(no subject)

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan can see Ragnar everywhere he looks in this room, and it tears at his heart at the same time as it comforts him.

He tries not to think of it, though, turning to take Sinric's hand again as they step inside.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

And Athelstan does sleep, when he's not working, but it's usually fitful and disturbed.

He curls into Sinric's arms.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sings until his own voice falters as he slips into sleep. His own nightmares are kept at bay by the warmth of trusted company.

[athelstanthescribe]

This once, Athelstan might just have a peaceful night.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric wakes early, as if feeling the dawn he's missed in his sickbed vigil but he doesn't slip out of bed to greet it. The warmth of Athelstan's embrace and the peace of his company is worth more. He lays awake, holding Athelstan in his arms and watches his friend sleep.

[athelstanthescribe]

He's been so exhausted, soul-deep, that now he hardly twitches as he feels Sinric's small movements, and doesn't wake.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sings again, very softly so not to wake Athelstan but enough to keep himself from thinking too hard or letting worry creep in.

[athelstanthescribe]

The singing seems to penetrate into Athelstan's dreams, and he makes a childlike contented sound and moves closer.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric moves to make himself more comfortable for Athelstan to settle against. He strokes Athelstan's hair and back as he sings, soothing as a brother or lover. Or both.

[athelstanthescribe]

It's part of their relationship, that it has elements of both. Athelstan rests his head against Sinric's neck, still mostly asleep.

[thewidewideworld]

The warmth of Athelstan's breath on his skin fills Sinric with the love and joy he has missed. He feels desire rise in him but pushed it down. Now is not the time for it. He closes his eyes and keeps singing softly, letting the rhythm of his song guide his heartbeat and breathing.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan's breathing is slow and even, his heartbeat steady.

In his sleep, his hand finds Sinric's.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric entwined his fingers in Athelstan's, bringing them softly to his lips as he sings before resting it over his heart.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan settles again, relaxing bonelessly against Sinric.

[thewidewideworld]

It's soothing enough that Sinric falls back asleep after a while, dozing with even breaths.

[athelstanthescribe]

[ooc: and shall we wrap them there, a nice peaceful scene?]

[thewidewideworld]

{ooc: yes, lets. Thank you}

[athelstanthescribe]

[ooc: excellent. Sinric can worry more about Athelstan's mental health another time, but for now he's okay]