Shepard held his head in place as gentle waves caressed his failing body. The warm waters of the hanar homeworld held his failing body with ease. She sat in the water below his gently rocking body, just in case. Thane's eyes were closed; his breathing was laboured. One of his hands covered Shepard's, fingers gently stroking her skin.
Despite the grief she felt, Shepard didn't cry. She wasn't sure she knew how to anymore. "How are you doing?" She asked, even though she knew the answer.
Thane smiled. "I am fine, siha," he replied through coughs, "although we should be starting soon. Kolyat?"
Kolyar stepped forward, journal in hand, and began to recite a prayer for his father. Though his hands shook, his voice remained strong.
“Kalahira, this one's heart is pure,
but beset by wickedness and contention.
Guide him to where all hunters return,
where all storms become still, where all stars show the path.
and he will be a companion to you as he was a father to me.”
He finished the prayer and closed the book. Thane's rattled breathing began to slow. He opened his eyes and smiled. "Thank you, Kolyat." His free hand reached for his son, who held on tightly.
Shepard leaned down and gently kissed his forehead. "You won't be alone long, Thane," she whispered, "I will meet you across the sea."
He nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. "Then I will wait for you at the shore."
As his breathing continued to slow, Thane held hands with Kolyat and Shepard. When his heart took its final beat, and his eyes gazed up at the sky but did not see, Shepard closed them for him one last time. Kolyat stayed for a while, before asking Shepard if she would like to be the one to send him off. She nodded, and he left, but she held onto him for a long time after that. She didn't want to let him go, but in the end, she did.
The waves carried his body away from her carefully, as though conscious of its precious cargo. She remained in the water, watching as he went. "Goodbye, Thane. I love you." she whispered.
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