Among the trees

[onceaviking]

Eric seems to have a very specific tree in mind, steering Athelstan down paths invisible to the human eye.

The tree turns out to be an oak, widespread and solid.

Comments

[onceaviking]

"Hold on."

His voice is low.
Intimate.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan nods and reaches over again to wrap his arms around Eric.

[onceaviking]

And Eric lifts him, effortlessly, and glides down between the branches.

[athelstanthescribe]

He even manages to relax enough to enjoy the ride and take in the sight of the passing branches.

[onceaviking]

They alight on the ground, but Eric doesn't let go straight away.

Athelstan is warm.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan looks up at him.

"Eric?"

[onceaviking]

"Mmm?"

Eric's eyes are half closed and his arms are still around Athelstan, keeping him close enough to feel the warmth of his skin.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Do you want to go inside?"

He actually doesn't mind either way. The cold doesn't bother him much, if it's dry.

[onceaviking]

Eric seems a little surprised at the question.
"I was planning on going back inside, yes," he says.

And then, "Are you cold?"

Practicalities.
Of course.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Not too much." It's true, it's quite a mild night. "You didn't seem eager to move anywhere just yet."

[onceaviking]

Eric lets go of him.

"Well, you seem to be staying upright," he says.
It may not be terribly convincing.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Your assistance made sure of it", he agrees. "I should be fine."

[onceaviking]

Eric starts down the path, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan follows, not hurrying to catch up - but it doesn't seem like Eric is particularly rushing either.

[onceaviking]

He is almost strolling.
And he is surprisingly quiet for a man (well, vampire) his size.

[athelstanthescribe]

Centuries of practice, Athelstan assumes.

"How's Pam?" he asks after a few minutes.

[onceaviking]

"Pam? She's fine. I'm taking her in a a trip to Iceland," Eric says.
He honestly can't remember if he already told him.

"A little getaway."

[athelstanthescribe]

Athelstan can't either. Things before the attack are hazier than things since.

"To the city or the country?"

[onceaviking]

"We are going to Reykjavik," he replies. "And we are staying at a hotel that caters to vampires specifically. She'd hate to have to sleep rough."

Judging from his tone, he wouldn't.

[athelstanthescribe]

"It really isn't her style", Athelstan agrees. "This hotel - I suppose makes sure the windows are blocked or there are none, things like that?"

[onceaviking]

"Exactly. And you - order in."

There's a purr in his voice at that last bit.

[athelstanthescribe]

"Is it run by vampires, or - no, I suppose humans, who can go out and fetch what you want."

[onceaviking]

"It's vampire owned, I believe, but the staff is generally a mix," Eric says.

[athelstanthescribe]

"I wonder if they get enough custom for the place to support itself", Athelstan says thoughtfully.

[onceaviking]

"The Reykjavik location? It's fucking expensive so I should think they're turning a profit," Eric replies.