#the airport wifi has betrayed me so i have no idea if this gif will load right

[ars-gratia-auden]

“I should very much like to be the subject matter expert on telperion,” Auden stated, unapologetic about the strings they attached to their offer for help. “I would imagine trying to assist you would cover half the work necessary to get there. But I respect your autonomy and your no.” They suspected Eivor might have misunderstood their price as they did their initial intentions, but the man’s problems weren’t going anywhere and neither was the forgemaster. Besides, most who turned Auden down found their back back to them eventually, with much less stringent boundaries and conditions. “If you change your mind, I hope you will seek me out again. I would like to help you.” 

Auden stood when Eivor voiced his intention to leave, but paused, their hands perched on the back of the ornately carved chair they had been occupying a moment ago. A firm nod was given in affirmation that whatever was done to Eivor should not happen again. But for now, it seemed too much was unknown to either of them to do the legwork that would be necessary to make that happen–for now, at least.

END

Everything had a price, even those of his own kind. He could see it in the way they carefully picked their words, had a shop in the midst of the...witches of Eterna. This place was not his home; Avalon was not what it used to be. Eivor let his hand flex for a moment, though it wasn't much of a comfort as he wished it to be. "Your price sounds too steep for an Elvhen of Avalon. I didn't know it was such a currency within the Moongate. Is this metal in my blood not steep enough? It's a part of me, and here you ask for more." He refrained from asking if times were that bad, but – he'd find his help elsewhere from someone he could trust.

Auden had a name for themselves, though. He knew they were one of the great Elvhen smiths, but Eivor did not know them. For now, though, he'd accept the advice for what it was. They couldn't do much without a sample, and if telperion was that difficult to get ahold of at the minute, he'd keep it for the time being. "Fine, I guess that's all I needed, then." He didn't wish to waste anymore of their time, but he would have to wait until he was certain that the Elvhen outside of Avalon could be trusted as such. "If I find something that is similar, I will let you know. Only so you could stop it happening to others as it was done to myself." That much he could hope – Auden didn't seem the cruel type, to wish to ensure their legacy so far as to combine a living Elvhen with metal and mercury – "Dareth Shiral," he muttered the Elvhen goodbye, turning to leave.