Bene venisti (for smartass_captain )

[conjuredskies]

The last time Jim came to Bruma was upon the tail-end of a waking nightmare. The last time he walked the streets was just before he descended into a crypt to rescue Felix from himself. Hardly the circumstances to let him appreciate the snowbound town perched high in the Jerrall Mountains above Cyrodiil.

How much has changed, though. It’s afternoon in Bruma, and Felix is leading them out of the alleys behind the house, the pair of them bundled up against the cold. The snow has been swept to one side of the streets, and the town’s citizens are going about their day, from rugged fur-wrapped hunters to young women in bright cloaks heading for the chapel. The smell of smoke is on the wind as Felix takes his fiance’s hand and leads them up to the old familiar door under carved low-slung eaves. The front window shutters are open, and he’s sure they’ll have been spotted already. He lowers his hood and shares a look with Jim, a small smile before he knocks on the varnished wood.

Terentius doesn’t move too fast these days, and he’s half-consciously expecting a couple of minutes’ reprieve while they wait. Instead the door opens within seconds. He finds himself looking – up – at- gods, he does look so much like Stratos, doesn’t he? His complexion’s lighter and his face is lined; perhaps this man is a little heavier built than Stratos… and he’s smiling. Widely, genuinely, stepping back to gesture them both in. He’s clearly had time to change, whatever clothes he traveled in exchanged for a set of dark blue and gold robes.

“Come, come, it’s too cold to stand in the street.” Time in foreign parts has diminished his Brumese accent, but it’s still stronger than Felix’s: the vowels more drawn out, the hard consonants softer. “And here you are at last. Felix-” and now he’s pulling his slightly dazed son into an embrace as fierce as it is brief, before standing back to look at him, “I’m glad to see you. And to congratulate you!” He turns to look at Jim properly, eyes bright with interest. “This must be-?”

“Captain James Tiberius Kirk,” Felix says with quiet pride. “My betrothed, father. Jim, may I introduce my father, Legate Nereus Caelus of the Seventh Legion.”

Comments

[smartass_captain]

Truthfully, the only other time Jim's been to Bruma there was no time to stop and appreciate the sights. For a quiet mountain town the streets of Bruma are narrow and packed densely especially on the smaller residential roads. Each lowslung house looks as sturdy and cozy as the last but Jim remembers when they round a bend which door to head to.

Impossible to miss really, with Felix holding his hand as though they're sneaking off somewhere. He can't help but to smile back though his heart leaps into his throat with the door answers so swiftly. Rather than affable Terentius who has Felix's easy grin he's staring at a man Jim's never seen before even if the bone structure and shoulders scream Stratos at him at top volume.

Jim's hyper aware of every breath he makes, every shift in his posture as he's all but herded into the entryway watching Felix nearly lifted from the ground by the intensity of his father's earnest hug.

"L-legate Caelus. It's an honor to meet you." He remembers all of Felix's lessons in manners and is quick to bow the way he's always seen it done.

[conjuredskies]

Nereus bows gravely in return, more at ease with the gesture than Jim is. There is a reserve to his posture nonetheless, something thoughtful as he studies the young man before him, weighing Jim's well-dressed appearance, his handsome features and earnest courtesy against his strange accent and the sheer dearth of information he's been given.

Whatever his private thoughts, he seems to snap out of them quickly, and he gives Jim a kind smile. "The honor is mine, captain. I must confess I've spent the past six weeks wondering just who my son has pledged himself to. It's a relief to finally see you in person." A moment's pause, looking between the two of them. "But come, take off your cloaks and join us by the fire."

He steps back, gesturing at one of the other doorways... in which Terentius is already leaning with a smile, careful not to interrupt until now.

"Welcome home to you both," he says, while Felix is taking both their cloaks and hanging them by the door. I'm glad you made it in one piece."

[smartass_captain]

It's Felix, if anyone, who will notice the strange magic first. Clinging about Jim's neck where his cloak is fastened sits an ornate wooden brooch in the shape of the Imperial emblem, it's angular dragon design embedded in a lighter wood with silver rays and detailing against the darker back. But the flavor of magic hovering around it is Asgardian seidr rather than Nirnish magicka. BY all accounts it looks like something that belongs of this word but looks can be quite deceiving.

There may be a trace of the Breton knights' accents in Jim's own as they were his most boisterous study partners whenever he wasn't talking with Stratos or Felix but the quick way he speaks is all thanks to Jim's own upbringing. And funnily enough, neither of them look or smell like they've spent a day travelling hard.

Though some of Jim's nerves ease visibly when he spies a familiar face in Felix's Uncle. His smile is easier and a bit less formal though he won't notice it in himself.

"I appreciate the hospitality. As pretty as the weather outside looks, I'm glad for a warm fire and friends to spend the afternoon with." He lets Felix help him with his cloak and waits for him before following Father Caelus and Felix's Uncle further inside. He's seen these carefully carved doorways before. The rugs and knick-knacks settled on every shelf. It feels tidier in here now than when he was last here, but then, this time Terentius had time to plan for his guests' arrivals.

"I'd wager Felix is happy to be home after all our time stomping about the forests around Solitude, for certain."

[conjuredskies]

It's a small thing, a subtle kind of magic. But Felix is sensitive to foreign magic more than anything. The moment his fingers brush the edges of the brooch he notices. His own cloak is slung over his arm while he pauses to examine it. That's new, and he didn't give it to Jim. Perhaps Stratos? It's beautifully crafted, and it looks Nirnish... but the feel of it (though elusive) is not.

But his name is spoken, and the conjurer looks up in a hurry to find his father giving him another smile.

"Yes, indeed. Are you coming, Felix?"

"Of course." He flashes a smile back and hangs up the cloaks. No doubt his father will just think he's nervous. No doubt. It's so easy to forget the kind of work Nereus does.

"Have you been on the road all day?" he asks as they settle down. Terentius has his preferred seat near the fire, next to a heavy jug which he uses to dispense drinks to the new arrivals. They're warm, and turn out to contain a kind of mulled cider. Someone took notes on Jim's preferences back in Cyrodiil. "I was starting to fear none of us would arrive before the snows."

"Fortunately no, we stayed overnight at an inn. The climb up to Bruma takes long enough with a hot meal and a night's rest behind you."

"True." But his father's curious attention is turning back to Jim. "How did you find it, captain? I take it you're a landsman yourself, so perhaps Skyrim has prepared you well for our mountains."

[smartass_captain]

The only way Jim can detect magic of any kind is either by feeling its effects firsthand or smelling the hints of it in the air during a particularly taxing spell that leaves excess mana lingering about. He is completely oblivious to what he's brought into the Caelus house, only thinking about it insofar as that Loki's loaned brooch is a good accessory to his outfit and a finely crafted detail to sell the fact that he's from this world by looks alone. So far as he's concerned it's the perfect addition to his disguise.

Jim lingers in the doorway for Felix to choose them a place to sit before he settles in next to the conjurer and passes him one of the cups Terentius is pouring out for each of them. He gives a startled hum of pleasure at the cider once he's sniffed it, blue eyes bright. He can definitely have this without difficulty. His murmured thanks is quiet so as not to talk over Nereus or Felix.

"We were lucky the border is so quiet, these days, or there mightn't have been a place to stay at the inn with how idyllic the scenery has been." Jim's only traveled North to Bruma before but he imagines the road from Skyrim south must be equally as lovely so far as the sights are concerned. "Even the constant hiking won't stop my legs from hating me come morning but they'll forgive me this, I'm sure. When Felix said I hadn't seen anything yet at my complaints of some of the steep roads near Solitude he wasn't jesting."

What starts as a curious sip of the cider becomes an eager drink. It's so good! Mm.

"Ah, but how did your own travels fare? I had been lead to believe your trip might have been enough to make ours seem like a...like alight jaunt by comparison." He has to lick at his lip a moment to find the words he wants but so far Jim's keeping up easily in conversation.

[conjuredskies]

Why would Jim have strange magic with him? What purpose does it serve, left on his cloak? Did the Durants give it to him, or- no. No, that's not Harrowheart's magic. That much he knows.

He's almost too preoccupied to take in Jim's conversation, or the way his father chuckles at the invented description of their uphill trek.

"Longer, certainly, though I did have the advantage of traveling by ship. The road from Anvil isn't entirely comfortable, but I gather it's a good sight safer than crossing Skyrim these days. Ah- tell me, is it really true there are dragons up there?" The elder Caelus leans forward a little, his intense curiosity about the man sitting beside his son momentarily sidetracked by this equally urgent question.

At that, Felix actually laughs, seeming to forget his nerves. "Yes, actually. They're terrifying beasts, but you ought to see them, father - from a long distance."

"I did tell you, Nereus," Terentius chides as he refills his cup.

[smartass_captain]

"It's been quite a while since I was last at sea. I hope the weather was fair for your journey."

Felix's crafted background for Jim hangs at the forefront of Jim's mind. He would have had to take a boat to get from whatever small isle he was supposed to come from. Maybe a trade boat to the mainland? From there, he supposes it would all have been on foot or by cart. The maps Stratos keeps in his tent have all been studied carefully, even if Jim doesn't know many of the places mentioned on them by anything other than name.

He's so busy trying to get his geography straight that he nearly misses Nereus' question entirely. Jim chuckles and nods along to support Felix's claims.

"I didn't believe it at first, either. Solitude has been blessed so far though. Nothing so dangerous has come near."

[conjuredskies]

"I may have to make a detour north before I return to duty," Nereus muses, something familiar in his smile. "But I should really solve the mystery in front of me before I go looking for more, shouldn't I? Captain, I believe my sons have been trying to keep me in suspense. Between the pair of them I have yet been told almost nothing about you. Tell me, where do you hail from? And how did you come to meet Felix?"

The latter is subjected to a fond paternal look; he hopes his smile in answer will cover the way his heart is hammering. Jim's got this one. And Felix is ready to jump in and help him with the second part at least.

[smartass_captain]

Jim feels his pulse double at the attention being shifted toward himself. His own smile hasn't lost it's friendly charm despite this. He's used to working under pressure and smothering his nerves. At the very least, not letting them surface. Show no weakness, Captain.

"I hardly qualify as a mystery, sir. There's not much to tell, I'm afraid. Wasn't much on the isle I called home save for fishing to turn into a trade, but I'm not the kind of man who can stay still for that long. Worked until I had enough saved and bought passage on a merchant's runner to the mainland."

He gives a self conscious chuckle then before sipping at his cider and not letting himself look toward Terentius while he talks. Felix's uncle knows that none of this is true, he must have put it together by now. He's seen Jim in his own world's cloth.

"If I'd have known now how different the world would be from home, I think I'd have left even sooner. There's so much to see out here. Even more to do and explore. A fellow could spend many a year and not document even a fraction of it all."

[conjuredskies]

"I'm just glad you left," Felix says, flashing a smirk at Jim. "I don't care how nice your island was, you were wasted there. Jim has a true talent for research and observation, if not so much in the realm of spellcraft. That's how we met, as a matter of fact - he was asking around for someone to teach him alchemy and a mutual acquaintance introduced me." He coughs. "Although alchemy ended up being one of the lesser things we discussed..."

Terentius gives a snort that might solely be amusement at his nephew's expense. The old soldier is stoking the fire, mild expression giving nothing away. Nereus stifles a chuckle.

"No doubt you'll understand then when I say that you've given me the excuse to escape a very long winter sheltering on one island or other," he says to Jim. "The open sea is no place for any ship at this time of year. Long though the journey was, I can't pretend to be sorry that I'll spend this New Year by my own hearth - and with my own family. That is a tremendously rare pleasure for me."

[smartass_captain]

A small noise of regretful agreement escapes Jim at the mention of his inability to use magic. From what he's heard about Bretons that's kind of out of character for his supposed folk but it's not as though he can fake being a mage to a family of battle mages. It would be folly to even attempt a lie on that scale.

"Aside from my barely passable skill with a bow, I needed some way to earn a living." He's quick to agree but there's a nuance to Felix's euphemism that passes right over Jim's head until Terentius snorts and Jim doubletakes with a look of mild disbelief. Felix don't talk about bedroom affairs in front of your father. That Dunmeri swear he just muttered is definitely not anyone's imagination.

Thankfully Nereus isn't touching that remark. Jim isn't sure he could keep a straight face if he had to talk about that part of his getting to know Felix in any real detail with the man's father. Not that he's ashamed of any of it just, that seems really awkward.

"I'm somewhat in between tasks myself at the moment and the wait has been positively killing me. I want to be out there doing things and making discoveries, not lounging about an outpost's commons waiting for a pass to clear."

[conjuredskies]

Judging by the way Felix's cheeks flush, he didn't really intend his remark to be taken that way. Thanks, Uncle, way to prove you're his mother's brother. Nereus is tactful enough to let it slide with barely a quirk of his mouth, but then maybe he's still surprised at Jim's lack of magic. Still, no trait applies to a group perfectly. And it's easy to see how Felix would take to a man with such a hunger to explore the world around him.

"That sounds rather familiar. It doesn't seem so long ago that I was hearing about a certain son of mine sneaking off to forbidden ruins and dragging his elder brother after him." He's not talking about Rielle. He can't be. Not when he's smiling that way- though it takes Felix a split second of panic to remember that.

"I was ten," he tells Jim. "And I simply wanted to see what the fuss was about." Relaxing, he adds, "Speaking of Stratos, we traveled down with him. He had some letters to attend to, but he should be along soon." He's glad he said that, seeing how his father's eyes light up a little more.

"Excellent. We'll have to leave enough cider for him, then." Not that Nereus is doing all that much drinking, if one pays attention. "You and he must be very well-acquainted by this stage, Captain- where does the title stem from, if I might ask?"

"Oh, he's in charge of a small company of adventurers," Felix pipes up - out of sheer pride, of course.

[smartass_captain]

Jim's drinking rather more than he should be but then having the cup to his mouth is the only passable excuse he has to not speaking up and buying himself time to parse what's being said and what he should say next. It's not too difficult to keep up but Nereus's accent is different enough that it makes Jim have to pause to make sure he's heard everything right. He doesn't think it's overly obvious but then again he's sweating with nerves no matter how charming a smile he wears outwardly.

Is this going well? He thinks this might be going well. Terentius is here at the least and doesn't seem to be worried at all so they're probably doing this right?

"I think he was glad to be rid of us for a few hours, personally. Can't say I'd know why..." Felix, try to tease and mess with his brother? Say it isn't so. And his panic at having to make up a faction isn't even allowed to fully manifest because Felix has him covered once again. Jim tries to look knowledgeable when he nods. Confident.

That's exactly what he was going to say, yep.

"All of whom are very grateful for this turn of events I'm sure. Gives them a chance to have a holiday for the New Year celebrations."

[conjuredskies]

"Jim can be a little overzealous when he's on the trail of a discovery," Felix says with a fond smile. "Not that your comrades aren't equally dedicated."

"Adventurers," Nereus echoes thoughtfully. If he notices how Felix rushes to chip in for Jim, he's not going to make a point of saying so. He seems a little hesitant about this revelation, however. "A dangerous line of work, if exciting. Do your explorations take you delving into ruins, then? Or seeking treasure in ancient tombs?"

[smartass_captain]

"I beg your pardon?"

It's more polite than Jim would word it, but what vocabulary he has has been heavily influenced by Stratos and Felix. He simply doesn't know enough slang and casual grammar to be more loose with his words. "I wouldn't say overzealous. Just the right amount. I could do more but you won't let me."

How pesky to have someone force him to eat and sleep more than the bare minimum for survival. But Jim's smiling. He knows that his drive is not one shared by Felix. Which is probably for the best considering how unhealthy it can be for him at times.

"Yes." He confirms for Nereus but then checks his next smile at the expression the man wears. Dangerous? Well. With bandits and vampires skulking about in every curious bit of ruins that might be so. Draugr and worse. Jim nods more slowly. "Treasure is of no import to me. What I seek is knowledge and to uncover lost truths. History unearthed. The unknown discovered. I want to stand somewhere no one has been before, or unearth something lost to the ages. Compared to that, money is..." Jim shakes his head. It's laughable to think that's something he'd be interested in. But this world does use it, he remembers his economy lessons.

"A means to an end, nothing more."

[conjuredskies]

"You see?" Terentius remarks to Nereus. "They sound like they're married already."

It has the effect of interrupting Nereus's thoughtful nodding, the elder mage breaking into a laugh. "Yes, indeed. I never expected to hear that Felix was the one marrying so soon, but I'm beginning to understand." He remembers to sip his cider before it gets cold.

"You may not be a mage, but you prize much the same things," he goes on. "And I couldn't agree more. Gold is useful, but knowledge is truly valuable. Still, I'm glad to know you have a company at your back on your excursions. I certainly hope you'll invite some of them to the wedding." Jim has no chance to answer that before Nereus adds with mild concern, "And what of your own family? It must be a tremendously long way for them to travel..."

[smartass_captain]

Married already? It's a damn good thing that Jim's finished his first drink or he'd be sputtering it now. As it stands he seems to suddenly be very interested in the bottom of his mug. The color on his face is surely only a trick of the firelight.

It means he's not looking at any of them when the suggestions they've all been dreading finally sees light. He's on the cusp of agreeing to at least invite people, whether or not they agree to come is another matter but Nereus keeps going. At least this question he's prepared for. He doesn't have to pretend to close off his expression and kill any happiness on his face at the mention of family.

"I have no family to ask after."

[conjuredskies]

"Have patience uncle, we've much to do before that!" Welcome to family life, Jim. Felix is used to this, in one form or another: though he's embarrassed he just pulls a face at Terentius and leans closer to Jim, slipping an arm through the captain's.

He's glad he did, then, because Nereus almost immediately gets a taste of why Jim isn't accustomed to such familial teasing. The elder Caelus's expression sobers along with everyone else's. His gaze on Jim's face is searching as ever, but there's something softer to it now. A touch of understanding.

"I'm sorry for that, captain. In that case I am all the more glad to welcome you into ours." He's too polite to ask more, for now. Felix sees his father's eyes lift to him a moment and knows he'll face some questions later. "We must make sure to give you a proper introduction to Bruma, over the next few days. It's no Imperial City but it has its own charm and share of sights to explore."

[smartass_captain]

Jim's apology is a quiet murmur barely more than a breath that forms the words, so quiet is it in this close room. He looks up and meets their gazes one by one and stops when he locks eyes with Felix. As ever, some of the tension in his face eases then.

He's got the crew. Plus Felix and Stratos. It's more than enough and soon he might have even more to count among the number.

"One less factor to worry about for the preparations, at least. It's not a fresh wound, sir. Do not trouble yourself about it. You had no way of knowing."

[conjuredskies]

Soon. Felix's steady gaze and the pressure on his arm promise that. He's not alone here.

"We all have our sorrows to bear," Nereus says quietly. His tone lightens carefully then, offering a shift back to more comfortable ground. "I hope my sons have been taking care of you on your travels. Cyrodiil is a far gentler place than Skyrim, but I'm sure it can be quite strange in its own way, when you are newly arrived..."

A knock on the door makes them look up, and Felix rises swiftly. "That must be Stratos- there's no need to stir again, Father, I'll let him in." He hurries out, leaving Jim to handle the conversation alone for a minute. However, Terentius takes the chance to start in with a story about coming back home after his time in Hammerfell, which should give the captain some reprieve.

Felix, meanwhile, lets Stratos in and tells him where to find the others. While his brother is knocking snow from his boots and unclasping his cloak, the conjurer's attention returns to the flicker of magic Jim carried in with him. He's inspecting the brooch when Stratos leans over his shoulder.

"An illusion?"

"I suppose so." If Stratos thinks so, that's likely what it is. "It's not... ah. Can you tell what it's for? I don't know where he'd acquire something like this." Something foreign to this plane. Something subtle enough that trying to sense it is like trying to catch a faint star in the corner of one's eye.

"I could-"

"Stratos-!" Their father is in the doorway, though he hesitates just a fraction on seeing the two huddled together by the cloaks. He rallies, however, and chuckles. "How long are you planning to keep us waiting? Come in, before the rest of us finish the cider."

"Father." Stratos hangs his cloak up and steps forward to meet Nereus's embrace. Felix envies how at ease he is with the gesture. Stratos is supposed to be the one with the stiff neck.

[smartass_captain]

It is no fault of Felix's that Stratos is so skilled in hiding his true emotions much the same way Jim Kirk is. None of them need to know the lengths Stratos has gone to in attempt to avoid and delay this exact moment. But there is no madness in Nereus Caelus' features, no rigid demands made of the eldest son.

No sharp objects anywhere to hand.

Just a loving father welcoming home his eldest son from his travels. Yes, yes. Jim's already inside. Though you could have said more about the man in your letters, Stratos! He does seem to get along remarkably well with Terentius in any case, if the laughter from further within is any indication.

"And I wonder how I ever took to question which side of the family you fell on." From what little Jim has heard of Salatia Caelus he really should have guessed sooner that Terentius was a relation to her rather than to Nereus. Though the two families seem exceptionally close given how the man spoke to Nereus before. "With the border closed now, is Bruma faring alright though? It looked busy enough when we walked in but one has to wonder..."

[conjuredskies]

If Felix doesn't notice the way Stratos keeps his hands on his father's arms for a couple of moments, staring at his face before he relinquishes the embrace- he has other things on his mind. And if Stratos misses the way Nereus looks over his shoulder for a second at Felix, standing uncertainly with hands tucked behind his back- he has plenty on his mind too.

"I'm sorry for that, Father- it's just that I thought Felix the better one to tell you..." he's saying as Nereus herds them back inside. Terentius is leaning forward on his chair, chuckling as he refills Jim's cider and pours a cup for Stratos.

"Better than you might think, only because of the Legion. Bruma's half a fort as it is. All the extra soldiers heading north need meat and drink, weapons, clothes- taverns to sneak off to. On the other hand, soldiers can't pay top coin for the finer things in life. Not so many merchants want to haul their carts up the Silver Road just to get stuck here selling to the Count and a handful of nobles. They can travel south when they please anyhow."

"That might change," Nereus points out as the others find their seats again. Stratos is giving Jim a reserved smile, relieved that all has gone well without him. "When the traders here are making gold hand over fist, they'll want something to spend it on."

"I damn well hope so. I'm tired of bouncing my old backside round a cart to Chorrol every time I want some real food in the pantry."

"Lies," Felix whispers, leaning closer to Jim. "He goes for the company."

"I heard that, boy."

Nereus laughs softly, and his smile... might be a little too innocent? Maybe Felix doesn't only take after his mother after all. "I don't think any of us can begrudge your uncle for needing to get out of the town now and again, Felix."

[smartass_captain]

Jim lets out a breath he hadn't really been aware he was holding when Stratos takes a seat as well. Suddenly he's surrounded by faces he knows and as terrifying and intimidating as Jim has made meeting Nereus Caelus in his own mind it is difficult to be quite so uncertain with all of this knowledgeable support within reach. The cider is definitely helping his nerves as well.

Considering he's something of a lightweight on his world, it's all the more noticeable here where at least ale can be found accompanying nearly every meal. There's a slight color to his face that doesn't fade along with his nerves and embarrassment now and his chuckles come more freely and unguarded. Where Stratos' smile is reserved Jim's in return is easy and bright as sunshine especially once he glimpses Felix's way and shifts to make room once more for the conjurer at his side.

"What's Chorrol have that's worth the trip? The food was lovely at the inn." Of course, for a man who's supposedly spending most of his time off in the wilderness living on travel stores and whatever they can scavenge for to cook over a campfire any home cooked meal probably tastes divine. Besides, they were in Skyrim to boot. Surely the food here in Bruma is more refined to an Imperial palette.

"Though a spot of adventure is good for the soul now and again." But Felix is whispering and Nereus if putting on his best innocent smile and Jim has to think again before a more knowing smile flits across his face and he ducks his head to chuckle at that. "I'm afraid I'll need to apologize for being part of the reason Felix hasn't come home more often to visit."

[conjuredskies]

"Chorrol has roast boar, Hammerfell style," Terentius claims. "And a town where the sun shines more than once a year." He looks at the grins around him and sees they're not entirely buying his tale. The lot of them get a snort before he slugs his drink. "You wouldn't be smirking so much if your dinner tonight only tasted of salt."

Felix leans a little against Jim as he speaks again, shrugging. "They can't complain too much that someone's keeping me out of trouble."

"He's making you practically respectable," Stratos agrees dryly. "Not that Felix would have many opportunities to return in any case - I've been keeping him rather preoccupied myself."

"Ah, yes!" Nereus's tone is all approval. "Learning to live up to his new uniform. I can't tell you how proud I was when I heard you'd taken the oath, Felix."

"Ah-" Now Felix looks embarrassed, shooting a glance at Stratos. In the language of brothers, this one says 'why in Oblivion are you doing this to me?' "Thank you, Father. It may take some getting used to, but I'm proud to wear it."

[smartass_captain]

Again Jim falls quiet, listening to the conversation from the sidelines rather than joining in. His knowledge of the Imperial Legion is much better than it had been months before but this is a family of soldiers who live and breathe the Legion life. Better to keep quiet and only speak up if he has to answer than to risk saying something horribly wrong about the subject.

It's nice to sit back a moment and not have anything expected of him for a second or two. The arm that's twined with Felix's tightens his grip in support for the mage. Felix has his father's approval. His pride. His love. Like a family should be.

One that's built on lies, but. Nereus has no knowledge of the things Felix has done. The dangers everyone here has had to pull him back from and keep him from sinking into his own head in despair since. He has no inkling as to who Jim really is nor what kind of life Felix is destined to. It eats at Jim, chipping away at his smile ever so slightly while he stares into his mug.

This is for the best.

Besides? What's he supposed to say about the Imperial uniform? "It suits him." Okay that's probably innocent enough right?

[conjuredskies]

"And I really can't say anything about cold knees if my betrothed likes it," Felix adds. He squeezes Jim's arm back, quietly grateful for the support. His father may not know and even his uncle may only have enough of a glimmer to watch this all play out with a hint of caution in his eyes. But his brother knows - and Jim understands, better than any of them. Jim knows everything Felix isn't saying to his father.

"It's a shame that you'll have so little time together," Nereus observes wistfully, "if the captain is away with his expeditions and you on duty..."

"Actually," Felix clears his throat, "that's something I meant to tell you, father. After the wedding I'll be joining Jim and his team."

Stratos steps in smoothly, before Nereus can ask the obvious questions. "It's fortunate that Felix reports to me. But in any case the Legion has an interest in mapping the province better- and in my opinion, we could stand to have a less... obvious presence in the area, at times."

The layers of meaning beneath those words he leaves for his father to think over for a minute.

[smartass_captain]

"I'm not sure that's the best way to word it, if I'm being honest."

Jim shifts then, leaning over Felix to find a safe place to set down his mug before he sits straighter in his seat. If everyone's attention is on him then that's alright. The captain's had a moment to collect his thoughts.

"There's plenty of Skyrim to chronicle and discover that I don't mind taking a bit of suggestion in the direction of our work. Which means Stratos likely needs a personal agent on my team as a go between for our collaborations." If only that were true and he could actually help Felix's brother. He's fairly certain if he tried Stratos would have to send a rescue team fairly quickly.

But as always Jim wants Felix to look as good as possible in every lighting. He doesn't want that brief moment of paternal pride snuffed out so soon. He will be joining Jim and his crew. Helping with their work. Jim's proud to have him along. He damn well wants everyone to know it, too.

[conjuredskies]

"This is starting to sound like a noble's wedding," Terentius teases. "No-one told me there'd be a political alliance in it."

"We're simply clever enough to arrange things to everyone's benefit." Is that the same innocent look Felix has been using on his elders since he was six years old? Probably. "And neither of us wanted to be apart for months or years at a time." He squeezes Jim's arm pointedly, flashing a grin at his betrothed. "I've only just convinced him to settle down with me."

"I am glad to hear that," Nereus says with some relief. Perhaps a thought lingers in the back of his mind, something reserved in his eyes that he doesn't give voice to. "Are your expeditions usually very dangerous? I'm quite aware of Felix's taste for adventure, and I couldn't possibly claim the Legion offers a safe life- I merely wonder, with a small team venturing far from civilization..."

[smartass_captain]

Way Jim figures it, there needs to be a good reason Stratos would be so willing to let his younger brother and personally trained agent run off into who only knows where for months at a time rather than just recruiting Jim and his entire company into the Legion if they were truly staying here, especially in Skyrim. This sounds plausible to him, even if Terentius is giving him remarks.

The captain rolls his eyes but makes no effort to hide the curl of his lips when Felix leans into him. It's easy to see they'd not want to be apart for very long at all looking at them sit together like this. Maybe that's the reason Stratos is so willing to let Felix run off. They must be sickening to watch for long.

"I can't deny the dangers, no. But my people are well trained and used to the work. Scholars the lot of us though we may be, we're each quite willing and able to defend ourselves. Having a battle mage added to the crew will help immensely. My healer for certain will be pleased to have less work on his plate."

[conjuredskies]

"Felix has become quite skilled with restoration magic," Stratos agrees, trying to help. Felix laughs a touch nervously.

"When it's necessary. I'll leave the blood and bandages to the real healers otherwise. Conjuration is still my primary school."

"Some things truly never change." There's no hiding the worry that creases Nereus's expression for a moment, but he's not dwelling on that subject at this happy meeting. "I hope you still remember how to use a real sword."

"Stratos won't let me away with anything else. But he still cheats in training."

[smartass_captain]

It's strange to hear Felix say as much so openly, even here. Jim doesn't miss the look that crosses Stratos and Terentius' face for a short moment either. He wonders if his own expression flickers at the word. Hopes not, because Jim truly doesn't find a fault with his betrothed's preferred school of magic. The spectral wolf and flaming companion seem a world away from the horrors of Rielle. It's hard to imagine them being the same school.

"I've never seen Stratos cheat in training." Jim admits only a hair's breath above a whisper. "But they don't let me often watch, either, so who's to say."

It's only slightly teasing Felix. Keeping the conversation to lighter less tumultuous waters. Trying now that the hard questions have been asked to use some of that charm he's known for on Felix's father.

[conjuredskies]

"That is because a skilled fighter doesn't need to cheat," Stratos says loftily.

"It's because Jim can't see when you give my sword the weight of a lead ingot," Felix retorts. And Stratos, despite himself, smirks ever so faintly, and both the other men laugh, and Nereus gives Jim a smile. It's a cheerier turn in the conversation, and for now it lasts. For now, they're easy and relaxed in each other's company.

At least, until after supper...

[auspex_caelo]

The matter of the foreign magic Jim carried with him is one that nags at Stratos’s thoughts all through supper. He daren’t say anything while they’re gathered round the table, of course; anyway, his focus has to remain on encouraging Jim and his father to get to know each another – the acceptable sides, at least. Sharing stories of their time in Skyrim – especially those involving Jim, so it doesn’t feel like they’re avoiding anything. Helping Jim cover for any gaps in his knowledge, although really he’s gotten enough of a taste of life further north to sound like he’s lived there. He has, in his spare time.

It’s only after the meal is done that he risks making a move. While Terentius starts clearing things away, while Jim is volunteering to help and his father is looking contentedly sleepy, he rises and turns to his brother. “Felix, come lend me a hand putting our things in the right rooms.”

His eye contact is pointed enough that he’s sure his brother gets the message, so Stratos isn’t worried about that as he heads back out into the hallway. He isn’t there when Terentius calls Felix aside to stop his betrothed doing all the work (you’re still a guest, Jim) and the three of them are distracted fending off one another’s protests.

He’s holding Jim’s cloak in the shadowed hall, all his senses turned to that strange whisper of magic, when a voice speaks from beside him, calm but very inquisitive.

“What have you found?”

Stratos doesn’t startle easily. He only jumps a little when he finds his father there, eyebrows lifted at him. “Ah! Sorry, father, my thoughts were somewhere else for a moment, I-“

Nereus is already taking the cloak from him, studying the brooch with a frown, a light brush of his fingers. “This is an illusion enchantment, isn’t it? Albeit a strange one… is that all it is?” He looks up, and the gaze that meets his son’s is hard, level. “It’s clearly not one of yours. What does it mean, Stratos?”

“Nothing, I’m sure. Jim’s picked up many unusual trinkets on his travels. I simply haven’t seen that one before. It caught my eye.”

“Stratos.” His father sighs. “It’s the nature of mages to keep secrets. Especially from each other. Especially us. I know this. Just as I’ve come to accept that I am always… at a distance to your lives. I know there must always be more afoot than I’m told. By now I understand… I expect that one of my sons will lie to me. And it is not you.”

He leans closer in the shadows, voice stern and demanding. ”Who is he really, Stratos?”

[smartass_captain]

Who is he, really?

Jim's the man who left Stratos notes so that Felix's absences in the Nexus at his post wouldn't be seen as shirking his duties. He's the man who showed up drenched whispering conspiratorially with Felix but risking his own reputation to defend Stratos' little brother the day they first met. He's a man from another world with a complicated past and abandonment issues that mirror Felix's own.

His tiny hand holding Stratos' in the dark of the Tribune's tent. His feminine one keeping Stratos upright aboard Jim's ship both times they were cursed.

Taking up a bow and swearing to their cousin Marcella and Terentius with steel in his gaze that he would bring Felix home when he was lost to the Runeblades. Jim's a man without a drop of magic in him from a foreign world without the warm guidance of the Gods he's grown up in the presence of. A man who trudged through rot, through icy waters, through grotesque shambling horrors of Felix's own creation despite lacking any kind of powers to protect himself.

He's the man who nearly froze to death holding Felix in the chamber they fought those cursed blades. Who's alien clothing sat in a heap along with Felix and Stratos' armors next to the fire they were all drinking in front of only hours before. Who didn't turn away from their family even after everything he was forced to endure.

Who invited Stratos to his farm house to see a night sky that would make the Tribune but a child again in wondering awe of a cosmos unlike his own. Who's made a rightful place for Felix in his own world. Has done everything he could to count Felix's family as if it were his own.

Who indeed is the man sputtering while he tries to remember Nirnish insults now that Terentius and Felix are trying to urge him to take a seat. The only callouses on his hands are fresh yet and small from practicing his archery. Hands that settle on his hips when he leans forward and mutters something quietly to the pair of them. Terentius knows something of what Jim is, if only to know what he is not.

There is no man in this plane like Jim Kirk. There can't be because he doesn't belong here.

[auspex_caelo]

There’s a moment where he struggles to find words that encompass it all. To find anything to say to his father’s piercing stare in the gloom of that hall.

“A man I trust absolutely,” he finds himself saying, his voice sure and steady. Few are the people that Stratos Caelus trusts the way he does Jim Kirk, a man not of his blood nor his homeland nor even his world. The very thought would have shocked him, a few years ago. Yet here they are. And here he is, advocating for the man to his own father.

“Are you certain of that?” Nereus presses. His gaze is searching. “You know as well as I do the risks we face. You know better the kind of company Felix has sought out in the past. The man claims to have no family, his home is conveniently obscure, everything he says about himself is measured out as carefully as glow dust. I fear there are secrets being kept here.”

“You’d be right about that, Father.” Felix’s voice comes from behind him. The younger of the brothers swallows as they turn to him, but he lifts his chin and tries to stand straighter as he looks Nereus in the eye. “But not from us. I know exactly who he is and where he comes from, and I swear to you that Jim would never do anything to bring this family harm. I know my… taste in company doesn’t always inspire your confidence. But he is no spy and he’s very definitely no cultist. I promise, father.”

Amid the clunk of dishes from the other end of the hall, Felix watches the lamplight play over his father’s face. He reads the expression there, startled and compassionate and not truly convinced, and something in him panics. Spurs him to throw out, headlong: “He saved my soul. And nearly lost his own to do it.”

[smartass_captain]

"I'd like to show you sometime, if I could. I daresay it's about the only way you'd believe me about some of the depictions of where I work." Even with Nereus and Stratos gone from the room Jim's careful to keep his voice down as he talks to Uncle Terentius, aware even with the haze of drink that he's got a part to play here and he'd best stick to it. "Felix can tell you I--Felix?"

Jim looks up from his seat and cranes his neck but the conjurer has disappeared from the kitchen. Figures he'd insist Jim not help and then disappear himself so that he didn't have to do any chores. Jim 'tsk's before heaving himself back out of his seat to try and give their uncle a hand but he's a difficult man to dissuade once he's made up his mind.

It ends in Jim holding up both hands in a show of surrender, shirt slightly wetter for the splash of water that was thrown his way. He ducks back from another warning shot and backs into the hallway with a laugh in his throat that dies the second he turns and spies the somber faces on all three of the Caelus men. Adrenaline spikes through him but Jim keeps his expression carefully friendly.

"Here everyone is." He wants to ask what he missed, but a chill passes through him the moment Stratos meets his gaze. The expression on the man's carefully guarded face tight in a way Jim hasn't seen since Rielle.

"Oh shit." It's quiet, his slip back into Federation Standard, unintentional but there all the same.

[conjuredskies]

He can see Nereus look his way sharply at the foreign words, but the man’s attention is drawn swiftly back to the look on his younger son’s face. Felix is turned away from Jim, and yet- something in his face, the stark pallor he’s taken on, clearly tell Nereus this is more than merely a story. Paternal concern takes over, and he reaches up to clasp his son’s shoulders, expression creased with gut-wrenching worry, Jim’s cloak still in one hand.

“By the gods, Felix, what-“

“I can’t- I can’t speak of it, Father.” That’s no lie, even. Felix breathes deep, makes himself meet his parent’s eyes. “But it’s all right. I’m- it’s over. What matters is that Jim saved me. He and Stratos. I can’t tell you how much he- how he’s earned our trust. And my love. There’s no-one else I’d have by my side like him.”

Nereus nods slowly, and his voice is tight with emotion. “I understand, my son.”

And then he pulls Felix into a tight embrace, one the conjurer returns after a startled moment. When they pull back again, Felix reaches a hand back to Jim, glancing over his shoulder with wide eyes.

[smartass_captain]

Jim doesn't back up at the sudden turn, though his gaze does track to his cloak Nereus is clutching with confusion evident in his gaze. It's brief--the weight of whatever is going unsaid in the room is engulfing. Suffocating. Taking all of Jim's attention as it must be Stratos and Felix both as well.

He wants to point out they had a fair bit of help, he and Stratos. But he can't speak to the close friends who aided them any more than he can his own world and if Jim mentioned Marcella or Terentius it would implicate them in keeping secrets from the Caelus Patriarch as well. Jim sits on his words and watches with a chest pulled uncomfortably tight for the emotions churning inside of him.

Yet he doesn't hesitate for even a second to reach out and take Felix's hand in his when the conjurer seeks it.

When the tension has eased a little Jim clears his throat.

"I would ask you let me speak of it, if anyone. Do not make Stratos or Felix relive it. It won't hurt me quite as bad to talk as it will them. What I remember of it, at least."

[conjuredskies]

Felix steps back as his hand curls tight around Jim’s, seeking to lean into his warm presence. But he shakes his head at Jim’s honest offer, pulling him all the closer. “You went through as much as we did. I couldn’t let you do that for us.”

It’s hard to fathom the depth of feeling in Nereus’s gaze when he turns it to Jim. There’s worry there, and love, and a new gratitude for this strange young man… and a touch of contrition. Quietly he hangs the cloak back up before he speaks.

“I’m afraid I must apologize to you, Jim. I came… terribly close to making a grave misjudgement of you. I’m glad my fears were misplaced, and I hope you understand my reasons for being concerned about any new addition to our family, but…” he looks back at Felix, and his voice softens, “Clearly I owe you a better welcome than that, to make an understatement."

[smartass_captain]

"We all knew this was a risk. No one likes being lied to."

Jim knows he's veering off script here but he shoots anyone who looks at him askance a glance that Felix of all people knows. Nereus has figured out enough of the truth already, insisting on the lie wouldn't really do anyone any favors here and the man is their family. Marcella knows. Ushug knows. Terentius knows.

"I wasn't raised the way you were, Felix. The things that trouble me aren't the ones that bother you, I expect. All the Cyrodiil dialect I know your sons have taught me so I apologize if I sound more like they than myself. I'll leave it to Stratos to determine how much I should tell. But I can't stand here and pretend to be something I'm not. I won't insult us both pretending to think you'd believe it."

Nor should he.

"Just let me tell him, Felix. Whatever Stratos thinks he should know, I'm gonna do it." His murmur to his betrothed is quiet but Jim doesn't hide it's strangeness either.

"I'm sorry. I've been practicing for months for this. I had rather hoped I'd be better at fitting in here than I seem to be." Jim's stomach churns for the idea that he's screwed this all up somehow. But he has, and he'll own it now that things are a mess. It's practically his specialty.

[conjuredskies]

"I... appreciate that." Nereus's eyebrows are rising slowly, however. He's getting the sudden and distinct impression that this goes beyond Jim's background being other than advertised, and he's wary of what else they could possibly have to reveal.

"No." Felix is shaking his head. "You can't, Jim. We prepared for this."

It's left to Stratos to make the call, and he might well look askance at Jim. His father is turning to look at him, too, and his eyes flit between all of them.

Father doesn't need to know about the blades," he says finally, looking apologetic at his father's consternation as Nereus realizes that both his sons apparently speak this completely alien tongue.

[smartass_captain]

Right, okay then. They're going to keep that skeleton well and locked up in the closet. Fair enough. Felix looks as pale as a ghost already. Jim gestures back toward the dining area, tugging Felix along by the hand so he can get his betrothed seated and a warm drink in his hands to sip at.

"While I am fully human I'm not from Nirn. The planet, er." Jim licks at his lip and frowns intensely in concentration before he remembers Felix's preferred terminology for this. "Sorry. The plane I'm from is very different to this one. Due to extenuating circumstances and a very odd coincidence I had the chance to meet Felix. We couldn't ever quite seem to stop running into each other. Getting to know Stratos was really just a matter of time."

Jim doesn't outright explain that Nereus is the only one unaware of this much but well. Given that he's comfortable talking about it in front of Terentius it implies as much.

[auspex_caelo]

Terentius sneaks them all a concerned look when they come back in together, all silent and somber. One glance at Felix and his fears are confirmed. The old soldier plunks down the cup of canis tea he's just poured in front of his younger nephew, and busies himself with getting some for everyone else as Jim goes on to spell out the situation.

Whatever half-formed inferences Nereus has been putting together, it's obvious Jim's actual confession blows them out of the water. He turned a stunned look to each of the younger men. Stratos nods in silent corroboration.

"You're from another plane?" He frowns. "There are other planes where humans dwell?"

"It's not a daedric realm," Stratos assures him.

"But then-" he gives Jim a hard look, "you're a plane-walker as well? A conjurer? I thought you had no magical ability." He turns his attention to Terentius setting their cups on the table. "And you knew?"

"Eventually. But Jim's not much to worry about. It's obvious he's not a real daedra; he's as human as they come."

[smartass_captain]

"I'm a...wh-- no. No, I'm not a conjurer." Nereus and his thicker accent and now rapid speech take Jim a moment to keep up with. He's shaking his head quickly.

"There's." Fuck, this is hard. Jim doesn't have the words for what he wants to say. He licks at his bottom lip and squints down at the table before raising his head again. "There's no one who is mage in my plane." That's close, right?

"I used to think it was impossible to...t-to cast there. But I've seen it done now. It's just harder." Repeated exposure to the climate seems to show that mages can acclimate to the area quite successfully given Felix's familiarity with his spells in Jim's world as the years have gone by but the captain doesn't even know where to begin if he wants to explain it.

"I'm not a mage. And I'm certainly no daedra. I just. It's my job to study things people haven't seen before. I ended up wandering into a place that let me meet your son." A beat. "Sons."

[auspex_caelo]

"We didn't just meet," Felix adds. There's a little more color in his face, but it's sunk in what conversation they're having and he's giving everyone uncertain looks as he rejoins the discussion.

"This is extraordinary," Nereus says, peering at Jim and shaking his head.

"But true," says Stratos. "Father, you must understand why all of this demands secrecy. The things Felix and I have been studying must not fall into the wrong hands."

"Of course." He agrees with that immediately, almost on reflex. Still. He's frowning at Jim. Secrecy being the watchword, bringing a new husband home from another plane is a very dubious venture... but why they'd take such a risk is already obvious. Much too late to argue even if he wanted to.

Of all the questions he wants to ask, Nereus can't guess how many will go unanswered. He reaches across the table, however, extending a hand toward Jim's palm up. "May I... ah. Examine your energies, for a moment?"

[smartass_captain]

"No," Jim agrees with Felix readily. "We've been together for years now. As you can imagine, deciding to do much anything else required a bit more thought and work."

Work Felix was more than worth doing. Twice, even. Jim can't help the slight crook to one corner of his mouth. He doesn't regret it. The only thing he regrets is the months they spent apart after Felix's ordeal. The captain's bound and determined not to make the same mistake again.

"Ah?" Jim doesn't think twice about reaching out with his right hand to offer it to Felix's father. There's no ingrained suspicion of what a mage could do to him. "Sure, okay."

[conjuredskies]

Neither of the brothers objects, but they're both watching closely as Nereus takes Jim's hand and passes one of his own over it. A faint pink glow tinges the air between them, limns both of their skin, and Jim's likely to feel an odd sensation, like something ethereal plucking at him gently. Nereus's eyes are distant before he lets the magic face and pulls away.

"I thought you might carry some trace of your plane's magic with you," he explains. "A residue of something truly foreign. And yet I don't sense anything strange. It must be true that your plane has very little magic. Perhaps you're at an advantage over a mage, in that respect."

"A conjurer could tell," Felix says quietly. "But only if they're good enough. And most of them only study the flashy spells, anyway."

[smartass_captain]

It's different from when Felix does it. Jim couldn't explain how exactly they feel different but it's there just at the back of his head. The tingling doesn't hurt but it's not normal, not comfortable. Jim shudders slightly and shakes his head when Nereus pulls away. He's not aware at how quick that same hand reaches over to take Felix's instead.

To seek comfort once it's over with.

"I don't know, Felix does quite alright over there." Jim shakes his head slowly. "I'm studying it as well as I'm able. So far all I've done is raise more questions than answers." He'd really rather not bring up How Felix knows he can tell Jim apart from anyone else spiritually. The last thing they need to bring up is the shit that happens in the Nexus.

Alternates, curses. Felix has had to identify His Jim on more than one occasion even when he didn't look like himself.

[conjuredskies]

Felix's fingers curl tight around Jim's hand, squeezing in reassurance. They have each other's backs here. Nereus, meanwhile, clearly has plenty to distract him as he turns his gaze to Felix.

"So when you say you intend to live with Jim..."

"In his world. Yes, Father. He's arranged everything. I'll have to keep my origin a secret just as his is here, but we've worked it all out. I'll be with him on his ship most of the time, anyway."

"His ship." Up go the eldest Caelus's eyebrows again. "Then you really are a captain?"

[smartass_captain]

"That's truthfully why I didn't think it would be wise to bring many people of mine for a wedding over here. Everything's already been settled in my world. Stratos came as a witness. I really don't have much in the way of family over there so there was no ceremony, merely paperwork to be filled out. But we both agreed it wouldn't be right or official until all of your ceremonies were seen to."

He could probably invite a few people along to this if they had enough time to prepare. Uhura knows both of the brothers. Spock, Bones. It wouldn't be much more than that but it would be something at least.

Nereus' question makes Jim smile with more than a touch of pride, though his gaze strays toward Stratos again, eyebrow raising in a clearly unspoken question.

"I am. Though not what you would call a traditional one."

[conjuredskies]

Stratos hesitates; Nereus is quick to sweep a look around all of them.

"Now," he says firmly, "I won't ask you to tell me anything that directly compromises your work. I won't ask the details of getting there and back, for example. But I will hear what sort of place my youngest son intends to run away to. And what manner of life he's going to lead."

The look he gives Stratos accepts no arguments. After a moment, his son looks at Jim and nods helplessly.

"Besides," Nereus adds more lightly, "if I am ever interrogated - and I have many ways to prevent that - it will not be about your escapades, believe me."

[smartass_captain]

They're all talking, all looking around at each other. Jim watches them all and says nothing. But he does lift one hand and point a finger straight up. Felix understands, of course he does. Stratos will only take a moment longer, and then only because he's less used to Jim's nonprofessional side to his personality. But eventually he'll have their attention again.

Their questioning stares and potentially frustrated faces.

"Oblivion. The Void. Not yours, obviously. My ship is out among the stars. A research vessel. Mapping out uncharted regions of space and documenting whatever else we may find." It's the whatever else that's usually the part that gets them in trouble but Jim knows well enough what not to say.

All of this is hardly believable as it is. He's at least got the decency not to smile. He doesn't want this to be taken for a joke in poor taste.