Written By Wren
July 15, 2019, 4:37 p.m.(6/20/1011 AR)
I suppose it is a good thing I didn't have my eye on a few somethings. Nevertheless, onward toward other avenues as one never halts progress over a little bad news.
It has made me wonder about the misguidedness of some, though. Such a pity.
It has made me wonder about the misguidedness of some, though. Such a pity.
Written By Wren
July 12, 2019, 12:20 a.m.(6/12/1011 AR)
A wild success. I'm quite satisfied with myself and think I'll take a little of this silver I earned and buy myself something sparkly.
A total of 3,595,000 silver knights is what we raised for the King's Own in the name of honoring the Lord Commander Dayne Valardin. I'm so appreciative that her grace, Archduchess-Regent Jaenelle, and his royal majesty, had the faith to allow me to supervise the auction.
The generosity of this city also astounds me. So many willing to throw vast amounts of silver in the name of charity. Such a delight to see.
Now, on to the next.
A total of 3,595,000 silver knights is what we raised for the King's Own in the name of honoring the Lord Commander Dayne Valardin. I'm so appreciative that her grace, Archduchess-Regent Jaenelle, and his royal majesty, had the faith to allow me to supervise the auction.
The generosity of this city also astounds me. So many willing to throw vast amounts of silver in the name of charity. Such a delight to see.
Now, on to the next.
Written By Wren
July 9, 2019, 7:36 p.m.(6/8/1011 AR)
My mornings in the market are always my favorite part of my day. I get to visit with Bertha and inquire about her family while I enjoy observing as the city begins to come alive, to feel the rhythm and pulse, the heartbeat of the city, of Civilization. Few things bring me more satisfaction than the bustle and hustle of the market. Indeed, it is always immeasurable to strike a good deal with another merchant or on behalf of my lord patron, to calculate those silver knights as they go from pouch to palm to pouch again. I cannot deny that it is euphoric, and I chase that feeling with glee.
It is also good to work with other merchants, to see them rise ever higher as they take to their wings. I'm an opportunistic bird, but I do enjoy seeing others succeed. I'll never forget about my success in the process, though. One should never fail to take care of their own needs, wants, and desires.
I won't.
It is also good to work with other merchants, to see them rise ever higher as they take to their wings. I'm an opportunistic bird, but I do enjoy seeing others succeed. I'll never forget about my success in the process, though. One should never fail to take care of their own needs, wants, and desires.
I won't.
Written By Wren
July 7, 2019, 7:42 p.m.(6/4/1011 AR)
I've had the joy of sharing a table and discussion with several of the peerage over the years, but the conversation that I had the other evening with the Laurents was something else entirely. It was fantastic, but so was the spread. Such an evening is something I look forward to as the warmer months stretch out before me.
Aunt Aida was perhaps my favorite part.
Aunt Aida was perhaps my favorite part.
Written By Wren
June 24, 2019, 5:16 p.m.(5/6/1011 AR)
My mother named me after her favorite songbird. While I have no feathers and the only song I sing is distinctly the sound of silver coins clinking against one another as they fall into this pouch or that pouch, I admit I am one very, wholly, opportunistic bird.
Written By Wren
June 19, 2019, 10:58 p.m.(4/24/1011 AR)
Never thought I'd live to see the day when a Duke was peddling his own garments second-hand to finance projects. We live in such intriguing times. Strange but intriguing times. Would have preferred to see possibly a clothier help out, someone who would make certain the lord got what his gently used items were worth.
Mother will love to hear about this.
Mother will love to hear about this.
Written By Wren
June 17, 2019, 12:50 p.m.(4/20/1011 AR)
More silk, more seatouched wool, more of that gorgeous brocade. More silver. It comes in, and it goes out, streams of silver knights flowing into the pockets of other merchants and households while the goods find new homes with the peerage, with craftspeople who turn those raw bolts into works of art all from the call of Jayus. It's all a dance with steps I've been performing near all my life. It is life complete with its joys and sorrows. A wealthy merchant can easily be overturned and made into a poor one in the blink of an eye. Sometimes it is but one failure that can ruin an entire life's work.
Father is proud of the work I've settled into doing since my arrival, but he wears that worry in his eyes that he doesn't think I see. A concern that this too shall pass and I will embark on another merchant ship, or take up with a caravan now that spring has brought warmth and life back into the world. That it will be ages and ages until I return.
There will be more ships and boats, voyages that I must take be them to the Chain or back to the Reach with my lord or in the name of my countess. There will be more caravans and expeditions. There will be times when I must depart the city, but I shall return. I have things of my own to tend to after all, and that auction house will not run itself. Perhaps I shall consider having an assistant of my own, beyond Miri that is.
Father is proud of the work I've settled into doing since my arrival, but he wears that worry in his eyes that he doesn't think I see. A concern that this too shall pass and I will embark on another merchant ship, or take up with a caravan now that spring has brought warmth and life back into the world. That it will be ages and ages until I return.
There will be more ships and boats, voyages that I must take be them to the Chain or back to the Reach with my lord or in the name of my countess. There will be more caravans and expeditions. There will be times when I must depart the city, but I shall return. I have things of my own to tend to after all, and that auction house will not run itself. Perhaps I shall consider having an assistant of my own, beyond Miri that is.
Written By Wren
June 16, 2019, 9:09 p.m.(4/18/1011 AR)
It is done.
The benches and the wall display were delivered and installed. The craftsmanship is exquisite but of that, I had no doubt. The office and storehouse are ready and I have some inkling of what lies in store for the auction house over the coming months.
I am satisfied but know there is no time to rest. There's always work to be done.
The benches and the wall display were delivered and installed. The craftsmanship is exquisite but of that, I had no doubt. The office and storehouse are ready and I have some inkling of what lies in store for the auction house over the coming months.
I am satisfied but know there is no time to rest. There's always work to be done.
Written By Wren
June 6, 2019, 8:03 p.m.(3/26/1011 AR)
A glazier has been commissioned for the refitting of the skylight in the auction house along with an illustrator to bring my vision to life. Both have demonstrated to be quite proficient and a pleasure to work with thus far, guaranteeing me that they can accomplish the work according to plan. A stonemason has also been procured to oversee a couple of things for me as well. The flooring will be taken out and restored as stone, I think, along with the stage. I'll have to speak with them further about design, stone selection, and the weather. This snow makes a great many things doubtful, but I am firm about staying on the timeline and having the auction house ready by springtime.
This leaves me with the need for a carpenter to oversee the new seating that I want to have installed. I haven't made up my mind if I desire well-padded bench seating or chairs. Both exhibits to me issue in some way as chairs tend to be straightforward to move around, or even repair if the need arises, whereas a bench can be somewhat more complicated when it comes to repairs or moving around.
Of course, there are my other obligations as well. Time is undoubtedly the most valuable of resources and so finite.
This leaves me with the need for a carpenter to oversee the new seating that I want to have installed. I haven't made up my mind if I desire well-padded bench seating or chairs. Both exhibits to me issue in some way as chairs tend to be straightforward to move around, or even repair if the need arises, whereas a bench can be somewhat more complicated when it comes to repairs or moving around.
Of course, there are my other obligations as well. Time is undoubtedly the most valuable of resources and so finite.
Written By Wren
June 3, 2019, 3:28 p.m.(3/20/1011 AR)
I have a profound appreciation for the various mercers I've had the honor of working alongside over the years. My father is the first and foremost one that comes immediately to my mind. He has traveled the length and breadth of Arvum first out of a desire to continue the hard work his family has put into their vocation and second out of love for my mother. When he was still traveling, he would bring her the most beautiful Setarcan silks dyed in vibrant shades that had yet to reach the market of Arx when they were courting. Knowing my mother, she would no doubt make pretenses while examining the fabric, feeling its weight and silkiness between her fingers as she eyed the dye work. And knowing my father, he would persist there waiting for those countless moments to pass all for her nod of approval, that little curve of her mouth when she is positively satisfied by something.
My mother is a hard woman, clever and as sharp as her shears and needles, so it is natural that most don't see the tenderness to her. She has kept a single swatch from every length of cloth my father has laid across her sewing bench over their years together. The very first one is a discolored thing now, once a vibrant blue like midnight it has faded into something softer like a memory. From time to time I would discover her sitting at her bench while we were thought to be fast asleep, that ashwood box open and those squares brought out for her to admire, each one an act of love.
There is little uncertainty that added amongst those samples will be a neat square of this seatouched wool that has the market all in a whirl. There are few things I love more than rumors of something new, something borne of the collective dream of others. It is about time I had a brand-new cloak fashioned for myself.
My mother is a hard woman, clever and as sharp as her shears and needles, so it is natural that most don't see the tenderness to her. She has kept a single swatch from every length of cloth my father has laid across her sewing bench over their years together. The very first one is a discolored thing now, once a vibrant blue like midnight it has faded into something softer like a memory. From time to time I would discover her sitting at her bench while we were thought to be fast asleep, that ashwood box open and those squares brought out for her to admire, each one an act of love.
There is little uncertainty that added amongst those samples will be a neat square of this seatouched wool that has the market all in a whirl. There are few things I love more than rumors of something new, something borne of the collective dream of others. It is about time I had a brand-new cloak fashioned for myself.
Written By Wren
June 2, 2019, 11:53 a.m.(3/18/1011 AR)
The snow has kept me inside, so I've been writing letters instead of visiting the market as much as I desire or with others I wish to refresh my acquaintance with. My sister Ava and her husband are still content on their farm and have welcomed another child into their lives, a little boy they called Rupert. I should get out of the city once the spring thaw is genuinely underway and visit with them. I'm confident that Ava would be pleased to see me. Perhaps I won't even write ahead of my visit and make it a surprise.
I attended a most enjoyable gathering with my countess and lord patron at the Mazzetti estate a couple of nights ago. It was an evening filled with Ostrian brandy and spooky stories told by three very different and intriguing storytellers. Lord Theron went first and treated us with a more traditional ghost story. My patron, Lord Asriel, then gave us a recounting from his past that was terrifying. I shall never see cats the same ever again! And then the Lady Braith finished the evening of stories with a snowy tale from the northlands that proved to be a lesson as well. Our host was most gracious as well and it was all around a pleasant evening spent in new company.
I attended a most enjoyable gathering with my countess and lord patron at the Mazzetti estate a couple of nights ago. It was an evening filled with Ostrian brandy and spooky stories told by three very different and intriguing storytellers. Lord Theron went first and treated us with a more traditional ghost story. My patron, Lord Asriel, then gave us a recounting from his past that was terrifying. I shall never see cats the same ever again! And then the Lady Braith finished the evening of stories with a snowy tale from the northlands that proved to be a lesson as well. Our host was most gracious as well and it was all around a pleasant evening spent in new company.
Written By Wren
May 30, 2019, 10:09 p.m.(3/12/1011 AR)
I have a lot of work ahead of me, but it is but the first step toward a splendid path. My family is thrilled for me as they realize this means I am here; I am not going to sneak away into the night and not return for months on end. I am here.
I am going to gut the whole auction house, repaint it, and fix the flooring. The skylight needs to be examined to ensure there are no leaks, no glass that might require repairing. And of course, it will need a good scrubbing as well.
Once I have everything put to right order, she'll be ready to open back up and see what beautiful treasures might grace her stage to the delight of bidders.
I am going to gut the whole auction house, repaint it, and fix the flooring. The skylight needs to be examined to ensure there are no leaks, no glass that might require repairing. And of course, it will need a good scrubbing as well.
Once I have everything put to right order, she'll be ready to open back up and see what beautiful treasures might grace her stage to the delight of bidders.
Written By Wren
May 27, 2019, 10:52 a.m.(3/5/1011 AR)
I'm busier than ever these days, and that's good. Very good. It keeps my feet from roaming me down to the docks even in this miserable snow as I'm confident that a singular lord would note my absence if I decided to board a ship. I'll be boarding a boat again soon anyway, bound for the vast open sea once more but on a much different sort of venture this time.
I look forward to getting to know the others who are setting sail on this voyage. It is quite natural that only a handful of the nobility remembers me, but it is good to be recognized by some and forgotten by others. We will forge new bonds, and I delight in the unknown future, the limitless possibility of the horizon stretched out before me.
I look forward to getting to know the others who are setting sail on this voyage. It is quite natural that only a handful of the nobility remembers me, but it is good to be recognized by some and forgotten by others. We will forge new bonds, and I delight in the unknown future, the limitless possibility of the horizon stretched out before me.
Written By Wren
May 25, 2019, 10:44 a.m.(3/1/1011 AR)
Twenty bolts of umbra cloth, more fathomless than the darkest night. Two ingots of star iron, as splendid as their namesake, those celestial figures above us. Two nuggets of stygian, matte and cool to the touch. Many favors owed, acquired, and owed again. And of course, silver, plenty of silver has danced its way betwixt my fingers, and into purses that are my own, my lord patron's, and the House I am sheltered beneath.
I feel as if I am the luckiest woman alive sometimes, but I know it can't all be given over to luck, plenty of it is me and those I have the honor and joy to work alongside. And my work is far from over.
I feel as if I am the luckiest woman alive sometimes, but I know it can't all be given over to luck, plenty of it is me and those I have the honor and joy to work alongside. And my work is far from over.
Written By Wren
May 23, 2019, 11:41 a.m.(2/26/1011 AR)
Grandmothers are terrifying when they are angry. Remember in the winter time to keep your grandmother safe and warm, huddled preferably by a glowing fire with plenty of drink and her favorite things to snack on while she reclines in her favorite chair and regales you with stories of her youth.
Written By Wren
May 17, 2019, 2:29 p.m.(2/14/1011 AR)
The gods' damned snowfall is something I shall never forget about Arx no matter how many years I spend outside the city, especially in far warmer climes. Yet, the familiarity of the snow and even the spots of black ice are a welcomed thing. Not as welcomed as the look of shock and surprise on my parent's faces when I woke them. Even after all of these years, they are still surprised when I roll in like a stray cat or bird as my father teases. His little bird come home to roost.
For a little while at any rate. I have some business to attend to but I suppose Arx will do for now. Gods know it won't take long for me to fall into something. Probably face first if I keep on finding every spot of black ice on my way across the wards. Do they even bother to lay down a little salt or sand anymore? Which only makes me wonder if Timothy is still in business. Suppose he'll be my first stop after I attend to a few small concerns.
And visit my brother.
For a little while at any rate. I have some business to attend to but I suppose Arx will do for now. Gods know it won't take long for me to fall into something. Probably face first if I keep on finding every spot of black ice on my way across the wards. Do they even bother to lay down a little salt or sand anymore? Which only makes me wonder if Timothy is still in business. Suppose he'll be my first stop after I attend to a few small concerns.
And visit my brother.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.