(no subject)

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan leads Sinric into the suite of rooms, and straight into the bathroom.

"Would you like plain water, or something in it?"

Either way, it's probably going to sting.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

"You lived through it", Athelstan agrees, "and after everything, you're still thinking of your emperor ahead of yourself. That's not weak."

[thewidewideworld]

He swallows roughly, his throat still tight. "I can't go back, not till I'm healed."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"You can stay here with us until you are," Ragnar says. "Safe between us, or in your own connecting room if you're fed up with being surrounded by schmoopy Vikings."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Whichever you like", Athelstan says with a nod. "And if you don't want to let it happen naturally - some of those might scar - there are magic healers."

[thewidewideworld]

He gives Ragnar a grateful but weak little squeeze of thanks. "Thank you. I will not get in your way, I promise."

His eyes go a little wide at that. "Magic?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"You're not in he way," Ragnar says. "And yes, there is true magic here. That we can tell."

[athelstanthescribe]

"But that's entirely your choice", Athelstan adds quickly.

[thewidewideworld]

"I would like to learn more about this magic but, not yet?" He pleads softly, still to shaky to bear the idea of leaving this warmth of protection.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Not yet," Ragnar says. "Not before you want to. For the moment, you can just stay here between us."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Not a moment before you're ready", Athelstan promises. "Even if it's days or weeks."

[thewidewideworld]

Hours at least. He closes his eyes and lets himself drift back to a safe deep sleep, trusting them utterly.