Just as carefully, he gathers Kieran into his arms. Kieran's no heavier than a large pack; Alistair can balance him easily enough on one hip. The lad shifts again, with a small sigh, and winds his arms around Alistair's neck as if by instinct.
Alistair doesn't move for the ladder right away: he shuts his eyes again, takes the span of a few breaths to wrest his composure back into place.
Then, slowly, he begins his one-handed ascent to their quarters.
no subject
(He can do this.)
Just as carefully, he gathers Kieran into his arms. Kieran's no heavier than a large pack; Alistair can balance him easily enough on one hip. The lad shifts again, with a small sigh, and winds his arms around Alistair's neck as if by instinct.
Alistair doesn't move for the ladder right away: he shuts his eyes again, takes the span of a few breaths to wrest his composure back into place.
Then, slowly, he begins his one-handed ascent to their quarters.