Having Percy here is still an adjustment for Vex, and not an entirely comfortable one. Not unwelcome, exactly, aside from the fact she would never wish Rubilykskoye on anyone, but still... awkward. After however many months of finding her balance here with her brother and so many strangers.

It's so good to see him, even if his condition makes her heart ache and stirs up curiosity she doesn't think she wants to know the answer to.

But it's also awkward navigating how to integrate him into her life here.

She invites him over. Now that her new home is cleaned out and the minor projects to get it fixed up are well underway, she feels like she can finally show him. That's why he asks her to meet her at the gatehouse this morning. She's waiting for him on the street outside, leaning against the city wall with an air of nonchalance that she can't entirely commit to.

Vex wants Percy to approve. She doesn't want him to ask questions. She wants to fit him into her life. She's terrified he'll upset the balance she's attained.

But she couldn't ignore him even if she wanted to.

So here she is. Doing whatever the fuck this is.

"Good morning, darling. I hope you're good for some stairs?"