(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

[athelstanthescribe]

He shrugs slightly.

"Nothing in particular."

[thewidewideworld]

"Would you help me find something you enjoy? Something I might read? I'd like to share that with you. I could find some of the stories of my youth if they interest you?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"There's so much to choose from." It's not a refusal. "But that might be a place to start."

[thewidewideworld]

"Perhaps we should head to the library? I know I've seen a book of Persian fairytale that has some of my favourite stories."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods.

"The library itself might guide us to something."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods and walks with Athelstan up to the library, touching the walls softly as they enter through the ornate doors. A sting tangles around his hand as he does, glowing softly as it winds around the shelves. "I guess we follow this to find the books we want."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan blinks at it.

"That's new. But something always is when I come up here."

[thewidewideworld]

"You should try it. The string feels a little bit alive, like it's singing."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan reaches out to touch the string lightly.

[thewidewideworld]

It hums softly under Athelstan's fingers, warm and buzzing rhythmically.

[athelstanthescribe]

"It does feel alive. Perhaps in some way it is."

[thewidewideworld]

"Part of the bar's magic perhaps?" They reach the end of the string and the shelf of children's books in many languages. "Ah, here it is." He reaches up for the book of Persian fairytales he was looking for, the pages richly illustrated with allegorical images of stags and does.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan looks at it, absently stroking the string.

"What beautiful paintings."

[thewidewideworld]

"I've always loved their art and the way it complements the language." Sinric smiles. "Their faith doesn't permit imagery of people so they tell their tales through animals and the beauty of their script."

[athelstanthescribe]

"The animals are characters in their stories as well? Or represent the people?"

[thewidewideworld]

"People often become animals. Because of magic, because of curses. Often because of something in their nature. Different animals have different meanings in their stories."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Based on their observations of animals in life?"

[thewidewideworld]

"And the meanings of animals within the culture. Snakes, much like Christian stories, represent evil and cunning. Birds are often good omens or represent victory. Young women are often represented as the doe, and often hunted by hounds representing men who let their bestial side rule them. Animals that are white are often associated with gods or benevolent spirits."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods, listening.

"I wonder why it is snakes should have such a bad name everywhere. Perhaps their coldness to the touch."

[thewidewideworld]

"Perhaps." Sinric frowns. "There was a rather beautiful python in the palace menageries. She was the colour of butter and gentle to touch."

[athelstanthescribe]

"A python? Those are without poison, yes?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Just so." Sinric nods. "They kill by crushing, by the strength of their bodies. But only to eat or to protect themselves. When we were putting on masks and revels she would often be brought into the hall. As part of a tableau."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I hope she was treated gently, then. Drunken guests might handle her too roughly."

[thewidewideworld]

"Her keeper was very careful not to let her be used too roughly. And Constantine was quick to command his guests to take care. She would still bite, if frightened. Her bite would hurt, but not kill. She struck at me once. I still have the scars."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods.

"Which might have brought more harm on her, before her keeper could stop it. Constantine's anger after the fact would do little good."