Video.

[aerial_ace]

[Forward-dated to the end of the week, after the Wildwoods log]

[Cordelia is quiet. She looks tired.]

Luke and Asch have not been home in so many days, and have failed to report for duty as well. I've tried to contact them, but...

[There's a long, painful pause. She likely knows what's happened, but--]

Please, someone tell me that they have seen them. The two are hard to miss. They're twins, with long red hair, green eyes, not particularly short or tall. You may have run into them as pokemon as well. They look very similar to a Vulpix, but gold and red in color, with a single tail.

If you've seen them, please tell them to come home. Their mother is worried sick, and we would all like to have them back where they belong.

Thank you.

Comments

[aerial_ace]

[When he arrives, he'll be greeted by Cordelia. For once, her place isn't as well-kept as it usually is, with books spread out on the table. Surprisingly, not a single one of her romance novels are present, but instead she has a bunch of maps and at least one or two almanacs open.]

[master_tactician]

[Robin's eyes scan the maps with interest, taking in the scene. Wordlessly, he puts a steady hand on Cordelia's shoulder.]

All will be well.

[aerial_ace]

[She looks surprised, not expecting him to pick up on that, then smiles a bit.]

I hope you're right...

[Stepping away, she gestures toward one of the walls, a scabbard leaning up against it.]

Go ahead and have a look.

[master_tactician]

[Robin takes up the sword, unsheathing it and examining it with interest]

Very well made, the balance is incredible and I can feel it humming with power. I didn't realize you were so accomplished a smith.

[aerial_ace]

It is a hobby of mine. I crafted the spear that I use, as well as helped construct the armor that Swanna and Ponyta wear.

[She smiles.]

[master_tactician]

Very impressive! It seems you're a woman of many fine talents, Cordelia.

[aerial_ace]

[Many talents? That gave her a start.]

After the fight outside of Citadel, I thought that you could use a better weapon to defend yourself. I take weapon crafting very seriously, nothing more. A good weapon is an extension of the user, and will keep them safe from harm.

[Robin please don't say things like that, people she might get ideas...]

[master_tactician]

Too true. But it's not too often I see capable warriors also able to forge their own weapons.

[aerial_ace]

I would not trust anyone else with this task. I know what my weapon is capable of, and in the heat of battle, that can mean life or death.

[master_tactician]

In which case, I shall be glad that my weapon was forged by someone so skilled and trustworthy. I can know it will not fail me.

[aerial_ace]

At least I certainly hope it won't.

[You're too kind.]

Although I cannot take full credit for the handiwork here. I had an engineer help imbue it.

[master_tactician]

Aha, and that would explain the electric element I am seeing. Quite ingenious!

[aerial_ace]

I thought so. You should be able to summon a thunderbolt using that sword.

[master_tactician]

I can see that being useful.

[aerial_ace]

Hopefully it will keep you out of danger.

[master_tactician]

Of that I have no doubt.

[aerial_ace]

Just be sure not to charge headlong toward any gods, if you can avoid it.

[Yes, she remembered that.]

[master_tactician]

I was in no danger, I knew you were behind me.

[aerial_ace]

[Robin, you really need to stop that. Now.]

You have too much faith in me.

[master_tactician]

Nonsense. I wish you could share the faith I have in you.

[aerial_ace]

[Cordelia looks away a bit.]

I have faith, but I know that I have let people down in the past. People have lost their lives because of the mistake that I have made. If I let myself forget that, then I will make the same mistake again.

[master_tactician]

I don't think that will happen, but I certainly understand your reluctance. If nothing else, know that I trust you and know you won't steer me wrong.

[aerial_ace]

[She smiles warmly.]

That means a lot coming from you, Robin. Thank you.