conjuredskies | Vita Nova (for smartass

Jim's let his hair grow out since Halloween. It had been for the costume before but after Felix's invitation Jim wanted to better fit in among the rest of Felix's peers. He's wearing his usual dress for visiting Felix, though the shoulder of his armor has long since been patched up.

The captain nods along to Felix's lead, but does reach forward and take Felix's hand in his own as he's brought up the hill. The weather carries none of the bite that Skyrim's winter carries and Jim's unable to stifle the grin that crosses his face once they reach the top. He's spoiled for a view, trying to take in everything at once and scarcely knowing where to give his attention first.

"Home sweet home, huh?" There may be chatter and activity below them, but there's only one person who hold's Jim's attention. He leans toward Felix, brushing against the Imperial's shoulder with his own. "Lead the way."

Felix grins with delight, fingers tightening around Jim's hand. He's watching Jim's reaction as raptly as one could expect - he suspects, on some level, that Jim's seen cities and architecture just as big and splendid before this. Logically, it stands to reason. The Federation is too vast for it to be otherwise.

And nevertheless some deep part of him is jittering with excitement because this is the Imperial City, the city of cities, and while its reputation can be a little overblown (says the good Bruma boy in him), it is the heart of civilization and the foundation stone of everything he's ever known.

So he really, really wants Jim to be impressed. Can't entirely imagine how anyone could fail to be, unless they just didn't understand what they were seeing.

He leads them down to join the traffic on the great ring road, turning left to head south. True to the Roman parallels, it's a good level road with well-maintained paving. Felix is already chatting eagerly. "It's at least a couple of hours' walk, I'm afraid, but at least we'll have no trouble getting a room and a drink when we arrive. I sent word ahead to my cousin Marcella and warned her what sort of food to get. Of course we'll have to go into the city and lay hands on some proper clothes for the celebrations..."

It's a good thing the people of Cyrodiil live up to their orderly reputation: all the pilgrims and carts and animals and motley bands of travelers keep politely out of one another's way. Aided, no doubt, by the supervision of the occasional guard pacing by on horseback. And while the people in Skyrim tend to be mostly Nords with a sprinkling of other humans and a few rare members of other races, this province is a whole other matter. There are plenty of Imperials to be sure, but they're almost outnumbered by Redguards, Wood Elves, Dark Elves, serious High Elves in scholarly robes, reptilian Argonians and feline Khajiit. And unlike Skyrim, they all seem equally likely to be farmers or mages, warriors or merchants.

Well, significantly more merchants and farmers on this road. Above all else, a city's got to eat.

"...I don't know the city as well, of course, but we used to travel down here for visits. When we were much younger, of course. We got some terrible scoldings for trying to catch mudcrabs before we'd been taught the right way."

"There's a right way to catch a crab other than 'avoid the pinchy bits'? You'd think--hang on. Holy shit..."

The captain has seen Argonians before but this flood of different species all around them has caught the very xeno-friendly Jim Kirk a bit off guard. A couple of them even look familiar to races he's met within his time at Starfleet. To see them all coexisting so peacefully here reminds Jim of his own home in a way that makes his smile all the more bright. He wants to ask about each and every one of them, but is well aware of the formalities and rudeness of such a line of questioning and keeps it to himself for now.

Best not to get them into trouble before they've arrived, after all.

The city itself is quite grand for the world they're on and Jim recognizes that it must be London or Paris of its world. More importantly to Jim, however, is that he believes this is Felix's home. And he's getting it shared with him. Felix's family introduced to him. Jim's unsure what to say if they ask about him, but he'll think of something. Or leave it up to Felix to explain.

"Does your family gather here every year?"

"It's easier to avoid them if you know how to snare the claws." Mudcrabs: surprisingly fast and remarkably aggressive. But Felix isn't really thinking about his brief stint as a junior fisherman. He's stealing looks at Jim's face, trying to assure himself that the captain likes it, that he's not put off by the general low tech of the place. It's going to stand out a lot more when they get to the house after all.

"Ah. Not in years. My father is off doing some sort of research with the Imperial Navy, Stratos is... well." Left behind today, and now he thinks about it he does feel a stab of guilt about coming back without his brother. He doesn't like the feeling. "He's expected in Skyrim, of course. And our aunt sort of eloped months ago, so it's likely to be just us and cousin Marcella. And anybody she invites for dinner, of course."

Jim's far more interested in speculating on the pros and cons of working with each varied species he's seeing wandering about than he is the grade of technology in this world. What he could learn from them. What their cultures are. ~~If Felix has ever spent quality time with any of their kind~~.

A line of thought he snaps out of when Felix starts speaking again.

"Just us and your cousin? That's..." A huge relief, actually. Far less people he has to worry about impressing. Or somehow letting slip that he's not from around here. "Now I see why you wanted me to come along."

He bumps Felix's hip with his own playfully.

Felix laughs and bumps him back, twining his arm with Jim's. "I wouldn't have come if you didn't. The right company makes all the difference."

He leans closer, taking advantage of a lull in the hubbub around them, and adds quietly, "Besides, if you can handle her, the rest of my family will be a stroll in the Imperial Gardens."

"Seriously? No need...for you to hang back, just because I'm no fun around this time of year."

Jim relishes the warmth in his arm and in their clasped hands as they walk along the very well maintained road heading toward the Imperial City. His gaze flits to the lake and he imagines children crowding their father while he teaches them to fish. Couples swimming and picnicking along the water's edge.

It had been easier to play along with the crew's Christmas wishes this year. He'd even attended the party briefly this time to give a toast and get the party started. He's still reminded of dark things, but they don't leave him nearly as empty as they once did.

Someone else has begun filling the holes left in his heart.

"Oh really? That eccentric or that judgmental?"

"It's not that. But I wouldn't have- wouldn't have thought to come otherwise." It seems churlish to say he'd have no reason to, but his priorities haven't been directed homeward in a long while.

"She can be rather tetchy. Not that she means anything by it, she's simply less of a people person than I am. All business and no play. But you're a guest and family is important to her." He thinks about how to explain it for a few moments, adds quietly, "I think she's essentially a little mistrustful of new people."

"Well, I'm happy to give an excuse then. Especially if it gets you off duty for a few days."

The only pity of being on a busy thoroughfare is that Jim needs to more or less behave lest they attract all the wrong sorts of attention for fooling around in public. He'd made sure his shifts would be covered. In a way he's glad Bones knows about Felix now, because it makes this sort of thing so much easier. And it's not as though he's shirking his work--Jim made sure to pick up as many extra shifts as he could physically take on to make sure as many of his crew as possible got to have their holiday time off.

"Does she...did you warn her I wasn't a woman? Am I to act as your friend or...?"

The mistrust of new people Jim understands. It took him many years to get over a similar thing for himself after...after the things he's been through. Jim tries to keep the mood light though, and turns to give a light kiss to Felix's neck.

"Should I get it out of my system now..?"

"I think I indicated that much about you, yes." He lets out a pleased hum, leaning closer at the kiss, though he's a little puzzled as to what Jim means. Ah, but of course. He understands after a moment.

"That is an intriguing thought... but she's not one to be shocked by people having relations out of wedlock. Most people aren't really, especially at this time of year."

His voice drops as he leans over, brushing Jim's cheek as he murmurs, "Besides, everyone else in Tamriel likes believing we're all nothing but decadent hedonists here. It's only kind to justify their envy."

"Why's that? For liking a shower now and again?"

Felix doesn't seem to have gotten concerned so Jim must be doing a decent job at trying to be his 'normal' self. In truth, the meeting with Khan in the Nexus and everything else that's been going on has left Jim nearly at his wits end and using the work that came with the aftermath of that run in (along with prescription sleep aids from Bones) to deal with his own issues to the best of his ability.

But he's trying, legitimately trying, to enjoy himself for a few days here with Felix. With Felix not on edge and obviously worrying over him, Jim at least feels relief in knowing he's not ruining his significant other's holiday.

"I like the idea of being the guest of honor for such a party though." His chuckle is only slightly forced though the joke comes easily. The captain takes a moment again to glance across all of the different faces passing by and hope that no one would seek to take this cultural melting pot away. Not through war nor racism nor any other means. Coexistence is the first step toward building a better world for everyone.

"So what is it we do on the New Year anyway?"

Felix laughs, and it's just on the plausibly deniable side of mischievous. "I'll let you be the judge, by the time we leave."

Jim can be assured that he's doing an excellent job of keeping up appearances. Compared with how Felix expects him to be (at this season, after such cruel fortune...) he seems practically content. Normal. It's enough to soothe the Imperial's concern to a quiet awareness at the back of his mind. At least, save the moments where he remembers just how good Jim is at his act.

"Well, on its eve we gather together - probably in the city itself - and pray and act terribly serious while we reflect on the past year and all we've done. Preferably with a few drinks in hand. Then at midnight, the lanterns are lit, fireworks go up, and we begin at least three days of feasting, drinking, games and celebrations. All in honor of Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time. The Emperor gives an address outside the palace. Marcella beats me at kite-flying...."

"That sounds all kinds of boring. The eve's tonight, right? So I need to be on my best behavior? Talk about a killjoy."

Three days? That's an awfully long party but Jim finds himself wishing it was longer. An excuse not to be alone on that fourth...Granted Jim always shuts himself away for a few days around this time of year unless there's an emergency so to be trying to...live..really live. This time of year...it's definitely a change of pace.

"I'll do my best not to get us into trouble before the partying starts. No promises though." The name Akatosh seems very familiar to Jim, but his knowledge of Felix's world and customs are still so basic. He wonders if he'd even be able to read any tomes if he found them to get a basic idea of what the Divines and Daedra were. All he knows is that one's 'better' than the other and Felix apparently likes the other side.

"Is kite flying a sport? Are you trying to knock the others out of the sky or what?"

"It sounds dull when I say it like that. But my family isn't that strict, Jim. I'm sure you'll last until midnight." He's stroking Jim's hand with his thumb as he says that, amusement in his voice. Whether Jim can wait is one question. Whether he wants to behave that long is the more important one.

Truthfully Felix suspects he'll be quite distracted for most of the evening. It's a whole new place, and Jim's appetite for knowledge rivals all his others.

"Hmm, some kites are really just for flying around a bit - they're usually the pretty ones. Very traditional and symbolic of people's hopes for the new year, of course. The other kind of kite is the one you fight other kites with. You're supposed to try and cut their strings so they go flying loose, but I always end up just trying to knock them down any way I can. We can buy some if you want to try your hand at it."

"You...you think you could teach me your language? Or at least, how to read it. We seem to have no trouble speaking to each other, but it's occurred to me that just because you can read the books I gave you doesn't necessarily mean I'll be able to read the tomes of your world."

The Nexus is a strange and magical place. For all Jim knows, the books could be charmed to appear in whatever language the reader understands. Jim hardly expects things to be so easy for him. But he's hopeful. He wants to learn more about this world and Felix's people. Hopefully he won't put his foot in his mouth during conversations then.

"You know I'm always up for a challenge. Of course I'll fly kites with you if you want to."

"We'll find out - but if you can't, of course I'll teach you. We can't have you going around Tamriel unable to read the news pamphlets." Or the hazard signs, or the guidebooks for that matter... "You'll need to, in the long run."

There is unquestionably going to be a long run. He still has to take that in sometimes, wonders if he's taking the right steps. He's trying, anyway. Jim's spent the last year showing him how to navigate the devices and conventions of Earth, of a spacefaring realm. Spent a year opening up to Felix, sharing intimate secrets and spaces and time. The conjurer isn't at all used to doing anything similar, but he can make an effort in that direction.

"I always can rely on you," he murmurs with a smile. "Marcella will know where to get good ones. She used to make all of ours." And... if you do need some time to, you know... rest. Just say the word. We've just traveled all the way from Skyrim, nobody will think it rude."

"Yeah I'm not so big on looking like your village idiot."

Jim chuckles a bit to himself under his breath at that thought, because really, in this world he may as well be. He can't do magic, doesn't understand alchemy or enchanting. Hell, he can't even tan his own leather. The most Jim would be able to do for himself is fish and start a campfire, and that's hardly impressive.

He always considered himself an avid outdoorsman who knew how to survive. And part of that was by necessity. He's certain he'd learn if he had to how to survive here, but he'd rather it not be because he was trapped somewhere alone. That's happened enough to him thanks.

"...You can indeed. I'm not known for understanding when to quit." His grip on Felix's hand tightens slightly, though it's out of emotion rather than tension. Even now, Felix is so very understanding. He nods slightly at the offer. Felix needn't say more about it--Jim understands. The fact that Felix does too is what makes his stomach flutter and a bit of warmth come to his face.

He doesn't say anything for a long while as they approach the Imperial Capital, content to stay in an easy silence while his mind flits from one thing to another. Finally though, he glances to his side again.

"I think...I'd prefer it if I were as busy as possible. The less time I have to dwell....the better off I'll be, and the better company."

"We can see to that," Felix promises, snatching a glance at him in return. "Even if some of my family won't be there, I'll lay money that we won't be short of things to see, games to play, meals to help cook... and our gatherings tend to be noisy affairs. Friends of family coming along, old comrades from the Legion and that sort. For one, I think Marcella usually invites Ushug - the smith she apprenticed under."

He pauses, because he's glanced at Jim again for his reaction, and the sheer pleasure of being here with the captain has him smiling like an idiot for a full minute before he remembers himself. Focuses on the road.

"...And if there's anything in particular that takes your fancy, of course we can go and do that."

"Is she a blacksmith? A ferrier, armor maker, weaponsmith? I know there are all sorts of specialties. Do they blow and shape glass here too? They'd have to for all the vials and bottles you use for your alchemy. I feel so out of my depth here."

Jim lets out a laugh at his own lack of a trade skill and shakes his head. By now the sun is high in the sky and the street has widened and become if anything even more busy with people making there way to and from the main gate.

He may as well be a vagrant in this world, for all the skill he has to live in it. Luckily he has a quite capable guide in Felix.

"She's an armorer - mostly she makes enchanted weapons and armor. I gather she takes an awful lot of contracts from the Legion these days." Felix grins with familial pride. "Even here, not many smiths can enchant their own wares. I understand glassblowing is a very profitable trade too - she used to talk about getting into that business too."

It always helps to have the right connections. If Jim were to be stuck here, well, Felix has no doubt they could find him a post that made use of his actual talents. Cyrodiil in particular is fertile ground for scholars and geographers and those handy with a quill.

They're reaching the main route into the city (on the eastern side of the lake), but they're not going to cross the long stone bridge over to the gate. Not yet, anyway. Where the bridge meets their side of the water is a sprawl of tile-roofed buildings: a sizable village in itself, and very well-kept for the volume of traffic currently passing through it. Cyrodiil is the type of place to have baskets of flowers hanging from the eaves and brightly-painted signs - and not a few stalls selling last-minute provisions to the travelers setting out.

There's also a trio of kids sitting on some barrels outside a candle shop. No sooner have Felix and Jim set foot in the place than one shoves his friend off the barrel and scarpers down the road ahead of them. Felix takes no notice.

"This is Medesgate - which is essentially another district of the City, but generally acts as if it's a town all to itself. Unless they're trying to sell you arena souvenirs," Felix adds with a nod to a stall full of merchandise for the Blues and the Yellows. "If we can get through the crowd, Marcella's house is out on the southern side."

Getting through is no easy task, though it's about to be made easier. There's a sharp whistle and the crowd parts, helpful people like Felix pulling their unwary companions aside. A pair of glossy black horses with lithe riders in green canter through, laden with bulging saddlebags. As soon as they're past Felix nips into the gap they've left, taking advantage of the opening to lead Jim quickly up the street. They're only minutes from home, and he can smell the home comforts from here.

"So like...she makes armor and then casts spells on it?"

He's not sure what good armor that is also on fire would do for whoever is wearing it at a given time, but there's probably plenty about it that's worthwhile to have.

"Or do you mean she uses special materials that make it like..easier to use magic or what."

Just because Jim doesn't understand magic doesn't mean he's ever going to stop trying to. His thought process is jarred when the crowds get thick and he has to keep an eye on Felix not to get separated. Jim gives a thoughtful frown to the men on horseback as he follows Feliz up the road.

"Different outfits than yours. Clearly important...?"

"Closer with the first one. The major difference between the spells I cast and her enchantments is that enchantments are permanent. For example, I could cast a spell to make my armor more resistant to damage, but it would only last a few hours - at the very most. Whereas she could enchant gauntlets that granted you unusual dexterity, and they'd never stop doing so."

He's enjoying being the one to explain this time, happy to show off his world and its- well, not wonders here, but certainly comforts.

"Deliveries for the Black Horse Courier," he explains of the horsemen. "The biggest printer of news pamphlets in the Empire. They'll be taking early copies of the next edition to Cheydinhal and Bruma, I'd guess. The next one to go out will have a copy of the Emperor's New Life address. We can't have anyone miss that, I suppose." He chuckles.

"How strong of a magic user do you have to be to make something stick around for good like that? I thought you had to concentrate pretty actively to keep your magic around."

Not that Jim wants to imply Felix is not great and awesome at his job, because Jim would never do that. He is a biased man and more importantly loyal to those he likes. Clearly they must be different schools of magic is all.

"Does she have to put a piece of herself into the things she makes? Like, what does she have to give up for something like that?" The laws of science demand that both sides of any chemical equation be equal but it doesn't occur to Jim until after he's asked that it may not be so when it comes to magic. His frown is thoughtful and intense as he puts the brunt of his attention toward trying to figure this out. It's unlikely Jim will ever get tired of trying to wrap his head around Felix and his world.

"Oh, a paper. That makes sense." He doesn't dare say he didn't expect them to have something like that out here. Though he probably should have. They're rather progressive in a number of ways.

"Less than you'd think. I mean..." He doesn't want to imply anything about his cousin's abilities. (If he thinks about it, he doesn't really know what kind of magical muscle she packs, he just made his own assumptions.)

"She'll explain it better, but enchantment isn't really about raw power. She doesn't feed it her own magic, she... um, takes it from another source." Didn't Harrow mention soul gems in front of Jim? Probably, but he doesn't want to remind Jim of that interrupted discussion. A shame they're reaching the end of the main thoroughfare: the crowds begin to thin out with the buildings, and the diminishing noise gives Felix less excuse to duck questions.

It's no Federation colony, here, but Jim will soon learn that the people of Tamriel are very keen on the printing press. To say nothing of decent plumbing and sewer systems, thank the gods. The breeze from the city is tinged with smoke but it could be far worse. Felix soon turns off the main road toward a knot of reasonably large houses between the road and the lakeside. One of them, low and sprawling, is partly taken up by a forge. No smoke from inside today, though. Someone's been tending the garden, Felix notices: a splash of orange and gold here and there marks where the snapdragons are blooming.

"Would she be offended if I asked her about it? I have to admit I'm really curious."

Though lets be honest here Jim is naturally curious and determined to figure out all sorts of things he does and doesn't need to know to get by. The quieter side road winds to a collection of houses that makes both of Jim's eyebrows raise a bit. Lakeside property is kind of exclusive back on Earth. Felix's cousin must do quite well for herself.

Actually, considering she makes magical armors, this makes complete sense to the captain. Corner the market and all that.

"It's just her that lives here?" Jim gives the conjurer a sideways glance and a smile. "Nice place."

"I'm sure she'd be only too happy to explain. Just as long as you don't try to steal any craft secrets, or she might have to silence you," Felix teases. The closer they get the more nervous he's growing, wondering just how Jim will get along with his occasionally-abrasive relation. The image of them indulging their mutual thirst for knowledge, though... that's a hope he'll cling to.

"This is my aunt's house too, at least normally. They moved here after the Great War. The Emperor offered rewards to people willing to resettle and rebuild the city, especially if they had a craft to offer." It is a very nice house, big enough for a good-size family, or a small one with servants. There's even a smaller second story. But contrary to what Jim might expect, land along the banks of Lake Rumare was very cheap then...

"As if I could do anything with them if I had them."

The captain chuckles and bumps against Felix again while they walk toward the house. Felix may be worried about introducing them but Jim seems to be as relaxed as could be expected given the season. He slows his pace when Felix does but doesn't bring up the hesitation. Instead, he leans over and brushes his lips faintly against Felix's ear.

"It's a gorgeous place. Damn sight nicer than Skyrim's weather, too."

He chuckles, relaxing despite himself at a mere touch from Jim, the low voice in his ear.

"This is the part where I disappoint you by admitting my hometown is up on the Skyrim border. This makes a more exciting trip."

They aren't the only people on this little road. It looks like the other houses here belong to different types of craftspeople, with one or two ducking into sheds or checking on their gardens. Felix and Jim don't stand out all that much, though Felix returns the polite and cheerful greetings from people carrying crates of wine and baskets of food and bunches of paper lanterns. One of the kids who ran off earlier is sitting on the wall outside Marcella's house, munching on a sweetcake. He hops down and strolls the other way as they approach.

Felix raises an eyebrow at him, but strolls through the open gate and knocks on the door. "Marcella! We're here!"

In reply, a voice swears very faintly from behind the house. A moment later an Imperial woman hastens around the corner, keys jingling at her belt and a pair of wooden poles in her arms. The poles are propped against the wall, and she wipes her hands on the cloth also at her belt before she extends her hands to her guests. Felix lets go of Jim to clasp them for a moment, grinning at her. "Vita Nova to you too, cousin."

"I didn't expect you to be so fast," she admits, remembering abruptly to yank off the cloth covering her hair and stuff it into a pocket. Marcella doesn't look like a woman who smiles all that often, but she bestows one on her cousin. It's tinged by wariness as she turns to take in Jim, however. "Vita Nova to you too, Felix, and... you must be the captain he wrote about."

"Marcella, this is Captain James Kirk." Felix tries to adopt an assuring tone, as if he can convey 'No, it's all right, he's practically one of us' in that alone. "Captain, my cousin Marcella Avita."

Jim's heard that word before but only ever breathlessly ripped from Felix's throat. He doesn't have time to say so to Felix before Marcella is there and Jim quickly deposits that small piece of information somewhere for safe keeping while he watches Felix greet her.

He waits patiently for Felix to introduce him and offers a charming, if not slightly diplomatic, smile toward Felix's family.

"Jim is fine, Miss Avita. Thank you for allowing me into your home." He doesn't think this is the sort of woman he can win over with a kiss on the hand and a few nice words, so he gives a slight bow instead. "Vita Nova to you."

"And to you. You're very welcome, and Marcella will be fine." She bows a little in return, her smile more polite than anything. Grace doesn't come easily to Marcella, but she's doing her best. It's the closest thing to a family occasion they've had in years, the most important festival in the calendar - and somehow, of all people, she's the one playing hostess.

Make no mistake though, he's made the right choice when it comes to winning her approval. It makes her think he's on the reserved side, but that's not a bad thing. By the time she finds out otherwise she'll have had time to warm up to him, Felix reasons.

That'll have to wait until she's settled down, of course. First she gestures to the door and leads them inside when Felix steps smartly over to open it for them. The hall inside has a red and white tile floor, marking out a familiar type of symbol to Felix.

"You'd better come inside- you must be tired from the journey..." Though speaking of that, she trails off and looks quizzically between them before pressing on. There are a great many details she's unclear on, she just wants to pick a good moment to extract answers. "Will you take a cup of wine?"

She's guiding them straight through to an obvious sitting room: it's not the most luxurious of Cyrodillic houses, but there are smoothly plastered walls and carved arches to the doors, the more ordinary flagstones hidden beneath beautifully patterned rugs, a scattering of framed paintings on the walls and a few shelves of books and ornaments around the room. The biggest difference Jim might notice is the smell of smoke and the high ceilings - both a result of the covered fireplace and the number of lamps around the room. It's rather less spacious and open than his own house. Good thing they have glass windows.

Jim's never been someone you brought home to meet the family before. It's a pretty big first time for him so he may be working a little bit harder than normal to impress. Or at least not whisper shameless things in Felix's ear while she's looking right at him. He has some manner of self control, despite what Bones tells anyone who will listen to him grumble.

Her commentary of the journey almost makes him speak up, but it's occurred to him he has no idea what Felix has told Marcella or anyone else about Jim and where he's from, so instead he inclines his head politely in his best impression of his first officer and follows them inside.

It's the first time he's ever been in a legitimate house while visiting Felix's world and he stops in the entryway to take it all in with a look of wonder on his face. He has to blink when he realizes Marcella is speaking to him and he worries his bottom lip in his teeth before shaking his head.

"I..I shouldn't, probably. I'm allergic to most berries." He shoots an apologetic look Felix's way. He's still not sure what's safe for him to eat or drink here but he hardly wants to ruin the trip before it's even properly started. He hopes Marcella won't take offense or think he's making it up. He'll dutifully follow to the sitting room, now too nervous to properly take in the decor and home around him.

"Oh. Yes- of course. Felix mentioned that." Marcella frowns sharply, reprimanding herself. "Ale, then?" She shoots Felix a querying look.

"We've traded drinks before; I'm sure we have something to suit Jim," he assures her. He has a smile for both of them, but it's trained longer on Jim - and so he misses the flicker of a mischievous smile on Marcella's face.

"You'd better come and see what there is," she says firmly. She gestures at the cushioned chairs around the fireplace. "Please, captain, make yourself at home. We'll be no more than a moment."

She's off quite briskly, but Felix stays to draw close, hands sliding around Jim's waist for a minute. "It's not quite a starship, but I hope you like it..."

He hopes he sounds relaxed and reassuring, too. Because what he's feeling is a kind of terror he's not at all used to.

"More than fine, thank you."

Jim's trying his best to cover his own nerves with a wide country boy smile, still desperately trying to give Felix's family a good impression of himself before he gets a chance to put his foot in his mouth and fuck this all up.

A tension that eases when Felix's hands find his waist after MArcella's hurried out of the room.

"Grew up on a farm, remember? It fits, this place. It fits you. A lot more than my ship does....much as I hate to admit it." He gives a low chuckle and leans some of his weight onto Felix while they're close like this. "I'm sure your family home fits you even better..."

"Being with you fits me." He leans into Jim, close enough to brush the other's cheek with his lips as he murmurs, "But if you really want to see Bruma, we can arrange that sometime-"

"Felix!" Marcella's voice calls from the kitchen. He lets out a breath, half a chuckle, and gives Jim an apologetic smile as he steps away. He's not gone from the room long when Jim will hear a muffled exclamation, followed by laughter from the kitchen. Sounds like there's another man there, perhaps?

Marcella appears a moment later, having washed her hands and bearing a plate of flower-shaped sweetcakes. "Felix said these should be safe, captain. I sprung a little surprise on him, so he'll be another minute bringing the drinks."

"I want to learn everything about you that you'll let me." His hands are slipping down to find Felix's waist and he breathes in deep the smell of Felix's leathers and skin and--

The hail snaps the moment they are sharing and Jim chuckles under his breath at the same time his lover does and moves to keep his hands to himself once more with the barest traces of a nod. They've left him alone in the sitting room so Jim will take the opportunity to look around on the shelves and at any books left sitting on the small endtables or shelves. Which he puts down at the sound of another person's voice and turns back around.

There won't even be time to take a step toward the hall before Marcella is back with food in hand.

"Oh, thank you Marcella." Jim quirks his lips into a smile and turns around to face her properly. "He usually likes those. Surprises, I mean."

The objects littering the shelves look more like accumulated clutter than carefully-picked ornaments: a trio of purple soul gems, facets glinting in the light; a couple of pewter tankards decorated with embossed stags; spare paper and charcoal. The books are tidier, though there's not much order to them. Jim probably won't be surprised to find the big tome left out is a well-used catalogue of armor and weapon styles from all over Tamriel, accompanied by detailed illustrations. There are concessions to more general interests, though - a couple of history books, a small collection of novels.

Not that there's much time to examine them, of course. Marcella looks amused as she sets the cakes down, pulling a small table out into the middle of the room. "Hah! He does, doesn't he? I didn't quite plan it, mind - our uncle was already on his way down to visit when Felix sent his letter..."

She's interrupted by the other voices coming their way: Felix is joking about the food in Skyrim, but that cuts off as soon as he enters the room, ale bottles in hand. "Jim! Ah- this is my uncle Terentius, down from Bruma. Uncle, this is Captain James Kirk."

"Captain, eh? A sailor or a soldier?" The older man beside him sets down a bunch of mugs and gives Jim an amicable smile as he bows. He's darker than Felix and heavier-set, but there's a resemblance to both cousins in his features - and Jim's clearly found where Felix got that easy grin.

Jim's caught sight of those purple gems before but has no idea what it is they're supposed to do. They look like rough dilithium crystals but he's never had a chance to scan them before and he'd be lying if he said he wasn't even a little bit curious about them. The books are the more immediate curiosity as well as determining if he can make sense of the script.

The captain nearly moves to help her with the table but realizes she's got it fine on her own. It leaves him awkwardly standing by the shelf and nodding along with her explanation. Another family member joining them? He's not sure if this is something to be celebrated or afraid of. Either way his nerves are making his stomach drop and his smile force itself a bit brighter.

"Sir Terentius, it is a pleasure. Felix and I were just speaking of Bruma." He's getting remarkably good at that bow. Thanks years of diplomacy lessons. "Of the two? Sailor, definitely. I see myself as a scholar though." and it's so much easier for his own smile to warm when he sees Felix's grin on the man's face.

Marcella's going to busy herself arranging mugs and bottles on the table, more for the sake of her nerves than hospitality.

"Jim's an explorer above all," Felix says, giving the captain a smile of fond pride.

"Just Terentius, please. No sense in standing on formality when we're here to celebrate." Whether the man's noted Felix's expression or not, he's taking stock of their guest. "I can see why you'd come to Cyrodiil - Divines know we've got more buried ruins than we could explore in a thousand years. But whereabouts do you hail from yourself?"

Felix stirs at that, enough to draw a glance from Terentius. But the conjurer's gaze - and his murmured words - are for Jim. "Ah. Jim, I... think it best to tell as much of the truth as we can. Unless you object..."

"If you say so."

Jim drops his 'diplomatic' tone of voice nearly instantly at the insistence of Felix's uncle. His posture relaxes and a grin that can only be described as eager has settled its way onto Jim's face. In another life he could easily see himself exploring every nook and cranny of this place. It's a calling. The question makes Jim react similarly, gaze automatically shifting to Felix as though to ask for a guide.

"Is he...aware of your brother's current orders in the Nexus?" He's not sure how to word it without sounding like he's stark raving mad, to be honest. "I'm from...quite a ways away. A different place...and a different time. Though I've made a pretty decent effort at fitting in here with the locals."

By now Marcella has straightened up from reviving the fire, exchanging a look with Terentius before their scrutiny returns to the two men in front of them.

"No, but this is one of those cases where the less they know, the safer we all are." He pulls a wry smile, as if amused by saying it aloud. But he does take a step closer to Jim as he meets Marcella's frown and Terentius's patient look. "What Jim says is true: it's best you assume that matters in our, ah, plane are entirely new to him."

"Our time, our plane-" Marcella takes a hard look at Jim before she decides, "He can't be a daedra... can he?"

"He's not," Felix is quick to confirm, to her visible relief. "But it is a matter of conjuration. Jim is a friend to both- to all of us. I need to ask your help in keeping him safe while he's here."

"Why is he here?" Terentius asks, his mild tone belying how pointed the question is. "Or should I ask?"

"I invited him to join me for the celebrations, Uncle. It's truly that simple."

"No, no."

Jim shakes his head. He's quick to put his hands up in a placating manner as if to prove this point.

"Entirely human, no special abilities whatsoever. I can't even do magic. I'd be dead inside a day in this world without Felix here, and that's a fact." The laugh he gives is sincere but tinged with nervousness.

"And if you must know, I'm involved with Felix." He folds his arms over his chest and gives a shrug. It was going to come up eventually, might as well get that out there right now and get allllllllll of the awkward on the table and out of the way so they can go back to enjoying themselves.

"Now that at least makes sense," is Terentius' reaction, the old soldier letting out a chuckle. He's still appraising Jim, though in light of this news his speculation has just taken a very different turn.

Marcella stares at them both for a minute. "So you've been summoning up... people. And you want us to help hide him." She's frowning very directly at Felix now. "And is this how you- no, you're right, I shouldn't ask.

"I don't know about anyone else," Terentius says, settling himself in a chair, "but I need a drink before I wrap my head around all this."

"Excellent idea, uncle." Felix touches a hand to Jim's back, reassuring, more than ready to guide him to a chair and pull one up alongside. His breath caught a little when Jim announced their involvement like that. But his family don't seem entirely surprised, and now it's out in the open he has no reason to stifle his affection so much.

"If it helps, I do have a home of my own that I'm quite able to go back to. I really am just visiting for the festival."

The captain rubs at the back of his neck, unsure of how to ease the tension in the room but Felix wanted them to tell the truth, or as much of it as they're able to. Jim's trying to accommodate here and he's hoping that this hasn't just completely upset the festival plans. He looks enough like the locals in his outfit, Jim figures. No one stopped or questioned him on his way into the city.

Jim goes where he's lead to a chair and glances at Felix to make sure he's not just ruined everything by opening his mouth. What he sees instead is support and affection and he can't help but to relax slightly. Put on a small smile again.

"My apologies. I didn't intend to upset anyone."

"I suspect they're more afraid that we're up to some nefarious scheme," Felix says lightly, to cover his own tension. Marcella's offering them both mugs and ale, her face still scrunched up in thought. "And that mainly because you arrived with me..."

"Felix, since you were three years old there isn't a day you haven't been up to something," Terentius says dryly. Even Marcella twitches a smile. "But, well. Stendarr knows if that's all there is to it..."

"Of course we'll help," Marcella says bluntly. "I just wish you knew how annoying it is to be the one kept out of the loop all the time." At which Felix opens his mouth, frowns, and then shuts it again, because... that hits a bit close to home.

Terentius, meanwhile, is quite happy to wave the whole business aside for now. Ssssort of. "So, how long have you two been 'involved'?" The only reason he can refrain from winking is that this is his nephew he's talking about.

"I promise to try and not cause anyone trouble while I'm here."

And really when it comes to Jim Kirk and his luck, the only thing he can really promise anyone is to try. His track record isn't so great when it comes to these kinds of things and only some of them are his own fault.

Jim thanks Marcella for his mug and takes a drink of the ale while Terentius side eyes his nephew and Jim a moment.

"A year and two months now." Which is still mind blowing to Jim every time he has to put a quantifier to their relationship. He feels a bit less terrified every time he has to though and a little bit more proud. But only a little. If the universe catches on that he's happy with his life, something's bound to happen.

"A year?" Marcella looks around at them in patent surprise. Terentius echoes that look, but then nods slowly, as if things are starting to make more sense.

"So that's why you've been sticking out that post," he says to Felix, who makes a noncommittal shrug behind the beer he's lifting to his mouth. Terentius smiles and lifts his own. "Well, congratulations to you both. It's about time Felix brought you for a visit."

"At least they didn't get married first," Marcella says distractedly, feeding a log onto the fire before she settles on a chair. Felix has to swallow his beer rather hastily.

"...Well, I know it's overdue, but I wasn't going to wait that long." He gives Jim an embarrassed smile. "I've been looking forward to showing him all of this." And looking Jim's way while he says it means he misses the look his cousin gives him - the one that says dear Mara, you genuinely have it bad. This is a novel sight for her.

Jim makes a slight tut sort of sound when Marcella uses the 'M' word about the pair of them. How has he come from being terrified of being sworn to anyone to irritated because he can't become more with Felix in just a year?

But it has.

The fact of the matter is he can't imagine his life without the conjurer now. Nor his family. This place and these people mean much to him even if it isn't his home. It's Felix's home and that's more than enough for Jim.

Jim can't take Felix away from his home any more than he can stay here for any extended time. And that's no union. Months ago he would have kicked himself saying this is why you don't get attached. Now? He just shrugs and pretends he's not trying to find a way to do exactly that and sips at his drink.

Though he gives Felix a reassuring smile. Worry not. He's not scared off by the prospect.

"It's rather difficult given the nature of my job, and that's even before Felix's own."

Felix is shooting him quick glances to see how he's taking all of this. He still takes it as a blessing that Jim wants to be with him so openly, never mind how the captain's welcomed Felix into his home, his life. The last thing he wants is to make Jim nervous about how closely they're becoming entwined.

...Only Jim doesn't look nervous. Not as much as Felix feels, for certain. The conjurer swallows a little, relaxing beside Jim and trying not to wonder what that means. Save that thought for later.

"Exactly. Jim doesn't have many opportunities for leave and as for me- well, Stratos is my commanding officer." He shrugs at the others.

"Glad you came when you did," Terentius says sincerely. "It's been much too quiet without you running around the place, Felix. How long will you boys be sticking around? We'll have to make the most of it."

This time Jim's expression does fall, but it's for an altogether different reason. He recovers quickly but some of the light has left his expression.

"I usually take a few days for myself around this time of the year." He says quietly. "I'm not sure how long Felix is free, but I've nowhere to be until after the fourth."

Felix notices, the moment he glances Jim's way. Maybe it's hard to tell, if you don't know Jim and don't know what to look for. But Felix does. Felix has been watching like a hawk for exactly those subtle shifts in his lover's demeanor, because it is that time of year and Jim is far, far too skilled at hiding his wounds until they drain him dry.

He doesn't address it directly, but he shifts his mug to his other hand so he can slip his arm through Jim's. "And I'm certainly not going anywhere without him."

"Or hurrying back to face the music, I'd wager," Marcella says dryly. "Still, a few days... you'll see most of the festival then. Would you like to visit the arena? I can arrange us good seats for the games - I know half the smiths in the district."

The touch has the captain flitting his glance over to Felix, and the smallest apologetic smiles crossing his face before he tries to look his best toward Felix's relatives again. He doesn't pull away and shifts so he can lean into it instead ever so slightly.

"What's at the arena?" Jim's certain he can guess but he hopes the words 'non lethal' and 'sport' play into it. He doesn't really have a lot of interest in watching folks fight for others' amusement if there's real danger there. For fun, sure. That's half the reason Jim still goes out to back water bars now and again. An occasional brawl is good for your character.

He sips at his drink.

"Felix mentioned something about competitive kite flying. I haven't ever made my own kite. I have to admit I'm curious." Something his engineering leaning mind is much more intrigued by.

Terentius is still watching them with affable bemusement and hiding it behind his ale. Marcella seems momentarily flummoxed by Jim's unfamiliarity with the arena, but that's just Felix's cue to explain.

"Combat for sport," he supplies, only now wondering if this is something he ought to have forewarned Jim about. Doesn't Earth have something similar? He can imagine getting kidnapped for the Nexus fighting ring might have soured Jim on the whole concept, of course... "Either in teams or one-on-one duels. It's an exciting business... but, ah, not to everyone's taste."

"Well, if it's kites you want, it's a good thing I've been making a few this year." Marcella might be a little disappointed she can't put her arena contacts to good use, but on the other hand the subject of actually making things is one she's much more at ease with too. She gives Jim a slightly speculative look. "I haven't finished yet, though. You could help me if you're interested. I need time to enchant a few of them as well."

"Ah."

Jim knows even as the noise leaves his mouth that Felix will hear so much more than the faux boredom he has laced the simple syllable with. No, for as much as Jim Kirk will stand up for people and pick fights for every single thing he believes in, will throw himself in harms way because he can't willingly lose a single life....for as much as that violence is a part of him he does not enjoy pain for sport. Pain is for failed eugenics experiments and for survival. For Witness 6.

Jim Kirk is not that person anymore.

But there's a startling clarity that he's not wrecked to have those thoughts. It's unpleasant, certainly. But he's still sitting here, holding a conversation. Smiling in all the right places. And even meaning some of them. There's such affection and concern in the touches at his arm. He's not alone.

Felix sees Jim in a way he has never let anyone else before and it's terrifying. And yet. He's never felt safer. So he smiles for Felix and is pleased to find that it takes and he means it and everything is back to normal.

He sets his ale aside and gives Marcella a charming grin.

"Are you kidding? I love building things. I know enough about aerodynamics and physics to feel like I can try my hand at making one." And it doesn't occur to Jim that they may not know what those words mean but maybe it does and he just doesn't care because he knows Felix knows and he knows Felix likes it when he waxes on about warp theory and astrophysics.

Felix does love it. He can already imagine Jim explaining to him exactly how this kite works and the clever ideas he has to make it fly that little bit better... and just maybe this is part of the reason his hand has found Jim's, his fingers curling around the other man's with absent affection.

"Looks like we have another scholar on our hands," Terentius remarks good-humoredly. The old soldier's happy to sit back for now and watch the younger family members - old and, he suspects, new - find a shared interest they can bond over. Marcella's smiling quite genuinely at the prospect.

"There's more to it than knowing your numbers and drawing a few sketches," she warns him, but there's no bite to it. "We'll see how you do once you've rested your feet for an hour, anyway. And Felix can finish putting the decorations up outside."

"Certainly."

"Ha! I'm sure Felix wishes I was just a scholar. I'd probably get into less trouble that way."

He leans forward in his seat then and takes in Marcella's challenging tones with a raised eyebrow and a grin that just speaks volumes as to how eagerly he's going to take her up on it. Okay, so he doesn't know magic of any kind. But he is smarter than a lot of folks give him credit for and he's pretty sure he can build a kite that kicks plenty of ass if he puts a genuine effort into it.

"Need any help with the chores, Felix? I'd be happy to lend a hand..." He sounds so innocent when he offers but he still looks far too cocky and self assured for it to truly be as such.

"If that were true, you wouldn't be the man I fell in love with," Felix counters, watching Jim grin. Ohh, his cousin has no idea what she's starting, offering Jim that hint of a challenge. Felix isn't going to warn her, though. That wouldn't be any fun and he doubts she'd listen anyway.

And it makes him so happy to see that grin, genuine and mischievous. Here, in his world and among his family. Now, in spite of everything that haunts Jim lately. He's wondered before what this meeting might be like. He never realized it would spark such warmth in his chest, such quiet happiness welling up and tugging his mouth into a smile more gentle than quick.

"Oh, you needn't. You're a guest here, after all." He returns that cocky grin with his own amusement. "On the other hand, you did want to learn more about our customs here..."

Marcella rolls her eyes. She feels she's going to need the practice. "As long as you actually mean helping and not... causing trouble."

"Or shocking the neighbors," Terentius chips in with a grin of his own.

Marcella lets out an unladylike snort. "Some of them could use a good shock. That's not a suggestion!" Why is she giving the pointed look to Felix? Because she has much to learn indeed.

"I already promised to try to keep out of trouble. What else could I possibly mean when I offer to help?"

Jim does a remarkable job of looking honestly confused by the suggestion, even going so far as to tilt his head to the side slightly and quirk one eyebrow up.

Though she misses the absolutely scandalous grin Jim gives her when she tosses her warning and Look Felix's way. He brings a finger to his lips slowly and shushes Terentius before getting up all proper smiles again and stretching slightly.

"While I appreciate the offer to put my feet up for a bit I'm always sitting about for my job. A bit of fresh air is good for the body. We'll have all of this finished before you know it Marcella. Come on then, Felix. Show me how it's done."

Edited 2017-02-26 22:56 (UTC)

Marcella looks like she wants to make a reply to that question of Jim's, but good courtesy snaps her mouth shut before she gets sardonic at a guest. She just raises her eyebrows doubtfully at him instead. Terentius is going to grin and keep his peace.

"The lanterns are all in the kitchen," she says. "And you'll have to finish setting out the poles."

"All right." Felix gets to his feet and swipes a couple of the sweetcakes, passing one to Jim. "Let's go to it."

They leave the other two to discuss the youngest Caelus's antics and his choice of companion, Felix leading Jim over into the stone-floored kitchen. It's bigger than the last room, making space for a large table and the contained firepit over which is built a recognizable sort of cooker top. That has a couple of covered dishes atop it, warmed by the dying embers of the fire beneath. It smells of charcoal smoke and food and herbs, and the Imperial has to resist glancing at Jim's reaction. This is a long way, in so many respects, from the spotless technological kitchen in Jim's... their... home, wood and simple knives and open fires in place of smooth counters and blenders and dial-controlled ovens.

All right. Try not to think about that. Try not to stare at Jim and wonder what he's making of all of this.

Felix strolls over to snoop at what's for supper before he turns his attention to the silk and brass lanterns set out on the table. There are eight of them, each in a different color, each themed in a pattern fitting one of the (eight) Divines. Felix sets aside the gold and red dragon-patterned one and grabs a few of the rest. He means to say something about putting them up, but when he looks at Jim what comes out is a hopeful smile and: "I think they like you."

It hasn't occurred to Jim that he is rather hungry after their walk into the city until Felix hands him a sweetcake. He barely gives it a glance before breaking off a bit and popping it into his mouth with a pleased hum. Tastes like honey and other things JIm can't quite put his finger on, but it's definitely good.

Dutifully he will follow Felix into the kitchen, pausing while he eats the cake he was given and taking the room in. This must be where the smokey smell the house has comes from. It gives the place a rather earthen sort of feel to it. Certainly nothing like what he's used to, but a glance down at the mostly eaten cake in his hands makes him smile. He'd never considered how one would go about baking without a covered oven before.

He feels all the more grateful for the treat.

It will only take him a few moments to finish the sweetcake and look for a place to wipe his hands off so as not to make the lanterns all sticky. Then he's right at Felix's side and passing on a soft smile to the Imperial.

"I hope so. I am trying to impress your family after all."

"It wasn't really in doubt. You're very good at impressing people." Felix looks aside, returning the smile. "And I fancy my good taste runs in the family."

Of course, the real unspoken question is whether Jim likes them, but Felix doesn't dare to ask yet. They've only just got here: let Jim have a chance to relax first. Let him make kites with Marcella and warm her up to him. Let him charm Terentius with his wit and good humor. Let him enjoy all the sights and splendor the city has to offer.

Maybe by the end of the night Felix will dare ask.

"Want to grab some of these?" he asks instead. The lanterns look collapsible but the others have already straightened them out and given the brass a good polish. "We can hang a few up and then I'll put the last couple of poles in." That won't take long. They aren't even very tall poles.

"Oh, yeah. Of course."

Jim snaps out of his thoughts about hearthside cooking and baking and moves to gather up as many of the lanterns as he can reasonably carry safely. The sooner they get the actual work done the sooner they can both work on relaxing properly.

As charming as Felix's relatives may be, Jim didn't come here to be with them. Well, he sort of did, but that's not really the point. He'd rather be working with Felix than resting inside without him.

"This is a nice place your cousin has here, by the way." Jim thinks it's rather quite nice. Homey. Something his own house lacks, though it is slowly changing thanks to the present company.

Felix will lead the way outside and show him how to hang the lanterns from atop the poles, one at each corner of the house and another in between each of those, save for the side where the front door is. At least, that's how they'll be arranged in a few minutes, once all the poles are up.

It also means they get to do a circuit of the low-slung house, and Felix shoots Jim a smile as they work. They're at the lakeward side, and over the low garden wall there's almost a clear view down to the shore, a clean cool breeze coming off the lake. Granted, it doesn't always smell so nice, but no industry is going on today and the wind's in a favorable direction.

"It is, isn't it? She and my aunt came here after the Great War; that's how they were able to take such a large house. The Emperor was offering grants to people to return to the city and, well... there was a great deal of free land." Okay, not the most heartwarming tale, that. "They seem to be doing very well with the business, though - Marcella ought to hire a servant or two at this rate. A house this size needs it."

With nothing to keep it in line, Jim's hair has become a fluffy mess during their hike to this lakeside house and the breeze off the lake isn't doing it any favors. Jim seems to take no notice of it whatsoever while he works on hanging up lanterns to the poles that are already in their proper places.

Besides, if it gets in his eyes he just goes a bit crosseyed and tries to blow it out of the way again so he can continue working. It is a large house and Jim can't imagine the amount of work it takes to keep clean. Though in a world with magic one has to wonder at how much work it really would be.

Although he has no proof such a spell exists, he assumes it does, since it's such a mundane task.

"So did she make these lanterns too?" Jim calls out once he's caught up with where Felix is finishing up with the poles. "I love the designs on them. It must have taken a lot of work."

Gods, watching Jim blow the hair out of his eyes is unexpectedly adorable. Felix ends up watching him intently over the pole he's ramming down into place, a faint smile on his lips.

(Jim is going to be so disappointed when he finds out Marcella's answer to housework is 'shut up most of the rooms during the year and clean it all out just before the holidays.)

"I'm quite certain the lanterns were bought in the city. Marcella's handiwork is more functional than ceremonial. Besides, they'll last for years if you get the silk replaced every once in a while." They are nice, though. Fine Cyrodillic craftsmanship. He feels rather proud. "We'll light them later, at the end of the night- but you'll see."

There's a bit of a creak as Marcella opens up the outside doors that lead to the forge side of the house, but Felix pays no mind to that. He's busy catching Jim once the last lantern is up, reaching up to tidy that fluffy nest of hair.

"Right. For the ceremony. You--hey!"

Jim squawks indignantly when Felix buries his hand in Jim's hair, but they both now it's more a complaint of habit than actual warning. Because Felix is the only one allowed to touch his hair and they both know how much Jim enjoys it.

"Watch the hair! I'm not useful here so my looks are my only meal ticket in this world." Jim's joke is also pretense because he's shivering just slightly at the touch and grinning already.

"...Is it really that bad?" Jim's voice goes quiet at the end, chuckling and leaning into the touch slightly.

"Never." Felix's assurance is immediate, his smile widening when Jim leans into his hands. "But I know you like it to be perfect."

He leans forward to kiss Jim lightly. "Now, shall we see to these kites? I'm sure Marcella is waiting."

She's not, exactly: she's taking the time to give the forge floor a bit of a sweep, that being the part of the house most fanatically kept in order. But she does have everything they'll need laid out on a workbench already, and the shutters open to throw as much light on the interior as possible.

"I do."

It's quiet. Murmured even as Jim lets his eyes slip closed and returns the kiss. Felix knows him so well by now. The downside to this is he knows just how much teasing he can get away with because he pulls away all too soon and this time Jim does pull a pout that relents once he mentions the kites.

"Can't wait. I love making stuff." The engineer in him revels in it.

He follows Felix back to the workshop and a wide grin breaks out across his face when he sees the materials.

"Chores're done."

"Thank you." Marcella sets the broom aside, smiling a little at how genuinely eager he looks. Some of the work has clearly been done already: there are strips of prepared bamboo laid out alongside the spool of silk thread and cords and the small stack of silk pieces dyed in simple, brightly colored patterns. There are some paints left out beside a bigger covered jar, in case anyone wants to get creative with detailing.

"Ready to learn how it's done?" the enchanter asks, steadying the helm on a mannequin with one hand as she moves it out of the way. "It's really not that difficult if you have some patience. You can pick out whichever color you'd like; we're just going to cut it into the shape you want after the frame is on."

Felix leans back against the forge, left to go cold just for this day. He's watching them get down to work with a faint smile, and a nod to Terentius when he limps in from the house with a bucket of ashes. "Would you like some help, uncle...?"

"Of course."

Especially since he can't just pull out his PADD and look something up on the subject. No better teacher than someone in person, after all. Jim takes a look over the dyed silks. His fingers linger on the yellows but ultimately he decides on a brilliant red.

It reminds him of the Imperial banner and Felix.

And since it's the New Year Festival, may as well choose a fitting color for the celebration.

"With a knife or...?" He can handle that, Jim's certain. The frames get a carefully scrutinizing look as well. Jim moves to take a seat quickly. He's going to throw himself into this with the best of his ability.

"With a knife, yes." There are a couple of frames already made up, so Jim has an example of what they need to make. But Marcella will show him how to choose the right strips of bamboo and bend them over a lamp flame to get the right shape of curve. Then how to bind them into a frame with the silk thread, before that's glued onto the silk with the contents of that larger pot...

The hearth ashes set aside for sale after the festival, Terentius pulls up a stool, sitting in the sun with his back against the open door. Felix sits next to him on the inner side, watching the others work. There's a bit of murmured conversation between him and his uncle: how things are faring in Bruma, which of their friends in the guard got promoted or requested leave this year, Indara Carvain's betrothal to some noble boy from around Kvatch. How Stratos is faring, because Terentius wants to hear it from Felix.

Jim spends a good few minutes watching Marcella work and listening to her explanations. The intricate dragon kite sounds a bit too artsy and advanced for him to try with no practice and besides, he knows of a much simpler design that he can probably pull off pretty damn well.

Rather than curving the bamboo Jim settles on a rough 't' shape with several strips of bamboo glued together to make a more rigid frame. He doesn't need delicate curves when the tried and true diamond kite will work just fine here. It's simpler to make, and frankly, he knows how to control one of these and that's a lot better than not as far as flying them is concerned.

Jim chews at his bottom lip while he works, lost in thought and picking up his kite to be several times to check the weight and balance of the thing He'll anchor two different points for the string to come back to him since that will allow more control when he's flying it and sets about making a counterweight for a tail.

It's only after about thirty minutes of solid work that he smirks and gets up. It's not the prettiest kite anyone will see but Jim's confident it will fly damn well and control fairly easily once all the glue dries and sets. He gets up from his seat and gives Felix a grin.

"Think you're up for decorating this thing? It's never been my strong suit. Just don't put too much on, I don't want to make it too heavy."

Marcella isn't going to scold Jim for going off-lesson - he's a guest, not an apprentice, and more to the point she's got a good view of the eyes her cousin is making at the man. Even Terentius is looking back curiously every time Felix gets distracted and trails off in his end of the conversation.

He gets to his feet and comes over fast when Jim actually grins at him, too. All the better to trail admiring fingertips over the new kite's wings. "Are you sure you trust me with it?"

If someone hadn't mentioned a challenge about flying them, Jim would have loved to try and follow Marcella's lessons for a chance to learn something new. As is, pride demands he make the best kite physics and his own meager skill will allow so he can hopefully show off when it comes time to fly them and knock into others'.

His creation is sturdy and should control well. Magic he may not have, but it's as good as a normal is going to get without being an expert in such things.

The smile lingers into something more when he catches Felix trailing his fingers over the kite. In due time, Jim. You're still behaving in front of Felix's family. save the suggestive commentary for later.

"I'd trust you with my life. I think a kite is fine." He winks and claps Felix on the shoulder with a chuckle. "Besides, if you decorate it it'll look a lot nicer."

"I can get on with the enchanting while you do that," Marcella says. She's rolling up the blanket that she's just pulled off her enchanting altar; setting it aside, she grabs the lamp from the table to light the candles arrayed at the back. There's a chest in the back room from which she'll retrieve a handful of little soul gems, too small to contain anything but the smallest of petty souls. They look more like offcuts from the real gems.

Felix leans a little closer at the touch, flashing Jim a smile before he pulls up the stool and settles down. "I'll try not to disappoint."

There's no need to chuckle so much, Terentius. He knows he has it bad, okay?

"Now that I definitely can't do."

Jim wants to watch Marcella work, enjoys watching the form and practice of all kinds of magic even though he doesn't understand it. It's fascinating to him. But at the moment it means tearing his eyes off of Felix to do so and that is much more difficult than one would think.

The captain gives Felix one more lingering sweeping gaze before he lets Felix get to work and-- almsot reluctantly-- moves to watch Marcella work.

"Felix was telling me about your enchantments on the way into town. How do they work? They're permanent, right? What do you have to give up for that kind of lasting magic? Surely there must be an equal permanent cost?"

Marcella nods to about half his questions while she lays out her materials; the rest she's pleased to elaborate on, picking up one of the little gems to hand him. "We bind souls to power them. Ones this size are usually from some sort of small bird or animal."

She explains it so matter-of-factly that it clearly isn't a big deal. Just stealing creatures' souls to power our toys, nothing unusual here. She's busy picking out one of the gems to set amid the now-glowing symbols etched into the altar in front of her. She keeps on merrily explaining while she does.

"I'll bind a soul's energies into the form of the enchantment on each kite. Some materials are more reliable about holding an enchantment, but yes, once it's attached the enchantment should last just about forever... or until the object breaks, anyway. Of course, for the type of enchantment we usually put on weapons, the energy is depleted with use, so the owners need to recharge them with soul gems occasionally. But that's as simple as touching the gem to the weapon. Anyone can manage that."

Something twists in Jim's insides at the mention of using souls to power the magics they're putting on such frivolous things. Maybe the definition is different here? He looks at the crystals as though trying to see if they had somehow been infused with or soaked in blood but they're all clear, small though they are.

The very essence of a being, captured into a tangible thing so small? Jim can hardly make sense of it.

He reaches out and intends to touch one of the stones, as if this will tell him some useful information. But Captain Kirk has no basis for sensing magic other than the odd smell that accompanies the summoning of Ghost Puppy faintly and the tingling warmth of Felix's healing spells.

And the rock feels like any other he's ever touched.

"Anyone can use these?" That doesn't sound like an invitation for their abuse, no. Certainly not.

Marcella takes no notice of him handling one of the stones: it won't do any harm and he's to be trusted. "For recharging, yes. Trapping souls into a gem in the first place takes a certain skill with conjuration. It's not really my area of expertise: I just buy them already filled."

Felix is pretending not to shoot little glances their way, trying to catch Jim's reaction. He's going to get yellow paint on his face this way.

Already. Filled.

And no one sees a problem with this?

He glances to Marcella and bites his lip. Maybe it's...just another way of utilizing a creature that's hunted. No waste. He doesn't understand magic, maybe that's what they call the....whatever it is they use to do magic. It isn't necessarily what he thinks it is. Whatever it really is. No one knows what makes someone an individual. What constitutes a soul. Not in his world, anyway.

Eat the meat, use the feathers and down. The talons. And harness some kind of energy into the stone. Surely that's all this is.

Jim sets the stone aside, trying his damndest to keep his mouth shut about things he doesn't know about and are outside his scope of moral grounds. But he doesn't have to like it.

"Pretty convenient way to circumvent the law of equal exchange." The comment slips out quietly when he sets the stone aside. On the one hand, he's glad performing lasting magic won't hurt people like Felix. On the other, he's very uncomfortable with the idea of who it is hurting.

Uh-oh.

Felix can't see Jim's face properly, but the captain's gone awfully quiet even if Marcella doesn't know him well enough to notice it. And what Felix does see of his body language is... unsettled.

That's going to be a subject they'd better not discuss in future, then. For now, Marcella's much too wrapped up in the demonstration, picking up one of the kites in her hand. With her other she touches the altar and draws a skein of blue-white light up from the patterns etched into the stone.

She twists the magic around her fingers and then affixes it to the nose of the kite with what looks like a simple twist of her fingertips. Back and forth she passes her hand from one edge to another, weaving the base of the enchantment across the blue silk wings.

"I wouldn't call it circumventing," she replies, eyes on her work. "We still need to give up something. No different to feeding a log to the fire or meat to a dog. It's fine as long as you don't use a person's soul, obviously."

Jim stands back and tries to focus on watching Marcella work. This isn't his world, these aren't his rules. It just seems like such a dangerous thing. What would stop someone from using these stones to trap--

And Marcella confirms it. Nothing. Nothing would stop someone from trapping a person's soul or any other sentient being into those crystals.

What horrible machinations use those kinds of crystals? How would anyone stop them from doing it? And do these people even want it to be stopped? It's not....it's not for him to decide. As much as it shakes Jim, he has to respect that his point of view doesn't necessarily fit in this world sometimes.

Still.

A person's soul.

He hopes it isn't...you know..actually that. Their being. Their essence. What makes them unique and individual.

"So what's this enchantment do then?" He asks finally, in his quiet and reserved tone that he usually uses on duty. Jim is trying to be diplomatic and friendly. He needn't upset Felix's family just because of his own discomforts.

"Fire resistance." Marcella takes his tone as quiet attention to her explanation, which at least has the bonus of making her happy (even while Felix tries to relax enough to concentrate on the paintbrush in his hand). "The streets - and sometimes the sky - will be full of paper lanterns and torches at this time of the year, and the last thing we need is a flaming kite coming down on our heads. This way even if one of us singes the wings, it won't matter too much."

"Marcella doesn't spare any effort even if she's only crafting a toy," Terentius comments from where he's drowsing comfortably.

"I have pride in my work," Marcella retorts lightly. The magic she's weaving has started to shift subtly in color as the pattern becomes more intricate, from brilliant blue to white, and then slowly toward a fiery red. This is an enchantment she knows quite well, and it doesn't hurt her concentration to talk. "I'm sure Jim does as well." He didn't play around with the kite he was building, and she noticed.

"That makes a fair amount of sense."

Having a flaming kite come down onto unsuspecting people wouldn't be good and at worst could cause a more serious fire. Jim can't really deny that and it's good foresight on Marcella's part.

"You could say I'm a bit competitive." Understatement of the year there, but who's going to say so? He shifts his weight onto one leg and relaxes his posture again, arms folded over his chest. It seems like for now he's gotten over his shock about the soul gem thing.

"When I heard there was a bit of a challenge in flying them I figured it would be in my best interest to make something I was familiar with."

"Oh? Your people fly kites as well?" Marcella finishes weaving the little enchantment with one last connection and a complicated twisting of her callused fingers. The intricate lines of magic glow bright and orange for a minute before slowly fading, as if they're sinking into the silk and thread to which they're bound. Marcella hands the kite to Jim; it's faintly warm now, but otherwise feels just like normal.

"Would you pass me the next one? And does this mean Felix won't get to teach you how to fly them?" She's teasing her cousin a little, smiling when she hears him huff behind her.

While they talk, Felix concentrates on the pattern he's settled on trying, painting a few stylized feathers on the kite's wings. Stylized, because he's basing them on the shape of the Starfleet insignia, mirrored and stretched to fit the shape of the kite. He paints them in golden yellow and black - but mostly gold, trying to use no more paint than necessary.

"It's not a common hobby, but I learned how to as a kid."

Jim carefully selects one of the other kites Marcella has made and inspects it. Turns it over in his fingers a moment before handing it over for her to begin her work again.

He turns to shoot Felix a grin when the other huffs. Felix must be working if he's not going to fuss and argue over the comment. And so he is. The choice of design and deftness with which he works has Jim staring, a look of wonder underlied with more than a little need to go with it.

"....That's beautiful, Felix."

"I'm glad you approve. It felt... fitting." Felix shoots him a pleased smirk, trying not to miss his place with the brush while he does. Marcella glances over and studiously refrains from rolling her eyes at the way they're gazing at each other. They're guests and she's being a gracious hostess.

She can tease Felix tomorrow.

"Supper should be ready once we're finished with the kites," she says. "I doubt you'll find it very impressive, but it's just something to keep you all on your feet before the feast tonight."

"You don't want to spoil your appetite when the Emperor's buying us all dinner," Terentius agrees dozily.

If she's only teasing him and not throwing him out of her house then it will have been a rather fortuitous night indeed.

With the day flying by like it has been, Jim hasn't really had much of a chance to brood over the date nor the time he's spending with company. Perhaps that's why the laugh he gives rings more true than it otherwise would.

"I'll be sure to save room, though with how involved Marcella makes the kite flying sound I'm sure we'll need a meal before we're dueling in the skies trying not to light our creations on fire."

The captain's hand finds Felix's shoulder and gives it a fond squeeze.

"And the food distraction should allow these to set up properly, am I correct?"

Felix leans into his touch as much as he can, smiling at his work. "Exactly. I always find you have an advantage if you can restrain yourself from getting too drunk early on..."

It won't take long to finish off the kites, and then they stop to take their time over a light supper of chicken broth before they head into the city proper. They might dawdle longer - and Marcella wonders openly if Jim and Felix don't want to rest first - but Felix points out it's Jim's first visit. There's so much he might want to see, and they should try to get a decent view of the ceremonies before the crowd fills out.

So with the afternoon winding on, all four of them join the crowds crossing the long white bridge to the city gate. No carts or animals make the crossing with them, not even horses for the nobles. Imperial cities are livestock-free zones, normally, which does wonders for the state of the streets. The paving stones are downright clean-looking. Banners have been fixed along the guard walls at either side of the bridge, streaming in bright red and gold.

They've all had a chance to change into party clothes if required: Marcella's left her spotted and soot-darkened apron behind for a russet-colored dress that still has a hint of practicality to its cut. At least compared to the more extravagant outfits around them. They're joined by a new friend at the beginning of the bridge: an Orc woman with raw features, green skin and a pair of small tusks jutting up from her lower jaw. She's wearing a dress about as nicely made as Marcella's, though it's even less showy: sturdy, no-nonsense red wool.

"Jim, this is Ushug gra-Gruzbura," Marcella says, with a heartfelt smile to the woman. "My mentor and business partner. Ushug, this is Jim Kirk. Felix brought him to visit with us for the festival."

"It's good to see you again, Ushug." Felix grins at her.

"Glad to see you finally dragged your tail home, boy. And you look like you're in one piece, too." Despite the rough tone, there's something like honest affection in the way she scrutinizes him before turning that sharp look on Jim. If Marcella's wary of new people, it's very clear where she got that habit from.

Jim's fur and leather armor may be suitable for travelling to the city, but it would hardly do for the actual festivities. He's more than willing to change into a silk shirt and actual pants for the ceremony and feasting proper. While the clothes may still not be anything like what he's used to, he carries himself with the confidence that he belongs right where he is alongside Felix and his family.

They're strolling to match Terentius' slower pace, with Felix pointing out everything that passes them by to Jim. He takes it all in in equal wonder, a look that only grows more curious when the Orc woman approaches Marcella.

"A vita nova to you, Miss Ushug." Jim doesn't hesitate in the least to approach her or to give her a bow just as sincere as the ones he had given to Felix's family. "I'm a friend of Felix and Stratos'. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Marcella tries to hide her surprise, and Usug herself blinks at the unhesitating courtesy.

"Well, aren't those some pretty manners? Almost as pretty as your face." Her eyeballing takes in how close Felix is hovering to the newcomer, and the happy smile he's wearing. "Where'd they conjure you out of?"

"He's an explorer, not a daedra, Ushug." Felix rolls his eyes and pulls a face at her.

"That's too bad. I always wanted to see if I could out-drink a daedra." Ushug gives Jim an unladylike nudge as she moves to lead them onward to the towering white gates. She's withholding judgment yet, but for now the new guy seems like he might be less annoying than he looks. Maybe. Felix did bring him home. "We'll see how well you keep up. Now let's move, Imperials. I want to actually see some fireworks this year."

Felix slips an arm around Jim's waist as Marcella takes up chatting to her mentor, and murmurs in the other man's ear, "Well done."

Jim's not sure what the pause is all about. If she's Marcella's mentor and business partner she's clearly important to Felix's family. The confusion is mild but evident on his face when he moves back to Felix's side and they continue walking.

"I enjoy a drink as well as the next person but I'm afraid my limit for consumption won't be impressive to any of you. I was never a heavywieght, and since an...incident a couple of years back I've not been able to imbibe even as much as I used to."

Felix's arm around his waist is comforting and warm and Jim can't help the find smile he gives the other. Though he licks at his bottom lip and hesitates before asking,

"Well done what?"

"Not everyone's so readily polite to Orcs," Felix says, though only once he's sure the two women are out of immediate earshot. Terentius has moved up to join in the chatter, leaving the two lovebirds to each other for a few minutes. "I know that won't matter to you, and it's not that they're bad people on the whole, just... Marcella will appreciate it. Ushug too, I think. She won't show it, but that's just her way."

At least in the capital most people are too sophisticated to sneer openly - and it helps that there are more and wealthier Orcs here than in Skyrim. The family can enjoy their stroll into the city unmolested. The two smiths cast critical eyes at the gate guards' polished armor, but Felix just tips his head back to look at the massive arch of the gate itself and shiver as they pass under it.

"I wasn't even raised here, and yet it feels like home," he admits to Jim. It's the heart of the Empire - and its pulse is in the crowded flow of people through the orderly streets. They're entering the Arena district, and said arena is visible immediately, looming ahead of them at the end of the main thoroughfare. It's no Colosseum, but then the games here were never important enough to become a focus of Imperial public relations. The outlines are similar though: a tall circular construction of stone on the lower storeys and wood on the upper, dwarfing the little buildings of the surrounding district.

There's a lot more merchandising going on along this street, and posters advertising the New Year's games starting at midnight, though Felix ignores all of that. He points out the lanterns hung along the rooftops, and the ponds covered with lotus plants. ("Just don't eat any of them, they're toxic.") Getting close to the arena reveals that it's surrounded by sweeping lawns on which various fighters are talking themselves up to admiring crowds. The family group's just going to skirt around the arena to the city's inner wall and the gate thereon.

Although by the sound of it Ushug and Marcella are really struggling not to taunt any of the would-be gladiators. Felix is more concerned about any of them hitting on Jim, and there's a possessive arm around the captain the whole way. He knows Jim doesn't care for the arena, but he can explain whatever the captain wants to know, and point out that this is where about half the kite flying takes place later.

"Why not?"

This time Jim's confusion is very evident. He clearly doesn't get it in the slightest. If anything he'd think her looks would demand respect considering she looks as menacing as a Klingon and could probably bench press him with one hand. "She seems fine to me."

The architecture of the capital doesn't escape Jim's notice. He's pleased to take it all in from what he can see from the main road. The arena is of less interest to him, though he does notice the more firm grip Felix has on him when they pass by.

Jim wonders if the combatants are dangerous or unscrupulous. Jealousy doesn't even cross his mind.

"You weren't? Is your home near Skyrim then?" Especially if that's where he and Stratos are based for their works. It would make sense to Jim if it were. "Can we see your home some day?"

"Yes, but- well, Orcs." Felix shrugs, unwilling to get too far into it with the risk of being overheard. Besides, there is a little bit of him that thinks it's kind of obvious. "Ushug could explain better... if you want to try asking her sometime."

With all the crowds gathering (plenty of people are here just to gawk, or local families killing time on the grass before the main events) it's going to take some time to skirt the arena. Felix makes sure they stay close to the others, trying to keep an eye out for pickpockets. Hopefully they'll notice he's alert and go for easier targets.

"Near the border with it, yes," he answers, while they duck around a couple of elf children dueling with toy weapons. "It's a town in the mountains. Very different to this." He gives Jim a smile. "Next time, we'll go there."

Jim's no stranger to pickpocket's himself. It helps that he's got nothing of value on him though, so he doesn't fret too terribly much over the thought of them. Just leans into Felix's one armed embrace while they walk.

There's a life in the city that thrums through them all and into the stone walk underfoot. Jim can feel it as sure as he can the warmth of Felix's hand at his waist. An energy that makes him smile. A city full of hope and promise for the coming year. A vitality that rips the colorful wrapping over the emptiness this time of year brings him and refuses to leave him voided as he is.

Jim's smile is small but genuine while they walk to try and catch up with the rest of his family. He doesn't even notice that he's worn one nearly all day.

"It sounds lovely. You know how I love that sort of scenery." He could easily be drowned out by the chatter and life surrounding them, but Felix always seems to understand him fine, regardless.

"And I love to make you smile." He's been watching Jim's reactions hopefully all day, and that constant little smile certainly hasn't escaped notice. "Maybe we can even go sledding the next time..."

Despite the barely-contained chaos around them, the inner circle wall eventually looms ahead. Just as well, since by now the walk feels as long as the one they took earlier. In deference to Terentius as well as their sore feet, the group takes a breather now and then to admire the festivities. And Ushug turns around to crack a joke or two about the two lovesick boys needing to keep a hold of themselves until later. As they approach the gate, the walls dividing the city districts become more visible above the surrounding streets, each as tall and impassable as the outer wall. Even the gate ahead is reached by a bridge over a lotus-strewn moat.

So it might seem odd that on the other side isn't an obviously military keep, but a garden. A huge garden threaded with neat paths and lined with young trees (a few older ones that seem blackened and dead) and flowers bordering well-tended lawns. Ahead, however, rises the white tower that Jim would have seen from his first glimpse of the city. It's huge, but impossibly tall; surely magic must hold it up. The paths around it are absolutely lined with guards in much fancier armor than the ones chasing a drunken Khajiit around the garden.

"That's the White-Gold Tower," Felix murmurs. "Home to the Imperial Palace, and the very heart of Tamriel. When I was small my father told me it held up the sky, and I'm not sure he was joking." Every time he sees it, he feels the weight ot its presence, like the lynchpin of the world. The Imperial world, at least.

"And as such your emperor."

He's never seen a tower designed such a way that wasn't built as part of a starbase, away from the troubles of gravity. It is quite grandiose as well as the immaculate garden. He hopes such a person (man or woman makes no difference to him) rules with compassion and inclusiveness. From what he's seen of the city, it certainly seems culturally accepting. All walks of life have been out in the streets today.

Surely that is a good sign.

Even if the man were a tyrant, there is little Jim could do about such things. And Felix seems quite reverent toward their leader. He wishes he could happily accept such authority without a second glance but after the corruption he's seen it's first nature for him to be wary of such leaders.

"I'd wax on about atmospheric pressure and gravity, but then I remember your moons and planets are dead gods and I'm not sure anything I know applies here."

"We have gravity," Felix laughs. He is a little curious what Jim would actually say on the matter, but that's for another time, perhaps. Another time when they aren't surrounded by crowds, or when Felix isn't just enjoying the feeling of walking the gardens of the capital with Jim at his side.

The shadows were already getting long when they entered the city, and when they reach the Temple District the flames are being lit on wall sconces and lamp-posts. That leaves a couple of hours to kill, so Felix soon tugs Jim away to show him around the sights of the district (mostly temples, but there are a lot of libraries and the architecture’s interesting). By the time they return they have to push through the gathering crowds to the spot Ushug’s picked out. They’re up beside a raised fountain, with steps to sit on and a clear view of the sky as well as the massive domed temple that dominates the center of the district. It also puts them nearly in direct line with the great temple doors, and the huge unlit brazier in front of them – both watched over by a complement of the Emperor’s elite guard.

There’s only one place in the plaza with room left to move, and that’s around the contingent of Thalmor taking up the best spot at the front. Felix is looking for them, but they do stick out in all that identical golden armor and the berth all the citizens are giving them. Felix’s mouth twists, even though he can’t see anything besides the guards really. It’s enough to know they’re there, where they have no right to be, looking on things they shouldn’t.

He sighs and looks instead at Jim, a smile creeping back onto his face. The crowd is buzzing with anticipation in between complaints about their feet and how hungry they are. The others have all found friends and acquaintances to chat to (the two boys will get introduced as soon as the family decides they’ve had enough romantic personal time).

“What do you think?” he asks softly. His hand finds Jim’s to curl around it. “Are you ready to see this year out with me?”

Jim is a font of questions throughout their walk through the Temple District. Who built all of these? What are they worshiping? Can we visit the libraries while we're here? Is this architecture native to Imperials or adopted from one of the other races? His gaze is constantly moving from one building to the next with the same eager drive to learn that motivates him in his own career.

The guards are easy enough to pick out from where they're standing at attention, but Jim finds himself equally as curious about the elves stationed at the front of the crowd. He's not seen their style of garb before, and with the berth the citizens are giving he has to wonder what their purpose is. A neighboring country's nobles? Some elite old money family? He nearly asks Felix about them when he catches sight of Felix looking where he is as well and not seeming terribly pleased about it. It's enough to put Jim off of asking for the moment.

He'll settle for returning that creeping smile Felix offers him and glancing down at their entwined hands. This and every year after. Jim's conviction no longer startles him, though the unease of the strength of such convictions still lingers like a fly buzzing about the back of his head.

"I think I can give it a go." The captain chuckles softly with his answer. "Who knows what sorts of trouble we'll get into this year."

“Nothing that’s a match for us,” Felix answers, smile warming like an ember fanned by Jim’s words. They’re not kept waiting too long. A few more guards are taking their places in front of the temple, and then there’s a short fanfare from a couple of trumpeters, just to get everyone’s attention. A herald announces Titus Mede the Second, Emperor of Tamriel. The crowd falls silent as the huge temple doors swing silently open. The interior glows with red-orange lamplight, flickering over the white stone of a colossal statue that lies within, too big to be seen fully. There’s a hint of a curling tail and raised talons.

From the gloom beneath it steps a man in elaborate robes, royal purple and imperial red, grey haired and quietly dignified as he walks out to meet the crowd’s roaring approval. He’s flanked by half a dozen high priests and priestesses of Akatosh in their simple robes – and behind them a captain of the guard, side by side by a man in armor and mage’s hood. The Imperial Battlemage. Despite the watchful entourage, they keep their ranks loose, making sure everyone has a clear view of the man on their coins. The crowd has to be quieted again by the Emperor’s lifted hands before he addresses them.

”My fellow citizens, faithful subjects, honored guests from across Tamriel. Once more I welcome you to observe this most sacred of moments. We stand here to witness the turning of the wheel from the old life to the new, by the blessing of mighty Akatosh…”

Felix shuffles closer to Jim and wraps an arm around him while the Emperor speaks on about reflection, and setting aside the sorrows and errors of the past to embrace renewal. There’s a bit about reminding them all that endurance often means weathering great change, as the Empire has done so many times in the thousands of years since its founding. That that which was born in covenant with the Dragon will never fade, which sounds like a quiet dig at the watching Thalmor. And then the bit where he asks Akatosh to grant them his steadfast invincibility as they meet the coming year…

”As the hour turns toward midnight, let the old year pass, the new year begin,” he winds up, taking the torch offered by a priest and stepping up to the huge brazier on the temple steps. ”And all that is just and worthy endure with us!” So saying, he casts the torch down, the fire roaring up immediately around it to cheers and applause. "Vita Nova! New life to us all!"

“Finally,” Ushug says in the shadows behind them. “Bring on the booze!”

“Hail to the Emperor,” Terentius says wryly. “Hungry, boys?”

"Course not. I've got you with me."

Later, there will be time for sweet words and promises. There's so much Jim wants to tell Felix. So many things he's come to realize about the conjurer. Things he needs to say and admit.

But that time is not now. The Imperial Emperor is making his appearance, along with what must be his most trusted retainers. Jim studies all of them carefully whilst leaning into Felix's embrace. Everyone gathered may have heard this all before but the speech and ceremony are new to James Kirk and he pays very close attention. While much of the symbolism and digs at factions goes over his head, the grand scale of the event certainly doesn't.

His grip on Felix tightens when the emperor welcomes in the new year. In just a few days time he'll be the same age as George Kirk was. His chest tightens but there's cheers all around them. New life, huh? He takes a long, deep breath when Felix's relatives head to them again and makes sure his best smile is in place.

"Lead the way."

The music is striking up as they join the crowd heading for the Arboretum. A low, pulsing drumbeat fills the air, a couple of hopeful pipes rising and trilling above it before the rest of the lutes and pipes come crashing in with a joyfully complicated tune. The air smells of spices and fragrant wood-smoke (and unwashed fellow travelers, it's true) and above them silk and paper lanterns in all shapes and colors are coming alight.

The crowd's gotten noisier than before too, making it a bit of a challenge not to lose track of their family as they go. But they make it through another set of gates to a new district of the city - and this one appears to be a huge park. They get some space as the crowd scatters over the grass, and the little clan follows Ushug's nose for one of the sets of long food-laden tables spread along the paths. The noise makes it easy for Jim to avoid making more conversation than he needs, and pretty soon Felix is helping point out safe foods for him anyway. Cyrodiil is unfortunately fond of berries, but there's plenty of other food, quite a lot of it inspired by recipes from the various other provinces. Sweet Khajiit treats, spicy Hammerfell staples, meaty Bosmer recipes... and plenty of beer and wine to wash it all down of course.

Ushug's plate is already piled high. At Terentius's grin she stares at him and pointedly sinks her teeth into a leg of goose. "Look, we both know I'm not here for your Imperial rituals. I'm here for food, fireworks and the chance to piss on some damned Thalmor."

"Ushug!" Marcella hisses, spluttering wine all over her dress. She swats her mentor, trying not to laugh as she looks around them. They seem to be safe, so she sighs and looks at Jim instead. "Well, I hope you're enjoying all... this, so far."

By the time his father was standing where Jim Kirk is now, he already had a wife and son. He'd be only months away from making sure Jim was included in that family. While Sam lived with his grandmother, they were out in space. And what has Jim done with that time?

The gift his father died to give him?

He's spent it picking fights and breaking laws. Pissing off his mother's new suitors and polite society alike. Cheated the Kobayashi Maru and ruining every good thing he's ever had. Everything but the Enterprise.

And Felix.

The lights of the lanterns catch on the Imperial's dark hair and eyes, giving his profile a warm glow that Jim allows himself to be swept up in admiring while they make their way to food. He's opened his home to Jim. His family. His way of life. What Jim has done to deserve this, he cannot possibly say. Not when he's hidden things from Felix, lied about his past and so much more. But here they are, all the same.

With Felix's knowledgeable help, Jim soon has a mostly full plate and (more importantly to him) a large mug of beer to enjoy with it. He watches Felix's family and tries his best to put his own from his mind, for now. It's rude to his guests, for one.

"Are we shushing the pissing or the Thalmor part of that sentence? Because regardless, i would pay to see whatever this is."

Felix is almost totally relaxed by this point, enjoying the music, the spectacle, the innocent nostalgia and good feeling around them- and most of all, sharing it with Jim for the first time...

"Thalmor," he answers automatically, and then his expression changes as he realizes. Ah. Shit. Much lower, "I didn't explain the Thalmor..."

Blast. He'd hate to spoil Jim's dinner but this needs to be addressed. Enough so that Jim knows what not to say, anyway. Felix places a hand on the captain's back and guides him away from the crowd, to the shadows beneath a lantern-hung tree. It's on a bit of a hillock so they can get a good view of the festivities while they eat... and talk. The others give Felix a bit of an exasperated look - how could you not give your boyfriend the Talk, really? - but follow along and sit nearby, exchanging rumors about which performers they should look for and when the fireworks will begin.

"So," Felix begins, clearly deciding how much to say. "I've mentioned the Great War that happened here, right?"

The temperature in the group just dropped a collective several degrees by the looks being exchanged right now. Instantly Jim is on guard, expression shifting easily to one of controlled concern. He follows Felix atop the hill and under the tree. He can still faintly hear the cheers people are giving and the drinking songs that have already started.

It feels like they're apart from all of that now.

"You have." Short, to the point. He's thinking back on everything he's seen since they approached the city. It won't be more than a few seconds before his eyes narrow. "Those robed people at the front of the ceremony. That's who you're talking about. What did they do?"

Edited 2017-06-22 12:59 (UTC)

Felix nods at Jim's guess, looking surprised for a minute. Jim has a way of noticing and remembering things the conjurer didn't think he'd pick up on. He takes another few seconds deciding on where to start because, to an Imperial, 'what the Thalmor did' is an impossibly vast catalog of offenses.

"They invaded," he says quietly. "This was all a few years before I was born, of course. They swept up from the south and took or besieged almost every town in Cyrodiil. The Emperor was forced to abandon the Imperial City itself." There's a pang in his voice at that - he wasn't born here, wasn't born at all when it happened, and yet an echo of the pain and shock has been inculcated in him with every tale he's heard of the event.

"The Eighth Legion stayed behind," he adds a little more softly. "To defend the city and cover the Emperor's retreat. They died fighting to the last man." He looks up at the towering wall beyond the parkland, pristine as moonstone beneath the moons and dotted with distant torches. "My aunt Arvenna died on one of these walls." He sips the cup of hot wine in his hand. "The Thalmor sacked the city and slaughtered most of the people. They occupied it for a year before the Emperor was able to gather enough legions to retake the city and drive them out of Cyrodiil. After that, they agreed to a peace treaty. One that outlawed the worship of the Empire's patron god."

Felix doesn't easily incline toward anger. Jim knows this by now. But he also knows enough to recognize the coiled, venomous thing beneath the Imperial's deliberately cool and calm voice. Felix despises these people in a way he does no-one else. Perhaps even more than he realizes consciously. He can't hide it here, speaking of these things. Not from Jim.

He hadn't missed the look Felix had given the people in the robes, and it's not a look Felix had worn during any other part of their trek and introducing Jim to the various facets of Felix's world. It doesn't take much deductive reasoning past that. Just a head for details and some pattern recognition.

"It's not a treaty if they still hold power over you and tell your people what they can and cannot do. I know you and your brother. No god the Imperials worship would be one of devastation and suffering. And the gods..they're important here. Not just some vague belief that may or may not exist. Tell me, does the Empire get a say in what the Thalmor do? They don't, do they? That is no peace treaty. You're effectively a colony. They own you. Or think they do, at any rate."

Jim can't believe this. All the cheer and pleasantries among these people, all the while living under the rule of some other species and for what? Because they had the stones to stand up to them and take their home back?

"And everyone is just...fine with it. Letting that be the state of affairs."

Edited 2017-06-22 19:51 (UTC)

The Imperial's expression darkens even in the shadows, giving away just how deep those words cut. Because they're true, in all the important ways.

"It's not like that," he protests. "Not... not completely. Neither side was able to keep fighting, that's why we needed the treaty. We can't afford to start another war yet, but neither can they. They can't just push the Emperor around." They just... have the stronger position at the bargaining table, and everyone with half a brain knows it.

"Like the ban on Talos-worship. The Empire barely enforced it for years. Sure, the big chapels had to close, but nobody was arresting priests or knocking on doors to see who had a household shrine. Even less if you lived out in the provinces.. Not until the rebellion in Skyrim gave the Thalmor leverage to demand more powers." His mouth twists like the name leaves a bad taste of its own, and thinking of exactly what the Thalmore have done with their free hand sickens him, makes him deflate before he speaks again.

"Nobody's fine with it, Jim. We just... can't change it, yet."

"Fuck, Felix...."

Jim's fingers dig into the fabric of Felix's tunic, a turbulent storm of emotion in his eyes. And there's nothing he can do to help. Well, a lie. There's plenty he could do but it would ruin this world forever if he did. Whatever path this world would have been on, he would be altering it. And for a terrible moment Jim doesn't care. But he recovers, composure back in place after only a moment of outburst.

"Look at me. I'm sorry I asked. Just...let's just enjoy what we have, here. Your emperor is putting on a brave face and celebrating in spite of your people's oppressors. I just...I want...We can talk about them later. They don't get to own this night too. This belongs to you and your people."

There's something hard and bitter in Felix's eyes when he looks up, but he meets Jim's gaze and his expression softens. He smiles a little, grasping Jim's arms tightly.

"To us," he agrees softly. He leans closer, drinking in Jim's presence. The reassurance of his support, his sympathetic anger. If he's spoiled the evening a little, it almost feels worth it. "You were right to ask. You needed to know. I should have talked to you about it before, but..." He shakes his head. "I didn't want to get you mixed up in it. They aren't your enemies to worry about.

"For now, you're right. Let's enjoy the food and the shows. And then, if you're still in the mood, we can take a couple of those kites for a test flight..."

"Hey, no. Listen."

Jim pulls Felix close, hands moving from Felix's arms to his back and pressing him against Jim. Felix is slightly larger than he is, but Jim can support his weight. For a minute at least. He touches his head to the side of Felix's and breathes his promises into the Imperial's ear.

"Your enemies are my enemies. Your struggles are mine. I'm here for you." For now and in the future. And for once, Jim isn't afraid of this notion. If there's one thing he's good at, it's fighting for a cause.

"There's plenty to enjoy." He nods against Felix again and sighs. "Don't worry for now. I'm here for you."

Felix thinks he's good with words, but he'd be hard-pressed to describe how he feels when Jim murmurs that quiet vow in his ears. He clings tightly and shuts his eyes, letting out a long exhale that's part relief and part shock and part gladness. It's a promise he never wants to call on. The implications are terrifying-

But that's for another night. Here and now, he has Jim and he has his family and the Empire stands strong. None could harm them. He relaxes in Jim's arms and breathes in the sweet smells of home.

There's a fanfare from the city's inner walls, then, drawing everyone's attention in the direction of the White-Gold Tower in time for the fireworks to start. Tamriel has no holograms or lasers or the technology that Jim's people do - but they've been practicing their fireworks for a very long time, and there's more than a little illusion magic enhancing the display. The sky is soon alight with ribbons and starbursts and fountains of all colors - and then whales and ships and eagles, auroras and spriggans and minotaurs. There's a particularly good bit where they outline the symbols for all twelve major constellations in order, starting with the Ritual and ending with the Thief.

And dragons, of course. Those are the recurrent theme. Stylized creatures, it's true, little like the predatory lifeforms that menace Skyrim. But the Imperial pyromancers make sure to have flames appear to leap from their jaws and the children love it. The grown-ups love it. Ushug is cheering, but she did say she was here to see some explosions. Felix just leans against Jim and watches happily, plate cleaned of food and a second cup of wine in hand.

Whoa.

Jim is speechless by the display in the late night sky. What should be a chill night is warmed by fires and more than a little magic (not that Jim would know if it were). His breath comes in small clouds and his eyes are wide.

He knows whales, ships. Eagles. But there are many creatures he doesn't recognize and some he had no idea if they were real or legend. In Skyrim it tends to always be a bit of both. Jim hears the cheers but his voice has absconded, leaving him in a silent wonder when the fireworks turn from symbols he only vaguely finds familiar to full on stylized dragons.

His grip on Felix's hand entwined in his tightens when it it breathes a shower of gold sparks as flames. A few breathless swears fall from his lips absently.

A night sky like this is a sight the captain has never seen before.

A winter beneath the auroras of Skyrim have gone some way to inuring Felix against the sheer wonder of lights in the sky. But there's nothing truly like the Emperor's court wizards putting on the greatest show of the year. You can see the display all the way from the heights of Bruma if the skies are clear.

Home at last, he thinks, drinking in the work of master illusionists and master alchemists alike. He knows just enough to appreciate how difficult some of those tricks are, how little he understands the craft that accomplished them.

But there is a view he likes better - the one he gets when he sneaks a look at Jim's expression. Felix grins, very satisfied indeed. The Imperial City at New Year is the greatest party in Tamriel. Even enough to impress a space captain from beyond the stars. And yet... there's a simple pleasure in watching Jim's delight that really doesn't care about Imperial honor or one-upping far-off Federations.

"Will you be up to joining me for a dance, after this?"

The Emperor's court wizards and their magics make it difficult for Jim to pull his gaze from the sky and pay attention to Felix's offer. He's so caught up in the display he had nearly forgotten everything else.

Yet Felix isn't the only one enamored by the soft smile of his lover. Jim's smile softens.

"I suppose it's only right you teach me the dances of your world. I have it on fairly good authority mine would get us kicked out of any proper establishment."

The memories of borrowed costumes and close spaces are as fresh in Jim's mind as though they had happened only yesterday. Of music and liquor flowing freely. Of a cunning smile and promised words. The first of many healing sessions and oh the talent in those fingers and that mouth. Felix Caelus is a magic all unto himself.

"Let us hope I'm half as good a student as you were."

"And that I can match your teaching." His smile only grows at the reminder of their first night together. Of how well Jim recalls it.

He'll wait until the show ends and the musicians turn their lutes and drums to dancing tunes before he pushes himself to his feet and offers Jim a hand up. There's much else to come this night, but first he'll do his best to show Jim the jigs and voltas popular here... and perhaps, then, some of the less restrained dances already being demonstrated by Bosmer and Khajiiti celebrants in other parts of the gardens. Jim's still unlikely to find anything he considers racy, but he'll notice not everyone pretends to Imperial notions of propriety... including a lot of Imperials themselves. Especially after a drink or two.

But whatever they're dancing, whoever their partners, Felix will never be more than a couple of steps away.

It won' be too difficult to learn these dances. Jim's not entirely sure more than a couple of these even count as dancing where he's from to be perfectly honest. A few of the jigs are pretty fun and the captain casts a keen eye over at the Khajiti dances going on across the gardens with a grin on his face.

Don't think he missed the one that looks most like what he'd call fun.

Though as they're out in public, Jim does his best not to attract unwanted attention. It's a good thing Felix stays close though. He'll have to shoo away some of Jim's more appreciative partners.

A fine way to begin the year anew, with liquor and light under the night sky in the thrumming heart of the Imperial culture.

Vita Nova (for smartass_captain)

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Hope you're feeling a bit better!

yes, thank you! :3 very tired tonight but getting some tags in

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