The first pale rays of sunlight slipped through the inn's shutters as Liora stood at the foot of the bed, quietly pulling on her boots. She checked the leather straps on her gear twice, then once more for good measure. Her longsword leaned against the wall beside her pack, already polished and sheathed.
Across the room, Tessa was just finishing her braid, slipping on her light chestplate. Her expression was focused, but her fingers moved faster than usual, and anticipation danced in her eyes.
Their first quest together as an official party.
Meanwhile, Aria was curled under the blanket, a soft bump in the bed.
Liora smiled faintly as she watched her.
"She looks peaceful," Tessa said softly.
"She had a good day yesterday," Liora replied. "You were good for her."
Tessa blushed and bent down to tighten her boots.
Liora walked over, knelt beside the bed, and gently brushed a strand of hair from Aria's cheek.
"Time to wake up, little bean," she whispered.
Aria stirred and opened her eyes. "Mmm… is it morning?"
"Yes," Liora said. "Tessa and I are heading out for the Mistwood quest today. Remember?"
Aria sat up slowly. "Are you gonna be gone a long time?"
Liora kissed her forehead. "Not too long. But I need you to stay here and be brave, okay? Help the innkeeper's wife again."
Aria nodded, her eyes sleepy but trusting. "I'll try."
Downstairs at the Inn
The morning air in the common room was filled with the scent of honeyed oats and baking bread. The innkeeper's wife, Marna, was already tidying the counter, her sleeves rolled up.
Liora approached her with Aria in tow.
"Heading out?" Marna asked with a kind smile.
"Yes," Liora said. "The Mistwood run. I'll be back by nightfall if all goes well."
Marna leaned down to Aria's height. "Think you can help me bake those berry tarts today, sweetheart?"
Aria nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Liora crouched and gave Aria a firm hug. "You be good. And listen."
Aria squeezed her tightly. "Be careful, Mommy."
Liora's breath caught, just for a moment, that quiet, heartfelt word never failed to stir something deep in her chest. She let it settle, then stood.
Tessa waited near the door with both packs ready. "Everything set?"
"Yeah," Liora said, slinging hers over her shoulder.
They stepped out into the crisp morning air, the cobblestone streets still wet from the night's rain. The sky overhead was painted in gentle hues of orange and silver.
Supplies and Steps Forward
Before leaving town, they stopped by the general store to gather their supplies. A satchel of clean bandages, dried rations, some healing potions, and a simple rope, just enough for a day's journey.
Liora made sure to double-check everything.
Tessa watched, then smiled. "You really do act like a mom."
Liora shot her a look. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Just that you're always prepared. And you fuss."
Liora raised an eyebrow. "Fussing is what keeps us alive."
They both chuckled, the easy rhythm of new friendship blending with quiet confidence.
Mistwood Awaits
By the time they passed through the village's southern gate, the sun had risen fully, warming the dew-laced fields ahead. The road curved gently toward the edge of the forest, where the Mistwood trees stood tall and still, like silent sentinels waiting.
Liora took a deep breath. "Alright. Let's see how we work together."
Tessa grinned. "Let's make it count."
And with that, they stepped forward, not just as adventurers, but as a growing team.