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.

Comments

[smartass_captain]

"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?"

[conjuredskies]

"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."

[smartass_captain]

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.

[conjuredskies]

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."

[smartass_captain]

"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?"

[conjuredskies]

"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."

[smartass_captain]

"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..?"

[conjuredskies]

"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."

[smartass_captain]

"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?"

[conjuredskies]

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...."

[smartass_captain]

"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?"

[conjuredskies]

"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."

[smartass_captain]

"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."

[conjuredskies]

"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."

[smartass_captain]

"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."

[conjuredskies]

"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."

[smartass_captain]

"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.

[conjuredskies]

"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.

[smartass_captain]

"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...?"

[conjuredskies]

"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.

[smartass_captain]

"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.

[conjuredskies]

"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.

[smartass_captain]

"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."

[conjuredskies]

"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...

[smartass_captain]

"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."