Yes, the Valkyries brought me straight to Hephaestus since I was not at all fit for battle when I arrived. [She could barely even move, much less fight.]

I shall have to check in with him later. Even if he is no longer my Master, he is a.... [Ally is too impersonal and she's uncomfortable calling him her lover when she had told him she loved him just before she was to disappear. Even without that she wouldn't call him her lover in public. So, best word?]

....a friend I hold dear. I fully intend on protecting him if he is here to repay him for all he has done for me.

[And if Rider is also going to protect him then they were allies indeed.]