equal_of_any_man | (no subject)

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athelstan

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{From here}

Olivier opens the door into a small hall, nothing compared Lawrence's hall but big enough for a party of thirty or so people. There's a pair of chairs pulled up by the fire. Ermina sits there, a linen cloth over her knees as she embroiders the edges, a pair of dogs at her feet. She looks up as the door opens and smiles. "Athelstan!" She gets up and bounces to him, the dogs barking and dancing around their feet.

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He hesitates - it's a long time since he's done that by choice - but nods.

"I will."

Olivier smiles and lowers his eyes. "Lord God, we thank you for this food, for this family, and for each and every day."

He lifts his eyes on amen, squeezing their hands warmly, grateful to the heart.

Athelstan echoes the "amen" softly, clasping both their hands.

Olivier smiles and brings both their hands to his lips. "My family. I am so very grateful. Now please, eat." He serves them himself, making sure Ermina and Athelstan get the best of everything.

Athelstan notices, of course, and catches Ermina's eye.

Ermina meets Athelstan's gaze and smiles, rolling her eyes a little. She very gently but very firmly moves some of the meat back onto her husband's plate. "More than enough, my love. You know I don't eat that much and I will be fat enough in no time."

"And you'll have me sleeping before the afternoon is out." He doesn't force the meat back on Olivier, though. "I have grown used to eating frugally."

"Forgive me for wanting to spoil the ones I love." Olivier smiles, accepting a potion of Ermina's meat. He eats heartily, the sign of an appetite built on hard work.

It makes Athelstan glad to see it, as it's also a sign of good health, and he tries hard to eat all he's given rather than cause any worry for that reason.

Ermina rests a gentle hand on his sleeve. "Do not force yourself, Athelstan. It will not go to waste and there's no profit in making yourself ill."

And there are two rather large dogs looking hopefully of scraps.

He smiles up at her apologetically, with a glance at the dogs.

"It's a richer meal than I've had in some time."

Ermina takes his hand and squeezes it. "You have a place at our table, any time you need. For as long as you need. You don't need to tell me what's wrong. I'm sure my husband has already asked or he would still be asking. Just know you are our family and always will be."

"It would cause you such distress to hear it, my lady", he says softly, "that I hesitate to tell. But I know I can always come to you."

"Then I won't make you repeat it." She gets up and kisses the top of his head. "But don't blame me if I try to feed you up while you're here."

He smiles slightly and takes her hand.

"I would never try to prevent you."

She smiles and kisses his brow again before starting to clear the table. "Husband mine, why don't you show Athelstan around the manor?"

Olivier smiles. "Very gladly, if you're willing?'

"I would love to see your home", Athelstan says, standing up.

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