Felix Caelus (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
conjuredskies) wrote2019-12-02 11:06 pm
conjuredskies) wrote2019-12-02 11:06 pm
A Wedding in Bruma III: A Feast for the Heart
By the time the newlywed pair emerge from the house arm in arm, it's to a keen welcome from those waiting outside. It's well past midday at this stage and while the well-wishers are eager to crowd in, they're interrupted a bit by Sir Celann's appearance beside the happy couple with a pair of covered baskets in his arms. They were warned about this. The braziers around the street are already being kindled with ease by a couple of mages, but their first task as a wedded couple is to help feed their hungry guests. Felix's own stomach growls as he takes a basket and the warm scent of fresh honey cakes wafts out. Duty calls first, however- specifically, the gaggle of urchins who've clustered at the front hopefully, knowing they'll get the first cakes from the ovens. Felix shoots Jim a wink before he clears his throat.
"On behalf of myself and my charming new husband, you all have our fervent gratitude for joining us to celebrate this happiest of days. I welcome you all to share in the hospitality of our house." Now that gets a cheer- loudest of all from the children at the front as they crowd forward. Felix is pretty sure most of them don't belong to the guests- but that's part of the tradition. St. Martin was a foundling, after all, and he became Bruma's patron just after the Great War orphaned so many of Felix and Stratos's peers. Even if it wasn’t tradition, he’d be hard pressed to stop Jim from feeding them. The captain’s eyes haven’t strayed far from the lot of them since they gathered. Once the hungry children get their share, it's the turn of the adult guests. Many of the people who were at the ceremony won't be lingering for the feast itself, but there are more baskets of cakes to pass around, and cauldrons of hot spiced wine are being brought out, steaming as they're placed by the crackling fires.
Once their baskets are empty, they're free to mingle and greet their guests a while, Stratos and Lartia hovering protectively nearby. It'll take time to set out the tables and chairs properly, even with everything laid ready the night before.
“Felix.” Indara makes certain she’s first in line to be introduced, waiting politely with her attendant maid. Her smile may be reserved, but there’s something fond to it as he bows to her. “My congratulations to you both.”
“My lady! It’s an honor to have you stand as a witness for us. Ah, may I present my husband, Captain James Kirk. Jim, this is Lady Indara Carvain, daughter of the Count.” His hand is reassuring at Jim’s back. Lady Carvain has been nearby constantly all day it seems. Jim respectfully bows in turn to greet her. Having a name does little to explain much of who she is, though the look she and Felix are sharing says quite a bit more. The hand at his back. She is a good friend to Felix. A long time companion. Perhaps more, once. But that doesn’t matter now.
“Lady Carvain, I was wondering to whom I owed the pleasure of keeping an eye on me this morning. You have my gratitude.” And if his smile is a touch self-assured, well. Jim is hard pressed not to feel as though he should be proud to be the one calling Felix Caelus his husband here.
“I suspect I should be thanking you, Captain. It’s wonderful to see such a dear friend of mine find such happiness. I only hope I may be as lucky.” Her smile is a touch more wistful than perhaps she intends, for a second. “And now you’re married, as well! You’ve practically made a respectable man of him.”
“Don’t weigh the goose before it’s hatched.” Felix hesitates over what to say, but settles on, “I wasn’t sure you’d- that you would be able to come, since you didn’t join the party yesterday…”
“Felix, really,” she chides, and winks at them. “I didn’t want to spoil anyone’s fun.” Would his groom really want the Count’s daughter along on his last evening before marriage? She shakes her head and smiles at Jim. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you so much, but I’m sure we’ll have the chance to speak more over dinner. I shouldn’t keep you from your other guests.” Felix can sense the questions in Jim’s look as he bows to her, but there’s no time to actually address it; a couple of mages from the College are already muscling past their Synod rivals to be the first to greet the couple.
While they're exchanging introductions and receiving compliments, Nereus makes his way outside the area of the festivities and lifts his hands. There aren't many people watching, but the elder Caelus's eyes are distant for a minute while he works a complex gesture, threads of green-blue light twined about his fingers as if he's drawing something tight. There's a small flare as the spell snaps into place, a jerk of power that makes other mages in the crowd pause and blink a moment. But the only other effect is that the chill wind in the street drops away, the air stilling. It'll take a little while for the heat of the fires to warm it, but the air no longer nips at the guests and the snow, if it falls, will no longer fall on them.
The sun is lowering as the wedding party sit down to their feast. They don't have a rake of servants available, so for the most part those bringing the food out are the younger family members - or the other guests who insist on helping- not least because some of them have donated the more impressive dishes. Jim, Felix and their immediate family are sat at the high table- with Indara Carvain right beside them, of course, although the rest of their friends aren't far away. A couple of Felix's childhood friends want to show off the side of venison they hunted down; the merchant next door presents a whole suckling pig with his family's best wishes. Ushug, on the other hand, is daring all and sundry to try a proper Orcish goulash.
Fortunately for their offworld guests, Stratos and Celann are on hand to tactfully explain the menu; point out which pies contain cheese and leek and which contain beef or mutton. Cyrodillic food - especially in Bruma - tends to the hearty, with plenty of game and fish. For some there's jugged rabbit and cornbread, for others the Dunmeri-style pumpkin risotto or the mudcrab legs in butter. Knowing Spock by now, Felix made sure there'd be as many vegetarian options as he could; but knowing Norn, he also just tried to have as much variety as possible. The hardest thing to arrange is actually fresh fruit: nigh-impossible in Skyrim at this time of year, but Cyrodill is a gentler clime, and the second harvest of the year isn't long in. Nonetheless, he's going to smirk at Jim when fresh apples and cheese are set to one side of the table. He's a little proud of arranging those for his husband- and his 'brother', of course. He’s well rewarded by the startled grin that flashes across Jim’s face before the man’s gaze flickers toward Felix to share in that glee.
Nothing on offer slips by Norn, who carefully samples each thing passed down the table with equal intrigue. Whether it attracts attention or not doesn’t especially deter him. By the time Felix has caught up with his own friends and turns Norn’s way to ask about the selection his ‘Dunmer’ companion has more than a few of the dishes to point out as his favorites. His words even now don’t carry far but Felix knows him well enough to read the excitement in them. It’s painfully obvious given that he’s talking at length at all. Indara’s keeping Jim engaged in conversation, true to her word, talking about her family’s duties and asking him about his travels. (“Has Felix brought you up to see our collection yet? Why, but you must come and visit. My family’s been collecting genuine Akaviri artefacts for generations…”)
Up until now Jim’s companions have been polite to anyone that’s approached them but have remained a more or less cohesive unit chatting quietly amongst themselves. Spock and Leonard have done their best to never stray far from Jim’s vicinity. More than once the duo finds themselves giving small nods to Stratos or Lartia doing much of the same thing for Felix. They’ll have to watch out for the other Jim Kirk, as well, since once Nereus settles in he soon begins trying to courteously get to know his son-in-law’s heretofore unknown brother. Nothing pressing really, but here they are on his younger son’s wedding day and only now is he being introduced to anyone of Jim’s family. The younger man could be easily mistaken for his older brother if not for his shorter hair and beard. They look so very much alike, though this one has not had the benefit of over a year studying Cyrodillic. Tiberius keeps his answers simple but his tone friendly, internally pleased that Jim’s father-in-law seems to know at least something of the truth about their origins. It’s easy to assent that they work in similar jobs out in the Void. Easier still to brush off their not seeing him until now on the fact that their line of work is much more spread out than it is here on Nirn even with their strange machines to aid them.
Only Nyota has been bold enough to mingle freely with the other guests. Quick to introduce the curious to the various members of Captain Kirk’s crew while never quite managing to get to the more intriguing details of what they do or where they’re hailing from. It’s easier still to deflect questions now. Who made this? What region is that from? Have you tried...?
Hikaru is deep into a discussion about sword techniques with a second cousin of Felix’s from the Legion. Scotty’s been listening with rapt attention while Marcella and Ushug discuss their smithy, being sure their glasses stay full while they drink and dine of course. With her work largely done by the time she sits down to eat, Marcella’s looking more relaxed than she has in weeks, flushed from hard work and the wine she’s sipping. She laughs along and chips in while Ushug tells a story or two about the more disastrous business proposals they’ve been offered before, although it’s all the Orc woman’s show once she starts explaining how she used to help forge parts for trebuchets back in the Legion. Further down the table, meanwhile, Felix’s childhood friends - and their younger siblings - are well on their way to adopting Pavel as one of their own. They’re only going to get more ribald as the evening goes on.
The music began before they sat down, light and pleasant tunes provided by a couple of hired bards. It's merely something to set the atmosphere while the guests have time to eat their fill and make conversation. Once dishes have begun to be replaced by sweet cakes and pastries, however, and the heavier drinks begin to appear, the mood shifts. Nereus rises to his feet and calls for attention before proposing a toast to the happy couple and their good fortune, which sets off a whole chain of toasts- and despite the noisy merriment, it always seems to get quiet enough to hear whoever's standing to speak.
The toasts only slow when Celann gets up (again) and launches into reciting a romantic poem from his homeland. A proper knight's tutelage includes oratory, and it shows in the rise and fall of his voice with the rhythm of the piece, by turns wistful and passionate. The bards know their business, too: they've quietly switched the music they're playing to better match the warm, sweet tone of the poem. He bows graciously at the applause he receives before sitting again. His won't be the last such recital: Imperials love wordplay, and a well-fed, slightly tipsy audience is a receptive one. After a couple, though, Felix nudges Jim and whispers in his ear: "Will it be your turn next?"
He's absolutely expecting to get elbowed for that, no fear.
Felix will get what he’s asked for in the pooling color of his husband’s cheeks while Jim nearly chokes on the ale he’s drinking. The captain’s crew have joined in on the toasting but no one’s quite as sure about the poetry. Certainly, even if they had any to share their translators are only so accurate. It’s best not to test those waters. Once he’s sure he hasn’t spit his drink all over his fine clothes Jim shoots his cheeky companion a scowl over the glass he’s been drinking from.
“Don’t even think about it.” Not now, not here.
Felix only laughs into his cup. “Maybe later, then. A private appointment only.” He winks, and all Jim can do without drawing questions is scowl a little harder at being sounded out so well.
Well before the guests are ready to give up their plates and their seats, several of the mages yet in attendance find opportunity to slip away. The Synod representatives, ever eager to go about things with the proper decorum, share a few words with Nereus once he’s found before busying themselves off to the side of the waning feast. When they’ve finished their preparations someone sends word to the bards to take a well deserved break (and eat themselves). No one’s going to be able to hear them for a bit.
The first fireworks cause a few shocked laughs and gasps, especially among Jim’s friends. It only seems appropriate to begin with the symbols for each of theEight Divines. One last reverent nod to the Gods whose blessings have been invoked on this joyous day. As each of the symbols cracks across the sky Nyota murmurs which Divine each goes to. Her smile is one of confident satisfaction when Jim nods along with her summation. They might not have the context to appreciate these images quite the way the rest of the wedding guests do but they can and do take great interest in every glimpse they can glean in how the feats are performed. Aside from the illusions Stratos had created for them earlier no one’s actually seen any indication of Magic even though they’ve been in the thick of it for most of the day. Most everyone among them can pick up on the Imperial sigil when it dances in brilliant red and silver with more detail than would be expected in a simple firework. Their applause is nearly as loud as the rest of the guests’ for it and the golden sigil for Bruma they’ve seen on every guard passing by that comes next.
Once the Synod mages have finished honoring the gods and the proud Imperial town that has hosted the day’s events the mages can really show off their prowess. Ornate sailing ships with waves that nearly seem to move against the hull. Stylized dragons that breathe a shower of golden sparks. It takes skilled alchemists and illusionists working together to create these party pieces. It’s perhaps not the wisest for some among them to have hands unsteady from drink, but the crowd eats up every display coming to life above them.
It’s only interrupted- rather rudely- when illusory blue tentacles wrap around the galleon over their heads, pulling into the maw of a kraken that emerges smoothly into view, as if from the depths of the sky. It’s a beautifully done trick, and the crowd in this inland town gasps - but Felix hears a mage yelp indignantly and giggles in his seat. It only gets worse from there, with a giant white-blue atronach lumbering in to chase off the dragon. The sky around it shimmers and coruscates with light as if the aurora of Skyrim has come all the way down here.
The College of Whispers has taken over the show, and they follow it up with ethereal, ghostly figures, eerier than those before but equally spectacular. The atronach turns and chases the apprentice mage who must have summoned it, only to be banished by an archmage who shimmers into view A pale lady dances with a broad-shouldered warrior, and then a lord who commands a tower to rise from the ground for her. Familiar figures, made stranger and more haunting by the beauty with which they’re drawn. But as a thief sneaks up on a grazing warhorse, a venomous green serpent uncoils below the steed’s feet. The horse bolts; the thief springs back- and the Synod mages are laughing this time. From there the display devolves into ever more drunken one-upmanship between the two parties, until Nereus wanders over to shoo them back to their tables - and dispel the last of their magic for good measure.
Eventually the guests stir themselves; chairs and tables are pushed back, some carried away completely. People resettle themselves wherever is comfortable inside the newly cleared square. At the side of the street, the bards have quietly changed over- and Felix has disappeared from sight. When he reappears at Jim's side he grabs his husband's hand and tugs him out into the centre, right as the musicians strike up a steady, pulsing tune with drum and fiddle and flute. Not too fast yet, but eager, urgent: the kind of rhythm that gets into the legs and demands you move along. People scatter from the open floor as they catch on, and Terentius begins clapping along to the beat.
"Dance with me," the Imperial insists, turning to grin at Jim. They won't be alone out there for long, but just for the moment, nobody's going to risk getting in their way. And right at this moment, Felix is very glad of that. All the nerves and anxiety and excitement have alchemized into a pure delight that they've actually pulled this off, that he is in fact hand in hand with his husband from the stars and somehow, somehow they've gotten away with it. He can't sit on the elation a moment longer. He needs to move and dance and let everyone in all the damned worlds know about it.
“Have I ever said no?” Especially to that particular request? Jim knows a couple dances from this world by now. Nothing he knows intimately would be anywhere close to appropriate by Nirnish standards. Jim’s quick to step into Felix’s space. To take his husband’s hand and shoulder as the Imperial leads him across the empty square. Jim’s sober enough to keep time with the music and has danced with Felix often enough to read every subtle shift in the Imperial’s touch. Even if he doesn’t know all of the steps by heart Felix’s hand is there at the small of his back guiding him along with every dip and sway of the music. Even now Jim’s not completely at ease. He has to mind his words and actions yet. Not even the Khajit dance the way Jim knows how to move. But the dances here are fun in their own ways. Lively turns and catchy melodies. “Pretty sure I just swore to every deity in the lands to follow wherever you lead,” almost every at least. Jim’s murmur is quiet at Felix’s ear in the moment the music draws them in close.
Other people are starting to inquire for partners. A ripple of conversation thrums at the edge of the square. But for just this moment there’s no one nearby to be mindful of. No one to draw attention away from Felix Caelus showing off all those years of playing dancing partner for the lesser nobles of Bruma with his interplanar husband keeping step.
The drink is flowing freely at this stage- freer at some tables than others. The younger captain Kirk has made himself scarce from the more eager amongst the drinkers. He’s got a glass of brandy close to hand while he sees about mingling with some of Felix’s friends and extended family. When else is he going to get the chance to interact with this strange new world and its inhabitants? While elder mages sip their brandy and reminisce, and Prennius and Signeir are urging Pavel to try another Dunmeri liquor, Ushug's slamming a pair of heavy jugs in front of Jaylah and Scotty.
"You really reckon you can keep up, huh? I'm warning you, I've seen Kirk drink, and you'll have to handle it better than he does…"
“Meaning no offense, er..Madam. But Kirk isn’t exactly an accurate representation of our group if yeh take my meaning.” The jug’s already being pulled closer toward the Enterprise’s chief engineer to take a sniff. Beside him, Jaylah nods along slowly.
“James-Tee has no edge to take off.”
“He’s a bit of a light weight.” Scotty shrugs amicably, clapping Jaylah on the shoulder. They’re in. “Those lads over there are in for a sight of trouble if they don’t mind themselves, too. Pavel may look like a small bundle of twigs with a shirt tossed over ‘im but he’ll hold his drink down with the best of them.” Not that Felix’s friends are Scotty or Jaylah’s problem at the moment. It just seems friendly like to warn them that the young Russian has youth and an iron constitution on his side.
“Is that so?” Ushug casts a look over her shoulder at the other group, then plonks herself into a chair with a tusked grin. “That oughta be a good show.” Felix’s friends aren’t her problem. As far as she’s concerned they can find out the hard way. “You want in on this, Marcella?”
“Ohh, no. I still have brains in my skull, and I mean to keep them there.” Marcella rolls her eyes and pushes her chair back. “I’m going to get a dance in while I still have the strength.” Maybe she can get one of Jim’s other friends to take a turn out there; and if not, there’s always Stratos.
Without her, Ushug snorts fondly and pours out the drinks, waving over an old legionnaire she knows to join the contest. She’ll make the introductions for Jim’s guests, but when it comes to the drink, they’re on their own. Of course, when it comes to the drink, the Orcish smith is about to find out they really don’t need any. Scotty could drink her to a standstill by himself, but his apprentice? She hardly seems fazed by the time the others are slumped on the table slurring half-remembered jokes at each other.
Out among the dancers, Felix whirls Jim around in his arms and peers over his shoulder at the scene. Their family and friends, mingling and enjoying themselves. His people celebrating as only they know how. His home looking beautiful in the light of fires and lanterns, the snow drifting down over their heads without freezing the air. The man in his arms, as warm as the smile he wears when Felix peers at him. It’s a perfect moment, and such things are seldom earned. They’re simply given, to the truly lucky.
Felix knows exactly which he is.
"On behalf of myself and my charming new husband, you all have our fervent gratitude for joining us to celebrate this happiest of days. I welcome you all to share in the hospitality of our house." Now that gets a cheer- loudest of all from the children at the front as they crowd forward. Felix is pretty sure most of them don't belong to the guests- but that's part of the tradition. St. Martin was a foundling, after all, and he became Bruma's patron just after the Great War orphaned so many of Felix and Stratos's peers. Even if it wasn’t tradition, he’d be hard pressed to stop Jim from feeding them. The captain’s eyes haven’t strayed far from the lot of them since they gathered. Once the hungry children get their share, it's the turn of the adult guests. Many of the people who were at the ceremony won't be lingering for the feast itself, but there are more baskets of cakes to pass around, and cauldrons of hot spiced wine are being brought out, steaming as they're placed by the crackling fires.
Once their baskets are empty, they're free to mingle and greet their guests a while, Stratos and Lartia hovering protectively nearby. It'll take time to set out the tables and chairs properly, even with everything laid ready the night before.
“Felix.” Indara makes certain she’s first in line to be introduced, waiting politely with her attendant maid. Her smile may be reserved, but there’s something fond to it as he bows to her. “My congratulations to you both.”
“My lady! It’s an honor to have you stand as a witness for us. Ah, may I present my husband, Captain James Kirk. Jim, this is Lady Indara Carvain, daughter of the Count.” His hand is reassuring at Jim’s back. Lady Carvain has been nearby constantly all day it seems. Jim respectfully bows in turn to greet her. Having a name does little to explain much of who she is, though the look she and Felix are sharing says quite a bit more. The hand at his back. She is a good friend to Felix. A long time companion. Perhaps more, once. But that doesn’t matter now.
“Lady Carvain, I was wondering to whom I owed the pleasure of keeping an eye on me this morning. You have my gratitude.” And if his smile is a touch self-assured, well. Jim is hard pressed not to feel as though he should be proud to be the one calling Felix Caelus his husband here.
“I suspect I should be thanking you, Captain. It’s wonderful to see such a dear friend of mine find such happiness. I only hope I may be as lucky.” Her smile is a touch more wistful than perhaps she intends, for a second. “And now you’re married, as well! You’ve practically made a respectable man of him.”
“Don’t weigh the goose before it’s hatched.” Felix hesitates over what to say, but settles on, “I wasn’t sure you’d- that you would be able to come, since you didn’t join the party yesterday…”
“Felix, really,” she chides, and winks at them. “I didn’t want to spoil anyone’s fun.” Would his groom really want the Count’s daughter along on his last evening before marriage? She shakes her head and smiles at Jim. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you so much, but I’m sure we’ll have the chance to speak more over dinner. I shouldn’t keep you from your other guests.” Felix can sense the questions in Jim’s look as he bows to her, but there’s no time to actually address it; a couple of mages from the College are already muscling past their Synod rivals to be the first to greet the couple.
While they're exchanging introductions and receiving compliments, Nereus makes his way outside the area of the festivities and lifts his hands. There aren't many people watching, but the elder Caelus's eyes are distant for a minute while he works a complex gesture, threads of green-blue light twined about his fingers as if he's drawing something tight. There's a small flare as the spell snaps into place, a jerk of power that makes other mages in the crowd pause and blink a moment. But the only other effect is that the chill wind in the street drops away, the air stilling. It'll take a little while for the heat of the fires to warm it, but the air no longer nips at the guests and the snow, if it falls, will no longer fall on them.
The sun is lowering as the wedding party sit down to their feast. They don't have a rake of servants available, so for the most part those bringing the food out are the younger family members - or the other guests who insist on helping- not least because some of them have donated the more impressive dishes. Jim, Felix and their immediate family are sat at the high table- with Indara Carvain right beside them, of course, although the rest of their friends aren't far away. A couple of Felix's childhood friends want to show off the side of venison they hunted down; the merchant next door presents a whole suckling pig with his family's best wishes. Ushug, on the other hand, is daring all and sundry to try a proper Orcish goulash.
Fortunately for their offworld guests, Stratos and Celann are on hand to tactfully explain the menu; point out which pies contain cheese and leek and which contain beef or mutton. Cyrodillic food - especially in Bruma - tends to the hearty, with plenty of game and fish. For some there's jugged rabbit and cornbread, for others the Dunmeri-style pumpkin risotto or the mudcrab legs in butter. Knowing Spock by now, Felix made sure there'd be as many vegetarian options as he could; but knowing Norn, he also just tried to have as much variety as possible. The hardest thing to arrange is actually fresh fruit: nigh-impossible in Skyrim at this time of year, but Cyrodill is a gentler clime, and the second harvest of the year isn't long in. Nonetheless, he's going to smirk at Jim when fresh apples and cheese are set to one side of the table. He's a little proud of arranging those for his husband- and his 'brother', of course. He’s well rewarded by the startled grin that flashes across Jim’s face before the man’s gaze flickers toward Felix to share in that glee.
Nothing on offer slips by Norn, who carefully samples each thing passed down the table with equal intrigue. Whether it attracts attention or not doesn’t especially deter him. By the time Felix has caught up with his own friends and turns Norn’s way to ask about the selection his ‘Dunmer’ companion has more than a few of the dishes to point out as his favorites. His words even now don’t carry far but Felix knows him well enough to read the excitement in them. It’s painfully obvious given that he’s talking at length at all. Indara’s keeping Jim engaged in conversation, true to her word, talking about her family’s duties and asking him about his travels. (“Has Felix brought you up to see our collection yet? Why, but you must come and visit. My family’s been collecting genuine Akaviri artefacts for generations…”)
Up until now Jim’s companions have been polite to anyone that’s approached them but have remained a more or less cohesive unit chatting quietly amongst themselves. Spock and Leonard have done their best to never stray far from Jim’s vicinity. More than once the duo finds themselves giving small nods to Stratos or Lartia doing much of the same thing for Felix. They’ll have to watch out for the other Jim Kirk, as well, since once Nereus settles in he soon begins trying to courteously get to know his son-in-law’s heretofore unknown brother. Nothing pressing really, but here they are on his younger son’s wedding day and only now is he being introduced to anyone of Jim’s family. The younger man could be easily mistaken for his older brother if not for his shorter hair and beard. They look so very much alike, though this one has not had the benefit of over a year studying Cyrodillic. Tiberius keeps his answers simple but his tone friendly, internally pleased that Jim’s father-in-law seems to know at least something of the truth about their origins. It’s easy to assent that they work in similar jobs out in the Void. Easier still to brush off their not seeing him until now on the fact that their line of work is much more spread out than it is here on Nirn even with their strange machines to aid them.
Only Nyota has been bold enough to mingle freely with the other guests. Quick to introduce the curious to the various members of Captain Kirk’s crew while never quite managing to get to the more intriguing details of what they do or where they’re hailing from. It’s easier still to deflect questions now. Who made this? What region is that from? Have you tried...?
Hikaru is deep into a discussion about sword techniques with a second cousin of Felix’s from the Legion. Scotty’s been listening with rapt attention while Marcella and Ushug discuss their smithy, being sure their glasses stay full while they drink and dine of course. With her work largely done by the time she sits down to eat, Marcella’s looking more relaxed than she has in weeks, flushed from hard work and the wine she’s sipping. She laughs along and chips in while Ushug tells a story or two about the more disastrous business proposals they’ve been offered before, although it’s all the Orc woman’s show once she starts explaining how she used to help forge parts for trebuchets back in the Legion. Further down the table, meanwhile, Felix’s childhood friends - and their younger siblings - are well on their way to adopting Pavel as one of their own. They’re only going to get more ribald as the evening goes on.
The music began before they sat down, light and pleasant tunes provided by a couple of hired bards. It's merely something to set the atmosphere while the guests have time to eat their fill and make conversation. Once dishes have begun to be replaced by sweet cakes and pastries, however, and the heavier drinks begin to appear, the mood shifts. Nereus rises to his feet and calls for attention before proposing a toast to the happy couple and their good fortune, which sets off a whole chain of toasts- and despite the noisy merriment, it always seems to get quiet enough to hear whoever's standing to speak.
The toasts only slow when Celann gets up (again) and launches into reciting a romantic poem from his homeland. A proper knight's tutelage includes oratory, and it shows in the rise and fall of his voice with the rhythm of the piece, by turns wistful and passionate. The bards know their business, too: they've quietly switched the music they're playing to better match the warm, sweet tone of the poem. He bows graciously at the applause he receives before sitting again. His won't be the last such recital: Imperials love wordplay, and a well-fed, slightly tipsy audience is a receptive one. After a couple, though, Felix nudges Jim and whispers in his ear: "Will it be your turn next?"
He's absolutely expecting to get elbowed for that, no fear.
Felix will get what he’s asked for in the pooling color of his husband’s cheeks while Jim nearly chokes on the ale he’s drinking. The captain’s crew have joined in on the toasting but no one’s quite as sure about the poetry. Certainly, even if they had any to share their translators are only so accurate. It’s best not to test those waters. Once he’s sure he hasn’t spit his drink all over his fine clothes Jim shoots his cheeky companion a scowl over the glass he’s been drinking from.
“Don’t even think about it.” Not now, not here.
Felix only laughs into his cup. “Maybe later, then. A private appointment only.” He winks, and all Jim can do without drawing questions is scowl a little harder at being sounded out so well.
Well before the guests are ready to give up their plates and their seats, several of the mages yet in attendance find opportunity to slip away. The Synod representatives, ever eager to go about things with the proper decorum, share a few words with Nereus once he’s found before busying themselves off to the side of the waning feast. When they’ve finished their preparations someone sends word to the bards to take a well deserved break (and eat themselves). No one’s going to be able to hear them for a bit.
The first fireworks cause a few shocked laughs and gasps, especially among Jim’s friends. It only seems appropriate to begin with the symbols for each of the
Once the Synod mages have finished honoring the gods and the proud Imperial town that has hosted the day’s events the mages can really show off their prowess. Ornate sailing ships with waves that nearly seem to move against the hull. Stylized dragons that breathe a shower of golden sparks. It takes skilled alchemists and illusionists working together to create these party pieces. It’s perhaps not the wisest for some among them to have hands unsteady from drink, but the crowd eats up every display coming to life above them.
It’s only interrupted- rather rudely- when illusory blue tentacles wrap around the galleon over their heads, pulling into the maw of a kraken that emerges smoothly into view, as if from the depths of the sky. It’s a beautifully done trick, and the crowd in this inland town gasps - but Felix hears a mage yelp indignantly and giggles in his seat. It only gets worse from there, with a giant white-blue atronach lumbering in to chase off the dragon. The sky around it shimmers and coruscates with light as if the aurora of Skyrim has come all the way down here.
The College of Whispers has taken over the show, and they follow it up with ethereal, ghostly figures, eerier than those before but equally spectacular. The atronach turns and chases the apprentice mage who must have summoned it, only to be banished by an archmage who shimmers into view A pale lady dances with a broad-shouldered warrior, and then a lord who commands a tower to rise from the ground for her. Familiar figures, made stranger and more haunting by the beauty with which they’re drawn. But as a thief sneaks up on a grazing warhorse, a venomous green serpent uncoils below the steed’s feet. The horse bolts; the thief springs back- and the Synod mages are laughing this time. From there the display devolves into ever more drunken one-upmanship between the two parties, until Nereus wanders over to shoo them back to their tables - and dispel the last of their magic for good measure.
Eventually the guests stir themselves; chairs and tables are pushed back, some carried away completely. People resettle themselves wherever is comfortable inside the newly cleared square. At the side of the street, the bards have quietly changed over- and Felix has disappeared from sight. When he reappears at Jim's side he grabs his husband's hand and tugs him out into the centre, right as the musicians strike up a steady, pulsing tune with drum and fiddle and flute. Not too fast yet, but eager, urgent: the kind of rhythm that gets into the legs and demands you move along. People scatter from the open floor as they catch on, and Terentius begins clapping along to the beat.
"Dance with me," the Imperial insists, turning to grin at Jim. They won't be alone out there for long, but just for the moment, nobody's going to risk getting in their way. And right at this moment, Felix is very glad of that. All the nerves and anxiety and excitement have alchemized into a pure delight that they've actually pulled this off, that he is in fact hand in hand with his husband from the stars and somehow, somehow they've gotten away with it. He can't sit on the elation a moment longer. He needs to move and dance and let everyone in all the damned worlds know about it.
“Have I ever said no?” Especially to that particular request? Jim knows a couple dances from this world by now. Nothing he knows intimately would be anywhere close to appropriate by Nirnish standards. Jim’s quick to step into Felix’s space. To take his husband’s hand and shoulder as the Imperial leads him across the empty square. Jim’s sober enough to keep time with the music and has danced with Felix often enough to read every subtle shift in the Imperial’s touch. Even if he doesn’t know all of the steps by heart Felix’s hand is there at the small of his back guiding him along with every dip and sway of the music. Even now Jim’s not completely at ease. He has to mind his words and actions yet. Not even the Khajit dance the way Jim knows how to move. But the dances here are fun in their own ways. Lively turns and catchy melodies. “Pretty sure I just swore to every deity in the lands to follow wherever you lead,” almost every at least. Jim’s murmur is quiet at Felix’s ear in the moment the music draws them in close.
Other people are starting to inquire for partners. A ripple of conversation thrums at the edge of the square. But for just this moment there’s no one nearby to be mindful of. No one to draw attention away from Felix Caelus showing off all those years of playing dancing partner for the lesser nobles of Bruma with his interplanar husband keeping step.
The drink is flowing freely at this stage- freer at some tables than others. The younger captain Kirk has made himself scarce from the more eager amongst the drinkers. He’s got a glass of brandy close to hand while he sees about mingling with some of Felix’s friends and extended family. When else is he going to get the chance to interact with this strange new world and its inhabitants? While elder mages sip their brandy and reminisce, and Prennius and Signeir are urging Pavel to try another Dunmeri liquor, Ushug's slamming a pair of heavy jugs in front of Jaylah and Scotty.
"You really reckon you can keep up, huh? I'm warning you, I've seen Kirk drink, and you'll have to handle it better than he does…"
“Meaning no offense, er..Madam. But Kirk isn’t exactly an accurate representation of our group if yeh take my meaning.” The jug’s already being pulled closer toward the Enterprise’s chief engineer to take a sniff. Beside him, Jaylah nods along slowly.
“James-Tee has no edge to take off.”
“He’s a bit of a light weight.” Scotty shrugs amicably, clapping Jaylah on the shoulder. They’re in. “Those lads over there are in for a sight of trouble if they don’t mind themselves, too. Pavel may look like a small bundle of twigs with a shirt tossed over ‘im but he’ll hold his drink down with the best of them.” Not that Felix’s friends are Scotty or Jaylah’s problem at the moment. It just seems friendly like to warn them that the young Russian has youth and an iron constitution on his side.
“Is that so?” Ushug casts a look over her shoulder at the other group, then plonks herself into a chair with a tusked grin. “That oughta be a good show.” Felix’s friends aren’t her problem. As far as she’s concerned they can find out the hard way. “You want in on this, Marcella?”
“Ohh, no. I still have brains in my skull, and I mean to keep them there.” Marcella rolls her eyes and pushes her chair back. “I’m going to get a dance in while I still have the strength.” Maybe she can get one of Jim’s other friends to take a turn out there; and if not, there’s always Stratos.
Without her, Ushug snorts fondly and pours out the drinks, waving over an old legionnaire she knows to join the contest. She’ll make the introductions for Jim’s guests, but when it comes to the drink, they’re on their own. Of course, when it comes to the drink, the Orcish smith is about to find out they really don’t need any. Scotty could drink her to a standstill by himself, but his apprentice? She hardly seems fazed by the time the others are slumped on the table slurring half-remembered jokes at each other.
Out among the dancers, Felix whirls Jim around in his arms and peers over his shoulder at the scene. Their family and friends, mingling and enjoying themselves. His people celebrating as only they know how. His home looking beautiful in the light of fires and lanterns, the snow drifting down over their heads without freezing the air. The man in his arms, as warm as the smile he wears when Felix peers at him. It’s a perfect moment, and such things are seldom earned. They’re simply given, to the truly lucky.
Felix knows exactly which he is.