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Written By Acacia

Sept. 8, 2016, 6:55 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Benjamin

Sitting across from Master Carver was like drinking with some alter ego of myself -- which is to say entertaining in a slightly disconcerting way. He's observant, Borough careful, and claims experience with the seas and that corresponding knowledge of coming back home. But the steadiness of his hands and eyes, the cut of his wit and how easily he presented it, and maybe just the savoring of the whiskey stood out more for me. I don't know that I'll be showing him my back any time soon, but if he's as good as he claims, he's one to try to keep close.

Written By Acacia

Sept. 8, 2016, 6:45 p.m.(7/10/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Harlan

I don't often run into people at the Shrine of the Lost. It's known too frequently for its silence which makes it one of those few oddly perfect places for thinking. So I hadn't expected to chance upon Lord Harlan, who portrayed himself as exceptionally polite and refined, but found it easy to live in both laughter and deeper, more poignant thoughts. And if chance presents itself, I hope to send him worthy alcohol in appreciation. Some mysteries are best left as mysteries, he essentially mentioned somewhere in the conversation. While there's truth in that sentiment and I'm a firm believer that some questions are best never asked, I wonder if one has to tell themselves things like that when they can't always chase after the answers themselves. Freedom has a certain taste that's hard to forget.

Written By Acacia

Sept. 6, 2016, 2:04 p.m.(7/3/1004 AR)

I fell in love with a sword yesterday. A metal one, not an appointed one. It was in Mistress Ida's shop and it was absolutely gorgeous. I'm not much of an impulse buyer, even if I have a soft spot for pointy, deadly things-- but I had to have this one.

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 don't really believe Inquisitors are supposed to be charming. It doesn't fit that fearsome hooded stereotype that has people shrinking before their presence or what have you. Prince Laric proves to be the exception. Oh, I have no doubt he's probably more than capable at his job -- the more terrifying side that is. But he fits the role of Prince just as adeptly, which makes him terribly interesting company.

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

I've only truly had two opportunities to meet Radiant Selene Whisper; once in the wake of eyes which followed her when she left the Ambassador Salon, and once at the Tournament Grounds for the Grand Melee. But she's the type of woman who burns a memory that you don't want to forget. It doesn't take much to realize just how perfect she is for her title. In the sparse words we shared within the stands, just by her posture, the delivery: she's the epitome of grace. I tend to censor some of my writings, for one reason or another, but well. Fuck. She's good at what she does.

Written By Acacia

Sept. 4, 2016, 1:52 a.m.(6/23/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Anastasio

I'm fairly certain that if I got my hands on that hand-written journal which Master Anastasio carries around, I'd learn more than the common mundane observations that you'd expect most people to write down. I ran into him while searching for inspiration and found him intelligent and surprisingly easy to speak to. He's extremely knowledgeable about his crafts and answered several questions I had for him regarding recent interests of mine. He struck me as having a slightly devilish streak though and I imagine with the right nudges or lures, he could be convinced to do some really fascinating things. I walked away from it with a half dozen hangover cures for-- well, hangovers.

Written By Acacia

Sept. 2, 2016, 11:53 p.m.(6/20/1004 AR)

The Grand Melee was fantastic. It's amazing that as many combatants were able to stay standing for as long as they did, with a couple of those hits nothing short of brutal.

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

I've met Courtesan Larissa Whisper in a number of different environments now, but she fits to them all marvelously, while bringing her own special little bit of her along with. She has that sort of demeanor which draws people in, entices them, entertains them and leaves them wanting more-- all the kinds of things you'd expect from one polished in her arts. Yet without peeling back any layers, there's also a particular warmth about her that's hard to miss. I've certainly enjoyed her thus far-- and well, she's very good.

Written By Acacia

Aug. 30, 2016, 8:50 p.m.(6/11/1004 AR)

With Calandra being part of the Black Rose Theatre, it's no real surprise that I support the Mummers and all aspects of their work. So when I heard of Aurora Thornburn doing more accessible things, I thought to find her right away. After a few messages were exchanged, I took it upon myself to visit the shop on Lord's Lane. She's a true artist when it comes to cloth. Were I more the type to bedeck myself in fine garments instead of fine knives, I could get lost in there, really.

Written By Acacia

Aug. 29, 2016, 2:55 p.m.(6/7/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Joscelin

Mistress Joscelin fashioned two pretty pieces of jewelry for Lady Dawn's Market Day. I greatly favored how intricate the earrings were, despite being carved of simple and common pewter. She was pleasant, with real character when I had the chance to speak with her, however briefly. I've heard nothing but high praise about her, and the fact Mistress Ida speaks so well to match only makes me want to get to know her more. I'm not exactly blessed to join them in their skills of metal-working artistry, so I hope she drinks whiskey. Always kinship to be found in that.

Written By Acacia

Aug. 29, 2016, 2:49 p.m.(6/7/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Marcas

I've considered Captain Marcas a friend for awhile now. He's easy to talk with, easier to drink with, and there's something about the manner he carries himself between casual and refined company that draws out my amusement every time. But watching him unleash in the pit was something else, as well as the switch to something closer to normalcy afterwards. A fearsome man, that.

Written By Acacia

Aug. 29, 2016, 2:37 p.m.(6/7/1004 AR)

It was an interesting mixture of entertainment offered for the evening, with both competitors who weren't quite as expected to win pulling through with the victory.

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

Sometimes I think I see danger where there isn't any, and other times I wonder if I'm the only one who sees it.

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

Inquisitor Alistair and I imparted hushed words tonight, between only us two and dangerously quiet. Initially, they started with whiskey being shared, but there was heat not associated by alcohol at the end of them. While I can hardly go against a Hood when it comes down to it, I think I learned something in that exchange. He's kind of fascinating, isn't he?

Written By Acacia

Aug. 28, 2016, 3:05 a.m.(6/3/1004 AR)

Aspirations of Alcohol was without a doubt the most refined event I've ever helped organize. Not necessarily for the money involved, but the clientele comprised an audience far above all else. I might just cut someone if I'm required to write much soon after sending so many missives back and forth, but it was for a good, solid cause and watching efforts and people all come together was well worthwhile. Princess Isolde's beginning prayer drew my focus, as always. She's ever stunning to listen to, and beyond inspiring.

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)

While there was a number of entries, there could only be one winner. That status of bragging rights and alcoholic people-swaying mastery went to House Grayson, with their Riverstreet Brandy. Although House Velenosa's Shadow and Flame came up second in the running, as Hosts, they declined, with the honor of second going to House Blackram's Mountain's Thunder and third for Stone Mountain White Whisky from House Nightgold.

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)

The event from Lady Dawn was filled with life and excitement from the jugglers to the flamethrowers to the craftsmen who truly were the stars of the show.

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

There's something about the way the Grand Duchess enters an area that draws the eyes, as if when she moves, the focus of the room moves with her. She manifests with a flawless, unequaled grace, whether her expression is softened by the cut of her smile or burning, fierce and intense. In person, even in private conversation, she remains regal, composed, infinitely gracious and considerate. Yet, she was one of the few I never sought actively, content merely to watch and witness - but without measuring weight or applied judgment. You can't assess someone like that when you're someone like me. You can only hope you manage through their own assessment. She bestowed the kindest kiss upon my cheek and I remembered a feeling best never forgotten. I greatly respect her. I'm also perhaps terribly envious.

Written By Acacia

Aug. 21, 2016, 4:31 a.m.(5/10/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Enzo

Harry's Jewelry and Gifts Shop has admittedly been a favorite of mine. They're affordable and they do excellent custom work; a combination that's certainly hard to pass up. I thought the figurines for the Decathalon were particularly ingenius. But I hadn't truly gotten a chance to meet Master Enzo Siqueiros formally, despite him also being a protege to Duke Niccolo Velenosa and hearing much about the inked, fiery-haired young man.

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

I'm fairly certain at this point Master Ida Ferron has gained more of my coin than most people ever will. But her weapons are exceptional, so it's a hard thing to pass up. She's fulfilled three separate orders for me since I first met her, after my first purchase, and I have no regrets regarding it. Being able to sit down with her and enjoy her company merely compounded the experience. Honestly, we're a little unlikely for acquaintances, but there's something warm and real about her which draws people in. Besides. Whiskey _and_ a penchant for sharp objects? Yes, please.

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