Between Waves and Clouds

40 - Tending wounds

They flew away as fast as they could, happy to had get back their friends. However, once they left the tower, the magical barrier allowing merfolk to breath on land ceased tow effect them. Instantly, Selina and Frost started to choke, forcing the dragons to lower to sea-level. Without thinking, Nuffink jumpe din the water with his boyfriend in his arms. Pouncer and Ruffrunner floated above them, looking down at their riders with worry.

After making sure Frost was breathing again, the blond viking noticed his sister had done the same thing, jumping in the water to support Selina, even if Zephyr had lost her totem. The jade mermaid was panting and wincing in pain, but at least she was breathing again. Much to the vikings's surprise, Nörth didn't seem bothered at all. He was still sitting behind Igvid, who was waryly looking at him while he was bending on the sside to look down at his son. His worry soon fade as he saw Frost was fine.

''Well, looks like we'll have to swim.'' Nuffink teased his sister.

She smirked back and resumed their travel. Astrid exchanged places with Zephyr so her daughter wouldn't freeze to death since the chieftess still had her totem and could turn into a golden-blond mermaid.

The dragons had to slow down to wait for the two turned vikings, both loaded with a patient and still not used enough to swim with merfolk tail and fins. After a while, Pouncer and Stormfly grabbed their riders' shoulders to carry them and drag them in the water, allowing the whole group to move faster.

Nuffink needed a bit of time to soothe the pressure he had endured, all worry and anguish slowly dissipating. Feeling his boyfriend in his arms helped him a lot. Once he was calm again, he felt like breathing for the first time after holding back his breath for too long. It was relieving, but he felt tired at the same time. He sighed in content and tightened his grp around Frost.

''You did really great back there !'' Zephyr praised her brother. ''You really scared these enchantresses, with this we're sure they won't go after our merfolk !''

''Seems so.'' Nuffink smiled.

He looked down to Frost, noticing the boy was snuggling against his chest, eyes closed and a content smile on his peaceful face.

''You're okay, now.'' The viking whispered.

He took the risk to let go with one arm to brush his boyfriend's cheek. Frost's smile grew bigger and he opened his eyes.

''Thank you for saving me, noble dragon rider.''

If he was smiling teasingly, Nuffink knew the boy was genuinely grateful. He smirked.

''Does it mean I'm your knight in shining armor, now ?''

Frost chuckled and Nuffink couldn't help but think of how much he had missed that sound. He stared at his boyfriend, smiling, diving into his icy blue eyes.

Frost was saved. They were together again. The viking's heart poundered faster to this simple idea. He leant in and softly kissed the merman. He had so missed this sensation he felt shivers run down his spine. He felt Frost smile in the kiss and savoured the thin and salty lips as if it was the first time. He could have stayed like this forever, if it had not been for a teasing voice.

''Get yourself a room, guys.''

Nuffink was surprised to recognize Igvid's voice. If someone had to tease the couple, he would have think it would be Zephyr – his sister had already done this several time – but Igvid ? He looked up at her and was even more stunned to see an amused smile on her face.

Did that mean she was finally accepting his relationship with Frost ? Did tha mean she was finally moving on ? He couldn't help but smile at this. He smiled broadly and squezzed his boyfriend against him, earning a laugh in return. General good mood made the travel to the drakkar seems shorter, though all smiles dropped as they arrived.