I'm having cider rn so this idea leaves my mind to flow here.
Rook was never invited to book club or anything really. I know, Rook's a leader and rarely has time.
But consider Rook who was already insecure about friendships and social bonds in general. Had experienced being the third wheel and not the first choice (totally not my personal experience showing up)
How Rook leaves the group silently after defeating the gods never wanting to be found again too bad Neve is in the team.
How everyone think Rook died but still keep looking, just like they did with Fade prison (I know this should be a great show of how team cares about Rook; imagine someone so deeply wounded they don't believe it was a genuine act of care, just that the team needed their leader back).
How Neve keeps looking for leads and asks Threads and remaining Shadow Dragons to keep an eye out.
Lucanis doing the same with the Crows and Spite being the sniffing dog. Illario gets a chance to do his annual good deed.
Emmrich asking spirits if they know anything. (Manfred trying to use his new magic to track Rook maybe?)
Davrin carrying something that carries smell of Rook to keep Assan looking. Asking Antoine and Evka for help.
Taash asking the Lords for help and maybe even Rivani seers?
Bellara out in Arlathan looking for a tracking artifact. Might even try and ask Irelin and in extent - Strife.
Bonus points if any of the above had romantic feelings towards Rook but due to lack of time/Rook's distancing themselves nothing happened.
Now I want this to be a legit fanfiction...
