Sinric the Wanderer

"Nor do I, beloved. We are what we are and we can't control what other people fear." Sinric adds with a shrug.

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"But it's liable to bring danger on us."

The conversation isn't light-hearted any more.

Edited Date: 2016-08-08 10:11 pm (UTC)

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"People always fear this or that," Ragnar says, "and there is always danger. But we can be stronger than that danger. We are Vikings, and fighters."

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Sinric gently wraps his arms around Athelstan and holds him in silent support. Sinric is no Viking, he can claim no such strength but he finds his own resilience in different ways.

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Ragnar's words don't seem to bring any comfort to Athelstan.

"Yes, Ragnar", he says tiredly, "dismiss my fears as nothing. It's what you always say. But I am not a Viking as you are."

He doesn't pull away from Sinric, but his eyes go to the door as if he wants to leave.

Edited Date: 2016-08-09 09:36 pm (UTC)

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"I don't mean to dismiss your fears," Ragnar says. "I hoped to encourage you."

Which he completely failed at -- again.

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Sinric rests his chin in Athelstan's shoulder, his voice soft and low. "Go if you need to, beloved. I'll go with you if you wish but if not, know I'll here for you when you want me." He kisses Athelstan's cheek and withdraws his arms.

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"There is no encouraging me", he says quietly, "for the forebodings are too strong. I might go for a walk, and leave you two for each other."

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"You don't have to," Ragnar says. "I can shut up."

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Sinric reaches put a hand to still Ragnar, gently hushing him. He gets out of the bath, holding out a towel in offer to Athelstan, a reflection of how old art of service.

"Walk if that's what you need, beloved."

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He steps out of the water and into the towel, touching Sinric's hand in thanks.

"All too often I need to be alone. And then, you can meet your needs as well with no concern for me."

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"I would rather have you here..." Ragnar says, resignedly, because he knows that of course, it won't work. "But most of all, I want you to have what you need."

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Sinric ducks his head to catch Athelstan's eye, his expression open and earnest.

"Thank you for understanding, beloved." He pitches his voice low, just for Athelstan. "I don't want to make things more difficult for you."

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"I know you two still have your desires", he answers, just as low, "and I can't feel them as you do."

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Ragnar stays in the bath.

"I hope you find some peace on your walk," he says.

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Sinric nods. "And forcing yourself to endure a touch that you don't desire, especially for another's sake, poisons too swiftly to revolution." He sounds as if he speaks from his own experience as well as an understanding of Athelstan's pain.

"Please, tell me if ever I overstep my welcome? And never fear to offend."

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Athelstan glances at Ragnar, uncertain if those words were sincere or if there was a touch of bitterness in them, then looks back at Sinric.

"I promise."

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If there is any bitterness, it's only at Ragnar's own inability to help with this, other than keeping the distance Athelstan wants.

It has got worse since they first found each other again here, too.

"I love you," he says, softly. That's all he can do now.

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"As do I." He gives Athelstan a little smile and moves back towards the edge of the bath. "Perhaps later, we may talk, you and I?"

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"Likewise, both of you." He finishes drying himself and moves to put his clothes back on. "Yes, Sinric, I'll come and find you."

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"I'm just sorry," Ragnar says. "Perhaps we should talk as well, later."

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Sinric sits on the edge of the bath, feet trailing half in and out, bridging the gap between them as Athelstan readies himself.

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"If you think it would do any good."

It isn't Ragnar's will to help he's doubting, it's that anybody can.

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