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

Chapter 24

Notes:

Fluff and smut? FLUFF AND SMUT! Enjoy besties

---------

George had draped himself across Dream's lap, dozing off as the afternoon sun warmed his skin. The six Riders had all settled into quiet reflections and meditations of various types, but George preferred to nap, enjoying the quiet sounds of the city across the wall, and the steady rise and fall of Dream's chest. Dream gazed down at the elf fondly, running a gentle hand through his dark hair repetitively, having earned a contented sigh from George earlier, and a noticeable frown when he tried to stop. This felt like bliss to him, getting to be so casually affectionate in front of their friends, no fear of discovery or of battle looming over his shoulders. Dream felt the coolness of the stone on his back, and the gentle breeze on his face, and he smiled softly, his mind quiet for the first time in weeks. The elf's eyelashes fluttered a little, and Dream admired the peaceful expression on his partner's face, the light dusting of freckles on his pale skin warmed by the sun. This must be heaven, he thought.

----

The deep thud of enormous wings, and the gust of wind from the sky finally woke George, Dream shifting underneath him to look up at the green dragon who descended from above. He hadn't been sure of how close Arya was when they had scryed her, but apparently she was only a few hour's flight, he thought as Firnen landed with a thump. The lithe women dismounted easily, Nari's bouncy stride following close behind Arya's more refined pace. George sat up groggily, blinking a few times as he adjusted to the sun in his sleepy eyes, and Dream nudged him gently as he rose to his feet. The elf sighed, looking up at the tall boy with wanting eyes, and Dream smirked, offering a hand to George with a roll of his eyes. George grinned happily, using his partner to pull himself up to his feet. A quick glance around showed the others doing the same, setting down books and shaking off the haze of meditation.

"My lady," Dream called out, beginning the traditional greeting as the two elves approached, the small golden dragon perched on Nari's shoulder. The Queen smiled, twisting her hand in the traditional gesture as she responded to each Rider in turn, with a fond smile at Karl and George alike as she spoke. "We wanted to wait for you before entering the city," George mentioned, and Arya nodded gratefully "That is likely for the best. I can imagine the advisors are in quite a state after hearing of Salome's arrest." Rae nodded, adjusting her ponytail as she spoke with the elves "Niki and I plan to stay and ensure things are smoothed over, but these four are a perfectly capable escort for you," she said, looking at Nari with a friendly smile. It was somewhat unusual to have a centuries old elf be selected by an egg, but George supposed the same had happened for Arya herself. He imagined Nari might have some difficulty adjusting to the different lifestyle on Edur though, a hybrid culture of all of the races who inhabited the Rider's sanctuary.

They entered the city in the early evening, the dragons preferring to stay outside of the walls after the odd accommodations provided last time. Dream couldn't blame them, the city wasn't exactly built with dragons in mind, its buildings too tight together and nowhere but the castle itself big enough to house their partners. Personally, Dream was more than happy to use one of those lovely rooms again, remembering the comfortable bed and large tub he was lucky enough to share with George. Arya led their party to the castle, escorted by a few guards, who recognized her rank and the Riders importance even in the absence of an official ruler. They were greeted by several members of the Queen's cabinet, who assured the group they had no idea of her plot, wholeheartedly condemning it as they ushered the Riders to a proper dining hall. Rae shared a glance with Niki, a silent note to examine these people further in the days to come, but tonight was for celebrations. A war prevented was plenty reason to hold a feast, and an opportunity for networking, as these politicians saw it, and although Dream didn't care much for politics, he could appreciate a spread of food and drink.