OOM: Returning Eunuch

[bigarmy_strangepants]

It is late in the day, and Ragnar is lounging in his room, talking to Athelstan.

He could spend eternity just talking to Athelstan, and then an eternity again with all the other Athelstan-related things.

But they never run out of things to talk about, it seems.

"... will turn seawater into potable water, like making salt, just the other way around," he is saying.

Comments

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Yes -- why does he think Yan wouldn't give it to him?" Ragnar adds.

[thewidewideworld]

"I wish I knew." He sighs, breathing in the scent of them both. "If I did, I could help Yan arrange it. His... diversions have been wonderful. I've never seen any so skilled at archery or hawking. But his scheme is working - we're too tired to divine his plans."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan shakes his head.

"That sounds more than a little ominous."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"If they were honest, he could just say what he wants to happen," Ragnar says. "After all, you came for negotiations. That usually means each side is willing to cede something."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric lolls sleepily, head tucked against Ragnar's chest, reaching for Athelstan. "The trade was set by the Emperor and the Great Khan. Only the terms need setting. But he will give no indication of what he desires." He yawns again. "After I've had tome to rest and regain my wit."

[athelstanthescribe]

"That would suggest his terms will be difficult." He takes Sinric's hand. "But there's time for that."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"You can keep thinking out loud at us," Ragnar says, "and we can talk about it until you find out what it is, and how you'll go about providing it so each goes home feeling he has won."

He leans to kiss Sinric'smcheek.

[thewidewideworld]

"And how I love you both for it." He purrs softly, closing his eyes with a smile as Ragnar kisses him.

He squeezes Athelstan's hand. "Would you mind so very much if I slept with you both tonight?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"Have we ever minded before?" Athelstan asks rhetorically.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"And so, you will be welcome in our arms tonight, as always," Ragnar says.

He leans over to kiss Athelstan's cheek as well.

[thewidewideworld]

"No." Sinric smiles, kissing Athelstan's hand. "But it's always polite to ask."

"Keep talking of your wonders." He whispers sleepily. "Don't stop for me. I'd be very glad to fall asleep to your voices."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Ragnar has found someone here who can make a machine that turns salt water drinkable", Athelstan tells him.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"And disguise it in barrels that we can take on ships," Ragnar says. "Making the crossing even safer when we come to get Athelstan back. And there is one more thing."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric makes a soft, sleepy go on sound. But his breathing is slowly down and being even as he slips into a doze.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan turns, careful not to dislodge Sinric, to look at Ragnar.

"There is?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"You know, the machines he made us to feel each other's heartbeat?" Ragnar says. "Jay will,try and make a compass that points to where they are."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric murmurs softly and shift against Athelstan, making them both comfortable.

[athelstanthescribe]

His eyes widen.

"He can do that?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"He will try," Ragnar says, smiling.

He drapes his arm around both Sinric and Athelstan, gathering them close and comfortably.

"If it works, it would tell me in which direction is Wessex while we are still at sea," he adds. "The last time we ended up there accidentally, after all. And once we make landfall, it would tell me where you are, so we can find Ecbert's villa. You would literally be the star I steer by."

[athelstanthescribe]

He smiles a little.

"Now there's a thought. Could I have one, as well?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Yes, if it does work," Ragnar says. "Then, if you do have to run, you could run towards me. Jay already suggested he could make two."

[athelstanthescribe]

"How are we ever going to repay him for all this?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"I have no idea," Ragnar says. "Each time I am trying to pay him back, he gives me more instead. We did help with his building project, the last time we were here, but then, he gave us even more."

[athelstanthescribe]

"We'll have to think of something, if he lets us."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Perhaps a boat?" Ragnar says. "Which he can then tinker with and improve and fit with electronic wind or whatnot?"