================== Eldarin Calendar <in Sindarin> ===================
IC time is: Evening
IC day is: Oranor <Sun-day>
IC date is: 50 Ethuil <Spring>
Moon phase: Last Quarter <VISIBLE>
Earendil: Gil-Estel is not visible.
IC year is: Loa 15 o Yen 22, Nelandran o Endor <TA 3039>
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RL time: Thu Oct 26 2006
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Jewelsmith's Shop
You enter the shop of the jewelsmiths - a small room with an oversized window on the north side and smaller windows on all the walls. Under the large window is a long dark wooden table upon which parchment for designing, drafting tools, cutters, pliers and holders are neatly arranged for use in old scarred canisters and boxes. A stool and a comfortable wooden chair covered with finely woven red and gold cushions are pulled up to the table. Next to the table is large chest of drawers of dark wood and brass fittings that contains drawers of all sizes - from small to large - used to store gem stones and bags containing precious metals. Along the far wall is a small ceramic stove with several chairs around it and a tray with tea things.
Participants:
Galharth
Curulomion
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Night falls upon Lothlorien, drowning Ceras
Galadhion in shadows. Most rest this time of night but a few like to roam
about at such hours. One of these is the dark Elf known as Mornedhel, who sits
in the jewelsmiths' workshop working at something, a cup of strawberry herbal
tea at his right hand as he works beneath a softly glowing lantern, sketching
the design for a ring...it looks like a vine and leaf design.
A soft joyous whistle sounds through the shadows,
heralding the arrival of someone into the Crafters Hall. Winding through the
talons, the whistling sound nears the Jewelsmith's shop, stopping just as a
silver haired ellon appears within the doorway. "Well met!" Galharth calls out
as he cranes his neck to peer inside the shop. "I hope I'm not disturbing
anything," he asks hopefully. Taking a small step inside the shop, the glow of
the lantern reveals that he carries a long cloth covered package under his
arm. Focusing his eyes upon the elf at work, he looks hopeful. "I need a
favor..."
Curulomion starts at being disturbed but he
recovers himself quickly. He turns slowly around, his finely chiseled features
looking almost hawk-like in the guttering light of the lantern. "Galharth,"
come the cold, grim words. "Do come in. Would you like some tea?" Ever the
gentleman. "Come in and we shall sit and speak of what this favour is that you
need."
"The night is cool for the spring, so yes indeed,
a cup of tea would be welcome." Galharth says as he steps forth into the shop.
Taking a few steps, the ellon reaches an empty chair. Pausing a moment, he
places a hand upon the back of the chair and glances down at the sketch before
the Jewelsmith. "I can come back another time if now is inconvenient."
Curulomion's answer is to rise and go pour a
second cup of tea, then retrieve his and settle into the comfortable armchair
by the warm stove. "It is not inconvenient, Galharth. Just working on
something for my own pleasure, not a comission, so do not worry. Come and sit
down, please."
Joining the Jewelsmith, the Clothier settles in
beside the fire. Pausing a moment he takes a deep breath, enjoying the comfort
of pleasant surroundings. "I do that at times myself," Galharth admits as he
focuses his attention upon Curulomion's form. "I like to intertwine color with
delicate curves of nature, and bring them together into coat or gown." Leaning
back into the chair, he draws his package onto his lap. "I'm not sure if you
can help or not, but you're the first that came to mind when Mia suggested a
few things that needed done to an old sword."
Curulomion sips his tea and at once an eyebrow
cocks. "An old sword? I do know a little of weaponsmithing but I am hardly a
professional in that field." He lowers his teacup to hold it in his lap. "What
needs to be done to your blade? I might be able to help you."
Unwrapping the weapon, he holds it up in the
firelight. The tarnished blade offers little in the way of a glimmer, showing
only the form of what was once a well crafted blade. "Obviously, it's in need
of a good polishing, perhaps a little attention to be sure that it's somewhat
sharp." Turning the steel in the light, the clothier tilts the tip towards
himself and the hilt to the Jewelsmith. "The handle needs a little reshaping
to better fit my hand, and perhaps if possible the weapons balance needs
checked and perhaps reset." Leaning forward, he offers the hilt of the weapon
to Curulomion. "While I can see no real need to do too much work to the
weapon, I need it polished at the very least."
Curulomion accepts the blade almost
reluctantly...he is not fond of weapons and what they represent. But his keen
eye examines the blade carefully. "I can do the polishing easily...it would be
good exercise for my arms and shoulders. The hilt I could do as well though I
would need you to come here a few times to make sure I have the fit correct.
That might take a few attempts to get it done. I can also sharpen it for you.
But rebalancing the blade?" He shakes his head. "That I cannot do. I do not
know how; Atto never taught me such things. He did not want me to be a
warrior...he taught me only the basics of how to care for a blade and my
knowledge of jewelcraft will aid me in fixing the hilt for you. But for the
balancing you would have to find another. I suggest Rochgil or Tarmenel...both
of them are fine weaponsmiths."
Nodding, Galharth watches as Curulomion examins
the blade, wincing slightly at the manner in which it is received. "I'd be
happy to make myself available for whatever measuring you might need. Overall,
what work you could do with the blade, I'd be most satisfied." Eying the edges
of the weapon with a pinched expression, he pauses. When he resumes, he shakes
his head slightly. "The rebalancing can wait until I gain a clue as to what
works best. I am no warrior, and suspect that I'll be nothing more than able
to defend myself in the most simplest of situations." Looking directly into
the Jewelsmiths eyes, the Clothier smiles. "Any chance that you can add some
etching? Perhaps to add some beauty to something such as this?"
Curulomion again slits his eyes. "I could and in
fact I would like to. Try to make this as beautiful as I can. I could do a
smiple design or an inscription on it if you like but not too much. For one
thing I hate ostentation and for another the use of too much etching acid will
weaken the blade and make it more likely to break." He shakes his head. "I am
no warrior but this I will do for you, because you have spoken kindly to
me...and to add to that I will give you a discount on my price."
"There is beauty in simplicity so something
delicate and simple would suit me well without chance of damaging the metal.
As for your agreement to work upon this for me, I offer many thanks!" Galharth
says, clearly pleased with discussion. "Tell me though, if I do not offend by
asking. You've said you're no warrior, but does this mean you've taken no
steps to learn some level of defense against that which might lurk beyond our
borders?"
Curulomion sets down the sword and sips at his tea
again, refilling the cups. "Think on the design you want and we can discuess
price before you leave," he answers and then his eyes slit at Galharth's
question. "I have taken no stpes," he answers, his voice soft. "I never
intended to leave here until my own term came to sail. Now that I am going to
the Bardic Contests in Imladris..." He shrugs. "Others will have to defend
me." He looks down. "I can use a bow to hunt but not in such a way as
self-defense would require. I have a sword but it is a momento only, not a
weapon I know how to use. Atto spoke so much of war and the carnage it brings
that I have no desire to see it or participate in it, if I can avoid it. Atto
said that combat damages the fea...and I am damaged enough already, thank you.
In combat I would be helpless."
"I've a great fondness of ivy leaves, intertwining
along a series of vines." The Clothier comments as he sips tea. Pausing
slightly, he eyes the Jewelsmith, and considers his words. "Your reasons to
avoid battle are fair and reasonable. If the truth be told, I've no love or
interest in it in any form. Still, a story told by the Ranger in the gardens
haunts me, and while inocence and purity are my way, I find no love for being
caught unawares." Setting down the tea, he leans forward and weaves his
fingers onto his lap. 'We all have something it seems." Looking directly into
Curulomion's eyes, he lifts a brow, "So tell me, for the reshaping of the
handle, the polishing, and a simple vine design, what price would you charge
me?"
Curulomion considers. "That would depend on what
you prefer to procure for me. That decided we can work out a more exact
price." He has another sip of tea. "Usually I deal in books and scrolls or
caranyulda, though sometimes I will take gems or precious stones though I do
not usually ask that since it is hard to do."
"Books I have," Galharth says softly, pursing his
lips in consideration. "While I can not part with family journals, I have
several art books that you might find of interest in designwork." pulling his
hands apart, he sits them comfortably upon the arms of the chair. "I would be
willing to trade two of these books for the work I need done, including the
vine and ivy etching upon the blade."
A look of disappointment shows upon the Clothiers
face, and he reaches for the sword. "Alas, I have nothing more that might be
used in trade." Carefully, Galharth wraps the blade, and he looks up when the
deed is done. "I shall inspect my books and belongings to see what might be
used in trade. There is no hurry to get the work done, so it is perhaps best
take my time. Can I get back with you when I've a better idea of what I have
to trade?"
Curulomion nods. "Certainly. Though if you wish to
make it easy on yourself I will ask only three twelve-count cases of
caranyulda. That is easily obtained and you need not worry about searching
through what is your own to please me."
Pausing a moment as if to consider the offer,
Galharth nods his head after a moment. "When considering what it would cost me
in trade to obtain what you ask, I find the price you ask fair. It will take
me a few days to make the articles for the trade to get the wine, but I
imagine it'll take you time to do the work as well." Rising to his feet, he
lifts the wrapped sword, and nods towards it. "Where would you like me to put
this."
Curulomion considers. "Just place it over there,
on that worktable." He gestures with one hand to the desired table. "The work
will take me about ten days...if you wish it done quickly. If you prefer I
take my time I would say about three weeks to get everything to my standards."
Stepping away from the chair, Galharth crosses the
shop and places the wrapped sword upon the worktable. "Take the time you need,
there is no hurry." Turning back towards Curulomion, he bows slightly. "I
thank you for accepting the work," he says from a bowed position. Rising up,
he continues his words, "and I look forward to the results." Taking a step
towards the door, he takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. "Sadly, I
have to return to my own work now," the Clothier says with a slight upturn to
the corners of his lips, "I've a good deal of delicate embrodery to complete
before the week is out."
Curulomion nods and raises his hand in farewell.
"Then good luck with your own comissions," he answers. "I will do my best work
on it, since it is for one who has spoken kindly to me as few have. Fare you
well and you can have the caranyulda sent directly to my talan. I have the
room for it."
"That I shall do!" Galharth says of the wine.
"Good eve, my friend, and please send my best to your fiance." With those
words, the Clothier departs, leaving the Jewelsmith's shop quietly and deep in
thought.