Leila

Leila is one of Firion's allies in Final Fantasy II. She is first encountered as a pirate captain, hired by Firion to transport the heroes across the seas to the ruined kingdom of Deist.

Story
When the ship is out to sea, Leila betrays them and has her crew attack Firion. Once the pirates are defeated, the party spares Leila's life. She then joins the party and gives the heroes access to her pirate ship. She accompanies them to Deist as they work to save the last Wyvern egg and then back to Fynn. When it is revealed that Princess Hilda has been replaced with a Lamia Queen, Leila offers to lead the Wild Rose Rebellion as Gordon joins the party for the rescue mission.

Once Hilda is successfully recovered, she participates in the Liberation of Fynn on the front lines with Firion's party. Leila then goes on to help the group approach the Tower of Mysidia, but when they are attacked by the Leviathan she is separated from her ship and the party. Exactly how she survived and returned to Fynn Castle is never explained and for the rest of the game she remains a background character, offering quips and information. In the ending, she offers Firion a place among her pirates which apparently does not sit well with Maria.

Stats and Traits
Leila has high Agility and mediocre Strength, Intelligence and Stamina, and is proficient with Swords, Knives and Bows. Her initial equipment are a Dagger and a Longsword, and for armor a Gold Hairpin and a Silver Curiass. Because the player is likely to do a lot of sailing when they have Leila in the party her Thunder spell is very effective, as the player will be fighting many aquatic enemies. Her weapon proficiencies and high Intelligence make Leila equally suited to training with weapons and magic.

Etymology
"Leila" is a popular given name in the Middle East, originating from Semitic languages in ancient Arabia. The name comes from the Arabic word "Laylah", which means night. "Leila" has other meanings as well, such as "Born at Night", "Dark-haired Beauty" or "Dark Beauty".

Leila