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Written By Ida

Aug. 19, 2016, 11:07 a.m.(5/5/1004 AR)

I DID it! Oaths, I finally managed to gain the skills with which to work high quality steel. Pricey stuff, like whoa, but the profit from such things should start to pay for the materials. The first weapon I fashioned is Duke Arn's warhammer. We had already discussed the design, back when it was going to be made of standard steel. When I gained the skill, I sent word to ask if he'd prefer the better metal and, as I suspected, he did. Said he'd love to have the opportunity to be one of the first to receive something crafted with my new skills. Just for that, I made sure I did his first. It will probably now be one of my favorite crafted weapons because of that.

Written By Ida

Aug. 18, 2016, 11:21 a.m.(5/2/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Arn

Duke Arn Telmar is not someone I know particularly well just yet, if I might ever. His Grace, Prince Edain, asked me to make sure the general was properly outfitted not long after the latter's arrival in Arx. I quickly learned that the duke is a direct man, when he visited to discuss the commission, with seemingly little patience for dancing around a topic. His reputation marks him as a man of import, of course, but what impressed me was seeing him in conversation with Prince Edain. I have every faith in His Grace, but knowing that Duke Arn has his back is comforting. Watching the general with our prince has lead me to like and respect the man, little that I truly know him.

Written By Ida

Aug. 14, 2016, 10:07 p.m.(4/19/1004 AR)

I am so close - SO CLOSE - to mastering the forging of high quality steel. I can almost taste it. I feel like I probably could have worked harder and achieved this goal sooner, but life happens and much as I want to be there, maybe I worry a bit too. Will I be able to make the same qualities with better metal that I do with standard? This is a new worry, one that I don't think I ever had while living just outside of Sanctum. I don't believe I ever concerned myself much if I might disappoint someone or ones. It's not that I didn't care, but it just never really seemed all that likely. Maybe that sounds ridiculous or maybe I'm thinking overly much on it all. With fighting, win or lose, it ends when the fight ends, y'know? A blade, though, carries on once someone puts it on their belt. What if that blade fails somehow? With what seems to lurk on the horizon, perhaps this is just the first time it really is something I feel I should worry about. Oaths, probably just overthinking.

Written By Ida

Aug. 9, 2016, 9:13 p.m.(4/4/1004 AR)

I take my path past the paddock at the Valardin estate on my way back and forth to the city about every day, mostly to watch the grey speckled foal that seems more inclined to lounge than much else. When the parade was put together, I couldn't help but go and see how he would do. I didn't stay long, as I had duties and am fairly ill-suited for events as refined as that. It was quite wonderful really and I ended up wishing I could have stayed longer. Princess Ophelia seemed nervous, but what a darling young woman she seems to be, so concerned her guests enjoyed themselves - even me! I ended up sending word to Princess Malorie about the foals and, no kidding, the speckled grey and white was the only one still unclaimed! Fate, must have been.

Written By Ida

Aug. 7, 2016, 1:19 p.m.(3/25/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Acacia

Mistress Acacia is someone Prince Edain mentioned my work to and we ended up crossing paths at a couple of events I didn't avoid. She's an exceptionally pleasant woman and I honestly enjoy her company. She's quite good at engaging people, I've noticed, and can navigate socially far better than I think I ever will. It seems genuine, though, which maybe makes me naive, but I suppose I don't care if it does or doesn't. Her compliments of my work are beyond flattering and she's purchased from the shop as well as commissioned something personally. She talks my wares up to other people, which has no doubt lead to work I might not otherwise have received. I'm very glad to have met someone like her here in Arx.

Written By Ida

Aug. 7, 2016, 1:08 p.m.(3/25/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Fergus

Prince Fergus Redrain. The man seems to carry a great deal of haunted history on his shoulders, which often is visible even in his eyes. It's one of those things I wasn't sure I wanted to poke about, even if I was curious. I mean, there are the stories, of course, but stories are what other people say about something or someone. Better from the mouth of the person talked about, right? In any case, between doing commissions for him and crossing paths here and there in the city and my shop, I think we have a comfortable friendship that I rather enjoy.

Written By Ida

Aug. 1, 2016, 11:51 a.m.(3/7/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Edain

What can I say about Prince Edain Valardin? Even before the Tragedy at Sanctum, he seemed a fan of my fighting style and I was certainly honored by as much. I still am, truth be told, and while loyalty to one's house is expected, His Grace also earned mine some time ago. When he invited me to Arx, the timing was almost too perfect. My husband had been gone awhile, the children were off with their new masters and there were only so many boxing championships I hadn't already participated in at least once. Surely Arx would offer a more varied array of opponents. Besides, the chance to forge arms and armors for House Valardin? Who in their right mind would turn down such an opportunity? His generosity since my arrival is beyond measure, providing me any necessities wage in exchange for my work. I surely have the better deal in this relationship. That he is immeasurably humble as well as honorable? I could hardly admire him more. Whatever dark times may approach, I hope to serve His Grace and his family well, however I can. He deserves no less from me,

Written By Ida

Aug. 1, 2016, 11:40 a.m.(3/7/1004 AR)

Relationship Note on Hammar

A rather hulking figure of a man came to the shop a week or more ago. Imposing would be an understatement and that blank look in his eyes...well. I've seen people hit a few times too many in the head during my days as a pugilist and this seemed a touch beyond even that. While Master Hammer, no doubt, is an exceptionally dangerous person - deadly, even - our meeting wasn't like that at all. I'm unsure how he was lead to my door - the sign? Word? Whatever the case, he requested armor and I have to admit, the challenge was one I was excited about. He's about the size of a small cottage back at the hamlet, so just trying to make something to fit his girth would be work unto itself. Mostly dull, black armor, he seemed pleased with it, which made me happy. And, perhaps, from harm. He doesn't seem the type to hurt unprovoked. Duke Arn Telmar remarked to me recently that he saw Hammar in his armor and thought it amazing work. Humbling, right? One could do worse than someone near the size of a barn walking around in one's armor.

Written By Ida

July 28, 2016, 3:09 p.m.(2/23/1004 AR)

What a genuinely awesome Rite of Gloria! Of course I favored Prince Edain and, yes, I'm utterly biased. However, considering Duke Niccolo's age and likelihood that his skills might be more practiced, I'll also admit I was a little nervous about it. What I think was the best part was that they did not wield their personal weapons, but instead each had the same exact type of sword. To me, that evens the playing field better than anything. A blade of exceptional craftsmanship or material can sometimes turn the tide in favor of one over another. When each person comes to the grounds with the same exact type of blade, what we see in the trial is purely a match of skills. I'd love to see more such fights as that.

Written By Ida

July 22, 2016, 11:35 p.m.(2/6/1004 AR)

Oathballs but Princess Alis is one helluva knight! Not sure I particularly care for the way that Sword of Lenosia fights, but I suppose it's not unexpected. In any case, I wish now more than ever that I could fashion the better steels, as Princess Alis was wearing the set Prince Edain commissioned me to make her and it did not protect her as well as I would have hoped against the Velanosa. She made some great shots and fought with exceptional honor. I was so proud! Not that she needs me to be. All told, the fight was a grand one and I even managed to meet face to face with Mistress Acacia. Nice conversation, that. Prince Edain sends such wonderful people to my door.

Written By Ida

July 21, 2016, 10:23 p.m.(2/3/1004 AR)

Ferron Arms and Armor. A real shop. I have a real shop in the ward of the Compact, no less! Oathballs. It's a bit overwhelming but pretty awesome, too. Prince Aurelian even stopped in to visit. Managed a curved blade the other day for Alrec, who has also been a bit of a brawling partner. All told? New shop, getting in some fighting? Hard to complain these days!

Written By Ida

July 10, 2016, 7:21 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)

Don't get me wrong. I love a nice, stately ceremonial type of blade as much as the next person. One that has gems and metal from times long forgotten, that I can only perhaps dream of working some day. Crafting them can be a true labor of honor, to be trusted in such a way with such an august weapon. Other times, I am thrilled to work on a blade that I know will see use, will draw blood in an honorable way. Thanks to the kind words of Duchess Nadia and Prince Fergus, Princess Freja Redrain sent word about commissioning a sword. We met at The Spirits, which is a comfortable establishment. Doesn't make me feel out of place like The Ambassador often does. In any case, I really enjoyed the meeting. The princess is rather no frills and her sword was to be similarly so. Ice and snow type of sword, which I really enjoyed forging.

Written By Ida

July 10, 2016, 7:12 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)

I made a set of somewhat Redrain themed armor for Prince Fergus Redrain, which he seemed pleased enough by. Well, he wears it, so I suspect it meets his approval. Sometimes I believe I can tell his thoughts, but it can be a dicey thing, that. I thought the armor set was good work, so that was that. He recently requested a sword and that one I really enjoyed crafting. Dark, gray, and without much pomp or luster, but that's mostly what he requested. I etched a small knot on the cross-guard - not sure if he noticed and/or would approve, but I took the chance regardless. It tends to be so much more satisfying crafting something for someone I've spent time with sometimes. Makes it feel more personal when I work.

Written By Ida

July 10, 2016, 7:01 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)

While it is still fairly early days for me in the city, I find myself already somewhat torn between what set of armors might be my favorite. Princess Alis' blue flame set I just love, if it isn't awful of me to say about my own work. The themes truly come from those that make the commission requests, though, so I suppose the compliments are owed to them. The set that vies with Princess Alis' is Duchess Nadia Nightgold's set. She requested the colors of her family, reds and gold, as well as strike fear into the hearts of Shav'avarni - and be stylish. The colors were a real joy to work with and I favored the flow between them a lot, I must admit. Two swords as well, to match the armor. She seemed pleased with them, which was a relief, y'know? Sometimes I love something and the receiver thinks I'm mad, ha.

Written By Ida

July 10, 2016, 6:55 p.m.(12/26/1003 AR)

I fairly suck at keeping my journal as it properly should be. I know I should not allow myself to get so caught up in fighting or the forge, but I have lately and can only blame myself. So much has occurred and perhaps some will already be lost in detail because of my dawdling.

    I /was/ quite busy with work and Prince Edain has been beyond gracious in allowing me to work for members of other houses. I've yet to make him a new set or a sword of any sort. I am rather hoping to get my skills up so I can make him something truly worthy the leader of House Valardin. I haven't thought of just /how/ I want to do it, yet, so theme is something to continue to consider.

    I am rather proud of the sets for Princess Marian and Princess Alis, respectively. Princess Marian's took me days - I could not get it quite right. The dragon of the forest theme, though, I was super pleased with. A nod to her history, y'know? For Princess Alis, with her stunning pale hair, I did not want to do a white set though, despite house colors. Pale grays with blue dragon flame ended up as the theme and I loved it so much, I might make myself a knife somewhat like it. She requested a sword to match the set, which I obliged. It feels good to help arm my House and better yet that they seemed pleased with the work.

Written By Ida

July 2, 2016, 5:45 p.m.(12/3/1003 AR)

It's been a whirlwind couple of days, rubbing elbows with some rather famed members of Arx's society. I've more work now that I may have had in a month's time back home. Wonderful people, almost all of them. Almost. Still suck at all those social niceties and don't envy those who have to deal with that every day!

Written By Ida

July 1, 2016, 6:03 p.m.(11/28/1003 AR)

Holy oathballs. Prince Edain asked me to work on armor for Princess Alis AND Princess Marian. Jayus guide my hands!

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