(no subject)

[equal_of_any_man]

Olivier sings to himself softly as he prepares an ointment for Athelstan, to help keep the cold out in the long winter. The rich smell of mustard seed and goose fat warms the air. He doesn't realise that he's singing one of his mother's songs, one he has not heard in many years. Not since his mother died.

Comments

[equal_of_any_man]

He rests his head on her shoulder, glad simply of her touch. "I have taken the name Olivier now, but in my heart I will always be your Daoud."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"I know. You did what was needful, to live the life that was meant for you. Do you like your new name?"

[equal_of_any_man]

"It has...become me. Over time. It is part of who I am now." He looks to her, hoping she will understand.

[a_rare_benedictine]

She smiles softly and pats his cheek.

"Then I'm glad, that you don't find yourself too divided."

[equal_of_any_man]

"There are still time I... struggle. I still pray to Allah for you, I still turn to Mecca when I pray, even to God. I would never tell my priest these things, not at home. There is a priest here but he's more modern and understanding." He ducks his head. "I miss home."

[a_rare_benedictine]

"God or Allah, my son, is always where you look for Him. Do you think you might ever return to Antioch?"

[equal_of_any_man]

He shrugs, settling at her feet as he did as a child. "I do not yet know. My lord has offered me land and a home in England. Land that I am to tend and guard in his name. I... I want to do well for him." He never begrudged their simple existence in Antioch but land!

[a_rare_benedictine]

She strokes his hair softly, as she used to.

"Do you doubt that you will?"

[equal_of_any_man]

"But for what you taught me about keeping a garden, I know nothing of tending the land, of leading a village. I have much to learn." But he is determined.

[a_rare_benedictine]

"You have the desire to do it well. That goes a long way to win goodwill, while you learn."

[equal_of_any_man]

"I hope so." He closes his eyes, enjoying her touch. "Will you sing to me? Please? There's so much I want to show and tell you but... I miss your song."

[a_rare_benedictine]

She leans down to kiss his forehead.

"There will be time enough for showing and telling later."

And she begins to sing one of their lullabies.

[equal_of_any_man]

Her song soothes his heart, lifting a heaviness that had plagued him since he left the land of his birth. He wants to stay with her, to make the most of this night but her song brings deep peace to his heart and he drifts.

[a_rare_benedictine]

She encourages it, wanting her boy to get the rest and solace he needs. When he wakes, if it's before the night is over, she'll still be there.

[equal_of_any_man]

Olivier sleeps, deeper and better than he can ever remember sleeping and wakes to the breaking of dawn. He looks for he but knows the night of wonder has past. But still it lingers - the smell of her perfume and the warmth of her touch. He feels a great lightness in his heart with this dawn and goes down to tend his garden with gladness in his step.