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.”

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[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...