For Athelstan

[onceaviking]

His room is neat.
The laptop is switched on, the decanter in the low table has been refilled with wine, the bed is made.

He turns on the light as they enter and turns to look at Athelstan.

Comments

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan considers this, mustering the energy to roll onto his back.

"Later", he decides, not sure if he can move any further.

[onceaviking]

Eric nods and then he turns his attention to his laptop.

He's looking at vampire specific legal templates.
Last will kind of things.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan's head drops to the bed, and he's soon asleep.

[onceaviking]

Time passes.
The room is quiet apart from Eric tapping on the keys of his laptop once in a while.
Keyboards are not built for Viking fingers.

At one point he goes to the bathroom to wash up.

When dawn approaches he walks to the bed and touches Athelstan's shoulder.
"Wake up."

His fingers are cold again.

[athelstanthescribe]

He starts awake immediately, always a light sleeper.

"It's time to go?"

[onceaviking]

Eric nods.
"You have time to wash," he says.

[athelstanthescribe]

"All right." He swings his legs to the edge of the bed, moving stiffly but with more energy than before. "I do enjoy your shower."

[onceaviking]

"It certainly is a thing to be enjoyed," Eric agrees.

He has gotten dressed in the meantime as well, in a tracksuit, and as Athelstan gets off the bed, he begins to pull the bedding off. No reason to sleep in sheets crusty with dried blood.

[athelstanthescribe]

He's not sure where his clothes ends up, and glances around for them as he heads to the bathroom.

"I hope the laundry here is good", he says with a quick wry smile as he catches sight of the sheets.

[onceaviking]

"It is," Eric says. "And reasonably priced."

Athelstan's tunic and trousers have ended up in a heap close to the bed.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan takes note of that, for when he returns, and disappears into the bathroom.

...Eric may want to come and drag him out in a while, before his hot water bill goes through the roof.

[onceaviking]

Eric lets him bathe.
He understands.

He gets ready for the dawn himself, closing up his laptop, bundling up the soiled bedding, and, yes, making the bed.
He likes clean sheets.

He is feeling the approaching sun but he'll wait till Athelstan has left before lying down.

[athelstanthescribe]

He does put a limit on his time, given the approaching dawn, and emerges with his skin rubbed dry and his hair at least not dripping, to dress.

"Still a few minutes, I hope?"

[onceaviking]

"The sun has risen," Eric says, "But I can manage."

He can feel the pressure build in his nose and ears, but staying awake for a couple of minutes more matters little.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Sleep", Athelstan urges. "I'll be gone in a moment, and I saw you last time."

[onceaviking]

"That was after staying awake all night. I'll see you out."

He already lets too many people stay here while he sleeps.

[athelstanthescribe]

"...all right."

He turns towards the door, pulling his tunic over his head.

[onceaviking]

Eric walks him to the door, a tall, hulking presence.

His nose begins to bleed. Just a little.

[athelstanthescribe]

"You should have fetched me out sooner", he says guiltily. "Before the dawn came completely."

[onceaviking]

Eric waves him off.
"It doesn't matter," he says.

"Remember to eat. Like last time."

[athelstanthescribe]

"Red meat and kale", he promises dutifully, turning back for a moment at the open door.

[onceaviking]

Eric has turned off most of the lights by now. The room is cast in shadow. He stands there, tall and big and pale. And tired.

"I might see you again before I leave," he says.
But maybe he won't.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I'll look for you." Beat. "Sleep well."

[onceaviking]

A small nod and then Eric closes the door.
And locks it.

No vampire would sleep in an unlocked room.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan turns away and heads downstairs.