Written By Ida
Aug. 24, 2017, 4:22 p.m.(2/1/1007 AR)
My suggestion, dear Guildmaster Joscelin, is something simple:
Hot Buns and Sticky Sweets
I'd come. This will be in our current part of the market, yes? Though I suppose if it's on the other side of the city proper, I could work off the calories by walking back and forth...
Hot Buns and Sticky Sweets
I'd come. This will be in our current part of the market, yes? Though I suppose if it's on the other side of the city proper, I could work off the calories by walking back and forth...
Written By Ida
Aug. 21, 2017, 6:26 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
Dame Morrighan, Knight of Farhaven. It still sounds so wonderful and I'm genuinely so happy for her! I offered to make a pair of hairpins as my gift to her for the occasion, and she asked for a pair similar to ones I made what feels like a lifetime ago. She gives me far too much credit, though; she chose the most glorious colors and stones for the set, for which I can take no credit. As always, I am humbled by her kind words and am so glad to count her among my friends.
Written By Ida
Aug. 21, 2017, 6:20 p.m.(1/23/1007 AR)
Made several dagger and hairpin sets that almost all sold out, which is a good feeling. Was in a bit of a foul mood earlier but being in the forge gave me time to really just think and contemplate the more important things. Some days I just like the quiet and work more than others. I feel pretty caught up from the whole returning thing and soon, truly, I need to start seeking out instructors for this and that. Maybe trade some brawling lessons for them - we shall see.
Written By Ida
Aug. 20, 2017, 3:04 p.m.(1/21/1007 AR)
This has been a week of great joys as well as great sorrows. Of taking metal and making beautiful things (to me, anyhow) with it, to aiding in recovery from devastating darkness. Crossing paths with new acquaintances as well as old friends - all the experiences make me grateful for reminders to appreciate the good in this life.
Written By Ida
Aug. 17, 2017, 9:57 p.m.(1/15/1007 AR)
I was able to attend the knighting of Dame Morrighan. Not that I would have missed it for the world! I heard mention of it shortly after my return and was just so /glad/ for her. From what I heard tonight, it was deserved and more. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, performed by Princess Freja, and I was truly honored to bear witness to it. Catching up with my newly knighted friend, Princess Freja, and even Prince Fergus was wonderful, too. I am fortunate, indeed, to call them all friends and hope they know I am a steadfast one to each of them as well.
And oh, drinks to discuss knightly balls very soon is an absolute /must/.
And oh, drinks to discuss knightly balls very soon is an absolute /must/.
Written By Ida
Aug. 16, 2017, 6:31 p.m.(1/13/1007 AR)
The shop was full of life today! I made some wonderful new acquaintances, which made me further realize how much I missed being in Arx; of being in the front room talking about weapons and all manner of things with whoever might grace the doorway. Of the prospect of forging new weapons of steel or rubicund, and possible bouts in the training center. Mixed with those are the reconnections with friends and people who are like second families as well. The losses...there's sadness, too, but mostly an overwhelming feeling of living that perhaps I sometimes forgot to truly appreciate and experience in full before.
Written By Ida
Aug. 11, 2017, 8:25 p.m.(1/3/1007 AR)
Aaah, to be back in Arx. It was like I was summoned, somehow. Like some dear friend murmured that she missed me and the winds carried the musings straight to the hamlet just outside of Sanctum. Lovely and poetic as that may be, it's only half-true and I admit I read my dear Guildmaster's journal in my attempts to catch up on my friends.
Truth is, I could not stand to be so far from my children when the darknesses started to stir. Too much uncertainty in the world, then, and though they were apprentices in their own rights (still are) and doing well enough without me, they will always be my babies. Much to their great suffering and chagrin no doubt. I just needed to be where they were. With things seemingly settled, for the time being at least, it was time to return. While I loved visiting the small hamlet, it is not Arx, not my home anymore.
Truth is, I could not stand to be so far from my children when the darknesses started to stir. Too much uncertainty in the world, then, and though they were apprentices in their own rights (still are) and doing well enough without me, they will always be my babies. Much to their great suffering and chagrin no doubt. I just needed to be where they were. With things seemingly settled, for the time being at least, it was time to return. While I loved visiting the small hamlet, it is not Arx, not my home anymore.
Written By Ida
Feb. 14, 2017, 10:56 a.m.(12/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Nadia
The Duchness Nadia Nightgold was one of my earliest customers when I first opened my shop in Arx, not having been in the city long myself. So vivacious and sure of what she wanted, she made crafting for her a genuine joy. A true warrior, too, she brought her fellow warriors to me for some of their own arms. I was so honored by that, and each of her visits or kind words. Arx is a little darker for me without her vibrant presence and spirit.
Written By Ida
Feb. 12, 2017, 3:31 p.m.(11/28/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Agnarr
Having fought Master Agnarr, who is a giant of a Redrain man, I feel like I can say with some measure of authority that I might be capable of wrestling a bear. While I jest, mostly, it was a really awesome spar and I am pretty happy with my performance. The fight lasted longer than I thought it might, though in the end I lost and, thus, owe the Redrain housecarl and Valorous a weapon of his choosing. I really kind of thought I was coming back and might win, but, alas. So close. Maybe next time!
Written By Ida
Feb. 10, 2017, 9:31 p.m.(11/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Acacia
Sometimes life gets a little out of your hands and you wonder if you're making good choices, following the right paths. You don't want to burden those closest to you with the small things when they have such big things to deal with. You don't want to burden people you aren't, perhaps, as close to because they haven't really signed on for that yet.
Maybe the gods know and they send - or return, perhaps - someone to your door just when you need a reminder of the good things. I will do my best not to say this in overly sappy, sentimental blathering, but by those very gods, I could not be more grateful for Mistress Acacia crossing my threshold once again. A poignant reminder that no matter how much things might change or grow shadowed, a drink and conversation with a friend can be a wonderful and welcome respite. That not everything always has to change.
Maybe the gods know and they send - or return, perhaps - someone to your door just when you need a reminder of the good things. I will do my best not to say this in overly sappy, sentimental blathering, but by those very gods, I could not be more grateful for Mistress Acacia crossing my threshold once again. A poignant reminder that no matter how much things might change or grow shadowed, a drink and conversation with a friend can be a wonderful and welcome respite. That not everything always has to change.
Written By Ida
Feb. 8, 2017, 3:18 p.m.(11/19/1005 AR)
Elk are majestic creatures and ones, apparently, used rather skillfully as war animals by the Greenmarch family. It is hardly a secret that I have a great fondness for probably every last one of them and feel a bit of kinship. To say I've been honored by their trust in my work as well as their kindness almost goes without saying. But still - worth saying. As usual, though, I follow a tangent a bit.
Sometimes nature has other plans for her creatures, which seems to be the case with Runtystiltskin. So named by Lady Niamh Greenmarch, he is a runt of a war elk who likely would not fare well in the wilderness and is certainly too small to serve as a proper war elk. To say that I am beyond thrilled and grateful that he is now in my charge would be an understatement! If he doesn't seem to mind it, I'm going to see how well he can balance weapons in his antlers soon enough...
Sometimes nature has other plans for her creatures, which seems to be the case with Runtystiltskin. So named by Lady Niamh Greenmarch, he is a runt of a war elk who likely would not fare well in the wilderness and is certainly too small to serve as a proper war elk. To say that I am beyond thrilled and grateful that he is now in my charge would be an understatement! If he doesn't seem to mind it, I'm going to see how well he can balance weapons in his antlers soon enough...
Written By Ida
Feb. 7, 2017, 9:18 p.m.(11/16/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dominique
The Marquessa Dominique Wyrmguard had commissioned me to make her a sword some time ago, but our paths didn't manage to cross after that much. That changed this evening when I happened to see her when I went to the training center. She has some stunning new armor and we ended up sparring so she could break it in a bit. I got to fight the sword I made! And perhaps I should stop getting excited about the challenge of fighting sword-wielders with my fists, but there's just something great about trying to dodge swipes of steel. The Marquessa is quite skilled and fast, oaths and steel! Overall, it was a great bout and I am glad our paths met once again - with plans made to have them do so more!
Written By Ida
Feb. 5, 2017, 9:25 p.m.(11/10/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ywaine
I thought I knew what to expect when Lord Ywaine Telmar and I met up to spar, having discussed doing so some days prior while supporting His Grace at the vigil. I could not have misjudged the noble-turned-mercenary more. It was a good lesson, truth be told, as well as a good match. I also gained a new perspective on a weapon that is part of the reason I wished to learn the Oathlands method to folding steel. So, overall, a pleasant and educational meeting that also lead to a new commission.
Written By Ida
Jan. 31, 2017, 3:41 p.m.(10/23/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Esera
It seems like a hundred years ago when Her Grace, Grand Duchess Esera Velenosa, visited my shop. Even with the amount of time that has passed, I am no less awed by the memory of that visit. As I think I wrote then, the Grand Duchess fills a room the moment she walks in. You can just feel her presence, should that make sense. I think I expected far more...distance, perhaps. Aloofness, y'know. A smith's shop just didn't seem like a place someone so refined and near-ethereal would visit. She was warm and kind while remaining a Grand Duchess in my every sense of the word.
She asked me to complete some tasks for her, which I failed to do. Utterly and completely. This or that commission took my attention, or a fight, or something that shouldn't have taken precedence after her graciousness. She never once asked why not, where were the things she'd asked after? Never a word.
I can still complete them, though, and believe I will. I owe her that much.
She asked me to complete some tasks for her, which I failed to do. Utterly and completely. This or that commission took my attention, or a fight, or something that shouldn't have taken precedence after her graciousness. She never once asked why not, where were the things she'd asked after? Never a word.
I can still complete them, though, and believe I will. I owe her that much.
Written By Ida
Jan. 29, 2017, 5:48 p.m.(10/17/1005 AR)
All of my commissions are complete. So either I will die soon by some mysterious means (please, please don't let this happen) or I will actually sleep soundly in my very own bed at the Valardin Manor (not the couch in the shop) for a solid ten hours. I'm really, really hoping for the latter, of course. I love sleep.
Written By Ida
Jan. 29, 2017, 11:11 a.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
There are times that I can't forge something the way I have it pictured in my head for damn near anything. Then there are those rare times when, in one way or another, what comes from the fire is something I swear Jayus touched for me - which I hope does not sound dreadfully conceited. Like, every great once in awhile I make something that I'm so ridiculously proud of, I'm nearly giddy; it's an amazing feeling. I managed that with a spear this week and, oaths and steel, it may be my favorite weapon to come from my hands.
Written By Ida
Jan. 29, 2017, 10:53 a.m.(10/16/1005 AR)
After what is surely nearly a year of 'I should's, I finally got myself out and ordered a decent set of leather armor. Master Torian Culler's shop is closer than I thought and I was very impressed with the quality his staff was able to produce. I'm even fond of the colors I chose. Hmm? Oh, I know. One would think a crafter might do quite well at that sort of thing. Sometimes I am. For myself? Rarely. In any case, surely the set will serve me far better than the barely-there common leather I've been getting by on. Or so I shall hope.
Written By Ida
Jan. 24, 2017, 8:17 p.m.(10/2/1005 AR)
Some days, the only thing I get from the forge is frustration and the burning desire to throw things at the walls. Mother eff.
Written By Ida
Jan. 22, 2017, 6:21 p.m.(9/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Rymarr
It can be exceptionally unnerving to have one of the King's Own grace your doorway. Or darken it - I suppose it would depend on the nature of the visit. In this case, however, Sir Rymarr Lyonesse had been invited to come by, so I wasn't concerned. Much. The King's Own are a powerful group and one I'd not hope to cross. But I digress, as usual.
He had inquired about something for Judge (an impressive canine bred by Sir Rymarr's family) that I find myself very cautiously fond of. Today was a try-on day for a leash of sorts I've been working on. Were I not from the Oathlands myself, his demeanor might seem daunting. But? I am from the Oathlands. I am glad we had occasion to speak and were able to also make a bit of progress on this project. There are a few things I yet need to tweak, I think, but I'm hopeful this will turn out well.
He had inquired about something for Judge (an impressive canine bred by Sir Rymarr's family) that I find myself very cautiously fond of. Today was a try-on day for a leash of sorts I've been working on. Were I not from the Oathlands myself, his demeanor might seem daunting. But? I am from the Oathlands. I am glad we had occasion to speak and were able to also make a bit of progress on this project. There are a few things I yet need to tweak, I think, but I'm hopeful this will turn out well.
Written By Ida
Jan. 18, 2017, 9:24 p.m.(9/13/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
You so often give me reason to pause and consider, Joscelin, which are actually some of my favorite reasons for taking a break from my work.
Though I am not from the Lycene and make no judgments in that regard, I think I could kill my enemies with flowers, even as an Oathlander. I could just hold them in my fists. It seems a dreadful waste or something so pretty, but certainly doable I suppose. Maybe that's not /technically/ killing someone /with/ the flowers, but...close enough?
Though I am not from the Lycene and make no judgments in that regard, I think I could kill my enemies with flowers, even as an Oathlander. I could just hold them in my fists. It seems a dreadful waste or something so pretty, but certainly doable I suppose. Maybe that's not /technically/ killing someone /with/ the flowers, but...close enough?
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