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[h2][color=darkorchid][i][b]Victoria Belmont[/b][/i][/color][/h2][i][b][color=9932cc]Half-Elf, Bard, Level 3[/color][/b][/i]
[color=9932cc][i][b]HP:[/b][/i][/color] 23 / 23	[color=9932cc][i][b]Armor Class:[/b][/i][/color] 15	[color=9932cc][i][b]Conditions:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Location:[/b][/i][/color] Silversmith's Shop 
[color=9932cc][i][b]Action:[/b][/i][/color] Arcana, Persuasion
[color=9932cc][i][b]Bonus Action:[/b][/i][/color] N/A
[color=9932cc][i][b]Reaction:[/b][/i][/color] N/A 
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[right][img]https://i.ibb.co/8r6nxVw/Victoria-FC-11.jpg[/img][/right]
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	Ever interested in learning new things and pieces of lore, crafty or otherwise, Victoria listened as she could and gave detailed attention to the technique presented by the silversmith as he made silver inlays into baser metal. She was not a metalworker in the slightest, though he did recall the time it took to put finishing touches on the slim cut & thrust sword generally wore when out and about in an adventuring sense. It was more utilitarian than most of her possessions, minimal of decoration and direct in its construction, its beauty came from decent craftsmanship of Ashhaven city smiths and a solid, swept guard. A practical weapon. Yet the minor embellishing of this item took significantly longer to achieve than the relatively lightning pace with which Mr. Mallard scored the metal of the cuffs and inserted braided silver wire. This had to be magic. And [i]that[/i] piqued her interest even more. 

	Victoria glanced around the shop again, paying attention to the detail better presented in the brighter lamplight. This was a little odd in comparison to other jewelers' establishments, and not just for the lack of merchandise. There were sundries of ritual magic and some reagents that she recognized, and a suspicion that the book had some significance to an observer of arcane practices. Was this man acquainted with magic on a more formal level? 

	A clue to the answer of this question came in the form of Jacques himself admitting that his metal inscribing tool was a gift from his uncle. Maybe he wasn't a mage of some order or another, but simply close to someone who was. Whichever idea was accurate, both, neither, or some other eventuality, the fact was that this man was inlaying silver at a rate she had never even heard was possible. A spark of covetous pragmatism swept Victoria's face as she spoke with sweet, inquisitive notes, [color=9932cc]"Mr. Mallard, sir? I must admit that I am jealous of your ability to bend and craft precious metal. It is truly an art, and you appear masterful at your craft. Considering our suspicions, and what we have already learned from Robert, well... How long might it take you to grace, say for instance, a sword with your craftsmanship?"[/color] Her face remained positive even as her voice altered to the serious, following it up with, [color=9932cc]"And because of the emergency, what might I do to convince you? We are at a pivotal moment in time, Jacques. I saw with my own eyes a transformation happen right in the middle of the main thoroughfare. Giving us fighting chance would only help you. And others."[/color] Not to mention that, on a selfish level, a silver inlaid blade would be a beautiful and useful addition to her arsenal (and a great conversation opener for the telling of tales or influencing people of note). She smiled. It was flattering but noncommittal, in only the way a person of society might when they wanted something. 

	The silversmith paused his work very briefly to look to Victoria. He said nothing, sitting still at his workstation, though his eyes darted toward Marita, then to the door, then back to the Bard. Nodding, Mr. Mallard sighed a little and got back to his work, muttering, [color=darkgray]"I'm charging you all for raw materials."[/color] 

	Victoria's face beamed.