Written By Ida
Jan. 15, 2021, 6:33 p.m.(10/5/1014 AR)
I have sometimes joked in the past that the shop should probably be called Ferron Arms and Animal Rescue, for the number of wonderful creatures that often end up on the doorstep. Some as gifts, who are now beloved pets - Dopey from then-Lady Kima Saik, Runtystiltskin from Lady Niamh Greenmarch, Quill... I do not count the creepy mysterious dog statue among these much adored creatures, mind you. It seems a thing that prefers to be feared instead of adored. In any case, I ramble on. Walking out into the shop this morning, coffee in hand and ready to open up for the day, something stirred. Oaths and steel, if it had been that statue my hair would be white, but it wasn't. It was a cat, who behaved as though she'd been living in the shop longer than I'd owned it. Rigby did not seem amused, and even less so by her name. I mean, what's one more small mouth to feed in an ever-growing menagerie? Besides, I like her moxy.
Written By Ida
Jan. 9, 2021, 8:27 p.m.(9/21/1014 AR)
I managed to get two projects done today. There's still another to work on, which will take more thought and creativity than the others. Not because those /didn't/ require thought or creativity, but this upcoming one needs to be more than perfect. For now, though, I am off to go crawl into bed and sleep in for at least a couple of days. Or so I tell myself, at least.
Written By Ida
Dec. 20, 2020, 9:10 a.m.(8/8/1014 AR)
I have a handful of projects in the works, none of which seem close to being completed. I now wholly get the saying about having one's fingers in too many pies. I felt the need to create, though, and with my mind stalled on what needs to be done, I worked on a few things that I just wanted to bring to life. Nothing extraordinary, I suppose, but the kind of things that are easy on the mind and bring a quick sense of accomplishment. Maybe a bit of silver, too, but that's beside the point.
Mostly, it is nice to see the cases in the shop filled again and the hues of metal, gems, and leather nearly as bright as the summer blooms around the city.
Mostly, it is nice to see the cases in the shop filled again and the hues of metal, gems, and leather nearly as bright as the summer blooms around the city.
Written By Ida
Nov. 30, 2020, 10:02 a.m.(6/24/1014 AR)
The gathering of people that came to the Cathedral to help put up the scaffolding was both diverse and very helpful! Some dear friends, acquaintances, and new faces all came together to lend their strength and aide. Archlector Brigida offered a blessing, which was quite beautiful.
I was glad to help Sir Porter in his great drive to see the Cathedral repaired and feel like a small part in this large undertaking.
I was glad to help Sir Porter in his great drive to see the Cathedral repaired and feel like a small part in this large undertaking.
Written By Ida
Nov. 16, 2020, 2:58 p.m.(5/24/1014 AR)
There are only five people, not including my children, for whom I might punch someone for without much provocation: my brother Austen, former Guildmaster Joscelin, Prince Edain, High Lord Alis, and Sir Preston. Two of them are gone. I hope people stop coming for any of the other three and make me risk my integrity.
Written By Ida
Nov. 16, 2020, 9:23 a.m.(5/23/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Porter
I am sometimes quite humbled by the trust Sir Preston has in me. The siege yard at the Templars compound is beautiful - in a way, perhaps, one with a love of smithing and building things might see. Sir Porter and I did a bit of show-and-tell with one of the trebuchets, which I promise was wholly for training. Bags of hay were flung around the courtyard while the flow of motion such a machine utilizes was studied. Sir Porter put me to shame with his ability to successfully hit the target and I wonder if he's just a natural at it. I'm sure some close to him might have thoughts! But more truly, it was a good session, along with some general instruction in smithing itself.
Rigby seems unsure about the Knight of Solace, and sometimes gives me one of his famed long-suffered looks when Sir Porter is at the shop to make nails. Not all that unexpected from Rigby, though, and it amuses me. I hope to help with the rebuilding of the Cathedral as well - moving rubble out, hopefully helping with the actual brick and mortar, as they say. And nails. If it weren't so dangerous, I bet we could make snow-seraphs in the piles of nails we're going to probably create.
Rigby seems unsure about the Knight of Solace, and sometimes gives me one of his famed long-suffered looks when Sir Porter is at the shop to make nails. Not all that unexpected from Rigby, though, and it amuses me. I hope to help with the rebuilding of the Cathedral as well - moving rubble out, hopefully helping with the actual brick and mortar, as they say. And nails. If it weren't so dangerous, I bet we could make snow-seraphs in the piles of nails we're going to probably create.
Written By Ida
Nov. 9, 2020, 10:12 a.m.(5/9/1014 AR)
Oaths and steel - I have never been so glad to have my favorite hammer go missing, only to find it in the most perfect of places. I can almost hear the joyful cackling it must have drawn.
Written By Ida
Nov. 8, 2020, 8:35 a.m.(5/7/1014 AR)
I stood in the doorway of the shop earlier, the door open despite the rain. The mat got damp, but there was one of those sunshowers that, no matter how many times I see them, I still marvel at. I just wanted to bask in the sight for a bit and smell the rain and feel the mist that the roof couldn't keep away. It felt fresher, somehow, and I guess hopeful. Like, sure, there's rain and maybe a good spring storm in a bit, but the sun is still there making its presence known. Pretty deep of me, hmm? It makes me want to create, to fill the shop with little tales based on...I'm not sure what, yet, but I usually think of something.
Written By Ida
Nov. 1, 2020, 6:24 p.m.(4/22/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
Her Grace, Princess Alis Valardin, entrusted me with the creation of an alaricite blade. I always hope to do my very best with every weapon I make, of course, but it was especially important in this case. I have known Her Grace since coming to Arx over a decade ago, and it's little secret my affection and loyalty to both her and Prince Edain. I wanted to tell just the right story, to weave the past with the future somehow on the sword. It's hard to explain. To be honored to craft a blade for her is one that I can't put into words, really, and I hope what she now holds will serve to protect and defend her in whatever battles dare cross their path.
Written By Ida
Oct. 19, 2020, 9:54 a.m.(3/23/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Ripley
Jayus does not take away his gifts, I don't believe, but perhaps sometimes sets a challenge before us. I'm not sure. There are at least dozens of times when something didn't come out as well as I'd hoped, but the disappointment was mine to learn from, I think. It doesn't make you a horrible person - it makes you human.
Written By Ida
Oct. 19, 2020, 9:38 a.m.(3/23/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
Over the years, Lady Monique has trusted me with more commissions than I can probably count on two hands. Important ones, fun ones, and ones that inspire me to go that extra step, from steel to alaricite. She has been as generous of word as she has been of silver, and I am often quite humbled by both. Sometimes I even blush, or so Rigby says. Her continued trust is an honor, and I /almost/ hope her event isn't well-attended so that she might get to keep one or two of the works she asked for. Almost!
Written By Ida
Oct. 18, 2020, 9:07 a.m.(3/21/1014 AR)
I have an apprentice named Rigby, who some may even be familiar with as he's the one so often bringing drinks or snacks to visitors of the shop. Despite his position, he seems to tolerate me as much as I tolerate him. We agreed some years ago that his talents likely did not suggest a career in smithing, though he is capable enough at making less challenging items. Some wonder why he stays on, or why I keep him. I suspect both he and I wonder the same, at times. He is good at keeping the shop in order, which is truly a talent I appreciate. There is never any dust about, the cases are always nicely in order, and he makes one of the best pots of coffee in the city. Sure, he rolls his eyes and acts rather put-upon here and there, but it just shows me that the young man has a bit of gumption. I likely should give him a different title than apprentice, but it'd probably just go to his head.
I only thought to write of him because he is good at keeping me aware, for lack of a better word. A small cough when he sees I've gotten lost in thought and the half-sketch before me might seem forgotten for too long, or a topping-off of my mug when it's a late night. Sometimes even a dash of whiskey in my tea, if it's been one of those days. Little things, but I've been behind for longer than I care to recount, and those very little things are what keep me on track when I need it.
I only thought to write of him because he is good at keeping me aware, for lack of a better word. A small cough when he sees I've gotten lost in thought and the half-sketch before me might seem forgotten for too long, or a topping-off of my mug when it's a late night. Sometimes even a dash of whiskey in my tea, if it's been one of those days. Little things, but I've been behind for longer than I care to recount, and those very little things are what keep me on track when I need it.
Written By Ida
Oct. 5, 2020, 8:33 a.m.(2/23/1014 AR)
Princess Sorrel Thrax trusted me with the creation of an alaricite blade for her, and I wanted it to be the best I could make. I mean, I /always/ want what I create to be the best that I can make, but sometimes I guess I want it just a little more on certain pieces. As well, I have written now and again about my feelings on alaricite. It is a metal I respect, and one that I imagine expects as much when I try to forge it into something great. Working with that metal is a different experience for me, and it's hard to put into words.
All weapons might tell a tale, and I've always crafted with that in mind when trusted with such works. I often feel that making a weapon is writing the first page of its story - the prologue, if you will - for a weapon rarely can tell a tale without someone to wield her. I was humbled to read the Bladesong's words about the sketch, and I thank Jayus that the piece came out better than I had hoped it might. Inspiration has been a bit hard to come by for me lately, as I close in on my 41st birthday.
When the blade was done and set to cool, I felt a great mix of excitement and pride - brief, though, as I'm not one to congratulate myself for doing what is expected of me. But for that moment, I allowed myself to admire putting her vision to metal. I very much look forward to the stories she may tell.
All weapons might tell a tale, and I've always crafted with that in mind when trusted with such works. I often feel that making a weapon is writing the first page of its story - the prologue, if you will - for a weapon rarely can tell a tale without someone to wield her. I was humbled to read the Bladesong's words about the sketch, and I thank Jayus that the piece came out better than I had hoped it might. Inspiration has been a bit hard to come by for me lately, as I close in on my 41st birthday.
When the blade was done and set to cool, I felt a great mix of excitement and pride - brief, though, as I'm not one to congratulate myself for doing what is expected of me. But for that moment, I allowed myself to admire putting her vision to metal. I very much look forward to the stories she may tell.
Written By Ida
Oct. 3, 2020, 6:44 a.m.(2/19/1014 AR)
Forever behind. I feel like my creativity is moving like the waters of a lake in the Everwinter.
Written By Ida
Sept. 26, 2020, 9 a.m.(2/5/1014 AR)
Slowly, but surely, getting through the backlog of work. I don't like being behind, but I also don't like turning away people who are willing to trust me to make their blades. It's always a sort of balance, I suppose.
Written By Ida
Sept. 21, 2020, 10:12 a.m.(1/23/1014 AR)
Winter - and the smell of fresh coffee, surely - tends to bring more people into the shop than any other season. While I am a bit behind on commissions already, the chance to meet two distinctly different people both with equally distinctive weapon ideas, warmed my whole afternoon. Thankfully both seem willing to be patient and I am genuinely looking forward to working on their unique ideas.
Written By Ida
Sept. 20, 2020, 6:46 a.m.(1/21/1014 AR)
I'm at one of those places where I have a lot of things half-done, or almost done, but not /done/. I'm a person who likes to work on something and complete it before moving on to the next, so this is annoying. I wouldn't say I'm anxious, but I don't like having a bunch of things partially done at once.
Written By Ida
Sept. 10, 2020, 2:38 p.m.(1/2/1014 AR)
I don't know if I ever set out to tell stories with my forging. I mean, I probably repaired as many horseshoes and plows as I did armor and arms when I was still a young crafter. A repaired horseshoe can only say so much, I suppose; hey, walk on me and lets hold out a bit longer this time, eh?
Weapons, and the few pieces of armor I've done, always feel like they /should/ be a tale, in a way. They always have, throughout my career. I'm not wholly sure why, but that inspiration has always been there. What does this blade say about the person who holds it? What will the archer see and feel when this bow is pulled at an intended quarry or enemy? What story will this TELL? Maybe it was from growing up in the Oathlands and all those stories Austen and I were told as children, before bed. The great knights and their great weapons. Tales from after the Reckoning where the blades were as famous as the heroes who used them.
I'm not always sure that I serve those who commission pieces from me as well as I might, though I hope I've come as close as might be possible. Sometimes I'll just have a thought - something that sticks in my mind to the point that I have to make it. Like Oath and Path and Truth. Not all of those daydreams end up as something as, perhaps, as meaningful as those - just bits of whimsy for hairpins in the shop. Cats, birds, shields - things that I want to portray in metal for whatever reason.
Seren Walker's recent entry just kinda got me thinking on this, and the things I've crafted since coming to Arx. No few times have I wrestled and struggled to take a story and make it shine in metal, but hopefully I've served Jayus well, and those who trust their lives to those weapons I've been trusted to put in their hands. And no matter how often I struggle, or stress over getting something /just right/ - the joy when it is complete and the wielder is happy? It is beyond describing.
Weapons, and the few pieces of armor I've done, always feel like they /should/ be a tale, in a way. They always have, throughout my career. I'm not wholly sure why, but that inspiration has always been there. What does this blade say about the person who holds it? What will the archer see and feel when this bow is pulled at an intended quarry or enemy? What story will this TELL? Maybe it was from growing up in the Oathlands and all those stories Austen and I were told as children, before bed. The great knights and their great weapons. Tales from after the Reckoning where the blades were as famous as the heroes who used them.
I'm not always sure that I serve those who commission pieces from me as well as I might, though I hope I've come as close as might be possible. Sometimes I'll just have a thought - something that sticks in my mind to the point that I have to make it. Like Oath and Path and Truth. Not all of those daydreams end up as something as, perhaps, as meaningful as those - just bits of whimsy for hairpins in the shop. Cats, birds, shields - things that I want to portray in metal for whatever reason.
Seren Walker's recent entry just kinda got me thinking on this, and the things I've crafted since coming to Arx. No few times have I wrestled and struggled to take a story and make it shine in metal, but hopefully I've served Jayus well, and those who trust their lives to those weapons I've been trusted to put in their hands. And no matter how often I struggle, or stress over getting something /just right/ - the joy when it is complete and the wielder is happy? It is beyond describing.
Written By Ida
Sept. 1, 2020, 12:38 p.m.(12/12/1013 AR)
Sometimes business or duty (and sometimes a combination of both) bring the most intriguing people to the shop. A reminder to me that quite often, you really can't always judge a book by its cover - which, just as often, isn't a bad thing at all.
Written By Ida
Aug. 30, 2020, 6:53 a.m.(12/7/1013 AR)
"Another age entirely." When I look back on my time in Arx, which is only coming up on a decade now, that first year or two really do feel like another age in a way. Ignorance is bliss, they say, but it's also a dangerous thing. I always look back on those memories with an incredible fondness, and sometimes it's tempting to wish things were so simple again. But I don't wish that, really, and I'd rather feel worried, afraid, and inspired to fight than watch the good fall to things that I was too blind or unwilling to see.
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