video;

[chambermaid]

[ the camera turns on to show gwen holding a sword that is sheathed, the handle basic yet beautifully crafted, well made.] The events as of late have made it clear that we may need to defend ourselves from those we do not know. Enemies outside of our ship and... well, erm, perhaps the monsters that lay within. [ space rats.]

[ she pulls the blade from it's sheath to show her work, smiling softly as she lays it down and addresses the camera once more.]

I would like to offer my services to those who are in need of a sword. My father was a blacksmith and taught me his trade- [ cue a sadder sort of smile.] I can also make smaller blades. I only ask that you use them to defend yourselves and not on one another. We must work together to protect our temporary home. I share a forge with Fili and Kili, who are also master craftsmen.

[ awkward pause.]

Thank you. For your time.

Comments

[thatsaflaregun]

[Desmond's more particular to rifles and guns, but those can be fairly dangerous in close quarters. He's had knife training in the army and that's about it.

But there's always something to be said about picking up a new skill- especially when you're a walking ball of crazy doing his hardest to pretend to be normal.]

D'you know how to use them yourself, sistah?

[chambermaid]

I am able to wield a sword, yes. [ gwen isn't one to lie but she knows it may be wise to imply that she is better with a sword than she is. she can handle her own but she's hardly an expert.]

[thatsaflaregun]

Enough to teach someone, then? I can use a knife, but I'm willing to bet it's not the exact same principle.

[chambermaid]

[ arthur would be the best to teach him but...] Well, erm, I am not sure how skilled of a teacher I would be. I could try.

audio

[supfirehawk]

You have the materials to make swords?

[assumedposition]

Aha. Just the lovely lady I have been looking for! Would I be correct in assuming you are Madame Gwen?

[He's been pointed in Gwen's direction before for help getting a sword, but nobody has told him that her full name is Guinevere...]

video;

[credences]

Perhaps I can help you? I am able enough with a sword as well. Perhaps I could help you teach?

video

[elvenking]

[If this is what Southron women look like, Thranduil suddenly understands why their men are so willing to go to war for them. Of course Gwen is probably not from his world at all, but the dusky color of her skin reminds him of the Haradrim he found so fascinating when he first saw them. And she is quite exotically beautiful, and a craftsman no less. Tomboyish by the standards of elves, but that means nothing bad. Gender roles aren't so important to elves as they are to humans. After all, the most powerful elven male in Middle-earth is a healer, a more traditionally feminine profession. Even in those cases, it's more like a notable inclination than real tradition that's being defied.

Most importantly, she's a friend of Fili and Kili, and potentially working in the same environment as Sauron. He'd better keep an eye on her back. Moreover, he's pretty sure Galadriel came swordless, so this suits his purposes perfectly.

An elf pops up on the screen.]

What would you take in trade, Lady? I wish for a gift to give to a friend.

video

[foundafamily]

[Firo can hardly respond quickly enough; he's been making do with what he can find on the ship, but he needs a real weapon.]

Does "smaller blades" include knives?

[His excitement evaporates somewhat when the sense-speaking part of his brain catches up with the rest of him.]

...And, um... what exactly do you take as payment?

[He doesn't even have money from his world here, not that it'd be worth anything.]

Video

[servant]

[Merlin's not actually saying anything. But he's thinking it...he's so obviously thinking it, a little smile on his lips.]

Video

[chambermaid]

Merlin?

audio

[chambermaid]

Yes, we do. Kili and Fili have built a forge as well.

[chambermaid]

Oh! [ she forgot to introduce herself!] Yes, I'm Gwen.

video;

[chambermaid]

Mordred-- Yes, I would feel more comfortable if someone more skilled would offer to teach. I'm afraid I am only a beginner myself.

Video

[servant]

Hm? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about how nice it feels to have such an amazing best friend.

video

[chambermaid]

Yes, they do. [ she pauses, she hadn't thought about price.] Perhaps something to trade?

Video

[chambermaid]

[ her smile immediately goes from curious to bashful, her head lowering as she lets out an amused breath.] Merlin... [ can you hear the 'aw shucks' as she gives him a bit of a look.] You're an amazing friend as well, you know.

video

[chambermaid]

[ gwen's never seen a elf before, not that she can really tell over the tiny device, at least, he doesn't look like what she expected elves to look like (she's heard stories).

so she just offers him a smile.] Oh, well, I suppose I would ask what you have to trade.

video

[elvenking]

I am well-practiced in the lore of birds and beasts, if you have animals aboard. I may teach tracking and woodlore. I've skill and much experience with sword and bow, if you have a desire to learn.

[Not going to mention the rings on his fingers unless it becomes absolutely necessary to sweeten the deal. Besides, a one-time payment means seeing her less means looking after her less.]

video

[chambermaid]

[ she does have a bird but it's a magic bird given to her by sirius, it does not need feeding any sort of care. so she smiles.] Perhaps you could teach me how to use a bow?

video

[elvenking]

[Oh gosh, it'll take so long for her to build up the strength for it...

...that's actually a good thing.

A polite nod.]

A very good skill for a dangerous place such as this one. My name is Thranduil, and I will be pleased to be your teacher.

video

[foundafamily]

That's about all we can do here. ...I'm assumin' you don't need any poker chips?

[He's doubtful she'd want a prison uniform, either. Mentally he curses the Tranquility for not giving him anything useful.]

video;

[credences]

You are skilled enough surely, so perhaps we would make a fair team? Do you think anyone aboard would be interested in learning?

video;

[longestnose]

[Fili grins, and gives a nod.]

Getting the word out, I see!

[assumedposition]

It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance! I'm Albert Herrera. [He pronounces Albert though in the French way, minus the t on the end.] I've heard your name mentioned in conjunction with the smith before. You must be very talented!