#leeja fythe

[leejafythe]

"You are my world. My everything." - WoLcred Edition

[leejafythe]

Took some lovely screenshots for Leeja's canon journey that I've been posting over on Twitter. Gotten to the end of 6.0 and I really like these

[leejafythe]

My gorgeous WoLcred art done by the incredibly talented twitter.com/inari_ko she captured them beautifully and I love it so much

[leejafythe]

Dancer and the Lightwardens: Chapter 13

As The Rain Falls - Originally posted here

The return to the Crystarium was fairly quiet. Well, for Leeja it was. While everyone was happy walking and talking ahead, Leeja was trailing in the back, not joining in on anything as her mind couldn’t get over what she had heard. She was oblivious to the fact Minfilia was watching her. “Is Leeja okay? She isn’t answering me when I talk to her” Minfilia asked Thancred and Y’shtola.  “She’s just tired, yesterday took a toll on her.” Thancred said, trying to get her to stop staring at the miqo’te. “Go on ahead with Urianger and Y’shtola.” Minfilia did as she was told and Thancred stopped, waiting for Leeja. “Someone is looking rather chipper this morning.”  “Eh? Oh… I didn't sleep well.” She shrugged a little. “No, I am well aware you didn’t. All that tossing and turning. And punching.”  “Sorry… Won’t happen again…” She scratched at the back of her neck, only for her hand to be pulled away.  “Leeja, what’s wrong? You’ve hardly been right since we got here.” Thancred kept her hand tightly in his, and she just shook her head.  “Ask Y’shtola. She can tell you why she refuses to look at me.” Thancred frowned and held her hand a little tighter.  “Leeja, please. Talk to me. I am not asking for the world here.” “When we return to the Crystarium, I promise I will tell you everything. Whilst we are open to whoever might hear us, its not safe.”

As soon as the door closed, Leeja cast a spell on the door. “Sit. What I am about to tell you isn’t pleasant for either of us” they both sat down and Leeja swallowed hard and looked at him. “The aether from the Lightwardens. I’m not dispersing it like we thought. If it was just going on what we can physically see then I’d not know any better. Migraines and joint ache aside. Shtola wouldn’t lie about my aether. But she mistook me for an aether the first time after we see each other after 3 years? She didn’t even know I was here, let alone sucking up corrupted aether.” Thancred sat back and thought for a moment. “You’re absolutely sure?” “Aye, Thancred. I am. And Urianger knows something he’s not telling us and it worries me” she said softly. “I understand if you don’t believe me. But after defeating the warden in Rak’tika I heard Y’shtola say to Urianger it has gotten worse. It’s a matter of time until I turn into a Lightwarden.” “No, you won’t. Not if I have anything to say about it. Let me hand in the report to the Exarch. You stay, get some rest.” He stood and leaned down to kiss her, long and tender as she sighed contentedly. “If I fall asleep, please leave me unless I’m needed. Oh, and can you ask the Exarch to give me a few, full days worth of rest? A sennight, preferably? I promised to do some work with the Mean and I’m due to go hunting with Granson.”  “Granson… Blue hair hyur with a large sword on his back?” “That’s the one. Hunting down the bodes of the original Warriors of Darkness that have been reincarnated as sin eaters.” Thancred hummed softly. “You do have rather a glaring preference to hyurs, darling.” He teased her gently with a grin. “Riol, myself, this Granson chap and I believe your ex is also a hyur?” Leeja groaned as Thancred burst into a fit of laughter.  “Fuck off, sweetheart” she grumbled and rubbed at her face, practically forcing him out of the door as he cackled. She couldn’t help smile as she changed and crawled into bed for a well deserved nap.

Several bells later, Leeja woke up feeling much more refreshed (or as close as possible) and was ready to take on the rest of the day. She dug out her gunbreaker stone and attuned to it, letting her gear swap out and grabbing Hyperion from its place on the table where she had been cleaning it prior. She charged up her ammo with aether, fixed it to her belt and headed out to find Granson. As she made her way to the Wandering Stairs, she passed Y’shtola who looked at her briefly and gave her a grim smile. “Good afternoon, Leeja. The Exarch has granted you a few days off. Thancred should have told you?” “I haven’t seen him since we got back. I’ve been asleep, but I’m due to go and meet someone. Can we talk later? If I’m back in the city tonight, anyways?” Y’shtola nodded. “Of course. Do not let me keep you from your duties. We will talk later.” They said their farewells and Leeja climbed the stairs quickly to find Granson.

“Nice to see you again. Beginning to think you vanished off to the Empty” he joked. Leeja grinned a little. “Well, I’ve been busy with duties in Il Mheg and Rak’tika, so Im sorry. Where is Dikaiosyne taking us now?” “A village in Kholusia, Wright. Already paid for the amaro flights, we just have to turn up.” Leeja nodded and the pair headed off. “So you visited the land of fae, eh? And survived at that.” “Barely. The fuath decided they wanted to play” she told him the story and Granson could not help but laugh. “Did no one warn you about it?” “Kinda! I have a friend who lived there for a while but I didn’t know a lot about the other fae folk outside of the pixies!” They mounted the amaro and took off for Kholusia.

When they landed and dismounted, the mood between then changed. “ Welcome to Wright. I reckon it might not seem like much to you, but to me… Never mind. We'll save that conversation for after. Tracking down Dikaiosyne is what matters right now. Let's split up and ask after the bastard. Better odds of turning up useful information that way, I'd wager.” With a nod, they split up and began to make their enquiries.  “Huh? Where did you come from? And what do you want with me?” “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I’m making some enquiries about Dikaiosyne and I understand he was here recently?” Leeja asked and the woman frowned at her. “Dikaiosyne? That thrice-damned eater that's the spitting image of a Galdjent knight? That Dikaiosyne? I...I can't help you. All I know is that when he came, he... Wicked white, if you had seen the carnage, you would... I'm sorry. I can't talk about this” she walked away and Leeja sighed. Everyone she spoke to gave a similar answer and it got her nowhere.

When she was done, she returned to Granson sometime later. “Well? Learn anything worth sharing?” “I’d say yes, but that would be an absolute lie. Got shut down” she shrugged. “I wish I could say I'm surprised, but I'm not. What we saw that day...what he did to us… There's no moving on from that.” He answered her back. “What happened here? What aren’t you telling me?” She crossed her arms and leaned against the fence behind her.  “Well, I was planning to tell you the whole story eventually, but I suppose now is as good a time as any...I was born and raised in Wright. Lacking any real prospects, I eked out a living as a hunter. Might've tried my hand at something more exciting had I not also been trying to provide for the love of my life, Milinda…” He went on to tell Leeja about the Fangs of Orthus, Dikaiosyne’s attack on the village and… the fact he killed the love of his life. “Seven hells… Granson, I’m so sorry.” She looked at him as he shrugged. If he was anything like her, pity and sympathy would not be the way to go about it. “No need to wallow in it. Wouldn't want my tragic yet trite tale to put you off our hunt. Still with me to the end, sinner?” “Damn right I am. To the very end. I made a promise, after all.”  “That's the spirit. Still, I've some unfinished business here, so if you could give me a moment before we resume, I would be most grateful.” “All good, send word for me when you’re ready to continue. I’ve got a promise to the Mean I need to follow up on.” They bid farewell and Leeja teleported back to the Crystarium.

She sighed as she manifested in the plaza. She headed back to the Pendants to drop off Hyperion to be finished cleaning before grabbing her crafting gear and heading up to the Crystalline Mean, where she spent the rest of the afternoon working on commissions and learning more about the alchemical properties of the plant life on the First. She worked all through dinner, past sunset and right through until the late hours. Katliss ended up having to get involved to make Leeja go and rest, despite the grumbling, she did as she was told and went back to her apartment for the night. 

Leeja looked around her empty apartment and sighed. It was way too late to go to Thancred’s, he was most likely asleep. Leeja couldn’t sleep. She changed into something casual and went for a walk around the Crystarium to try and get herself tired enough to even attempt to sleep. Yet as she made her way through the Wandering Stairs, a certain silver-haired hyur caught her attention. He hadn’t seen her, and given how intense his conversation with Urianger was going, it was probably safer. She pulled her hood up and walked away, letting them continue to talk in private.

Leeja walked through the amaro pens and climbed the enormous tower that overlooked all of Lakeland. And before she even made it halfway up the stairs, she was a panting mess. She pushed on and made it to the top, where she stood right at the very edge. She heard soft footsteps stop behind her. “Leeja, come away from the edge for me, darling.” “Do you suppose I could land this? If I just…” She held a foot out in front of her, and Thancred felt his heart beat a lot harder. He slowly moved toward her, holding his hand out. “I don’t know, and I’d rather not find out. So just… Come away. Please.” Leeja turned to look at him and held her hand out for him. He pulled her away quickly. “Never do that again. Please, never do that again.” Leeja felt him trembling as he clung to her tightly.  “I wasn’t going to… Intrusive thoughts and such” she spoke quietly. “Okay. That’s fine. As long as you’re okay.” She nuzzled him gently.  “How did you know I was here?” She asked as they descended from the tower. “Urianger. He saw you walking and I followed. I did try calling your name, but you didn’t answer” he answered. “Ah… I was deep in thought. I’m struggling to get tired to sleep, so I thought a walk would help me clear my mind. I uh… Things got pretty intense when I was in Kholusia with Granson, and it’s just been weighing on my mind since.” She felt Thancred’s hand squeeze her gently. “Do you want to talk about it?” Leeja thought for a moment. “The Cardinal Virtue we’re hunting, Dikaiosyne, tried to turn his wife and he…” She swallowed hard, “He stopped her from turning. So it made me start to think. What if that happened to you? Would I have th strength to stop you from becoming a monster? What if I couldn’t? And it’s just been a never ending circle of can I or can’t I” she sighed and shook her head. “You’d know what to do should the time come for that. Much as I would do the same for you” he said, before leaning down to kiss her. “Now, we’ve had a long day and I think some well deserved sleep is in order.” “Can I stay with you and Minfilia tonight?” He nodded and they both headed home.

When morning came, t arrived in the form of a shrieking alarm all through the city, making everyone aware of danger. Leeja, Minfilia and Thancred bolted out of bed as two of the three pulled on their battle gear. “Go, find the Exarch and find out what’s going on. I need to get my gear from my apartment. And Thancred? Be careful if it is a sin eater attack. Please” Leeja said, her voice shaky from the night before. They bolted from the Pendants and separated to get things done.

When Leeja was geared up, she ran to the Exedra on her way to the Tower to find out what was happening, when she met up with the twins. Leeja! I've only just returned from Amh Araeng, yet I find the Crystarium moments from being beset by sin eaters!? Where are they coming from? This shouldn't be possible we restored the darkness!” ” I don’t know, but I know that Thancred and Minfilia are out in Lakeland already and I’d rather not leave them there for too long!” She called to Alisaie.  “Well, this is a fortunate coincidence.” Alphinaud caught up with them. “Brother! Tell me you have some idea why this is happening.” Alisaie and Leeja looked at him. “What do you know, Alphi?” “I may but for the moment we'll need to postpone such discussions in favour of action. The Crystal Exarch is preparing to deploy a barrier around the Crystarium as we speak. Ensuring that he is able to do so should be our first concern. There are a number of instruments placed about the Crystarium that function as anchors for the barrier. I'm on my way to activate them now.” He explained to them both. He told what the instruments looked like and they rushed off to raise the barrier as fast as they could. When the barrier was raised, the three of them met up once more. “Sin eaters are attacking!” Someone behind them yelled. The barrier stopped the sin eaters in their tracks, shocking them to the ground.  “The barrier’s holding! Excellent!” “That's good news for the Crystarium, but what of the rest of Lakeland?” Alisaie asked. “Lyna and the city guard have taken to the field, the others have already joined them. Let us do the same.”

With a burst of peloton, they rushed out of the gate and into Lakeland where the chaos had taken hold. Sin eaters had come out in abundance. Lightning tore through the the clouds as heavy rain began to pour, thunder rumbling and drowning out some of the screams of the dying. Leeja couldn’t breathe, the disaster sucking all the air from her lungs as the pit in her stomach grew deeper. “What lovely weather. Just what we needed.” Alisaie’s voice pulled Leeja from the thoughts swirling in her mind.  “Huh? Oh, right. Sorry. Let’s go.” They rushed off and began to fight any and all sin eaters they came across in a bid to beak down their numbers and save as many people as they possibly could. 

They stopped for a moment to catch their breath, looking around at the carnage. “Those eaters...they're moving toward Radisca's Round. We should follow but we cannot neglect those in need of aid.” Alphinaud said, slightly breathless.  “If it's this bad here, I shudder to think what it's like elsewhere…” “We have to go. We can’t stop lest we lose more” Leeja coughed hard for a moment.  “Did you take a hit?” Alisaie looked at Leeja, worried. “No, no I’m fine. Let’s go.” They hurried off and met up with the rest of the Scions. “A timely arrival, Leeja . I have my hands full here.” Y’shtola called out to her. “Mine own magicks shall suffice to aid Y'shtola. I bid thee offer succour to the guard.”  “Got it. Are you guys okay?” Leeja called to them, throwing her chakrams as fast and as hard as she could.  “The eater's aether swells. I would hate to find out what it intends to do next. Defend me ─ let none interrupt my incantation!” Y’shtola called to them. They formed a circle around Y’shtola as the sin eaters began to make a circle around them.  “Gods dammit all to hell…” Leeja growled.. She felt the beginning build up of her own strength, and when Y’shtola’s spell destroyed the ones around them, they moved on quickly. 

“Someone hath made short work of these eaters…” Urianger pointed out. Leeja knelt down and noticed the gunpowder. “Aye, a certain gunbreaker. Meaning he and Minfilia are–” “Leeja! You'll be glad to know that the locals have all taken shelter.” Minfilia and Thancred both ran up to the group.  “Good, but we can’t afford to stop here. We’ve lost so many as it is” Leeja groaned softly. “Thancred, get the eaters in a line and keep their attention on you. The rest of you, keep as many in a line as possible” as they looked at each other confused, Leeja closed her eyes and began to channel her inner strength. Thancred kept the eaters on him, waiting for Leeja to give him the warning he needed.  “When she says so, get out of the way!” Thancred called to them.   “NOW!” Leeja rushed through the pack of sin eaters, spinning and darting back and forth, power radiating from every part of her as she took down the entire pack. The eaters fell with sickening crunches and groans as Thancred catches Leeja on the opposite end, “I’ve got you, Are you alright?” “Dizzy” she muttered. “Fine though. Let’s keep ging” she shook away the dizziness.

As they made their way to the Imperative, it was already too late, especially as a bigger eater flew over them, “Gods damn it all, we're too late… I'll follow the eater. You press on to the Imperative.” “I'm staying with you!” Minfilia ran after Thancred. “Both of you be careful!” Leeja yelled after them both. “We need to keep going. Take them down and then find Thancred and Minfilia to tackle the big one.” Leeja’s strength had begun to wane after using her limit beak. They channelled aether into Alisaie who began to channel her own spell. It didn’t take long. Leeja darted in front of Alisaie, taking the hit that should have gone to Alisaie. The eater threw Leeja to the ground, leaving a long, painful scratched along her back and shoulder. Alphinaud and Urianger immediately began to heal the damage as the sin eaters were destroyed by Alisaie’s spell. 

The sin eaters had been pushed back and now it was down to the healers and such to deal with the injured and the dead. “How does that feel?” Alphinaud looked at Leeja who gave him a pained smile, “I’ll live. But thank you, both of you” she said, standing slowly. “I’m going to find Thancred and Minfilia. Help with the injured, I’ll come back when I’ve done my rounds.” She took off quickly and followed her nose to find Minfilia and Thancred. She found Lyna first. “Lyna?” “Oh. I did not see you there. Is there something you need?” “No, no I’m fine. How are you?” Leeja asked. She kept her arm tight to her chest from pain.  “Injuries are part and parcel of battle. While there's breath in my lungs, I shall see my duties done. Don't pretend you are not of the same mind. You fought well today. Saved a great many lives. Thank you. Unfortunately, this war is far from over. We must replenish our ranks and shore up our defences before they attack again.” Lyna smiled, a forced smile, and stood.  She took a step and fell to the ground.  “Lyna!” “I...am fine… Completely...and utterly...fine! Better than fine! Hale and hearty and still alive to mourn those who are not. Who I failed to protect when they needed me most. We've come so far ─ so godsdamned far! I could have sworn the end was in sight. And now… Now they will never see it.” Leeja focused on healing the Viera as tears stung her eyes, trying not to let it be seen. 

Vauthry’s voice echoed overhead. Impudent worms of the Crystarium. The tragedy that has befallen you is of your own making. Divine retribution for your defiance. The heavens have bequeathed to you a benevolent saviour ─me! I offer you freedom from pain and suffering ─ a paradise where man and sin eater might live in peace and harmony… Why, already our winged brothers and sisters regard me and mine as kin, alike to them in beauty and purity! But you ─ you not only reject my proffered hand, but raise your own against my sin eaters. 'Tis only right that they respond in kind. Let this be a lesson to all those who would walk the path of sin ─ the wicked shall not inherit this world!” Leeja was ready to let her anger be known. When Vauthry’s ship left. Lyna looked up at Leeja.  “If I may ─ could I ask that you seek out Thancred and Minfilia for me? They endangered themselves on my behalf, and I would feel better knowing that they are well looked after. Thancred, in particular, sustained quite an injury from that sin eater. I would not be surprised if he were in Spagyrics still. Please...give them my thanks.” Leeja’s eyes widened as she powered her way toward the Crystarium, desperate to find them.

As she entered Spagyrics, she came to a sliding halt in front of Thancred. “Are you okay? You’re okay, right? Please tell me the eater didn’t–” Thancred placed his hand on her cheek gently, smiling a little as she rubbed her cheek against it. “I'm sorry to put you to the trouble ─ I'm fine. Really. The eater landed an unfortunately solid blow, but the healers here have done wonders.” Leeja dropped her head to his knees, whimpering softly in relief. Thancred ran his fingers through Leeja’s hair and noticed the jagged scar that tore her armour and the damaged skin below it.  “Leeja–” “I’m alright. I took a hit for Alisaie” she sniffled and looked up at him. “I'm worried about Minfilia. She's not taken it well. Could I ask you to speak with her? My attempts to reach out seem to have had the opposite effect. She's gone off to the Hortorium, ostensibly to fetch herbs for Chessamile, but... Just talk to her, will you?” He asked, clearly worried for the young girl. Leeja nodded and stood, hugging Thancred tightly. “You scared me” she spoke quietly. She leaned down and kissed him tenderly. “I’m sorry. Find Minfilia and we can talk more.” With a nod, Leeja left to find her, exhausting sinking into every part of her. 

She found Minfilia staring into nothing. “Minfilia?” She asked softly. When she didn’t answer, Leeja poked her instead, making her gasp. “Oh, Leeja . What are you doing here?”  “I’m worried about you. So is Thancred. Are you alright? You’re not hurt?” Leeja asked. Minfilia shook her head. “Thancred… It's my fault, you know. I jumped at the chance to help Lyna, but I was careless. And now. It's my fault.” “No, sweetheart. It’s not your fault. Both Thancred and I do the same thing, we get in the way to protect those we love. But how about we get those herbs for the healers?”  “Oh, what have I done? I promised I'd be right back, and yet here I am… I know that I need to be better. I'm only allowed to be a part of this because I'm Minfilia, and I need to be...more like her. All I do is make mistakes, put others in danger…” She quickly found he herbs and left before Leeja could say anything else. 

Leeja returned to Spagyrics with the herbs and handed them over before collapsing onto the bed next to Thancred. “It seems that I owe you an apology for dragging you to yet another battlefield when you've just come off the front lines! In both cases, I'm sure your efforts saved more than a few. With Spagyrics in good working order, the Crystarium's people will be well cared for. More lie ahead, of course ─ battles only you can fight. Not that we intend to let you do it alone. But that's a matter to discuss with the Exarch.” Leeja just sat quietly as Thancred spoke with Theyler. She tuned out and only rejoined again when she felt fingers against her ears. “We’ve been instructed to rest. And by we I mean you and I. Chessamile’s orders.” Leeja nodded quietly. Now that the worst of the carnage had settled, Leeja, Thancred and Minfilia were sent off to the Pendants for rest.

Thancred closed the door behind them and the three of them began to change out of their armour. Leeja cried out softly as she tried to move her injured arm. “I’ve got you.” Thancred carefully peeled the jacket away from there, peeling away tattered bits of leather that got caught in the wound. “Minfilia, grab me the medical bag we keep in the kitchen.” She nodded and quickly grabbed the box, handing it to Thancred. “Thank you, Can you go run a bath for me? Nice and warm with the muscle relaxant salts.” Once more she left the pair alone. “Did you get this healed?” “Urianger and Alphinaud started to but we got overrun and they didn’t have time to finish it” Leeja spoke quietly. She was on the verge of passing out.  “Bite onto this. I need to sew the wounds up” Thancred handed Leeja a thick bit of wood, covered in leather and she placed it in her mouth. He cleaned the area, making her groan, before taking a need and thread and threaded it through the skin, making her scream. “Deep breaths, Leeja. You need to keep breathing. I know it hurts and I do apologise but this cannot be untreated” he said. Leeja just whimpered and bit down harder. By the time he was done, she felt horrendous. He covered the wound and helped Leeja to stand, taking her to the bathroom. “Come on, darling. You need to rest.” “Stay with me” she murmured “I will. I’ll send Minfilia to the twins tonight” he said softly. 

Thancred closed the bathroom door and helped Leeja strip out of her clothing. He helped her into the bath, stripped off and climbed in behind her Leeja leaned back, hearing him hiss softly. She turned and looked at him. “Thancred?” She stood in the bath and turned to face him, noticing the black bruise across his ribs. She frowned and held her hand just above the damage.  “I’m fine, darling.” “No, you’re hurt.” She focused her healing into it, only stopping when she ran out of mana. “How’s that now?” She panted softly. “Better. Thank you” he smiled. “Now, come here.” When they finally left the bath, Thancred helped Leeja dry off as she did the same. She changed into one of his shirts and they climbed into bed for the night, the urge to sleep pulling them into a dreamless slumber.

[leejafythe]

Come what may. I will love you, until my dying, and forever more

[leejafythe]

Dancer and the Lightwardens: Chapter 8

Dohn Mheg and the Fuath - Originally posted here

Leeja and Thancred had begun to make their way to Lydha Lran, ready to meet up with the others after their “discussion”. Leeja still felt a little light headed but did not care as Thancred squeezed her hand gently. “Gil for your thoughts? “Ah, no, I was just lost in happy thoughts is all” she said, smiling warmly at him. As they made their way toward the village, Alisaie was the first to greet them. “Well, you certainly took your time” she scolded. “I’m sorry, that’s my fault. There was something I needed to talk to Thancred about and it took a little longer than I had planned” Leeja apologised.  “Is everything alright?” Alphinaud questioned. Both nodded. “What about you both? Did the pixies behave?” They nodded. “Good.” Sul Uin floated over to her and pouted. “We weren’t expecting you all back so soon. We had scarcely begun playing with the twins…” Leeja smiled apologetically.  “I’m sorry. Did Urianger give you our gifts though? Do you like them?” Leeja felt bad for the pixies. “Your gifts are truly wonderful! Let me tell you, the milk and honey and biscuits won’t last a day, and the wings are the loveliest we’ve seen!” They said excitedly, other pixies joining in the excitement. “Wonderful. Finding the perfect wings took a little bit of time, but I made sure you have them” she grinned. She liked the pixies now they weren’t playing tricks on them, something about them made her feel happy. “You’ve done us a great kindness, and it’s fae custom to return the gesture. If you desire anything of us, you need but name it” they continued. Leeja hummed softly, the interaction reminding her of the ‘cracking of the coin purse’ with the Mord in Amh Araeng. “So what is it you desire? Rust old coins that you mortals are won’t to collect, perhaps?” Leeja chuckled and looked at Urianger, who went on to explain what they needed to do. They got called crazy, but Sul Uin went off to speak with the others.

While they waited, Urianger enlightened everyone on what he had been doing and why he had the gifts for the pixies. “Is there anything you can tell us of the Lightwarden?” Alisaie asked. Urianger nodded and began. “Aye, my lady. By circumstances most tragic, the Lightwarden of this land…” He began. “Is our king and ruler, Titania” Sul Uin finished. “It was not always so, of course. Our king fought the first Lightwarden that threatened our home, you see. Fought it, and won. But all that horrible Light that came out went and corrupted them, turning them into a new Lightwarden” they explained, sadness in their voice. “Now, they’re king only in name, Naught remains of the kind and just ruler that used to be. We had no choice but to seal them in the castle.”

“I can see why you’re hesitant to help. I’m sorry” Leeja said softly. Sul Uin sat on her shoulder, earning a surprised look from her companions. “Is there a way to break the magick to get into the castle?” “Aye. The magick used for breaking the seal, we divided into four and wove each into a different relic, to be kept apart until the time was right…” They handed over a dress. A relic that had part of the spell. By entrusting it to the Scions, it meant they had won their trust.  “Thank you, I promise you that you’ve made the right choice.” “Though you’re certainly going to your deaths, we thought we should, at least, let you try. That way, we get to watch what happens” Sul Uin moved off of Leeja’s shoulder and floated next to her as they continued to talk about where the rest of the relics were and Urianger spoke up. “Let us hie to the lake, there to claim the shell crown from the Fuath. If we call to them before the Untouchable Gate, they will answer.” With a nod, they bid farewell to the pixies and began their walk to the gate.

“Are you alright? You’re quiet” Alphinaud asked Leeja, slightly worried. “Hm? I’m fine, just a little tired is all” she replied. She wasn’t wrong, the lack of being unable to rest properly since rescuing Minfilia began to weigh on her. She was tired, but she could cope.  “If you’re sure” Alphinaud nodded a little. He knew better than to push it with her, else she get snappy. They stopped at the edge of the lake in front of ring of roots, vines on either side and purple on the bottom.  “This must be the gate, I assume.” “Indeed” Urianger turned to the gate. “Hearken to me, O spirits of the water. We are come with an entreaty” he began. Silence. Not a single reply. “Not in a talkative mood, apparently” Thancred crossed his arms and looked at the gate.  “But if the Fuath are water spirits, perhaps we should take the search into the lake” Alisaie said as both Urianger and Alphinaud paled a little at the meer mention of going into the water. Leeja couldn’t help but smirk a little.  “Now, now, there’s no need to panic. It’s just a little water. It won’t kill you as long as you’re careful” she giggled. “We all know Thancred swims like an eel, but what about you, Minfilia?” Alisaie asked.  “I can swim well enough. Thancred taught me” she answered.  “Excellent. What about you, Urianger? I don’t think I’ve ever asked.” She looked at the elezen as Leeja answered for him. “Oh he can’t swim. Given his reaction when you mentioned going into the water” Leeja looked at Alisaie. Urianger suggested walking on the water’s surface. Alphinaud sounded relieved that he wasn’t alone in not being able to swim. Both Leeja and Alisaie found it highly amusing and when they heard Minfilia laughing with them, it made the laugh even more. 

“Well, well, aren’t we a lively lot! And you have an entreaty for us, you say? An entreat from mortals - what a treat!” A voice came from the gate. They turned and faced it. There was no one there, but the voice was very clear as Urianger replied. “Aye. My comrades and I are on a quest to vanquish the Lightwarden. To that end, we would humbly beg the loan of the shell crown, which we are given to understand is in the safekeeping of your people” he said.  “Oh? Is that all? Of course, of course! You may have it! You shall have it!” The voice was too cheery and it made Leeja frown a little. Thancred spoke her exact thoughts out loud. “Just like that? What do you want from us?” “Ohoho, no need to be so suspicious! The crown simply doesn’t mean that much to us, is all.” Leeja frowned and looked at Thancred. They were both in the same mindset, though it was a natural feeling to be incredibly suspicious. Especially in the land of the fae folk. The voice continued to tell them nothing meant anything to them - not the faerie king or the world.  “Having said that… We do so seldom have mortal visitors, and it would seem a shame not to make the most of you. Touch the Untouchable Gate and come hither to our domain, Dohn Mheg. In your tongue, it means forbidden realm. Sounds foreboding, yes?”  “Hm… Seems we have no choice but to indulge in their game. If anyone knows a thing or two about bringing thrilling sport, it would be you” Thancred said, looking at Leeja. She paled slightly at his words, knowing what he was referring to.  “U-Uh, sure…” She spoke softly. “Let’s just get this done, aye?” She touched the gate and watched as it bloomed to life and a portal appeared in the form of a bubble.

When they stepped through, it took them to a vibrant land. Green bushes covered in brightly coloured flowers, green grass with blue flowers along the side. Pink and yellow plants floating about. There were butterflies everywhere, hanging out by the flowers and flying all over the place, a majority of them floating by a large patch of long blue flowers. Leeja and Minfilia both looked around in awe, enjoying the many brightly coloured flowers. Leeja used her magick to grant Minfilia her “dance partner.” Thancred took the lead and they began to make their way though. They came across a fuath who had been empowering walking flower baskets with strength, bringing various creatures around with it to slow down their progress, only to be left surprised when they cut down all them. They ran off and began to do the same thing over again, only to watch the group do the same thing. They ran through a tunnel that bloomed to life with flowers that came down and showered them with loose petals. “Oh my, did you see the flowers?” Minfila asked. “Focus, Minfilia.” Thancred answered quickly as they arrived at the next pack of mobs. “I saw them, they were so pretty” Leeja grinned at her as she began her dance steps anew.

A gate creaked open, allowing them through and they came across the fuath they met before. Only, this time they were bigger and ready to fight them. They ran in as Leeja performed her steps, boosting the strength of everyone as Thancred rushed in, ready to fight Aenc Thon. They didn’t make it easy on the Scions as they (barely) dodged the puddles of water that shot them into the air if they weren’t careful, interrupting the spell casting of Urianger, Alisaie and Alphinaud, by throwing them up into the air. Leeja and Minfilia just about avoided being tossed and Thancred managed to dodge every single puddle. Once they had beaten the fuath, they continued on their way to defeat everything in their path as had been told by the disembodied voice at the gate. 

Bee hives were dropped down and broke upon contact with the ground. No matter how quickly they tried to dispatch the bees, they still got stung horrible. “Urgh! Blasted things!” “I’m so itchy and sore now!” Alisaie growled in annoyance. Both Urianger and Alphinaud were quick to heal the damages caused by the bees and, with great delicacy, made their way up a path of leaves. At the top, they were faced with another treant, and another fuath feeding it magick to make it stronger. Once they had dispatched it, they ran on ahead to find a creature made up of twisted branches and leaves on its head. Leeja’s eyes flicked about as she looked for a strategy.  “Follow my lead, get ready.” She began her steps and as soon as the effects were felt by the party, Thancred rushed on in, followed by Minfilia and then the rest of the party.

As Graule made it’s attacks and made an attempt to cause attempted damage to various members of the party, Leeja called out the position of it, her echo aiding her in the battles. Saplings appeared around the area, ready to made Graule bigger. “Stand in front of them! Don’t let them feed the big one!” She called out. They stood in front of them, absorbing the magick that made them slightly bigger. Vines appeared around each of the Scions, pinning them in place and forcing them to cut themselves free. A mild distraction but it didn’t last long as they were easy to cut down. It’s attacks repeated several times and Leeja continued to call it out when she saw it. When Graule was defeated, a path appeared across the lake with a castle at the end of it. “There’s our goal, I think.” “Do we have to swim?” Alphinaud asked, his voice a little shaky at the thought of it. Leeja braced herself to fall through but to her surprise, she didn’t.  “There’s a path here. Walk in a straight line and you’ll be fine” she said, walking along the path slowly, just in case. “A castle of water… It’s just like a faerie tale” Minfilia said, looking up at the castle. “Except we’re the ones in the tale. Stay on your guard.” Thancred followed up with. “He’s right. We don’t know what to expect when we get in there” Leeja said gently. 

They pushed the doors open and stepped inside, a voice called out to them “Welcome! Welcome to our humble abode!” Up ahead was the shell crown. It was clearly a trap, yet Leeja went up and touched it regardless. Someone had to regardless of it being a trap or not!  “Stop! I smell a trap!” Thancred yelled. “We have to touch it regardless!” Leeja countered. As she put her hand on it, it vanished and three mobs sat in front of her. Thancred grabbed their attention quickly and it wasn’t long before they were finished. A ramp led up to the next part of the castle and they followed it. Inside, there were roaming kelpies and several packs of mobs needing to be gotten rid of. They did so and one final ramp appeared, leading into a large room.

The floor of the room was a round platform, water surrounding it. The crown sat at the top of a small set of stairs and standing there, in their true form, was Aenc Thon, dressed as a conductor. “This time we’ll really have the crown!” Minfilia looked at Leeja who nodded. “Focus on the fight, Minfilia - not the prize” Thancred said. Leeja began her steps once more and, as usual, once they all felt the effects Thancred went straight into the fight. Leeja once again called out when attacks were going to affect the rest of the party. The only attack she didn’t expect was when they threw the party back toward the door. The floor below vanished and an extremely thin zig-zag bridge that covered from the side the party was on to the side that Aenc Thon was standing, playing their music. The Scions made their way across the bridge, Thancred first, Urianger second and followed up by Leeja and Minfilia. They breached the barrier around Aenc Thon and quickly broke it down. After a short while, Aenc Thon moved to the middle of the room, casting a spell which transformed them into a shade of fear. It was an ugly looking thing - green flesh with four tentacles that looked purple. The spells that came from it spewed corrosive bile on the ground from the large jagged rows of teeth, everyone just about avoiding getting hit by it. It raised its tentacles and slammed them down on the ground hard, clipping Leeja and left with her a mild concussion. Alphinaud did his best to help deal with it and she thanked him, feeling a little breathless from having the wind knocked out of her. The shade vanished and again became Aenc Thon. The continued to fight until they called mercy and vanished in a bubble of water. “Is it… Is it over?” Leeja asked, slightly breathless still. “It seems so. Is everyone alright?” Thancred asked, fixing his gunblade to his back. Everyone nodded.

The sound of a voice rang clearly from the water. “Hah hah! Well fought, well fought!” The Scions got a little closer to the ege and noticed the eyes that had suddenly appeared. Then the sounds of various voices giving congratulations to them. The water around the edge of the platform had risen and alarm bells suddenly grew loudly in Leeja’s ears.  “We need to get the crown and run, we’re in a lot of danger hanging around here” she warned.  “Ohh. You do not hold back!” Aenc Thon appeared behind them, back in his smaller size. “But I would have it no other way! Seldom have I enjoyed such sport!”  “We have satisfied thy demands. Wilt thou now satisfy ours?” Urianger asked.  “Of course! Of course…” Aenc Thon started. Yet when he trailed off, Leeja’s hands became fists.  “Something’s wrong…” She murmured. Minfilia and Alisaie looked at her with worry. Aenc Thon hadn’t heard her as he pointed toward the crown. “There it is. The relic you seek! Yours for the taking. Have care you do not break it, though, yes?” Alphinaud and Alisaie began making their way to the crown when Aenc Thon directed their attention at Leeja.  “Ah, but you, my friend… You are mighty, indeed. And pleasing to the eye besides!” That filled Leeja with ice cold dread. It reminded her of Zenos and she felt nauseous. When the unseen fuath began to call out about wanting to see more of her in action, she backed up toward Thancred and Urianger. Then one of them suggested turning her into a fuath and she looked at Thancred. “A splendid idea! Why did I not think of that?! You may have the crown, but in exchange, we have you .” Aenc Thon pointed his cane toward Leeja. Water erupted from around the platform and began to cover the Scions. Leeja barely saw anything after the water hit and knocked her unconscious. 

“Wake up! Wake up damn you!” A voice yelled at her. As she opened her eyes, she found herself in the lake and silently thanked Soroban for the ability to breathe underwater. Ardbert floated in front of her, looking relieved. “Oh, you’re alive! Thank the gods. I don’t know where you learned to breathe underwater, but its lucky that you can” he said. Leeja hummed softly in response. She felt awful. Her entire body ached, but the water too a majority of the edge off of it. 

“Mm… What happened?”

“Well, I’m sure you had your reasons, but the first rule of dealing with the fuath… Is not to deal with the fuath. It’s said they’re born from the souls of the drowned. Were it not for your little trick, you would have joined them.”

“Wha- My friends! Where are my friends!?” Leeja panicked.

“Relax, they made it to land and they’re all alive” Ardbert reassured her. Leeja sighed out in relief. “They’ll be searching for you, I bet.”

“It’s fine, Alisaie will no doubt tell them I can breathe underwater and will be fine” Leeja said. She looked around at the sunken buildings. Ardbert went on to explain about the fallen kingdom of Voebert.

“Everything we did… Everything we gave … What was it for?” It was a rhetorical question and Leeja would have hugged him if she was able to. 

“Hey, it’ll be fine. Aye, most the star has been wiped out, but there are still people alive, living their lives regardless of the circumstances.” She told him gently. “As you saw in Lakeland, we’re taking back the night.” Ardbert nodded. 

“That you are” he agreed. “Can I ask you something? It’s about that hume in the white coat.” “Thancred? Sure thing, what do you want to know?” “He cares for you, a lot, doesn’t he?” Leeja nodded. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, you know. All the little things he does that you don’t see.” “What do you mean?” She asked. “Just the way he looks at you, like you’re the only person in the room. He moves to stand near you like he wants to protect you from the dangers of the world despite the fact you’re able to stand your own.” He noticed the way Leeja blushed, a pink tinge on her cheeks. “I’d say he’s madly in love with you. Have you said it to each other yet?” Leeja thought for a moment. She’d wanted to say it for a while, yet she didn’t know how or when the time was right. She just shook her head. Ardbert smiled a little. “It must be nice. Having someone who is willing to fight the world to keep you safe but just wants to be with you all the time.” “I… I never noticed” Leeja said softly. She felt all shy, but her heart skipped a beat and sped up a little as she heard what Ardbert had said. It made her smile.  “Oh, aye. I’ve been watching. His gaze is always on you when you move. Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more infatuated with someone before. You’re lucky you’ve got someone who will have your back.” He chuckled, noticing the gentle flick of her ears and the beaming smile on her face. “You should probably surface, they’ll be panicking and such if they don’t find you soon.” “Oh, that’s a good point! Thank you, by the way.” Leeja giggled softly and swam toward the surface.

When Leeja surfaced, she noticed Urianger sat on the bank with Alisaie next to him. “I’m going back in.” She panted, clearing having been searching for a while. “Nay, my lady. Exhausted as art, thou wouldst only endanger thyself. I prithee, rest a moment.” He tried to convince the stubborn red mage. “There was nothing where we looked” Thancred said, clearly looking panicked. He looked over and noticed the water-drenched miqo’te. “Leeja!” He rushed over and hugged her tightly. Leeja hugged him back just as tight. “It’s alright, I’m alive and that’s the important thing.” She tried to reassure him. “Dear gods... Were it not for Soroban's blessing... But I need not labour the point. I am glad to see you safe and well, my friend.” Alphinaud sat down on the grass next to Urianger. Leeja shivered a little and sat down as well. “Have you any idea how worried we were!? To wash up on the shore, only to find you weren't with us!?” Alisaie scolded. Leeja’s ears pinned back and she muttered an apology. “Oh, but I'm forgetting ─ here's your crown, Your Majesty! The Fuath kept that part of the bargain, at least!” She handed the crown over and Leeja took it with a quiet ‘thanks’. Leeja felt the warmth and scent of Thancred and his coat as he draped the coat around her, trying to keep her warm.

The sound of fluttering wings speeding toward them hurriedly drew everyone's attention. “Oh! Thank goodness you're still here!” Sul Uin sounded panicked, “What happened, Sul Uin?” Leeja asked, standing up quickly. She stumbled slightly from light-headedness and thankfully had Thancred catch her and held her close, feeling the way he was trembling. She looked up at him with worry. “A great big mob of mortals is marching to Il Mheg. Mortals with ugly weapons and uglier faces! They wouldn't happen to be your friends, would they?” It sounded like they wanted to play games with them. “Rather the reverse, I fear. The Eulmoran Army, at a guess.” Thancred answered. “Meaning...we can play with them?” Ah, there was the hopefulness they wanted. “As much as you like. But just to be sure, I will return with you to confirm their identities. If they are who we suspect, we will require your aid.” Alphinaud replied. Sul Uin looked a little excited. “If Alphinaud is coming, then Alisaie will be too, yes? Can't have one without the other, you know!” Alisaie sighed and looked at Sul Uin. “All right. Just remember, we're not your playmates this time.” “I'm afraid we must leave the rest of the relic hunt in your hands.” Alphinaud gave them a confident smile. “We’ll be as quick as we can. Hold off the Eulmorans as long as you can” Leeja told them. With a nod, Sul Uin and the twins ran off, leaving Leeja, Thancred, Urianger and Minfilia. “We shouldn’t delay. Our time crunch has become a sprint.” “If it is indeed the Eulmoran Army, we may soon have to contend with Ran'jit again...which may prove problematic, even for you.” Thancred said to Leeja. She nodded  little and felt the pressure increase just a bit more. 

When they had finished climbing the riverbank and finding the path once more, Leeja went to hand Thancred his coat back, only for him to deny it. “Keep it on you until you warm up. I’ll be fine without it.” “Are you sure? I’ll feel super guilty otherwise…” She looked up at him as he nodded, smiling at her.  “It’s alright. But we shouldn’t dawdle.” He looked at Urianger. “So, do we know where the last two relics are? I assume you’ve got some idea?” He crossed his arms and waited for him to answer. Leeja and Minfilia shivered as they waited for Urianger to answer.  “Of the two remaining bearers of the relics, the Nu Mou are the nearer. We shall seek them out next. Among the fae folk, they bear the distinction of having abided in these lands since before the Flood. They are also the friendliest to men, and have served me faithfully whensoever I have called upon them. Indeed, they are the source of much of the knowledge I have acquired in my time here.” Urianger said. “The path leadeth past my dwellings. Let us away.” “Okay. Hopefully the walk will warm us up” Leeja shivered as her teeth chattered. “We should make a stop so we change out of cold, wet gear” Thancred suggested. It was met with agreement and they made their toward the Bookman’s shelves.

[leejafythe]

Dancer and the Lightwardens: Chapter 4

Alisaie - Originally posted here

When Leeja woke, she was unaware of what time it was. She already hated the blasted Light in the sky for screwing up her sleep, yet she figured it must have been morning given the sounds of movement outside her window. She got up and stretched, washed her face and changed into her armour, grabbed an apple and headed out to go and meet with the Exarch regarding Alisaie. She was tired already from repeatedly interrupted sleep and looked forward to getting a decent night’s rest. “So where are you off to now?” Leeja yelped in surprise at Ardbert’s sudden presence. “By the twelve, you scared the hells out of me!” “Ah, I’m sorry. I should have made myself known. But you’ve been to Kholusia, right?” He asked as she sat down. “Aye, from what I know you were born there?” Leeja looked at him with a soft smile. “I was. Eulmore was a lot better in those days. It’s strange, though.” She kept her eyes on him as he folded his arms across his chest.  “Go on?” “Being back there again. Everything is so different now compared to those days.” He smiled to himself and closed his eyes.  “I can’t imagine how it feels to be back to your home again after being gone so long.” Ardbert looked at Leeja. “Where are you from? From what I know of the Source no one has an accent like yours.” “I’m from a place called Radz-at-Han in Thavnair. It’s beautiful, so many bold colours, market stalls with people selling a variety of things, the food. Oh, the food is wonderful.” She smiled fondly before leaning forward and resting her arms on her legs. “I left home. Well, ran away more like. Parents were setting me up for an arranged marriage and I just… Couldn’t deal with it.” She sighed and looked up at him. “My apologies, you’re not here to listen to me complain.” “It’s fine. It sounds like a great place, though. I hope you get to go back one day without the fear of your parents.” They both chuckled and sighed softly. “What about that rogue you were with? From what I saw while we were there he seems incredibly fond of you.” She blushed and hummed softly. Ardbert raised an eyebrow as her ears flicked up and tail wagged fondly.  “His name is Thancred, by the way. But you’re right. We are incredibly fond of each other. I know that he’s here, I just don’t know where.” “I assume all your friends are here, then?” “They are. From what the Exarch said, Y’shtola is in Rak’tika, Urianger, the guy who worked with you in the beginning, is in Il Mheg. I’m off to go and find Alisaie in Ahm Araeng shortly.” She buckled her boots and stood. “I need to see the Exarch first.” “I’ll let you continue then. And don’t forget, I’m watching you, hero” he teased before vanishing. Leeja chuckled and stood. She left her apartment and headed to the Exarch to get the letter she needed.

Landing in Amh Araeng during a dust storm wasn’t pleasant. Leeja pulled her hood up in a bid to protect her face. She followed Cassard toward Mord Souq to help him and to gather information about her wayward red mage. The dust storm settled to wisps of wind and sand, but Leeja had sand everywhere. She was somewhat surprised by the mord, only to realise they’re just kobolds from home, minus the masks. Upon handing a gold piece she looked at the food that were laid out in front of her. “Welcome to Rhon Ron's, traveller! I have wares to empty your purse and fill your belly! Take your time! Stare and sniff before you choose! But no drooling on the merchandise, yes?”  “Can you tell me about each one?” She asked with a polite smile. She knelt down and pointed to each one, wanting to know more. First was the mushloaf. “Ah, very wise! You won't wither on the sands with a gut full of cactus fruit filling!” Rhon Rhon said excitedly. She was told about each one and opted to buy the mushloaf.

Only to share it with the rest of the people watching her. She attempted to eat them all but failed. “I’ll share the rest with everyone else, I think.” There was a loud cheer and she tried her best not to vomit from over eating. With a slow, deep exhale she felt better. She stood and grimaced as she handed out the bread. She then went to Cassard who smiled at her before letting her know he was unable to help her right away. She offered to help him, to go around the market for his purchases.  “...Cassard? It feels like an age since I last saw you!” A woman’s voice called out to him. They turned around to greet a woman with  large crate in her hands.  “Well, if it isn't the lovely Tesleen! It has been a while, but your timing couldn't be better. This woman was on her way to meet with Alisaie. I'm supposed to be taking her to your corner of the desert, but a misplaced order has commandeered my attention…” he smiled at her. Tesleen smiled warmly at Leeja. “...Wait, I know who you are. Alisaie has told me so much about you! You're Leeja, aren't you!?” Leeja stared at her for a moment in shock. “I… Uh… Aye? I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met before but I assume Alisaie has spoken about me?” She raised an eyebrow at her.  “I knew it! How wonderful to meet you in the flesh after hearing all those stories!” Leeja flushed with embarrassment and smiled. She was used to people talking about her, just not her friends. “I'm Tesleen. I work as a carer at the Inn, and I've gotten to know Alisaie quite well since she took up guard duties there.” Leeja nodded. “Oh! A pleasure to meet you then!” She smiled warmly at Tesleen, still feeling slightly shocked. Tesleen turned back to Cassard. “Do you want me to take over as Leeja's guide, Cassard? My shopping's all done and packed for the road, so it would be no trouble…” “That would be a great help, thank you!” Cassard turned to Leeja, letting her know they’d be in the area for a while should she want to return to the Crystarium. With a nod, she went off with Tesleen.

After fighting to clear the way, she and Tesleen made their way to the Inn at Journey’s Head. As they entered, Leeja noticed those with pale white skin, close to turning and looked at Tesleen. “Welcome to the Inn at Journey's Head. You might be our first visitor from the Crystarium since Alisaie arrived.” She spoke softly but with a smile regardless. “It's not much, but it's home for the afflicted and a handful of carers.”

“The… Afflicted?” Leeja asked, completely confused as to what she meant. “You...don't know?” Tesleen seemed shocked as she put down her crate of supplies. “I don't think I've met anyone besides Alisaie who was so unfamiliar with our situation here. Most folk have grown up knowing someone who knew someone… Hm. I might leave out something obvious, so it may be best to have Alisaie give you the full explanation.”  “I apologise, I haven’t quite become aware of it.” Leeja smiled apologetically. “Where is Alisaie, anyway?” She asked.  “Hm. I think she might be out on patrol.” Tesleen thought for a moment. “You could wait, I suppose but why not go and surprise her!? She usually takes a look at things from the watchtower first, so you might be able to catch her there.” “Heh, I’m pretty good at tracking people down, shouldn’t be too hard to find her.” Leeja chuckled softly as Tesleen smiled at her. “Well, in that case then it's not far─head out the south side and you'll soon see it. I'll stay behind, in case she comes back while you're gone.” Tesleen directed her. Leeja nodded and headed out toward the direction Tesleen said.

Leeja headed out in the direction she said and found small footprints that were clearly Alisaie’s. She followed them, until she heard a sound above her. As she looked up, she saw Alisaie leap down from the watch tower and noticed the miqo’te. “Is that?! It can’t be…” Leeja grinned at her as Alisaie defeated the sin eater she was chasing.  “Impressive. You’ve clearly improve in my absence.” Leeja smirked slightly toward Alisaie’s back. “Just a lesser sin eater, nothing to write home about. I knew you’d turn up sooner or later, though I had hoped for sooner .” Alisaie retored. Leeja winced at her response before giving her an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, it took a while to find a way to you.” Alisaie turned to finally face Leeja with a smile. “How are you?” “All the better for seeing you. I met Tesleen, by the way. Told me where to find you.” Leeja chuckled.  As they walked together, Leeja caught her up with the news from home, and how the war was going. “We’ve fought them to a standstill then.” “Unfortunately, aye. There’s not much we can do right now. Riol and his network have been going into Garlemald but I didn’t get a chance to see him before I arrived.” Leeja sighed softly, both out of sadness for not being able to say goodbye to him and not being able to catch up with him. “I’m worried, of course, but he can defend himself despite my worrying for him.” “The Exarch did say the Empire seemed to have drawn back when he last looked into the Source. But without knowing for sure how fast time was progressing there, I couldn’t help  worrying that a lot might have happened since then” Alisaie replied as they stopped at what seemed to be a small graveyard. “Riol knows what he’s doing, you know he can defend himself.” She smiled softly as Leeja folded her arms. She worried for both Thancred on the First and Riol on the Source. Alisaie placed a hand on her arm gently. “You don’t have to worry, Leeja.” “I know, I know. I can’t help it though. I’m worried for Thancred here and Riol there.” She shook her head and turned her attention back. “What about you?” “Well. I’m heartily relieved that there has been no progression of the war, just as Alphinaud must have been. As you can imagine, both he and Urianger were desperate to hear the news from home when I arrived.” Alisaie explained. Leeja nodded. “I haven’t actually seen Thancred and Y’shtola yet, but they will have heard the latest developments from the Exarch by now – or should have, anyway” she said softly.  “I hope so. When I arrived, the Exarch spoke of Urianger’s vision and it uh… Safe to say it’s left me kind of shaken.” Leeja murmured. Alisaie nodded in agreement.  “When I think of how frantic Tataru and the others must be, I want nothing more than to rush back and reassure them. But we still haven’t found a way to reverse the summoning. And even if we had, we still can’t ignore Urianger’s vision.” Alisaie sighed.  “I’d rather not ignore it either. Dying isn’t exactly in my career options, nor do I want to see all of you die” Leeja frowned in response.

Alisaie went through everything she knew as Leeja listened diligently, and when she was finally done, they both agreed to finish off her patrol. “Let's report our victories to Tesleen, shall we?” “Sure, oh and she’s been telling me some… Interesting stories, by the way.” She noticed Alisaie’s look of horror.  “Oh, she has, has she?” Leeja grinned as Alisaie shook her head, defeated. “Let’s get going.” Leeja all but burst into a fit of uncontrollable giggles, even when met by a thunderous look from Alisaie, which then melted when she saw how highly amused the miqo’te had become. It had been a year since she had seen Leeja and she felt better knowing she had finally arrived. They walked back toward the inn together as Alisaie filled her in on her duties that she had taken on.

“You have our thanks...and my apologies for leading you from one battle to another ever since the moment we met!” Tesleen smiled apologetically toward her. “It’s fine, if it keeps people safe then I’ll take on any sin eater and happily slay it.” Leeja’s ears flicked gently as her tail lazily swayed behind her. “In any case, I'm glad to see the two of you found each other. You have no idea how badly Alisaie has missed your company! Everything is always, “If Leeja were here, she would─” Tesleen started to speak. “That's an exaggeration! And I don't sound like that, either! I was simply trying to view matters from another perspective, and I respect Leeja's methods!” Alisaie cut her off quickly. Leeja snickered and shook her head. “It’s fine, Alisaie is just as strong as I am so even if I got here first, I’d have recommended Alisaie to come and support you all.” Leeja smiled proudly as Alisaie’s face burned crimson. “Leeja!” “I mean it, Alisaie.” The red mage couldn’t strike back and sat quietly as she began to pout.  “The way she leaps into the fray without hesitation, it really is something to behold. I might be a little smitten myself!” It was Leeja’s turn to blush and Alisaie’s turn to grin. “You wouldn’t believe the amount of times she’s been told that.” Leeja winced. Well, Alisaie wasn’t wrong. 

Alisaie and Leeja had been tasked to help out while Tesleen finished making the stew for everyone. They had even returned to Mord Souq where Alisaie explained the reason for purchasing the nectarine. “In my time here, I’ve borne witness to a lot of last meals. I feel just as helpless as before. No matter how hard I fight, it’s never enough.” “No, but you’re doing what you can. We’ll bring everyone back and we will take back this broken world and put it back together again, even if it kills me.” “That is not funny.” Alisaie frowned. “I’m not saying it as a joke. I mean it.” Leeja kept a straight face. A face Alisaie had seen before when they were in Othard, and then in Ala Mhigo. “I believe you. Gods know you’ve always kept your world.” She smiled as Leeja squeezed her shoulder gently. When they descended the tower, Leeja felt a pit in her stomach. Something was wrong, or about to become dangerous and the feeling grew worse the closer to the inn they got.

Leeja stopped walking and began to look around, trying to find the cause of the feeling. “Leeja? Are you alright?” Alisaie looked back at her. “Huh? Oh, something… I’ve got that feeling…” Leeja shook her head and caught back up with her. “The feeling? The bad feeling?” Leeja nodded and it put both of them on guard, mostly out of worry. The feeling had never let her down before and now it’s happening again? “We’ll have to keep an eye on things, just be ready to fight should we need to.” Leeja nodded as they entered the inn once again. Tesleen greeted them with a warm smile. “You’re back! I think it’s time for that welcome meal, don’t you think?” Leeja and Alisaie looked at each other and sat down at the table, still on edge.

They spoke as they ate with Tesleen explaining more about the inn and her own story. “When my mother finally left this world, I was mad with grie, but also thankful that her passing was a peaceful one.” “I’m so sorry, Tesleen. I can’t imagine what it must be like to not only lose your mother, but to sin eaters.” Leeja watched her with a soft smile. She knew not everyone responded well to sympathy. “Thank you, but I’m okay. She wasn’t in pain when she left.” She sighed and sat down herself. “It’s never easy ending a life you’ve cared for. Even when you go on to believe they’ve gone to a better place.” She picked up the nectarine. “I often find myself wishing for the Warrior of Darkness would come and do that part for me.” Leeja and Alisaie looked at each other, curiosity getting Tesleen’s attention. “The Warrior of Darkness…?” Alisaie beat Leeja to asking.  “You’ve never heard the tale? I’m not sure where it began, but every child in Norvrandt can tell you a version of it.” With a soft smile she began to recite the poem.  “Warrior of Darkness, servant of death, Take care of our souls at our dying breath Let sinners and eaters of sin go with thee That all may return to the sunless sea.” “Well, that’s the version I was taught anyway. It’s just an old bedtime story – he’s never deigned to visit us here.” Leeja looked down a at her bowl, chewing the inside of her lip. She could sense Ardbert watching from a distance.  “Which is a good thing, surely? He sounds rather ominous” Alisaie said. She watched Leeja from the corner of her eye.

The pit in Leeja’s stomach grew worse, making her groan softly and gripped her head. Her echo created the feeling, warning her of danger but this time, it made both her head and stomach hurt badly. “Leeja?” Alisaie looked at her worried, but when the patients began to look up at the sky, it made all the carers look at them all, worried. “What’s happening?” “They’re coming…”  “Tesleen!” One of the panicked carers came to a halt in front of her. “Have you seen Halric?! I swear, I only took my eyes off him for a second!” Leeja and Alisaie stood up quickly, looking at each other. “Leeja, Alisaie – we have to look for Halric!” They nodded and rushed off, trying to find any sign of him. 

As Leeja sprinted about, sliding on the sand when she tried to stop, she almost crashed right into a sin eater. She back up and freed her chakrams, filling them with aether and tying them to her hands with aetherial tethers. Once the sin eater was gone, she continued on her search and met with Alisaie. The sound of large wings above them drew her attention. “Did you see the size of that thing!? It must be one of the nasty ones! Wherever it’s going, it can only mean trouble. After it!” The pair sprinted away quickly. 

Yet when they found it, they found Halric at the same time. They wouldn’t reach him in time. Tesleen leapt from behind the eater, bringing her sword down and cutting it’s wing as she slid to her knees in front of Halric. “We have to run!” Tesleen’s eyes widened as the eater plunged it’s sword straight through her chest, filling her with light.  “Tesleen, no!” Alisaie screamed. Leeja grabbed her back quickly. “No, Alisaie it’s too late we can’t save her…” Leeja felt sick with both anger and sadness. Tesleen’s sword fell to the ground as she coughed up blood and went limp. She smiled as she looked at Halric. “We all deserve happiness… Wherever we can find it…” She lifted her hands to Halric’s face. “The time left to you… Is precious… No one should die… In pain.” Alisaie struggled in Leeja’s iron grip as she went limp and began to sob. Leeja turned Alisaie’s head to try and protect her from witnessing the scene unfolding in front of them. “Mother… Mother… I…” 

The eater tore its sword from Tesleen’s chest, leaving the wound glowing brightly with white light. Her body spasms as her eyes widened and a scream tore from her chest. The sky brightened ever so briefly, making it hard for Leeja to keep her eyes open until finally it settled once more. When Leeja opened her eyes once more, she watched with horror as Tesleen began to vomit bright white, the Light changing every part of her body and ripping away her ambient aether. She fell back on her knees once more, her face contorting horribly, eyes turning black as light pushed its way out of her. As she reached out, her body became cocooned in light. She burst through once the transformation had taken her completely and it was horrendous. Her body had been stretched, wings sprouted from her back. Her arms and legs had become stick thin, claws replacing her hands. Her neck had been stretched and absorbed her head, leaving her face showing. Her eyes had gone, replaced with black sockets and grey marks that looked like tear stains. 

Alisaie had finally torn herself away from Leeja and ran toward her, screaming and sobbing as she fell to her knees in the sand. The larger eater flew away and left Tesleen and Halric where it had landed. Tesleen raised herself in the air with her wings and turned to Alisaie. “Forgive me… Alisaie…” She forced the words out and flew off. Leeja knelt next to the red mage and pulled her close, letting her sob on her shoulder.  “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Alisaie.” Leeja rubbed her back gently and just stayed there in the sand with her until she had calmed down enough to stand and take Halric to the inn once more. Leeja had collected Tesleen’s sword and followed back in silence. 

Leeja placed the sword on the table and went to Alisaie. “How are you feeling, sweetpea?” “I'm sorry, Leeja. I tried to tell the carers what happened, but…” Alisaie sniffled and wiped her eyes. “It’s alright, gather your thoughts and I’ll speak with the carers, okay?” She nodded and Leeja began to make the rounds, breaking the news to the carers who were all heartbroken to learn of the news. They both made the decision to return to the Crystarium. Alisaie bid her farewells and they left, despite the carers trying to convince Alisaie to stay a little longer.

When their amaro landed back in the Crystarium, they made their way toward the Crystal Tower in silence. Leeja didn’t push Alisaie, she knew grief and the hells it brought with it. They were shown to the Occular, where Alphinaud and the Exarch waited. “Welcome back, you two.” The Exarch said with a smile. Leeja shook her head and Alphinaud went over to Alisaie, pulling her into a tight hug. Leeja quickly gave them a run down of what happened.  “I think we could all do with a night’s rest, meet back tomorrow if that’s alright, Exarch?” Leeja spoke softly and he nodded. “A wise idea. We can meet back up tomorrow after you’re both suitably rested.” One last nod and they all left the tower. “Alphinaud, can you take care of Alisaie?” Leeja asked softly. “Of course. Come, let us return to the Pendants.”

When their amaro landed back in the Crystarium, they made their way toward the Crystal Tower in silence. Leeja didn’t push Alisaie, she knew grief and the hells it brought with it. They were shown to the Occular, where Alphinaud and the Exarch waited. “Welcome back, you two.” The Exarch said with a smile. Leeja shook her head and Alphinaud went over to Alisaie, pulling her into a tight hug. Leeja quickly gave them a run down of what happened.  “I think we could all do with a night’s rest, meet back tomorrow if that’s alright, Exarch?” Leeja spoke softly and he nodded. “A wise idea. We can meet back up tomorrow after you’re both suitably rested.” One last nod and they all left the tower. “Alphinaud, can you take care of Alisaie?” Leeja asked softly. “Of course. Come, let us return to the Pendants.”

[leejafythe]

Find Me in the Shadows

FFXIV Write 2022 Entry Prompt: Fuse Word Count: 1912 CW: Near-death experience, mention of injuries AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/42499767

I can’t keep going. I don’t have the energy to fight anymore. I just want this to be over. “Leeja” Thancred’s voice was soft as he pulled her from her thoughts “a gil for your thoughts?” She gave him a small, tired smile and shook her head.

“Just tired is all” her chest ached from the amount of walking she had done and breathing was uncomfortable.

“Sit down, darling. Slow, deep breaths” he helped her to the ground and knelt next to her and counted her breaths. “There you go. How are you feeling?”

“Cold. Nothing I do warms me up” Leeja wheezed slightly as she spoke, struggling to catch her breath. Thancred removed his gunblade and took off his coat to wrap around her carefully.

“It’s enough for now. We can move when you’re ready.” I’ll never be ready. 

Y’shtola kept her distance, struggling to look at the miqo’te. It stung, Leeja wouldn’t hide her sadness for that. “Ryne, how is the Light doing?”

“‘S under control, Shtola” Leeja murmured before coughing hard, covering her hand in pure white bile as she gasped for air softly. Thancred handed her the flask of water and cleaned her hand as the others stood in pure silence, unable to watch. 

“Drink this, you’ll feel better” Thancred helped her sip the water carefully. 

“How is your pain?” Alphinaud knelt down next to her on the other side, checking her over.

“Manageable. Kind of. Everything just aches and I’m just tired.”

“Let me see if I can help with it” he cast a gentle healing spell and she sighed softly as the pain dulled down.

“Thanks, Alphinaud” the elezen smiled at her. 

As each Scion made their will known to Leeja, that they would be fighting by her side whether she liked it or not they made their way into the Capitol building, leaving Leeja, Thancred and Ryne alone. “Well, this has put everyone in a solemn mood, hasn't it? Honestly, we're not even sure this will be the end of it. But I suppose we should speak our minds when we have the opportunity. You taught me that much in Amh Araeng” he smiled softly at her. She rested her head against him gently. “So forgive me this moment of sentiment, Leeja. By dragging me into this sorry mess, you've given me the chance to think and act as I should have. For Ryne's sake. Words cannot express how much this has changed my life, or how grateful I am for your support…” she looked at him, shocked. “...So I shall express my gratitude through action instead. No matter where you decide to go, I will be there, guarding your back” he chuckled softly as she choked back a sob.

“Since when did you sentimental?” Leeja chuckled a little and wiped her eyes.

“I’ve you to thank for that.” Leeja shifted her position and kissed him gently. She pressed her brow to his and forced back the urge to cry.

“Thank you, Thancred. For everything you’ve done for me.”

“You can thank me when we’re out the other side.”

“Thancred–”

“I mean it, Leeja. You will not die today. I will not let you” he stood and helped her to her feet before he headed off to meet the rest.

Ryne was quiet and Leeja could see the conflict on her face. “Ryne, sweetheart, talk to me” she leaned against the wall for balance.

“When Minfilia entrusted me with her power, she warned me that no matter how strong you become, you can still fall victim to despair; you can still feel powerless” the young oracle looked down at her hands “And she was right. After you collapsed on Mt. Gulg, my hands wouldn't stop shaking… If I made a mistake, if I failed to bind the Light within you... I was terrified you would die” she looked at Leeja sadly as she continued to unload. Leeja stood and listened to her, taking in everything she was saying and feeling her heart ache. She understood Ryne’s stress, the amount of pressure on her shoulders. “Even now, you could be moments from turning, and I wouldn't know how to save you!” Leeja opened her mouth to answer her, only to be cut off. “You, Thancred, the others, you've all been there when I needed help. Minfilia surrendered her life to me─her legacy. I should be ready to do the same for you! And I want to, I do! But I just… I'm not good enough. She told me to follow your example, and I've tried, I've really tried…” Leeja dropped to her knees and pulled her into a tight hug. Her body ached at the pressure but she didn’t care.

“Ryne…” she swallowed back a sob. “Listen to me, okay? You shouldn’t hang your head.”

“...I shouldn’t?”

“No, darling. You shouldn’t. In truth, I’m not asking to be saved. I’m just asking to save everyone else” she gave Ryne a sad smile.

“But the Light, it ─ You'll ─ How can you go on?”

“I’m at peace with death. I have been for a while now. And besides,” she closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again, “Fate can be cruel, but a smile better suits a hero.” With a renewed resolve, Ryne was ready to join the rest. 

She helped Leeja stand and allowed the miqo’te to hold onto her shoulder to guide her. Leeja smiled softly and shook her head “it may sound daft but I can find my way to Thancred just by smell.” They made their way into the building and were met by Emet-Selch who began his speech. Leeja’s strength was beginning to wane and she gripped onto Thancred’s hand tightly and leaned against him. The flames from the door he walked though were felt by everyone. Everyone but Leeja and it was a feeling she didn’t realised she missed so very much.

______________________________________

No matter what they threw at the ascian, nothing penetrated his shield. Leeja forced her legs to move toward him, chanting it over and over in her splitting mind you’re so close. Kill him. Finish it! “And you! Why waste your final moments in futile defiance? Weary wanderer ─ you've no fight left to fight! No life left to live!” He taunted her until, in her dulled rage, the Light had other ideas. She collapsed to the ground and felt her very soul begin to tear apart, a pain she wouldn’t even inflict on Zenos. She went to scream but nothing but bile came out as she fell to the ground. She could hardly hear what was being said but she knew Emet was still taunting and teasing, but she couldn’t move. Her eyes burned, every part of her body and soul felt like it was on fire. She saw Thancred rush forward in a bid to give Ryne time but it was no use. She felt to her knees and reached out for Leeja.

“Fight it... You have to hold on!” Bile replaced her voice and everytime she tried to speak she failed until she finally collapsed.

When she opened her eyes, everything around her was white and bright and blinding. This must be my last chance before I turn. When she turned her head, she saw Ardbert, and a sinking feeling set in. “If you had the strength to take another step, could you do it? Could you save our worlds?” She frowned a little and pushed herself up off the ground and looked at him.

��What, by myself? You know I could!” Ardbert grinned at her and held out his axe. She knew what this meant and it hurt her. “Hey, Ardbert? Thank you. Despite our initial meeting it’s been a pleasure getting to know you.”

“Aye. And you, Warrior of Darkness” he smiled warmly as she took the axe. She smiled sadly as he vanished, but she could feel his warmth throughout. The feeling of her soul being ripped apart vanished and she surmised that he absorbed the remaining Light. He saved her life and she could never truly thank him for it, yet she knew he’d be with her always.

She rose to her feet, slowly at first as the Light exploded from her. Her hearing came back, as did her vision and she noticed the look of confusion on Emet’s face as she stared him down, her voice mixed with Ardbert’s and it was a strange sound. “This world is not yours to end. This is our future. Our story.”

“No... It can't be… Bah, a trick of the light. You are a broken husk, nothing more. How can you hope to stand against me alone?” Leeja smirked as her eyes flicked behind Emet. She had seen the flash of red and white of G’raha appearing behind him and looked back at Emet.

“I’m never truly alone, Emet-Selch. You’d do well to remember that.” The Ascian growled with frustration “I challenge you, Emet-Selch. One way or another, it ends.”

“Very well. Let us proceed to your final judgment. The victor shall write the tale, and the vanquished become its villain! But come! Let us cast aside titles and pretense, and reveal our true faces to one another!” He began a cast as a wall of shadow appeared and she came face to face with his true self. “I am Hades! He who shall awaken our brethren from their dark slumber!” Leeja smirked and pulled her chakrams loose from the holders.

“And I’m Leeja Fythe, Warrior of Light and Darkness both and the saviour of the Source and her Shards!” She launched herself into the fight with Hades.

______________________________________

He didn’t relent. He was intense and there were points Leeja wasn’t sure she was going to make it out alive. As the blackness surrounded her, the familiar sound of a familiar gunblade rang clear in her ears as Thancred tore through the veil “enough, damn you!” As he shattered the white auracite into pieces and the found a home in Emet’s body, the rest of the Scions began to channel their aether into the shards. 

“Now! Strike with all thy might!” she barely heard Urianger over the sound and began to channel the remaining Light within her and formed it into the shape of Ardbert’s axe. As the darkness began to drown out the last remaining motes of light, she threw the axe as hard as she could and then it was over. 

When Emet’s form vanished back into aether and back into the lifestream and naught of him remained, Leeja’s strength and legs finally gave out and she felt herself slowly falling. Only to be caught by Thancred “I’ve got you, darling.”

“Thank you” she gave in and let him take her weight. Both Ryne and Y’shtola confirmed that the invading Light had gone and her soul was no longer splitting apart. Her body ached and she was exhausted, but the First, and the Source, were both safe from another calamity. She was desperate for sleep and Urianger and Alphinaud quickly healed her enough to make it to the surface. Sadly their efforts were no good, the exhaustion and fatigue were overwhelming to the point any healing was negated. Thancred scooped her up and chose to carry her back instead, despite her protests.

They made their way back to the Crystarium where much needed rest was in order, and oh how Leeja looked forward to the sweet relief of sleep.

[leejafythe]

Bath Time

FFXIV Write 2022 Entry: Tepid Word Count: 2147 CW: Descriptions of injuries - burns mostly. AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/41627190

“With the restoration of our first element, the Empty was once more blessed with the most essential ingredient in the cycle of precipitation: water. Under normal circumstances, the heat existent in the atmosphere would cause water to evaporate from the land's surface. As invisible vapor, it is borne by the wind high unto the firmament, where it doth condense as clouds before descending once more, returning to the land in the form of rain” Urianger explained to the group. They had finally returned to the Empty after restoring the lightning element but taking some time away for Leeja’s injury recovery. 

“It seems we need wind-aspected aether to create more clouds. That it hasn't rained yet must mean there aren't enough.” Thancred hummed, resting his hand on his hip. Leeja chewed her lip, knowing exactly who she was about to go against.

“And even before that, we need fire-aspected aether to make the water evaporate” none of them witnessed Leeja’s brief moment of panic. She knew she had to fight them at some point but she prayed not together. Well, Gaia seemed to think otherwise.

“It seems to me that one's not much good without the other. Why don't you just draw out both elements together?” Everyone stared at Gaia in sheer surprise, yet Thancred was the first to speak up. 

“You're suggesting that Leeja fight two deiform entities, each one as deadly as Ramuh, at the same time? Do you realize how absurd that is?” he snapped, worried about any further injuries out of fear for her life. The miqo’te, on the other hand, was quiet. 

“And yet...'tis a notion that doth warrant further consideration.”

“Oh, you can't be serious…” Thancred was beginning to feel irritated by it all. It would put Leeja in extreme danger and would put a lot of stress on Ryne. His protectiveness was showing.

Leeja tuned out as Urianger went into the science of everything. She knew it was dangerous, as did Ryne, but given that look on her face, Leeja knew it was a path to walk down. Ryne was dead set on restoring the Empty and Leeja had promised she would be by her side every step of the way. “My concern is for the burden this would place not only on Leeja, but Ryne as well” he sighed and looked at the pair of them. “What do you both make of the plan?”

“If Urianger thinks it'll work, I'm willing to give it a try!” Ryne was willing to take the risk, and then attention was turned to Leeja. “Leeja? What do you think?” The dancer swallowed hard, suddenly feeling the pressure on her shoulders.

“I… I won’t lie, it is a lot of pressure with a lot of risk and anyone would be smart to run,” Ryne looked disheartened at her words, “but I’m not just ‘anyone’. I’ve fought fiends a lot uglier than Garuda and Ifrit so I’m happy to help. I promised you I’d be by your side through this, Ryne, and I am going to keep my word” Leeja smiled warmly at her, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Thancred sighed and shook his head.

“As long as you know what you're letting yourselves in for. You're going to need all your strength, so see that you get plenty of rest.” They both nodded.

While Ryne, Thancred and Urianger chatted away, Leeja headed back to the tent. She formulated a battle plan in her head, trying to work out how to fight to deiforms at once. She sat on the edge of the cot and sighed. Why did she agree to this? Right, Ryne. I’m doing this for her . She rubbed her face and laid back on the cot with her eyes closed. She heard the tent flap open and close again and cracked an eye open to look at the staring intruder. “You are mad.”

“I know, honey. You don’t need to tell me” she smiled a little and sat up.

“Both of them? Both of them !?”

“Keep your voice down, Thancred” she looked at him. “I know, it’s such a stupidly dangerous thing to do. But I’m doing it for Ryne. I’m doing it because she has her heart set on restoring this wasteland. Look around! We’ve already made lasting change! I don’t want to ruin things for her” Thancred shook his head and smiled.

“Thank you. For believing in her.”

“I always have, love. Always” she stood and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she felt his hands rest on her lower back. 

“I know. And I am grateful for it.” He kissed her tenderly as he pulled her tight against him. Her soft purring made him smile. “You will be okay, won’t you? Take all manner of precaution?”

“Do you want me to take my gunblade instead? I’m faster without it but for your peace of mind, I’ll take it” she cupped his cheek gently and ran her thumb along his skin.

“If you need the speed, then take your chakrams” he turned his head and kissed her palm.

“Ryne’s outside” she smiled at him.

“I know–”

“No I mean she’s outside our tent, love. Go see what she needs. I’m going to do as you suggested and get some rest.” Thancred took his leave while Leeja got herself ready to sleep.

_________________________________

Leeja came stumbling out of the fight with Garuda and Ifrit who ultimately fused together to become Raktapaksa, making Leeja’s already difficult fight a touch harder. Thancred caught her as she fell “Leeja?!” 

“We need to get her out of here and get her wounds tended to” Thancred looked at Urianger who just nodded in agreement. “Hold onto me, Leeja. I’ll get us out of here.”

“I can walk… promise” she pulled out from his grasp, took a step and fell as she cried out softly. Thancred caught her once more and lifted her. 

“No, darling, you can’t. Come, let’s get you patched up.” They left Eden’s core and went back to camp.

In the tent, they checked her over. Her fur was matted and burned off in places, her hair just as equally knotted. Her armour was burned, damaged and torn in places - likely from the wind attacks. In the damaged areas, her skin was exposed as the protective layer she wore under the leather and chainmail gear was a mix of fire burned, wind burned, bruised and wounded. The worst of it all was the long burn up her outer left leg and some of the leather that had been melted into it. “I suggest we return to the Crystarium. ‘Tis crucial she be seen by Chessamile” Urianger healed her wounds after Thancred removed the leather very carefully.

“I agree with you on that. These seem to be doing more harm than good and I’m worried about what will happen to her should we continue” Thancred sighed and looked at Urianger once he covered the open wound with a bandage and lifted her carefully to take her to the Sky Slipper. “Ryne, Gaia, one of you will have to sit up front while I hold Leeja up.”

“‘M tired… gonna sleep for a bit…” Leeja’s eyes closed and that was the last thing she remembered.

_________________________________

A day later, back in the Crystarium, Leeja limped through to find Thancred in the bathroom waiting for her. He had run the water for a nice soak that Leeja definitely needed. “You got my message. Good.” She hummed in response, feeling tired and achy. 

“Aye. Sorry, love. I’m just tired” she gave him an exhausted smile. 

“I’ll be quick. Let me get the matting out. Come sit in front of me” he beckoned her over and sat in front of him on the chair. Thancred grabbed a comb and began to attempt to brush the matted fur. 

Whenever he hit a sensitive or sore patch, she whimpered and winced or hissed. He apologised every time but she was too tired and snapped at him each time.

“I’m sorry, love. I’m so tired I just want to sleep, okay?”

“I know, darling. It’s fine, let’s get this over with”. When he finally realised he stopped tugging at the fur. “Right, strip and get in the bath.”

“No. Don’t want to. Want to go to bed” she got up in a bid to leave he grabbed her gently.

“Leeja, if you don’t you’ll complain your tail and ears hurt.”

“‘S fine, I can handle it” she attempted to wriggle free but his hold on her tightened. “You can’t make me.” Her breath hitched as she felt his lips close to her ear.

“Want t’ make that bet, sweetheart?” his voice had dropped and he growled the words. She couldn’t stop the moan that left her lips as she stopped fighting him. He chuckled “so, still want to fight me?”

“Bastard.”

“Aye, I am but I know how to get you to behave. Now, strip and get in the bath, darling. I’ll be gentle with your fur, I promise” he kissed her cheek, smirking when she swallowed hard.

“Y-yes sir.”

With trembling hands she removed the clothing she had on and dropped it to the ground before climbing into the bath, gasping softly as she sat down. “It’s barely hot.”

“It would have been hot had you not argued with me about getting into it” he grinned as she pouted. “Just relax, trust in me to take care of you.” Leeja sank down in the water, blowing bubbles in a sulky manner. He smirked as she sat up and hung her head.

“Fine” she raised her tail from the water and lazily draped it over the edge of the tub for him. He grabbed the conditioner for her fur and gently massaged it in carefully, avoiding the burns where he could, smiling as she closed her eyes and purred softly. He began to very carefully comb out the knots while Leeja scrunched her face up in pain. “Fur needs a trim…” she spoke softly and hissed as he caught a particularly painful patch, realising it had been burned. 

“Sorry, darling. And I agree, you do need it trimmed.”

“Mm… Alisaie’s pretty good at taming it” she shivered for a moment.

“Getting cold?” she nodded and looked at him. “Rinse your tail then and you can get out” he stood and found a towel for her as she rinsed off the conditioner.

Leeja stood and grabbed a smaller towel that was left just off to the side, using it to dry as much from her tail as possible before wrapping the larger one around her body, stepping out of the now cold bath water. She dried her feet and popped them into her slippers to keep them safe from the cold floor and went to get herself dried and changed. Thancred heard a pained gasp from behind the curtain as she changed “Leeja? Is everything alright?” 

“Just… just fine” Thancred wasn’t convinced and stood outside the curtain, hearing the shaky breath.

“Leeja, what’s going on?”

“Caught… just caught one of the burns, love. I’m fine, love, truly I’m fine” she opened the curtain and gave him a shaky smile. She had changed into a red chamise and a pair of loose cotton shorts, mostly to keep pressure of the worse of her injuries on her legs. Her belongings had been put into a bag to carry back to the apartment. “See? Just fine.” He noticed one of the burns on her arm had become inflamed and all red.

“Hm. Come, let’s go home shall we?” He held his arm out for her with a smile. She took hold of it and nodded.

“Aye, please. Need to get some of the salve on them, they’re feeling stiff and sore.” 

They headed back to the apartment, slowly and taking their time. It was clear walking was causing her discomfort but was also wearing on her energy. “Are you sure you’re alright to walk? I have no issue carrying you.”

“I’m okay, love. Thank you anyway. Just being able to hold onto something is stopping my leg giving out on me” Leeja opened the door when they finally arrived and headed inside. She dropped down onto the couch and hissed quietly before taking a deep breath. She placed her hand on her on her chest and cast healing aether into herself, trying to recover from the pain.

“I can go an get Urianger or Alphinaud?” she shook her head. Thancred handed her the balm she had been given by the chirurgeons and carefully massaged it into the wounds. “Darling, you cannot keep fighting the pain on your own.”

“It’s fine, love. Honestly I mean it. I can handle it when it’s just small bursts. When it gets too bad, I promise to tell you” she smiled tiredly and kissed him deeply

[leejafythe]

Dovecember: Days 3 to 11

3. Get Messy

4. Hands Are Meant For Holding

5. Because You Can

6. Hit the Snooze Button

7. Accept a Compliment

8. Keep Them Guessing

9. Dressed Up with No Place to Go

10. Learn Something New About a Loved One

11. Sweep Them off Their Feet

[leejafythe]

2 - Kiss and Tell

"What's on your mind? Or are you sat here brooding in silence like a certain person?" Lyse grinned as she sat down next to Leeja. "Hm? Oh, no. Got some news about my sister prior to coming here. While I'm happy for her, my mother has been on my case again" she sighed, closing her eyes as her ears drooped. "Anything bad?" "Wants to know when I'm going to visit so she can meet my potential husband. It's awful. She's comparing me to my sister who had a fiancé at my age." She shook her head. "Do you have anyone important like that in your life?" Lyse raised an eyebrow at her. "No. Well.." Leeja groaned softly. "I have a confession to make." "Go on?" Lyse was curious. "I um... I've been with Thancred..." Leeja squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the inevitable scolding.

The scolding never came. All Lyse did was hum in response. "Lyse?" "Oh, sorry! You two are the worst kept secret in he realm, I thought you knew that?" "I... Fuck" the miqo'te buried her face in her hands. "Oh we know you do." Lyse smirked and looked at her. "...I hate you. So damn much." Leeja groaned in frustration. While Lyse just sat and laughed at her

[leejafythe]

30 - Happily Ever After

"Would you do me the honour of binding with me for eternity?" "Like you needed to ask" Leeja smiled and sniffled. She may have been drained physically and emotionally from the Aitiascope and had spent a while crying and being alone, she could never deny Thancred. "Good. Now we have a reason to save the world and come back alive, don't we?" Thancred grinned at her as she wiped her eyes and smiled with a brief nod. "We do. I do, however, think we need some rest and need to save the world before we do anything, hm?"

________________________________________________

She threw herself toward the gunbreaker. Though she had no intention of hugging him, oh no. She stopped in front of him and beat her fists against his chest. "You fucking arse! You stupid, traitorous, horrible man!" Leeja's tears began to fall and Thancred said nothing, letting her get it out of her system for a moment. "I fucking hate when you do that!" She sobbed for a moment. "You promised... You promised me you wouldn't do it..." "I know. And I am sorry, I acted on instinct and I didn't think before I did so." He nervously curled his arms around her when she stilled, and breathed a sigh of relief when she hugged him back. "...Thank you."

_________________________________________________

The private ceremony had the Scions, close friends and Leeja's family in attendance. Neither were fussed over throwing a wedding for the entire realm to attend. Then again, only those at the ceremony knew what was happening between the two. They had to wait until Leeja was recovered enough to be able to stand for more than ten minutes without feeling exhausted.

_________________________________________________

"Being here is peaceful. It's like a new home, more so with you here" Leeja looked up at Thancred with a soft smile. "You deserve a safe space, darling. Tataru has gifted you something wonderful, and you deserve it." "Makes for a great honeymoon location too. We don't have to worry about being pestered for anything since no one can contact us, save Tataru who I have a special linkpearl with for emergencies" she grinned and showed him a pale gold linkpearl. "Well, let's hope nothing disastrous comes to the realm, hm?" Thancred chuckled and stroked her arm gently.

[leejafythe]

28 - After Dark

"What's all this about, darling?" Thancred followed Leeja, curiosity showing in his features. "I have a surprise for you, love. Come with me and take a seat and enjoy the show." She gently tugged him over to the stage, letting him sit down on the seat in front of it while Leeja went off to the side and removed the layers she had on.

Music began to play from the orchestrion at the side of the stage as Leeja made her way to the middle of the stage with the pole. She was nervous, she had been practicing for moons when she had time and it was all in secret, for Thancred's eyes only.

[leejafythe]

25 - Adventure

Leeja hung onto his every word as they walked around the Dravanian Hinterlands. Y'shtola had retold her own stories when they first ventured through the region, but there were areas they never visited and it left Leeja curious.

Now she finally had a break while she waited on more information about the Thirteenth and their subsequent return there. Y'shtola had sent her away for a break when she realised Leeja was in a conversation with Thancred via linkpearl, given the happiness that radiated from her.

Leeja's curiosity got the better of her and the pair travelled together so she could learn more about Thancred's childhood. He knew about hers in great detail, yet she only knew bits and pieces of his.

It was a comforting feeling, knowing that he was willing to open up to her, trusting her enough to tell Leeja more.

[leejafythe]

24 - Job Swap

"You want to what?" Leeja stared at Thancred. "Teach me to dance." "Love, you already know how to dance. My teaching you would be point-- wait. Traditional or battle?" She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Battle. When in Thavnair, why not learn?" He sat back in his chair as she smirked. "I suppose I could. But you can't wear that. You need to wear something... more traditional... if you want to learn." She grinned, pointing to ward the wardrobe at the end of the room. "Find the outfit in your size and then we will go to the shrine."

[leejafythe]

23 - Let Me Carry You

For all of her faults, and she has a lot of them, the one thing that Leeja couldn't be faulted for was the lengths she went to when researching. Thancred had often made the joke that she could rival some of the best scholars in Sharlayan. He found her in the Cabinet of Curiosity after being unable to find her in either his or her apartments, and when Minfilia said she hadn't see the mystel anywhere, he knew the next two places to check.

First, he went to the Crystalline Mean. When Leeja got stressed or frustrated she often visited and took one some of the crafting requests to let off steam. Katliss hadn't seen her all day. That left one last place to check and when he arrived at the Cabinet of Curiosities, Moren pointed him in the direction of the dancer, warning him she had fallen asleep.

True to Moren's word, Thancred found Leeja asleep sat bolt upright in a chair. He chuckled softly, closing the book carefully and lifted Leeja with very little effort. Leeja hummed softly as she began to wake up. "Thancred...? Wha...?" "Go back to sleep, darling. You fell asleep in the Cabinet and I'm taking you home. You're safe, I've got you." A small hum once again and she fell back asleep again.

Leeja slept all the way back to the Pendants and even she was placed down gently on the bed. Until her boots were removed. She woke up briefly enough to change and get herself comfy for the rest of the night.