A Barter Story by Llv Waldrondottir
Llv Waldrondottir submitted a story about her first event. I loved it, but it was too long to go on the main barter page. So... here it is!
My very first event was a day trip and the only money I had was to get myself into the event (I didn't even know up till the last minute I could even make it, so I surprised my shire when I did!)
I was browsing the merchant booths when one lady's table atracted my eye with a rather lovely mock opal necklace. We got to talking and she told me the necklace was 10 bucks. I told her I was broke and the first thing she said was "Barter is time period!" I was thinking on what I could do barter with. She of course wanted my knife. I have a rather nice belt knife which was a gift from some freinds in Texas and while it looks lovely on my hip it's in no way barter material! Though it did give me an idea and I told her I would take that necklace (which she admitted to having on her table for a long time and not having gotten rid of), for what I had in my pocket.
I think it amused her. She accepted the bargain and received a handful of pennies, half a bag of Jelly Bellies, and a few beads with Hemp string of a project I was working on. (I braid hemp as one of my hobbies.) She admired the hemp piece (and let me keep the rest! LOL). I finished out the piece for her and in return not only did I get the necklace but she gave me a lovely celtic knot broach! I went out to my car, got some more hemp and produced several more bracelets at that kind Lady's booth. I left my first event with more money in my pockets than I came with! I met a lot of interesting people and received a sewn emblem of my shire and a rather lovely sandalwood fan that has gone with me to many a hot event since.
I also ate feast at that event dispite not paying for it, because when they where calling out for extra volunteers I just jumped in and said "Give me something to do! I'm bored!" They realised later I was REALLY new and next I knew someone set up a spare spot at one of the tables and I was sat down with a plate and a bit to eat.
Overall I had a grand time! My braidings are still popular, and I've added to that drawing portraits and heraldic symbols, as well as eching glass mugs and goblets for people's feast gear. My shire's local merchant sells most my items for me at his booth, that way I can run about and enjoy the rest of the event without being tied to a booth, or even being at that event.
It is how I gain most my stuff and supplement my really insanely little income. Let alone I stay busy and have a grand time at the events.
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