The air carried the gentle warmth of late morning when Liora stepped up to the village head's office. She knocked lightly before entering.
Elden Dawnmal, the village head, looked up from a stack of scrolls, adjusting the spectacles on the bridge of his nose.
"Liora," he said with a small smile. "Come to check in or looking for work?"
"Actually," she said, stepping forward with a respectful dip of her head, "I was hoping you might help me find something a little different this time."
His brows rose. "Oh? Do tell."
"I'm trying to find a tutor for Aria," she explained. "Someone patient, kind, and preferably local. She's a bright kid, and I'd like her to start learning early."
Elden leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Not a bad idea. We don't have many full-time teachers in this village, you know. Not like the larger towns. Most families teach their own or send their children away to temple schools when they're older."
"I figured as much," Liora said, sighing slightly. "But if anyone might know someone, or hear something, it'd be you."
He smiled at that. "You're not wrong. I'll ask around. Maybe there's someone visiting or passing through who'd be a good fit. I'll send them your way if I find anything… but no promises."
"That's more than enough," Liora nodded. "Thank you."
With that, she left the office, her mind already turning toward the next task. She stopped briefly by the guild to confirm the details of the merchant escort quest she and Tessa had taken on. Departure was scheduled for the next morning, and all supplies had been readied. A simple route. Low risk. It was exactly the kind of quest she needed now, stable, reliable, and routine.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows as she walked the familiar road home. Their house stood quiet and strong at the end of the lane, the scent of fresh-cut grass and earth heavy in the air after a passing rain earlier that day.
But then she noticed something.
A girl, probably in her late teens, stood stiffly in front of their home, nervously wringing her hands. She had shoulder-length light brown hair and wore a simple blouse and skirt, slightly wrinkled from travel. A worn satchel hung at her side.
Liora slowed her approach, eyes calm but alert.
"Hello there," she said kindly, resting her hand lightly on her belt. "Are you looking for someone?"
The girl startled a little, then straightened quickly. "Oh, um, are you Miss Liora?"
"I am," Liora said, tilting her head slightly. "What's your name?"
"Mia," the girl said, her voice a little breathless. "Mia Fairwind. The village head… he told me to come here. Said you were looking for a tutor?"
Liora blinked. "You're the tutor?"
Mia nodded. "I just arrived in the village a few days ago, visiting family, actually. But I used to teach younger children in my old village before… well, before I moved. Mr. Dawnmal said you might be looking for someone like me."
Liora studied her for a moment, noting the nervous but honest tone in her voice. There was a certain earnestness there, one she instinctively trusted.
"Well," Liora said, opening the gate, "why don't you come inside? You can meet Aria and Tessa. If things go well, maybe we'll talk more."
Mia nodded, her face lighting with a mix of relief and hope. "Thank you. I'd like that very much."
As Liora led her inside, she couldn't help but smile faintly to herself.
Seems like things have a way of working out… even before you're ready for them.