The door to the inn creaked open as dusk began to settle over the village. Liora stepped inside, brushing the trail dust from her cloak. Though she hadn't been gone long, her thoughts had never strayed far from one place, this place.
Footsteps pattered across the floor.
"Liora!"
Aria dashed down the hall, arms outstretched, and collided with Liora's legs with a soft thump. She clung to her like a life raft, small arms wrapping tight.
"You came back," she whispered, her voice muffled against Liora's belt.
Liora knelt and hugged her close.
"I told you I would."
Aria looked up with watery eyes and a smile. "You smell like trees."
"I was near the woods," Liora said. "Did you behave?"
Before Aria could answer, Marna stepped out of the kitchen, wiping flour from her hands.
"She was a big help, actually," Marna said with a warm chuckle. "Carried the laundry basket well, tried to anyway, and helped me sort the pantry. Didn't cry once."
Liora raised an eyebrow. "Didn't cry at all?"
Aria puffed out her chest proudly. "Not even a little!"
Liora smiled. "You're tougher than I thought."
They shared a quiet dinner, vegetable stew, and crusty bread, before retreating upstairs for the night. Aria snuggled beneath the blanket with her doll, Sir Bramble, tucked under her arm. Liora stayed up just long enough to sharpen her blade and check her gear one more time.
Before dawn broke, Liora rose.
The world outside the shutters was still cloaked in a deep, gentle blue. The only sounds were the birds humming and the soft rustling of the wind through the trees.
She dressed quickly, strapped on her sword, and bent down beside Aria.
"Hey," she whispered. "Time to wake up."
Aria blinked sleepily, clutching her doll. "Is it morning already…?"
"I have to finish that quest. I'll be back before nightfall."
There was a pause.
Aria sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes, but didn't cry. Didn't pout.
Instead, she nodded. "Okay."
Liora was quiet for a moment, impressed by the calm maturity in that single word.
They went downstairs, where Marna was already kneading dough in the kitchen. The woman took Aria by the hand, offering her a warm, sweet bun and a seat near the fire.
Aria gave Liora a brave smile.
"Be safe."
Liora knelt and kissed her forehead. "Always."
The sun was just beginning to peek over the treetops when Liora arrived at the eastern gate. The air smelled of dew and leaves. Morning fog still clung to the grass.
Tessa was already there, pacing nervously in a half-circle, fully geared, her short sword strapped a bit straighter this time. She spotted Liora and waved.
"Morning!" she called. "I-I brought rope, water, and three packs of dried meat. Oh, and I reinforced my boots with extra padding like you suggested."
Liora nodded, impressed by the initiative.
"You ready?"
Tessa swallowed, then nodded. "Yeah. I think I am."
"Good," Liora said, adjusting her pack. "Let's move. The cliffs near Crystal Ridge aren't going to climb themselves."
As they set off down the winding trail out of the village, the sky turned a pale gold. Birds sang overhead. And for a while, all Liora could think of was Aria's small voice:
"Be safe."