[color=fff200]"Well, not to seem rude, but I had heard your song and watched sing for the children. I recognize some of them as orphans due to the terrible battle that had happened here not too long ago. As a servant to Askari it is my duty to tend to the innocent such as them, but my own duties have made me too busy to care for the young ones. That being said, for you to go out of your way to care for them, in any way you can, is something admirable and trustworthy."[/color] Annabeth said with a smile as she shook El's hand. She didn't want to bore her with exposition like she did with Maren and Cassius (it was probably why she wasn't asked to stick around), so Annabeth was just honest and to the point. [color=fff200]"The town is filled with strong warriors but I can only trust a few. And for me trust is far more important than skill at arms. Seeing your good nature, I feel that I can trust you to watch my back as we hunt the beasts that plague the swamp, more so than I could a craven who'll run at the first sign of overwhelming odds. If you'll accompany me, I'll gladly lay my life down for you."[/color]

Annabeth bowed deeply as her father taught her to do when speaking to a lady or lord. If El does join, that'll be one more person Annabeth would have at her side. Though she knew she needed more. And while she might trust El, Annabeth couldn't be certain about her combat prowess which is still needed for hunting monsters. Annabeth does need a skilled fighter, one who won't be so prideful that they wouldn't work with her, but also one who is available to assist. That gave Annabeth an idea; she remembered an unusual warrior who had helped her defend the northern gates. He appeared to have been a mere fisherman, but he had also slain quite a few of those mad dog mercenaries with his spears, and moving swiftly and striking with deadly precision. He would no doubt be a boon in hunting the swamp monster. While Annabeth's arms and armor would help her survive against a beast, mobility was just as important and he was swift of foot and steady of hand.

[color=fff200]"It will not just be you and I of course. I actually have another in mind who I think I can trust to fight alongside us. If you're willing, we should go speak to him together to see if he'll want to join us for this hunt."[/color]

[@Royaletutor59]