#i miss empires

[bre4yd]

WIZARD GEM

(except its her student days)

[deityoftherain]

courting jewelry - Flower Husbands ESMP1 Oneshot

Rating: Gen

Relationship: M/M

Archive Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Status: Completed Oneshot

Word Count: 3,282

Summary:

Scott and Jimmy have been perusing each other in secret as their empires became allies. Now that their alliance was official, the Codlanders celebrated with a festival, inviting the Rivendellians to join them as a merger of their cultures. The two lovers sneak off from the festivities for some private time, emerging from their special flower garden hand in hand, announcing their courtship to their people through the jewelry they exchanged.

The fic is posted in full under the cut if you don't want to reroute to AO3 :D

“Shouldn’t they be here by now?” Jimmy asked his advisor, pacing back and forth as his tail swayed behind him. He fidgeted with his hands, rubbing the tips against the webbing between his fingers and the greenish brownish scales decorating his skin.

“They’re coming all the way from Rivendell, Codfather,” Moacir reminded him as they patted a one-two against his shoulder. “Give them time. The festival doesn’t start for a few more hours, anyway, and the other Codfolk are still preparing. Besides, I’m sure Sovereign Scott is just as eager to see you as you are with him. He’ll get here when he gets here.”

“Right, well,” Jimmy started without a conclusion. He sighed, planting his feet still as he scratched the back of his neck. Once that itch was satisfied, he ran his claws down his shoulder. The movement encouraged a scale to shed, and Jimmy scrambled to catch it. “Aha! Another scale for the flower!”

“Codfather!” Moacir exclaimed with a baffled laugh. He covered his mouth as he did so before pushing up the rim of his glasses. “I know you are anxious about the festival going well, but I know you well enough to know you aren’t this scatterbrained. Not when it comes to things important to you.” Realization dawned on Jimmy and he smacked his palm against his forehead. Right. He had managed to collect enough over a week ago and had some artisans help him manipulate deliberate curves into them. Using one’s scales in jewelry and decor was an old Codfolk tradition, dating long before the Cod-Salmon war. The technique was almost lost to history, but some brave souls managed to preserve it and prevent it from being another thing the Salmonfolk stole from them.

Moacir must have taken pity on him for they turned to comfort. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. You were in the habit of collecting scales for an extended period of time so it is only natural that you haven’t broken it yet. I was only teasing and it didn’t land properly. Still, as your advisor and your friend, I must insist that you go and relax before the elves get here. It won’t do us any good if our emperor is tripping over his own two feet because he’s tired.”

Jimmy considered Moacir’s words for a moment before allowing his shoulders to hunch, releasing the tightness in his shoulders. “You’re right, you’re right. I don’t want to be exhausted before it even starts. Will you make sure to get me when they arrive?” “Of course I will,” Moacir scoffed, but not harshly. “Do you even know me? Now stop procrastinating and go.”

“Woah! Okay, okay!” Jimmy exclaimed as Moacir started to forcefully guide him down the raised wooden pathing. “I’m going! No need to push.” Moacir stopped pushing when Jimmy started to walk by himself. “Rest well, Codfather!” 

“I will!” Jimmy called the promise over his shoulder. Moacir was right, he was rather tired. As soon as he arrived back home, he staggered over to his bed and face planted onto the mattress. It was safe to say he kept his promise of resting, fading into dreamland rather quickly.

Jimmy was woken a couple hours later for final outfit checks and to make sure he was properly prepared. While the tailors made final adjustments to his clothes, Moacir quizzed him on the speech he made him memorize. This event was nowhere near a typical political affair nor was it supposed to be high stress, but The Cod Council (made up of supposedly wise and elder Codfolk) wouldn’t be pleased with him if he managed to mess up this alliance with Rivendell.

He didn’t understand why The Cod Council was so worried though! Codland wouldn’t suddenly fall apart if the alliance was broken and, even if the alliance did break, they had other allies such as Mezalea and Pixandria! It wouldn’t fail, he knew, for Jimmy had built a strong relationship with not only Rivendell as an empire, but Sovereign Scott, their emperor! Jimmy and Scott were actively courting, for cod’s sake! Not that that was super public information, yet.

Jimmy wished the council would give him some more credit for all he’d done instead of treating him with an unnecessary amount of skepticism. He already struggled with self-confidence at times– some of the other emperors openly scoffed at both him and his empire’s size and economic influence– so he would appreciate it if they actually offered some genuine support! Jimmy knew they were like that with anyone, jaded by war and loss, but he couldn’t deny it hurt.

Luckily, where the elders failed, there were people more than willing to help build up his confidence. Friends like Pix, citizens like Moacir, his sister Lizzie… even Joel, Lizzie’s husband, was supportive in his own special way! Jimmy was lucky to have a support system like them in place because he wasn’t sure he would be able to lead like he was otherwise.

Codfolk loved festivals, so they took every and any excuse they could to have one. They celebrated the changing of the seasons, they celebrated art, they celebrated hunting and herbs, they celebrated the changing tides and the rotation of the moon! Most importantly, they celebrated their alliances. They were culture mergers and fantastic for moral boosting.

Everyone knew that Rivendellians weren’t the most social people out there, especially with those outside their empire, so Jimmy worked diligently to make this festival the best one yet! It was the Codfolk way, after all: every stroke is a chance to make waves, so give it your all and savor the journey.

I’m Big Man Jim. I can do this! Jimmy repeated the mantra in his head to dispel the anxiety that wormed its way into his consciousness. If the Codfolk could survive a war with the Salmonfolk and the on and off hostilities from the Wither Rose Alliance, he could make it through a festival with the man he was courting.

Speaking of which, Moacir entered the room Jimmy was finishing up in announcing, “Codfather! The elves are here.”

Jimmy jerked out of his thoughts, both excitement and nerves sparking within him. The excitement took over as he thought of Scott, and the anticipation urged Jimmy to shrug off one of the Codfolk fussing over his outfit and rush out the door

He hurried down the oak plank paths with pep in his step. Some of his people stayed on his heel, prepared to greet the Rivendellians with him. Jimmy adjusted the headpiece nested on his head, an alternative to the Codhead Helm. The Codhead was worn for official ceremonies or for travel outside of the empire’s territory. While in Codland, it was considered more proper to wear a headpiece that didn’t cover his face. It had to do with tradition, trust, and centuries of history Jimmy could only recall fractions of.

If Jimmy were to be honest, he didn’t remember a single thing he said to greet the elves. He was so consciously focused on Scott in all his beauty that he couldn’t hear the words coming out of his mouth. Based on the thumbs up Moacir gave him when the crowd dissipated to enjoy the festivities, he assumed he did well. 

Moacir had ensured he could recite the speech they prepared forward and backwards. Jimmy was positive he could recite it in his sleep, and maybe he has, he’d gone over it so many times. It was worth it though because everyone was happy and content, and Jimmy was permitted to show Scott around.

“Good day, Sovereign,” Jimmy greeted the other emperor with a grin, offering his arm for Scott to take. “Are you ready for your tour?” Scott returned the grin, slipping his hand around Jimmy’s arm. “My, aren’t you a gentleman, Codfather. I like this much better than almost drowning.”

Jimmy laughed airly, glancing away bashfully for only a moment. “As do I. Festivals are always a highlight in my life, after all. Perhaps you could come to the next one we have as well? It’s a music festival, in honor of traditional Codfolk songs and dances.”

Scott hummed in consideration, conscious of the fact that his people were still in earshot. “I would be honored to attend, if I am available.”

When an alliance with Codland is formed, the emperor of the other empire must allow the ruling Codparent (Codfather, in this case) to hold them under water. It was a trust exercise meant to ensure a bond, the emperor putting their life in the Codparent’s hands, and it was the Codparent’s task to pull them back up before they drowned. Once the ritual is complete, the alliance is considered official in Codland’s eyes.

Like the emperors before them, Jimmy held Scott underwater, but brought him up before harm came to his lover. Now, instead of repeating such a ceremony, which he doubted any of the other emperors would approve of doing more than once, they conducted festivals. Jimmy much preferred the festivals, if he were to be honest, but he couldn’t say he didn’t find joy in near-drowning Joel. He certainly put the “brother” in “brother-in-law”, they both did.

Jimmy walked Scott past a few crowded booths, squinting his eyes briefly at them. “Hm, there’s a lot of people over here. We should make our way to the other side so it isn’t as crowded and loop back. Does that sound good to you?” “Sounds wonderful,” Scott agreed, but he did stop walking. With Jimmy’s arm still hooked with Scott’s, it prompted him to stop as well because they would otherwise lose contact with one another. Jimmy furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, but Scott answered his unspoken question before it formed on his lips. “Before we continue the tour, can we go someplace private?” “Why?” Jimmy blurted out, ever curious, before scrambling to add to it. “I mean, we can, yes, but–?” “Maybe I just want to spend some time alone with you, Jimmy,” Scott interrupted, a playful gleam in his brilliantly dark blue eyes. “Don’t you want to spend some time alone with me?”

Jimmy’s face flushed, his voice lowering to a murmur, “Of course I do, orchid, you know that, but the alliance–” “Then it shouldn’t be a problem! Come on, petal, the alliance will be fine,” Scott reassured Jimmy. “No one will notice if we’re not wandering the festival for a little bit. Besides, don’t you think we both deserve a little time to ourselves every once in a while? Aeor knows I haven’t had a proper break in far too long.”

Void, Jimmy was always weak when it came to Scott. He briefly surveyed the area before tugging Scott off the “official” path of the festival. In a hushed voice, he instructed, “Hurry, this way!”

Scott giggled elatedly as he allowed Jimmy to drag him off. Jimmy racked his brain on where to take him that was in that direction. That was when the blue, gold, and white of the Rivendell embassy building caught his eye. Perfect! If they were caught sneaking away, that wasn’t the worst place to be found.

Scott must have caught on to what Jimmy was thinking because he said, “Let’s go to the garden.” “Already on it,” Jimmy informed him, practically beelining right there.

Scott had always liked flowers, but not many would survive the frigid temperatures of the mountains, even in a greenhouse. Knowing this, Jimmy granted the Rivendellians permission to build a tiny, secluded flower garden on the land provided to build the embassy on. It quickly became one of Jimmy and Scott’s favorite places to go together in Codland, and for good reason.

Their empires’ banners hung beside each other on the wall the garden shared with the main embassy. The other “walls” were hedges made of flowering azaleas, allowing the garden to be secluded in the first place. Inside the “walls” was a small fountain surrounded by various flowers, marking the area with the soft sound of moving water, pleasant aromas, and plenty of color.

As soon as they entered, Scott removed himself from Jimmy’s hold to approach the nearby jasmine and camellias. He sniffed the flowers with a content, somewhat dreamy sigh. “Aeor, I love this place.” Jimmy watched Scott flutter around the flowers like a bee seeking nectar, utterly stricken by his lover. He sometimes wondered how a man like Scott fell for someone like him. Sure, he was an emperor, but there were several cultural and lifestyle differences between them! Jimmy wouldn’t complain though, grateful that his affections for the elf were returned.

Scott always had this sense of etherealism to him, starstruckingly gorgeous. His skin was as pale as the mountains’ snow and his hair was a vibrant blue, reminding Jimmy (once again) of the blue orchids most commonly found in the swamp. In fact, if he held an orchid up to Scott, Jimmy was almost certain it would be an exact match. Despite the heat of the sun, Scott was barely flushed red, which Jimmy assumed was an elf thing. Barely any elves’ skin he’s known was affected by the sun, unlike Codfolk whose skin darkened and often freckled from sun exposure.

“Not that I mind you staring, petal, but we have come here for a reason,” Scott’s teasing comment pulled Jimmy from his thoughts. He guided the fabric of his long, layered skirt forward so he could sit down on the bench without it bunching before patting the spot next to him. “Sit with me.” Jimmy obeyed hastily, only taking two strides to reach Scott’s side. He sat down, unconsciously wrapping his tail around Scott like a hug. Scott allowed it to happen, not seeming to mind nor care. “Why did you insist on coming here first? There’s still so much festival to see.” “And we will see it,” Scott promised. “I’m just being selfish, and selfish me wanted to spend the day seeing you wear this.” “Seeing what-?” Before Jimmy could finish that though, Scott pulled out a shiny, almost-clear white necklace, holding it in such a way to display it in its full beauty. Upon further inspection, the shine likely came from some sort of enchantment, though Jimmy wasn’t sure which. Everything from the central pendant to the flowers and leaves that decorated the necklace further were meticulously carved, crafted to perfection.

Jimmy’s eyes widened and as his jaw went ajar, enamored by the artistry. He reached out to touch it before pulling back, not wanting to potentially break it. “Scott, it’s gorgeous. Did you make this yourself?” “I did,” Scott confirmed with a sense of pride. “I used my ice abilities as a base, but the finer details and enchantments I did myself by hand. It is made of ice, but it shouldn’t melt or affect your body temperature. I’ll admit, there were a few failed versions before this one, but I wanted to get it perfect for you.” “Oh, Scott,” Jimmy practically melted, feeling all warm and fuzzy by the show of affection and care. He was at a loss for words, so he didn’t speak. Instead, Jimmy gingerly took the necklace and clasped it around his neck. He looked down at it, his end of his tail starting to flick joyously. Unable to contain himself anymore, he pulled Scott into a tight hug before punctuating it with a chaste kiss.

“Just so you are aware, this is an elven courting gift,” Scott informed before Jimmy could go in for a second kiss. “I know we’ve been keeping our courting on the downlow, wanting to give our relationship time to breathe without input from other people, but everyone will know if you wear this in public. At least elves will know; I’m not sure how aware of our customs Codfolk are. You don’t… you don’t have to wear it if you’re not ready yet. This isn’t meant to rush you.”

“I’m ready. I swear it,” Jimmy promised in between initiating feverish kisses, unable to keep his hands off of his lover. He had been so nervous to bring up the topic of moving forward in their courtship, unsure about how Scott would react, but, void, was he relieved! He had been nervous for no reason, Scott bringing it up before him, but Jimmy was more than happy to prove his anxieties wrong. Scott meant everything to him, and Jimmy was more than ready to let everyone who would listen know. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love you, Scott. I love you so much.”

Scott noticeably softened at Jimmy’s words, returning the affections with an “I love you too” murmured when taking a breath.

They continued to exchange kisses even as Scott wrapped his arms around Jimmy’s torso with his fingers interlocking just above Jimmy’s tail. Scott pulled Jimmy onto his lap and Jimmy went with the movement, encircling Scott’s waist with his legs. Jimmy’s hands wandered up to Scott’s face, one cupping his cheek while the other tangled itself in his hair.

They were so lost in bliss and pleasure that Jimmy had forgotten about the festival until he heard three loud chimes go off in the distance in rapid succession. Both of them startled, the sound a surprise to both of them.

“We should probably take that as a sign to rejoin the festival,” Scott commented breathlessly, resting his forehead against Jimmy’s shoulder.

“Probably,” Jimmy agreed, just as breathless. “Those chimes are meant to announce that the relay races are starting soon, and I would like to show you them. I’m not participating this time, but they’re so much fun to watch, especially when you pick a team to root for.” “We should start heading that direction, then,” Scott raised his head so he was no longer leaning his body weight into Jimmy, “or we’ll miss it.” Jimmy climbed off of Scott’s lap, prepared to lead his lover back to the festivities when he recalled part of the reason he was so nervous for today. “Wait, orchid, I have something for you too.”

Curiosity colored Scott’s expression as Jimmy retrieved the flower forged from his scales and held together by gold imported from Mezalea. Scott held out cupped hands and Jimmy set the hair brooch on his palms. 

“They look like your scales,” Scott observed, studying it closely.

“They are,” Jimmy confirmed, pleased that Scott caught that fact so quickly. ”Giving jewelry made of one’s scales is a Codfolk tradition. A courting gift, like your necklace. I suppose we had the same idea, but I planned to give mine to you later, after showing you around more.”

Scott laughed lightheartedly as he effortlessly styled the brooch into his hair, utilizing his years upon years of practice decorating himself with various jewelry and accessories. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“Of course!” Jimmy puffed out his chest, straightening his shoulders with a grin. Scott rewarded him with another stolen kiss or five before they were interrupted by the chimes once more. “That’s the second warning! The third time it sounds off, they’re starting.” “Then let's get going! Come on, slowpoke!” Scott stood up and took Jimmy’s hand in his before dragging him out of the garden. Jimmy let Scott lead for a moment before picking up his pace to speed walk side by side with him. 

Jimmy smiled so brightly as they raced along the path together that he couldn’t force it away if he tried. Festivals always left him in high spirits, but he felt over the moon with Scott wearing his scales and holding his hand as he wore Scott’s ice necklace, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you read this far, please like/kudos, reblog, and comment either here or on AO3, I appreciate it a lot <3

[ghostvypng]

I MISS EMPIRES 1

[nerdyspies]

my only contribution to the empires fandom (im so funny)

[glowsticcc]

IS THAT MY BABYGIRL GREAT WITCH SHELBY????????

[pandemonicastrologist-blog]

FWHIP!! GIVE US ANOTHER SEASON OF EMPIRES, AND MY LIFE IS YOURS 🗣️🗣️

[actualori]

UGHRGEGRHHGGG i miss hermes so MUCHCHHCHHHHHH

[graphitegooose]

little birb sheriff on a rock, what will he do?

[heavyhandedhex]

who survived? …anyone else but you?

[ennafin]

Honestly same thought I had 😭😭

grian calling his prismarine shop the prismarine palace....

[joifee]

The man of the hour

this took me longer than i care to admit hahaha

[bre4yd]

Santa Perla..

[deityoftherain]

fWhip works because it is the most correct

Fwhip works because it follows typical grammatical name structures

FWIP ON THE OTHER HAND—

/pet peeves /lh /pa /nbr

[smallidarityfan]

when your babe kinda wants to kill you

(from this post)

[nerdyspies]

my roman empire is lizzie and joel from empires season 1 but specfically them post s1 finale

[phosphorus-noodles]

CLOSE ENOUGH WELCOME BACK (AGAIN) GRUMBOT