Re: Boat dreams: Athelstan/Ragnar
It had been over a millennia, yet it was still easy to settle into Ragnar's side, to let his own arm slink out and wrap around his waist until he could feel their ribs rising together with every breath they took in.
"You are dreaming of me now, and that is what matters," he said, quietly confident in his words, his head bowing a little as he felt that kiss to his curls. It wasn't that often that they were this close back in Kattegat, but they had happened then, and it was sweet to have them now, even if it was only their dreaming selves.
"You have to wake up, Ragnar," he said quietly, giving him a look that said that Ragnar must know that he had to eventually. But not quite yet. "You've become a scholar!" He said, eyes wide, lips splitting into a grin as he teased his friend. "I am happy for you, my friend. And happy you have found something in this world that gives you joy." It was no less than what Ragnar deserved, and he knew how often Ragnar did things that had made him miserable for the good of Kattegat, and his family.
He quieted as both arms closed around him and he pressed his chin into the arch of his shoulder. "I -- I have not met my God, Ragnar. But I am better, better than I have been in many years. I have a -- a brother of sorts. I am traveling to see him. You would like him -- he reminded me of Gyda when he was younger. He was fast, like she was. And gentle. But he's smart, like you." A quiet laugh left him and he pressed his cheek into the curve of Ragnar's throat.