video; open to both courts

[foraneye]

[Though she cannot tell who may be listening, Élise remains calm and composed she she speaks. She will not let any fear or anger show; she's been taught better than that.]

My name is Élise de la Serre and I don't believe in magic. But I don't believe in being lured away from everything I know by creatures either, and here I am. And so, I've been told, here are you.

[She shakes her head.]

For now, I think it's best to stop clinging to what I do and don't believe in. Either all of this is real, or I've gone swiftly mad.

[And she doesn't feel mad. But if she were, would she?

Some questions are best saved for quiet times when she's alone with her thoughts.]

I'd be grateful for information any of you know to be important. I've heard what our hosts have said and I'm making my own inquiries elsewhere, of course, but there is always more, things we must learn that others overlook. I'm sure that all of you who have been here for some time can think of things you wish you had known.

[She pauses a moment, then just nods.]

In return, you'd have my gratitude and an owed favor. And I'm not without enough skill to pay it back.

Comments

[commandertoolbelt]

[ Snort. ]

No, I'm a blacksmith. The real deal, not just someone's apprentice.

[foraneye]

[She doesn't even try to hide the skeptical look, though she's not purposely trying to be insulting.]

How old are you?

[commandertoolbelt]

Sixteen, [ he says evenly, a spark in his eyes daring her to contradict him. ]

[foraneye]

[She only raises an eyebrow a little bit.]

Then you must be uncommonly talented.

[commandertoolbelt]

You could even say I'm divinely talented.

[ Because, you know, he is. And he doesn't appreciate being questioned, either. ]

I did build a warship in six months, so yeah, if the shoe fits.

[foraneye]

What—by yourself? I don't believe that.

[That's not an issue of talent, as far as she's concerned; that's simple common sense.]

[commandertoolbelt]

Well, not entirely by myself, but mostly. The designs were all mine, the engine and the control system were all me. My half-siblings helped with the basic construction, but that's really it.

[ Don't underestimate a son of Hephaestus, Elise. He will find a way to prove you wrong. ]

[foraneye]

[That's a little more believable, though she's still somewhat skeptical.]

I take it your interest in weaponry has a wide range, then.

[commandertoolbelt]

If you mean more than just pointy things, yeah, definitely. I'm a blacksmith. I can make whatever I need to make.

[ Bragging? Maybe. But he believes he can do it, even if it'll take a little extra time for some things. ]

So if you ever need anything besides your sword, cool as that thing looks, you know who to come to! I'm just a little busy right now, but you know, I can always make time for awesomeness.

[foraneye]

I'll consider it.

[It's always good to have a backup after all. Especially if he's as good as he claims.]

Who should I look for if the time comes?

[commandertoolbelt]

Leo Valdez, son of Hephaestus, at your service, [ he answers, taking a sarcastic bow. ] I'm at the White Citadel for now, but I should be back in Caer Glaem when we're done here.

[foraneye]

Élise de la Serre. [If she recognizes the mythological figure, she doesn't show it. Maybe she just doesn't believe that, either.] I'll keep an eye out for you, then, Leo Valdez.