Lunch With Family (2/2)

Posted on Sat Feb 8th, 2025 @ 6:46pm by Apprentice Nerlyn & Blue Rider R’kig

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: River Cove Weyr
Timeline: M2 D27

Nerlyn had held her tongue, but now that they were alone, she wanted to talk properly to the blue rider. He had always been the kid brother, but he needed her and K’ron as equals—as grownups.

“You know something, R’kig? Your brother brought the bag and has left us to take it all back. Somehow, this doesn’t seem fair, does it?” Nerlyn teased lightly as they finished cleaning up the blanket and packing the empty containers into the rucksack. She shouldered the bag as they walked along the dunes, taking the long way back toward the Weyr. Koda was entertaining Raen, who ducked and dived among the dunes, pretending to hide from the brown flit before jumping out at him.

It had been odd to see his wing take flight without him, but he knew his brother was right. He wouldn't have been able to concentrate and could have hurt someone. He looked up after helping Nerlyn with the bag. “That’s K’ron for you,” he smiled weakly, trying to keep upbeat. Watching Raen and Koda helped a bit. “I can carry that,” he offered.

“There’s the snarky little brother I know and love—giving your brother sass,” she laughed and shook her head. “I might be pregnant, but I’m healthier than I have been in… I like being a Dolphineer for how it makes me a different kind of strong.”

R'kig shook his head with a light laugh. “Only when he deserves it.” He wasn’t surprised Nerlyn wouldn’t give him the pack, but he had to offer. “You’re looking good and happy.” He was glad Nerlyn and K’ron were doing so well now.

“And you really aren’t,” she said, looping her arm through his as they walked. She shook her head, watching Raen rolling in the sand. He was going to need a bath, to say the least, but he looked so happy. “So, tell me—why did she leave, and why didn’t you follow?” she asked softly.

The blue rider sighed. He knew he couldn’t keep it hidden forever. “She couldn't stay here any longer. With Dragon Hold, she just couldn’t handle it anymore,” he answered, his breathing raspy as he tried to get the words out. Cassine had been his best friend and had become more over the Turns. “She didn’t want me to come,” he whispered. “Said it would be too hard.”

Nerlyn stopped, dumbstruck for a moment, before pursing her lips, clearly annoyed. “How could she not want you to go with her after everything? I thought you were together? I know it’s not the same for us—you riders—but still, I thought you had something special,” she murmured, frustrated on his behalf. She had always been protective of him. Even now, she knew he didn’t need it, but she was going to be.

R'kig shrugged a shoulder. “I thought so too,” he answered quietly. “She said she needed a clean break from her past.” He trembled as he tried not to break down again. He didn’t understand it himself.

“Do you need me to be angry on your behalf, or do you want a hug?” she asked, squeezing his arm as she glanced up, seeing the drills in the air. She half-wondered if K’ron was keeping close to check on them both, but she was relieved that he trusted her enough with his brother. “I’m trying not to upset you, I swear. I just want to help if I can. I hate seeing you hurting like this,” she said gently.

“Honestly, I’m not sure which would help. I’m still a bit numb.” He couldn’t believe Cassine had wanted to leave him. He understood leaving the Weyr, but him? R'kig nodded a little. “I know you’re not trying to,” he whispered.

“It does get better. I wasn’t making false promises earlier. When I lost D’eng, I thought everything was ending, but time does heal—as well as mind healers,” she assured, swallowing down her anger despite wanting to rant and rave about it. “I know you would have followed her across Pern.” It made Nerlyn sad for him.

“So the pain goes away? What about betrayal? That’s how it feels.” He would have followed her anywhere, and she chose not to let him. That part still confused him.

“Yeah, it does. I don’t feel quite as betrayed by him anymore. It took nearly three turns for me to calm down and forgive him, but it does go away eventually. But mine was compounded by grief and other things that I cannot go into, so you will heal sooner,” she said, smiling as Koda soared above and then dove at Raen.

R'kig barely nodded. “I hope so,” he whispered. “It just hurts so bad. What did I do wrong?” That’s what he didn’t understand. Had he upset Cassine in some way? Cared too much?

“Nothing,” she said softly as Raen started climbing up a dune. She watched him carefully to make sure it didn’t get out of hand. “Sometimes bad things happen to good people,” she said darkly, thinking of herself and what had happened.

“I’m not sure if that makes it better or worse.” R'kig watched Raen, wishing he could be as happy right now. He knew Nerlyn was right, but it was still going to take time.

“Sorry, but sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to it, I’m afraid. I wish I had answers for you. I wish I could give you the closure you need, but I cannot. What I do have is a couch for when you drink too much and pass out, and I have endless time to listen to vents or try and offer advice.” She moved to wrap an arm around his shoulder and lay her head on his. “You have got to talk, kid,” she teased.

He nodded. He knew there wasn’t much that could be done or even any real sense to what happened. “Thanks, Nerlyn. I’ll remember that.” R'kig sighed softly. “You and K’ron have enough on your plates without me sulking around.”

“No. If we can help K’yar get back on his feet, we can help you. You are my brother too,” she said softly. “You are Raen’s uncle, but more importantly, we love you.”

R'kig bit his lip to keep from breaking down again. He hadn’t wanted to be a burden to anyone—especially his family. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Anytime. Just remember—you were there for me at the worst part of my life. I will do anything for you. K’ron might be busy and slightly stressed, but he does care too. We can be your safe space.” She let go of him as Raen tumbled back, landing in the sand laughing. Nerlyn stepped forward to pick the boy up and brush off some of the sand.

“I know he does. I also know he has a lot on his plate.” R’kig gave her a shaky smile. “Thank you.” He did laugh, though, as Raen tumbled over. “I don’t think that sand is coming off.”

“Not without a big bath,” Nerlyn sighed as Raen laughed and tried to dust himself off, but it didn’t help.

“No bath,” Raen declared, trying to avoid any more help.

“Big bath with lots of sweet sand,” Nerlyn assured, hauling her son up and turning him upside down as he laughed loudly, loving how boisterous his mother was being.

“Ooh, lots of sweet sand. That sounds like a great bath,” R'kig grinned, laughing at his nephew. He was still very much hurting, but Raen was making him laugh, and he loved seeing Nerlyn so happy.

Nerlyn put the boy back on his feet, laughing as he wobbled and reached for R’kig, dizzy from being flipped. “Most likely going to be a Weyr-wide shortage of it after this one is clean,” she teased as Raen took off for home again, this time keeping to the path.

R'kig quickly steadied his nephew. He grinned. “Uh oh. A shortage of sweet sand won’t be good,” he smiled, getting into step with Nerlyn as Raen ran ahead.

Nerlyn just laughed. “So what are you going to do now?” she asked, thinking she had candlemarks until K’ron was back and she was done with her duties for the day.

He shrugged a shoulder. “Honestly, I don’t have anything planned. I figured I’d have drills, so now I have nothing.”

“Of course.” She rolled her eyes at herself for asking. “Wanna see if Rizerth wants to go for a swim?” she suggested.

He smiled. “That sounds great. Rizerth loves to swim.”