#the temptation to include the divorseelies in this AU is so strong

[blorbologist]

OOO OO OOO happy valentine’s day!!! mayhaps age of arcanum au + perc’ahlia?

"What if I am recognized?" 

Vex'ahlia's hum is indulgent of his fussing. Or perhaps appeased by the flavor of her next bite of their meal. Percival is too tense to enjoy a lick of it.

"You're my arm candy, darling - they'll be looking at you look at me. Not you." 

Percival sputters, stuffs a forkful of spun maybe-noodles into his mouth. He chews belingrantly. 

Vex's eyes glitter with blue magelight. As satisfied as she is of her assessment, there's bitter experience to her smirk. "No one important is ever introduced on someone's arm."

"And how are they to buy that you are someone above suspicion?" He points out. "This is Aeor - they suspect themselves of stealing secrets!" The best cleanse their minds before breakfast lest a competitor pilfer from it. Even the worst have their heads checked quarterly for modified memory. He recalls the peeling feel of it with a shiver.

"I am simply the naive Champion of a young god looking to beseech the Architect for tools to fell His foes. Aeor is known for its weaponry, and He - my -" Her throat locks and protests any familiarity with the name. It breaks his heart to see her so pained. "Of course I have no idea I will be turned away after a week of bureaucratic bullshit. My holy mission will pave the way right to red tape."

"Simple, you say, like killing a god is a trifle thing." He spears a familiar not-carrot, grown on the memory of its ancestors, and dips it into a vessel of sauce. "Frankly? Arranging to meet with Brashaar would be the greater accomplishment." 

She sips her wine meaningfully. "Oh, but I don't know that. What would a humble woman naive enough to fear gods know of the realities of a flying city?" 

Vex'ahlia reaches across the table to tap his wrist. "It will be fine, love." His mouth drops open in astonishment. Shuts promptly when her eyes flicker to the servant automaton rolling over. "Just enjoy the dinner, darling. We have a busy evening ahead of us." She winks.

Percival is certain he is not the one who gave these machines the ability to waggle their eyedocks meaningfully. "Ohhh, what's the occasion?" they ask, mechanical melody. "An anniversary?"

"First date," Percival offers.

"Naw, oh I don't believe that!" they drawl. "You jokester, you." 

The sooner he's off this piece of hell amidst the clouds, the better. 

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Send me an AU/WIP (see my pinned post) + a ship and I'll give you a lil romantic moment for them set in that universe! Either a whole complicated HC or a lil snippet <3