(no subject)

[equal_of_any_man]

Olivier comes into the bar looking... well, stunned.

Pleased. But stunned.

He sits down at the bar, staring down at his hands. The bar seems to understand, offering him a plate of baklava and a pot of apple tea. Comfort food.

It’s been a long time since he was here last but that couldn’t be further from his mind right now.

There is far more baklava than he needs, and plenty to share.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

"...Olivier."

Suddenly, Athelstan doesn't know how he could even begin to explain the changes in him, to someone who knows nothing of the causes.

[equal_of_any_man]

"Athelstan, my brother-" Olivier looks up but stops as he catches sight of Athelstan, frowning a little. "It has been so long."

He has changed too, now in his early thirties, his hair still as black as ever.

He raises and holds a hand out to Athelstan, sensing something is wrong.

[athelstanthescribe]

He'll feel the scars, is all Athelstan can think, the moment their palms touch, and though his hand comes up to return the gesture, his throat tightens until it's hard to breathe.

[equal_of_any_man]

He does feel the scars and closes his hand very gently around Athelstan's, glad to feel the warmth of him. "My dearest brother, how I have missed you." He holds out his other arm, offering his embrace.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan almost slumps into his arms.

"As I've missed you", he whispers hoarsely. "So much has happened."

[equal_of_any_man]

Olivier holds him in strong arms, his hands soft and sure as he supports his dear brother. "We are together again. And I look forward to hearing your tale." He would invite Athelstan to sit but he has no desire to break this embrace.

[athelstanthescribe]

That gets a small pained smile.

"It isn't a pretty tale, and I can't say I look forward to telling it, but it's one you must hear."

[the_cupbearer]

"Baklava and tea," comes a little chuckle from down the bar a bit; Ganymede doesn't readily recognize the man eating, but the food is somewhat easier to spot.

"Comfort food, I imagine?"

[equal_of_any_man]

"The kind lady Bar seems to think I need it. And I am grateful for I think she is right. Would you care for some? There is more here than I could ever hope to eat, for all I have missed the taste of it."

[the_cupbearer]

"Do you?" Ganymede asks.

"You're gracious. I don't much care for baklava--it's too sweet--but the tea would be appreciated if you'd like to share."

[equal_of_any_man]

"It has been a day of-" He stubbles on the word, shaking his head. "I'm still not sure what to make of the day. But the treats of my childhood are just the balm my nerves need."

He nods and asks for another glass, pouring the spiced tea of his youth for both of them, savouring the rich scent.

[the_cupbearer]

"That bad?" he chuckles. "Are you from Greece?" he asks, nodding at the baklava.

The tea he accepts, though only curling a hand around the warm glass for a moment longer.

[equal_of_any_man]

"Not bad. In fact the best news a man could hope for. My lady wife is with child. Our first. I scarcely know how to feel such joy."

"Syria. I was born in Antioch but now an a man of England."

[heatherandsteel]

Olivier's changed since he and Quentin last met and what catches Quentin's eye is look on his face, he's seen Toby look that way a lot.

Today he's only woken up and in jeans and a t-shirt with his hair wet and his ears pointing out as he glances over, "Is that all baklava?"

[equal_of_any_man]

"Quentin." Olivier greets him with a smile and gestures for the young man to join him. "I suspect the fair lady knew I was in need for the comfort of my youth. It has been a day of much..." He flounders for a word. "I hardly know what to can it."

[heatherandsteel]

"I know about days like that. Food's a good start and talking can be too. Its good to see you again,"

He smiles as he realizes this is Olivier.

[equal_of_any_man]

"As it is good to see you. It has been more than a year since I was here last." He gestures to the chair, "Will you join me? There is more than enough to share and I fear I may eat all of it alone if left to it."

[heatherandsteel]

"I'll only eat part of it," Quentin knows what his appetite's like and takes a large piece of baklava as he sits down.

[equal_of_any_man]

"There is enough for a small village but I confess I have missed the taste of it so much I fear to make myself sick from overindulgence." Not that Olivier is a man give to overindulgence.

[soldier_blade]

Things have been rough back home. Hell, things were rough in Milliways, especially between her friends from the past (and her daughter). Sonya normally made herself promise not to bring her work to milliways, but it seemed she needed the distraction along with the peace.

Seeing Olivier enter after all this time, Sonya wondered if for once, whatever higher power was in charge was playing nice. She just hoped whatever his expression was on was good news.

"Olivier!." She all but rushed to his table. "My god, it's nice to see you again...what's wrong?" The plate of baklava is momentarily ignored even as she seats herself at his table.

[equal_of_any_man]

Olivier doesn't permit her to sit, not without embracing her with just as much fervour. "Beloved sister, how glad I am to see you! Nothing is wrong, for all is wonder today."

[soldier_blade]

The embrace was welcomed and she returned it without hesitating. The feeling was entirely mutual and it had to be admitted that her own embrace was just as enthusiastic as his was.

Thank god one of them was having a good time. "Tell me what's going on. I haven't seen you since the wedding. How's Ermina?"

Somehow she managed to pry herself from him and take a seat at the table.

[equal_of_any_man]

"She is with child." He can't help but blurt it out, he's so overcome with joy. "I am to be a father."

[soldier_blade]

The joy in his face is clear as day, enough that it's almost contagious. The mention of Ermina being pregnant, frankly she's not surprised. Sonya found herself thinking back to the conversation she had with her before the wedding, and found herself blushing inspite of herself.

"Congratulations." She knew both of them well enough that they were both hoping for them, and she couldn't begrudge them that. "Some good news is welcome around here, and I know Ermina's been hoping to start a family soon as possible."

Well, they did consider eachother family, but that was besides the point.

[equal_of_any_man]

"She grows more lovely by the day. I suspect she has known for some time, but didn't wish to tell me before she was sure. Or before the harvest was done. Had I known, I would not have let her climb apple trees with the children to bring in the crop."