Written By Joscelin
Dec. 18, 2016, 7:05 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
The bonfire and hunt sponsored by the Duchess Belladonna Pravus was quite a success. I helped Felix Meadson bring in his supplies, and promptly met up with Ianthe to join the hunt. I wasn't dressed for it, in the silks that Myri-Mother made me for the archery contest last summer. But as I meant to shoot my pray and not wrestle it, I figured I would do alright.
And I did! Two fat does, I think I brought in the bulk of the meat for the dinner. But! I missed the eight-prong beauty that had been with my ladies when I spotted them. They went down like willing sacrifices and he took off like a coward-!
What? Oh yes, someone caught him. I think I overheard someone call him Lord Killian of Ashford? Yes, and no, I'm not going to tell you his hunting tale! That's his and I'll not touch it. And don't you dare believe him; it takes skill to dodge a charging buck.
And I did! Two fat does, I think I brought in the bulk of the meat for the dinner. But! I missed the eight-prong beauty that had been with my ladies when I spotted them. They went down like willing sacrifices and he took off like a coward-!
What? Oh yes, someone caught him. I think I overheard someone call him Lord Killian of Ashford? Yes, and no, I'm not going to tell you his hunting tale! That's his and I'll not touch it. And don't you dare believe him; it takes skill to dodge a charging buck.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 18, 2016, 7:02 p.m.(6/4/1005 AR)
It's been an emotional week, personally and professionally. Oh, this isn't bad, mind you. At least, not entirely. I grieve the changes in people, the loss in others, friends gone, chances missed. I can't comment directly about much of it. I am favored, I think, for my discretion as much as for my skill with metal and stone.
I will say that I can grieve silently, quietly, for those that are gone from my life and those that move in a different direction. For the latter, I pray for a parallel path to my road, so I can still see your face from time to time and remember, and learn from you as I take in your life and pattern from this new angle.
And don't fear, my friend; the heart remembers and while the emotions may change, the love does not. It's all still right here.
I will say that I can grieve silently, quietly, for those that are gone from my life and those that move in a different direction. For the latter, I pray for a parallel path to my road, so I can still see your face from time to time and remember, and learn from you as I take in your life and pattern from this new angle.
And don't fear, my friend; the heart remembers and while the emotions may change, the love does not. It's all still right here.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 17, 2016, 2:54 a.m.(5/27/1005 AR)
I love Gemecittan quartz. It's a soft stone but also inexpensive, has a variety of colors in a single specimen, and easy to shape and polish.
It's a veritable palette to work from, with a thousand colors and often, I never get the same combination of hues twice. It makes for some interesting designs.
I do hope you come see it. I'm planning on making the same fine, high quality designs in less-expensive metals, so that anyone can afford them.
Oh? You like these? They're a part of a s-
You know, here's a token. Bring it to my atelier and I'll redeem it from you with a twenty percent discount, just be sure to tell your friends where you got the bauble from, yes?
It's a veritable palette to work from, with a thousand colors and often, I never get the same combination of hues twice. It makes for some interesting designs.
I do hope you come see it. I'm planning on making the same fine, high quality designs in less-expensive metals, so that anyone can afford them.
Oh? You like these? They're a part of a s-
You know, here's a token. Bring it to my atelier and I'll redeem it from you with a twenty percent discount, just be sure to tell your friends where you got the bauble from, yes?
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 13, 2016, 7:25 p.m.(5/17/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Fortunato
It's not that we didn't get on well as children, but that ... well. We were children. Aureth was easy to relate to as a youngster, and Ianthe followed me everywhere...
Fort did his own thing, but as adults, connecting isn't so difficult and that's unusual given, in my experience, it's usually hard to make friends these days. Too many ways to misstep and for things to go wrong or to be offended by.
So it was good to feed my near-brother food, to make fun of our family in the most loving way possible, and trade stories and silly secrets as siblings might.
It was more than nice. I look forward to more moments as that.
Fort did his own thing, but as adults, connecting isn't so difficult and that's unusual given, in my experience, it's usually hard to make friends these days. Too many ways to misstep and for things to go wrong or to be offended by.
So it was good to feed my near-brother food, to make fun of our family in the most loving way possible, and trade stories and silly secrets as siblings might.
It was more than nice. I look forward to more moments as that.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 11, 2016, 9:30 p.m.(5/11/1005 AR)
Trade agreements, new organizations to collaborate with, a slew of new crafters to induct and look after, and all the while the Merciers support me with good humor, wit, intelligence, and hard work.
Silas some how manages to produce work and guard the people of the city, Bethany is networking and working very hard with her numbers and observations. Lazarus is ... well, he's invaluable as a partner in helping manage this collective of artists and merchants. I'd go into all the details but the man would probably chastise me for singing his praise and shoving him out into the front. He seems to prefer the support from the quiet background. The trunk of a large tree, solid.
Then there's Horatio.
Honestly, I don't know what to make of that boy, but it amuses me to no end that Lazarus put him clear across the damned city to do what I've are coined 'experiments'.
So.
Silas some how manages to produce work and guard the people of the city, Bethany is networking and working very hard with her numbers and observations. Lazarus is ... well, he's invaluable as a partner in helping manage this collective of artists and merchants. I'd go into all the details but the man would probably chastise me for singing his praise and shoving him out into the front. He seems to prefer the support from the quiet background. The trunk of a large tree, solid.
Then there's Horatio.
Honestly, I don't know what to make of that boy, but it amuses me to no end that Lazarus put him clear across the damned city to do what I've are coined 'experiments'.
So.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 11, 2016, 6:20 p.m.(5/11/1005 AR)
Fragile egos are made brittle by pride. This is a lesson learned these months as Guildmaster and I think my teacher was as gentle as the fates would allow.
Written By Joscelin
Dec. 5, 2016, 12:02 a.m.(4/18/1005 AR)
Being Called to Jayus isn't just about making and creating. Sometimes it's about receiving the inspiration meant for another and passing it on. This isn't as simple as it sounds. You don't often know what it is you carry until another artisan or peer looks at you, shows you their work and says, "what do you think?" or "can I borrow your eyes?" or "I hate this color. What the bloody hell am I supposed to do with a client's poor taste?"
I can only hope my advice is fruitful and pray I'm forgiven for pairing crimson and maroon and that Myrinda never sees my maker's mark.
I can only hope my advice is fruitful and pray I'm forgiven for pairing crimson and maroon and that Myrinda never sees my maker's mark.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 29, 2016, 4:38 a.m.(4/1/1005 AR)
Blessed are the spring winds and the rains, and the returning of the Sun.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 27, 2016, 9:19 p.m.(3/25/1005 AR)
Wolbrand was my mentor, the last of several and by far the most skilled. His grunt of approval would have me brimming with pride for days, and his disapproval taught me to take the criticism constructively and let everything else fall away.
His disappearance is a shock. I remember his tools, so lovingly kept, a hammer he promised to will to me, begrudgingly, that I doubt I'll see again, or hold in my hand. His worn, well-broken in anvils, his gravers, his stone-setting tools.
His hands were gnarled but could do the most delicate of work.
I am conflicted. As his student, I am sad that he is gone, I grieve the loss of his skill and knowledge. As his Guildmaster, I am worried about the rest of my crafters, the desire to draw them in protectively battles with my instinct to let trade and commerce continue uninterrupted.
His disappearance is a shock. I remember his tools, so lovingly kept, a hammer he promised to will to me, begrudgingly, that I doubt I'll see again, or hold in my hand. His worn, well-broken in anvils, his gravers, his stone-setting tools.
His hands were gnarled but could do the most delicate of work.
I am conflicted. As his student, I am sad that he is gone, I grieve the loss of his skill and knowledge. As his Guildmaster, I am worried about the rest of my crafters, the desire to draw them in protectively battles with my instinct to let trade and commerce continue uninterrupted.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 26, 2016, 1:03 p.m.(3/21/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ianthe
This skinny little tart has all the body fat of a rake, and yet the woman practically lives on pastries.
This even last, a gift from Messere Rook Grayward in the form of a plate-
-yes. a PLATE-
-of pastries was -absconded with-.
Gone! Pfft! A cloud of dust in her wake!
And she returns it, openly and everything, sets it on the counter, and there is one pastry left.
A pastry that has been licked clean of its honey-frosting.
And she grinned at me like it was a damn dare.
So I ate the thing. Right in front of her. And nearly choked for her expression and the laughter that followed.
This even last, a gift from Messere Rook Grayward in the form of a plate-
-yes. a PLATE-
-of pastries was -absconded with-.
Gone! Pfft! A cloud of dust in her wake!
And she returns it, openly and everything, sets it on the counter, and there is one pastry left.
A pastry that has been licked clean of its honey-frosting.
And she grinned at me like it was a damn dare.
So I ate the thing. Right in front of her. And nearly choked for her expression and the laughter that followed.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 23, 2016, 1:42 p.m.(3/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Natalia
Lady Eirene's entry reminded me that I have a lot to say about the Princess Natalia.
At my worst these past months, Princess Natalia was one of the first people to reach out to me. She was quiet, sweet, not overly flowery. Her message to me was very simple:
"Do you need anything?"
As the one so often reaching out, I forget sometimes that it can happen in return. While she definitely was not the only one to metaphorically offer a hand and inquire as to the state of my being, that she did at all to a virtual stranger says a lot about her. While it's not always smart to help people you don't know, it does express a caliber of character few wish to divulge and many can't show. How do you explain the sense of compassion you can feel towards a person who's only commonality with you is a pulse? You really can't. It comes off as idealistic at best and terribly naive at worse.
I daresay if we had more reckless compassion and idealism, we'd be better as a community. Natalia's efforts to better her neighbors' lives, be they commoner or noble, has not gone unnoticed.
Many try to untangle her motivations, suss it out like there's a deeper meaning behind it, but it's as simple as this:
Princess Natalia of House Grayson is a thoughtful, considerate, unique person who thinks less of herself than most would know, and courageous in ways that are quiet and yet intensely profound.
At my worst these past months, Princess Natalia was one of the first people to reach out to me. She was quiet, sweet, not overly flowery. Her message to me was very simple:
"Do you need anything?"
As the one so often reaching out, I forget sometimes that it can happen in return. While she definitely was not the only one to metaphorically offer a hand and inquire as to the state of my being, that she did at all to a virtual stranger says a lot about her. While it's not always smart to help people you don't know, it does express a caliber of character few wish to divulge and many can't show. How do you explain the sense of compassion you can feel towards a person who's only commonality with you is a pulse? You really can't. It comes off as idealistic at best and terribly naive at worse.
I daresay if we had more reckless compassion and idealism, we'd be better as a community. Natalia's efforts to better her neighbors' lives, be they commoner or noble, has not gone unnoticed.
Many try to untangle her motivations, suss it out like there's a deeper meaning behind it, but it's as simple as this:
Princess Natalia of House Grayson is a thoughtful, considerate, unique person who thinks less of herself than most would know, and courageous in ways that are quiet and yet intensely profound.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 22, 2016, 11:06 p.m.(3/10/1005 AR)
...I'm sorry, what?
They said what?
No. No, that wasn't me.
Look, if I could blush -that long- in a public place, I'd be ... passed out by now. Honestly. Blood rushing up to my face? It's terrible. I can't speak, can't think. Mostly just sit there, flap my hands, and squeak.
... well I don't know, who's your source? Tavern gossip is hardly-
... Oh.
[throat is cleared]
Alrightwellmaybethatwasme.
They said what?
No. No, that wasn't me.
Look, if I could blush -that long- in a public place, I'd be ... passed out by now. Honestly. Blood rushing up to my face? It's terrible. I can't speak, can't think. Mostly just sit there, flap my hands, and squeak.
... well I don't know, who's your source? Tavern gossip is hardly-
... Oh.
[throat is cleared]
Alrightwellmaybethatwasme.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 22, 2016, 3:25 p.m.(3/9/1005 AR)
Love notes in the form of large dead animals?
I am envious.
-Envious-.
I am envious.
-Envious-.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 20, 2016, 8:35 p.m.(3/4/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Felix
I know he recently moved here but I haven't had time to meet with many beyond the new crafters and merchants that needed shops to sell their wares from.
But he came in today, all height and big smile and the coloring of my uncles, and it was a little like seeing a piece of home.
We talked all afternoon, discussed ideas and options for him to find steady work. He told me stories about his weapons, and I plied him with coffee and cookies.
For all that it was casual, I think we both learned a great deal from each other. I look forward to learning more, he knows his trade and loves his work. I can't ask for a better crafter.
But he came in today, all height and big smile and the coloring of my uncles, and it was a little like seeing a piece of home.
We talked all afternoon, discussed ideas and options for him to find steady work. He told me stories about his weapons, and I plied him with coffee and cookies.
For all that it was casual, I think we both learned a great deal from each other. I look forward to learning more, he knows his trade and loves his work. I can't ask for a better crafter.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 18, 2016, 5:45 p.m.(2/26/1005 AR)
Hypothetically, a Guild could, if they had their hands in the trading contacts, pacts, agreements, etc., be the best ones to begin the process of storing food and supplies.
Hypothetically, they'd already be working on it.
Hypothetically.
Hypothetically, they'd already be working on it.
Hypothetically.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 18, 2016, 3:04 a.m.(2/24/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Myrinda
If I thought for a moment I could change the stripes of a person I cared for, I wouldn't do it.
Now, I will remelt a defective piece of metal, whether I ruined it with an errant hammer strike or gouged it with a file, or it snapped for a flaw I didn't see, I will point my flame to it until it melts, formless, a puddle of possibilities to be remade in my crucible.
Repoured, remade, reused, reclaimed.
But people are not metal, not near as malleable or as easy to replace.
You can't change what a person is, who they are, especially if they don't want to.
Should you scream? Throw things? Insults? Drag them off and throw them away?
No. You can only accept and love and try to understand, and barring that, just let it be. It is who they are, and you love who they are or you don't.
So no, scholar, I am not apathetic. Far from it. But I would just as soon change her as I would cease to love her. She is as she is, and while I know she may not accept me or the choices I make, I will still love her, even if she befriends those that have hurt me for spite, to soothe her insulted sense of pride and honor. It's true, I can only control myself, but I do choose this. I will always choose this.
And if she cannot accept my choices, then she doesn't. Being who I am, it is not in me to force anyone to do anything they aren't inclined to do, and I work to preserve that small grace of freedom for me and mine for as long as I might, with the help of those I know who will keep me in check and preserve the integrity of what we work for.
Now, I will remelt a defective piece of metal, whether I ruined it with an errant hammer strike or gouged it with a file, or it snapped for a flaw I didn't see, I will point my flame to it until it melts, formless, a puddle of possibilities to be remade in my crucible.
Repoured, remade, reused, reclaimed.
But people are not metal, not near as malleable or as easy to replace.
You can't change what a person is, who they are, especially if they don't want to.
Should you scream? Throw things? Insults? Drag them off and throw them away?
No. You can only accept and love and try to understand, and barring that, just let it be. It is who they are, and you love who they are or you don't.
So no, scholar, I am not apathetic. Far from it. But I would just as soon change her as I would cease to love her. She is as she is, and while I know she may not accept me or the choices I make, I will still love her, even if she befriends those that have hurt me for spite, to soothe her insulted sense of pride and honor. It's true, I can only control myself, but I do choose this. I will always choose this.
And if she cannot accept my choices, then she doesn't. Being who I am, it is not in me to force anyone to do anything they aren't inclined to do, and I work to preserve that small grace of freedom for me and mine for as long as I might, with the help of those I know who will keep me in check and preserve the integrity of what we work for.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 17, 2016, 10:29 a.m.(2/22/1005 AR)
In charge? Nobody is in charge of anyone. Good gods.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 13, 2016, 6:45 p.m.(2/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Hana
So when a man swears you're his first, that he's 'never done this before, honest' and then proceeds to-
Well.
Revenge is sweet, and couldn't come in a more delightful form.
Welcome to our crazy family, Hana. It's a joy to have you and it's only been an hour.
Well.
Revenge is sweet, and couldn't come in a more delightful form.
Welcome to our crazy family, Hana. It's a joy to have you and it's only been an hour.
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 13, 2016, 3:09 a.m.(2/9/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Lazarus
Work-Husband
Written By Joscelin
Nov. 12, 2016, 3:31 a.m.(2/6/1005 AR)
I can't believe it.
I'm looking at the votes my crafters and merchants put together.
They've elected me as their Guildmaster.
-They- chose -me-.
Well. Most of them did. But it doesn't matter who any of them voted for. I love them all and I will listen to each of them.
Oh goodness. So much work to be done. SO much.
But I will sit here for this small moment, and savor this.
Because -they- chose -me-.
I'm looking at the votes my crafters and merchants put together.
They've elected me as their Guildmaster.
-They- chose -me-.
Well. Most of them did. But it doesn't matter who any of them voted for. I love them all and I will listen to each of them.
Oh goodness. So much work to be done. SO much.
But I will sit here for this small moment, and savor this.
Because -they- chose -me-.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.