(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

[thewidewideworld]

He nods minutely, trying very hard not to think about things like that. The future is far too uncertain and he knew just how spoilt a cage raised bird he is.

[athelstanthescribe]

"...Sinric?"

He's not sure what he said to bring on the silence, those thoughts being part of his life now, but he'll let Sinric explain - or choose a new topic - as he prefers.

[thewidewideworld]

He licks his lips, slow to answer. "I have lived my whole life in the palace, pampered and loved. Until Leo-" he cuts himself off a moment. "I hadn't know cruelty or hardship. I want to be a traveller. I want to see the world edge to edge but-"

He drops his eyes. "I have much to learn. And I know that some of those lessons will be harsh."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I wish I could teach you these things without bringing you harm", Athelstan says softly. But he knows he can't.

[thewidewideworld]

He shakes his head and leans in to kiss Athelstan sweetly. "I'll find my way. I have to. Somewhere in a place called Ribe, Ragnar will be waiting."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And we know that you'll find him. So one way or another, you do survive."

[thewidewideworld]

"Even as I trust in fate, I know I will need my cunning and will too." He kisses Athelstan's hand. "And my friends."

[athelstanthescribe]

"As far as is in our power", Athelstan promises, "you will have us."

[thewidewideworld]

He leans in to stoke Athelstan's cheek, kissing him slow and soft. Sleep is catching up to him now and he yawns. "And you will have me."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I will." He wraps his arms around Sinric as the kiss ends. "But sleep will have you first."

[thewidewideworld]

He grumbles like an over-tired child and snuggles into Athelstan, pressing his face against his beloved friend's chest.

[athelstanthescribe]

Careful of his back, Athelstan snuggles down into the furs, pulling Sinric with him.

[thewidewideworld]

He presses close, making them both comfortable. Even half asleep, he sings, the Northumbrian lullaby slurring a little as he sings.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan smiles, letting himself drift on the music in the direction of sleep himself.

[thewidewideworld]

He doesn't make it all the way through the song before he drifts off.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan looks at him with love, brushes a kiss to his hair, and puts his head down.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric always sleeps better in Athelstan's arms, trusting and young.

[athelstanthescribe]

And Athelstan, he finds, sleeps better and more easily when he's not alone.

(It took him a long time to get used to being the only person in the room, after so many years in a dormitory.)