“I need some time off.” That’s all Meridia had to say for Ellie to approve a leave of absence for the team. In her weakened condition, Meridia would not be particularly fit to fight. Similarly, Eira and Lyne’s mental states, while not showing to be in decline, were surely close to a breaking point.

All piling on a rickety skiff, they set sail for Crescent Cove, the seaside hometown of Meridia. A breeze gently pushed them up to the modest dock, and nearby fishermen helped the captain and crew secure it in place. Meridia, in a wheelchair to aid recovery, was lifted up and over in a group effort.

For Lyne and Eira, seeing the humble beginnings of their compatriot was a bit of a surprise. While Eira kept this to herself, Lyne couldn’t help but ask.

“How’d you even get to become a mage growing up like this?”

Meridia looked down, not sure how to respond. “It’s…”

If not for Eira’s expression, Lyne might have pressed, but she took the cue and kept silent the rest of the way up the path. Going from the docks to the small house nearby did not take long, anyway. In anticipation of the reunion, Meridia’s parents were already waiting on the porch.

With some help from Eira, Meridia left her chair and cautiously made her way up the plank steps, each creaking slightly from the pressure. Her parents waited patiently, their lack of actions either a sign of a harsh childhood or a lesson learned about their daughter’s will. Despite wanting to help, Eira and Lyne were not invited in, though this was not unexpected.

On the way over, Meridia explained they might not be welcomed as outsiders. Instead, the two took to the town to occupy themselves as Meridia visited her family.

Sitting at the table, Meridia and her parents spoke in person for what must have been the first time in years. The familiar layout, the furnishings, nothing had changed, but to Meridia, it all felt so distant. Coming back was nostalgic and a touch bitter. She was never unwelcome here, yet she had set out in hopes of coming back on better terms. To hobble up the steps she had so energetically played on as a child felt shameful.

Her mother, though, at least, did not seem to view her any differently, warmly serving tea and begging to know as much as Meridia would share. Her father, on the other hand, silently sat, eyes averted.

Her mother poured a mug for all three of them and sat down to join. “Now, tell me everything. How have you been?”

Meridia paused with a sigh. “It’s been… more challenging than I expected.”

She told them about the group, about her reservations, and how Efraim had suffered because of them. Her mother wrapped her arms around her, coddling her. She was a child again. “You know, honey, you can always stay here as long as you need. There are plenty of young men here, and it isn’t always as exciting as being a monster hunter, but it’s a good, quiet life!”

Her father shifted in his chair. Daggers met the back of his head as he turned to the door, looking at the old wood. “You aren’t a child anymore, Meri. You will always be our daughter, and your mother is right, you always have a place here. But you can’t let a setback derail your life. You dishonor your friend by giving up, and worse, you dishonor yourself. I don’t want to see you miserable, even if it means getting to see you every day. The world needs you and more importantly, you need the world.”

Her mother still glaring, Meridia grabbed her father from behind. “Thanks, Dad,” she whispered as she hugged him. He reached back and held her. She knew he was right, that she couldn’t stay here forever. Still, that wouldn’t stop her from enjoying some downtime for now.