"I've been making most of the nails lately," Claudia said, never entirely certain just how much Gabriel knew of what happened in the daily lives of the people. "We've been basically trading off with my making things that use precision and not as much strength while he does the heavier stuff. And barrels take a lot of experience I don't have in getting them sized while still hot. Better I do nails and bow-caps and the like than take time and possibly waste metal learning something like that. The apprentices aren't ready to learn it, but if I'm still here when they do..."

That was another thing that had helped her acceptance. Her willingness to admit to needing to learn so much. "Besides, the decorative items will be good for the girl's dowries or for trading. Your people are expected to be blessed among men, after all."