Favor for a favor

You tread slowly back to your rented room. Trevolia, your love, is still in the exact place you had left her. Guilt slowly creeps in regarding what you had just done, so brazenly betrayed her fidelity and trust, for a second time. You try to ration it that this would not happen if she was more accommodating to your desires and preferences in bed, and while there is some truth to that, it doesn't alleviate the burden you've put on yourself. You ease yourself down, telling yourself that this will not happen again.
Sleep eventually comes, though the morning comes too soon after for your liking. The morning was uneventful, Joan making zero indication as to what she had attempted and you choosing to not press the issue. Being the dutiful guide, she brought the two of you into a larger sight of civilization. Drez, the Guilded City, also known as the City of Cooperation. An independent city-state, it has benefitted by staying neutral in the number of regional conflicts. The knowledge and wealth seeking to escape the carnage have come here, and the combination of assets have allowed for a number of formalized guilds to arise. The city lacks the decorative and lavish flair of many of the areas of home that you're familiar with, but on the other hand, based on what Joan shows you, it lacks the guttural despair too.

"Joan," You ask as the pathway through the city becomes increasingly winding and unclear "Where are you taking us?"

"We're headed to the Magic Guild."

Trevolia sounded excited "So, the conversation last night was for real? We're coming here so I can be a wizard?"

Joan smiled slightly "It takes a long time to become fully adept as a wizard, and being stationary isn't necessarily a luxury we have. But, they'll help you get on the right path, if you can prove your capabilities."

The wind came out of the princess' sail, suddenly unsure of the idea. You suspect why that might be. She's had it easy her whole life, and never had to prove herself to anyone. Whatever comes next could be a great challenge for her, and she has not experienced many thus far. If not that, than it could just be the amount of the unfamiliar. The demographics here were very different; a much higher amount of the adventuring sort than even you were used to. Being well outfitted for danger, many cut an imposing silhouette. The home of the local Magic Guild was quaint: functional and sturdy. Like most of the structures here, it was utilitarian and didn't have any ornamentation to suggest the masters of arcane or the like called it home.

There were some notable glares and judging squints as you entered the building, behind Joan. Thankfully, the first voice you heard was a friendly one.

"Joan! Well, if it isn't my favorite trafficker of ill-gotten goods."

"Okambo!" She responds with a loud cheer, as she moves quickly for a hug. "You're just the man I was looking for. I could use a favor, in helping these two out", the hug past, Joan moved to allow full sight of each other. The human was tall, nearly as tall as you, with darkened skin, and graying curly hair.

"You never cease to surprise me with the curious folks you travel with." He looks both of you over, slowly "What can a humble wizard help you with?"

"Training, actually" Joan spoke up for you both "for her. She's been cooped up in the noble life, and needs to be able to defend herself, and figured spells would be the best way of doing it."

There was a groan, he stepped closer to Trevolia. Though he looked at the princess, he wasn't speaking to her, not directly.

"Joan, you realize it's not that simple. Becoming competent in the arcane arts involves more than just handing someone a spell book and saying fare thee well. Few have the aptitude for the work."

"Give me a chance, sir" Trevolia spoke up on her own, before you or Joan could come to her defense "Please. My family is after me. I'm tired of being helpless. Joan and Silve are great, but I want to be able to take care of myself."

"Very well. I'll see what I can do. I need something in return"

"Anything" You respond, which surprised him.

"Some distance away from here, there's an ancient burial chamber, either from the Lost Age or early part of the First Age. In the depths of the structure, there's said to be a warchief who was buried with great treasure. Bring it to me for greater study. I'll begin teaching this lovely young lady in the meantime, and call it even when you return."

"Deal" Joan says before you could comment. She shook hands with her old friend, sealing the deal.