Written By Ida
Dec. 2, 2016, 9:44 p.m.(4/12/1005 AR)
What an evening! I saw stars not once, but twice. First on the fields of the Tournament Grounds and then on my way here to write this - ha! Get it? I am grateful for every bruise and cut I earned in that melee. What a grand time! While I was unsure if bringing fists to a sword fight would be wise, I am glad that I did. For one, who knows what I may face in these unsure times? It might very well be a sword and it is good to know that I will be better prepared for such a thing.
Really, though? What a damned good experience! I was paired with Lady Eirene Malvici and I can only wonder her thoughts about being teamed with a swordless pugilist. We did well, though, I think! I suspect she might be used to fighting alone, as I certainly am, and I think such made us work well together. So many fine fighters and an excellent event run by Sir Silas, as always! Thank the gods for Princess Sophie, who healed my battered person, along with Lady Eirene once the fight concluded. How fortunate we are to have such skilled and devoted healers. I also have a lovely bottle of Spring Awakening that I might break open this very night.
The whole experience was positively kickass! Joyous, even, and I am excited to do it again soon! Ah, but how I love the sweet science.
Really, though? What a damned good experience! I was paired with Lady Eirene Malvici and I can only wonder her thoughts about being teamed with a swordless pugilist. We did well, though, I think! I suspect she might be used to fighting alone, as I certainly am, and I think such made us work well together. So many fine fighters and an excellent event run by Sir Silas, as always! Thank the gods for Princess Sophie, who healed my battered person, along with Lady Eirene once the fight concluded. How fortunate we are to have such skilled and devoted healers. I also have a lovely bottle of Spring Awakening that I might break open this very night.
The whole experience was positively kickass! Joyous, even, and I am excited to do it again soon! Ah, but how I love the sweet science.
Written By Ida
Nov. 28, 2016, 9:43 a.m.(3/27/1005 AR)
After making an inquiry to Sir Silas, I am seriously contemplating throwing my fists into the upcoming melee. Get it? Ha. More seriously, though, I truly am considering competing. It has been far too long since I've been in a good fight, though a melee against weapons is much different than one-on-one fisticuffs. At the very least, I may learn just where I stand with my skills and what yet needs work.
Besides, I think I wish to step away from the forge for a bit, except for particular commission requests and promises already made.
Besides, I think I wish to step away from the forge for a bit, except for particular commission requests and promises already made.
Written By Ida
Nov. 27, 2016, 10:41 a.m.(3/24/1005 AR)
It seems as though it is a dangerous time to be an artisan in the city of Arx, as of late. I've also discovered a newfound aversion to tea.
Written By Ida
Nov. 25, 2016, 7:56 p.m.(3/19/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Margot
Lady Margot Tyde is someone who I think I have barely crossed paths with, though who has purchased a few things from the shop as well as via commission. She is ever patient on the rare occasion I get behind, which is greatly appreciated. While I recently wrote of a lack of inspiration, a commission of hers actually did inspire me to make a set of hairpins, which she seemed pleased with. It is those moments in which I most love crafting, I think. And despite not really knowing the Lady Tyde, I believe I already like and respect her.
Written By Ida
Nov. 25, 2016, 7:51 p.m.(3/19/1005 AR)
I really need to restock the shop, though I have found myself a bit lacking in inspiration lately. The pull of things to come, perhaps, or things that have already occurred - I'm not sure which.
Written By Ida
Nov. 18, 2016, 10:13 a.m.(2/25/1005 AR)
Master Fortunato had advertised about doing sketches, an offer I decided to request after. I asked for something with a weapon as the central figure. His niece, an aspiring (and clearly visionary) weaponsmith herself, came up with the story below, which I want to save here; I love it.
Ah, but to be able to craft a weapon of lore someday...
"Once upon a time, in a village near Southport, there was a diamondplate blade that only appeared in times of great need, monstrous need. Monsters, for example. It could only be wielded by the worthy, but, oh, when it was wielded, it was magnificent. It brought the barrage of wind and rain with it, it sucked the very air from the beasts' lungs. And one day, it may wake again."
The sketch is as stunning as the tale and now hangs in my shop, a fitting marriage of story and art.
Ah, but to be able to craft a weapon of lore someday...
"Once upon a time, in a village near Southport, there was a diamondplate blade that only appeared in times of great need, monstrous need. Monsters, for example. It could only be wielded by the worthy, but, oh, when it was wielded, it was magnificent. It brought the barrage of wind and rain with it, it sucked the very air from the beasts' lungs. And one day, it may wake again."
The sketch is as stunning as the tale and now hangs in my shop, a fitting marriage of story and art.
Written By Ida
Nov. 17, 2016, 4:12 p.m.(2/22/1005 AR)
I rather dislike feeling behind on things. I do not mean the political doings and such of the city - I leave that to those who like to navigate such things. My commissions, my plans to meet up with people... I feel like there are just not enough hours. I'll find a way, though. I always have in the past. I long to have leisure enough to manage a few brawls in the training center again. It has been dreadfully long since I've put fist to flesh and skills to the test. Too long, really.
Written By Ida
Nov. 15, 2016, 7:20 p.m.(2/17/1005 AR)
What was supposed to be a fairly quick trip (if traveling to the hamlet just outside Sanctum can actually be called 'quick' by any means) ended up keeping me longer than I thought it might. Important news often spreads fairly quickly, but I found myself a touch regretful not to have been in the city until after so much came to pass. Ah, little use complaining about spilled milk, as they say. Time to catch up with overdue work and friends.
Written By Ida
Nov. 1, 2016, 2:43 p.m.(1/2/1005 AR)
I had talked about wanting a cat, as well as the whys, with Lord Victus while he was in the shop recently. He noted he had received his from Lady Kima and ended up crossing paths with her not long after he and I spoke. He mentioned it to her and thanks to her immense kindness and generosity, I've a small gray fluffy kitten with white toes and a pink nose named Dopey to guard the shop. Well, when he's a bit older.
Or so were my musing and warm thoughts as the kitten dozed while I sketched. Then there was the rumble of what I would learn was the explosion in the boroughs shop. Can't say I'd feel comfortable leaving Dopey behind now.
Or so were my musing and warm thoughts as the kitten dozed while I sketched. Then there was the rumble of what I would learn was the explosion in the boroughs shop. Can't say I'd feel comfortable leaving Dopey behind now.
Written By Ida
Oct. 30, 2016, 8:06 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Sometimes I begin a craft with a decided emotion hanging over me, or simply no end-result in mind. I let feelings move my hands and sometimes I end up with a beautiful weapon, like the sword I called 'ugly sword' in my head, which Mistress Acacia seemed to love. Truth be told? I loved that oaths be damned sword, too, once it was finished.
Today, I crafted a knife with a somewhat similar passion in my heart. While I am pleased with the result beyond words, it is definitely one of those things that came out much differently than what I originally had in my head when the fires were stoked for work.
Like Ugly Sword, though, I love it.
Today, I crafted a knife with a somewhat similar passion in my heart. While I am pleased with the result beyond words, it is definitely one of those things that came out much differently than what I originally had in my head when the fires were stoked for work.
Like Ugly Sword, though, I love it.
Written By Ida
Oct. 30, 2016, 4:47 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
My first afternoon back in the shop brought distraction, but rather welcome at that. Prince Abbas Thrax, who looks exactly as though his reputation were made into flesh, came to commission an axe. Lord Victus recommended me. I was briefly surprised, but it seems my skills and availability are just better than other options for the moment. Still something to be honored by, I believe. It was a good discussion. His Highness knows exactly what he wants and didn't dance around explaining as much to me. I enjoyed the meeting.
The ever lovely Duchess Nadia Nightgold also graced my shop while Prince Abbas and I were concluding business. Her wolf-pup, Enigma, is a darling! Though surely will rip off someone's arm some day like a toy, once she is fully grown. It's always a delight to cross paths with the Duchess.
As though his ears were burning, the very Lord Victus Thrax also crossed my threshold, just as the other two were preparing to make their exits. I suspect I will never understand the famed general and am given to wonder why I bother to attempt friendly conversation with him. Perhaps it is because he respects my work, or so I think. It's likely I'll learn how to forge alaricite long before I learn how to forge a relationship of some sort with Lord Victus.
The ever lovely Duchess Nadia Nightgold also graced my shop while Prince Abbas and I were concluding business. Her wolf-pup, Enigma, is a darling! Though surely will rip off someone's arm some day like a toy, once she is fully grown. It's always a delight to cross paths with the Duchess.
As though his ears were burning, the very Lord Victus Thrax also crossed my threshold, just as the other two were preparing to make their exits. I suspect I will never understand the famed general and am given to wonder why I bother to attempt friendly conversation with him. Perhaps it is because he respects my work, or so I think. It's likely I'll learn how to forge alaricite long before I learn how to forge a relationship of some sort with Lord Victus.
Written By Ida
Oct. 30, 2016, 4:31 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
I have not written as my mood seems to be leaning vaguely toward maudlin and I'd rather drink such things away than write about them. Maudlin may be too strong a word, really, but close enough. Likely, the visit to the hamlet near Sanctum is what's brought it about, but I'm back and will be equally hidden away catching up on work, as well as attempting rubicund yet again. Sometimes it feels like I'm always looking for something.
Written By Ida
Oct. 15, 2016, 7:01 p.m.(11/8/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Mason
One thing I must say about the Graysons is that they keep fine and worldly company. Prince Mason (don't even ask me to try to write his real name, never mind pronounce it), came to the shop to place an order. He is the husband of Princess Lou, who I think is somewhat amazing, and was directed to me by Lady Dawn, who I have expounded on my adoration of already, I think (I hope, certainly!). But I digress.
While it was a first meeting, Prince Mason Grayson has this way about him that makes you feel like you have known him a long time. The conversation was easy and pleasant, both about business as well as his homelands and other somewhat everyday topics. I sometimes forget that there is a much larger and diverse world beyond our little section of it, and it was truly enjoyable learning a bit about one corner of that vast out-there-ness from Prince Mason.
While it was a first meeting, Prince Mason Grayson has this way about him that makes you feel like you have known him a long time. The conversation was easy and pleasant, both about business as well as his homelands and other somewhat everyday topics. I sometimes forget that there is a much larger and diverse world beyond our little section of it, and it was truly enjoyable learning a bit about one corner of that vast out-there-ness from Prince Mason.
Written By Ida
Oct. 10, 2016, 5:56 p.m.(10/21/1004 AR)
Training is going well, I think. I am so close - SO CLOSE - I can honestly sense it. Just the way I feel when I go through the new routines I've been trying and the extra work with weights, there's definitely progress. It's a good feeling to be out of doors and working. I long to get back to attempting to work rubicund, I admit, which seems within reach, should I dedicate as much time as I have to pugilism.
Written By Ida
Oct. 8, 2016, 11 p.m.(10/15/1004 AR)
Mistress Myrinda Grayhope is someone I've heard about since first coming to Arx, really. Much like grand dinners, I'm hardly one to fret much over my wardrobe. Of course I've an eye for color, or I imagine I must as most seem pleased with my crafts, but when it comes for things for myself, eh. I seem to lack such skill for my own things. Seeing her at the fete reminded me that I left both of my best dresses when I left the hamlet near Sanctum and likely could use her services. She is reputed to be blunt, honest, and good with fashion, which is exactly what I need.
Written By Ida
Oct. 8, 2016, 10:43 p.m.(10/15/1004 AR)
Firstly, I am not one for dinner types of social gatherings. That Lady Dawn arranged such a thing for the crafters of the city, and seeing what a wonderful time I had a Market Day, I could hardly /not/ attend. I could not be more glad that I did. For one, everything was beyond imagining. Truly, I was almost overwhelmed with how stunning ever last detail was. The food, the drink...I felt spoiled, to be honest. Those who came out, too, were such honored people to see. Even Prince Edain attended! I could not ask for a finer patron.
The company at our honored table, holy oaths but I can't remember when I laughed so hard! The famed fashion maven, Mistress Myrinda, was in attendance and as refreshingly blunt as I have been lead to believe. Mistress Joscelin and Mistress Morrighan were also there, as well as Sir Silas. I swear I nearly died ten times near-choking with laughter. We half-spoke about perhaps doing dinner gatherings at times ourselves, based on this. I say quite often that Lady Dawn is generous in both word and deed, which I genuinely mean. It was a kindness and one I'll not soon forget.
The company at our honored table, holy oaths but I can't remember when I laughed so hard! The famed fashion maven, Mistress Myrinda, was in attendance and as refreshingly blunt as I have been lead to believe. Mistress Joscelin and Mistress Morrighan were also there, as well as Sir Silas. I swear I nearly died ten times near-choking with laughter. We half-spoke about perhaps doing dinner gatherings at times ourselves, based on this. I say quite often that Lady Dawn is generous in both word and deed, which I genuinely mean. It was a kindness and one I'll not soon forget.
Written By Ida
Oct. 8, 2016, 4:14 p.m.(10/15/1004 AR)
Training has been going well, I think. It's been good to divide by time more evenly between pugilism and smithing. Managed a set of armor as requested by Princess Freja, who I'd craft for a thousand times over. The set was well received by its new owner and much as I tend to dislike crafting armor, I came away rather proud of the pieces. The shop emptied, which happens from time to time, so I returned to the forge to make some more hairpins. I need to get up a few swords and daggers, really, but in time.
Written By Ida
Oct. 1, 2016, 6:20 p.m.(9/22/1004 AR)
I have to wonder if there is something in the air. The past week or two have simple seemed off and while I'm certainly prone to bouts of reflective reclusive-ness, I suspect I am not alone in such feelings. Maybe it's a path Jayus nudges we artisans upon, now and again, to remind us to get out and see the art of the world rather than hole up all the time making it.
Even with that, I'm rather pleased with an interesting blade His Grace, Prince Edain, requested made. I tend to worry more over the items he commissions, because I'm unsure I could stand to disappoint someone who has done so much for me. He often asks for something different, something I've never designed before, and this time was no different. I am grateful to Jayus for guiding my mind and hand so well and hope the weapon is received well.
Even with that, I'm rather pleased with an interesting blade His Grace, Prince Edain, requested made. I tend to worry more over the items he commissions, because I'm unsure I could stand to disappoint someone who has done so much for me. He often asks for something different, something I've never designed before, and this time was no different. I am grateful to Jayus for guiding my mind and hand so well and hope the weapon is received well.
Written By Ida
Sept. 29, 2016, 3:51 p.m.(9/16/1004 AR)
Decision made. Rubicund, as much I have wanted to achieve working it sooner rather than later (mostly because it's really diamondplate I want to get to), will indeed have to wait. I'm going to focus back on training and fighting for a bit, as commissions allow. They have been somewhat light, as of late, which seems to line up the time to train just that more easily.
Written By Ida
Sept. 25, 2016, 9:10 a.m.(9/3/1004 AR)
I have not written much about the speckled gray and white horse, who I think I shall name Ironfoot simply due to his disposition, since mentioning having asked after him with Princess Malorie. I try to visit the Valardin stables with each of my comings and goings, spoiling him with an apple when he can bother himself to come take the offered treat. I've no idea how much he may cost, when the time comes, but I hope I'll manage to have the silver for him. Which brings me, in a way, to my next dilemma of sorts.
It takes time to learn new things, of course, and it can be hard to pursue two serious skills at the same time, if not nearly impossible. I really should train further in pugilism while I still have some years of youth on my side. It is my first love, truly, and I've neglected it with all the work I've been blessed with in the city. I do want to work rubicund, if only so that I can maybe achieve the skills necessary for diamondplate, but I wonder if it's a touch of vainglory to pursue those before fighting. I /do/ love working the metal nearly as much as working a ring, but there is far less frustration when going one-on-one with another in a fight than there is fighting myself over the qualities of metal. Once again, I suspect I am over-thinking the same old musings.
It takes time to learn new things, of course, and it can be hard to pursue two serious skills at the same time, if not nearly impossible. I really should train further in pugilism while I still have some years of youth on my side. It is my first love, truly, and I've neglected it with all the work I've been blessed with in the city. I do want to work rubicund, if only so that I can maybe achieve the skills necessary for diamondplate, but I wonder if it's a touch of vainglory to pursue those before fighting. I /do/ love working the metal nearly as much as working a ring, but there is far less frustration when going one-on-one with another in a fight than there is fighting myself over the qualities of metal. Once again, I suspect I am over-thinking the same old musings.
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