(no subject)

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan has got used to snatching a few hours of restless sleep most nights, and going back to the work room as soon as he wakes. He very rarely sleeps in Milliways, unless Sinric is there.

This night is unusual, not least because he has fallen asleep alone in their room upstairs - and the dream is different too.

Comments

[nalebound_pups]

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

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan looks at him strangely.

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

[nalebound_pups]

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

[athelstanthescribe]

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

[nalebound_pups]

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

[athelstanthescribe]

"A shame his brother died. He might have made a better king."

But really, he hardly knew the dead boy.

[nalebound_pups]

"It would have been harder for Ragnar to end him," Leif says.

[athelstanthescribe]

"But perhaps if he was more reasonable than his father, Ragnar wouldn't have had to."

[nalebound_pups]

"He wouldn't want a king obligated to avenge his father on him," Leif says.

[athelstanthescribe]

"There are ways around obligation. And the way Horik is going, someone may see to him before Ragnar gets the chance." He shakes his head. "But the elder prince is dead."

[nalebound_pups]

"And Erlendur can't possibly be allowed to be king," Leif nods.

[athelstanthescribe]

"It would be a disaster", Athelstan says flatly. "For us all."

[nalebound_pups]

"So you know where to look, when things come to a head," Leif says.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'll kill the boy myself if I have to."

He means it.

[nalebound_pups]

"Good."

[athelstanthescribe]

He smiles, and that he doesn't really mean.

"The king can be Ragnar's."

[nalebound_pups]

"He might share."

[athelstanthescribe]

"...can you see the future, there in Valhalla?"

[nalebound_pups]

"I don't think so," Leif says. "Time is a bit strange there, though."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods. "It couldn't be expected to run the same way as the mortal world."

[nalebound_pups]

"You'll do what you have to," Leif says. "No doubt about that. Ragnar can count on you."

[athelstanthescribe]

"And I can be weak in private", he says softly.

[nalebound_pups]

"You're not weak," Leif says. "A bit small, but not weak."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan just shakes his head.

"Leif, you have no idea."

[nalebound_pups]

"I remember picking you up from the ground, in Uppsala," Leif says, smirking, "but that was because of the mushrooms."