(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 hope so. I have much planning to do." He nods, breaking the bread in his hands into smaller pieces, almost fretfully.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Could you bring them through here, failing all else? Into a world where Leo could never find them?"

[thewidewideworld]

"The elven youth called Quentin suggested the same. It would be better to find them homes or lords who will protect them. They have the right to grow up and be loved too."

[athelstanthescribe]

"They do. And if they can stay in the world they've always known, it would be better... but keep it in mind as a last resort."

[thewidewideworld]

"That I will. If the door will permit it." He nods, in many ways hoping it will not come to that, if only out of a selfish desire to keep the bar as his own hideaway.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods. "Do other courts keep eunuchs? Or perhaps they could find other kinds of service, trained as they've been."

[thewidewideworld]

"Some, but it is less common than it was. There are a few high lords who favour the elder of us heavily who would be glad of a bird in their villas. As I am favoured by Yan and his father, so Probus is much adored by son of the Frankish prince."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Perhaps Probus could take one or two others with him - not enough to strain the prince's hospitality, but a companion for him."

[thewidewideworld]

"Perhaps. The prince is a second son and his own son has no claim but they are wealthy and seem good-natured. He might take Luca for safe keeping. He is but very young."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Has he been gelded already?" Athelstan asks softly.

[thewidewideworld]

"Not yet. My lord is waiting for the spring. The cut heal better when it can be let open to the air but not so hot that sweat stings it."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And there's some years yet before the Bulgaria expedition, you said."

So little Luka will be staying where he is.

[thewidewideworld]

He shakes his head. "Half a year. Not long." Too soon.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I must have been thinking of before... I was thinking, then, if Luka never goes under the knife, the whole world of choices might be open to him."

[thewidewideworld]

"That is my thought also." Sinric nods. "If possible I will delay his gelding. At least until campaign."

He toys with the bread again. "I wonder if I could convince Constantine to send him away to study."

[athelstanthescribe]

"He's young for serious study", Athelstan says thoughtfully, "but it's a possibility. He's the perfect age to learn to read and write."

[thewidewideworld]

"He's bright and interested. And my Emperor will respect that. He likes his birds to follow their passions. He was overjoyed when I wanted to learn to read."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And he won't want to keep Luka there and teach him himself, as he did for you?"

[thewidewideworld]

"He might but he won't take Luka on campaign. Maybe I can talk him into sending Luka away to study while we travel..." He trails off, lost in thought.

[athelstanthescribe]

"And find a reason why he shouldn't have Luka gelded before he goes. He's still many years from the changes it's meant to prevent, after all."

[thewidewideworld]

"If we must, Probus and I will instruct Luka to feign illness. Constantine won't send him to the knife if he's unwell."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods. "He's too caring a man for that, especially as even one more year will make little difference to the outcome."

[thewidewideworld]

"That he is. And already my heart breaks to loss him. I hope you and Ragnar are together and strong when the time comes. For I fear I will need support from both of you."

[athelstanthescribe]

"If it's in my capability to give it to you", Athelstan promises quietly, "you will have it."

[thewidewideworld]

"Thank you." He reaches over to squeeze Athelstan's hand. "I hope because I have time to prepare, I can be strong in my own world but even so, I will need time to grieve. And here I will be safe to do so."