(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{from here}

Sinric takes Athelstan's hand and leads him through an almost invisible door and down a couple of seemingly perfectly flat hallways that somehow open out onto the rooftop and a little flat terrace with a view of the eastern sky.

Sinric clearly spends some time up here because the spot is furnished with a daybed big enough to lay on or for two to sit together comfortingly and is draped with soft furry blankets of a cloth unknown in their time.

He helps Athelstan to the daybed and sits with him, setting the flask aside for now. The stars are still clear in the sky, even as dawn smudges the horizon with warmth.

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

"Even in the darkest hours, you have brought light to another." He kisses Athelstan's hand softly.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan strokes his face.

"Maybe there'll be more such chances, while I remain in Wessex."

[thewidewideworld]

He smiles and nods, glad to see Athelstan feeling some hope.

[athelstanthescribe]

"And whatever the king wants of me", he says softly, "I have to think perhaps there's a way I can use it to help Ragnar."

[thewidewideworld]

"That would be wise. His protection and favour may be a boon to you until Ragnar brings his ships." Sinric nods.

[athelstanthescribe]

"He's interested in the culture of the Northmen. General questions only, so far, nothing that could be a betrayal to answer."

He's not sure what he'd do if the questions took a different turn.

[thewidewideworld]

"For that, you must be on your guard. He may seek knowledge to overthrow Ragnar's raids."

[athelstanthescribe]

"So I've thought", he agrees. "I take no drink when he questions me, Ragnar taught me that, and watch my words."

[thewidewideworld]

"In vino veritas." Sinric nods sagely. "You are very wise."

[athelstanthescribe]

He smiles wryly. "I learned it the hard way, when I was young and naive."

[thewidewideworld]

He grins. "Did Ragnar get you drunk and take advantage of you?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"He did!" Just not sexually. "He plied me with drink and questions."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric giggles. "I can't imagine to drunk. You would be adorable." He settles on the daybed, tucking his little feet under him as the sun rises.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I came here when I went to seek my bed. Tripping over my own feet."

He curls beside Sinric, taking his hand.

[thewidewideworld]

"I hope someone brought you water and a cloth to cool your head the next morning?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"I think so? Dear Gyda was very watchful for everyone's health."

[thewidewideworld]

"I have still yet to meet Ragnar's daughter." He smiles wistfully. "I hope to one day."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I think you and she would like each other very much." His smile flickers. "But she took it hard, learning about Aslaug, and I'm not sure she's ready to forgive her father yet."

[thewidewideworld]

"That must be very hard for a child?" He muses, having never experienced a family life of that kind.

[athelstanthescribe]

"It was", Athelstan says sadly. "Especially as she saw how her mother suffered loss even before she died."

[thewidewideworld]

"She lost a child?" He asks softly, still stoking Athelstan's fingers.

[athelstanthescribe]

"A son, they were sure, and at some months. It would have been such a wanted child..."

[thewidewideworld]

"Such sadness." He nods, "No wonder Ragnar was so swift to welcome a woman bearing his child."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods. "He did what he could to bring Lady Lagertha to accept it, but I don't think she ever could have, knowing she could give him no more."

[thewidewideworld]

"I hope I will meet her one day also. I think I would like this Lagertha better than Ragnar's second wife."