RCW: I Will Only Follow

Posted on Thu Mar 26th, 2026 @ 11:00pm by Jr Journeyman Nerlyn & Bronze Rider K'ron

Mission: 3531 AL
Timeline: M4 D10

If anyone asked Nerlyn in the days that followed she did not know how she got back to the weyr or how she got to bed but when she woke up candlemarks later she felt like she had been asleep days. She blinked awake and instantly shot up into the living area stopping dead when she saw Raen was asleep lying across K’ron awkwardly and that the Bronze Rider was awake. “I… I’m sorry…” Were the first words that she blurted out.

Once K'ron had gotten Nerlyn back to the weyr she had pretty much passed out as soon as he sat her down. He had left her to sleep while he collected their son and kept him entertained for a bit til he fell asleep as well. K'ron shook his head. “no apology necessary.”

Nerlyn moved through the space and knelt in front of the pair brushing Raen’s hair and just watching how contented he was with his world laying on his dad’s good side not that he would have caused many problems being so small. She wished she could be just a speck of that. “There is. I am not well… did I miss the meeting?” She wondered quietly trying to see through to where Tyreth’s weyr was but the curtain was closed.

K'ron smiled down at their son. Thankfully none of this had seemed to affect him in any way. The boy was still as bubbly and happy as always. K'ron gave his mate a gentle smile as Raen had his good arm trapped. “Love, we'll get through it. The one with Tula? No.”

“Everything in me is telling me to tell you, you don’t need to… this is your out… you finally get to get rid of me but I do not want to lose you. Does that make me selfish?” She wondered softly looking up at him moving her hand from brushing Raen’s hair out of his face to lay it on his thigh.

K'ron quickly shook his head. “I do not want rid of you, Ner. I love you. I did when we were young and I still do, so no that doesn't make you selfish. Unless I'm selfish too for holding on,” he answered her. He never wanted her to leave.

“Then I better put this one to bed properly.” She whispered standing to scoop Raen up. He stirred just a little bit mumbling mummy before he promptly fell back asleep against Nerlyn’s warmth. The woman smiled at him as she lay him down on his bed and pulled the furs up over him. She kissed his temple softly quickly setting his room right with the glow before she slipped back out of the room and stood awkwardly watching K’ron.

The bronze rider nodded. For the time being he still couldn't lift Raen up unless the boy was awake and could make sure to stay on his good side. K'ron waited for Nerlyn to return, flexing his hand a bit to wake it up again. “Ner? You just gonna stand there?” he asked softly.

“Yes…. I mean no. Do you need anything?” She wondered quietly as she grabbed up her cardigan to wrap around the chill she was feeling.

He shook his head. “Not right now. You got Raen in bed so I don’t have to figure that out now,” he smiled. “Just come sit.” He could see she still wasn't comfortable.

“Would have just left him on the sofa and put a fur over him. Don’t injure yourself.” Neryn smiled sadly as she came and sat down on the sofa looking worn out as she sat back on the sofa and put hands over her bump.

“I won't,” he promised. “I don't want to be in this sling any longer than needed.” He was trying to be good and listen to the healers. He shifted a bit to be able to face her though. “How are you feeling?” He asked, gently laying a hand over hers.

“Exhausted. I wonder if that is what caused me feeling like this. Not sleeping and it got on top of me worrying about you, worrying about my past getting out, worrying about the baby, worrying about becoming a journeywoman.” She shrugged, moving her hand so that his hand was on her bump.

“That is a lot of worrying,” he said gently, keeping his hand on her stomach. It still amazed him even after Raen. “Maybe just resting a bit,” he told her.

“Because there is a lot going on. I have tried to rest. I just can’t stop my mind whirling.” She admitted wondering if she should have just said this sevendays ago when it all started instead of trying to outrun it all.

There was. K'ron couldn't disagree there. “But you need to try,” he said gently. “your body needs that rest.”

“I know.” She assured him quietly. She knew she needed sleep as it helped her physically and mentally. Dolphineering normally let her rest when her mind stirred and whirled but she was not doing enough physically right then and there.

He leaned over to kiss her hair. “How can I help?” He asked gently. He would take whatever burden away he could to help her. He wanted her to rest.

“Knowing you are a little better is helping.” She assured as she leaned against him a little as he kissed her hair. She breathed deeply just trying to savour him being close.

“I'm okay,” he promised. “I've been listening to the healers and should be able to get my stitches out soon. All good. I just want you to feel better.”

“Someone is learning.” She said softly as she looked up at him and pressed a kiss to his chin before resting her forehead against his chest. “You might be better for the clutching then.” She said keeping her face against his chest.

“Sometimes I can learn,” he chuckled. He was trying. He rubbed her arm with his good hand. “Huh I honestly hadn't thought about the clutch,” he admitted.

Nerlyn smiled a little and shook her head. “It won’t be long so you should get yourself in that head space.” She whispered closing her eyes as she listened to his breathing and just enjoy the gentle touch on her arm.

Nerlyn has a point. “True. I'll work on that soon.” for the moment his family and his wing had been more important. He quietly rubbed her arm, letting her relax.

Nerlyn took in several slow and long breaths just focusing on them as if she was under water with an air line. She just wanted to feel better, wanted to feel like she had before her notepad had been found. She wanted those moments in K’ron’s office before Lana interrupted and turned everything upside down.

K'ron kept quiet for a few minutes, letting Nerlyn relax in his arms. He kissed her hair again, hoping they were on the right track. “So think you can train the little ones to swim?”

“Hmm?” She asked quietly before she caught up from her thoughts. “Yeah… I think so. I teach candidate or weyrlings already.” She had not thought about how or when but she was sure that she could. It would be easy when she was got her head around the shock of it all

“You taught Raen,” he pointed out, smiling. “And apparently Peridot as well.” He knew she could do it and he owed Tula a big thank you for thinking of it. It wasn't something he had thought of.

“Raen would go to the red star if he thought he was going to get to play with dolphins. And Peridot likes swimming as it means she can fly better at the sunset flight.” Nerlyn said, smiling a little as she finally looked up at him looking less pale and drained.

K'ron laughed a bit. “That is true. He certainly loves the dolphins.” He was glad his son enjoyed them so much and he loved watching Nerlyn with Raen.

Nerlyn nodded as she swept her hair out of her face properly and took a deep breath. “I think that might be because the Dolphins are simpler than the dragons and they do not talk to him.” Nerlyn had been thinking about it as it had been one of her worries.

The bronze rider thought about it. “That is a possibility,” he agreed. He did feel bad for his son. “At least we know now and can help him. I'll make sure Ty stays quiet too unless Raen wants to talk to him.”

“The Weyrleader assured me it was under Kalaith’s control so I am sure it will be fine if your dragon spoke to your son.” Nerlyn said sitting back comfortably letting his hand go if he wanted to move from her bump.

K'ron was not in any hurry to move his hand. It had been a while since they had just relaxed like this. Well mostly relaxed. “That's good. It should get easier with age for him.”

“It should.” She agreed. It was why when candidates came to Weyr they were able to cope. Nerlyn nodded slowly to herself just trying to think in the moment. It stopped her mind wandering. She looked down at his hand on her small bump and smiled sadly. “I am certainly showing sooner this time.”

The bronze rider chuckled softly. “You are. Do you think this one is a boy or girl?” He asked curiously. He would be thrilled as long as the baby and Nerlyn were healthy and safe.

“I really do not mind as long as they are healthy.” Nerlyn stated simply. She wanted everyone just to be okay. She had thought she was healthy enough for this now but the last month had knocked her back.

K'ron nodded a bit. “I completely agree.” He just wanted both of them healthy. He shifted enough to let her snuggle closer to his side. “I love you, Ner. I hope you never forget that.”

“I do sometimes.” She admitted leaning her head against his chest as she snuggled into his side so that her face was hidden from him. “… when my mind wanders.” She explained softly trying to put her thoughts into order.

He frowned slightly but let her talk. That was probably the best thing but had he not been letting her know enough? “I am sorry you have doubts. I will always love you and be here for you no matter what,” he said softly.

Nerlyn could feel him stiffen under her cheek reacting to her words but she said nothing for a long moment. “You do not need to apologise.” She said softly before growing silent again as she just breathed in the familiarity of him.

K'ron held her close, wanting to wrap both arms around her, but knowing it wasn't a smart idea with his shoulder. He settled for kissing her hair again and staying close to her. “Okay, but I am here for whatever you need.” Nerlyn nodded. She knew that but when her mind wandered she lost all track of her emotions and she was back in the months after she lost Leaneth. She would rather leave and be unhappy for the rest of her life than be a burden.

“Hey now,” K'ron said gently, feeling her slight movement under his arm. “Don't you dare get any ideas about leaving. you know I'll only follow you,” he pointed out. He would follow her to the Red Star if he had to.

“I…” She started before a bronze fire lizard appeared in front of them both and chittered excitedly making Peridot chirp back and flutter awkwardly from where she liked to curl up above K’ron’s desk under one of the glows. Nerlyn sat up and leaned out for the note already knowing it was telling her not to be late. “Hello Deshy. Tula sent you hmm.” She was relieved for the distraction.

Koda cheeped a greeting to the bronze fire lizard from where he was happily perched. K'ron smiled at the bronze and then Peridot's clumsy attempts to fly. He had forgotten how the baby firelizards were. “Time for lessons or a meeting?” He ased.ked.

“Lower cavern meeting.” She whispered, her hands shaking as she looked at the note but steered herself. “Looks like I have to go and hang out with gold riders and… everyone.” She said quietly as she rose to her feet and caught Peridot just in time before she fell. Deshy looked at the smaller green and chirped concerned as he swooped over to cheek on her leaving Nerlyn with 2 fire lizards in her hand.

“You'll be fine, love,” K'ron assured her. He knew she had been in more intimidating meetings then that. He chuckled as Deshy checked on Peridot. “I'll be here when you get back. Enjoy yourself and what you learn.”

“Get some rest.” The woman said, leaning over kissing him hard. She moved to grab up a jacket before she stopped and looked at it rolling her eyes as she had automatically picked up K’ron’s flight jacket and not her own. She quickly shoved it on and popped the fire lizards safety on her shoulders.

He didn't have a chance to answer before she kissed him. He moaned softly. Shards and now she was leaving? He chuckled a bit when she grabbed up his jacket instead of hers. It was fine. He didn't need it for a while.