Much to Iceland's dismay, the first thing that Norway did when he arrived in Normandy was visit him. Actually, Iceland had no idea that Norway had come over until he was standing in his tent.
"Hello, Little Brother."
"What are you doing in my tent?"
"I wanted to see how you are doing? Am I allowed to do that?"
"I'm trying to sleep."
"It's the middle of the afternoon. Unless you've taken to having siestas like Spain, this is not normal for you."
Iceland buried his head under a pillow. Maybe Norway would get the hint and leave.
No such luck.
"Come on, Little Brother. What's wrong?" Norway sat down on the edge of the cot and, removing the pillow, felt Iceland's forehead. "You have a fever, Little Brother," Norway added in a softer tone.
"Please let me sleep."
"You really don't look good."
"I know," Iceland groaned. He had seen the bags under his eyes, after all. Of course, they resembled bruises more than anything else.
"Why don't I make you some soup? Would that make you feel better?"
Iceland's mouth watered. Norway's soup had been the best part of his childhood. "Yes, please."
"Sure thing, Lille. I'll be right back, ok? Just concentrate on feeling better." Norway kissed Iceland's forehead in a brotherly fashion and left.
Iceland dozed off after a few minutes, but woke up again when Norway returned about 15 minutes later. Norway set a tray down on the table. "Can you sit up for me?"
Iceland sat up (not without some help from his big brother) and Norway set the tray down in his lap. Iceland slurped some soup and immediately started feeling better.
"Have you been eating, Little Brother?"
"Haven't been hungry, not since…"
"I'm sorry I couldn't do better. This is my fault, Iceland."
"I'm not a child!"
"I'm still responsible for you. But enough; you need to sleep." Norway stood. "Let me know if you need anything."
"Big Brother?"
Norway turned back. "Yes?"
"Will you tell me a story?"
Norway smiled. "Of course. What story would you like to hear?"
"You choose." Iceland snuggled into his blankets, closing his eyes.
Norway began telling a story- his favorite, "East o' the Sun, West o' the Moon" -in a soft, gentle tone.
Iceland was asleep in only a few minutes. Norway brushed the hair off of the younger boy's face. He looked so young when he slept. Norway sighed, missing older, simpler days.
He left Iceland to sleep in peace.