> [photos of the van]
Orym: check it out. There’s a sticker on the back window
Imogen whips her head up as she hears the Hall’s back door opening. The first of the two men emerges, poking his head out and surveying the scene. It’s at this time, Imogen sees flashes of red and blue. A single siren beeps as a police car comes to a stop at the end of the alley.
“Shit. We have to hurry!” They hear the man in the doorway say.
Both men come out, the shorter one holding the Emon Cup, in all its gloriousness. It shines even in the darkness of the alleyway.
The bigger man opens up the side door for the smaller one and then jogs to the driver’s side door. The engine is already running. One of the cops is getting out of their car, flashlight in hand, but not acting with any urgency.
Imogen looks to Orym, but he’s already acting. She runs to catch up with him, as Orym lunges, sweeping the feet out from the big man. It looks like he’s reaching for something, and Imogen just acts. She stomps on the big man’s hand, and kicks at what ends up being a handgun, a few paces away.
The kerfuffle has spurred some urgency with the two police officers, who start running over, weapons drawn and shouting for everyone to stand down. Backup is called for, as Fearne and Ashton rush over to Orym and Imogen. The cops disarm the two thieves and put them in handcuffs.
“Nice one Orym.” Imogen finally feels her heart rate returning to normal. “You didn’t even have to touch the cup.”
“Not so bad thinking on your feet, yourself.” Orym answers, laughing slightly at Imogen’s bad Emon Cup joke.
“We make a good team,” Fearne exclaims.
They need to make statements. Like, why were they here in the first place? But eventually, the four of them are allowed to go back to their hotel.
It’s fairly late out when they get back. Imogen doesn’t think the Nein could possibly still be out. She’s proved wrong when she sees Jester wandering around the lobby.
“Oh, Imogen!” Jester exclaims. “We were wondering if you all would make it. Only Chetney showed up at the first bar, but he’s long since passed out.”
A worried look crosses Orym’s face, and Jester seems to spot it. “Oh, don’t worry, our trainer Cadeucus made sure he got back safely and drank water and everything.”
“Are the others still goin’?” Imogen asks.
“Oh yes. Veth lost her flask, and since I’m the only sober one, I am trying to find it for her.”
Imogen and the others offer to help, but when ten minutes go by with no success, Jester decides it must have been misplaced somewhere else. “Come on, let’s join the rest of the Nein at the hotel bar!”
Ashton and Fearne excuse themselves, claiming they don’t have the same strength of will to abstain from drinking. But Orym accompanies Imogen to hang out with her new friends.
Imogen is too tired to stay up too long, but she enjoys the laid-back energy of the Nein. When Beau drunkenly challenges Yasha to a fight, Imogen and Orym figure they should take their leave. But before they’ve made it out, Jester pushes Caleb up and he catches Imogen’s arm.
“Hey, um…” Caleb starts. “We should keep in touch. If you ever need someone to talk to, or if you want some more university advice or something.” He pulls out a scrap of paper and jots down a series of numbers and an address. “I’m not so great with texting, but you can always call me, or send a letter. If you want to.” Caleb places the paper in Imogen’s hand.
Out of the corner of her eye, Imogen sees Jester giving him a thumbs up. “I think I’d like that. Letters sound nice.”
Caleb drunkenly leans in, and Imogen takes the opportunity to embrace him in a friendly hug. Patting him on the back, she says. “Good luck in your games tomorrow, if I don’t see you before then. Goodnight, Caleb.”
“Right, yes, good luck to you too.” Caleb sways a little, and Jester steps in to help him balance.
Orym is waiting just outside the hotel bar. “Is this you putting yourself out there?” He asks quietly smiling.
“It is.” She smiles back at him. “Even if it’s just making new friends.”
She’s about to say goodnight to Orym when he checks his phone. “You may not want to go back to your room yet…”
“Ugh.” Imogen looks over his shoulder and sees a text message from Ashton. “Well, if Ash is in my room, do you think he’ll mind if I steal their bed in your room?”
Orym laughs. “Fine by me. I’m pretty sure you don’t snore as loud as Ashton either.”
The next morning is rough. Imogen wakes up with the sunrise as she hears Orym puttering around already, doing his morning routine of pushups and situps. She had texted Ashton, letting them know she was stealing their bed and they may as well stay in her and Fearne’s room for the evening. Which meant that she’d slept in the same clothes she had worn to the stake-out and then to the bar later.
Not even bothering to wash her face, and knowing she smells a little like the beer Fjord had accidentally spilled on her last night, Imogen steps out into the hallway. Her room is on a lower floor than Orym and Ashton’s, so she walks down the hall to the elevator. Stepping into the elevator, she’s mildly horrified to find Dusk there as well.
“Good morning.” Dusk coos as Imogen joins her in the elevator. “You look like you had a good night last night.”
Dusk’s suggestive emphasis on ‘good night’ bothers her. “It’s not what it looks like.” Trying to laugh it off.
“Oh, and what does it look like?” Dusk raises their eyebrows.
Imogen rubs at one of her eyes, regretting not trying to make herself slightly more presentable before leaving Orym’s room.
Not wanting to get Fearne or Ashton in trouble, Imogen doesn’t respond.
“Well, I don’t mind a little kiss-and-tell. But, you suit yourself. At least one of us had a good time last night then.” Dusk winks.
The elevator door can’t open fast enough. “Uh, good for you?”
Dusk shrugs non-commitally. “See you later, kiddo. I think we’re going to be playing together!” Dusk waves friendly as Imogen returns it with a closed-lipped smile and a nod.
“See ya later.” She hopes she just sounds tired and not like she can’t stand Dusk. She doesn’t want to think about what Dusk meant by ‘at least one of them had a good night’.
As the Bells all meet up in the lobby to walk over to the field together, Imogen notices Orym and Chetney speaking in hushed tones. Orym catches her eye and nods. She nods back, considering joining their conversation.
“Imogen, dear.” Laudna calls out. “Would you be able to help me bring down all the gear?” She’s drowning in jerseys and equipment bags.
Imogen laughs and walks over, taking half of the gear out of Laudna’s arms. “Bit off more than you could chew?”
“I tend to do that.” Laudna laughs. It makes her smile all the way from her chest to her face.
They haul the equipment over to one of the lobby couches before going back to the elevator for another load.
“I wanted to make sure you all had clean jerseys to wear today,” Laudna explains.
“Well, I appreciate that.” Imogen responds. “Wait, are you playin’?”
Laudna shook her head. “No, today I’ll be full-time coaching from the sidelines. Yesterday was the most fun I’ve had in a while! But I am a little more sore today than I would have liked.”
“You okay?” Imogen asks, slightly concerned. She knows about Laudna’s old injuries, some of them still bothering her to this day.
“Oh, yes I’ll be fine.” Laudna waves off the concern. “I already asked Dusk to fill in, they’re very excited to play with you. Especially you and Orym.”
The warmth in Imogen’s chest cools a bit with the mention of Dusk. “Oh, sure.”
As the elevator dings on Launda’s floor, Imogen notices it’s the floor above Orym’s room. “You seem to know Dusk quite well. When did you two meet?”
“Oh, Dusk and I go way back. I’ve been trying to reconnect with my past, my family. And Dusk and I have some mutual old family friends.” Laudna starts to explain. “We crossed paths a lot during our playing careers too. So it’s been nice to kind of, reconnect, after all these years. They’re helping sort some of the memories jumbling around my head.”
“Memories, from before the Briarwoods?” Imogen knows it’s a touchy subject, but she wants to know. More importantly, she wants to know if she can help Laudna in any way.
“Yes… as I’ve told you, I didn’t have the most normal upbringing. Well, sadly it was quite normal for someone like me… but not normal for someone like you.”
Imogen isn’t sure what Laudna means by that, but she can tell her coach is going to a place she’s now seen a couple of times. Typically, Laudna is the happiest full-of-life person Imogen has ever laid eyes upon. But sometimes, especially if something triggering from her past comes up, she curls in on herself. Her force of life and wonderment, shrinking into a shadowy echo of her typical self.
“Hey.” Imogen reaches out for Laudna’s hand. “There ain’t nothin’ wrong with different. A wise lady once told me, ‘never feel bad for being who you are’.”
This seems to break Laudna out of whatever spiral she had started down. She grips Imogen’s hand back before stepping out of the elevator and letting go. Smiling, Laudna nods. “You’re right. There are just certain things that I… don’t like to think about.”
“We don’t have to talk about anything you don’t feel like.” Imogen follows her coach down the hall. “But, I’ve been trying to get better at letting people help me with stuff. And, I want to be there for the people I care about too.”
Laudna stops and looks back at Imogen.
“If you ever want to talk about, anything really. I’m here Laud.” It just slips out, and Imogen worries for a moment she’s being too casual with her coach. But the smile Laudna returns to her instantly squashes any misgivings she has.
Chapter 5: Calm before the storm
The Bells get to the field, and Imogen chuckles to herself as she sees the Mighty Nein dragging their feet against a speedy team wearing shades of green. She walks over to Orym and Dorian who are watching with intensity.
“Wyll’s sisters.” Orym points out two tall, muscular players who have their hair done up in matching French braids. Orym continues proudly, “They got me and Wyll into lacrosse originally.”
Ah, this must be the team from Zephrah then. Imogen notes to herself.
One of the women jogs past and smiles brightly when she sees Orym. They wave at each other and promise to catch up after the game.
Imogen is glad Orym seems to still have a good relationship with Wyll’s family, even if he and Wyll aren’t together anymore. It’s helpful to see that relationships can end, or change, and for everything not to be lost because of it… like with her parents.
The play continues, and Imogen enjoys watching Caleb and Fjord weaving plays in the offensive zone. When Fjord calls the play, they typically involve one or two teammates in what Imogen would consider ‘trick plays’. Little flips of the ball back and forth, fakes, and dekes around checks. They’re quick and effective, almost always resulting in a scoring opportunity.
When Caleb calls the play, everyone is involved somehow. He architects the whole offensive team into a weave. They alternate who ends up going in for the shot. More often than not, instead of shooting the ball, it’s passed back out to the player behind the net for a regroup. The few times she sees Caleb streak in for the shot, Imogen marvels at how he seems to slow time. Just for the instant he needs to expertly put the ball exactly where he wants to.
The game everyone has been waiting for starts with Imogen faced off against Vex’ahlia. The Screeching Bells and Vox Machina go head to head.
Bleachers are full of fans of all ages and backgrounds. Many having dragged out their old Vox Machina jerseys. Imogen notices a few new Bells jerseys, and wonders if their undefeated streak is harboring attention outside of Marquet.
She loses the draw to Vex, as she feels the ball tugged the opposite way she wanted it to go. But Orym is quicker than Vex’s twin brother Vax’ildan, and her teammate steals the ball out from Vax’s reach. Orym tucks and rolls away from Vax before tossing the ball back over to Imogen as she streaks down the center of the field.
Imogen is happy that Laudna let Fearne and Opal start with her on attack. She knows the two troublemakers felt remorse about the shoplifting incident. But more importantly, Imogen is happy to see Dusk away from Laudna and on the sidelines. As Laudna and Opal cut away from their checks, Imogen sends a crisp pass over to Laudna. Another quick pass up the field goes to Fearne, who takes the ball behind the net to set up the Bells first play against the legendary Vox Machina.
The second half, Laudna sits herself out to rest and Dusk comes running on to the field full of energy. The Bells are actually up by two, and no one seems to be holding back. Ashton played an outstanding two quarters, and limps off the field to let Dariax finish off the game.
“You know,” Vex starts a conversation in a rare period with Imogen and Vex holding back together. “I got wind you and your teammates did a little bit of hero work last night.”
Imogen looks over at Vex and shrugs. “Seemed like the right thing to do.”
“Well it was quite courageous. Most people would have ignored it, or possibly gone to the police with the information.” Vex is smiling, almost proudly.
“I get the feeling, that when you were our age, you would have done something similar.” Imogen ventures in reply.
“You’re spot on. Vax and I even had a few run-ins with the Clasp too, back in our day.”
“Is that who those goons work for?”
“Yes, it seems so. Small-time criminals, no doubt trying to make a name for themselves with all the revitalized hype around Vox Machina.”
Imogen attempts to keep Vex from getting a shot off, but can’t stop her skilled opponent. Fortunately, she’s far enough out for Dariax to make the save. He breaks the ball out in the Bell’s standard formation, and Imogen finds herself jogging alongside Dorian who’s shifted up to midfield in Ashton’s absence.
“Hey Dorian,” Imogen calls. “Should we try that thing?”
Dorian smiles excitedly, and nods. “I’ll follow your lead!”
Orym passes the ball over to Dorian, and him and Imogen begin a trick play they had concocted while watching the Mighty Nein earlier. They hadn’t actually practiced it yet, but this seemed like a good moment for it.
Imogen loops behind Dorian, as he flips a no-look pass back to her. It’s enough to shake their checks as the two continue to weave towards the net. Dorian sets a screen for Imogen to use, and as she brushes by him, he rolls to block out both of their defenders. Quick as lightning, Dorian cuts towards the net and Imogen hits him with a perfect lead pass. He makes putting the ball in the back of the net look easy, and the Bells all jump on him in celebration of the goal.
Dorian’s goal is just enough to secure the Bells’ win, and as the final whistle blows, several Vox Machina players collapse into each other with exhaustion.
“Wow, I’m out of shape.” Pike exclaims leaning on the team’s large attacker, Grog. “That sure was fun though!”
The two teams shake hands, and Imogen basks in the applause from the crowd. She looks to her teammates who are all grinning, red-faced, ear to ear. Laudna was right, as usual, they did need this little break. The weight of expectation plus an undefeated first half of the season, had been looming over them. But now, with some perspective gained from new friends and meeting some of the greats of the sport in the flesh… Imogen feels her team is ready to take on anything.
For the afternoon, Percy and Vex coordinate a skills competition. Everyone is invited to participate in one of the skills. It’s mostly goofy things that wouldn’t really be done during a game, like juggling and relay races. It’s a great way to close out the tournament.
Caleb wins first place in the stick tricks category, and gets a new stick as a reward. Imogen sees him coming over to her. “I think this should be yours.” Caleb presents the newly won field lacrosse stick to her.
“Uh no. You won that fair and square.” Imogen didn’t even make the finals for the stick tricks competition.
“I like my own, and I see you have been using an old one. This will help up your game, if you do decide to play field lacrosse again.” Caleb insists, placing the shiny new stick into Imogen’s hands. “Plus, it is your colour.”
The shaft is midnight blue, and the head is a lavender purple with delicate gold painted throughout. But Imogen shakes her head at Caleb.
“Look, I won’t even be using it.” He’s not taking ‘no’ for an answer. “I told you I like my current stick too much. You, on the other hand…” Caleb puts a hand on Imogen’s shoulder. “You have many moons ahead of you, whether you choose to play in university or not. You are a talented player, and a hard worker. You deserve this.” He nods with finality.
Imogen sighs, and tries not to think about her teammates or coaching staff that must be watching this interaction. “Thanks Caleb.” She gives him a big hug, short enough that it can’t be misinterpreted. “You’ll keep in touch, yeah?”
“Da, of course.”
She smiles at his Zemnian accent, and then turns to the rest of the Nein to say her goodbyes.
“We will take good care of Caleb for you!” Jester plants a big kiss on Imogen’s cheek.
“Uh, it’s really not like that.” She flusters in response.
“Of course.” Jester lengthens her words and raises her eyebrows, smirking.
Sighing, Imogen turns back to her teammates who are also smirking at her. Deciding just to roll her eyes at them, Imogen seeks out her coach.
“It was so good to reconnect.” Imogen hears her before she sees Laudna bidding Dusk farewell. Clasping Dusk’s hands in her own, Laudna says. “Please do come visit me in Marquet, if you get the chance. It may not be what you’re used to but I promise you, it is a lovely place.”
Dusk wraps Laudna in a hug and plants a soft kiss on her cheek. Imogen can’t quite hear what Dusk whispers into Laudna’s ear, but feels herself redden, like she’s witnessing something she’s not supposed to. The tips of Laudna’s ears get a faint pink glow to them as she laughs and says something unintelligible back.
Imogen meanders so that she takes a bit longer to get to Laudna, and steps into her field of view once Dusk is far enough away. “Hey there.”
“Oh, hello Imogen! Congratulations on your prize.” Laudna gestures to the shiny new stick in Imogen’s hand.
“Oh uh, I actually didn’t win. Caleb from the Mighty Nein did. But he didn’t want the prize, oddly enough?” Imogen forgot she was holding the stick.
Laudna smiles broadly at her. “Well it is well deserved with you, I think. That is very nice of Caleb. I’m glad to see you and the others getting along so well with the other players.”
“Yeah, there are a lot of cool people in the lacrosse community it turns out. I guess I’ve just been in my sheltered little bubble for so long.”
“Yes, it is.” Laudna replies. “Just be careful with this Caleb fellow, I’m sure he’s great… but he is quite a bit older than you.”
Imogen feels the colour drain from her face. “Oh, no, we’re not- like that.”
“You don’t need to be embarrassed, especially with me.” Laudna pats Imogen’s arm lightly. “I just feel a bit protective over you.”
Imogen looks up to meet Laudna’s gaze, feeling a tug of hopefulness.
“All of you!” Laudna spits out. “I feel very protective, of all of you. You’re not children, but I do feel responsible for your well-being.”
Settling back into herself. “Really though, I like Caleb… but strictly as a friend. I don’t… in that way.” Imogen waffles around saying what she means, because she doesn’t know how to express how she feels in words. As well, it might also not be the right time or place to put what she’s feeling into words. Remembering why she came to seek out Laudna in the first place, Imogen changes the subject. “Anyway, I wanted to talk to you. I have some big life decisions coming up, outside of the season, and I was hoping to pick your brain.”
“Oh, of course dear!” Laudna’s expression curiously changes from one of thoughtful concern to excited and full of anticipation.
Imogen looks around at all the activities winding down around the field. They have one more night here in Emon, and she isn’t aware of any team plans yet. “Would you, want to get take out somewhere and eat in?”
Laudna doesn’t respond right away, which makes Imogen suddenly nervous she’s being too bold. This is the moment. She begins to panic. This is why I have no friends, I’m so bad at this. “Or not, I just thought, it might be nice to find somewhere quiet to chat.”
“Take out sounds lovely, darling. I was only starting to think about all the places I want to try eating in this city!” Laudna smiles that almost-too-wide-smile, and Imogen’s worry begins to dissolve. She hears Orym’s voice in the back of her head ‘You are so well loved, and we’ll always be there for you no matter what’. She was being stupid again.
“Great.” Imogen exhales, just realizing she was holding her breath. “I’m game to try anything you want to.” She’s supposed to be on a strict diet he mom’s set out for her, but she’s allowed cheat days. She doesn’t want to disappoint Laudna, especially after she’s been giving her the cold shoulder this weekend.
“Oh goodie!” Laudna exclaims.
Imogen chuckles. Even though Laudna has been on this earth longer than her, she has this youthful vibrancy – like she’s even younger than Imogen, at times.
Fortunately for Imogen’s diet, Laudna chooses a family-owned hole-in-the-wall restaurant that mostly does fresh produce and fish, with rice.
“No simple carbohydrates, and anything else?” Laudna asks as she punches in the order on her phone.
“That’s pretty much it. Sugar, bread, anything processed. Also most dairy is a no-no, but it doesn’t look like this restaurant really does dairy.”
Back in Laudna’s hotel room, just the two of them, Imogen feels herself relax. She didn’t even realize she was so tense. But now, she’s no longer constantly worrying that she’s going to say the wrong thing and break something between her and Laudna.
“My mom has these health and training tips for me all the time. She’s kind of insane about it.” Imogen explains.
“Maybe it’s how she feels she can stay connected with you.” Laudna suggests. “Since she’s been away for so much of your life, and your sport is something you two can relate on.”
“True, I guess all we’ve had in common interest has been lacrosse. Gosh, I remember when I was around twelve, and she came home for the first time in months. I missed her so much, we stayed up ’til sunset passing that ball back and forth. Daddy hated it, hated how much I had this connection with mom, even though she was never there for us.” Imogen sighs. “I’m sorry Laud, I seem to always do this where I complain about my parents and it’s pretty shitty of me, considerin’ yours aren’t around anymore.”
“Not at all, Imogen.” Laudna puts her phone down, the order apparently complete. “I was lucky to have two parents who loved me and spent time with me in my youth. But it wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows growing up either. You would have to assume so as I basically ran away when I was fifteen.”
Right. Imogen thinks, Laudna was always light on the details of her competitive playing years. It seemed to have started with meeting the Briarwoods, after she left Tal’Dorei. When she was fifteen. Lasting until her early retirement at age 24.
“What were your parents like?” Imogen implores, testing Laudna’s mood.
“Well, my mother was a big woman. Tall, strong, powerful, kept all the neighbourhood kids in-line. She met my father when she was very young, and then she had me. They weren’t even married, but my father moved in with her and was around most of the time for the first ten years.” Laudna continues with details, new to Imogen. “I remember him being quite fun as a young child. He was shorter than my mother, and was typically in her shadow when we were all home. But he would take me out into the bush and teach me about the local plants and animals. He would tell me stories that he’d learnt from his mother, about caring for the land and living in harmony with nature. It was my mother’s mother who introduced me to lacrosse. Dusk says she might actually still be alive.”
“Your grandmother?”
“Yes. I’m not sure I trust Dusk’s sources… or their methods… but it’s worth investigating further, I think. And if she is alive, see if she even wants to see me.”
“Why wouldn’t your grandmother want to see you?”
“After my mother had me, her health was never the same. She died quite young, and when she did, my father went to a dark place. He started drinking. Or, rather, he began drinking again. Apparently he only went on a hiatus from alcohol after I was born and my mother threatened taking me away from him if he didn’t smarten up. But once she was gone, well, I wasn’t enough. And so, that contributed to why I left. He killed himself a year later. I think my grandmother blamed me for the shame and hardship I brought to the family. No other grandchildren from my mother, not even a good-for-nothing son-in-law. Of course, I only found this all out a few years ago. More than a decade after it all happened.”
“I’m so sorry you had to go through alla’ that. You were just a kid when all this happened. She can’t blame you for that.” Imogen moves closer but doesn’t want to overstep the boundaries she’s put up in her mind. She can feel her heart ache for Laudna, and for the first time gets a proper glimpse into Orym’s heartbreak. For comfort, Imogen reaches out to Laudna and her coach takes her hand. She squeezes it. “Is that what Dusk has been helpin’ you with? Finding out what happened to your family?”
“Yes. Dusk left too, but they’ve stayed in better touch with family and friends in the community.” Laudna’s phone starts buzzing. “Oh, looks like the food is here. I’ll be right back.”
Alone in Laudna’s room, Imogen takes in the new information about Laudna’s past and lets her mind mull over all the other stories she’s heard from Laudna. Suddenly, her own struggles on picking a university seem silly. The options and scenarios and personal anxieties feel petty and insignificant compared to what Laudna has gone through.
When Laudna returns with the take-out, it’s the best fish Imogen has ever eaten. She divulges to Laudna her insecurities about university and the options. The pressures from both of her parents. And how silly she feels now compared to real problems, as she learns more about the world through Laudna’s experiences.
They chat and discuss, and Imogen is no nearer to picking her winning horse at the end of it. But she is confident now that she has one more person in her life, who, no matter what decision she makes, they’re not going anywhere.
This is a fan fiction piece, characters are not my own. Everything is completely fictional. It takes place in a non-magic Exandria and draws inspiration from Critical Role characters and real-life events.
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