thewidewideworld | (no subject)

Entry tags:

athelstan

(no subject)

{from here}

Sinric carries his bundle upstairs, side by side with Athelstan. They slip through the new invisible door into the solar, it's lighthouse like windows looking out onto the bar's forest and grounds.

The Bar has read their minds and set the room up accordingly - with a long low padded bench for Athelstan to lay on while Sinric massages him. The lights are low, the glass tinted to give the room a warm, protective feel.

And a basket in the corner for Athelstan's dog and his bone.

Sinric sets up the incense the bar gave him - an eastern blend that Sinric has always found deeply soothing. He plugs his little music player into the speakers and sets it to play the soft chanting music of the Buddhist temple in the Sinese Empire.

He holds a hand out to Athelstan and draws him close, offering him a warm hug if he wants it before gesturing for him to undress.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I don't mean to blame you for it", he says again, "or Ragnar either. I thought seeing him again would make me whole, but it didn't, I just... perhaps one thing alone never can."

"But I assured you it would." He confesses sadly. "I hoped it would be what you needed."

"I did need it." Athelstan looks at him. "I did. And it did heal me in part, perhaps."

He nods, not arguing but not lifting his own guilt either. He gives Athelstan another squeeze. "Each small step is a step nevertheless."

"Besides", he says firmly, "how would I have got through those darkest times without hope that something would bring me light? That was you and the hope of reunion with Ragnar."

Sinric kisses him again. "As the thought of being with you and Ragnar again got me though the loss of my beloved Constantine."

Athelstan nods. "Just so. And though I'm reluctant to put too much faith in any one thing to heal me, it doesn't mean nothing will."

Sinric nods and kisses him again. "You know you will have any help I can give you. Even as simple as a massage or the warmth of my body to help you sleep."

"Those I will ask for without a doubt", he says with a faint smile, and lies back down.

Sinric snuggles down with him, resting his head on Athelstan's chest. "Rest now, my beloved. I will be here with you."

Athelstan lets his eyes close.

"Wake me when the sun comes up", he murmurs, "and I'll watch it with you."

"We have many hours before that bit I promise I will." At least they will have no reason to leave their nest to enjoy it.

"Oh, yes." He peers fuzzily at the sky. "Well, I'll probably sleep on and off anyway."

He usually does now.

"Don't fear to wake me if you need me." He begs. "I sleep lightly anyway but I am here for you."

"That may happen whether I like it or not", Athelstan says ruefully. "If you sleep lightly."

He leans up to kiss Athelstan again and settles down beside him. He sings softly, the Northumbrian lullaby he sung just for Athelstan.

"Thank you", he murmurs. "The dreams... they haven't always been so violent lately. More of being watched."

He nods. "Tonight you are watched over." He glances to the sleeping hound. "By people who love you."

He nods, follows Sinric's gaze and whistles to the dog to join them. "The good kind of watching. He can help to keep us warm too."

Sinric chuckles as they're joined in the bed. "I'm not use to having a hound in the bed. Cats yes, but not dogs." Not that he minds at all.

"He's always been good company when my bed would have been empty without him", Athelstan says with a shrug. "And I take care to rid him of fleas."

Usually by taking the dog swimming and making sure at least a few seconds are entirely underwater.

"Good company indeed, especially if he doesn't bring other company with him."

"I promise. They make special lotions for that in the future, too."

The dog doesn't seem like he's going anywhere now, curling comfortably between their feet.

"Oh I trust that he's clean and groomed. I'm just remembering the palace cats of my youth."

"Getting cats to keep still long enough to be groomed would be a dangerous and difficult job", he says seriously.