Between Waves and Clouds

22 - The surprise

When Zephyr and Frost reached the Academy and entered the arena, he boy was expecting to find the dragon riders already training with their dragons. But no, they were gathered in the middle of the arena, almost in circle, looking at him and smiling. Nuffink stood in the middle of the group, Pouncer and Ruffrunner by his side. Dart, who was trying to annoy the older of her little brothers, left him and rushed to her rider, bouncing excitedly around her and rubbing her head on her arm.

Zephyr chuckled and stroked the dragon's head, before tapping Frost's shoulder and gesturing him to join the group. He did so but was confused.

''What's up ?''

''Today we'll have a peculiar lesson.'' Nuffink explained. ''You're going to learn to fly on a dragon. As a rider, not a passenger.''

''Heh ?!'' The boy yelped.

Nuffink smiled and offered his hand, Frost was about to take it by habit but Nuffink realised what they were doing and quickly pulled back before they could touch, and quickly turned towards the dragon. Frost swallowed hard, eyeing waryly the others to make sure they hadn't notice. He thought back to why Nuffink would want to hide their relationship, it explained the blond's reaction but it didn't soothe the snow-haired boy's disappointment. He pushed the thoughts aside and focused back on his boyfriend who was gesturing to Ruffrunner's back, where was standing a saddle.

''Wha-What ?'' He blurted out, suddenly panicked as he realised Nuffink was serious when he said he would drive.

''Ruffrunner really took a liking for you, I think we can say you two have this connexion from dragon to rider.''

''But I never drove before, not even with Pouncer.''

''Don't worry because it's not Pouncer. Actually, it will be easier for you to learn how to fly with a dragon you have a connexion with. You trust me, don't you ?''

Nuffink stepped just beside Ruffrunner and nodded to Frost, offering his hand again. Frost breathed in deeply and took it so the viking could help him up on the saddle. Once he was sat on it, he noticed a small hook on the side of the leather saddle. Nuffink mounted behind him and took his shepherd staff to put it on the hook. Frost smiled seeing the viking had thought about the staff and made the hook especially for it. Though that didn't make him relax for the upcoming fly.

The blond viking smiled to his friends and turned to his own dragon, who sat down looking at them.

''Be nice Pouncer, I want you to watch over them while I'm gone.''

Zephyr shook her head in amusement, arms crossed again, leaning on one hip. Nuffink shot her back the same squinted eyes and smirk, then talked to Frost.

''Let's go, Frost.''

He patted his own thighs to show he was ready and even impatient, which made Frost even more nervous. The boy hesitantly patted the side of Ruffrunner, mimicking gestures Nuffink used to do with Pouncer, and the dragon reacted the same way as his brother by turning his head back towards his rider. He seemed excited and impatient, too.

''Let's take it slowly, okay ?''

Frost's voice shook slightly. For all he loved to fly, suddenly being the one in charge, to actually drive, it scared him.

The dragon stretched out his black wings and jumped in the air, flying upward in a relatively slow speed. Frost thought he would break his fingers seeing how strongly he was gripping the handles of the saddle.

''Relax.'' Nuffink chuckled, putting his hands on the boy's thin shoulders.

Frost felt the thumbs pressing his skin and drawing circles. It was nice, he felt his shoulders starting to relax, though his heart was still racing in anxiety.