The walk back from the guild hall was a quiet one.
The weight of the assignment pressed on both Liora and Tessa. Though neither spoke for a while, the message was clear, this wasn't a routine quest. This was something bigger.
As they reached the house, the warm, welcoming sight of the lantern-lit porch brought them a small measure of comfort.
Inside, the familiar sounds of Aria laughing and Mia humming a tune greeted them. Aria was sprawled on the floor, coloring on a scrap of parchment while Mia sorted tomorrow's lessons by the table.
Aria looked up first. "You're back!" She smiled widely. "Mia and I drew all the animals from the owl story!"
Liora smiled, setting her bag aside. "That's amazing, sweetheart. We need to talk, though, just for a little bit."
Tessa sat down beside Aria, gently pulling her into her lap.
Liora knelt in front of them, voice gentle. "Tomorrow, Tessa and I have to leave again. For a few days."
Aria's face fell slightly. "Another quest?"
"This one's a little more serious," Liora admitted. "There are monsters causing trouble in the northern forest. A lot of adventurers are being sent out to protect the villages."
Aria's hands clutched Tessa's sleeve. "Will you be safe?"
Tessa gave her a tight squeeze. "We'll be with strong adventurers. And we promise to come back."
Aria looked to Liora. "You really promise?"
Liora leaned in, kissing her forehead. "I always keep my promises to you."
She turned to Mia, who had quietly stood up and approached. "Mia… I know it's a lot to ask, but could you stay here with Aria while we're gone? We may not return for two or three days. And I don't want her to feel alone at night."
Without hesitation, Mia nodded. "Of course. I already packed a small bag just in case you needed me to."
Liora blinked, a little surprised. "You… did?"
Mia smiled faintly. "I could tell something was different when you came home. I thought you might need someone to stay."
Touched, Liora gave her a warm smile. "Thank you, Mia. Really."
That night, after dinner and a bit of shared storytelling, they all prepared for bed.
Aria clung to Liora for an extra few minutes after being tucked in. "Will you be back before I finish the owl book?"
"I'll try," Liora whispered, brushing a hand through her hair. "But even if I'm not, you can read it with Mia. And you can read it to me again when I get back."
With Aria sleeping soundly, Liora returned to the living room, where Mia had laid out a blanket on the couch.
"You sure you'll be okay here?" Tessa asked, passing her a pillow.
"I'll be fine," Mia replied with a small smile. "You two just focus on getting back safe."
The house slowly quieted, the fire crackling in the hearth, shadows flickering softly against the walls.
Liora paused by the door to her room, looking back one last time. The quiet strength of this small family wrapped around her like a protective blanket.
Tomorrow would bring danger.
But tonight, in this peaceful home, there was warmth… and love.