"And we both know that I do need to do this. Just so I can say that I stepped up and did something with my life. I love being your daughter, but that can't be all I ever am. I need to—" She groped for words. "I need to measure myself against the world. Prove that I can stand up to it and be something."
"You're already something," he insisted, but the strength had gone out of his argument. When she put her hand over his, he released his grip on her wrist. She stopped where she was. Tats, ahead of them, looked back curiously. She shook her head at him slightly and he moved on.
"We should say good-bye here," she said suddenly.
"I can't." Her father seemed horrified at the idea.
"Papa, I have to go. And this is a good time for us to part. I know you'll worry about me. I know I’ll miss you. But let's part now, at the beginning of my adventure. Tell me 'good luck' and let me go."
"But—" he said, and then suddenly he hugged her tight. He whispered hoarsely into her ear. "Go on then, Thymara. Go on, and measure yourself. It won't prove anything to me because I already know your measure, and I've never doubted you. But go find out what you have to find out. And then come back to me. Please. Don't let this be the last time I see you.”
"Papa, don't be silly. Of course I'1l come back," she said, but at his words a prickle of dread had run up her spine. No, I won't. The thought was so strong that she couldn't voice it. So she hugged him tightly, and then, as he released her, she pushed her small pouch of money into his hand. "You keep this safe for me, until I come back," she told him. Then, before he could react to that, she turned and darted from his embrace. She wouldn't need the money on their expedition. And perhaps, if she never came back, it would be helpful to him. Let him hold it now and think it meant a promise to return.
jerup loves his daughter so much :(
i know at least a few people have to die before this journey ends, but i hope it’s not thymara. at the very least, i hope her death isn’t the worst of them. and i hope it’s not for nothing.
