[ Athelstan met his eyes. There is nothing in his face but the loyalty and affection he has long felt for Ragnar. He smiles at his questions, reaching to touch his cheek. Often, he is not the one that is affectionate physically, Ragnar far more touchy than Athelstan had been. ]

The choice was there whether you said the words or not, Ragnar. There is so much... [ His hand drops away and he lowers his head again. ] England had long before stopped being home. When I was there, so many nights I could think of nothing but Kattegat and you... the children. It was my choice, you and King Ecbert were kind enough to let me make it. I chose my home and my people and you.

[ He'd never before said that the Pagans were his people but in leaving Wessex for them, that is a truth that is hard to deny. ]