The Problem With Bullies

Writers: Aaron, Halyonix
Date Posted: 14th April 2026

Characters: S'kand, R'vkal
Description: R'vkal talks to his new Wingleader about bullies
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 13, day 4 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: By'ler, J'lyas

Notes:
~*~

The morning after graduation, R'vkal showed up to practice early, having heard from Indrath that Jagobroth's rider was already in his office, preparing for the day. "Wingleader, sir?" the newly made Wingrider said as he peeked past the doorway.

"Yes?" S'kand peered up from his work. Ah. It was that one. "Come in, come in. Have a seat. What can I do for you?"

Now he felt awkward. What _was_ he here for? Curry favor, ask a question? R'kval tried to figure it out as he sat. "Nothing really, sir. Just...figured it might be a good idea to come talk to you since I'm newly graduated and in your Wing. Don't want to mess up anything."

"Ah! Well, in that case, let me say again, welcome to the wing, my lad," S'kand said cheerfully. "I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to get to know you better. Now, as I remember it, you came to us from Green Valley, yes? Tell me about yourself, how you made your way here."

R'vkal nodded. "Was a smith. My cousin Impressed a few Turns ago. Thought I'd give it my own shot after...well, after my fiancée died in that runner accident." Though his tone sounded respectfully mournful. more and more, R'vkal was grateful that things had turned out for the positive. Having Indrath was an amazing surprise.

"Ah. My condolences about your fiancée, lad." S'kand could not imagine losing Ristalle. "And glad you found your way here, nevertheless."

He was also glad he had found his way here. A few Turns ago, if someone had told him he would be riding a bronze dragon, he would have laughed and told them to take their fanciful imagination somewhere else as he got back to work. "Came to talk to you about...well, being a better bronzerider, sir. Indrath picked me for a reason, right? Seems I should work so that I'm letting him down."

}: You could never let me down, :{ Indrath remarked.

"A good quarter to half of getting better is recognizing that you have room for improvement and dedicating yourself to that effort," said S'kand. "So, I'd say you're off to a good start. Now, I can certainly help you with charts and formations and getting comfortable with making calls -- the sorts of things you'll need to be a good wingleader -- but is there something specific you think a bronzerider should be that you aren't quite yet?"

R'vkal knew that he could study and could probably make good calls in the moment. That part didn't really bother him. He knew it would come with experience. But he knew of one thing that was really going to cause an issue. "People," he answered. "Dealing with them. Just not good with it. Hadn't had a lot of experience there as a smith." The bullying from J'lyas during weyrlinghood made R'vkal realize that people were going to be a thing he would have to deal with as a leader more and more. And losing his temper wasn't going to be the answer.

"What has your experience with dealing with people been like so far, since you Impressed Indrath?" asked S'kand.

"Mostly just working with my classmates. Most were okay. No problems. One...well, one was a bully. Wasn't really sure how to handle him, outside of reporting him to the Weyrlingmasters, but felt like I should be able to do more. Know what I mean?"

"Handling bullies can be a challenge, especially when you have no position of authority," said S'kand. "It can be hard to know sometimes when to stand up to them, when to ignore them, and when to ask for help."

R'vkal nodded. This is what he felt, a confusion about when to act and how. "You...got any advice on...when to do those things?"

"Well, it's a balancing act," said S'kand. "If saying something can nip the problem in the bud, you say something. This usually works best if the bully counts a fight with you as more trouble than it's worth.

"If the bully couldn't care less what you have to say-- if all they're really after is getting a rise out of you, then it's best to ignore them.

"And if they're going to insist on a fight, it's best to ask for help from someone who can dole out some real consequences."

Another nod from the younger bronzerider. He could see how each of these options could work. He'd just have to remember which one to use when the time came. "Thank you, sir. Appreciate it."

"My pleasure, any time. Is there anything else I can help you with?" asked S'kand.

"No sir," R'vkal answered. "Eager to get started in the Wing, sir." It felt good, being graduated, being on this new path. Being something. He got up to leave, feeling better now that they had talked. "See you at practice, sir."

"See you there, R'vkal!"

Last updated on the April 26th 2026

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The Problem With Bullies