MERELY A SETBACK

Peals of laughter spilled from Iris as she and Kaira confidently strode side by side, their hands intertwined, towards the inn. The evening sun danced off their armor, causing sporadic glints that illuminated their path. The street was filled with people going about their day, but as the two armored women passed, heads turned, conversations paused, and eyes widened in mild astonishment.

Iris shot a playful smirk at Kaira, eyebrows raised, thoroughly amused by the spectacle they had unwittingly become. Iris leaned closer to Kaira, her voice tinged with mirth. “It's as if two armored women holding hands is something worth watching.”

Kaira, with an amused sparkle in her eyes and a playful smirk on her lips, replied, “But it is though, Iris. It’s like they’ve never seen two badass armored ladies looking this good before.”

Catching her reflection in a nearby window, Iris couldn't help but chuckle. “Okay, maybe you're right. We are both fine as fuck.”

With a sly wink, Kaira responded, “And if they haven't, they have now. And honestly, they should count themselves lucky.” She squeezed Iris’s hand tighter, reveling in the delightful absurdity of the moment.

Continuing down the path, the delightful aroma of cooking began to waft toward them, pulling them along like an invisible thread. The cobblestone street gradually widened, revealing a line of colorful street food vendors, each stall more enticing than the last.

Steam rose from pots of bubbling broths, skewers sizzled over open flames, and vendors shouted out their specials, competing with each other in a merry cacophony of promises of deliciousness. The townsfolk bustled about, children with sticky hands ran past, their mouths smeared with the remnants of sweet pastries, and couples huddled together, sharing dishes and laughter.

Kaira’s stomach rumbled in response, betraying her hunger. “Oh, this is perfect. After all that attention we garnered, I think we've earned ourselves a feast.”

Iris smirked. “From warriors in love to food critics in a blink. Let’s get something.”

“Don’t forget, we got to be back for dinner!”

“Let’s find something… Wait… Do you smell that?”

“What?”

The two, still hand in hand, navigated their way through the vendors, as Iris led them as she searched, their armored presence continuing to draw curious glances from the locals.

A tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, drawing Iris’s attention like a bloodhound. Then, she saw it. A street vendor was delicately pulling out long, fried sticks from bubbling oil, sprinkling them generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

“Churros!” Iris exclaimed, eyes wide with recognition and glee.

Kaira glanced at the enticing treat with curiosity, her brow furrowing slightly. “Chu-what?”

Iris laughed, pointing at the crispy sticks. “These! They're called churros where I come from. Oh, the memories! Late-night festivals, fairs, and the sweet, sweet taste of home.”

Intrigued by Iris’s enthusiasm, Kaira wasted no time approaching the vendor, quickly exchanging some coins for some of the golden-brown delicacies. “Well then,” she said, handing one to Iris with a grin, “let's see what the fuss is all about.”

The first bite was everything Iris remembered and more. The outer crunch gave way to the soft, doughy inside, all perfectly balanced with the sweet mix of sugar and cinnamon. Beside her, Kaira's eyes shone with newfound appreciation. “Mmm... these are good,” she admitted, taking another eager bite.

They continued their stroll, churros in hand and smiles on their faces. Kaira, wiping a sprinkle of sugar from her lips, looked thoughtful. “With all these new experiences, are you ready for all the administrative work you're about to dive into?”

Iris let out a playful groan. “Not in the slightest. But, you know what? I'm excited to learn, to grow into this role. Sure, there'll be hurdles, but I've got a good team, and amazing people like you by my side.”

Kaira chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. “And churros, apparently. Who knew they'd be the secret to bolstering morale? I wish I’d known this when I was still a guard captain.”

Iris grinned, raising her churro in mock toast. “To new adventures, and sweet surprises along the way!”

“Come along, my sweet addled lover. We need to change and get back.”

Strolling leisurely, churros in hand, the day seemed perfect, the type where memories are etched with golden tinges.

“You know, with all the guild duties ramping up, I've been thinking...” Iris started, taking a bite and enjoying the sweet and crunch in equal measure, “about getting a place of my own. It might be time.”

Kaira tilted her head, clearly surprised. “A house? For the grand and mighty Guildmaster Iris?”

Iris rolled her eyes. “Oh, stop it. But yes, something modest, with a garden maybe. Enough room for me, Mocha, and Akane. Just a cozy spot away from the chaos of the guild. ”

Kaira’s expression turned thoughtful. “Sounds wonderful. A sanctuary for when things get too hectic. Do you have any places in mind?”

Iris sighed wistfully. “It’s on the agenda. I’ve just been swamped. But I’ll get to it.”

As they strolled, Kaira’s mood became teasingly reflective. “Would there be room for a certain armored lady to visit in this dream abode of yours?”

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Iris chuckled. “Only if she promises not to eat all my churros.”

“I recall you focusing quite hard on my own home. And when Mocha and Akane went off on their adventure, we didn’t get a chance to talk about it. Why the change of heart?”

“I’ve thought about it a lot,” Iris admitted with a sigh. Kaira moved behind her as they stepped around a man placing some crates down on the sidewalk and kept going. Kaira back by her side, she continued, “But, we’ve come really far really quickly. I think me finding a place of my own with those two scoundrels, will do me and us some good. I want to do this right, Kaira. I… care about you. Our worlds are different. Moving in together is a big step in your world, and I want to do this courting thing right. I want to woo you, to make you fall in love with me. Then, when the time is right I want to take the next step if you’re willing.”

Kaira’s breath hitched. “That… That sounds lovely, Iris. I would love that.”

“However! You are of course welcome any time, stay the night. Bring some underwear over to keep in my drawers…” She added with a wink. “Maybe when we want some extra privacy, we can swing by your place. You know, without a shifty fox and a silly horse around.”

Her lover chuckled and nudged her. “They’re not too bad. I’ve always liked Mocha, and Akane has grown on me. Especially now since I don’t have to be the one to deal with her shenanigans!”

Iris chuckled.

Their laughter and banter continued as they walked, the world a beautiful haze of joy, until suddenly, without warning, a searing pain shot through Iris’s head. It felt like a bolt of lightning, white-hot and agonizing, and she bent over, clutching her temples.

Kaira, alarmed, gripped her arm as she tried to steady the now trembling Iris. “Iris?! Speak to me! What’s happening?”

The pain ebbed slightly, and it gave way to a dizzying swirl inside her head, like being caught in a whirlwind. Then, just as suddenly, a clear mental image formed, almost like an arrow, pointing directly behind them.

Rubbing her eyes, Iris tried to clear the fog of confusion. She pressed a hand to her temple as she winced, her fingers trembling. “My [Adventurer's Compass] just activated on its own.”

Kaira's grip tightened around Iris, eyes clouded with worry. “What does that mean?”

Iris swallowed hard, her complexion paling. “It... It's supposed to lead me to my quest objectives…” She hesitated, the words catching in her throat as realization struck like an icy blade.

Kaira's voice was almost desperate as she asked, “What is it?”

Drawing a shaky breath, Iris replied, “The only unresolved quest that I could have had... is the Marauder Prince.”

“But he's dead,” Kaira retorted quickly.

Iris shook her head, “We never found his body.”

She froze.

“Oh fuck, Kaira. The compass is pointing directly back to the guild.” Time seemed to compress, urgency overtaking them. Iris tightened her grip on Kaira's arm. “We need to move. Now!”

Without wasting another moment, the two armored women broke into a sprint, a new urgency propelling them forward.

“Go!” Kaira yelled. “I’ll catch up! I’m getting the Guard!”

Iris didn’t hesitate.

With a nod, Iris shot forward, her armored form cutting a swift path through the sea of people on the streets.

The rhythmic pounding of her boots on the cobbled stones matched the frantic beating of her heart. As she wove through the throngs of startled townsfolk, their voices melded into a chaotic hum around her.

Faster. I need to be faster.

Suddenly, with a deep inhale, Iris summoned the mana for her [Lightning Step]. A flash of azure energy enveloped her, and in the next heartbeat, she hurtled forward, resembling a streak of lightning more than a human being.

The sheer velocity of her movement was breathtaking.

But her tactical mind raced even faster.

Not wanting to cause undue harm, she quickly modified the spell to minimize its explosive impact upon arrival. Every time she emerged from the burst of electricity, there was a collective gasp from the bystanders. Shouts of surprise, screams of fear, and calls for guards echoed through the streets.

But she had no time to explain or apologize, using the spell repeatedly to cover as much ground as possible.

As Iris rounded the final corner, the Adventurer's Guild Hall came into view.

Yet, as she approached the entrance, a sinking feeling washed over her. The large doors, which had previously stood tall and inviting, lay broken, scattered fragments blown inward by a violent force. Through the jagged doorway, an ominous icy mist crept out, its chilling tendrils licking the ground and curling into the air.

She halted abruptly, breathless not from the run but from the realization of what this might mean. The words slipped from her lips in a hushed whisper, filled with dread, “Oh no…”

Iris knew what she had to do, and these were her closest friends.

She couldn’t be distracted.

She [Focused]. Her vision narrowed as the surroundings became sharper, more defined.

Darkness, silence, and icy dread filled the air, and within this quiet, Iris’s determined steps echoed loudly. Drawing her sword, a gleaming beacon amidst the mist, her resolve crystallized.

Then, with a surge of mana, her [Storm Skin] activated. Each strand of her hair stood on end as electricity coursed along her body, making her skin crackle and spark, almost humming with raw power.

With [Rushing Wind], her every move became graceful, swift, like a dancer’s fluid motion carried by an unseen breeze. As she channeled [Arcane Capability], her muscles tightened, and her senses amplified, enhancing both physical strength and magical potential. And finally, with [Arcane Conduit], her blade began to crackle with lightning, becoming not just an extension of her arm but also her will.

With heightened senses and fortified strength, she made her way through the mist-filled guild hall. The scene looked like the aftermath of a snowstorm.

Icicles, not naturally formed but rather thrust violently, jutted out from walls, their pointed tips glistening ominously.

Amid the wreckage in the main area, the first motionless forms came into focus. Her heart clenched. One particular figure pulled her closer. It was Findal—the optimistic high elf from Stilstead, who had ventured here with hopes and dreams. Now, he was still, the life extinguished from his form, rendered another victim of a merciless onslaught.

Damn it all.

Kneeling beside him, a torrent of sorrow threatened to consume her, the weight of loss nearly overpowering her resolve. But with a guttural breath, she anchored herself back to the grim reality, staunchly reminding herself that every second mattered.

There’ll be time for grieving, but not now.

Further into the gloom, Owlie lay pierced with icy spikes. Its once bright eyes were clouded, the spark gone, leaving a void that spoke of a fierce life cut short. Yet, amidst the sorrow, the absence of Laken offered a slender thread of hope.

He could still be alive. I have to keep going.

As she stood, a distant shout snapped her attention back. A male voice, sounding both triumphant and enraged, was followed by a feral growl, and then a pained yelp.

No, not them…