Aaron pit his arms around Eliot and held him close. "You're a good student. I particularly enjoy your commitment to payment," he chuckled, sated and tired.

After a while, Aaron got up to go back to the city. They needed some supplies and Aaron wanted to invite Alcuin for the next day.

He washed up in a nearby creek and left on his horse.

He came back later, just before dark, with food, wine and the promise of Alcuin for the next morning.