The Soul of a Dragon

Chapter 50

Heather

"So, how do you feel?" I ask and bite my lip, anxiously waiting for her answer. Astrid turns her squinted eyes towards the ocean, the biting breeze curling her hair like liquid gold.

Then those energetic eyes that reflect the colour of the greatest waters on earth lock onto me. "Strangely happy," she finally says quietly. And my heart skips a beat.

A few days have gone by since we confessed our feelings; since that kiss.

In contrast to Astrid, I have always known I was different. As a kid, I knew I liked girls more than boys - that I craved their attention. I just didn't want to admit it to myself. Thinking back to these memories, I shake my head at my own idiocy. Because, who knows, I could have experienced more and explored my true self. Yet, taking in the blonde beauty holding my hand and squezing it tightly, I can't believe my luck. A girl I like more than I have ever liked anyone, likes me back.

That alone is enough to show me that I am right where I am supposed to be. And I would never want to miss this moment. This life ahead of us - together.

Hiccup

My heart is pounding against my chest and I wake up gasping. I don't know why I am grabbing my sheets and hot sweat is running down my temples. I look down to see my something poking against my blanket. I turn around to groan into my cushion as my brain recalls the details of my dream - a dream about a specific memory.

A few days back

I smile like an idiot as I watch Vara hum and brush Aria so gleefully. It's almost addicting and making me think brushing your dragon is the best activity ever.

I wonder how long I can stand here, just watching her...be happy. But I reckon waiting any longer would seem really really creepy. And now I am staring at those hips she is swaying to a made-up melody. The blood rushes through me at the sight and I need to distract myself quickly to regain control. So, I clear my throat and bite back a grin. "I have never seen anyone this happy whilst brushing their dragon's poop off their scales."

To my surprise, she doesn't startle like she usually does. She doesn't even turn around to face me. Instead, she replies a little offended, "For your information, Lady Aria does not roll in poop. She's far too sophisticated for that."

Aria croons in agreement. I can't help but chuckle even though I'd much rather laugh, but I don't want Vara to think I'm making fun of her. For a moment, I fear the chuckle may have gone too far as well, because Vara turns rigid. I take on a more soothing tone to keep the conversation going. Somehow, my legs find their way closer to her and I am not able to stop them. It's like she is the force that is pulling in the waves during the tide. And I am the tide - inevitably submitted to her powers. "Okay, if she's not dirty, then why are you cleaning her?"

Vara keeps brushing and I glance towards Aria, who has her eyes closed in content bliss. I know this dragon well enough now to see the small signs that she is very much aware of her surroundings and would jump to Vara's side in an instant if she's in danger - the twitch of her eye, the subtle rotating of her ears, the soft flaring of her nostrils.

"Because I want to start training her."

I did not expect that answer. But I can't help but smile at the idea because, indeed, Aria has been making great progress so far - but she's in dire need of training to get back her strength.

"Okay, can I help?" I ask with genuine interest. I'd love nothing more than to help her.

After a short pause, a tight "No" follows. I don't know what to say to that. In all honesty, I expected her to accept my help. Vara may be as stubborn as any viking but she gratefully allowed me to help before - that is why I am confused about her stiff back facing me and the uneasiness radiating from her.