I missed The Firelizard

Posted on Fri Jun 6th, 2025 @ 7:18pm by Apprentice Nerlyn & Bronze Rider K'ron

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: River Cove Weyr
Timeline: M3 D02

Nerlyn was more tired than she had felt in turns. It was after the 1st candlemark as she finally walked into her Weyr past the sleeping bronze dragon and got into the living room where she turned over a glow to give herself a little more light so she did not trip over anything. She knew if she was to sit down on the couch she would not get back up but she did it anyway and leaned her head back sighing. What a long day? She thought to herself. She had thought she was going to be back in time for the evening meal but that had not happened thanks to the offshore fog which had stopped them safely getting back.

K'ron had managed to get everyone together for the evening meal but when bed time rolled around and Nerlyn still wasn't home it took a lot to get Raen to agree to bed. Raen had finally given up thanks to Koda and the little brown entertaining him.

K'ron hadn't been sleeping much when he heard soft sounds in their living quarters. He crept toward the living quarters and smiled a bit. “Ner?” He asked gently.

Nerlyn moved her head back up and looked at the man. He looked confused but happy enough. “Hello Bronze Rider.” She greeted him with a tired smile. “Sorry I am so late.” She leaned forward holding her head in her hands for a moment before looking up again.

He walked over and sat down beside her. “It's okay. I know things happen that you can't control. Are you okay though?” He asked gently. K'ron gently rubbed her back. She looked exhausted.

“Just aching.” She admitted. “We could not get back due to the fog.” She sighed wishing she’d actually had Koda with her to send a message back to get some help when it would not shift. The dolphins had been fine but the Dolphineers have been freezing and stuck on the islands.

“Need a back rub,” he offered. That sounded awful. He was glad they had played it safe. “I’m glad you are all okay. Fog can be tricky at times.” He really didn't like fog. It made it hard for anyone to do anything or get around safely.

“I almost wished Koda was there so I could call for help.” She admitted her thoughts as she sat up properly. She was glad she had a shore shift tomorrow that involved teaching the Weyrlings about duties connected to Dolphineers and the ocean. “I would like that but I need to bath and stuff and it’s really late. You should go to sleep.” She sighed.

“I'm sorry. He was helping getting Raen to sleep otherwise I have no doubt he would have been with you.” That got K'ron thinking but it would have to wait. “Are you sure? I don't mind staying up and giving you a hand. you need rest too.”

“Never admit that to him.” Nerlyn said slowly rising to her feet looking like it pained her to do so. She touched her stomach relieved that she was nearly 3 months along and the nausea and exhaustion would end. “Let me bathe as I smell of sea water and if you are still awake when I finish sure.”

“I won't,” he promised. K'ron nodded. “You get clean. I'll be waiting.” He leaned back against the couch to prove his point.

The woman nodded. She had changed out of her dolphineer uniform leaving it at the hall to be cleaned in fresh water along with the equipment that she sometimes brought back but it still meant she had to get out her clothes. She had been too tired to carry anything back when she had a long walk back anyway and it was hard getting out of the clothes. Nerlyn sunk into the water and sighed in happiness at the warmth that spread through her. It allowed her to feel better enough to sweetsand herself and get back out in about 20 minutes or so.

K'ron got comfortable on the couch to wait. He was tired but he had seen the look in Nerlyn’s eyes. She needed that back rub and a bit of attention even if she didn't want to admit it.

Nerlyn stepped out of the bedroom wrapped in a large towel that swapped her but it was warm and dried her off quicker as she towel dried her hair. “Hello.” She said sounding a lot less exhausted.

The bronze rider looked up at his mate. “Hello beautiful. Feel a bit better?” She looked better. Although he was sure she was still exhausted and sore.

“Less salty. And certainly cleaner.” She said with a shrug that left her wincing. “I love being a dolphineer but today it broke me slightly.” She admitted with a sigh as she looked at the scratches on her arms.

“Come sit,” he said, sliding over to make more room. K'ron nodded. “You seem to enjoy it, but I see what you mean. None of us can know the weather and you deal with the weather on a daily basis.”

Nerlyn nodded and slowly sat down next to him. She smiled at the fact he had shifted so she did not need to walk the tables. “I know it is out of my hands.” She assured him. She was not giving up just stating that it was hard.

“Alright, love, turn around and I'll massage your back and shoulders.” He shifted so she didn't have to move much. She definitely seemed like she could use it.

The woman shifted a little bit and loosened the towel so it fell free at her back. Nerlyn stayed quiet and closed her eyes just savouring the little moments between them.

K'ron carefully started to massage her neck and shoulders. her muscles were definitely tight. Poor Nerlyn. “I'll try not to hurt you,” he promised.

“It’ll hurt either way at least with you helping I might sleep comfortably.” Nerlyn said softly as she felt the hesitation in his hands. Massages had helped her loads with her last pregnancy so she knew it would hep her.

“Okay,” he answered. He had just wanted her to know. K'ron kissed the side of her neck before shifting a bit to get in a better position to work at those knots.

Nerlyn gritted her teeth as he caught a hard knot and she lolled her head to the side to make it easier. She closed her eyes before she remembered something from earlier. “Jameas said that I need to go down tomorrow night to the hall. Are you free to come along?” She wondered.

K'ron carefully worked at the knot, wincing with her. That one had to hurt. “The hall?” He asked curiously. “yeah I'm free to come.”

“There is a Dolphineer celebration.” Nerlyn admitted. “Something about celebrating when the Dolphineers returned to the Weyr or something.” She shrugged before hissing at how that made her hurt.

“Sounds interesting. I wouldn't miss it,” he promised. K'ron was always interested in Nerlyn’s craft. Plus he was curious about this.

Nerlyn smiled. “Thank you. Raen is invited too.” She added as she shifted away for a second. “That one really hurts.” She admitted not normally admitting that but at the 1st candlemark on no sleep she was honest.

“I'm sure he'll be excited. Sorry,” he said, quickly pulling his hands away. “I haven't seen you this tight in a while,” he admitted. No wonder she hurt.

“Been a long day.” She sighed leaning back against him grabbing up his arms so they settled on her small bVin.

K'ron snuggled close to her, gently laying a hand on her stomach. “Raen told your dad about the baby,” he said. “N'raen says congratulations.”

“Oh so you are calling him my dad too.” She teased a little knowing that N’raen and Lyna were still adjusting to that sentiment from her. It just felt odd to not call them that to her now as she was a crafter but they had never complained. “Of course Raen did. I was surprised he kept it from them for so long.”

The bronze rider shrugged. “I hear you call him that all the time so its become a habit,” he chuckled. “You have a point. Raen kept that secret a whole lot longer than I thought he would.”

“I am not worried that people know.” She admitted feeling the warmth from his chest against her back. “Take me to bed, rider.” She requested as the comfortable silence descended on them again.

K'ron was actually very excited. They had just wanted to be careful for a little bit. “Think I can handle that,” he grinned, scooping her into his arms.

Nerlyn was surprised when he scooped her up but snuggled close as she lost the towel as he lay her down. She grabbed up the sheets and pulled them over herself suddenly a little colder in the bedroom than lounge area.

He carried her easily into their room and placed her on the bed. K'ron reached around and pushed the furs back for her to be able to curl up under. “Anything else fair lady?”

“Fair lady? And no. I am content.” She chuckled as she snuggled down on her side waiting for him to join her in bed.

He just grinned at her before moving to snuggle down beside her. “You're my fair lady,” he answered .

Nerlyn raised an eyebrow before turning away “I do not believe that I have ever been fair in my life.” She commented with a yawn moving until her back was against his chest.

He chuckled a bit, draping his arm over her waist. “Love you,” he whispered, kissing her cheek.

“I love you more” The dragonless rider mumbled sleepily as the way he held her settled her instantly. “You make me happy Ki.” She added closing her eyes.