Saltwater and Steel

Gloamwing Isle (12 Years ago) (Seraphine age 7) "You're going away again?" Her voice came out thin, scarcely above a whisper. "It'll just be a couple weeks, my love-" "But Papa-" she began, her throat tightening as tears threatened to spill "Seraphine." Though his voice was soft, there was a steadiness in it as he settled beside her on the sofa and took off his hat The brim lay across his lap as he turned those golden eyes to her, and for an instant, Seraphine caught the faintest trace of hesitation. His gaze gentled when it found hers, though his tone did not change. "This is Daddy's work." "I hate when you go..." she murmured, her fingers gripping the sides of her dress She wanted to scream, to beg him to remain, but she knew it would not change anything. It never once did. Seraphine's heart hammered as she watched him gather his things, each piece tucked carefully into his bag as though it were the most ordinary thing in the world. "I'll bring back that green tea you like-" Alaric said His promise was almost a ritual, something meant to dull the ache of his leaving, but it gave little comfort now. Seraphine gave a small nod. "I know how much you like it," he added, though the end of his voice seemed to fade, more for himself than for her Wearing that familiar, composed expression, the very look that marked him as the world's strongest swordsman, he lowered himself to kneel before her. "Seraphine." He spoke, voice firm "You have to learn how to stand by yourself, even when I'm away. Do you understand?" Seraphine blinked and swallowed around the lump in her throat. She understood. She had to. Strength was what he expected from her as the daughter of Alaric Marlowe. "Yes, Papa," she whispered, her voice unsteady "I'll be strong. I swear it." She wanted to make him proud, yet in her heart, she still wished he would stay. Only this once. For a moment, something flashed in Alaric's gaze... pride, perhaps, or maybe relief. He rested a hand on her shoulder before drawing her into an embrace. "Be good for me now, Seraphine." "Papa..." she called when he paused, glancing back over his shoulder "Be careful," she said softly, her english accent thick as his was "Please... come back safe." He gave a nod, offering her a soft smile.