Written By Ida
Jan. 18, 2017, 9 p.m.(9/13/1005 AR)
First, I am moved and charmed by the unfolding romance of one of my dearest, most trusted friends in Arx. Joscelin more than deserves someone who would make such a personal and heartfelt attempt to claim her heart. The gesture is one that leads me to think Master Felix need not be given the, 'If you hurt her, I will kill you,' talk.
However (while noting that I suspect this will not be an issue but better to be safe than sorry), no spears in my shop doorframe. Throwing a spear at the doorway of my room at the Valardin Manor will likely keep said thrower from leaving the manor or, really, breathing much longer in this life. Refraining from putting any sort of weaponry into doors I work or reside behind would be best. Should one feel the need to mark some sort of affectionate inclination, flowers would be perfectly acceptable.
However (while noting that I suspect this will not be an issue but better to be safe than sorry), no spears in my shop doorframe. Throwing a spear at the doorway of my room at the Valardin Manor will likely keep said thrower from leaving the manor or, really, breathing much longer in this life. Refraining from putting any sort of weaponry into doors I work or reside behind would be best. Should one feel the need to mark some sort of affectionate inclination, flowers would be perfectly acceptable.
Written By Ida
Jan. 18, 2017, 12:36 p.m.(9/12/1005 AR)
Apparently it was perhaps for the best that I slept several nights in the back room of the shop rather than my quarters at the Valardin estate. Maybe as much for me as for the Compact. On the plus side, I am nearly caught up with my work and can look forward to a shitton of whiskey and maybe even some good brawls sooner than I thought I might.
Written By Ida
Jan. 15, 2017, 8:55 p.m.(9/4/1005 AR)
Some think it selfish of me to stop taking commissions. It is not that I don't need or want the work, and it is not that I dislike the work. I love forging weapons. There are few things as rewarding as someone sending word upon receiving an item you labored over, to note how much they favor it.
Do you know when I last sat in a tavern to have a drink with friends? I don't even remember. I've lost touch with too many people. If recent events have taught me anything, it is that I should make time outside of the forge. I need to live more.
Do you know when I last sat in a tavern to have a drink with friends? I don't even remember. I've lost touch with too many people. If recent events have taught me anything, it is that I should make time outside of the forge. I need to live more.
Written By Ida
Jan. 13, 2017, 11:56 a.m.(8/25/1005 AR)
Some years before I was so graciously offered a position with the Valardin smiths herein Arx by His Grace, Prince Edain, I spent several months on the road, as they say, for tournaments. I do not know why this occurred to me today, but after one rather rousing pugilistic battle at one such competition held just outside The Telmarch, I was offered some amazing words by an elderly man. It was obvious, at least to me, that he was no stranger to the circuit, though clearly hadn't been in a bout himself for a decade or so. I'd won the fight and already made my way to fetch a drink when he approached me to offer the words I quote here. Again, I'm not sure why they have been recalled to mind so sharply recently; figured I'd might as well write them down.
"Pay close attention to the people who don't clap when you win."
"Pay close attention to the people who don't clap when you win."
Written By Ida
Jan. 13, 2017, 11:31 a.m.(8/24/1005 AR)
The Crown giveth and the Crown taketh away, I suppose. The Low Council has been dissolved and apparently will be replaced by a Common Council. A whole lot of things happened in and around that, but... Right.
Perhaps it is for the best. I've little interest in politics and my focus should be with my talents instead.
Perhaps it is for the best. I've little interest in politics and my focus should be with my talents instead.
Written By Ida
Jan. 7, 2017, 9:17 a.m.(8/6/1005 AR)
Ha! I only drink after I make. Usually. Sometimes the drink leads to inspiration which leads to making.
Oaths and steel, Joscelin. FINE.
Oaths and steel, Joscelin. FINE.
Written By Ida
Jan. 6, 2017, 7:19 p.m.(8/5/1005 AR)
I have a weariness that I believe only the solace of the forge might remedy. Or whiskey. One of the two. Maybe both.
Written By Ida
Dec. 30, 2016, 3:58 p.m.(7/11/1005 AR)
Visiting the Hall of Heroes, to me, is a bit like a sermon on history; a near-religious experience and step into the deep past. When I completed Lord Fiachra's second weapon, I asked him to meet me there so I could deliver it. Admittedly, I suspected he'd not yet been to the Hall and wanted to introduce it to him.
I think it's almost as enjoyable seeing someone else discover the wonders of the Hall for the first time as it is to see it that first time yourself.
I think it's almost as enjoyable seeing someone else discover the wonders of the Hall for the first time as it is to see it that first time yourself.
Written By Ida
Dec. 30, 2016, 3:48 p.m.(7/11/1005 AR)
It has been a quiet week. Which is really to say, I've barely had much chance to manage being social considering my current to-craft list. It is good to continue to be busy, for certain, and I've been of a mind to enjoy my own company lately anyhow.
I have considered perhaps doing a bit of something to the back room of the shop. Make it a little less just-storage and a little more usable. Somewhere to keep those wonderful treats Matron Teldra is so kind to basket up for me.
I have a bunch of, "I should"s on my to-do list that I really should be better at pursuing. Soon, maybe.
I have considered perhaps doing a bit of something to the back room of the shop. Make it a little less just-storage and a little more usable. Somewhere to keep those wonderful treats Matron Teldra is so kind to basket up for me.
I have a bunch of, "I should"s on my to-do list that I really should be better at pursuing. Soon, maybe.
Written By Ida
Dec. 25, 2016, 3:03 p.m.(6/24/1005 AR)
I've been quite busy at the forge lately; several weapons that needed creating, several more on their heels. It is by no means a complaint! There is a serenity, a perfect quiet of working metal. Yes, even with the hammering and sounds of a blazing fire. I am so used to those sounds that they fall to the background. The true gift of being so busy is the time to think. Really and truly /think/. I used to muse on better ways to fold metal, or different angles by which I could put my fist to someone's jaw.
Lately, thoughts tend toward heavier topics, in a way. I can not shake this feeling that I am missing something. That there's something /there/, in the back of my mind or out of the corner of my eye, that I just can't put my finger on. I never considered myself one for such thinking, but there it is all the same. Sometimes I wish I had more of a mind for this sort of thing. I've always just done well enough with my hands before is all.
Lately, thoughts tend toward heavier topics, in a way. I can not shake this feeling that I am missing something. That there's something /there/, in the back of my mind or out of the corner of my eye, that I just can't put my finger on. I never considered myself one for such thinking, but there it is all the same. Sometimes I wish I had more of a mind for this sort of thing. I've always just done well enough with my hands before is all.
Written By Ida
Dec. 24, 2016, 8:28 a.m.(6/20/1005 AR)
Ah, the look on poor Teldra's face when I visited the Valardin kitchens and asked if she would make a basket full of cinnamon struesel cakes with caramel and sweet cream, and little pieces of apple cooked in honey. The tart ones, not the sweet ones, she should mind.
Written By Ida
Dec. 18, 2016, 8:40 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
Not often, but perhaps every once in awhile, with loss comes something to help soften the blow. Even the passing of my husband eventually led to my life in Arx, so maybe it is true more often than I give it credit for. As usual, though, I go on.
I felt the loss of Baron Eos more keenly than I think I expected. Not in some ridiculous unrequited crush sort of way, of course. I just never expected him to be gone.
I wrote before about meeting Lady Niamh Greenmarch, who I admire. More recently, I've had the fortune of meeting more of the family and, by Gloria, what wonderful people. Young, the lot of them - which I do not mean as an insult - but I find myself fond of each of them already. Ladies Neve and Eirlys are like brilliant stars, so full of life and energy. Lords Rowan and Fiachra are a bit more reserved, but also such kind and pleasant company.
Losses can not be filled, I don't think, but perhaps the gods send us something to help soften the blow a little.
I felt the loss of Baron Eos more keenly than I think I expected. Not in some ridiculous unrequited crush sort of way, of course. I just never expected him to be gone.
I wrote before about meeting Lady Niamh Greenmarch, who I admire. More recently, I've had the fortune of meeting more of the family and, by Gloria, what wonderful people. Young, the lot of them - which I do not mean as an insult - but I find myself fond of each of them already. Ladies Neve and Eirlys are like brilliant stars, so full of life and energy. Lords Rowan and Fiachra are a bit more reserved, but also such kind and pleasant company.
Losses can not be filled, I don't think, but perhaps the gods send us something to help soften the blow a little.
Written By Ida
Dec. 16, 2016, 11:55 p.m.(5/26/1005 AR)
How do you put to word one of the most extraordinary moments of your life?
With the birth of your children, describing it (at least for me) has always been easy. It is like taking your heart and putting it into the tiny, wailing person they've just placed into your arms. Nothing is ever the same and you know you'd give your life in a blink of an eye to save theirs.
Being knighted? Holy shit. I'm a knight. I can still say 'shit' right? I knelt in The Vow and swore my oaths. /The Vow/ of House Valardin. How many knelt there before me? Do I deserve to count myself among them? I will hope I can prove so. I would truly rather die than fail His Grace, Prince Edain.
The badge His Grace gifted me with - I know it is Guildmaster Joscelin's work as well as she would know mine. That she is a piece of this somehow means a lot. The manor near Sanctum, with a forge... That this was shared before members of House Valardin and Greenmarch only makes me feel more blessed and grateful. Words truly fail me when I try to describe how honored and humbled I am by His Grace's faith in me, in bestowing this unimaginable honor.
Dame Ida Ferron, Hammer of the West. That's me. It still feels so new on my tongue.
Also, the bruise that is quickly blooming on my jaw? Never let it be said that His Grace can not punch nearly as well as I. A story for another time, that.
With the birth of your children, describing it (at least for me) has always been easy. It is like taking your heart and putting it into the tiny, wailing person they've just placed into your arms. Nothing is ever the same and you know you'd give your life in a blink of an eye to save theirs.
Being knighted? Holy shit. I'm a knight. I can still say 'shit' right? I knelt in The Vow and swore my oaths. /The Vow/ of House Valardin. How many knelt there before me? Do I deserve to count myself among them? I will hope I can prove so. I would truly rather die than fail His Grace, Prince Edain.
The badge His Grace gifted me with - I know it is Guildmaster Joscelin's work as well as she would know mine. That she is a piece of this somehow means a lot. The manor near Sanctum, with a forge... That this was shared before members of House Valardin and Greenmarch only makes me feel more blessed and grateful. Words truly fail me when I try to describe how honored and humbled I am by His Grace's faith in me, in bestowing this unimaginable honor.
Dame Ida Ferron, Hammer of the West. That's me. It still feels so new on my tongue.
Also, the bruise that is quickly blooming on my jaw? Never let it be said that His Grace can not punch nearly as well as I. A story for another time, that.
Written By Ida
Dec. 16, 2016, 11:10 a.m.(5/25/1005 AR)
I have met some amazing and wonderful people since coming to Arx a couple of years ago. Stunning people who can change the course of my mood or day just by passing my threshold. People who share themselves and amazing tales of their lives with me, whether while ordering a weapon or just chatting over tea or whiskey.
I value these people and realize now - a little too late, perhaps - that I am too often remiss in making note in these journals just how much I've enjoyed a meeting or discussion or a blossoming friendship.
Time fades those feelings and I really should try to capture them while they are fresher.
I value these people and realize now - a little too late, perhaps - that I am too often remiss in making note in these journals just how much I've enjoyed a meeting or discussion or a blossoming friendship.
Time fades those feelings and I really should try to capture them while they are fresher.
Written By Ida
Dec. 16, 2016, 10:07 a.m.(5/24/1005 AR)
I find my heart broken for the loss of Baron Eos Saik and those who surely feel his absence with heavier hearts than mine. I'd like to think he admired my work, which of course made me like him even more. I was thrilled that we were both part of Lady Regent Dawn's new councils as well, as it would let our paths cross more often. Speaking with him was always a joy for me.
More than that, though, he was kind enough to suggest respites away from our respective duties to just catch up and speak - simply for the sake of conversation. While we only managed these breaks a few times, I came to genuinely admire him and consider him a friend - one I would never hesitate to trust. I will sorely miss his wise words, his generous advise, and his kind spirit.
I will see you again in Elysia, dear Baron.
More than that, though, he was kind enough to suggest respites away from our respective duties to just catch up and speak - simply for the sake of conversation. While we only managed these breaks a few times, I came to genuinely admire him and consider him a friend - one I would never hesitate to trust. I will sorely miss his wise words, his generous advise, and his kind spirit.
I will see you again in Elysia, dear Baron.
Written By Ida
Dec. 13, 2016, 7:44 p.m.(5/17/1005 AR)
A few random musings, if only because I am currently musing on them all.
Standing at the Shrine of Vellichor often makes me wonder just how much knowledge was once there, and the gaping hole left by what surely was lost to the fires.
I've always considered myself a rather simple woman, yet lately, things don't seem as uncomplicated as when I first came to Arx.
I've forged a handful of rubicund weapons with decent success, I think. No matter the uncertainly or confusion that I may be discovering in myself lately, everything I work with my hands seems perfectly clear.
Thank all the gods for that.
Standing at the Shrine of Vellichor often makes me wonder just how much knowledge was once there, and the gaping hole left by what surely was lost to the fires.
I've always considered myself a rather simple woman, yet lately, things don't seem as uncomplicated as when I first came to Arx.
I've forged a handful of rubicund weapons with decent success, I think. No matter the uncertainly or confusion that I may be discovering in myself lately, everything I work with my hands seems perfectly clear.
Thank all the gods for that.
Written By Ida
Dec. 9, 2016, 9:45 p.m.(5/5/1005 AR)
I suppose my years of avoiding or not even needing to be involved in politics left me somewhat ill-prepared as to what to expect with a meeting such as this. Sitting among such august company and discussing how we might go forward for the Crown was rather overwhelming. I did not feel as out of place as I thought I might - meaning, I felt like my words were considered despite being someone of a decidedly simpler raising and duties. I am proud to lend whatever I might be able to contribute to this governance and hope it will be enough.
Written By Ida
Dec. 7, 2016, 3:26 p.m.(4/26/1005 AR)
After many months of working at it, and then ignoring it completely to just step away for a bit, and then working at it again (along with some wonderful insight from Mistress Hana), I can now work rubicund. It is thrilling to have achieved this long-sought benchmark of mine.
Beyond that, I had almost forgotten how just a few words exchanged with an old friend can brighten the day a bit. With my two biggest goals recently met, it is time that I step out of the forge and have all those whiskeys, teas, and catching-ups I waved off lately due to training.
Beyond that, I had almost forgotten how just a few words exchanged with an old friend can brighten the day a bit. With my two biggest goals recently met, it is time that I step out of the forge and have all those whiskeys, teas, and catching-ups I waved off lately due to training.
Written By Ida
Dec. 3, 2016, 9:56 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
I have not yet written about my honored naming to the low council by Lady Regent Dawn. I am not one for politics and the gods know I am hardly one who could pull off the sort of necessary rituals that seem so much a part of social...warfare? Whatever one might call such things, I suck at them. I've no desire to be good at them, either.
When Lady Regent Dawn asked, I could not say no, despite all my protestations about such things. What came to mind was a quote His Grace, Prince Edain, shared with me, that his sister had shared with him once upon a time. It's not mine to share here, but I heeded it and hope I manage to serve the Lady Regent in this regard both faithfully and with honor. To say I am humbled by her trust in me hardly suffices.
When Lady Regent Dawn asked, I could not say no, despite all my protestations about such things. What came to mind was a quote His Grace, Prince Edain, shared with me, that his sister had shared with him once upon a time. It's not mine to share here, but I heeded it and hope I manage to serve the Lady Regent in this regard both faithfully and with honor. To say I am humbled by her trust in me hardly suffices.
Written By Ida
Dec. 3, 2016, 9:50 p.m.(4/15/1005 AR)
I have not been this sore after a fight for this long in quite some time. It's pretty awesome! To add to the after-melee glow, of sorts, the shop was full of visitors recently, both for commissions and just chatting. I could not feel more honored by such wonderful company.
I met Lady Niamh Greenmarch first of all, who came to visit. What an amazing and interesting woman! I truly hope to cross paths with her again soon.
A woman who used so, soooo few words, a Mistress Aslaug, commissioned a dagger shortly after. I'm nearly done with that as of this writing, even.
His Grace, Prince Edain, Lord Damon (whose shiner I still proudly sport from the melee - and who was happy to remind me of it) and even /the/ Dame Leona also stopped by for a bit. I had not met her before, but the sword she carries is unmistakable. There are hardly words enough to describe my honor and enjoyment speaking with them all.
I also met Master Aksel, who the Duchess Nadia recommended me to. I've been sketching a weapon for her recently and her sending him to me means a great deal. He is the Sword of Stonedeep and the heirloom weapon he carries is breathtaking. I am excited to craft the greataxe he commissioned. He told me a wonderful story as well, which I think I will try to have turned into a small book at Mistress Gisele's shop. I find myself rather charmed.
I met Lady Niamh Greenmarch first of all, who came to visit. What an amazing and interesting woman! I truly hope to cross paths with her again soon.
A woman who used so, soooo few words, a Mistress Aslaug, commissioned a dagger shortly after. I'm nearly done with that as of this writing, even.
His Grace, Prince Edain, Lord Damon (whose shiner I still proudly sport from the melee - and who was happy to remind me of it) and even /the/ Dame Leona also stopped by for a bit. I had not met her before, but the sword she carries is unmistakable. There are hardly words enough to describe my honor and enjoyment speaking with them all.
I also met Master Aksel, who the Duchess Nadia recommended me to. I've been sketching a weapon for her recently and her sending him to me means a great deal. He is the Sword of Stonedeep and the heirloom weapon he carries is breathtaking. I am excited to craft the greataxe he commissioned. He told me a wonderful story as well, which I think I will try to have turned into a small book at Mistress Gisele's shop. I find myself rather charmed.
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