[Open] A Romantic Atmosphere

[overharrowed]

WHO: Julius and you
WHAT: Help Julius attempt a Romantic Gesture. (Business/project-focused inquiries also welcome.)
WHEN: Throughout Justinian
WHERE: Various (see prompts)
NOTES: No warnings for now.

I. I forget these unimportant matters

Julius has taken steps to ensure he doesn't miss his second anniversary as he (and Petrana) missed the first. It's still novel to have a relationship he can openly celebrate, and while they both have their hands full with the war, he also feels it's important not to take his partner for granted.

...he has, however, slightly underestimated how difficult it will be to get his hands on some of the components of his intended romantic gesture. His quest for special occasion provisions has taken him throughout the Gallows. Flowers have him combing Hightown. And he winds up in Lowtown looking for assorted decorative elements. In any of these places, he has the slightly harried air of a man who could use some help, or at least someone to get a second opinion from.

II. Just maintain a true perspective

Members of Project Sashamiri, the Diplomacy division or anyone else who seek him out in his office at other points in the month will find Julius much more like his usual self. His office hours regularly extend well past when he claims he will be there as he tries to stay on top a slowly growing mountain of reports and routine duties. When a visitor comes in, they will likely find him frowning absently over a letter, quick enough to look up gratefully at the distraction.

III. Still I'm incandescent [closed to Petrana]

Eventually, Julius puts together all the elements he was picturing. (And, on second thought, removes a few upon deciding they are too much.) When she comes back to their shared room for the evening, she will find a late supper, kept warm and fresh with magic, the fare somewhat elevated from what is usually available in the dining hall. Candlelight is hardly unusual, but he's secured some fancier candle holders for ambiance, as well as a tablecloth and a small, tasteful flower arrangement.

(And if she's late enough, he may come fetch her; he knows that there is a nonzero chance of her distractedly working into the night if he doesn't intervene.)

IV. Wildcard

[If you want to talk something through before you set it up, just grab me on Discord or Plurk and we'll make it happen.]

Comments

[luaithre]

He is slipping his own shopping into a pocket as he listens, glancing to Julius as he explains. Not paying attention so closely as to pick up the nuances of Julius' reticence, although Marcus can very well overlay his own expectations in that regard.

It is a private enough thing. Still, he asks, "What's the occasion?"

[overharrowed]

"An anniversary. The second," he adds, to address a likely follow-up, "though we didn't do anything in particular to mark the first, so I'm not attempting to build on any particular traditions. It just felt..." He pauses, considers the wares in front of him, and says, "Well. It's not as if I have a great deal of practice at proper gift-giving."

[luaithre]

"Congratulations."

It seems like a long time for a mage. A long time for a Rifter. It's a little tempting for Marcus to make the point that such connections are impossible in a world where Chantry rule dictates the romantic impulses of mages amongst one another, let alone anyone else--

But call it an anniversary gift that he does not, particularly as he is sure Julius is well aware. Instead, he picks at some hanging ropes of lace, and asks, "You were going to remake the room, as a gift?"

[overharrowed]

"Nothing that ambitious," he says with a smile, grateful for the light response when the answer might have easily prompted something else. "I thought some temporary decorations, maybe one or two we could keep longer - nicer candlesticks or a cloth for the table. I'm planning to arrange for dinner in our room, and I thought she might appreciate something a tiny bit grander than usual." Within his limited powers to provide it, at least.

[luaithre]

"Mm," says Marcus, agreeably, like the encouragement is for less is more.

Julius is not asking his advice, but had been looking at everything in a distinctly helpless or at least second-guessing sort of way. "I believe ladies favour colours they wear," he says. "Or moreover have a distinct one to associate themselves with. Yours likes pale blue. I imagine a slight gesture that way, in her honour, would do just as well."

[overharrowed]

"A good thought," he allows, not without gratitude. "A tablecloth would be well for the occasion, but not something we would use often, I suspect. Perhaps a scarf or a light blanket, that could be used for decoration but then again later? Or... perhaps that is a bit utilitarian for a romantic gift."

[luaithre]

"Candles," Marcus suggests, after a few moments of thought. "There's a stall nearer to Hightown that sells them in colours. Romantic for the occasion, but they can be used later."

[overharrowed]

The smile he's startled into is so genuine it throws into relief how moderated his more habitual expression of pleasure must be. "Colored candles, yes. That's it precisely. Something fine that she wouldn't buy herself, but not so extravagant that it seems out of place in the circumstances." The middle of a war, with both of them, in a sense, refugees.

"Would you point me in the right direction? I don't mean to monopolize the entirety of your afternoon by dragging you along." Though the offer seems more out of consciousness of taking up Marcus' time than an desire to be immediately rid of him.