30 Bullying a junior

After learning the truth of what happened down in that underground laboratory, Finn found it hard to sleep. He woke up several times due nightmares. They were all similar, full of blood and shadows, but when he woke up he couldn't remember any of the details.

Finn was still a little tired after waking up in the morning. It was only now he noticed his roommates. Two other humans shared this dorm with Finn, and they were both extremely buff. The sound of them donning their platemail was what woke him up.

'Morning there sleepyhead.' Said one of the two with a grin. 'You plan on staying there all day? Breakfast is served at the bar, but you won't get any if you take too long.'

'Rough night?' Asked the other, not giving Finn a chance to respond, he continued. 'You woke us up a couple times with your tossin and turnin.'

Still half asleep, Finn responded while yawning. 'Sorry for disturbing your sleep, I'm Finn by the way. Still a trainee but hope to become a full member soon.'

'I'm Blade,' said the blond one, pointing to the bald one, 'Axe over there has been with the guild for five years. If you have any questions about how things work here, you can ask him over breakfast in the future. If you need any help with your swordsmanship I offer lessons at a reasonable price.'

'My lessons in heavy weapons would definitely suit you better.' Axe interrupted, pushing Blade aside.

Finn was surprised that his roommates were trying to earn money off of him while he was still in bed. These two had definitely embraced the essence of being a mercenary, to earn money whenever possible... or was that a merchants guild slogan?

'Are your names really Blade and Axe?' Finn asked doubtfully.

'They are now, we chose the names in order to brand ourselves better. now that we are a little famous, people who need the help of a swordsman would naturally think of me, Blade. It makes it easier for clients to remember who we are.'

'Anyway, we're off, got some highly valued customers to extort, I mean help.'

After the two left, Finn was a little relieved. They were so talkative, but he wasn't ready for so much interaction this early.

'Morning people,' Finn grumbled to himself as he got up and put on his leather armor. He wore his belts, with both daggers tucked in safely. His three throwing knives were strapped to his right thigh, and on his back was his crossbow and bolts.

Pinning his badge on his chest, Finn went to get some breakfast before heading out.

Finally ready to face the day, after a hearty breakfast of eggs, beans and half a loaf of bread, Finn walked to the harbor.

Today was when the new recruit was joining the guild. Finn's task was to meet them and guide them to the guild. Pete had mentioned on the way that he should be available to guide them around town to get them familiar with the place.

Finn didn't mind. The better job he did, the more likely he would be promoted.

The harbor area was busy in the mornings. Fishermen had just returned from their early morning fishing trip and were selling their catch to the local townspeople. A few city guards patrolled in pairs to keep things orderly.

Two merchant vessels were anchored in the sheltered bay, small rowboats were filled with goods and sent ashore. Watching the whole thing reminded Finn of ants.

Finn found himself a good spot where he could see the boats as they came in, and where he was visible.

There weren't many passengers getting off the ship, it was mostly crates and chests. Whenever a passenger was ferried ashore, Finn checked to see if they had a sword.

After waiting for half an hour, someone came up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. Finn turned around to see what they wanted.

'Are you with the mercenaries guild? You look like you are waiting for someone.'

The person behind him was a woman, fully armored, with short hair and vibrant green eyes full of life.

Caught a little off guard, Finn replied automatically. 'Yes, I was supposed to meet someone here, but it seems they have yet to leave the ship.'

'That would be me I guess.' The girl smiled. 'I came on that ship over there.' She pointed to a small sloop tied to the pier in the distance.

Finn hadn't paid attention to that ship, he though it just belonged to some local sailors or fishermen.

'Ah! Sorry! You must be Ray then.' Finn shook her hand as he apologized. 'I'm Finn, newest member of the mercenaries guild. I hope you didn't wait too long.'

'Just a few minutes, it was pretty obvious you were the one they sent,' the girl replied, 'and no I'm not Ray, but I am the one you were meant to pick up.'

Seeing Finn's confusion, she explained. 'Raeburn is my family name, so that's probably where the Ray came from. My name is Jessica, but everybody calls me Jess.'

Finn felt better after that explanation. As she was talking, Finn noticed she did have a sword. It was in its sheath, but the handle indicated that this was a quality blade. What confused Finn was the how long the grip was.

Seeing Finn eye here sword, she pulled it out carefully for him to see. She didn't want to frighten the people walking past. Holding the sword with two hands she explained.

'This is a bastard sword, it's somewhere in between a normal long sword and a two handed greatsword. Most people hold it with two hands, but some warriors are able to wield it with one.'

Finn was impressed, the way Jess handled the blade was natural and smooth. He knew that if he had to wield that four foot long piece of steel he wouldn't be able to swing it without putting his whole weight into each movement.

'Well we better get going then,' Finn said finally. 'We've got to get you registered and settled at the guild.'

Noticing Jess looking around as they went, Finn continued. 'I'm available the whole day, so if there is anything you'd like to see or do I can show you around. Don't feel like you are inconveniencing me either, the guild will reward me for doing a good job.'

As they neared the guild, Finn couldn't help but ask. 'How old are you anyway?'

'That's not very polite now it's it?' Jess said with a teasing smile. 'Twenty one,' she said laughing, once she was satisfied by how uncomfortable Finn looked.

'Rats!' Finn grumbled in despair.

'What?!' Jess gave him an intimidating look.

'I'm nineteen. I'm still the youngest member of the guild. I thought I might finally have a junior to bully.' Finn complained.

'THUD!'

'Ouch! Why'd you punch me?' Finn cried out indignantly.

'Just bullying my junior.' Jess winked and walked in to the guild.