Millitimed to when Ragnar was gathering herbs

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan is at a booth to one side of the room, with his dog on the floor at his feet and a bottle of something that he's steadily working on, alone.

Some days are good, some days are less so. This is one of the less so, Ragnar is outside somewhere, and he's doing what came to mind to help.

Comments

[patterns_bloom]

"Hi, Athelstan," Alana says as she approaches. "Can I join you?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Of course", he says, slightly slurred as he looks up at her. "And welcome."

[patterns_bloom]

Alana settles into the booth, resting her hands palms down on the table. "How are you feeling?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Not so good today", he admits. "There was a fire in the stables. And I see fire every day, but... a building. On fire."

[patterns_bloom]

"Did you inhale any of the smoke?" Alana says, furrowing her brow. "What about the fire bothered you?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Yes." He waves that off, though. "Guppy took care of me in that. And it was... I thought I'd let go of Lindisfarne, and watching it burn."

[patterns_bloom]

"Ah, I see," Alana says, frowning slightly. "Did you have flashbacks to it?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Not - not really. I was busy, there were the horses and other beasts to save. But since, I've found myself thinking of it."

[patterns_bloom]

"It can be difficult to let go of past traumas, and being reminded by a fire here makes sense," Alana says, reaching out to squeeze his shoulder. "I'm sorry you were reminded. Is there anything I can do for you?"

[onceaviking]

Eric is walking past and gives him a brief once-over.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan stares back at him.

[onceaviking]

Eric walks over and leans on Athelstan's table.

"Is it working? " he asks.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I think it's beginning to."

(No, it isn't, not really. The stables fire stirred things up.)

[onceaviking]

"Hmm, " Eric replies, somewhat doubtful.

[athelstanthescribe]

He shrugs.

"It might help me sleep, at least."

[onceaviking]

"You do realize you have access to easier options, right? "
He's referring to the Infirmary. For once.

[athelstanthescribe]

Another shrug. "I suppose. For as long as they'd willingly give them."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric comes down from the study room that has become a sort of impromptu jam space for making music. He spots Athelstan and Fiachra.

Worried by his beloved's look of hard drinking and fetches a tray of meats, breads, cheeses and dips for them to share. And a large bone for Fiachra.

[athelstanthescribe]

Fiachra latches onto his treat instantly, then vanishes back under the table to gnaw on it.

"Sinric", Athelstan greets him, holding out a hand. "Come and sing for me."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sets down the tray and takes Athelstan. He folds up his long legs to slide onto the seat beside Athelstan.

He starts to sing without comment, soft and warm. A song of lazy summer days spent watching the clouds and wild flowers.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan leans against him, drinking and listening in silence to the pleasant song.

[thewidewideworld]

He sings out to the last note, smiling softly and giving Athelstan a little hug. "Another?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"I can always have another", he agrees. "Especially from you."

[thewidewideworld]

He makes himself comfortable against Athelstan's side, stealing an olive from the plate as he selects a sing from his vast collection.

The song is sweet and tripping, playfully fast and flowing.

[athelstanthescribe]

Sinric wants Athelstan to eat, so he eats a little as he listens, picking from the plate between drinks.

This song would pick anyone up, at least for a moment.