(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]

"Very wise. The golden horn rarely freezes but I have heard tales of torturous ice that grows thin where most it looks safe."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Oh yes", Athelstan says, shivering slightly at the thought. "All children - even in England - are told most strictly not to walk on ice without testing it first."

[thewidewideworld]

"Then when I come to the north, you and Ragnar will have to teach me how to test the ice." He nuzzles Athelstan's hair, watching the sky turn warm and yellow.

[athelstanthescribe]

"We will." He turns his face towards the sun, letting the first rays strike it.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sighs, face upturned to the light. The dawn always has a renewing effect on him, the birth of the new day bringing new life and new hope.

[athelstanthescribe]

"It's done", Athelstan says absently, "with a stick. If you hit the ice as hard as you can with a stick and it doesn't crack, it's probably safe."

[thewidewideworld]

"Ah, that is wise." He answers, eyes still raised as the room fills with light.

[athelstanthescribe]

"How this room floods with light", he says, closing his eyes and just feeling the warmth on his face.

[thewidewideworld]

"Like being in a bath of light." Sinric sighs, "Washing me clean and making me afresh." He hugs Athelstan warmly. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

[athelstanthescribe]

"You're the one who shared it with me", he points out, leaning into the hug.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric smiles and watches the sun crest over the mountain, grateful for whatever allows them to look at it so without pain. "This place is yours now too. And the door can be barred from within, if you find yourself in need of privacy. I sometimes come up here and strip to my skin so I can feel the sun on all of me, when the mood takes me."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I may do that. It's too high for people to see into from the ground, I think."

[thewidewideworld]

"I have walked all around the gardens and the edges of the woods and I have found no place I can even see this tower from."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Perhaps that's part of the magic of this place. That from the outside, it isn't there at all."

[thewidewideworld]

"Like the doors to our rooms being on different floor but leading together." He nods.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Just so. Anything may be possible here."

[thewidewideworld]

"To have known you and Ragnar is miracle enough for me." He smiles and strokes Athelstan's shoulders.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Perhaps you had to come here so that you would learn the strength you'll need."

And survive Leo.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods. "Perhaps. Or to learn of my part in bringing you together. It has given me hope and a reason to go on." He tangles their fingers, looking down at Athelstan's agile hands. "Without that-" he cuts himself off. He has spent too many sleepless nights imagining the darkness his life would be without that hope.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Don't think of that", Athelstan says quietly. "It's something that will never be."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric takes a deep breath, holds it and breathes out slowly. The measured way Hannibal taught him.

"I know. But in the dark watches of the night, you know how such thoughts can crowd in." That deep, scarred fear they both bear.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes. I know that very well."

He reaches for Sinric's hand.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric entwines their fingers and brings Athelstan's hand to his lips, kissing his knuckles. "Then I think of you, your eyes as you made love to me that first time. And the warm way Ragnar looks when he has us in his arms." He lifts his face to the now risen son. "And then I can sleep again."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Long may that last", he murmurs. "For myself, it isn't so easy to sleep again after the bad times. Unless you or Ragnar is there."

[thewidewideworld]

"I'm sorry, that I will not be here for you. But you will have Ragnar here, I'm sure he can sooth you better than I."