"I think that sounds right?" said Geoff, huffing a laugh. "Some princeling gave it to Lucas' brother, and he sent it on to be installed here in preparation for his arrival. Apparently the brother has a few other snakes, too, but nothing as rare or venomous as this guy."
"It's gorgeous," said Alex, admiring the way the firelight danced along its length, turning it into a jewelled marvel. Alex hummed softly and Julian piggybacked, feeling the magic coursing through it, too, as it was a magical creature as much as a natural wonder.
"It's magic," said Julian, voice full of wonder. He put fingertips against the glass to feel it better, sending it a little magical boost that got him a lazy stare and slow blink, tongue flicking out twice before it went back to its nap.
"The venom's a useful ingredient, too," said Alex.
Julian chuckled. "You are forbidden from asking for some until after this party," he teased. "And you'll pay for it if you do."
"Of course I will," said Alex. "It's good in healing potions, though, so I'll consider a formal request to the brother, I guess."
"That's probably your best bet," said Geoff. "Lucas thinks it's pretty but doesn't like to handle any of the snakes."
"That's fair," said Alex. "I'm qualified to do it myself, and I can use appropriate precautions as well."
"You'd better," said Julian darkly, sending him a wave of love and humour through the bond and getting the love back twofold.
"Well, I'd best get back to greeting with Lucas," said Geoff regretfully. "You two pick whatever seats you like, perk of being early."
"Will do," said Alex, and Julian gave Geoff a little kiss on the cheek before sending him on his way.
Julian had a feeling that Lucas had sent Geoff off with them to take care of some of Geoff's nerves and it seemed to have worked, for now. Julian knew it could be nerve-wracking, dealing with this many nobles, though he had high hopes that Lucas wouldn't have invited too many duds.
There were always a few that one couldn't get away with excluding, unfortunately.
Julian took a sip of the cider, finding it sweet and well-spiced, though not as good as Alys made.
"Let's steal the best spots by the fire," said Julian, amused that Alex was still fascinated by the snake. "And no, you can't have one."
"I know I can't," said Alex with a sigh. "They're endangered; he would've had to get special permits just to import this one."
He sat, too, and turned his attention back to Julian where it belonged.
"So, who do you think is coming?" asked Julian. Alex had kept up more with gossip now, albeit reluctantly, since many of their customers were from the nobility in and around the city.
"No idea," admitted Alex. "I kept meaning to call Flora, but then I'd have to call Fauna, and I just didn't want to."
Julian laughed and kissed him, apple-sweet. "I don't blame you, really. I doubt it'll be many of my former suitors, though I suppose Lucas was more in with that set than you were."
"He might get Chilcott and Barnes in, to help show Geoff how happily people can be married," teased Alex. They weren't close friends with the couple, but Julian held a fondness for them which Alex shared, a mirror of how they might have been, had circumstances forced them to keep the original engagement with all its restrictions.
It wasn't too long before Geoff led in another couple, a man and a woman this time that seemed vaguely familiar to Julian but he definitely did not know. They were older than Chudleigh, dressed in perfect style for an afternoon soiree, her in an ankle-length dress with giant swaths of pearls down the front, and him in a fashionably cerulean blue suit. "Let's get you two some cider,and then I can introduce you to the Benedict-St. Albanses," he said awkwardly.
"Thank you, Tamlinson," said the man, his accent pure nobility and his nose just slightly in the air. "It's good of you to assist like this."
"I'm always happy to make Lucas' life easier," said Geoff, only a little emphasis on the familiarity of using his lover's first name. "Smithson, two ciders, please."
"Of course, sir," replied Smithson.
Alex put an arm on Julian's hand and whispered in his ear, "Stare at snake not humans."
Julian huffed and stuck out his tongue, but turned his attention to the snake's tank as if fascinated, listening as the couple got their drinks and were led over by a polite but clearly done with their shit Geoff.
"Alex and Julian Benedict-St. Albans, this is Dahlia and Jefferson Smythe-Darbyshire, Baron Herbert." Geoff gestured as he spoke. "Lord and Lady Herbert, the Viscount and Viscount Charmer's Way."
"Alex, please," he said, sounding a little desperate about the idea of being Viscount all weekend.
"And I do prefer Julian," he added, smiling somewhat artificially, but good enough for this sort.
