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

[thewidewideworld]

"How are your legs? Do they still trouble you?"

[athelstanthescribe]

"I walk more easily now that my feet are healed, so not so much."

[thewidewideworld]

"Would you like me to see to them next?" He gets up to fetch to oil from the shelf.

[athelstanthescribe]

"If you would?" He extricates himself from the covers in preparation.

[thewidewideworld]

"Always, my beloved." He kneels on the bed, warming the bottle of oil between his thighs before rubbing it onto his hands.

He works slowly, carefully, making sure to gently work out the knots in Athelstan's calves.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan groans quietly in relief as he does.

"I almost get used to it, over time."

[thewidewideworld]

"You should not have to. Such pains are preventable, with care. I can teach Ragnar to do this for you, when you are together again."

[athelstanthescribe]

He nods against the pillow.

"There'll be no need at all to put up with it then."

[thewidewideworld]

"None at all." Sinric promises. "And you know you have my care and my hands whenever I'm near."

[athelstanthescribe]

"I do", he confirms. "And you're so very good at it."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric smiles and presses a playful kiss just above Athelstan's knee. His hands work steadily and nimbly, working out the knots in Athelstan's legs. He hums a soft tune, singing to himself as much as the Athelstan.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan starts to relax bit by bit as he works, listening to his song.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric smiles, feeling Athelstan's pain and tension starting to ease. He gently guides Athelstan to move onto his stomach, so he can better relax the muscles at the backs of Athelstan's knees.

[athelstanthescribe]

He rolls over obediently. He knows the pain and tension will return, but every minute he can be without them is something worth having.

[thewidewideworld]

And Sinric is keen to give him every moment he can without it.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Thank you", Athelstan murmurs again.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric refreshes the oil on his hands and sings again, caressing Athelstan's skin soothingly between firm strokes to unknot him.

He doesn't stop at Athelstan's legs, working up Athelstan's back to ease the pains in his lower back.

[athelstanthescribe]

His whole back is a tangle of chronic tension, but gradually it melts away under Sinric's hands.

[thewidewideworld]

And Sinric is more than happy to dedicate himself to easing the pain, as much as he can. Adding the odd kiss here and there to remind Athelstan that he's loved.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

After a while, something bumps against the door, and then Ragnar comes back in, still beltless and barefoot, carrying a large and heavy tray.

"Hello, you two," he says, smiling as he sees them on the bed, Sinric pampering Athelstan and getting him to relax.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan has been soothed almost to sleep by this point, but he opens his eyes.

"...how much did you get?"

[thewidewideworld]

"A feast indeed." Sinric chuckles, torn between bouncing over to help Ragnar and finishing Athelstan's massage.

In the end he stays with Athelstan, smoothing his hand over Athelstan's shoulders. "Almost done, beloved." He works back down Athelstan's arms and fingers briskly.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar puts the tray on the table.

There is tea and bread, fruit and cream, cured meat and cheese, a bowl of olives, and a special loaf of flat white bread that contains olives as well.

Also, tomatoes. Also, honey cake with candied angelica roots.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Is there anything we should eat right now?" Athelstan asks sleepily.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric finishes up, wiping oil from Athelstan's hands. "There, all done. I can do more later." He kisses Athelstan's cheek and goes to wash up before breakfast.