The scent of breakfast lingered in the kitchen, freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs with herbs, and a bit of jam Aria had insisted on slathering over nearly everything. The early morning sun peeked through the curtains of their new home, painting golden lines across the table.
Liora sat with a steaming cup of tea, hair tied back in a lazy braid. Across from her, Tessa was playfully poking at Aria's messy plate.
"You're supposed to eat the eggs, not turn them into jam armor," Tessa teased.
"They're egg soldiers," Aria defended with wide, proud eyes. "And they're protecting the jam kingdom!"
Liora gave a soft laugh, sipping her tea. "Well, make sure the kingdom isn't too sticky by the time Mia gets here."
Right on cue, the door gave a quick tap-tap-tap.
Aria's eyes lit up. "She's here!"
Tessa opened the door to find Mia already smiling, her satchel over her shoulder and a new storybook in hand.
"Good morning," Mia greeted. "Ready to battle some tricky vowels?"
"I brought backup," Aria declared, brandishing her spoon like a sword. "The jam kingdom stands with me!"
"Oh no," Mia said with a laugh. "We may need to declare a truce before grammar class."
The morning passed gently. Aria recited her alphabet with growing confidence while Mia guided her with patience and a few funny voices. Liora busied herself in the garden, tending to a few herbs while keeping an eye on the house through the kitchen window. Tessa sharpened her sword outside, then helped Liora carry a small bucket of water to the plants.
It was shaping up to be a quiet, peaceful day.
Until,
Knock. Knock. Knock.
This one was firmer. Intentional.
Liora stood first, wiping her hands on a towel before answering the door.
At the door stood a courier in a guild vest, holding a sealed envelope.
"Miss Liora," he said formally, "the Guildmaster requests your presence. You and Miss Tessa both."
Liora's brow furrowed slightly. "Did he say why?"
"No, ma'am. Only that it's urgent and to come as soon as you're able."
Behind her, Tessa stepped up, catching the serious look in Liora's eyes. "Should we go now?"
Liora gave a small nod, then looked back into the living room where Aria and Mia were working on counting stones.
"Mia," she called gently. "A request came in from the guild. Can I count on you to stay a little longer with Aria?"
"Of course," Mia said quickly, already sensing the shift in the air. "Take your time. We'll finish math and start on our owl story."
Aria's face scrunched with worry. "Will you be back soon?"
Liora knelt beside her and kissed her forehead. "I promise. It's just a meeting. I'll be back before dinner."
With that, Liora and Tessa stepped out the door, the warm breeze following them as they made their way toward the guild hall, curious, cautious, and ready.