into the bath with Athelstan

[thewidewideworld]

{From here}

Sinric gets up slowly, stretching all of his finely toned dancer's body. He's not doing it on purpose, to excite or tease. It's just the way he is, almost careless in his sensuality.

He offers Athelstan a hand and a kiss before leading him to the bathroom.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan watches Sinric move, appreciating the beauty of him even if his body doesn't respond.

"We should have the scented oils."

[thewidewideworld]

"Hmm, yes. I like that idea." He kneels at the edge of the bath where the oils are kept, gently handling each little glass bottle till he finds the scent he likes best tonight. "Orange blossom and sandalwood?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"That will do nicely", he agrees with a smile.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric adds a couple of measured drops to the bath. He comes to join Athelstan, helping him out of his clothes out of habit more than Athelstan needing any help to undress.

Almost automatically, his hands find Athelstan's back, feeling the knots in his muscles and marking them mentally.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan groans quietly as Sinric's hands move over his back.

"No one but you does this for me."

[thewidewideworld]

"Then I shall have to teach Ragnar." He smiles, kissing the curve of Athelstan's neck and guiding him into the water. "It would only seem fair. He is teaching me how to catch fish and cook."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Useful skills", he approves. "And ones you will very much need, unless the river be so rich you can just scoop the fish out with your hands."

[thewidewideworld]

"And even then, I wouldn't know what to do with it if I did." He fetches massage oil from the shelf and beckons Athelstan to him, starting on his shoulder in earnest.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Roasted fish is delicious, and easy to do with an open fire."

He leans back into Sinric's hands.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric works firm hands into the knots of Athelstan's shoulders, pressing the occasional kiss to his neck as he does. "I feel like there's much I need to learn to survive outside the palace, least of all how to feed myself. I would be happy to cook for you, once I learn how."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I look forward to it", he says with a smile. "And in between times, you can come here where you'll never go hungry."

[thewidewideworld]

"I hope so." Sinric smiles. "I'm too use to being well feed and clean. I will miss this terribly if I can't come here to wash." He works his way carefully up to the nape of his neck.

[athelstanthescribe]

"There will be inns, at - " He groans and tips his head to make room. " - at least, if you have a little money."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric moves carefully, working at the knots in Athelstan's neck from leaning over the desk. "I will have to find other ways to make money. Even what I have been able to hoard won't last forever."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Perhaps your voice could earn you something. Travelling singers aren't uncommon, and you would be among the best."

[thewidewideworld]

"Perhaps. It would be the easiest way to make money." Easier and safer than other skills he has.

[athelstanthescribe]

"And no one would treat you roughly that way", Athelstan adds, guessing at the thought. "If they tried, your admirers might protect you."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric kisses the turn of Athelstan's throat, grateful for his understanding. "I love in hope." He moves around Athelstan to massage his chest and arms, working down to his hands slowly.

He smiles and brings Athelstan's hands to his lips, kissing his fingertips.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan traces Sinric's lips with his fingers.

"Always live in hope."

[thewidewideworld]

"And I will have all the world to see." Sinric smiles, kissing Athelstan's palm and leaning back into the water to get his hair wet. "The good doctor is very eager to hear of the Sino Empire of my time."

[athelstanthescribe]

"As am I", he says with a flash of enthusiasm. "So very little is known of it."

[thewidewideworld]

"And another island called Japan, even further east. I would be very glad to bring you news, or bring you there, if time and place allows."

[athelstanthescribe]

"If you can reach there and find a door that opens for you here, I would like that very much."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric smiles and leans in to kiss Athelstan's cheek. "I would like that. And adventure is not an adventure without someone to share it with."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Oh, I'm sure you'll meet plenty of travelling companions along the way. At least for a little while."