The living room was filled with the gentle clatter of teacups and the faint aroma of honeybread as Liora poured drinks for everyone. Aria sat beside Tessa on the couch, her legs swinging idly off the edge, eyes occasionally darting curiously toward the newcomer. Mia, still a little stiff with nerves, sat upright in a wooden chair near the hearth, both hands wrapped tightly around her teacup.
"So," Liora began, taking a seat across from her, "tell us a little more about yourself, Mia."
Mia nodded quickly, her voice calm but modest. "I'm seventeen. I used to live in a village up north, not too different from this one. I tutored children there, reading, writing, and basic arithmetic, until I moved here a few weeks ago to stay with my aunt. I didn't expect to be teaching again so soon, but… I missed it, honestly."
Tessa tilted her head, watching Mia with a thoughtful expression. Aria leaned forward a little, clearly warming up to the idea. "Do you like stories?" Aria asked suddenly.
Mia smiled gently. "I love them. Especially the ones with brave heroes and magical forests."
Aria lit up at that, her smile small but bright, and Liora caught the subtle flicker of ease pass over Mia's shoulders.
"That's good to hear," Liora said. "Because I was hoping I could ask you for a favor."
Mia looked up attentively.
"Tessa and I have a quest scheduled starting tomorrow. A short escort job shouldn't take more than two days," she explained. "We'd like you to start tutoring Aria during the day while we're gone. If you're comfortable with it, I'd also like to ask you to stay with her here at the house until we return."
Mia blinked. "You'd trust me with that? We just met."
"You came recommended by the village head, and Aria already seems to like you," Liora said, glancing toward her daughter, who gave a small nod. "Besides, I trust my gut. I can pay you for both the tutoring and the caretaking."
There was a brief silence before Mia slowly nodded, her fingers tightening slightly on the cup before relaxing again.
"I'll do it," she said. "I'll come by in the morning. I won't let you down."
Liora smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mia. That means a lot."
With the arrangements made, Mia stood, politely excusing herself and promising to return first thing in the morning. Liora saw her out, and the quiet of the evening settled in once more.
Back inside, Aria had already curled up against Tessa's side, the two girls dozing off slowly. Liora gently roused her and carried her to her room, whispering goodnight. Tessa, already headed to her own room, paused and gave Liora a quiet, contented look before disappearing down the hall.
Alone in the hallway, Liora stood for a moment, hand resting lightly on the doorframe, letting herself exhale.
Tomorrow, they would take another step forward. But tonight, her little family was whole and safe.