"A ring you say?"

Stefan could recall in a past conversation that her mother worked as a jeweler so it would make sense that her daughter would know as well. It's nice to know that she was already be involved in a crafts trade before being claimed by the god of forges and fire so he could bet that she could make jewelry worth dozens if she put her mind to it. But for now, she needed to have at least a basic knowledge of weapons if a camper is going to ask her in the future and he may be there to supervise whether or not she needed it. And seeing that she was already wearing the right protective gear, he knew she's on the right track. Even though their father is the god of fire, none of their children are immune to fire... despite popular belief. The thought would be nice. "What's the occasion?" He was wondering about that. Not many of their siblings were asked to make personal ornaments.

He smirked. "I'm kidding." Turning towards to his half-sibling's friend, he gave her a cordial nod. "A pleasure to meet you. Stefan Köhler, and you must be?"

Killian's offer for help reassured that all of them are besting the myrmekes alive but Stefan wanted to end this as soon as possible so he could help them out. For now, the game did not matter but ensuring their survival and if they are lucky, saving themselves a trip to the infirmary. Either way, with those two Apollo kids? If they played their cards right they could ensure victory. One giant ant in front of him gaited rather quickly from the taunt earlier but he was about to halt its movement by hurling the spear towards its face but it grabbed the weapon with its mandible and threw it aside. "Damn, I should have threw that with my bionic arm." He spoke, a bit let down it did not make the strike. Now unarmed, he would have to grab his weapon somehow. The myrmeke seemed to be content with him being unarmed so it strikes back by lunging at him, only to get punched with the prosthetic arm. It flew back towards the ground, giving him that chance to grab his weapon back.

But as he was about to pick it up, the myrmeke hurled itself towards it and attempted to bite him but luckily, it was his prosthetic arm that it bit. Clenching his teeth, Stefan gripped his weapon and stabbed the ant, causing it to let go of his arm. There was slight scratches on his tech but it was nothing he can't fix. Stefan moved forward as it began to stagger but with his left arm he pushed the spear further inside the beast. A loud chitter parted its mouth from the pain and another when he pulled his weapon out. Looks like the battle's just getting started!

"That is... what we are here for." Perhaps it is blessing to have so many half-siblings that the work is evenly distributed in the forge and whatever big project they are responsible of doing for the camp. And even then, the newer siblings would be given attention simply because working at the forge or on any project really is a difficult process so it is made sure that they wear protective gear at all times whenever they are about to dive. It was not official but it was like an apprenticeship program where someone new gets taken on by an experienced blacksmith. This time, the entire cabin is responsible for that newer siblings learning even through there's one person or two guiding them. "If you do have any questions, you can let anyone here know and they would be glad to help you out."

Stefan could sense the slight hesitation in her voice. Is there something wrong with taking a walk or was it about him that she may not feel comfortable going on a walk with? Well no matter. He decided to bring it up later if the situation calls for it. Taking off his gear, he waited for her outside of the camp forge but even standing several yards he could feel the heat and hear the sounds of tools and machinery. When his half-sister finally arrived he could not help but smile when she did. "Great! I promise I won't keep you from your natural habitat."

"So what did you think about this place? You settled in well?" 

Every year during the summer, the camp has a tradition where fireworks are set up on the north shore of the beach and it was none other than Cabin Nine to be responsible for making them. With the help of some members from the Iris and Athena cabins, Stefan was able to incorporate their ideas and plan some of the most complex fireworks this camp has ever seen. It was a seamless process as everyone worked together to make it happen. Who wouldn't want to see awesome fireworks? The cabin and the forge was hard at work. Stefan was especially attentive to Kenna's learning as she was just claimed this year but wanted to make sure she doesn't get hurt making them.

And once that day came, he helped set up the fireworks in the beach. Several troughs are anchored to the sand, reinforced with brackets and heavy lumber. To prevent them from tipping during the show, stakes were placed and secured them. Stefan began to connect the fuses by hand and thoroughly prepared anyone who might be near the launch area by having them wear protective glasses, fire retardant clothing, and ear plugs. He even had some of the Hecate Cabin place protective charms so there's no stray firework or anything that could harm the campers. He wanted to make this as safe as possible but nevertheless proved to be not as difficult as making the fireworks shells themselves. When he approached Kenna, he wanted to make sure she was ready as he did not want her to get harmed during the show. "I'm not allowing you to set them off without the gear." 

Watching Kenna get claimed as a child of Hephaestus brought a smile to his face. The fact that his father is out and about with women is past him so all he could do was to be happy he and his half-siblings got a new crew member in the cabin and the camp forge. The very next day, Stefan was one of the older half-siblings to show her around the forge though he did not speak much when his current project drew his attention so another half-sibling was glad to take the lead of the short tour. Once it was done, she was left on her own to work with the materials that were given to her and any that sort can be retrieved from storage. This time, he was forging another celestial bronze weapon for a camper but he was halfway done when he took a break. He loved forging weapons and he still takes commissions whenever he can though he still tries to avoid accepting to make celestial bronze bullets. They are not too difficult to make but it's tedious work.

When he went to check up on Kenna, it seemed like she was talking to another camper while working on something. Stefan chose to approach the two young ladies with a cordial smile, hoping his tall stature won't scare them. "Hey, kiddos. What are you making? Sorry if I might have come in to information I was not supposed to hear." He did hear a bit from the last few seconds but it was no big deal. "Just wanted to check how is my little half-sister doing in her first day of the forge. She isn't annoying you, right?" He was asking the black haired lass with a grin though his bionic arm might have caught her attention first.

"I suppose so, yeah." Sure he wanted to brag a little bit about his arm but there were huge drawbacks to undergoing prosthesis and even more so before inquiring the arm. Stefan had to live a few years without an arm after the doctors amputated it to remove the risk of infecting the rest of his body. By that time, the arm was a lost cause and there was no way to heal it. Medical professionals are no miracle workers but they did their best to save him while his mother was bawling her eyes out. A while after, he got used to living with one arm but one day, he was given the prosthetic when he performs a life-saving duty. He had to spend several months adjusting and yet he still was not used to it. It was getting irritating but it helped him assist his mother in errands, chores, whatever needs done within his ability. His arm grew better the more he stayed at camp as he can lift far more heavier stuff with it and even adding a few weapons modifications for combat. All that and somehow the arm felt lighter as if it felt like an original. He was grateful for the magic that was given to him and to his father.

"Yeah, I do take apart stuff too. Just make sure you don't misplace or lose a part on the way." Letting out a soft chuckle, he thought it was time to get to know his little half-sister so she can look at his bionic arm more. Of course he'd notice but he would not call her out on it. "Hey, um. Are you free right now? I'd love to take a walk with you if you are. Even a Hephaestus child needs a break from this heat."

"Team Red?" He responded to his comment. "Sounds like opposites attract, am I right?" It was his small attempt at lightening their ambush situation when it seemed like three red team campers joined him when he was avoiding to participate. Yet who could have predict that their little reunion would draw the myrmekes out of the ground and began their hunt to them? Stefan wanted to take a break from the battle too but it wound up going to them. What matters now is getting out of this buggy situation. One of the myrmekes confronted the young man on its own and he was happy to oblige. After that spear throw killed that hellhound earlier, he was feeling rather confident about his abilities. Though when another one of them chittered because an arrow was shot to them, his opponent was going to join in on the pair but Stefan preferred to get it away from the campers. "Come here, you little shit. Best not to approach those two." He began to admonished the critter and it seemed like his taunt was working as it turned to him.

"Guys, good luck!" He threw his voice as he led the giant ant ways away so he can confront the monster on his own. 

At first, he thought the two of them had it under control but upon closer inspection the mechanical spiders were not doing good as he had expected. He was not there to know what could cause the spiders to get deterred from approaching the Athena girl but all he could take away is what could make actual spiders act that way. Stefan shot her a grimaced look. "When you build mechanical animals, treat them as if they are real animals. They behave like their original counterparts. Spiders for example... salt is harmful to them but at least they don't die immediately. So if that girl threw salt then it's unfortunate she's their opponent. Not to mention she's Athena's kid. That girl's smarter than she looks. Withdraw your spiders for now. I may have something that will work."

Stefan blew a whistle with his fingers but nothing happened for a few moments until he heard the sounds of quadrupedal steps approaching. It feels like it came from a hellhound because of the sound it produces but it was revealed to be a mechanical African Wild Dog. Giving it strict orders to protect the flag, the robotic canine stood before the flag as it gazed upon the teenager. 

If the hellhound was chasing him, he'd make a snarky comment on saving the man but that was not the case but having his only weapon be near an enemy camper is anything but ideal. Even so, it is best to play it safe as he could have thrown the spear farther out of his reach and he would have to go get it, risking his chance of meeting another blue team camper. The young adult remained in a wary stance, observing as Killian slowly lowered himself to retrieve his weapon from the earthy grounds of the forest. When he finally approached him, he grabbed it back with an awkward smile. "No problem, man. We're all about defeating monsters." Sure they are opponents in flag capture but it's better to work together against monsters who are always out to get them no matter whose god parent they have.

Stefan was about to take his leave until he heard footsteps coming their way. Another hellhound? Another camper? Either way, it's not good and he forced himself into a battle stance once more. Instead, it was Willow and Elijah - fellow red team campers. Well that was a relief- but the growing chirping noises interrupted his impromptu cooldown. Coming out of the bushes was a horde of myrmekes. "Hah! You're telling me." He responded to Killian's comment. "Looks like there is an even number. Killian-" Elijah interrupted him to speak his parting words before distracting one of them away. So that is one down, assuming he kills that one.

"Let's kick their asses then."

Stefan sped past the trees after having to deal with red team's defense with his half-siblings. After inquiring Kenna's whereabouts, he knew he had to back her up so they can defend the flag together. A triumphant yell can be heard from afar and he could tell it came from his younger half-sibling. Soon arriving at the flag site, it seemed like both McKayla and Kenna were defending and Katie was making repeated attempts to grab it but nevertheless stood her ground in spite of an uneven match. His presence here was about to make it even more uneven but they could use all the help they could get in case her team's reinforcements arrive. 

Stefan was letting that loss get to him. He was determined to defend the flag but he could not fulfill his role as he was expected to. Perhaps he was overconfident about it but it still does not change that he was not able to protect it. The man wound up walking away from the battle and followed the sounds of the river. It was appeasing and if he wanted to take a break, he'd visit this place again. Arriving in the creek, he knelt before the riverbank and leaned down to wash his face with his two hands scooping the water. His facial skin was being splattered with cool water before his hand began to rub against it to rid of the sweat and dirt. He was beginning to find this pleasant until he heard footsteps approaching. His brows arched. He thought he was going away from the battle but apparently it spread towards his way. Grabbing his spear, he readied his stance towards the direction of the sounds he had just heard.

The moment he spotted a hellhound running his way, the spear was hurled towards it with a dashing speed. It sped through the air until it pierced through the head of the monster, causing it to dissipate into the air. His weapon dropped to the ground once there was nothing left with the monster but after seeing the bearded male, he had to be cautious again. "Killian?" He licked his lips. He was far more closer to his spear. "Give me the spear and I won't hurt you. At least, I don't plan to."

Stefan had been pumped for this very event since the beginning of summer. Due to the extreme nature of the competition, not many demigods are willing to participate and be pitted against their friends. That was the point - to test their physical prowess, mental processes, and overall abilities in preparation for a real battle. The man had fought his fair share of monsters but to him, it's no different from facing demigods either. With the preparation of a battle mind set, he wanted to test his new bionic arm that was modified to help him level the playing field against his more physically enhanced peers. Thank goodness Dustin is on his team and James knows how to whip up a good battle plan from his prior experiences. However, the odds were against them and they had to set their flag somewhere else.

The amputee was guarding the flag and can be found circling around it with slow foot steps. Eyes turned into slits every now and then so he can try to spot whoever is nearby friend or foe. Taking a deep breath to maintain a calm composition, waiting for a camper to just attempt to steal the flag within what he calls his protection bubble when he's actually just walking a presumed circumference.

"I have not, no." He shook his head. "I do recall fixing a grandfather clock when I was at a yard sale with my mom. The family who owned it was grateful and offered to sell it but we did not need it." He spoke as he turned off the flashlight and placed it on her workbench. "I don't have much experience with building alarm clocks but I can say that machines won't work when a part of them inside does not. Every part has their own roles so they work concurrently for the entire system to serve it's function. Like your organs, if you are familiar with biology." Seeing that she made an annoyed look, he thought it was adorable of her to do that because it reminded him that he was the same when he began working in the camp forge. He certainly like to build, disassemble, assemble... but he would lose it when something is not working as he had intended it to. Building... it teaches you patience so it was handy of an older half-sibling of his to teach him how to control himself by taking a break or focusing himself on a new project to work on.

"I've built a lot of stuff since i came to camp, one of which is right here. Well- helped build it. Can't do it alone with one arm, right?" Stefan lightly tapped his prosthetic limb as a soft smile curled his lips. His bionic arm is white for visibility and several versions have been made so his latest arm can help him with not only on his daily life but in combat as well. He's dealt with prosthesis for years so he just got used to it. He complained about not feeling the touch with that very hand but it's at least functioned nearly as well as the original. 

Forging a new way.

WIP.

#ba5909

Stefan has this habit of appearing close to people with or without their knowledge. He may have the intention to startle them but he found it amusing because he wanted to see how long he can stay under their radar until they finally noticed. For Kenna, it did not take her long since his head is practically close to her but he wanted a closer look at the tech she was having trouble getting it to work. Turning his head towards her, he wanted to give her a smile as to make himself feel non-threatening. "Sorry if I scared you. It's just me." He would not do it every time but seldom so the person can get comfortable enough with him so he could get the same reaction the next time he does it. However, he will eventually put a stop to it if he concludes that it wasn't amusing anymore.

When his younger half-sister held it up for him to get a closer look, he asked her if he could touch it. His hands lifted it once given permission then turned it around so he could get a three dimensional view of her little gadget before placing it back on the workbench. Grabbing a miniature flashlight nearby, he continued to examine it until he raised his brows. He found what was making her alarm clock not work. "There is are two gears that are not set in place so they will get loose later on. And make sure you apply some silicone lubricant so the gears could run more smoothly. Rust and filth will build up and will be a cause to the gears not functioning properly. To put it simply, clean it." He smiled. "Not everyday, but maybe every other week. Better to deal with it. What if it could not alarm at a certain time because the hand suddenly stops moving, right?"

The sounds of hammers against metal, the fire crackling, the machinery working... It was all music to his ears. Stefan can be found working in the forge often as he loved to pursue new projects despite the habit of leaving several incomplete. The second he gets a muse, he gets to work without consideration of his last project- a habit that some of his half-siblings have expressed their perplex over it. Because of this, he would clean up after himself because he would leave a mess sometimes since being completely focused on one task adds disregard for others who use the forge. He's still working on that. Amidst the sounds of the machinery, he could hear a young feminine voice that seemed to imply struggle and he was aware enough to his surroundings to help out. Placing his tool on the workbench, he went to approach one of his half-siblings Kenna, whom he found working on an alarm clock again. It could be for someone else or for her who may have trouble waking up early. Still, the sight of her trying to make it work is adorable as it reminded him of the time when he was tinkering with the alarm clock his mother needed.

Stefan stood on one side when he tapped the shoulder of the other, bringing her to look to the side where he wasn't. Instead, he leaned down to give the alarm clock a closer look - possibly frightening her when she was looking where he was not when she thought he was. Looking at her when his face is pretty close to her's, he began. "You're Kenna, right? Do you mind if I take a look? If not, I totally understand. I'm asking since some of our half-siblings prefer to work alone, but I love to help."