I ordered a titanium plate last night, 4mm thick, 6x10 inches, should arrive by the end of March. It'll be fun blacksmithing with a plate of titanium. I plan on forging it into a blade, but am considering cutting it lengthwise to then forge-weld it into a longer length of metal, that sounds like fun. If that doesn't work, I'll just make the parts into two knives or daggers, should be fun.
I think I have a way to re-introduce Alisha into either party - though, I'm not entirely sure if I should wait (incase things have already been planned) or join the improv!
Or, you know, face the very real possibility she might be dead.