The Aftermath

With the raid that morning the guards fortified the defenses and the inhabitants of the trade caravan felt they could finally relax. The scouts didn't foresee any more threats on the road so Illyana took the opportunity to change into more comfortable wear for the remainder of the journey.

Instead of her leather armor, she had stripped down into a pretty floral dress that stopped mid-thigh, hugging her curves nicely and showing off her modest cleavage. The fabric was light and airy, making her feel a bit more free after the intense fight that morning.

After the encounter with the blacksmith and their subsequent savings, Cordain was able to afford purchasing these clothes for her. This was something he loved to do, giving Illyana every opportunity to show off her beauty in different attire. Tonight, her soft feminine side was on full display, and he couldn't get enough of it.

Pell arrived at their tent later that night. Cordain had gone out to pick up some drinks and food from the traveling tavern, leaving Illyana alone with her thoughts. When she saw Pell, she greeted him with a smile, her heart beating faster than before.

"Hey there, beautiful. Cordain asked me to come hang out until he came back with the drinks." Pell leaned against the tent entrance, looking at her with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Oh, sure. Come on in." She moved aside, letting him enter the tent. It was small and cramped, with just enough room for the two of them and Cordain when he returned. "So, um... Thanks again for this morning. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. Just doing what a guard should do." He grinned, his eyes roaming over her body. She was even more beautiful in the dress than in her armor. "You look very pretty tonight. The dress looks great on you. It really shows off your, uh... assets." He winked at her, his tone teasing.

Illyana blushed, feeling a bit exposed under his gaze. "Th-thank you. Cordain bought it for me."

"Lucky guy. I bet he can't get enough of you in that dress." Pell took a seat on the bed, making himself at home. He seemed the carefree type, but he was being more forward than yesterday and it was making her a bit nervous.

But Pell remained respectful, making sure not to cross any physical boundaries. He was the perfect gentleman.

As the two made small talk, Illyana couldn't help but notice how attractive he was. She had talked about it with Cordain yesterday, but now that she was alone with him she really felt it. The way he looked at her, the way he laughed, the way he carried himself... It was all so alluring. She found herself laughing at his jokes and stories, feeling a connection with him.

"That's why your ex broke up with you? No way!" Illyana giggled, imagining a large muscular man crying over a girl who left him for being too sappy.

"Sad, I know. But I guess I learned my lesson. No more poems, no more songs, just good old fashioned sword swinging." Pell laughed, his deep voice making her feel warm inside.

"Don't change yourself for a girl who doesn't deserve you. There are girls who like that side of a guy! Like, that's how Cordain won me over. He's strong and protects me but it was his gentle side that I fell in love with." Illyana spoke from the heart, feeling a bit proud of her relationship.

"Well, I'll keep that in mind." Pell smiled at her, his eyes full of warmth. "I hope I can find a cute girl like you who respects a man who is more than just all brawn. Although I bet I have a lot of that too!" He said as he pumped his arm and showed his muscles off. Illyana couldn't help but giggle at his playful demeanor.

"You do! I saw it today, the way you fought those bandits off. You were amazing." She leaned closer to him, feeling a bit bold. His natural scent was intoxicating, a mix of musk and sweat.

"Hey, I'm no hero. I was just doing my job. And plus, you did great too. Taking out those bandits with your bow. You're a natural." Pell looked at her with admiration, his eyes softening. He had thought she was pretty before, but now he saw her in an even brighter light. He was definitely attracted to her and if it wasn't for the fact that she was with Cordain, he would have made a move on her by now.

Instead, he locked eyes with her as they had a moment. A moment that felt intimate and special. In the silence Illyana's breath hitched, her heart racing at his intense gaze. She knew she shouldn't, but she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. Pell felt the same.