"I-I'm interested, sir...."  Tom had a feeling she was going to volunteer herself.  He took in a breath and started rubbing his cheek again.  In this country, in the life of a merchant, you often see strange things.  Tom had learned to roll with the punches.  "I'm very good with a sword and.. I have a special ability. If you want, I could show you! I really need this job." 

Truthfully, it didn't matter how ridiculous this woman's claim was, those puppy dog eyes made Tom want to throw all logic out of the window and hire her right there.

For Vaughn's part, he was just realising he'd interupted a conversation, but before he could apolgise, his eyes were fixed on the swordswoman.  [i]Well I'll be a son of a goblin,[/i] he thought.

"Please.. I may be small, but I can fight."

"Not bad," Vaughn commented.  Although it was unclear whether he was talking about the fact she can fight, or the fact she was utterly gorgeous.  "We have an opening, don't we boss?"

Tom suddenly snapped out of his own thoughts.  "Eh! I'll decide whether we have an opening or not, get your arse back to the caravan and look mean."

Unfortunately, a few local thugs overheard the young woman advertising her fighting skills.  They started throwing jibes, making unflattering comments and casting doubts on her abililties.

"She can fight, eh?"

"Ooo, the little minx has claws, I love to see that."

"She's nought but a girl, ha!"

One of the thugs, a little more brazen than the others, rose from his table and sauntered over.  "That sword looks more like a collectors item at an auction, babe.  You sure you can use it?"

Vaughn piped up. "Watch your mouth, pal..." he started, but the thug had already attempted to slap the young woman's bum.