Banners fluttered between wooden beams. Stalls overflowed with fresh harvests, baked goods, and steaming stews. Laughter danced through the air alongside the cheerful strumming of music as villagers prepared for the annual Harvest Festival, hosted by the farming families outside the village.
Liora walked at a relaxed pace, holding Aria's hand, her silver hair catching the morning sun. Tessa walked beside them, marveling at the festival setup with wide eyes.
The farmers waved and greeted them cheerfully.
"You three made this festival possible!" one said, handing Liora an apple tart.
Aria giggled and accepted it happily before offering it to Liora. "For you, Mommy!"
Liora smiled softly, brushing Aria's hair. "Thanks, sweetheart."
As they made their way deeper into the festival grounds, sampling roasted corn and watching the dances, a voice rang out from behind:
"Liora? Liora Valestra?!"
Liora stopped mid-step. Her heart skipped.
She turned around slowly, and there she was.
A tall woman with a toned build, deep auburn hair braided back, and piercing green eyes. Her armor was a newer make, but Liora recognized it instantly.
Saria Thorne.
The same Saria who once led the Silver Talon party, Liora, joined her in her early adventurer days. A woman she hadn't seen since those chaotic, youth-fueled campaigns in the northern mountains.
"Saria," Liora said, blinking. "It's been... years."
Saria grinned widely. "More than four. I didn't believe the rumors when I heard 'the silver phantom of the Talon' had retired to some little village, " her eyes fell on Aria and Tessa, "started a family?"
Tessa and Aria looked at each other, curious.
"Mommy, who is she?" Aria asked, tugging Liora's hand.
Saria raised a brow, lips quirking into a smirk. "Mommy? Liora, really?"
Liora chuckled under her breath. "It's… a long story. But yes."
She knelt next to Aria. "Sweetheart, this is Miss Saria. She's an old friend from before I came here. We used to adventure together."
Aria smiled shyly and offered a wave.
"And this is Tessa," Liora continued, standing and placing a gentle hand on the teen's shoulder. "She's… someone I've come to trust deeply. We met through the guild, and she's since become part of the family too."
Tessa offered a respectful nod. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Saria."
Saria blinked, then gave a short, impressed laugh. "You? Raising a child and mentoring a protégé? I remember when you used to fall asleep in armor just to avoid feelings."
Liora gave her an unamused look, though her smirk betrayed her affection. "People change."
"You seem… happy," Saria said after a moment, more sincere now.
"I am," Liora said, glancing toward Aria and Tessa, both now distracted by a man juggling fruit nearby.
Saria's gaze softened. "You know… I always figured you'd die young, charging headfirst into danger with that sword of yours. But seeing you like this?" She nodded.
"I'm still an adventurer," Liora replied. "Just not a reckless one anymore."
Saria smiled faintly. "Maybe I'll stick around a few days. Catch up. See what quiet life has done to the infamous Liora Valestra."
"Only if you're willing to get dragged into a tea party," Liora said dryly.
Saria grinned. "I've fought ogres. I think I'll survive."
As the sun dipped lower into the sky, the trio sat together on a grassy hill overlooking the dancing crowd, Liora between Tessa and Aria. Saria stood nearby, arms crossed but smiling.
Liora closed her eyes for a moment, letting the warmth soak into her skin.
The road had never been easy, but for the first time, it truly felt like home was something she carried with her. In the laughter of a child. The presence of a found daughter. And in the memories of those who still remembered her strength.