(no subject)

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric's exploration of Milliways rooftop yielded another discovering - an observatory. A tall tower projecting from the roof and lined in floor to ceiling glass as well as a dome that can be opened to the night sky. Around the inside are deep, comfortable couches as well as astronomical equipment Sinric has never tried to work out.

Instead he invites Athelstan to join him on the couch facing to the east, a blanket draped over the back and room enough for two to lay together.

"The glass has been treated with some coating that make it safe to watch the sun without harm to the eyes." He explains, setting their bottle down on a near table.

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

"Do." Sinric settles on the couch, snuggled into Athelstan's side. "It is a beautiful place but I don't know if anyone else knows if it." He pours Athelstan a cup. "And its peaceful. I have fallen asleep here more than once."

[athelstanthescribe]

"It's a very good place to sleep, I should think. Under the stars, but not exposed."

[thewidewideworld]

"Warm and safe from the storm." Sinric agrees, having grown wary of storms now.

He shifts to let Athelstan lean against him, stoking his hair. "If you want to sleep, I can wake you before the dawn?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Not yet." He does lean against the slighter man. "Maybe in a few minutes. I want to spend time with you awake."

[thewidewideworld]

"I won't go. Not until I've had a chance to say goodbye to everyone, you and Ragnar especially." He promises, kisses Athelstan's hair and nuzzling his ear. "And resting in your arms would be most welcome."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Then we shall. And let sleep come naturally."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods and wraps his arms around Athelstan, fingers entwined. He keeps nuzzling Athelstan's hair, enjoying the nearness of him and memorising everything.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan does the same, the nagging worry refusing to go away even with Sinric's assurances.

"Promise to wake me for the dawn if I do drop off."

[thewidewideworld]

"You have my word." Sinric promises, kissing the top of Athelstan's head. "We will share the dawn together."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I hope the thing under the bed doesn't come up here", he says drowsily. "Or that it only comes to solitary sleepers."

[thewidewideworld]

"If it comes, we will drive it back together." Sinric hums the Northumbrian lullaby, sensing the rest Athelstan sorely needs.

[athelstanthescribe]

He hasn't slept well for at least one night, maybe two. His eyelids start to droop.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric eases Athelstan into a more comfortable position, Athelstan's head resting on Sinric's shoulder. Singing Athelstan to sleep is a joy, watching the pain and worry ease from his features.

[athelstanthescribe]

It's not long before he slips into a relaxed (and exhausted) sleep, and stays in it for a few hours - this time untroubled.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric dozes too, not as deeply as he's watchful for Athelstan need but enough that he opens his eyes refreshed at the first warming of dawn.

He nuzzles Athelstan's hair softly. "The sun comes." He whispers in Latin.

[athelstanthescribe]

He's a light sleeper - he always was, but more now than ever - and stirs as his eyes begin to open.

"Good morning..."

[thewidewideworld]

"I do believe it will be, yes." Sinric smiles, kissing Athelstan's cheek lightly.

The sky is just warning to the sun, rays of pink colouring the underside of low clouds like a blush.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan sits up a little, still leaning against Sinric.

"It looks like a pretty dawn."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric wraps his arms gently around Athelstan, eyes on the far horizon. "It does. And the better for being shared." He kisses Athelstan's cheek.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan looks out at the sky as well.

"Thank you for showing me this room."

[thewidewideworld]

"I hope it brings you comfort to come here. As it had for me."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I think it will. I like to look at the stars, as well as the dawn."

[thewidewideworld]

"The stars are very beautiful but I've always found them cold, too distant for me. It's the sun I crave."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Living where you do", he says with a slight smile, "you must have learned how to be careful not to burn."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric chuckles. "I have had to learn to wear veils like the women of court of I'm out too long, go keep from burning. And not to stay out too long when the sun is high. I fell asleep in the sun when we were out celebrating the Emperor's birthday. I ended up red as a lobster and hurt for days. My skin came off in great long strips and I itched terribly!"