(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric comes into the sheltered courtyard, seeking somewhere to sit and think a while. It has been a strange few days. He meant to come quietly into to city, make a place for himself at one of the taverns singing for his supper and board.

But drawn in by the intellectual debate of the young men and the flourishing palace school, he’s caught out by his old tutor who recognises him - Alcuin, the new emperor’s favourite.

And now he finds himself lodging at the palace school, the centre of attention he never wanted here.

But the courtyard is cool and quiet and he sits down, letting himself have a moment to rest. Not noticing the young boy at first.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

After a little while, hesitantly, the boy joins in.

[thewidewideworld]

He repeats the song with an encouraging nod, shifting his pitch to compliment Athelstan's voice best.

[athelstanthescribe]

His voice is still child-high, and absolutely pure.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric smiles warmly and nods, encouraging him. They sing the song through together.

"Well done. You have a beautiful voice." He praises genuinely.

[athelstanthescribe]

He beams, not having quite internalised modesty yet.

"Thank you."

[thewidewideworld]

"Would you like to try another?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes, please."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric hesitates. He wants to sing the Northumbrian lullaby Athelstan taught him but that would lead to complicated questions. And he can feel the threads tangling and stretching enough.

Instead he sings the hymn that was his beloved Constantine's favourite. It was antique and out of fashion but soaringly beautiful. And with the loss and longing behind it, achingly sad.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan doesn't try to sing along this time. He just listens, small face solemn.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric dips his head in apology as he finishes. "Forgive my indulgence. It was a favourite of someone I loved very much."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Somebody who's not here any more?"

This is one area where he's not so innocent.

[thewidewideworld]

"He died, many years ago." He confirms. "I miss him very much."

He forces a smile. "Something more cheerful, then?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes", Athelstan agrees. "Whatever you want."

[thewidewideworld]

He chooses a song of his own childhood - a repeating rhyme to learn the gates of Constantinople. It forms a clapping game, which Sinric is more than happy to teach Athelstan.

The contact of Athelstan's hands sends little sparks of brightness down Sinric's nerves, little splashes of colour over the tapestry behind his eyelids.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan watches him even as the game continues, not entirely understanding but knowing there's something more going on.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric breaks off, blinking away a flash of gold around his eyes. "Forgive me, young one."

He ignores the feeling and explains the song, drawing a map of walls and gates, showing Athelstan how the song helps children form getting lost in the sprawling city.

[athelstanthescribe]

The fascination of this new learning quickly makes him forget the oddness.

"All the children of Constantinople learn this?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Just so. And add verses to recite the streets or sites nearest their home. There's are other versions that counts the churches."

Just as the Bells of Saint Clement will one day trace London.

[athelstanthescribe]

"How many churches are there, in the city?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Eighteen in my time. But I'm told more have been built since. But all of them are shadowed by the Basilica of Hargia Sophia. It's the most beautiful church every built."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'd like to see it", he says earnestly. "One day."

[thewidewideworld]

"I hope you do, sweet one. I truly hope you do." It saddens him to know Athelstan will never make it to Constantinople. "But you are here. And it seems a beautiful city."

[athelstanthescribe]

"It does", he agrees, brightening. "I only go where the brothers go, but I've seen a bit."

[thewidewideworld]

"What have you liked best so far?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"The cathedral. And the library."