domesticity

[duke_of_illusions]

Al had stayed over last night... and hasn't quite left this morning, either. The day is stretching on, and Barma is still beautifully comfortable, now immersed in a book, as his fingers trail through Al's hair.

Comments

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"The retelling is hazy- half allegory, half myth. It may have been, in fact that it was a custom of the nation that the animals were taken in to family homes and inns just for such a purpose, to keep warmth there. What began as legends about a birth surrounded by animals became confused, mistranslated, interpreted and explained as taking place in a barnlike setting. This is religion we're talking about."

Barma is obviously not devout.

[al_truism]

Al frowns, obviously confused. Religion is strange that way for him.

"People can be so odd in what they'll believe."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"It gets better."

He promises, grinning.

"The animals in this legend saved his life, after all-"

[al_truism]

Al settles down on the bed, eyes wide and listening.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"The vegetarian meal is in recognition of the fact that on that night, they saved His life. We say a prayer, and give thanks that Christ has been born- the eldest member of the family says that part. Christ has been born- he offers bread dipped in honey to his family member, they answer Let us praise him and accept the morsel. And the animals, for doing what they did, may on that day choose to speak the tongue of men, come into the household, and sit at the table in our stead, eat the food we have prepared."

[al_truism]

"... oh."

Frowning, a little. More confused than anything.

"But really, those particular animals didn't do anything, right?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"They witnessed the miracle of the birth of the son of God."

He reminds him.

"Or their kind did, at least."

[al_truism]

Al nods, even if he still has a hard time understanding why that makes sense. He supposes it's spiritual and ritualistic, but he's always been a scientist.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Anyways, by the time the prayers are done, it may be assumed that the animals will not be joining us, and we eat. Twelve courses."

[al_truism]

"How does anyone eat twelve courses...?"

Sputtering.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"You have a small morsel of each, and don't eat much else during the day. No lunch."

[al_truism]

"That makes sense."

Al nods, taking Barma's fingers and kissing them, pressing them between his palms to warm them.

"And you exchange gifts too?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Not traditionally, but my friends are all of the more contemporary version of the faith."

[al_truism]

"In Adstringendum there would be trees with lights, popcorn and ornaments, and there's a legend of a man in a red suit on a flying sleigh."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"I'll see what I can find."

He promises, kissing Al softly.

"Are you a little thawed?"

[al_truism]

"Mostly."

Al grins.

"Though you probably wouldn't want my toes on you right now. You?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Better."

He promises.

[al_truism]

Al presses one hand to Barma's chest, over the seal.

"... do you get cold easily?"

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Not particularly, why?"

Shrugging.

[al_truism]

"Or sick?"

Softly.

He doesn't immediately answer the 'why'.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"My contract keeps me very healthy."

He promises.

[al_truism]

Al searches his eyes, and nods.

"I noticed that you rubbed at your chest after Dodo appeared."

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"Of course. It's a readjustment- he's inside me."

He explains.

"When he's gone, there's a hollowness, and when he first returns, a pressure."

[al_truism]

"And you're not sick? It's not killing you?"

Softly.

[info-barma.livejournal.com]

"The things that are happening to Break are because this is his second contract."

He reminds him, firmly.