I don’t want to bother Mom and Dad with preparations late at night, so I wait until the following day before I approach them about my plans for the trip. Waiting for the best opportunity, I actually talk to them about it over breakfast.
“So, Dad.” I begin abruptly, breaking the silence that had settled in around the table.
“What’s up bud?” He slurs through a mouth full of corn porridge.
“I’m planning to make my first solo trip to Alberack soon. I just don’t have all the supplies I need for the trip. I was hoping it would be okay for me to take the extra bedroll and a few other things?” I suggest tentatively. I know Mom and Dad have both given me so much, part of me is afraid to overstep my bounds. They know it’s in their best interest to help me, though.
“Oh, That’s a great idea buddy! Get some practice traveling on your own, and get a feel for your new classes. I like it” Dad agrees with a smile, though I can see a look of concern quickly spreading across Mom’s face.
“That’s the thing though dad…” I say with a sigh. “Now that I have my system access, I was planning for it to be a more prolonged trip. Maybe get a map in Alberack and travel to the next largest city. I’m not exactly sure when I’d be coming back…” I explain gently, trying to soften the blow I knew would upset Mom. I can already see the scowl forming on her face.
She doesn’t want me to go.
My thoughts are interrupted before I even have a chance to speak in my defense. Mom sighs, and a weary, exasperated look spreads across her face. She must notice the anxiety on my face, and as we lock eyes her gaze softens.
“You’re not a child anymore, Vincent, Andras. Whatever you want to do with your life, I can’t in good conscience stop someone of your talent from chasing their dreams.” She murmurs softly, pride filling her eyes.
“Just like I can’t stop myself from worrying about you” Mom laughs softly. She pauses for a moment and then reaches across the table to lay a hand on my own. “Promise me you’ll be careful? And send word every chance you get?”
I can’t help but find her care for me endearing in a way. “Of course mom. I’ll send a message every time I stop somewhere new.” I offer, knowing how little words will do to ease her heart. “I’ll come back and visit too, It’s not like you have to say goodb-” my sentence is interrupted once again, this time as Neia crosses the room to grasp me in a tight hug.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“You better tell Leigh where you’re going.” She whispers in my ear as the hug becomes just shy of painfully tight. “Yes Ma’am”
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Leigh and I still haven’t spoken much beyond simple niceties ever since I told her my plans to leave the village. In hindsight she probably cares less about me leaving than she does about wanting her to stay behind. I think it will be best for her though.
Which is why I leave for her forge immediately after having breakfast with Mom and Dad. Leigh can avoid me all she wants, but I know she’d be upset if I left without saying anything, so she can get over a single tense conversation.
I come to a stop outside Leigh’s workshop, and there’s no sound coming from inside. Despite it being well into the morning, it doesn’t sound like she’s working, or even lit the forge yet. With a gentle knock, I called out to the silent building “Hey Leigh? It’s Vincent, can we talk?”. I havn’t even finished my sentence before a loud clattering echoes through the repaired building, and heavy footsteps herald Leigh’s rush to the door.
“Yeahonesec” She screams from across the building, audibly rushing to meet me at the entrance. I wait for a tense few moments, before Leigh’s fiery red mane peaks through a crack in the door. She holds it just open enough to step out and stand with me in the street, providing only a brief glimpse into her horribly unorganized home. How strange. Sure, Leigh can be a little chaotic, but I’ve never known her to be messy or unkempt. Maybe my leaving is getting to her more than I thought?
“Yeah…” I sigh, “We haven’t really talked much since I told you I’m planning to leave, and I’ve been wanting to give you your space and be respectful, but I’m going to leave soon. Perhaps even as soon as a few days” I explain, watching Leigh’s face for any warnings of her reaction. Strangely enough, she starts to react and then forces whatever her response was back down. Leigh has a pained expression for a scarce few moments before she plasters on a smile.
“Okay! Your mom came by the other day and we talked about it. I appreciate you letting me know though…” Leigh replies, her voice slowly trailing off. I can tell there’s something more she wants to say, but I don’t want to force the subject and risk upsetting her further. She’s already been through so much. This will be good for us both.
“Alright. That’s good. I just wanted to make sure you knew, I didn’t want it to be a surprise” I offered, taking a step back away from Leigh’s door. I can’t be sure what she’s up to or why she’s acting so weird, but there’s no need for me to press it right now.
“Yep! I’m working on something right now, so I’m a bit busy but I’ll try and be at your place for dinner tonight? Oh! And make sure you let me know when you’re planning to leave. I have a going away gift for you” She rambles off rapid-fire. Nervous energy is palpable in the air, and I’m more certain now than ever that she has something planned.
As I walk back towards the edge of the village I mentally reach for my connection with Sigil.
“Sigil, do you mind snooping around Leigh’s place a little bit and seeing what she’s up to? Maybe talk to Cinder and make sure everything is okay if you can? She’s acting strange and I just want to make sure everything is okay.”
The black cat, no longer a tiny shadowy kitten, trotts out from behind a nearby building and I have to wonder if they’re always following me like that.
“I can look into it, but I like that girl too much to spy on her for you. Unless someone is in danger, I plan to respect her privacy.” Sigil looks up at me as we walk along, and I swear I can almost feel the smirk in their thoughts.
“That will be fine” I begin, speaking to my familiar out loud once we pass the edge of the village. “I just need to know whether to be concerned or not.”