(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]

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."

[athelstanthescribe]

"It's no slight on you. You soothed me very well indeed. But he is..."

[thewidewideworld]

"He is your soul mate." Sinric finishes. "I understand." And he does, even if it saddens him sometimes.

[athelstanthescribe]

"They do say everyone has one. And now you'll be out in the world."

He really wants Sinric to find his.

[thewidewideworld]

"I fear I already have. And in a few short weeks I shall watch him die." He shakes his head. "Do not be sad for me. I have loved a powerful man and been loved in return. If it is all I am destined to have, it will be enough."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Then you'll remember him", Athelstan says softly, "all your life."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods and rests his chin on Athelstan's shoulder. "I will never forget him. Not till my dying day."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods and, knowing Sinric isn't a believer, doesn't say anything about seeing Constantine again.

"And tell people about him, wherever you go."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods. "I'm still working on a book about him. So at least there will be some record of who he was as a man. But I will sing his memory as long and as far as I can."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And so you should. Many will already have heard his name, but never met anybody who really knew him."

[thewidewideworld]

"And few have known him as I have." He goes quiet for a moment, head resting on Athelstan's shoulder, eyes closed.

[athelstanthescribe]

"It's going to be all right", Athelstan says quietly. "You're going to be all right."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sniffs and nods, pressing a small kiss to Athelstan's shoulders. "Thanks to you and Ragnar. I owe you both so much."

[athelstanthescribe]

"No more than we owe you."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric shakes his head and lays back, cradling Athelstan against him.

He lifts his face to the sun and closes his eyes, letting this feeling of being sad and loved soak into his bones.

"We will both be alright. I have faith in that, if nothing else."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Perhaps I will." And that's as close to hope as he can let himself come, at the moment. "In time."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric nods and gently draws Athelstan to lay with him, stroking his arms and shoulder. The sun is high now, giving them a little island of warmth and light and safety. "Rest with me a little longer, beloved?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Of course I will." He leans into Sinric's embrace. "I have no rush to go anywhere."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric hums softly, singing almost under his breath as he holds Athelstan close. Sleep takes him swiftly, letting him ease to rest with his arms around Athelstan.

{ooc: shall we fade there abouts? Thank you, that was lovely.}

[athelstanthescribe]

[ooc: looks good!]