The sun hung high above the village as Liora, Aria, and Tessa stepped out of the housing office with a folded map and a list of addresses in hand. The day was bright, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. It was the perfect kind of day.
"The first house is just two streets over," Liora said, holding the map while Aria peeked over her arm with big, curious eyes. "Three bedrooms, garden in the back… sounds promising."
Tessa raised an eyebrow. "How old is it?"
"Uh…" Liora skimmed the listing. "...Maybe older than the guild itself."
Aria giggled. "Does it have ghosts?"
"I hope not," Liora smirked. "But I guess we'll find out."
The first house had charm, a stone foundation, sturdy wooden beams, and ivy creeping up the front. But once inside, it became clear that "rustic" really meant "creaks with every step," and the kitchen chimney looked like it hadn't worked in a decade.
Tessa poked at a loose floorboard with her foot. "This place might be older than the inn."
Liora sighed. "Yeah. Too many repairs."
"But the backyard's pretty!" Aria said brightly, skipping toward the garden plot.
"It is," Liora agreed, gently pulling her back. "Let's keep it in mind, just in case."
The next house was across the river, a sleek, modern build with polished floors and wide windows. Aria's eyes sparkled at the sight of the front porch, and Tessa whistled.
"This one's shiny," she said.
Inside, everything looked nearly brand-new. It smelled like fresh wood and soap. There were even little carved flourishes on the cabinets and a tub large enough to swim in.
"It's nice," Liora admitted, though her voice lacked enthusiasm.
Tessa picked up on it. "But?"
"But… it doesn't feel like us."
The house felt cold somehow, perfect, but the kind of place meant for people who hosted banquets, not quiet dinners on a worn wooden table.
"I like the warm ones better," Aria said, tugging on Liora's glove.
Liora smiled. "Me too."
The last house sat near the forest's edge, where the road gently sloped and the breeze carried the smell of pine. It was a modest cottage, white stone, soft blue shutters, and a little porch with a swing already in place.
Inside, the living room had a fireplace with a proper mantle, and the floors, though a little scuffed, were warm and solid. The kitchen was small but functional, with a window above the sink that overlooked a patch of grass perfect for a garden. Three bedrooms, just like the listing said.
Aria ran from room to room, claiming the one with the window seat.
Tessa opened a closet, nodding approvingly. "Plenty of space for gear."
Liora stood in the middle of the living room and exhaled slowly. It wasn't perfect. The curtains were old, and the paint needed refreshing, but it was quiet. Peaceful. It felt… right.
"This is the one," she said softly.
Tessa turned to her. "Really?"
Liora nodded. "Yeah. I can see us here. Laughing. Aria is drawing by the window. You are practicing sword drills outside. I think we can make this place ours."
Tessa smiled, her eyes soft. "Then let's do it."
Later That Evening,
They sat on the front porch swing of their soon-to-be home, the paperwork filed and the keys in Liora's pocket.
Aria leaned against Liora's side, humming a soft tune. Tessa was on the step below, watching the fireflies begin to flicker around the garden.
"We're really doing this," Tessa murmured.
Liora looked up at the twilight sky, her arms gently wrapped around Aria.
"Yeah," she whispered. "This is our home now."
And for the first time since Liora had left home to become an adventurer, she no longer felt like she was drifting from one quest to the next.
She had a purpose.