(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

[thewidewideworld]

"I ask for no more than that." Sinric assures, drawing Athelstan into a very soft kiss.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan kisses him back gently.

"I don't know what to do."

[thewidewideworld]

"Hold me close and let me sing us both back to sleep. Or else send me to the bar for something light to eat."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Are you hungry? Don't go if you're not hungry."

[thewidewideworld]

"Not yet but I will be in a little while." He stretches a little, draping one arm over Athelstan.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Then stay here until then", he says softly. "I've grown used to eating little."

[thewidewideworld]

"Do they not feed you well?" He asks softly. "Perhaps the bar could provide you with something you may carry with you?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"They feed me as if I were still an ordinary monk. Enough to keep a body going... just. Perhaps she could."

[thewidewideworld]

"You need to keep up your strength." he runs his hands over Athelstan's washboard abs. "You are no mere monk anymore."

[athelstanthescribe]

His ribs aren't exactly standing out, but they can be felt under Sinric's hands.

"And I never can be again, no matter how they try to shape me."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric leans over to kiss the crest of Athelstan's chest. "Just so. In body or in mind."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Unless", he says, almost inaudible, "I was alone for too long."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric shakes his head. "You are not alone. And even when you are, you are writing the histories of the Emperors of Rome, are you not? Their wisdoms are with you, you who can read and understand them, and share their learnings."

[athelstanthescribe]

"It passes the time, and it's familiar work", he agrees.

[thewidewideworld]

He nods. "Perhaps when we are here together, you can tell me of what you have read. I do enjoy the writings of the Roman Emperors. They were such powerful men."

[athelstanthescribe]

"There are other writings as well. Every scrap Ecbert could gather together, it seems to me."

[thewidewideworld]

"Then you may find wonderful things in his horde of writings."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I hope so." A small, wan smile. "I might have to steal some of it."

[thewidewideworld]

"The library here would protect them gladly. Such things should not lost. When first I heard the tale of the burning of the library of Alexandria, I wept."

[athelstanthescribe]

"That was perhaps the greatest loss mankind has known in our time", he agrees quietly. "And so when I leave England, as much as I can carry inside my tunic shall go with me."

[thewidewideworld]

He nods and smiles a little, very glad fo hear Athelstan speak of the future, and of saving such treasures. "Then may we read them together." He kisses Athelstan again and settles back to his side.

[athelstanthescribe]

He can still think of a future, because he knows Ragnar is out there and making his plans. It's enough.

"Yes, we shall." He strokes Sinric's skin.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric purrs softly, letting his eyes grow heavy.

[athelstanthescribe]

"You need to sleep again", Athelstan says softly. "Food can wait."

[thewidewideworld]

"Will you stay?" He asks softly, his voice growing thick.