Written By Acacia
Sept. 8, 2016, 6:55 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Benjamin
Written By Acacia
Sept. 8, 2016, 6:45 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Harlan
Written By Acacia
Sept. 6, 2016, 2:04 p.m.(7/3/1004 AR)
After spending far more time than I'd like to admit staring at it, this morning I awoke to the beyond pleasant surprise of a matching, elegant dagger to pair. It's perfect. And it comes with excellent timing, since I technically have a wager to win at some point in the future.
These days Mistress Ida hardly needs me to speak well of her craftsmanship and character. Her weapons have rightly become famed and can be seen adorning some of the most esteemed people in Arx. But those who haven't sought her out for employment yet, or really just to enjoy her company, are truly missing out. Though, on the selfish side, it's hard for me to complain. It leaves her more time for me and well... ducks.
Written By Acacia
Sept. 5, 2016, 7:58 p.m.(7/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Laric
I first noticed him at the tournament, really, fighting among the others despite his team being slightly outnumbered and doing a rather impressive showing of it. He has some rather fascinating hobbies that certainly warrant notice.
Written By Acacia
Sept. 4, 2016, 5:54 a.m.(6/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Selene
Written By Acacia
Sept. 4, 2016, 1:52 a.m.(6/23/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Anastasio
Written By Acacia
Sept. 2, 2016, 11:53 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)
I put my wager this time around on House Velenosa, though that was more out of note for my patron and even then, I wasn't entirely convinced they were going to win. I don't think I've missed one of Duke Niccolo or Sword Talen's fights yet, but watching Prince Luca was a rarer treat. He'd advised me a couple times while watching other matches and while I would've enjoyed his expertise in the stands, it was better to see him enact those same lessons.
Mistress Ida has essentially become one of my favorites to sit with, but Mistress Joscelin is swiftly earning favor. She has enough enthusiasm to provoke a crowd by herself-- really, someone should probably hire her to do just that sometime. I briefly saw the Radiant herself and Courtesan Larissa; both women who call attention in their own right. There's occasionally people who mistake me for various things, but when in direct contrast with those practiced, their polish is evident.
Lady Kima, Lord Victus and Captain Marcas' team were an easy favorite, with their prowess between them quite known and many bets and cheers seemed to head in their favor. Clearly this is known by the way they drew the direct focus, but Lord Victus truly wouldn't go down in the beginning, no matter how many swords (or whatever else there was) cut at him. I've seen Marcas fight and the way he unleashes and he was no less formidable this time around.
Prince Darren, Princess Deva and Lady Brianna were equally as intense. I hadn't counted on Prince Darren being a target so quickly, but he also held his ground with remarkable resiliency. I would've bet at least three times that he would've gone down at those blows, but he hardly took a knee and kept on swinging. The Redrain women were a glory to behold though; let no one talk poorly about their ability to both drink and fight, eh?
I don't know much about Duke Leo or Prince Laric, but they held their own. Prince Edain was as impressive as the first time I saw him, though I want to say he complimented a table during it? Must've been some fucking table. But Sir Silas was the one who stood out for me. I'm not used to really complimenting the Iron Guard, but again, the blade he bought from Mistress Ida was put to good use. He scored some heavy-handed strikes, enough to renew all senses on being glad I'm on his better side-- relatively speaking.
Overall, it was incredible. But really. No alcohol for the commoners? Tch.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 31, 2016, 11:37 p.m.(6/14/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Larissa
Written By Acacia
Aug. 30, 2016, 8:50 p.m.(6/11/1004 AR)
Written By Acacia
Aug. 29, 2016, 2:55 p.m.(6/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
Written By Acacia
Aug. 29, 2016, 2:49 p.m.(6/7/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Marcas
Written By Acacia
Aug. 29, 2016, 2:37 p.m.(6/7/1004 AR)
Admiral Alrec won the Decathalon in brawling, but standing up against a man of Hammar's size was quite a feat. He won by display of brutal skill alone and it was well-done. The Ulbran is owed credit though-- the man certainly wouldn't fall and stuck through with it until the end. You can only imagine how fearsome that would've looked if he had his warhammer in hand.
Much of the bets had fallen on the Sword of Lenosia and Captain Aodh, however, and it was a fight well worth waiting for. Up until the very end, it was everything the crowd would've wanted (or at least most of the crowd) and more. It was certainly memorable and worth it for the outcome, with the Sword unleashing assaults up until the very end and very nearly taking the win himself.
The crowds varied greatly and while I won't throw it out on blast to who attended, each brought their own distinct flavor. Mistress Jessamine is owed favor for her skills, however, and I hope she was able to gain new interest in the people she assisted.
As for the clean-up, well. People cashed in for their profits and most bet quite large. And the floors were thoroughly swabbed of the blood afterward, at someone's particular bidding, and await the next contestants-- and perhaps new torches.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 29, 2016, 12:01 a.m.(6/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Torian
I had a long conversation with Torian early on this week, after others had kept us busy with bloodied knuckles, split lips and scuffed boots. I couldn't remember the last time he and I had fought side by side. He reminded me of a lot of things then, and even if there was a rekindling of some internal pain somewhere at the end of it, I felt better that it happened. It was a necessary clarity which brought me back to focus. He's good for the Cullers. If he wasn't, I would've pushed then, wouldn't I have? He says he's bad with crowds, but he does far better than he lets on. But that's the way of it. There's something steady about him, grounding even.
It was interesting to watch him at the Hollow and how he interacted. I'd do it again.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 28, 2016, 11:51 p.m.(6/5/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Alistair
Written By Acacia
Aug. 28, 2016, 3:05 a.m.(6/3/1004 AR)
The wagers were incredibly fun for me, not only to see what people were willing to creatively invest, but how they interacted with other people to do so. It was originally Lord Prospero Fidante who had brought it up with his companion, a man who proved to be quick of tongue and sly of mind. And then it grew from there, with Lord Eos Saik willingly participating with boldness right from the start and Lady Dawn fearlessly sweetening the deal. It wasn't long after that when Prince Darren Redrain, a striking man in presence and appearance, and Duke Niccolo Velenosa, the esteemed host and my much-respected patron, had joined in, both gracious and good-naturedly conniving all at once. While Lady Lydia didn't compete, she was kindly indulgent to me and she brightened the affair by her presence, and Lady Calista certainly stole the show the minute she fashionably entered, as ever.
The Sword of Lenosia brought an interesting lesson to the table, but watching Sir Silas' face after he first guzzled the whiskey was priceless. Watchman or not, I'm aware of the deals he's given me and he's always been surpassingly fair without fault. He deserved that won quill gifted by Lady Dawn and I hope he puts it to good use.
My personal favorite drink though? Even with my unrefined palate, I'm quite partial to the darkest red wines. Shadow and Flame was a win for me, but Sailor's Rum, submitted by Lady Margot as House Thrax' contribution was certainly a fierce contender.
It was enough culture and civility to inspire for some time; but I have to admit, I'm looking forward to reveling in the opposite end of the spectrum soon.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 27, 2016, 11:53 p.m.(6/2/1004 AR)
These were the listings of those who submitted:
The Choices of Alcohol: Revealed Names
1. A white dried-grape wine from the Oathlands [House Valardin]
a straw-yellow wine scented of orange peel, ginger and spice
2. Rose' [House Fidante]
a deliciously pink-hued wine
3. Grappa Bradywine [House Fidante]
a clear liquor with notes of sweetness
4. Mountain's Thunder [House Blackram]
a smokey amber tequila of agave and toffeed vanilla leveled by mint
5. Black Velvet Whiskey [House Nightgold]
a molten gold whisky with a cloyingly sweet scent
6. Stone Mountain White Whisky [House Nightgold]
a pale white whisky, unapologetically uncouth
7. Riverstreet Brandy [House Grayson]
a deep copper brandy with a woodsy aroma of roasted nuts and fruits
8. White City Cider [House Valardin]
a dark, fragrant cider with heavy foam
9. Sailor's Rum [House Thrax]
a dark spiced rum that has a warm odor and a hint of cinnamon
10. Flame and Shadow [House Velenosa]
a honeyed amber wine served chilled
11. Shadow and Flame [House Velenosa]
a red wine so dark that it is almost as black as ink
12. The Promise [House Saik]
a red wine that sparkles like vibrant garnet
Written By Acacia
Aug. 26, 2016, 11:20 p.m.(5/27/1004 AR)
Master Smith Ida's work was exceptional, as always. One of these days, I'm going to run out of places to put knives. Is that possible?
I ended up stealing a purchase from Sir Silas. Admittedly, I wanted a trophy case for all my not-trophies for some time now. I might have to send him a bottle of whiskey in thanks.
Mistress Joscelin seems to create quite intricate work, favored to Lady Dawn, I'm curious to what she'll make in the future and walked away with a pair of earrings from her.
I've seen Courtier Denon's work previously and the man is truly gifted, in a multitude of ways, really. But his piece was poignant, I thought. The styling reminded me of a particular garden creature though.
Overall, well. Praise to House Grayson?
Written By Acacia
Aug. 22, 2016, 4:51 p.m.(5/14/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
Written By Acacia
Aug. 21, 2016, 4:31 a.m.(5/10/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Enzo
He was professional, expansively complimentary, and really, quite an unexpected delight to be around. Working together with him for the Aspirations of Alcohol event has been rather fascinating, especially given all that he's capable of. His most recent commission is perfect and I look forward to seeing it on display. I left his shop with a painting for my wall, but little did I know that I'd end up with two soon after. He's a charming surprise, and his devotion to Jayus is rather inspiring in itself. I look forward to collaborating with him in the future.
Written By Acacia
Aug. 21, 2016, 1:10 a.m.(5/9/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.