(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{Continued from here}

Sinric heads down the stairs and out into the gardens, a wrap pulled around his shoulders and his hair still damp. He breathes in the scent of approaching evening as if committing it to memory before turning towards the lake.

He has no idea which way Athelstan might have gone but the lake always seems like a good place to start.

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

"Very true but in the Vengi Empire, they tend to be very involved in the running of family businesses. Usually with the first and last word in all things."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Have they been so since young women? Or taken over on becoming widows?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Both, I suspect. And a culture of families being ruled by their mothers and grandmothers."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Their men don't mind that?"

[thewidewideworld]

"I don't think their men get much choice about it. Growing up with dominating grandmothers, perhaps they expect that their wives and daughters will grow up to be equally powerful."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods thoughtfully.

"It would just be the way things are."

[thewidewideworld]

"Just so." Sinric smiles. "Just as Sino noblewomen had the freedom to stay out as late at night as they wished, leaving their husbands to manage alone."

[athelstanthescribe]

"You never told me that. It was safe for them to do so?"

[thewidewideworld]

"In the right places, yes. Certainly within the court and the precincts of the palace - which was the size of a small city. No-one would dare accost them."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods.

"Lest the emperor's guards came down on them heavily."

[thewidewideworld]

"Not to mention what the women would do themselves. In large groups they are fierce and frightening."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Oh yes. Lord help any man who attacks a woman where her sisters can hear her scream."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric laughs warmly. "Just so." He strolls under the trees, running his hands over the smooth bark of the trees.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan follows, slowly.

"You like this orchard?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Very much." He smiles, looking up at the darkening sky. "I have fond memories of dancing amongst the blossoms here. This is my home, this place."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan smiles slightly.

"Somewhere to come back to, year after year."

[thewidewideworld]

"That it is. And I've grown less afraid. Even when the door is lost for years at a time, I know I'll find it again."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Sooner or later, that does seem to be the way."

[thewidewideworld]

"Even when it's longer than I might like." He reaches out a hand to Athelstan. "I've missed you, very much."

[athelstanthescribe]

He hesitates, uncertain, but takes Sinric's hand.

"As I likely would have missed you, if I had had time."

[thewidewideworld]

"Thank you, beloved." Sinric gives Athelstan's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm starting to get cold, I might head inside. Would you like to come with me?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"I think I will." He nods.

[thewidewideworld]

He offers to take the basket and strolls towards the bar. "Shall we sit by the fire and read a while?"

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan lets him take it, following.

"What are you reading now?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Tamil children's stories. It helps me get use to the language."