(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

{From here}

Sinric leans Athelstan into their rooms. It's clear he hasn't slept there either. Even the mead cup sits on the table when he left it.

He draws Athelstan towards the bathroom. "Will you bathe with me?" His voice is soft and gentle. "Your clothes smell rather strongly of goat."

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

"I always like that." He turns onto his front.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric works slowly, tracing Athelstan's muscles with oil-slicked hands as if mapping him out for the first time. He works outwards - from the centre of Athelstan's back towards his extremities, paying no mind to the time it takes as that matters less than making sure Athelstan's body relaxes well.

[athelstanthescribe]

Slowly, his knotted muscles giving way under Sinric's hands, he does relax, and the body leads the way for the mind.

[thewidewideworld]

And thus, Sinric puts extra care into his work, trying to sooth both body and mind as best he can. When he has done as much as he can on Athelstan's back, he urges Athelstan to roll over and let him work on his front with the same care.

[athelstanthescribe]

"All right", he murmurs without thought, and turns over. "You do this so well."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric accepts the complement with a warm little smile and sets to work, easing Athelstan to a state of utter relaxation. He wipes his hands clean and lays down next to him, his head resting lightly on Athelstan's shoulder.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan turns towards him, lips brushing his temple.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric makes a soft sound, pleased and content. He reaches up to rest his hand over Athelstan's heart, his eyes heavy. Someone else hasn't slept much either.

[athelstanthescribe]

And that just adds to Athelstan's self-inflicted guilt, but he says nothing.

"Sleep", he urges.

[thewidewideworld]

"Only if you will stay with me?" Sinric begs softly.

[athelstanthescribe]

"If you want me to", he promises, "I will. Until you go back to your world."

[thewidewideworld]

He nods. "I will go back when you do."

There's something small and young in his voice as he goes on. "But I don't want to sleep alone again."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I won't make you."

He didn't really want to either, which is why he was with the goats. Their company was better than none.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric pulls the blankets up and snuggles close, his head still resting on Athelstan's chest. "Wake me? If you wake before I do, please?" Waking up alone might undo him tonight.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I won't leave you alone", he says quietly. "Even if I wake, I'll stay."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sits up to kiss him properly, pouring his love into it before laying back down. He's asleep, almost at once.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan takes longer, even with the relaxation Sinric gave him, but eventually he does go to sleep.

[thewidewideworld]

But for the odd whimper as Sinric dreams, he sleeps soundly enough, having worn himself out with worry.

[athelstanthescribe]

And so does Athelstan... to begin with.

Eventually, though, the darker things rise up again.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric wakes at the first sound of Athelstan's distress, shifting away to the edge of the bed just in case. He watches Athelstan with care in the dim room, waiting to see if he can be of help.

[athelstanthescribe]

The dream holds him in a tight grip, and he thrashes against it, but eventually it wanes and he starts to wake up.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sings him the Northumbrian lullaby, his voice soft and gentle.

[athelstanthescribe]

He turns his head, eyes still half-closed.

"Sinric."

[thewidewideworld]

"I am here." Sinric calls, moving closer now to take Athelstan's hand. "You're safe."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Did I wake you?"

His fingers twine through Sinric's.