Please Stop Talking

Writers: Halyonix, Steel
Date Posted: 2nd June 2026

Characters: I'serin, C'uren
Description: C'uren tries to small talk his new Wingthird
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 1, day 7 of Turn 13
Notes: Mentioned: K'valdran, A'brevan

I'serin

Notes:
~*~

I'serin had initially thought that going back to being a mere wingrider would offer an overwhelming sense of relief. A return to being unburdened. A chance to regroup, to heal.

He had not expected this quasi-retirement to be full of exit interviews that bordered on interrogations. And then, once that had ceased, just as he looked forward to exhaling, he was assigned the Wingthird position of Ridge Wing. It was a move he should have expected. K'valdran and his comrades seemed bent on working I'serin to the mental bone, reforming him from perceived threat to the Weyr into a (hopefully) trusted leader.

The Wing parties would take some getting used to. He felt as though he was in this awkward space between legally entitled leader, formerly disgraced powerholder, and cautiously embraced brother-in-arms. It had to be a transitional feeling, he believed, because he was not--

"I'serin, my friend!" An exuberant hand clapped him on the shoulder and remained planted. "Ah, Wingthird, I mean, yes? Wingthird I'serin." The bronzerider turned to look at the lanky, effervescent, and frankly sometimes _annoying_ smiling face of C'uren, one of the brownriders in the Wing. "And how are you today, my friend?"

I'serin shifted out of range of that touch as he composed a response. "Well, C'uren, thank you. What can I do for you today?" Drills were due to begin shortly. Surely the brownrider was not making mere small talk?

C'uren laughed. "Such a helper you are! Always asking how to be of service. No wonder A'brevan stole you to this Wing. What is it called? Servant leadership? Yes! A contradiction, a bit, yes?" C'uren's hand like he was pointing at a list of ranks or levels. "A leader should be at the top, yes, but a servant is like a drudge, no? Fascinating contradiction, my friend, fascinating."

The bronzerider exhaled slowly. "Yes, fascinating," he agreed dryly. "Is there something that I can do for you before drills begin?"

"Oh, no, not at all! I was just saying good morning and making conversation! That is what wingmates do, yes?"

I'serin began considering if he could request a transfer to a different Wing.

}: At least Roeth is sensible, :{ Aluneth remarked.

**He would be. He is of your lineage,** I'serin grumbled. Aluneth made a pleased sound at the reminder. Perhaps in a few Turns the two would settle into their adult responsibilities.

"Yes, however I am busy," I'serin replied. "Preparing."

C'uren's expression immediately became pleasantly doubtful. "By staring at the sky?"

Aluneth's rumble was a warning that went missed by the brownrider. Or ignored. "It helps me to think," I'serin answered.

The brownrider looked up, amused questioning written all over his face. "Ah, interesting. I did not think that the answers would be up there. Not without the stars at night. But perhaps you are right, my friend. Sometimes--"

"Do not call me your friend."

"--our thoughts are best composed elsewhere. I used to find solace in the waves. Not that the answers I sought were there but there was something calming about it. You understand, yes? Of course you do."

}: Did he even hear you? :{

I'serin suppressed a grimace.

Unfazed, C'uren continued. "Now, starlight. Ah, my friend, I have spent many a night contemplating the mysteries of life -- and enjoying a few of them personally if you catch my drift -- under the stars." His grin turned conniving and did not flattened whenever I'serin seemed further unwilling to converse. "Might I suggest that you try it some time?"

}: Can we be done with this conversation? :{ Aluneth grumbled. He unfurled his wings as though he intended to spirit them both away. I'serin considered leaping aboard. Surely his new rank gave him the excuse. Or perhaps this time he could just stomach being rude.

Somehow, this was the impetus that broke C'uren out of his prattling. Or maybe it was the timely, authoritative shout from someone else. "Ah, time to drill!" He gave I'serin's shoulder a friendly punch before the bronzerider could step out of reach. "See you up there, Wingthird! And don't worry, my sir friend, Roeth and I have your six."

That...was not as reassuring as I'serin thought it would be.

Last updated on the June 4th 2026

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Please Stop Talking