athelstanthescribe | (no subject)

"There's more than one priest, but only one Athelstan," Leif says. "Ragnar knows that as well, but it took him longer to acknowledge. I hope the others didn't give you too much trouble over it. Does Floki still insist he hates your guts?"

That gets a small wry smile.

"Most of the time. Occasionally he forgets."

Leif grins. "Always too curious for his own good, or his own traditions," he says. "And that's a good thing. Tradition doesn't send new ships over the high seas."

"Or learn any new way of doing things", Athelstan agrees. "Even if it may be better."

"Faith makes Floki strong when he thinks he's strange or very different," Leif says. "But really, his work speaks from him and his worth. Nobody doubts that except him. But that's people; we're none of us completely simple."

He pokes Athelstan on the arm.

"We saw right away that you weren't just simply a scared little monk and slave."

Athelstan swats his hand away without thinking.

"You saw that. And Ragnar did. I wouldn't go so far as to say you all did."

"I'm sure Floki did," Leif says, "and I know my father did, and so did Arne and Torstein."

All the inner circle.

Suddenly, Athelstan misses them all very sharply. Even the living. Even Floki.

"Have you come to remind me of that?"

"That we know your worth, and have known for a long time?" Leif says. "No. I mostly just came to say hello, because I can. And to tell you not to worry so much."

Athelstan smiles a little.

"If you can see me from Valhalla, you know that is easier said than done."

"You are a good man," Leif says, "and Ragnar knows your worth. He's coming for you, and woe betide those who did this to you."

Pause.

"And to me. It probably started with me. Ragnar has a list the length of my" --- "arm to bring to Horik, in the end."

Athelstan looks confused.

"How can he lay your death at Horik's feet?"

"Did you not see who cut my throat?"

"But he was only officiating. He held the knife, but he did not choose for you to die."

"Not for me," Leif says. "But do you think it would have been suggested that a big sacrifice would be required to shore up Ragnar's position and line without his knowledge? Do you think any of that was purely personal? Sons are never just personal, for an earl."

Beat.

"As one who gives sacrifice, the gods would accept him as what he now is. No longer just a farmer. The higher the position, the greater the offering. The blood of a man, a free good man you'd bitterly miss -- that is what makes the gods notice!"

He shakes his head.

"You're so clever, Athelstan. So clever. But sometimes, people are still too harsh and mean for your understanding."

"Still", Athelstan says quietly. "I don't think Horik can be held responsible for your death - though I do not absolve him of others."

"It's hard to hold the man responsible for anything," Leif shrugs. "I'm sure Ragnar will, in the end, though. You know what that means?"

"That he will rise once again", Athelstan says quietly. "Yes, I know. He won't want it."

"No, but he'll have to, after he deals with Horik," Leif says. "And you'll rise with him."

"I won't leave him. So I suppose I must... when I'm home again."

"Which won't be long," Leif says. "He needs you for that."

Athelstan looks at him strangely.

"It will happen with or without me, when he's ready to make his move."

"It will be easier for him with you," Leif says. "Another pair of sharp eyes."

"Perhaps." He nods. "Someone has to watch Erlendur."

"A vicious whelp," Leif says. "I heard stories."