Felix Caelus

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."