(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]

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.

[athelstanthescribe]

He hesitates, something still telling him this is the wrong thing to do, that he should be far away from Sinric or he'll only hurt him, but... he promised.

"Yes", he says simply.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods and closes his eyes. "Thank you."

He doesn't sleep long, another hour perhaps before he wakes with a soft yawn.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan stirs beside him.

"What time is it?"

[thewidewideworld]

"Time to eat." He mumbles softly, snuggling a little bit before opening his eyes properly. With a better frame of mind has come a better appetite.

[athelstanthescribe]

"A shame there's no way to summon a rat up here."

[thewidewideworld]

"The palace is beset with bells for such things." He muses, getting up and stretching before seeking a robe to wrap around his naked self. "It won't take me long to fetch something. Is there anything in particular you feel like?"

[athelstanthescribe]

He shrugs slightly.

"I'll share in whatever you choose."

[thewidewideworld]

He nods and slips out the door on bare feet, padding silently away to the bar.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan lies back on the bed and waits.