Chapter 3: Planning Over Breakfast, an Absent Twin
One good night's sleep didn't remove the shadows from around his eyes or fully bring the color back to his pale skin, but it helped to keep the dark thoughts at bay. When he woke Percy felt his mind start to dwell on the bad memories for an instant before the thought of the resounding slap from Vex and the honest conversation brought him back. He didn't have to be some perfect version of himself to fit in among Vox Machina. All he had to do was give a genuine effort and he knew they would recognize that he was trying. More than anything else he knew he couldn't bear to let Vex down after she'd taken the time to help him last night because she had reached him when he was in a state he doubted anyone else could have.
So here he was at the start of a new day, a new chapter in Whitestone waiting to be written. The people of Whitestone were eager for a positive change, and he knew that the festival would be an excellent way to get the people working together towards a common goal. He washed before coming down for breakfast, where he was happy to see most of Vox Machina already there and enjoying a delicious looking meal. Cassandra was notably absent as was Vax, but everyone else was accounted for. "Morning all." he said, before taking a seat next to Keyleth and filling up a plate with some fruit, fresh baked bread with strawberry jam, some eggs and bacon.
Keyleth looked over at him with a raised eyebrow, a little uncertain where this energetic Percy had come from. "How are you feeling?" she asked, having expected him to be much more withdrawn.
"Excited to get the ball rolling on this winter's crest. Curious to see how Cassandra will take to her new role, and relieved that the worst of this ordeal is behind us. All in all, I think I'm feeling much improved." Percy replied with a small smile.
Before Keyleth could reply Grog chimed in from across the table with a burp. "Percy's got the right of it. Nothing like a good battle to clear the head, now we get to enjoy the spoils. In this case a festival that should have plenty of beer, right?" he asked.
Keyleth rolled her eyes while Percy chuckled at his comments. "Yes, Grog there should be plenty of beer. Maybe even a few contests of different sorts. But the thing I'm looking forward to most is probably the decorating of the sun tree. From what Cassandra told me the Briarwoods never allowed it, preferring to try and use the sun tree as a threat after they started hanging whoever disagreed with them." he explained, before shuddering as he remembered the most recent ones hanged from the tree...the ones that had been made to look like Vox Machina that they'd seen upon arrival. "Anyways, I hear the people are eager to decorate it properly again and have already started talking about ideas since the festival was brought up."
"What are the city's immediate needs, though?" Vex asked, chiming in. "Obviously removing the Briarwoods from power was the biggest one, but what about things like food? I can't imagine they were flourishing with everything going on. Not to mention there's a bigger puzzle that needs solving, that black orb beneath the castle, it needs dealing with." she told them seriously.
The mention of the orb stifled the mood immediately, and surprisingly it was Grog of all people who spoke first. "Isn't that what having friends is for? They can help each other out when you get in trouble." he said simply, like it was the obvious solution.
Scanlan was about to say something to him when Percy cut him off. "Actually, Grog's absolutely right. I'm sure Allura would be more than willing to take a look at our little problem if we asked. With the Briarwoods defeated and clear evidence of what they were up to here in Whitestone there shouldn't be any issues returning to Emon. In fact, the orb itself is proof of one of their schemes." Percy explained, smiling a little at the reminder they didn't have to do face everything alone.
"That's all well and good, but the food issue can't simply be brushed aside. I can take some time and get things growing, but even with my initial help that takes time. We should look into requesting aid from any who would be willing to help, possibly even escort one to make sure it arrives." Keyleth told them.
Vex bit her lip thoughtfully before an idea dawned on her. "Percy, where would the city's treasury have been?" she asked him. "Aside from that sword Sylas used they didn't seem to have much on their person. I highly doubt they left Kerrion in charge...do you think Duke Vedmire was in charge of it?" she asked. It was an excellent question and one that needed answering quickly.
As Percy was about to speak Cassandra walked in, clearly already having been up for a while already. "First things first, whatever money the Briarwoods and their pawns had was used on personal luxuries. Trade was essentially nonexistent with them in power because nobody with any sense would see the state of the city and think it a good idea to pawn their goods here. The people themselves have bare essentials, and calling it that is a stretch in some cases." she told them all. "I had a long talk with Keeper Yennen this morning, and he had an idea that I think will go a long way towards rebuilding trust with our citizens. Instead of returning to de Rolo rule he suggested a council with elected members from the different communities of Whitestone. Keeper Yennen would be one of the members and I agreed to help as well, leaders from economic, farming, trade, and citizen communities will have to be decided upon. Yennen will be the religious representative and has already left to discuss the idea with the people. So long as they are in agreement with this proposal, this group shall be called the Chamber of Whitestone and will represent us much the same as the Tal'Dorei council does in Emon. Any questions?" she asked them.
They could all only stare, Grog with his mouth open, frozen as he had been about to take his next bite. "You did all that in half a morning?" Percy asked her, getting a shrug in response. "Well, it seems to me Whitestone is in good hands. What's next on the agenda for winter's crest? If we can be of any help in getting the ball rolling we're more than happy to jump in." he said as he looked over at his sister. "You and Yennen didn't arrange that singlehandedly as well, did you?" he asked.
Cassandra simply rolled her eyes at the inane question and found an empty seat, pouring herself some water before answering. "Hardly. That's one of the other things I asked Keeper Yennen to discuss with the community as he talked to them about the Chamber. I don't think we'll have any issues getting them to agree to the idea, but I think it's up to us to get things started. Keyleth and Vex, I'd like your help in decorating the sun tree. Scanlan I want you in charge of music, see if there are any other people willing to play or sing for the event. If not, well you'll get the spotlight I suppose. Maybe you can don that ridiculous hat of yours, I bet the people would love that. Grog, you're the muscle for whatever Percy needs you to do. Whether it's moving tables or helping clear some rubble, he can supervise and tell you where things need to go. That just leaves Vax...where is he?" she asked them, looking first to Percy and then to Vex when no answer was forthcoming.
"He just said he needed some time alone. I didn't pry. Honestly, I thought he'd already be back by now." Vex responded, her brow furrowing. "Maybe I should go look and let Keyleth handle the sun tree?" she proposed.
Cassandra just nodded at that. "You know him best, when you find him the two of you can decide where you're most needed. Alright all, let's move out." she said, snagging a piece of bread and adding some jam to it before leading the way.
"Has she always been this natural a leader?" Vex asked Percy after she left the room. She hardly seemed at all like the same person suffering under the regime of the Briarwoods.
Percy shook his head, before one finger pushed his glasses back up. "No, I think she's afraid to sit still. Keeping busy is probably her trying to cope, but it's not like all of this didn't need doing." he said, looking at the rest of them. "Come on, we all have our orders. Time to get to work." he told them before leading the way.