A Setback

After arriving in Azura, Cordain and Illyana parted ways with Pell. The handsome guard had to return to his duties and the couple had to find a place to stay and a source of income.

"Thanks for everything, Pell. We'll keep in touch. I hope to see you again soon!" Illyana hugged him tight, feeling a bit sad to say goodbye.

"Same here. You two are great company. I'll miss you guys." Pell hugged her back, giving her a quick peck on the cheek before giving Cordain a fist bump. "Take care, my man."

"You too, buddy. It's dangerous on the roads so stay safe out there. I'd hate to lose a good friend." Cordain smiled at him, feeling grateful for the time they spent together.

As they watched Pell ride off on his next assignment, Illyana sighed. "I'll miss him. He's a good guy." She looked up at Cordain with a soft smile. "Thank you for letting me... You know."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I certainly did too." He leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Now let's find ourselves a job. I heard the mercenary guild here is always looking for new talent. With our skills, we should have no problem fitting in."

"Lead the way!" Illyana linked her arm with his, ready for their next adventure. It was a fresh start and they were excited to see what it would bring them.

The couple arrived and was greeted with a modest building in varying states of disrepair. The entrance room had just one desk with a tall, slender woman standing behind it in a dress far too skimpy than was acceptable, but she greeted them politely nonetheless.

"Excuse me, we're looking for the guildmaster. Is he in?" Cordain asked the receptionist.

"I'm sorry, but the guildmaster is... indisposed at the moment. He is not accepting any new recruits." She looked apologetic, but her tone was firm.

"Oh. That's too bad. We've traveled far to join the guild here in Azura. Is there any way we can speak to him? Or perhaps someone else in charge?" Illyana tried her luck, putting on her most charming smile.

"Well... There is someone else who's in charge now. But he's... particular about who he recruits. I can let him know you're here, but I can't guarantee he'll see you." The receptionist hesitated, not sure if she should let them know about the recent change in leadership.

"That's all we ask. Thank you." Cordain gave her a nod and they took a seat on the nearby bench, waiting patiently.

It didn't take long for a large man with a fierce scar across his eye to come storming out of the back room. He was built like a bull, with bulging muscles and a cocky grin that could intimidate even the bravest of warriors.

"Who the hell are you and what do you want?" He barked at them, crossing his arms over his chest. That's when he noticed the redheaded girl standing next to Cordain.

"Oh ho, who's this pretty little thing?" He leered at Illyana, licking his lips. "What's a girl like you doing in a place like this? Shouldn't you be at home, cooking and cleaning for your man?" He chuckled, finding his own joke amusing.

Illyana was taken aback by his rude comment. She was used to some men being chauvinistic, but this guy was on another level. She clung to Cordain's arm, feeling a bit scared.

"We're here to join the guild. We heard you're looking for new members." Cordain stepped forward, shielding Illyana from the man's leering gaze. He didn't like the way he was looking at his girlfriend.

The man snorted, sizing Cordain up. "You? Join my guild? You don't look like you have what it takes. And you..." He turned his attention back to Illyana. "You're just a girl. What use could you possibly be? Unless..." He grinned wickedly. "You're here to offer your... services. That I might consider."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Cordain's jaw clenched, his hands balling into fists. He could feel his anger rising at the man's insinuation.

"Come on, don't play dumb. A pretty girl like you, with a scrawny guy like him? You must be looking for a real man to take care of you. And I'm just the man for the job." He stepped closer to Illyana, ignoring Cordain completely. "What do you say, sweetheart? How about you ditch this loser and become my woman? I'll treat you real good, I promise."

Cordain saw red. How dare this guy talk to his girl like that?

"Where's your guildmaster you overgrown sack of meat?" Cordain shouted, drawing his sword. He was ready to fight this guy if he had to.

The man laughed, his booming voice echoing in the guildhall. "You're looking at him, kid. The name's Gaius and I'm the new guildmaster around here. And if you want to join my guild, you'll have to prove yourself. I'll let anyone who can land a scratch on me join. And if you can't, you get out of my sight and never come back."

Gaius pulled out his own sword, a massive broadsword that looked like it could cleave a man in two. He swung it around with ease, showing off his strength and skill.

"Fine, let's fucking go!" Cordain charged at him, sword raised. He wasn't going to let this arrogant bastard insult him and his girl.

The fight was short and brutal. Gaius was faster and stronger than Cordain had anticipated. He easily disarmed him and knocked him to the ground, his sword at his throat.

"Pathetic. You're not even worth my time." Gaius spat on him, disgusted by his weakness.

Thwack!

An arrow whistled through the air, landing true on the far wall behind Gaius.

"Well well! The pretty one can do more than be eye candy! And since you landed this scratch, feel free to join... I know you want to feel what it's like in my company." He brushed his cheek where a small cut was forming from the arrow. He wasn't at all concerned for his own safety, but the challenge and power play with this woman who dared challenge him turned him on.

Illyana's aim was true. She wanted to kill him. But he had deftly avoided the arrow with minimal effort. With no other choice she helped Cordain up on his feet and they left, humiliated by their weakness.