The sun was beginning to set when the battered party finally reached the edge of the village. The faint orange glow lit their path as they limped along the familiar road, Liora with her arm in a sling, Nellie supporting Garth, and Saria walking calmly beside them with a faint smile.
As they approached their home, the door swung open.
Mia stood there, her eyes wide in surprise and relief. "You're back!" she gasped, rushing forward. "You all look like you've been through,"
Before she could finish, a pair of bare feet thundered down the porch steps.
MOMMY!!" Aria's voice cried out behind her.
But before Aria could even reach them, Tessa burst from the house, her eyes wide and filled with tears, sprinting toward Liora like the world was crashing around her.
"Mom!" she sobbed, throwing her arms around Liora's waist.
Liora winced but managed a soft smile, her hand slowly lowering to gently pat Tessa's head.
"I'm okay," she whispered. "Still a little hurt, but I'm here."
Tessa clung to her tighter, shaking, unable to stop crying.
"I thought, I thought," she tried to speak, but her voice cracked.
Liora knelt down with difficulty, pressing her forehead to Tessa's. "You did the right thing, Tessa. You saved us."
Behind them, Aria finally reached them and wrapped herself around Liora's back, quietly whimpering. "Welcome home…"
Mia wiped her eyes, trying to look composed. "You scared us," she muttered.
They slowly made their way inside. The warmth of the home, even with its simple furnishings, felt like a blanket after the cold forest.
Saria sat down on the couch, exhaling deeply.
"I'm staying here for a bit," she said casually, glancing at Liora. "You're not getting rid of me until I'm sure you can lift a sword again without wincing."
Liora chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Mia made tea while Aria stuck close to Liora's side, holding her hand tightly as if afraid to let go.
Tessa sat nearby, wiping her eyes but refusing to go too far either.
It wasn't loud, or busy, or exciting.
But it was peaceful.
They were home.
Together.