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Squares of the night sky were visible through the grate in the upper deck. The space below flooded with cold, silver light, bathing the figure sitting on the floor as she stared up at the stars. Wrapped loosely in a thin blanket, Daphne picked out the constellations visible above the rocking ship as it carves it’s path to Kirkwall.
The rest of their party was asleep, tucked away elsewhere on the cramped ship. It meant Daphne was alone, left with her thoughts. Perhaps not the best thing to be left with. Since leaving Lothering, she hadn’t managed to get the image of Bethany’s dead body out of her mind. It kept her awake at night, her sister’s glassy-eyed stare, accusing. She hoped no one had noticed how little sleep she had been getting. As certain as she was that her exhaustion showed, maybe there was too much chaos for the others to catch it.
Footsteps approached from behind, and Daphne turned as Leandra sat, down next to her. Icy grief and guilt settled in the pit of her stomach, and she looked back up at the sky, wiping hastily at her eyes. Daphne didn’t want to do this right now. To face her mother’s disappointment and grief and blame. The two were silent for a long time, the quiet heavy between them.
“I’ve seen such a change in you and Carver over these past few days,” Leandra said. Daphne didn’t reply, eyes still on the sky. She continues. “I… admit I feel like it’s my fault.”
Daphne turned, staring at Leandra with wide eyes. She never would have guessed the conversation taking this turn. Not after Bethany’s death and the blame her mother had hoisted on her at the time. Leandra was looking up at the sky the way Daphne had been, and Daphne could see the tears in her eyes. Leandra continued before Daphne could figure out what to say. “Losing Bethany… it hurts. No parent should ever outlive their child. Still… I’m not the only one hurting from it. I’ve lost one daughter, and I would never forgive myself if I lost you too.”
Daphne sobbed a little, covering her mouth in an attempt to keep the sound back. Leandra turned to her, making a soothing sound and taking Daphne into her arms. Held by her mother, Daphne could feel her quietly crying with her. She wrapped her arms around her, burying her face in her shoulder.
“What happened to Bethany isn’t your fault, Daphne. I want you to know that,” Leandra said, voice hitching around her tears. Daphne only nodded against her shoulder, not wanting to risk an attempt at speaking, only to make her crying worse. Leandra rubbed Daphne’s back, holding her close as the ship taking them to Kirkwall continued to cut through the waves, carrying them to safety.