Of Dragons and Dreams (Draumr Kopa/// Dreamnotfound)

Chapter 3

Notes:

I am having a blast working on this story! I don't think back to back chapters will be the norm, but I had the day off work and couldn't stop myself from writing.

A dark cloud rolled across the horizon as Dream and George sat by the shore, interrupting the peaceful bubble that the boys had created. George squinted, the sun still reflecting into his dark eyes, as he observed the incoming storm. "We'd better fly back before that gets any closer" he said, pushing back onto his feet. Dream nodded, accepting the hand George offered him to get off the flat stone. His grip was warm and strong, pulling Dream to his feet with ease. Dream resisted the urge to keep hold of his friends hand, eyes trained on his slender face. "Those drafts are going to make flying nearly impossible" George noted, watching the wind create a front of waves in the distance. Dream pulled his eyes from the other boy's face, turning to observe. "We should get going then, slowpoke" Dream chuckled, turning to jog over to where Kiraka lay, rousing her from her nap with his mind. George shook his head, grinning as his friend left his side. He turned to mount his own dragon, Vindr wading back onto shore, belly full of fish. He bounded up the dragons right foreleg in a practiced movement, landing lightly in the saddle and turning to look at Dream. George watched closely as the other boy swung up onto Kiraka, marvelling at the ripple of muscles on his back that Dream's shirt did little to conceal. He looked back at his dragon quickly, shaking his head imperceptibly. Surely it wasn't normal to look at your best friend like that. Vindr turned his head slightly, snicking an eye closed in a blink that knowingly gazed at George. "We'll talk later," George said mentally to his partner, pushing down the warmth in his face. The feeling of a gust of wind brought his gaze upward as Kiraka soared over them, Dream shouting "Last one back gets the other's dinner!" downward at George. George grinned, urging Vindr upward in several strong downstrokes of the purple wings.

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George sighed, piling bread and vegetables onto two plates as the wind howled outside of the large stone building that housed the kitchen and hall. The stone was smooth, sung into shape by the elves that had accompanied Eragon to the island 200 years ago. The ceiling vaulted upwards, enough space for the largest of known dragons to follow their riders into the building. Vines twisted across the stone, lending a touch of green to the walls. George strode back to the table where Dream sat, smirking at his friend as he saw the grin that stretched across Dream's satisfied face. Why Dream enjoyed commanding George so much, he was unsure. He slid into the seat next to Dream, feeling his arm brush against the other boy's. "You had a headstart" he mumbled, listening to the light chuckle of his friend. Dream fondly looked at George, winking as he said "Sure, if that makes you feel better". George blushed, looking down at his dinner. Most of the riders refrained from eating meat except in emergencies, a result of their connection with nature and ability to sense the feelings of the animals they would have otherwise slaughtered. The same did not apply to their dragons, of course.

"I am certain that you two had a more exciting day than I did" Sapnap sighed, taking a seat across the table from the pair. George and Dream looked at each other, then up at their friend. Dream shrugged, smiling slyly as he imagined Sap struggling through hours of grammar. Sapnap rolled his eyes "Dream won?" he questioned, earning a sigh from George. "What do you think?" he retorted, a slight smile betraying his joke as sarcasm. Dream laughed through a mouthful of bread, causing the other two to join him in giggles that were mostly a response to the ridiculous face Dream made as he tried not to choke. "The mighty dragon rider, slain by a slice of sourdough" Sapnap laughed, making George nearly spit out his water. Dream reached across the table to lightly smack his friend's shoulder. Sapnap slapped back, shooing Dream's hand back to his own side of the table. Their touches did not linger, Dream noticed, remembering his odd tendencies with the other boy beside him. Another voice joined the laughter of the group as Karl sat next to Sapnap, lightly shoving the boy as a smile grew on his face. George smiled at the other elf, observing the lingering gaze that Sapnap had for Karl. He raised an eyebrow slightly. Maybe he and Dream were not so unusual after all. The idea left a heaviness in his chest. Maybe he wanted Dream and himself to be unusual.