The sun was high and golden as the caravan rolled into the village gates. The merchant gave a satisfied nod from atop his seat, pulling gently on the reins as the horses slowed. His voice called back with cheerful relief, "Safe and smooth! I'll take that over goblins and broken wheels any day."
Liora chuckled softly, adjusting her cloak and stretching her sore shoulders. Tessa, still a little dusty from the road, looked toward the houses beyond with a smile blooming on her face.
"I hope Aria didn't miss us too much," she said, hopping down from the back of the cart.
"She definitely did," Liora replied with a knowing smirk. "But I think Mia handled things just fine."
They walked the last stretch to their home, the familiar cobbled path now filled with late-morning warmth. As they turned the corner
"Mommy! Tessa!"
A flash of motion burst from the front door as Aria came barreling down the path. She threw herself into Liora's arms, nearly knocking her off balance with a tight, excited hug.
"You're back!" Aria giggled, clinging to her. "I missed you so much!"
Liora lifted her with ease, holding her close. "We missed you, too, little star."
Tessa ruffled Aria's hair, smiling widely. "Did you behave for Mia?"
Aria nodded proudly. "I helped make pancakes, and I learned how to spell star! And dragon!"
"Impressive," Liora said warmly as they walked up the steps.
Mia appeared in the doorway a moment later, wiping her hands on a cloth. She looked a bit tired, but her smile was gentle.
"Welcome back," she said. "Everything went well here. No disasters."
"We figured as much," Liora replied. "Thank you, Mia. I mean that."
Mia hesitated a moment, then stepped aside and motioned them in. "Actually… before you unpack, I have something for you. Just a little something to say thank you for trusting me."
Curious, Liora followed her inside, where on the low table rested a small wooden box, carved simply, but carefully, with delicate swirls around the edges.
"I made it last night," Mia explained. "It's not much, but I used to carve a bit in my old village. I thought Aria might like to keep her hairpin safe in it."
Aria gasped, already reaching for the lid. Inside, nestled in a bit of soft cloth, sat her star pin, shining faintly in the light, with a single pressed flower beside it.
"It's beautiful!" Aria beamed, hugging Mia tightly. "Thank you, Mia!"
Mia blinked, surprised by the sudden hug, but slowly wrapped her arms around the girl in return.
Liora smiled at the sight, her heart feeling full. "You're already part of the rhythm here. We're lucky to have you."
"Honestly?" Mia said softly, "I think I'm the lucky one."
As they all gathered around the table, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow across their small home, it was clear that this little patchwork family had grown again.