Percival sees the blush, though, and he resists the urge to tease his husband further. Perhaps he'll mention it later, if only to say how lovely the warmth is in the winter light. Just as attractive is the way Essek so casually brushes off the compliment with a flare of confidence bordering on arrogance. He knows - or he has an inkling - of how difficult a spell like that is. He knows wizards, he knows the skill and willpower it takes to advance and accomplish what they do. These are not minor forces Essek is toying with, and he makes it look effortless more often than not. Percy admires that very much.
Gods, when did he fall so far in love with this man?
Percy tries to keep them to the shade, and the saving grace is that the sun will not be bright for long. Already the light in the sky is changing as they move through the afternoon and it will set relatively early given how far north they are.
There is something very nostalgic in being here with Vox Machina, and nostalgic about being here in Whitestone for Winter's Crest at all, even if he's been living here for some time. Every year, there's a sadness that sets in as much as he tries to push it back. The sounds of voices and laughter that exist only in his memory now. He shakes it off as they approach Dawnfather Square when he feels Essek's grip tighten on his arm.
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. There will be a sort of... ceremonial start to the festival. My parents would begin things here as the sun set and we'd stay for an hour or two, then go back to the castle for a celebration there. That's the same plan for this year, unless there's anything you'd prefer to change."
The effort to remain out of direct sunlight doesn't escape Essek's notice, and as usual he is privately grateful for how considerate of him Percival always is. He won't have to endure the light for too much longer, and in the meantime he's able to enjoy more of what he sees and hears and smells. There is a lot to take in. Many booths are up and running already, serving classic winter fare or showcasing wares or offering simple games.
There are a few Kryn holidays for which such a specialized market would be organized in the Gallimaufry, though the foods, wares, and games were much different, of course. Essek hasn't been to one in a decade at least, always too busy at official ceremonies, with his work, or his own projects. The last time was probably with Verin before his placement in Bazzoxan.
"No, that sounds more than agreeable," he says, peering up at his husband to reassure him with a small smile. It must mean a great deal to Percival to now perform the same ceremonies his parents had with his own partner, and Essek is glad to learn more about his husband and his home with each one. He'd dressed nicely today to impress Percival's friends, it's true, but also to make a good impression for their appearance. Essek never so much as leaves his bedroom without being impeccably put together, but he always goes the extra mile when it comes to public showings, determined to reflect well on Percival and cement his place here in Whitestone with a hopefully favorable opinion from its people despite his status as a complete outsider.
"What is your favorite part of the festival?" he asks. Percival has told him a little about his family's Winter's Crest traditions, traditions Essek fully intends to uphold with him.
Percival appreciates and admires his husband's dedication to making a place for himself here and his willingness to participate and be seen as a member of the family and council. He'd worried once that Essek would remain reclusive, not that Percy could have blamed him for it. His husband disappears into his tower often enough, but he always appears for their shared meals and they spend their evenings together more than they don't. And he'd never expected (though he had hoped) that Essek would want to be so involved in council duties and ceremonial ones. His quiet pride in his husband's determination to become part of life here is rarely subtle.
"Oh--well, when I was younger it was always the lantern shows and pantomimes. The games were fun, but I had siblings better at those and we were always competitive."
Which is to say, Percy occasionally avoided competing to avoid looking bad when he was a boy. He can feel the look Vex'ahlia is giving him, likely a smirk, and Keyleth and Pike both express their excitement over the lantern shows.
"I liked the dancing, too. More as I got a bit older." He was better able to keep up with them once he'd grown some. He still remembers most of the dances, even if he hasn't participated since he was a teenager.
"I am curious to attend these shows," Essek proclaims easily, lending his voice to Keyleth and Pike's already apparent enthusiasm. "And willing to share a dance or two, if you are so inclined," he offers, the hint of a smile on his lips that more clearly reaches his eyes. Shaded as his face is by his hood, that smile is for Percival alone as he looks at him with unveiled fondness.
Essek isn't one for dancing, really, but in a less formal setting like this he doesn't mind participating. For the sake of sharing in something Percival enjoys, he minds even less. In fact, he acknowledges that he might even enjoy it.
As the area they walk through becomes more populated, those setting up for the festival or lingering nearby definitely take notice of them, and not in the way Essek has experienced before. It isn't just them, himself and Percival, that they are looking at. He hears whispers of Vox Machina, and if anything, people seem to be most excited by Trinket. Essek supposes he can't be offended; of all things to be upstaged by, a tame bear wearing a blue bow is at least unusual enough to be notable.
Still, he begins to appreciate for the first time what seeing this group walking the street here means to Whitestone's people. Not so very long ago, they quite literally saved this city. Essek, who was decidedly not part of that because he was busy causing a war that cost the lives of thousands of innocents, is glad to have his hood up. He finds he doesn't particularly want to be acknowledged with admiration at the moment. Let the rest of them have that, as it is well-deserved.
"I am always inclined," he says to Essek as he meets his husband's gaze. Percy is actually grateful that his husband would consider indulging that, even if it's not something he's entirely comfortable with. Percival loves dancing, though he's done it rarely since the fall of his home.
Percy's shoulders square more when people start whispering about Vox Machina. If Scanlan were here, he'd be eating this up and proclaiming - loudly - that yes, they are the famed heroes that saved Whitestone. Even if the praise is deserved, it makes Percy wish he could disappear. Yes, they saved the city. But the memories leading up to its liberation are not ones he is proud of.
So he's content when Keyleth and Grog and Pike wave and talk to people, and he exchanges a more knowing look with Vex'ahlia before she turns on the charm for their adoring public. Percy stays with Essek and gives him a wan smile.
"I was never good at this part," he admits quietly.
Essek is grateful that the rest of the group either enjoys the attention, or is willing to shoulder it at least, both for his sake and Percival's.
"I understand," he says quietly. He squeezes Percy's arm where his hand is tucked into his elbow, sensing and empathizing with his discomfort. "Accepting recognition even for a commendable deed is difficult when you have also been a source of suffering for others." This is the case for him, at least. Each time one of the Nein reminded him that they could not have saved the world without him, he felt undeserving and guilty. "There are more people than I will ever know whose lives were shattered by my arrogance. Receiving praise for doing good after causing pain of that magnitude feels hollow at best."
He cannot speak for his husband, of course, but they have spoken enough of guilt to know that it weighs heavy on him, too. The specifics of the things they have done--or the things they feel responsible for--have not been discussed in detail, but that isn't necessary for him to know that he can relate. Even if he thinks Percival deserves to be acknowledged for freeing his people from tyrannical rule, he recognizes why this is complicated and painful for him.
"It is lucky that you have friends who do not mind accepting the brunt of it on your behalf."
"It'd be even easier with Scanlan here," he says dryly. "He does love a spotlight."
He's grateful for Essek's understanding and he covers the hand on his arm with his own and gives a gentle squeeze in gratitude and affection. He's half tempted to tell Essek he needn't do any dancing if he'd rather not, but the options as to who would then partner with Percy are somewhat limited. Keyleth, Vex, Cassandra. The latter would probably be the least offensive, he doesn't want to give even the impression of slighting his husband - not to the public, and certainly not to Essek.
They'll cross that bridge when they get there. While his friends are preoccupied, he decides to bring up something more personal.
"You blushed earlier," he says mildly, trying to hide a smile. "It was very becoming. I'm not sure I've ever seen you blush in public."
It wasn't entirely public, just after their arrival in Trinket Park with only the rest of Vox Machina there to see. And Percy sincerely doubts any of them noticed. But he knows Essek well enough to recognize it.
That Percival opts not to offer Essek a way out of the dancing he's already promised to do is proof that he is an intelligent man. There is no conceivable way that Essek wouldn't be at least a bit slighted by it.
When he brings up his blushing, though, Essek has to fight not to blush again. Not that this is obvious; he does quite a good job of appearing aloof, elegantly arching a brow in an expression of mild contempt.
"You have never kissed me in public," he counters. He's never been kissed in public period. And while he doesn't say exactly that, it's implied. "I do not come from a culture where open displays of physical affection are common. I was simply caught off guard."
Never mind that the audience had been small, consisting of only a handful of Percival's closest friends. Kissing, in Essek's experience, happens behind closed doors--or occasionally in hallway alcoves, when strategically necessary. But even that was meant to look clandestine.
"Is that a suggestion that I shouldn't do it again?" he asks, still smiling in the face of Essek's aloof contempt.
He learned as much as he could about Kryn culture when he learned precisely who he was being married off to, but the reports are mostly colored by the misunderstanding or disdain of outsiders or political enemies, and so not entirely reliable. He hadn't been sure if Essek's reserved nature was something strictly his own or more common to his people. The way he speaks now suggests the latter, he thinks.
"Did I say that?" Essek's tone remains light and pleasant, perhaps even edging into playful. His eyes are bright, focused intently on his husband's face. "Perhaps not frequently, but it would be acceptable from time to time."
He does have to glance away then, lest his attempt to seem unaffected be revealed for the sham that it is. He's never had a conversation remotely like this before, outlining when and if it would be acceptable to kiss him in front of others. Certainly, he wouldn't have expected before now that he would allow it at all, even conditionally. Even more surprising still is that he'd found it a little thrilling.
While it is true that Kryn culture is more structured and reserved than most human ones, Essek himself is on the more reserved end of even that spectrum. He admits, "It is not considered uncouth for long-term partners to occasionally share a kiss in public, but I am..." Perhaps the best indicator that he is not as cool as he seems is the way his fingers flex against Percy's arm. "I have always been very private, both as a personal preference and a necessity of my station."
Percy stops walking and turns to face Essek with a warmer look in his eyes.
"Then I will try to choose my moments carefully," he says, quiet between them and just for Essek. He leans to kiss his husband's warm cheek, offering relatively chaste affection rather than a full kiss on the mouth. If it's in Essek's nature to be private and reserved, Percy is not going to force him outside that particular comfort zone. "Even if you are very charming when you blush."
Percival understands what it means to have armor for public appearances, understands the need for it, and he does not want to take Essek's away.
"Let's take a walk around the square, I'd like to see the Suntree and see if I can find anything last minute for Cassandra and Keyleth."
Everyone else on his list is covered for Winter's Crest gifts.
It is good that Percival finds it so charming, because Essek can't stop his skin from heating again now as his husband's lips press to his cheek this time. While it is chaste, it is still far more open affection than he is used to, especially after that talk. But Essek tries not to acknowledge this, violet eyes darting down and away as Percy suggests a short walk and looking for a few more presents.
"Of course," he agrees, catching his breath and attempting to restore a bit of poise. There is some uncertainty when he asks, "Should I have prepared gifts for your friends? I am satisfied with what I have found for yourself and Cassandra, but I had not thought to procure any others."
He wouldn't wish to slight them, but he's genuinely not sure of the rules of Winter's Crest gifting.
"No, I honestly wasn't sure who was coming until recently. I couldn't have told you who to look for." And besides, Essek doesn't really know them (yet) the way Percy does. And he had gifts for everyone, either to be sent to those who could not be here or given to those that came.
"Help me with Cassandra's, though. And Keyleth's if you have any thought toward it. If you're very eager to get something for Vex'ahlia, expensive but elegant will do well, whatever it is."
If Essek wants to keep an eye out for things, Percy can at least give him ideas. And Percival won't say it now, but he's looking for a few more things for his husband.
"I have some experience with expensive but elegant," Essek says wryly, lips quirking as he glances up at his husband, cheeks still faintly flushed. "Let us see what we can find. I would like to give something to each of them, if possible, so I would appreciate your advice."
Why not? It seems like it would please Percival if he learned about his friends, and giving gifts as gesture of good will--and to ingratiate one to the recipient--is a language Essek is very familiar with.
He's sure he can assist with finding something for Cassandra, at the very least. Between council meetings and family dinners, Essek has come to rather like his sister-in-law.
"Grog is getting two kegs of this year's stout, we can stay that is from both of us," he says dryly. He'll keep an eye out for something that might suit Pike, though he suspects any sincere gift from Essek will go over well, whatever it might be.
The Suntree is bright in the square, the lights all through it making the golden leaves shine bright. Some nights he cannot forget the nightmare vision of it when he returned to Whitestone, but in moments like this, that darkness feels farther away.
Dawnfather Square is packed with merchants and food vendors, some of whom have larger shops further away and have brought carts here for the festival. The entire city will be a buzz once things really get going and Percy finds himself feeling terrible nostalgic. As they browse, Percival pays attention to where Essek's eyes linger, takes note of anything he might seem to like or be intrigued by. He has his gift for Essek squared away, but there's no reason he cannot get little things for his husband to supplement.
It doesn't take a great effort to find something for Vex'ahlia: they narrow it done to a pair of beautiful earrings with blue stones that match the feathers she often wears or an elegantly made quiver. Percival leaves the final decision to Essek, and does the same once they find some options for Pike. Keyleth's gift becomes a joint effort and together they decide on a beautiful shawl knit in the shape of one of the Suntree's leaves, and made with similar colors. To go with it, Essek finds a shawl pin made from vermaloc wood, of all things. Until now, the only place Percy had really seen it is in the desk Essek has in his tower. It's just a small piece - and expensive, given its rarity, but Percival thinks it's worth it.
It has to be the earrings. Essek knows little about quivers, but plenty about jewelry, so the latter feels slightly more personal. He's surprised and pleased to find even such a small item as the shawl pin made from the distinctive dark purple wood that only grows in Xhorhas. The significance alone makes the purchase entirely worthwhile.
Essek isn't looking for himself, but there is plenty he is charmed by, mostly little things with distinctly local significance. He compliments craftsmen and artisans on their wares, politely pulling his hood back so that they can see him when he speaks to them, even if it means a slight strain on his eyes. Though he has been here more than six months, this is the first time he has interacted so directly with Whitestone's public. Their surprise and curiosity about him is plain to see. Though he detects a little wariness at times, there is no hostility. The castle staff has become used to him by now, but it is apparent that the majority of Whitestone still sees him as a novelty. With Percival they are respectful, but clearly more familiar with his presence.
Still, this is a start. Perhaps the next time they will find him a little more familiar, too.
When their shopping is done, Essek stops just to look up at the Sun Tree, his arm still threaded through Percy's. The lights among the leaves remind him of the tree growing up through the Mighty Nein's home in Rosohna, sustained by the bottled sunlight strung through its branches by the clerics. Both the memory and the sight before him bring a faint smile to his lips.
Percy slips his arm from Essek's in favor of wrapping it around his husband's waist. He holds Essek against him and, maybe, looks side-long at the other man just to look at the light on his face.
"You were very good with the merchants," he says with quiet affection. He knows it was no small thing for Essek to push his hood back, but the impact of being willing to do so did not go unnoticed. "The effort you've made to be present here, to be part of the governance and society of Whitestone means a lot to me."
He just wants Essek to know that. He could have decided this marriage was simply for show and holed up in a suite or tower without any need or desire to be part of anything here, much less have a relationship with Percival. But he hasn't held back, save for the barest moments of hesitation or uncertainty; every single one covered up with an unshakeable veneer of confidence. Percy loves him for all of it.
"And I am very much looking forward to your first Winter's Crest in Whitestone."
There's a pleasant little flutter in his stomach when Percival's arm curls around his waist. Essek turns his body toward him, casting his face half in shadow and half in warm golden light. "I was the youngest Shadowhand in my nation's history," he quips, amused. "Making smalltalk is the least of my skills."
He knows he's playing it off lightly, so he adds, voice softening, "I am grateful that you wish me to be a part of it. I hope to prove more trustworthy in this role than my last."
Perhaps that is setting the bar too low. If he can refrain from stealing any powerful arcane artifacts of unmatched religious and cultural significance for the sake of personal study, he'll have surpassed that goal.
Letting himself relax against his husband, he agrees quietly, "As am I. This is the first holiday I have looked forward to in a very long time." Catching Percival's eye, Essek surprises himself by leaning up to press a short kiss to his cheek, concealed by his hood. "The first of many, I am certain."
Percy smiles as Essek's lips touch his cheek. His arm tightens briefly around Essek's waist, holding him close.
"I hope so. Ah--we should probably head back in a little while. Celebrations go through the night. It's tradition to see the sun come up."
Going back gives them time to rest and relax and change for the evening's festivities, first down in the city and then back up in the palace. Percival doesn't quite know what it is he's feeling - not nerves, but something. This is special, it's important, and more than that it's a celebration that he is sharing with Essek. It's the best of Whitestone.
"There'll be a little meal before we come back down, in case we don't get a chance while we're here. And dinner when we get back."
"I think I will be able to handle all of that," Essek assures with a quirk of his lips. "It sounds like fun." And he hasn't experienced a fun holiday since he was a child--or since Verin was a child, at least. Thinking of that makes him wish, oddly, that Verin were here to experience this too. He would probably enjoy it. And this is, according to Percival, a holiday for family.
It will be good to wait out the next few hours at the castle, though, while the sun is still up. When they come back down to the city later, it won't be a problem for him any longer.
"I am ready to return when you are," he offers. "Shall we choose our attire for the evening together?" They're already matching quite well without trying, but Essek would enjoy coordinating. He's already decided he'll wear the mantle Percival gave him. It is a gorgeous piece, and a significant one to him. If there was ever a time to wear the crest of his new family, this must be it.
"Yes, I'd like that. And there's no reason we can't spend the time together--unless you'd rather spend it in your tower or your suite."
He should have thought of that before saying the first part. It will be some hours, Essek may want to trance in his room or may have something he needs or wants to work on in the mean time.
"Can you teleport us back?" He knows it isn't a low-level spell and he isn't sure exactly how many times Essek can do it before he's tapped for the day. But there's no need to walk all the way back in the cold or ride if Essek can get them there considerably faster. It occurs to him it might be worth creating a circle somewhere in the city... he'll bring that up at the next council meeting.
"Of course," he says lightly, with a confidence that implies being able to cast such high-level magic twice in one day is a trivial thing. Far from it. This will be his limit for especially powerful spells today, unless he is going to trance before they return in the evening. He could, but on this occasion he would prefer to spend that time with his husband, as he suggests.
Essek raises a hand between them and skates his fingertips along Percy's jaw with a gentle touch. His eyes soften. "I do not wish to seclude myself today. I would like nothing more than to remain with you."
With how fondly Percival had spoken of Winter's Crest, Essek has already decided to do everything in his power to make their first together perfect. It's what his husband deserves.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Gods, when did he fall so far in love with this man?
Percy tries to keep them to the shade, and the saving grace is that the sun will not be bright for long. Already the light in the sky is changing as they move through the afternoon and it will set relatively early given how far north they are.
There is something very nostalgic in being here with Vox Machina, and nostalgic about being here in Whitestone for Winter's Crest at all, even if he's been living here for some time. Every year, there's a sadness that sets in as much as he tries to push it back. The sounds of voices and laughter that exist only in his memory now. He shakes it off as they approach Dawnfather Square when he feels Essek's grip tighten on his arm.
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. There will be a sort of... ceremonial start to the festival. My parents would begin things here as the sun set and we'd stay for an hour or two, then go back to the castle for a celebration there. That's the same plan for this year, unless there's anything you'd prefer to change."
no subject
There are a few Kryn holidays for which such a specialized market would be organized in the Gallimaufry, though the foods, wares, and games were much different, of course. Essek hasn't been to one in a decade at least, always too busy at official ceremonies, with his work, or his own projects. The last time was probably with Verin before his placement in Bazzoxan.
"No, that sounds more than agreeable," he says, peering up at his husband to reassure him with a small smile. It must mean a great deal to Percival to now perform the same ceremonies his parents had with his own partner, and Essek is glad to learn more about his husband and his home with each one. He'd dressed nicely today to impress Percival's friends, it's true, but also to make a good impression for their appearance. Essek never so much as leaves his bedroom without being impeccably put together, but he always goes the extra mile when it comes to public showings, determined to reflect well on Percival and cement his place here in Whitestone with a hopefully favorable opinion from its people despite his status as a complete outsider.
"What is your favorite part of the festival?" he asks. Percival has told him a little about his family's Winter's Crest traditions, traditions Essek fully intends to uphold with him.
no subject
"Oh--well, when I was younger it was always the lantern shows and pantomimes. The games were fun, but I had siblings better at those and we were always competitive."
Which is to say, Percy occasionally avoided competing to avoid looking bad when he was a boy. He can feel the look Vex'ahlia is giving him, likely a smirk, and Keyleth and Pike both express their excitement over the lantern shows.
"I liked the dancing, too. More as I got a bit older." He was better able to keep up with them once he'd grown some. He still remembers most of the dances, even if he hasn't participated since he was a teenager.
no subject
Essek isn't one for dancing, really, but in a less formal setting like this he doesn't mind participating. For the sake of sharing in something Percival enjoys, he minds even less. In fact, he acknowledges that he might even enjoy it.
As the area they walk through becomes more populated, those setting up for the festival or lingering nearby definitely take notice of them, and not in the way Essek has experienced before. It isn't just them, himself and Percival, that they are looking at. He hears whispers of Vox Machina, and if anything, people seem to be most excited by Trinket. Essek supposes he can't be offended; of all things to be upstaged by, a tame bear wearing a blue bow is at least unusual enough to be notable.
Still, he begins to appreciate for the first time what seeing this group walking the street here means to Whitestone's people. Not so very long ago, they quite literally saved this city. Essek, who was decidedly not part of that because he was busy causing a war that cost the lives of thousands of innocents, is glad to have his hood up. He finds he doesn't particularly want to be acknowledged with admiration at the moment. Let the rest of them have that, as it is well-deserved.
no subject
Percy's shoulders square more when people start whispering about Vox Machina. If Scanlan were here, he'd be eating this up and proclaiming - loudly - that yes, they are the famed heroes that saved Whitestone. Even if the praise is deserved, it makes Percy wish he could disappear. Yes, they saved the city. But the memories leading up to its liberation are not ones he is proud of.
So he's content when Keyleth and Grog and Pike wave and talk to people, and he exchanges a more knowing look with Vex'ahlia before she turns on the charm for their adoring public. Percy stays with Essek and gives him a wan smile.
"I was never good at this part," he admits quietly.
no subject
"I understand," he says quietly. He squeezes Percy's arm where his hand is tucked into his elbow, sensing and empathizing with his discomfort. "Accepting recognition even for a commendable deed is difficult when you have also been a source of suffering for others." This is the case for him, at least. Each time one of the Nein reminded him that they could not have saved the world without him, he felt undeserving and guilty. "There are more people than I will ever know whose lives were shattered by my arrogance. Receiving praise for doing good after causing pain of that magnitude feels hollow at best."
He cannot speak for his husband, of course, but they have spoken enough of guilt to know that it weighs heavy on him, too. The specifics of the things they have done--or the things they feel responsible for--have not been discussed in detail, but that isn't necessary for him to know that he can relate. Even if he thinks Percival deserves to be acknowledged for freeing his people from tyrannical rule, he recognizes why this is complicated and painful for him.
"It is lucky that you have friends who do not mind accepting the brunt of it on your behalf."
no subject
He's grateful for Essek's understanding and he covers the hand on his arm with his own and gives a gentle squeeze in gratitude and affection. He's half tempted to tell Essek he needn't do any dancing if he'd rather not, but the options as to who would then partner with Percy are somewhat limited. Keyleth, Vex, Cassandra. The latter would probably be the least offensive, he doesn't want to give even the impression of slighting his husband - not to the public, and certainly not to Essek.
They'll cross that bridge when they get there. While his friends are preoccupied, he decides to bring up something more personal.
"You blushed earlier," he says mildly, trying to hide a smile. "It was very becoming. I'm not sure I've ever seen you blush in public."
It wasn't entirely public, just after their arrival in Trinket Park with only the rest of Vox Machina there to see. And Percy sincerely doubts any of them noticed. But he knows Essek well enough to recognize it.
no subject
When he brings up his blushing, though, Essek has to fight not to blush again. Not that this is obvious; he does quite a good job of appearing aloof, elegantly arching a brow in an expression of mild contempt.
"You have never kissed me in public," he counters. He's never been kissed in public period. And while he doesn't say exactly that, it's implied. "I do not come from a culture where open displays of physical affection are common. I was simply caught off guard."
Never mind that the audience had been small, consisting of only a handful of Percival's closest friends. Kissing, in Essek's experience, happens behind closed doors--or occasionally in hallway alcoves, when strategically necessary. But even that was meant to look clandestine.
no subject
He learned as much as he could about Kryn culture when he learned precisely who he was being married off to, but the reports are mostly colored by the misunderstanding or disdain of outsiders or political enemies, and so not entirely reliable. He hadn't been sure if Essek's reserved nature was something strictly his own or more common to his people. The way he speaks now suggests the latter, he thinks.
no subject
He does have to glance away then, lest his attempt to seem unaffected be revealed for the sham that it is. He's never had a conversation remotely like this before, outlining when and if it would be acceptable to kiss him in front of others. Certainly, he wouldn't have expected before now that he would allow it at all, even conditionally. Even more surprising still is that he'd found it a little thrilling.
While it is true that Kryn culture is more structured and reserved than most human ones, Essek himself is on the more reserved end of even that spectrum. He admits, "It is not considered uncouth for long-term partners to occasionally share a kiss in public, but I am..." Perhaps the best indicator that he is not as cool as he seems is the way his fingers flex against Percy's arm. "I have always been very private, both as a personal preference and a necessity of my station."
no subject
"Then I will try to choose my moments carefully," he says, quiet between them and just for Essek. He leans to kiss his husband's warm cheek, offering relatively chaste affection rather than a full kiss on the mouth. If it's in Essek's nature to be private and reserved, Percy is not going to force him outside that particular comfort zone. "Even if you are very charming when you blush."
Percival understands what it means to have armor for public appearances, understands the need for it, and he does not want to take Essek's away.
"Let's take a walk around the square, I'd like to see the Suntree and see if I can find anything last minute for Cassandra and Keyleth."
Everyone else on his list is covered for Winter's Crest gifts.
no subject
"Of course," he agrees, catching his breath and attempting to restore a bit of poise. There is some uncertainty when he asks, "Should I have prepared gifts for your friends? I am satisfied with what I have found for yourself and Cassandra, but I had not thought to procure any others."
He wouldn't wish to slight them, but he's genuinely not sure of the rules of Winter's Crest gifting.
no subject
"Help me with Cassandra's, though. And Keyleth's if you have any thought toward it. If you're very eager to get something for Vex'ahlia, expensive but elegant will do well, whatever it is."
If Essek wants to keep an eye out for things, Percy can at least give him ideas. And Percival won't say it now, but he's looking for a few more things for his husband.
no subject
Why not? It seems like it would please Percival if he learned about his friends, and giving gifts as gesture of good will--and to ingratiate one to the recipient--is a language Essek is very familiar with.
He's sure he can assist with finding something for Cassandra, at the very least. Between council meetings and family dinners, Essek has come to rather like his sister-in-law.
no subject
The Suntree is bright in the square, the lights all through it making the golden leaves shine bright. Some nights he cannot forget the nightmare vision of it when he returned to Whitestone, but in moments like this, that darkness feels farther away.
Dawnfather Square is packed with merchants and food vendors, some of whom have larger shops further away and have brought carts here for the festival. The entire city will be a buzz once things really get going and Percy finds himself feeling terrible nostalgic. As they browse, Percival pays attention to where Essek's eyes linger, takes note of anything he might seem to like or be intrigued by. He has his gift for Essek squared away, but there's no reason he cannot get little things for his husband to supplement.
It doesn't take a great effort to find something for Vex'ahlia: they narrow it done to a pair of beautiful earrings with blue stones that match the feathers she often wears or an elegantly made quiver. Percival leaves the final decision to Essek, and does the same once they find some options for Pike. Keyleth's gift becomes a joint effort and together they decide on a beautiful shawl knit in the shape of one of the Suntree's leaves, and made with similar colors. To go with it, Essek finds a shawl pin made from vermaloc wood, of all things. Until now, the only place Percy had really seen it is in the desk Essek has in his tower. It's just a small piece - and expensive, given its rarity, but Percival thinks it's worth it.
no subject
Essek isn't looking for himself, but there is plenty he is charmed by, mostly little things with distinctly local significance. He compliments craftsmen and artisans on their wares, politely pulling his hood back so that they can see him when he speaks to them, even if it means a slight strain on his eyes. Though he has been here more than six months, this is the first time he has interacted so directly with Whitestone's public. Their surprise and curiosity about him is plain to see. Though he detects a little wariness at times, there is no hostility. The castle staff has become used to him by now, but it is apparent that the majority of Whitestone still sees him as a novelty. With Percival they are respectful, but clearly more familiar with his presence.
Still, this is a start. Perhaps the next time they will find him a little more familiar, too.
When their shopping is done, Essek stops just to look up at the Sun Tree, his arm still threaded through Percy's. The lights among the leaves remind him of the tree growing up through the Mighty Nein's home in Rosohna, sustained by the bottled sunlight strung through its branches by the clerics. Both the memory and the sight before him bring a faint smile to his lips.
no subject
"You were very good with the merchants," he says with quiet affection. He knows it was no small thing for Essek to push his hood back, but the impact of being willing to do so did not go unnoticed. "The effort you've made to be present here, to be part of the governance and society of Whitestone means a lot to me."
He just wants Essek to know that. He could have decided this marriage was simply for show and holed up in a suite or tower without any need or desire to be part of anything here, much less have a relationship with Percival. But he hasn't held back, save for the barest moments of hesitation or uncertainty; every single one covered up with an unshakeable veneer of confidence. Percy loves him for all of it.
"And I am very much looking forward to your first Winter's Crest in Whitestone."
no subject
He knows he's playing it off lightly, so he adds, voice softening, "I am grateful that you wish me to be a part of it. I hope to prove more trustworthy in this role than my last."
Perhaps that is setting the bar too low. If he can refrain from stealing any powerful arcane artifacts of unmatched religious and cultural significance for the sake of personal study, he'll have surpassed that goal.
Letting himself relax against his husband, he agrees quietly, "As am I. This is the first holiday I have looked forward to in a very long time." Catching Percival's eye, Essek surprises himself by leaning up to press a short kiss to his cheek, concealed by his hood. "The first of many, I am certain."
no subject
"I hope so. Ah--we should probably head back in a little while. Celebrations go through the night. It's tradition to see the sun come up."
Going back gives them time to rest and relax and change for the evening's festivities, first down in the city and then back up in the palace. Percival doesn't quite know what it is he's feeling - not nerves, but something. This is special, it's important, and more than that it's a celebration that he is sharing with Essek. It's the best of Whitestone.
"There'll be a little meal before we come back down, in case we don't get a chance while we're here. And dinner when we get back."
no subject
It will be good to wait out the next few hours at the castle, though, while the sun is still up. When they come back down to the city later, it won't be a problem for him any longer.
"I am ready to return when you are," he offers. "Shall we choose our attire for the evening together?" They're already matching quite well without trying, but Essek would enjoy coordinating. He's already decided he'll wear the mantle Percival gave him. It is a gorgeous piece, and a significant one to him. If there was ever a time to wear the crest of his new family, this must be it.
no subject
He should have thought of that before saying the first part. It will be some hours, Essek may want to trance in his room or may have something he needs or wants to work on in the mean time.
"Can you teleport us back?" He knows it isn't a low-level spell and he isn't sure exactly how many times Essek can do it before he's tapped for the day. But there's no need to walk all the way back in the cold or ride if Essek can get them there considerably faster. It occurs to him it might be worth creating a circle somewhere in the city... he'll bring that up at the next council meeting.
no subject
Essek raises a hand between them and skates his fingertips along Percy's jaw with a gentle touch. His eyes soften. "I do not wish to seclude myself today. I would like nothing more than to remain with you."
With how fondly Percival had spoken of Winter's Crest, Essek has already decided to do everything in his power to make their first together perfect. It's what his husband deserves.