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The Rising Stones was busy with activity. It had been roughly two moons since the Scions had averted the Final Days and returned from the edge of creation. The decision to end the Scions of the Seventh Dawn hadn’t come easily, yet with the Ascian threat over they had decided to disappear back into the shadows and work covertly again. So it came as no surprise when everyone began to pack their rooms up and begin to move out. All except for Leeja, who sat on her bed with a huge headache and a new wave of confusion as she stared down at her hands, frowning slightly before looking up and focused on one spot on the wall and zoning out.
She was still recovering from her fight with the Endsinger and then an unexpected fight to the death with Zenos but the chirurgeons and healers in Sharlayan had given her leave to say goodbye and she would be returning once the separation had taken place. Her head wounds had left her with confusion and some temporary memory loss, and despite being reminded of something a thousand times, she forgot. Only those in the immediate circle knew about her memory problems, including her parents and Thancred had briefed Riol who hurried to Sharlayan while she was recovering still.
And in that state of confusion is exactly where Thancred had found her. Partially packed and staring at the wall blankly. “Leeja?” She hadn’t heard Thancred until he touched her shoulder gently. “Are you with me?”
“I… I don’t know. I’m meant to be doing something, aren’t I? I don’t remember what it was… I’m sorry…” It made his heart ache to see her in such a fragile state.
“We’re packing to move out of the Rising Stones, the Scions are splitting today.” Gentle. Gentle and careful were the actions he had been told to take with her.
“...Right. I’m somewhat packed, then the headache started and I forgot. Could um.. Could you help me pack some things? If you have a chance?” Thancred nodded and pulled out a small vial of green liquid and popped the cap.
“Here you go. Drink this and you’ll feel malms better.” He smiled warmly at her as she drank it down and grimaced at the taste.
“Eurgh, I will never get used to that burning sensation.” And she had come back again. “So… I spoke with Riol about his plans after the Scions.”
“Oh? Anything exciting?” Thancred watched as she moved to her dresser and began digging the clothes from it.
“He wants to go to either Meracydia or the New World. Meaning it’ll be moons until we hear from him again.” Thancred heard the briefest sniffle for a moment. So that’s what’s caused this. He moved to stand behind Leeja and carefully pulled her into a hug.
“I doubt it will be that long. It’s not like he’s disappearing off the face of the star.” She turned in his embrace and gently bumped her head against his chest.
“It’s so far away though…” Leeja sighed and raised her head. “I feel selfish for not wanting him to go. Can I be honest with you about something? I’d rather the others didn’t hear.” She bit her lip and sat down on the bed as Thancred closed the door and sat down next to her on the bed.
“Talk to me.”
“I feel so fucking selfish…The twins are going back to Garlemald, Y’shtola is going back to Matoya, G’raha and Krile are going to be in Sharlayan but Riol’s leaving and so are you. I feel like I’m being left alone.
”Oh that stung. That hit a mark he didn’t know he had. “You’re not being left alone, darling. It’s only temporary.”
“But that’s not the point, love. We were meant to go together and now I’m being kept on bedrest because I’m broken .” She hissed the word angrily.
“Then I will stay in Sharlayan with you until you are sufficiently recovered enough for travel.” Leeja looked down in shame. “Leeja, you almost died to save the star. You are allowed to be selfish for a change. Gods know there’s no repaying that kind of sacrifice. If you want to be selfish then I won’t go with Urianger. Not without you.”
“Don’t… If you want to go then please don’t let me stop you. I’m just venting. I’m tired and my head hurts and it’s all been building up to the point of if I didn’t say anything I’d explode and hate myself for it.” She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.
“You can be selfish. And it’s my choice. Urianger has some work to do with the loporrits anyway so while you’re on bed rest, you get to listen to all the poems I’ve written for you.” Leeja groaned but smiled, making Thancred laugh. “Do you have anything immediate you need from here?”
“Just the clothes. Tataru said I can keep the rest here as storage. And thank you for letting me vent.”
“Think nothing of it. Now, I believe we best get downstairs if you’re ready?” With a nod, they stood and made their way down to the main hall where everyone had gathered.
Leeja purposely left speaking to Riol until the last and he knew it was intentional. He watched as she spoke with G’raha and turned his attention to Thancred. “She’s upset. She thinks you’ll be gone for moons with no contact and it’s getting to her.”
“Ah. That’d explain it then.” Riol sighed and walked over to the pair of miqo’tes. “Dove, can we talk?”
“Don’t let me keep her from you.” G’raha smiled politely and left them alone. Thancred watched from a distance, just in case.
“Yer avoidin’ me?”
“No… Yes…” Leeja looked down and kicked her boot against the ground. He couldn’t help but chuckle.
“C’mere ye daft woman. Ye can’t get rid o’ me that easy, dove. I’ll be in Limsa fer a while as it is. Jacke says I owe him somethin’. Can’t rightly tell ye what but that was the message he sent me.”
“Ooh you’ve taken something of his haven’t you? Or V’kebbe. Just… Don’t touch the sandwiches.” Leeja smiled and finally looked up at him through her tears. She hugged him tightly, despite the pain it caused.
“We’ll be fine, dove. Ye’ve got me word on that.” He hugged her back carefully. She sniffled and wiped her eyes, wincing at the same time.
“Love hurts.”
“Aye, that it does. But yer never far away from one o’ us and yer not allowed to travel until ye recover. Got it?”
“Aye, aye sir.” Leeja smiled sadly and they rejoined the rest of their friends. She fought hard not to cry and was failing as sniffles became audible for Riol to hear.
“Leeja, Dove, I promise it’ll be alright.”
“I know but… Everyone is going away and I’m being stuck on bedrest because I can’t go and I just… I feel like I’m going to be left alone even if I am going to be with my sister.” Leeja wiped her eyes quickly.
“C’mon. Let’s go to the Solar.” He gently squeezed her hand and summoned over Thancred.
“Is everything alright?” The door closed behind them and Thancred looked at them both. Leeja sat on the desk and sniffled as quietly as she could. “Oh dear.”
“She’s not takin’ it well. I’m worried about leavin’ her.”
“I’ll make Urianger aware I won’t be travelling with him just yet. I’ll make her sister aware as well.” They both looked over as Leeja’s shoulders shook as she sobbed silently. “A lot of this is trauma related and her memories are confusing themselves. Vehlo’s been working on it and trying to find a cure but it’s not so easy when it comes to the brain and injuries.” Thancred walked over to her and rubbed her back carefully. “Leeja, look at me, darling.” She hiccuped and looked at him sadly. “I know it’s difficult, but it’s not forever. It’s just for a while.” He wiped the tears away gently.
“Dove, I’ll talk to ye as much as possible. I promise I’m not abandonin’ ye, alright?” Riol pressed a gentle kiss to her temple as she hiccuped and nodded.
“You’re not?”
“Never. Yer a big part o’ me life, dove. Can’t abandon somethin’ so precious.” He smiled softly as she squeezed her eyes closed for a moment.
“I’m getting confused again, aren’t I?” Leeja looked between the two as they nodded. “I’m sorry… I’m working on it, I promise.”
“You don’t need to apologise, darling. Everyone knows you can’t help it and it’s why we’re being reassuring. I’ll let Vehlo know it’s deteriorated a little, alright?” Thancred looked at her as she hung her head, revealing the scar being hidden by her hair from the back of her neck.
A knock on the door alerted the three of them. “Sorry to interrupt but Tataru is calling time on us all being here. You three have extra time on account of Leeja but I thought to let you know.” F’lhammin smiled warmly at them.
“Can I come with you? Until you leave?” Leeja asked
As everyone departed the Rising Stones, Leeja stood quietly as everyone began to say goodbye. The twins were off to Ishgard before returning to Garlemald, Y’shtola was going to see Master Matoya, Estinien was returning to Radz-at-Han, G’raha, Krile, Thancred and Urianger were heading to Sharlayan, G’raha and Krile continuing work for the Students of Baldesion and Thancred and Urianger were checking in with the loporrits before travelling around together. Krile and G’raha were teleporting back with Urianger while Thancred sailed back, wanting to spend some time with Leeja before leaving. And after all that, the miqo’te was the only one with no plans. “What are you going to do now our work is over?” Alisaie looked at her expectantly. Leeja opened her to answer before closing it once more and shook her head. “You don’t know or you don’t want to say?”
“I don’t know… I’m going to Limsa with Thancred and Riol, but when they leave I’ll be on my own” she said quietly.
Thancred worried. He looked over at Riol who waited for them, and the rogue wore the same expression. “Are you not going home to Sharlayan?” Y’shtola asked curiously. Leeja shook her head.
“No…I’ll be fine, though. Wouldn’t be the first time of being alone.” She shrugged a little. “But we should go…” Leeja looked at Thancred who nodded.
“Right. I suppose I'll see you all when the next calamity looms?” Thancred joked, but he wasn’t wrong. They said goodbye and split off. Krile had given them permission to use the airship to get to Limsa faster.
The flight was quiet. Leeja stood at the front, watching quietly as they flew and flinched in surprise when someone hugged her from behind. “Dove, are ye okay?” Leeja swallowed hard and cleared her throat as she gave Riol a small nod. “Will ye look at us, at least? We’re worried for ye.” Leeja shook her head a little as he sighed. “Didn’t wanna resort to this but ye left me no choice.” He moved his arm behind her knees and picked her up quickly, despite her trying to pull away. It was only then did he and Thancred heather crying.
“Leeja…? What’s wrong, darling? You can talk to us.” Riol sat on the floor and held onto her tightly, not wanting to let go.
“It’s nothing” she whispered, sniffling.
“Nothing, eh? Yer cryin’ over nothin’? Reckon yer lyin’ there, dove” Riol said softly. Thancred sat in front of them.
“Is it because we’re leaving? I can stay if you need me to” Thancred spoke softly and she shook her head.
“Shouldn’t have to change your plans because of me…Not worth it.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes quickly. They both sighed as the airship landed. They disembarked and headed toward the Drowning Wench to check into their inn rooms, despite only staying in Leeja’s.
When they got upstairs, Leeja curled up on the bed quietly. Riol and Thancred left the room quietly to talk. “I worry for her.”
“Aye, as do I. When does yer ship leave?” Riol asked Thancred quietly.
“In the morning. And yours?”
“Tomorrow afternoon” Riol chewed his lip. “I can delay me journey and stay with her longer.”
“I can do the same, but we both know she won’t let us” Thancred sighed softly. “I know she’d take it hard, I didn’t expect this response though.” They entered the room once more and found Leeja curled up under Thancred’s coat with one of Riol’s shirts for comfort. It stung the both of them, but both knew it was better. “Leeja?” Thancred softly, sitting on the edge of the bed, placing his hand on her leg gently.
“You’re leaving me… I’ll be alone because you both want to be away from me…” Leeja sniffled.
“No, darling. That’s not it at all. Can we speak for a moment? Will you sit up?” She thought for a moment before reluctantly moving. They both sat opposite sides of her. “It’s not because we’re leaving you or because we want to be away from you. Do remember the conversation we had a few days ago about this? When you said it was okay?” She shook her head.
“Dove, ye said to us yer fine with our leavin’ because we’ll be in touch with ye always” Riol squeezed her hand gently. “Did ye forget?” Leeja nodded quietly.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to forget…” Leeja whimpered softly as she looked between them. “I didn’t– I though– I’m sorry…!”
“Dove, yer not in trouble for it. We understand yer memory issues” Riol said softly. “But aye, ye said ye were fine with us goin’” he kissed her cheek gently as Thancred rubbed her back.
“You aren’t in trouble darling. It happens” Thancred smile softly at her. Leeja whimpered softly and felt them both lean in and hug her tightly.
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When morning came, Leeja’s first set of sadness kicked in. Thancred was leaving first and she wanted to cry at the dock. “You have to go?”
“I’m afraid so, darling. Urianger is waiting for me.” She stood on her tiptoes and kiss him gently. He kissed her back and gave her a soft smile before leaning in to give Riol a quickly kiss. The last call for Sharlayan was sounded and Thancred made his way onto the ship, waving as they departed. Leeja leaned into Riol who put his arm around her gently.
“You’re leaving next, right?” She asked sadly.
“Aye, this afternoon. We got time, yet, if you wanted to do anythin’?” Leeja bit her lip and blushed crimson and with a brief not and a grin, they went to the inn room quickly.
The door closed and that was it. He pinned her to the door and after that, they had once last time together, and when they had both finished, dressed and cleaned up, they sat on the bed. “So…” She sad quietly, swallowing hard. “Y-You still want to break up…?” Her tears stung her eyes.
“I’m sorry, dove. We both know its fer the best” he said softly.
“It doesn’t mean I like it! I love you and Thancred so fucking much and losing you both is tearing me apart because I’m losing my best friends and my other parts!” She let out a sob before she began to so openly.
“Dove…” He watched her sadly. “It’s not forever. Ye know it won't be, don't you?” He asked gently. She nodded and just cried. “I am sorry. I mean it, ye know. D’ye believe me?” He watched, she nodded, but it didn't make it easier.
Wen they went down to the docks, they said their farewells. She watched Riol board the ship, and she watched it. leave. It hurt her. Hurt her to the point she couldn’t think think properly. She stumbled through the city. She couldn’t remember why she was there. What was she doing? Why was she there alone? She was being watched by V’kebbe. “Leeja!” She called, the confused miqo’te. “Come ‘ere. Jacke wants to see ye!” She smiled at the miqo’te, Leeja nodded quietly and followed her toward the Sisters. V’kebbe noticed something wrong with the quiet miqo’te. She was more timid, more scared. Something had happened, given the fact that she couldn’t recall who V’kebbe was.
It would be there that Leeja stay for a while. Jacke didn’t want to let her run around Limsa when she could barely recall who he was, let alone keep herself safe. He had woken up in the middle of the night to her crying quietly, unable to recall why she felt so sad. He had woke up to her curling up in his bed with her. When he asked, she just said she didn’t feel safe. Not many things tugged his emotions and almost made him cry, but seeing the valiant fighter completely broken and barely able to recall who she was definitely sat up there. After a few days, Leeja’s confusion began to lift. She couldn’t recall getting to Jacke, yet when he told her everything he’d witnessed, she winced a little. She told him of the Final Days, told him of the fights she had endured, the fact she’d died a few times and had memory loss and that she easily became confused. She told him that the Scions had called it a day, and both Thancred and Riol had gone off on their own ways and she was alone and though he hated it, when he tried to keep her in the city, she shook her head. It wasn’t safe when she care barely look after herself. He called her sister at her insistence, claiming she’d be safer back in Sharlayan after all. He was angry that she had been left alone when she could become very vulnerable very quickly.
When Vehlo arrived, she had rushed toward the Rogue’s guild. She struggled to understand Jacke half the time but he looked after Leeja during a bad spell and didn’t try to take advantage of her, he could be trusted. Leeja gave Vehlo a sad smile as she tried not to cry. “Leeja?”
“They both left like it was nothing…” She whispered. Jacke let them talk in private and Leeja finally let go of everything she was holding in. Vehlo waited for her to be well enough to talk and just held her tightly.
“I thought something was off when I saw Thancred and Urianger back in Sharlayan without you.” She spoke softly. “I’m taking you home, you’re not in a state to be alone right now and I dread to think what might have happened had someone not found you that was a friend.” Leeja nodded and pulled her boots on. She bid farewell to Jacke and V’kebbe and along with Vehlo, returned to Sharlayan.
Leeja wouldn’t leave the city until the day Tataru had a job for her.