(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{from here}

Sinric waits quietly in the light of the doorway, his eyes down until he heard Athelstan's footfall on the stairs of the veranda. He rises to offer Athelstan his arm. "You should come in where it's warm."

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

"Very good", Athelstan agrees. "Perhaps I can try to return the favour, tonight, though you don't need it as much."

[thewidewideworld]

"Only if you wish to." Sinric answers softly. "And only if you feel strong enough. I am well and need no tending." His ankle is still healing but well bandaged it troubles him little.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I feel stronger now", he promises. "Rae and Squire Alan have both worked their magic, as far as I could allow."

[thewidewideworld]

"Squire Alan?" He asks, kneeling at Athelstan's feet to help him out of shoes and socks, unwrapping the bandages with care.

[athelstanthescribe]

"The lad with red hair, a little younger than you, I'd say. From a world where magic is commonplace."

Between Alanna's magical disguise and just seeing what he expects to see, he has no idea she isn't a boy.

[thewidewideworld]

"Then if I see him, I will thank him for the kindness he has done you."

He helps Athelstan out of his clothes and leads him to the hot bath, helping him in before shedding his own clothes and following.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Do." He sinks gratefully into the hot water. "He's a good young man, with hopes of being a knight."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric wastes not time in seeking out the shampoo and starts lathering and massaging Athelstan's head. "A worthy aim. You say he is gifted by magic?"

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods without pulling away, eyes closed against the shampoo.

"It takes the visible form of a purple light, and I think has other applications besides healing."

[thewidewideworld]

"How strange. Light of the imperial colour that heals. How wonderful." He picks up a cup and starts rinsing Athelstan's hair with care not to get suds in his eyes.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'm not sure it's counted as meaning the same in that world", he murmurs. "But it is a wondrous gift."

[thewidewideworld]

He begins with the conditioner, leaving it to soak in as he takes up a cloth to wash Athelstan's back between the healing welts across his back. "I suppose not. Each world must have its own meanings."

[athelstanthescribe]

There's not much unmarked skin on his back, but if Sinric brushes the welts by accident, Athelstan gives no sign of complaint.

"I think you'd like him."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric is very, very careful, his touch light. "These are healing well." He comments, kissing Athelstan's shoulders before moving around him to wash his front.

[athelstanthescribe]

"They weren't so deep, I think... but deep enough to scar."

He looks into Sinric's eyes as he comes around to face him.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric's smile doesn't quite reach his eyes as he gently washes Athelstan's front over his shoulders and down his chest. "Scars heal in time. And people here may help you with it when you are returned home."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods. "When no one need know they were ever there, except for Ragnar... Sinric, don't be sad."

[thewidewideworld]

"Forgive me, I can't help it." Sinric whispers, still washing Athelstan with care. "I will miss you."

[athelstanthescribe]

"No", he says quietly, "forgive me, I had no right to say that. I will be back soon."

[thewidewideworld]

He sets down the cloth and gathers Athelstan into this arms, holding him close, his face presses into Athelstan's neck.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Sinric." He tilts Sinric's chin up and kisses him, very gently. "I give you my word."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric return the kiss, not so much passionate but needy, wanting to keep the taste of Athelstan on his lips.

[athelstanthescribe]

"When we go to bed", he murmurs, pulling back only far enough to speak, so that his lips still brush Sinric's, "I'll see what might be done."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric pulls back at that and shakes his head. "No, you must not trouble or hurt yourself for me. My desire is not important."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I beg to differ. But", he adds, "I promise that if it hurts me, I'll stop."