The first thing Liora noticed when she woke wasn't the sound of birds or street vendors.
But the light breathing of Aria.
She blinked. The inn room was still dim, the morning sun just beginning to press through the window. Her body ached from sleeping on the floor, she'd given Aria the bed without thinking, but that wasn't the strange part.
It was the warmth curled against her side.
Sometime in the night, the girl had slipped off the bed and pressed herself next to Liora on the floor, nestled under her worn cloak like a kitten seeking heat.
Liora lay still, eyes tracing the girl's face. Aria's expression was peaceful now. No fear. No tension. Just sleep.
Liora swallowed the lump rising in her throat.
She rose slowly, careful not to wake the girl, and stretched her shoulders. Quietly, she gathered her things, sword, satchel, and coin pouch that was much lighter now.
There wasn't much food left, but they could get something from the market. Hopefully cheap.
She'd need to take another quest soon.
A soft rustle behind her.
Aria sat up, rubbing her eyes with tiny fists.
"Mornin'," Liora said quietly, offering a piece of dry bread. "Not much of a breakfast, but it's something."
The girl took it without a word, then hesitated. She tore it in two and held one half out to Liora.
Liora stared at her for a second before accepting. "Thanks."
They ate in silence. Not uncomfortable, just quiet.
Afterward, Liora knelt to brush Aria's hair back gently. "We'll find you a brush later. You're gonna scare off the whole village like that."
The girl giggled once. Just once. Barely a sound. But it was real.
Outside, the village had come alive. Merchants opening stalls, children running past carrying buckets, and the scent of fried eggs wafted from somewhere nearby.
Liora led Aria through the market. She kept a hand on the girl's shoulder. A protective reflex. Aria stayed close, gripping Liora's cloak whenever someone got too close.
People stared. Not openly rude, but curious. Some whispered. An adventurer with a child in tow wasn't common. Liora ignored them all.
They passed a flower cart. Aria's eyes lit up at the bright colors, yellows, blues, purples, and reds. She didn't ask for anything, just stared, wide-eyed.
Liora hesitated, then fished a copper coin from her pouch. "Pick one."
Aria looked up, unsure.
"For your hair," Liora said, trying not to sound embarrassed.
The girl pointed at a tiny white bloom, small, simple, almost plain. Liora nodded. The vendor wrapped it gently and handed it to Liora with a smile.
She then tucked the flower behind Aria's ear and continued through the market, finding some food vendors.
Back at the inn, Liora dropped into a chair by the window. Her coin pouch felt like a joke in her hand now. She had enough for one more day of food. Maybe. After that…
She sighed.
Aria stood quietly nearby, watching her. Then she came closer and tugged on Liora's sleeve.
"What is it?" Liora asked.
Aria didn't speak. She just climbed up into the chair beside her, leaned over, and rested her head gently against Liora's arm.
Liora froze.
Then, slowly, she exhaled and let her hand rest lightly on the girl's back.
Maybe she didn't have everything figured out. Maybe she wasn't ready.
But for now… this was enough.