Felix Caelus

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."