RCW: A Talk By The Ocean

Posted on Thu Nov 6th, 2025 @ 9:49pm by Jr Journeyman Nerlyn & Bronze Rider A'ren

Mission: 3531 AL
Location: Dolphin Craft Hall
Timeline: M3 D19

Nerlyn was exhausted but she knew she had candlemarks left of her bell watch and the fog was starting to come in again which left her slightly blinded despite the fire pit and knowing she was not overly alone as dolphins hall was not far away with her sister and son cuddled up waiting for her to join them at the fourth candlemark. She turned as she heard a dragon landed in the distance but could not make out which was just that it was a bigger one and Sandith greeted softly.

It had taken him til evening time but A'ren had finally gotten a moment to slip away. Lana had made him promise to check on Nerlyn while they were gone and he planned to keep his word. Zarminath landed gently on the sand, returning Sandith’s greeting.

“Enjoy big guy. I'll be back,” A'ren said, walking towards the hall.

Nerlyn frowned as she heard footsteps but they headed to the hall so she settled back into her seat and pulled up her jacket against the chill. She poked at the fire stirring it a little before throwing on another large log that would keep it going unless rain came but none was forecast.

Zarminath snorted. **Wrong way,** the bronze nearly laughed. **Sandith says she is at the fire.**

A'ren frowned at his bronze, but changed direction. He had seen the fire but hadn't thought much of it.

As the footsteps got closer Nerlyn rose from the chair turning to look in the correct direction. The dragons were not concerned as it was just a rider but what would a rider be doing here so late? “Hello?” She called it to the foggy darkness.

Ah, so his bronze had been correct. “Good evening Nerlyn,” he answered. “I did not mean to startle you. Zar mentioned you were over here.” He moved closer to the fire light so Nerlyn could relax again.

Nerlyn frowned as she realised why it was such a big dragon it was the Weyrleader. “A’r … Good evening Weyrleader,” She said formally despite her confusion at why Zarminath would mention she was here let alone why he would be there.

“Really Nerlyn? after all these Turns? It's just A'ren,” he smiled. He could tell she was confused by the tone of her voice. He really needed to come down to the Dolphin Hall more. One more thing to add to his list. “Please, sit back down.”

“Whether I am rider or crafter you are the Weyrleader.” Nerlyn commented as Peridot chirped a greeting from Nerlyn’s pocket as she was not big enough to curl around her neck like Koda yet so she was settling for a jacket pocket so she was close to hers. Nerlyn sat back down and indicated the seat next to her to him.

A'ren nodded a bit. “True, but i came here as a friend so just A'ren please,” he said, taking the offered seat. he smiled at Peridot. “Hello little one. Are you keeping your pet company around this lovely fire?”

Nerlyn did not know what to say to the suggestion that he was visiting as a friend. They had never really ever been friendly before he became Weyrleader and she had spent a lot of time being yelled at by him. “She is when she’s not asleep in my pocket.” She said as if to prove the point the fire lizard chirped and went back into wiggling around until she was comfortable again.

A'ren chuckled. That was definitely a typical baby. He was glad to see Nerlyn with the little firelizard though. He smiled a bit, knowing he had confused her. “are you going as stir crazy as me without my mate here?”

“A’ren I am barely sane when he is here let alone when we are apart why I came here.” She said solemnly realising this might be the first ever time they were truly alone to talk about things since the day she had found him drugged and helped him.

He nodded slowly. He had heard that before. “I had heard a bit of information about that. I do apologize that he had to leave this time. Are you doing okay though?” he asked gently. He didn't want to chance losing her .

Nerlyn shrugged. “I’m fine. Focusing on what needs to be done here and it could not be helped. Weyr’s future needed the information the north has.” She said looking away wishing the bell would ring so she could avoid his gaze.

A'ren could tell she really didn't want to speak with him. He would leave her alone but he had given his word to Lana. “How's Raen like being down here?”

Nerlyn rubbed her head tugging her jacket a little more around herself. “He is not happy about it as he is used to staying with Tula or in his bed but it’s not the done thing staying there without K’ron.” She said quietly, leaning over to pick up her mug from the floor and took a sip of the cold klah.

“You know you are always welcome at the Weyr,” A'ren answered. He was sure she had her reasons though. “Children bounce back. He'll be fine once you guys go home.”

Nerlyn knew that but it felt strange to stay there when she was not a rider. She did not have a dragon anymore. “But crafters do not stay in weyrs. But it does not matter A’ren I am safe here. None of you need to worry.” She reminded him gently. “How is your daughter?” She asked quietly, thinking on Ariana being nearly old enough to consider crafting soon.

He didn't push the matter any more. There some crafters that lived in the Weyr. A'ren laughed a bit. “She is growing way too fast. I don't understand where the time has gone. She is more like Lana every day.”

“They normally grow too fast.” Nerlyn smiled fondly thinking it was just yesterday for a moment that she gave birth to Raen. “Time flies,” She said quietly, blinking away a couple of tears coughing awkwardly. “So you are missing the Weyrwoman hmm?”

“I do believe you are right.” He felt like he had just been holding Ariana in his arms. He slowly nodded. “I am. It just feels odd.” He didn't want to say that he still had a bad feeling about this whole thing.

“I do not believe I have ever known Lana or yourself to not be at the Weyr without the other over night.” She said quietly Looking at him. “I have never been at the Weyr without K’ron since before Leaneth passed and even then I do not believe there has ever been a night. I go off on sea duties but it’s never been me without hLea.

The Weyrleader nodded. Nerlyn was right. He and Lana had never been apart like this. Even when he hadn't been Weyrleader they still hadn't truly been apart. “It is a very odd feeling,” A'ren agreed. “One I hope we don't face again. It does not feel right.”

“You allowed it because you love her and know that she needs to know more about what timing is and all changes in patterns and love search numbers. Normally that would be your concern?” Nerlyn wondered softly.

A'ren raised a brow. “Since when are you the level headed one?” He teased. “But yes you are right. I just know I won't be sleeping til the three are back safely.”

“It comes in fits and starts when my mind doesn’t wander. I wasn’t always the wherhead that you had to yell at. I believe I handled you naked and in a store room very well.” She commented back with a smile and a wink. “But how come you are not the one worrying about that stuff.”

He did know that. She was smart and knew what needed done. A'ren flushed a bit. “Yes you did. That was not a pleasant time at all.” That had been a very bad time. “I am, but Lana had other questions she wanted to dig into in those hides too, so she wanted to go and you know Lana,” he chuckled.

Nerlyn leaned over and touched his shoulder. She had not meant to dig at those times at all but she felt she had to remind him that sometimes she had been a good person. “What other questions?” She wondered pulling her hand back.

He shook his head a little bit. “It's fine,” he said gently. “I was glad you were there. Lana wanted to know if she could find anything in regards to Landing and timing,” he answered.

Nerlyn would always be there if she was needed. She wanted to say that but she could tell he wanted to move on and move past that. “I cannot be the only one to discover it.” Nerlyn assured. She was pretty sure of that, it was not just something unique to her. She was not that special.

Nerlyn had definitely been a big help during that time. It had been a very bad time for him. “That's what she thought too. that's why she wants to see if the old records mention anything,” he said.

Nerlyn nodded. She hoped that the Weyrwoman found what she was looking for and it would allow everyone to love on. “I hope she finds what she is looking for. I wanna feel better about everything. K’ron deserves that version of me again” She admitted glancing to him.

A'ren draped his hands between his knees. “You and me both. I don't want them to have to go north again.” He looked over at her. “I do apologize how we sprung that on you. It was not handled properly and you and K'ron suffered because of it.”

Nerlyn nodded. “I know you are and the anger from K’ron was misguided on his part. He was not angry at you or at least not just you. I considered leaving the Weyr when it all came out along with Raen’s ability. Let him move on without worry, give him the chance at the potential we both know he has.” Nerlyn admitted softly putting her mug down on the sand looking out where the bell was on a nice clear day.

He shook his head. “No, he had every right to be angry.” It had all been a mess. He looked over at Nerlyn in disbelief. “you know that wouldn't make him happy. It would only upset him more and he would track you down,” he pointed out. K'ron didn't deserve that.

“I know.” She said simply. She was fully aware of her Mate’s tracking her down skills. “I just don’t want him to worry all the time. We’ve taken a step back and I do not know how to fix it. These are the times I would have turned to ale or wine to fix the problem.” One thing going for her at the moment was that was not an option not that she had been a big drinker since becoming dragonless.

“I hate to tell you but we always worry about our mates,” he grinned. “And I don't think he would want it any other way. That man loves you.” he wrinkles his nose. “Ale is a bad choice. I have tried that.”

“I am trying to be a better person with less ale and wine plus the whole pregnancy thing I have going on.” Nerlyn reminded him with a smile. “No you do not hate to tell me that I just wish I was a better person for him.” She said gently. “He could do so much better.”

“True. Definitely don't want to drink with the little one on the way.” A'ren sat up a bit better. “No one is better for him in his eyes and I can pretty much guarantee you won't change his mind.”

Nerlyn leaned over and touched his hand. “I think I like you better as a friend.” She admitted. “Thank you for trying to help me and for coming to check on me.” She was not stupid now that she calmed down from the confusion. The Weyrleader would not just come down to dolphin hall without reason.

A'ren looked over at her, his blue eyes shining. “I think I like this better too. I don't have to yell at you,” he teased. “Of course. It gave me something else to think about too.” The trip had definitely been double sided.

“You can yell if you want if that would make you feel better but I do not know what the reaction would be whether dunking you in the sea or crying so choose wisely A’ren.” She teased back. “It doesn’t feel right but my concern and worry is they will be volatile up there with no senior pair. You remember those first couple of days after we lost Lornea before Lana stepped up and proved herself.”

He chuckled a bit. “Think I'm good, but thank you for the offer,” he smiled. The Weyrleader nodded in understanding. “That was part of my concern as well. Hence why I suggested V'ros and K'ron. I knew they would be able to keep Lana safe and hopefully deter anyone from trying anything.” He had really hated letting her go.

“And my fear is Lana will have to separate them if they both start a pissing match with each other. I just worry cause me and V’ros have never really spoken about how it all went between us other than when he visited when I was in the infirmary after Leanath.” She revealed to the man. She had never spoken about it to anyone but A’ren and her had plenty of secrets between them already so what was one more.

He looked over at her in surprise. He knew that the two had had a thing for a while but hadn't realized it went any further. “Shards, surely they won't do that.” A'ren scrubbed at his face. This was just getting worse.

“I hope not. They are both too old for it now but neither would have been happy about it. But maybe my worries are unfounded and they will come back as best friends as we have all moved on.” Nerlyn hoped it was more like that. V’ros was a good man but he had not been good for her and she had been too wild for him. K’ron was the love of her life who she would sacrifice her own happiness for if it came to it.

“Guess we'll find out soon,” he answered. He hoped that Nerlyn was right and the two bronze riders would be fine together. “actually if them bickering is the only thing that happens that will be good.”

“Silver lining I suppose.” She laughed. “I just don’t want to be the reason for it. I moved on and picked K’ron as I should have always done. Have they not contacted you?” She wondered thinking that Kalaith and Zarminath would be in constant touch.

A'ren nodded. He did hope the men had sorted it out. He understood where they were coming from though. “Nothing yet. Kalaith said Lana is still looking.”

“Well that is something that she has not given up. It’ll be okay.” Nerlyn said with only a slight shake in her voice betraying her worry.

The Weyrleader took a deep breath before slowly letting it out. “I’m sure you're right,” he answered. “Has Koda popped in to see you?” He knew the little brown kept a close eye on Nerlyn and Raen.

“Yes. Several times. I have told him firmly that I do not want to see him again till morning.” Nerlyn said smiling. She did not mind night watches it let her mind wander without worrying anyone. It gave her the space and time to think as she realised now how much of a thinker she was and how smart she had been when she had considered herself nothing special despite F’cone making her his wingthird or the people that came to her for support.

He chuckled a bit. “And do you think he'll listen?” He asked curiously. He didn't have a firelizard but he had been around them enough to know they could be as stubborn as their much larger cousins.

“Depends on whether K’ron is worried enough or not.” Lana said quietly. “Can you let Tyreth know that I am safe so K’ron will at least get some rest and so will Koda. I am just sat here sipping Klah on the shore. It’s a beautiful foggy evening.” She sighed happily.

A'ren could understand that. He nodded. “Consider it done,” he answered as his bronze rumbled from the sand nearby. “Hopefully that will help put both of you at ease,” he smiled.

“Thank you Zarminath.” Nerlyn called to where she thought the bronze had rumbled from. “Are you going to be able to persuade him back to the Weyr?” She wondered quietly smiling thinking that she might need to find him a bed inside the hall for the night.

Zarminath crooned softly as he wrapped his tail around himself. A'ren glanced back at his bronze. “That is a good question. If his attitude is anything to go by he’s not going to move,” he laughed.

“Should I go see if I can find you a bed if you listen for the bell or are you going to sleep there?” She smiled at the dragon’s sound. A’ren might be the Weyrleader but he had a grumpy dragon just like any other rider.

It definitely seemed like Zarminath had made up his mind and was not leaving his warm spot in the sand. A'ren considered the options. “If there is a spare bed that would be preferred but I can always bunk with Zar need be.”

Nerlyn patted his shoulder and indicated the bell. She disappeared into the hall and came back out ten minutes later smiling. “Can have mine. I’ll get in with Raen. In the hall turn left my name is all over the door you cannot miss it.” The woman laughed.

A'ren watched her disappear before coming back just a short time later. “Are you sure? I do not want to put you out of your room. I really can sleep on the sand or Zar's legs,” he assured her. He didn't want to put her out of her room.

“Let’s pretend you do not know I have a room here okay and just accept that you have a bed.” She said quietly. “I am quite happy to snuggle up to Raen or worst case Neilla.” Nerlyn assured.

The Weyrleader inclined his head. “Very well. I know I will not will that battle and I completely understand snuggling with your little one.” Ariana had done that from time to time.

“Sleep well.” She said smiling still at the man. She had a room purely as a storage space as was her journeywoman station now but she had never used it much preferring to walk back to the Weyr.

“Thank you,” he answered. “hopefully I'll get a chance to see you in the morning. Give Raen lots of cuddles.”

Nerlyn nodded as she watched the man disappear into the Hall and just let out a big sigh as she relaxed back into just listening for the bell and the sounds of the ocean. She did not want to continue thinking about the snow and ice that K’ron and the others would be tackling.