Duskfire Glacier moonlight sonata

she turned toward Takiyok and pressed her forehead against her shoulder for a long moment before turning away, drawing a deep, shuddering breath. what has happened to us, sister? the healer asked, gazing over the ice. our numbers have dwindled, Siarut ails. . .why has our good fortune slipped away?

Tahani sighed again, glancing over at her sister. you've done a fine job leading--don't take this upon yourself, she murmured, thinking that perhaps Taki would bear the emotional weight. she was young and prone to misgivings, but so far, nothing she had done had led to this. their misfortune seemed to come from an external source, beyond their control. fate, or what have you.