Vita Nova (for smartass_captain)

[conjuredskies]

It’s taken a great deal of effort and no small subterfuge to obtain the right co-ordinates. But at long last it’s done, and when Felix and Jim appear it’s beneath the clear blue skies and on the gentle green grass of central Cyrodiil. They’re in a low hollow, surrounded by hillocks that block them from view, though atop one is a small circular structure of worn white columns. The air is cool, but much milder than in Skyrim this time of year. Felix draws a deep breath and turns to Jim with a smile, gesturing toward one of the hills. He’s out of uniform and wearing his own leathers for this trip - it simplifies things.

From the top, he already knows, there’s an excellent view of the grassy slopes stretching down to the shores of Lake Nibenay, its vast waters stretching out to the horizon both left and right… and beyond that, seeming equally vast, the towering white walls of the Imperial City, shadowing the tiny isles and the full-masted ships that ply the waters around it. Only one building rises above those walls: the shining spindle of the White-Gold Tower, impossibly tall from this angle. There’s a road below, following the general line of the shore, and even from a distance the sound of horses and carts and chatting travelers can be heard. It takes a lot of traffic to keep the heart of an Empire beating.

“Welcome to the Imperial City,” Felix says softly.

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[smartass_captain]

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."