While making this playlist, I think I’ve found out more about Vex than I expected to. Certain lyrics really jumped out at me through this process and I’m excited to get to share this peek into her mind. I know Spotify shuffles the songs around, but order of the songs on here speaks to the progression of her character.

All the love, friends. Thanks for going on this journey with us. — Laura

Laura Bailey — Vex’ahlia’s Playlist 2016

Learning to Fly — the Weepies

“Coming down is the hardest thing.”

The gift of flight is something Vex never even realized she wanted, until she had it. The walls she builds around herself are powerful – and though they keep those on the outside from hurting her, they also trap her inside. It’s a hard thing, not letting yourself feel. So that moment when she’s able to reach above the walls and look down and see things for what they really are – is incredibly freeing.

Ghosts That We Knew — Mumford & Sons

“So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light

‘Cause oh that gave me such a fright

But I will hold on with all of my might

Just promise me that we’ll be alright.”

Since the arrival of the Conclave, there’s just been so much loss. So much death. This is what’s echoing through her head after she’s been brought back. After realizing the sacrifices made by the ones she loves the most to make it happen.

My Boy Builds Coffins — Florence + the Machine

“Some say its a blessing, some say its a curse”

My poor Vax. Struggling so much to come to terms with what’s been given to him. I see him now as an angel of death. Tragic and heroic and unable to see his own beauty.

Hercules — Sara Bareilles

“But I only need turn around to face the light

And decide flight or fight”

Fucking Saundor. Turned Vex’s entire world upside down. After his words, cutting her down – speaking her greatest fears and deepest demons aloud, she’s lost. Every night she hears those words echoing through her. She’s struggling. And desperate to find a good person inside.

Unstoppable — Sia

“I’ll tell you what you wanna hear

Leave my sunglasses on while I shed a tear

It’s never the right time”

While all this is happening in her mind – she’s still unable to really show how much she’s been affected. Because of everything going on with the Conclave, she feels selfish to bring it up. But the rock she’s always been is starting to crumble.

Move — Saint Motel

“Look alive. It’s time to go.”

Alright. Enough with the pity party! There are bigger things happening in the world than one half elf’s hurt feelings. This song is Vex’s decision to fucking get over herself and get things done.

F-cking Boyfriend — The Bird and the Bee

“I would be so winning so absolutely winning.

A guarantee in melody, a promise in the sky”

Oh, Percival. Is this shit ever gonna happen?? Flirtations. A kiss! And then nothing. Nada. No talk… Will she ever be strong enough to speak her emotions out loud (when he’s, y’know, actually conscious to hear them)?

I’m Not Your Hero — Tegan and Sara

“Standing where I am now, standing up at all

I was used to feeling like I was never gonna see myself at the finish line

Hanging on to parts of me, hanging on at all

I was used to seeing no future in my sight line”

Vox Machina. Such a crazy family of idiots thrown into a situation so much bigger than they are. When they’re in military meetings and asked to plan the fate of Tal’Dorei, when they face down foe after foe and narrowly escape alive, when they make stupid decisions and become slaves in the freakin Fire Plane… it’s good to remember that this was never what any of them saw in the cards. Honestly, this song makes me thinks of Scanlan the most – he talks a big game, but you can see he’s at a crossroads for what he wants out of life. Doe he play the hero? Maybe die, but live on in a bigger than life story? Or does he remember his daughter – and try to be something more humble? Something just for her.

All We Ever Knew — The Head and the Heart

“Now I’m trying to wake up from this

I’m trying to make up for this.

All we ever do, is all we ever knew”

As we trip our way through this story, Vex is finding something more within herself. Growth. Protection. Forgiveness.

I Know — Jude

“I know there’s nowhere you can hide it

I know the feeling of alone

I know that you do not feel invited

But, come back, come back in from the cold”

Another song for Percy. The words she wishes she could say.

Want to hear Vex’ahlia’s playlist from last year? Just click here.

Featured image credit: Nick Robles