(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

[from here}

Sinric comes down from his room, still dressed his furs and heavily embroiled tunic but looking fresh and scrubbed.

He smiles brightly to see Hannibal.

Comments

[cook_the_rude]

"He is always a good reason for anything," Hannibal states. "History, however, closely follows in his footsteps."

[thewidewideworld]

Alcuin giving him a long look. "I've known that young man since he was a boy. I don't like to see him hurt."

[cook_the_rude]

"So have I," Hannibal says, "off and on for years. And you don't have to worry -- I'm very protective of him as well."

[thewidewideworld]

"And I thought you a passing acquaintance." Alcuin seems pleasantly surprised. "Ah, and here he comes. And Father Tétartos. He looks much improved for your care."

Niketas walks steadily, a hand on Sinric's arm. "Good evening all." The former prince smile, "I hope the sermon part of the evening goes quickly. I'm starving."

Sinric helps him sit on the bench at Alcuin's side before joining Hannibal.

[cook_the_rude]

"I am glad to see you're feeling better," Hannibal says to Niketas, but his smile is for Sinric.

[thewidewideworld]

A smile that Sinric returns, warm and bright. There's still an edge of gold to his eyes, but only for one why knows to look for it.

"A debt I owe to you, Dr Lecter. And the lovely- Oriens." He stumbles a moment, remembering which name Sinric is using here.

He reaches out to take Sinric and Alcuin's hands. "I am very grateful that fortune has brought us back together. And you with them, Doctor."

[cook_the_rude]

"I am glad that it all connected this well," Hannibal says.

[thewidewideworld]

The Abbot calls for silence and starts sermonising. Pompous and long winded.

Sinric does his best to listen attentively but Niketas interjects with quiet, sarcastic remarks in ancient Greek, aware they're the only ones nearby who understand. Sinric can't help but giggle, burying his face in Hannibal's shoulder to keep from getting caught. Like a table of naughty school children. Alcuin remains serious... right up until he corrects Niketas' pun on pontificate, chiding his pronunciation like the teacher he is. Only to make the slur on the abbot's character stronger.

[cook_the_rude]

"This," Hannibal murmurs between his teeth, "is probably the moment Bullshit Bingo was invented."

[thewidewideworld]

Which is not helping with Sinric's giggling.

Finally the Abbot stops and food is served by the lay brothers. It's quite a feast and Niketas has quite an appetite.

"Tell me, Doctor Lecter," Alcuin asks, pouring them all more wine, "being an educated man, are you familiar with the writings of Virgil?"

[cook_the_rude]

"Of course I am," Hannibal says.

[thewidewideworld]

"Good!" Alcuin nods, "Then perhaps you can help me with these two heathens. I've been trying to get them to appreciate Georgics since they were both very small."

Sinric throws his hands up. "Its not that I don't appreciate Georgics, I just prefer Aeneid. It's a better story."

Niketas chimes in on an argument that's clearly been going on for a long time. "I never could follow the politics of bees."

[cook_the_rude]

"With Virgil," Hannibal says, "it's always his political intentions one has to consider first. He never simply wants to tell a story, or describe facts."

[thewidewideworld]

"But his stories were so compelling." Sinric sneaks a grin at his old teacher. "Not always compellingly told but..." He ducks his head, getting exactly the glare he expected.

[cook_the_rude]

"That is how they get you," Hannibal smiles.

[thewidewideworld]

Alcuin glares at his pupil on cue, mollified as Sinric ducks his head in contrition.

It's a very sweet dynamic and Niketas smiles. "It's a pity we weren't all in the same classroom. I think my brothers and I could have learnt a lot from the Little Birds."

[cook_the_rude]

"Humility, to begin with," Hannibal says. "Those that want to rule need to learn to serve first. That is a sensible monastic principle."

[thewidewideworld]

"And appreciation." Niketas points out. "The Birds had a hunger to learn, and the wisdom to take advantage of every opportunity. We who were born to it took it for granted."

[cook_the_rude]

"Perhaps even a nuisance to keep you from pleasure?"

[thewidewideworld]

Alcuin laughs. "It sounds as if you've known young and privileged boys, il doctor."

Sinric shakes his head. "I don't recall all of you being so ready to run and play. I remember you as quite the scholar."

Niketas snorts. "I was trying to impress Father."

[cook_the_rude]

"At the very beginning, I used to be one," Hannibal admits. "Not a prince, of course, but the princeling of our own mole-hill."

[thewidewideworld]

"A nobleman's breeding as well as bearing?" Alcuin asks softly. "It would seem you are a man of many parts, Dr Lecter."

The past tense isn't lost on Niketas. "You no longer claim your linage?" As someone who as himself been parted from his name.

[cook_the_rude]

"We were driven out and largely killed by enemies of my parents," Hannibal says, gravely. "Only I survived to be taken in by my uncle in Francia."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric threads his fingers in Hannibal's, squeezing gently.

Niketas nods slowly. "Did you seek revenge on those who took your family and lands?"

[cook_the_rude]

"Yes," Hannibal says. "But it didn't restore our ranks and possessions."