For Sinric

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan's room is almost pathologically neat, the bed made and everything in its place.

He stands aside to let Sinric in, the bathroom door standing open to reveal the huge sunken bath inside.

Comments

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric doesn't take up much space as he is, curled in on himself like a child. He mumbles softly to the touch, leaning into it like a sleeping cat being scratched.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar lies on the bed beside him, carefully as not to shake the bed, and extends his arm towards Athelstan. "You are always so neat," he says. "Come here!"

He just wants to snuggle now.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan moves carefully into his arms, brushing Sinric's back softly with his foot, since the touch seems to comfort him.

"It's a habit, my lord."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric presses against him and wraps the fur tighter around himself, not cold but comforted by the texture of it.

He sleeps on for some time in silence but for the soft rhythm of his breathing.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar snuggles into Athelstan's arms and falls asleep, happy and contented.

[athelstanthescribe]

And Athelstan is quick to follow.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric wakes in the warmth of the soft bed, the feel of Athelstan's foot against his shoulder. He watches them sleep, entwined for long moment before slipping silently off the bed.

Sleep has helped but he still need a time - time to order his thoughts. Their kindness was... all but overwhelming and although he will return to their hospitality, he needs time alone. He opens the door as quietly as he can and moves to slip away.

{ooc: up to you if anyone catches him before he slips out to explore the garden.}

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar hears the movement and opens an eye to see Sinric slip away, and gently nudges Athelstan awake.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan lifts his head sleepily.

"Oriens? Tell the Bar to give you a key..."

[thewidewideworld]

He pauses at the door at that and smiles softly with a little nod. "I will return to you."

It's a promise. He owes them that at least. And far more that he doesn't yet know how to deal with. Time to walk and think and explore.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"We look forward to it," Ragnar murmurs, sleep in his voice.

[athelstanthescribe]

"You should count our rooms as yours", Athelstan says in similar tones, "for as long as you want to."

[thewidewideworld]

He returns to them, pressing a kiss to Ragnar's brow and Athelstan's cheek. "Here, in this place, I belong to you."

It's easier to think of them that way - as his protector, as the couple he serves. At least for now, till he's had time to deal with his own feelings.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"With us," Ragnar says, "if you choose to. Yes, we will have you that way."

He reaches up to stroke Sinric's cheek again.

[athelstanthescribe]

As does Athelstan.

"But remember you're free to come and go as you please, while you're here."

[thewidewideworld]

He closes his eyes as they touch him, leaning into them. "Does your kindness truly know no bounds?" Or will there be a price to be paid later?

"If I am free, then I much go, for a little while at least. But you have my word I will return to you."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"You are free," Ragnar echoes, "and you come and go as you please. We like you, Oriens."

So it's not just kindness, he means to say.

[athelstanthescribe]

It tears at Athelstan's heart that Oriens thinks freedom is such a great kindness, especially given that they've neither bought nor captured him, only met him in a tavern.

"Return to us as often and for as long as you want to, you'll be welcome. But if you should find somewhere you'd rather be, that also will be your choice to make."

[thewidewideworld]

Their openness and giving is too confusing right now and Sinric doesn't Know how best to communicate what he means so he kisses them and pulls away, slipping out the door without another word.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"He will be back," Ragnar murmurs. "I very much hope."

He pulls Athelstan into his arms and goes back to sleep.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I think he will", Athelstan says, using Ragnar's shoulder as a pillow as he too goes back to sleep.