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]

"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."

[conjuredskies]

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."

[smartass_captain]

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."

[conjuredskies]

"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.

[smartass_captain]

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.

[conjuredskies]

"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.

[smartass_captain]

"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..."

[conjuredskies]

"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."

[smartass_captain]

"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."

[conjuredskies]

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.

[smartass_captain]

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.

[conjuredskies]

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..."

[smartass_captain]

"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."

[conjuredskies]

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."

[smartass_captain]

"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.

[conjuredskies]

"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.

[smartass_captain]

"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."

[conjuredskies]

"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.

[smartass_captain]

"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.

[conjuredskies]

"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.

[smartass_captain]

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."

[conjuredskies]

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."

[smartass_captain]

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."