The village gates loomed in the near distance, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the dirt road. Tessa's steps were light despite the weight of her pack, and Liora walked with her usual calm.
As they reached the familiar stone and timber structure of the Adventurers Guild, the sounds of clinking mugs, low chatter, and the faint shuffle of gear filled the air.
Tessa paused at the entrance. "Think they'll really rank us up after an easy quest like this?"
"You handled yourself well," Liora replied, pushing open the door. "They'd be fools not to."
The guild hall was alive with activity. Adventurers leaned over tables, and a few glanced up as the two entered, recognizing them from past jobs. Behind the quest counter stood Marla, the auburn-haired guild receptionist with her ever-watchful eyes.
"Liora, Tessa. You're back earlier than expected," she greeted.
"Wolves dealt with. Three confirmed, two repelled. Darrek will reinforce the fences," Liora said, presenting the signed quest form and a small pouch containing wolf pelts and proof of completion.
Marla examined the materials, her brows raising in approval.
"Well done. I'll get this logged immediately." She glanced down at her notes. "And… looks like this puts you both over the threshold."
Tessa blinked. "Wait, what threshold?"
Marla smiled. "Liora of Silver Hearth, you're hereby promoted to B-Rank. And Tessa of Silver Hearth, due to your clean record and successful assist, welcome to D-Rank."
Tessa's eyes widened. "D-Rank? Already?!"
"You've earned it," Liora said, offering a small nod of approval. "First of many, if you keep this up."
Tessa's face flushed with a mixture of excitement and disbelief.
Marla handed over their updated guild tags, polished, engraved with new rank marks. Tessa held hers like it was a treasure.
"Keep in mind," Marla added, "higher ranks mean tougher jobs, and more eyes watching."
"We'll handle it," Liora said simply.
The inn stood warmly on the corner of the village square, its lanterns flickering gently as night approached. As Liora and Tessa stepped inside, the familiar scent of baked bread and stew welcomed them.
"Liora!!" came the squeal from across the room.
Aria dashed out from behind the corner, her little arms flinging around Liora's waist before turning and hugging Tessa too.
"You're back! You're back! Did you beat the mean wolves?"
"We did," Tessa said, laughing as she knelt. "Your mom was amazing."
Liora ruffled Aria's hair. "Tessa did great, too."
Marna gave them a knowing smile from behind the counter. "Little Aria kept asking about you all day."
Aria beamed up at them. "I wasn't scared. Not really."
Liora knelt beside her. "And we weren't gone long. But we missed you."
Aria smiled so wide her eyes sparkled. "Welcome home, Mommy."
Tessa's heart squeezed at the sight. Her eyes darted away, but the warmth stayed.
That evening, the trio sat together in their room, simple meals on the table, a warm fire crackling.
Liora hung her newly marked guild tag on a peg by the wall.
Tessa held hers in her hand, running her thumb over the etched "D-Rank" with reverence.
Aria cuddled against Liora's side, already halfway asleep.
"I never thought I'd get this far," Tessa said quietly.
"You're just getting started," Liora replied.
Tessa looked at them, Liora, strong and calm, and Aria, gentle and trusting. A strange feeling settled in her chest as she drifted off to sleep.