Written By Ida
Jan. 31, 2020, 4:30 p.m.(9.015658895502645/1.8768981481481481/1012.6679715746252 AR)
Relationship Note on Sydney
I no longer fight like I used to. Well, it's better said that I do not step into a ring as often as I used to; certainly not as I did as a younger woman in the circuits around the Oathlands. People do tend to pass over those of us who practice pugilism and forgo a blade or stick for fists. I entered a grand melee once - poor Lady Eirene who got paired with me - and wasn't the first one down. I think it surprised no few. Another time, Sir Daemon - and gods how I miss that young man - and I rode into an ambush on the back of a war elk. He trusted my fists and I guess they served us both well enough since we lived to tell the tale.
I'll never give up fighting with my hands, or learn a weapon. It would seem wrong, I think, y'know? While my focus the last few years has been more on weapons and metal, if only because they seem to often be more helpful than my fists in some things, I won't hesitate to clock someone if it might be necessary. It sucks when people pass us over thinking...well, I'm not sure why they underestimate us. We need more Sir Daemons.
I'll never give up fighting with my hands, or learn a weapon. It would seem wrong, I think, y'know? While my focus the last few years has been more on weapons and metal, if only because they seem to often be more helpful than my fists in some things, I won't hesitate to clock someone if it might be necessary. It sucks when people pass us over thinking...well, I'm not sure why they underestimate us. We need more Sir Daemons.
Written By Ida
Jan. 19, 2020, 7:56 p.m.(8.169403935185185/10.486620370370371/1012.597450327932 AR)
I finally took the time and silver to upgrade my personal armor. It's never really been a /thing/ since most brawls are without armor and I haven't entered a melee with just my fists in quite some time. Even then, most of those have restrictions on gear. In any case, I never really needed much in the way of armor, though recent events and duties made me think it was maybe time for something more protective. Then I made a diamondplate sword that I wasn't unhappy with, and a handful of oathlands steel ones for the shop. Not a bad week or so, all told. Productive at the very least. And yet there's much hard work yet to be done.
Written By Ida
Jan. 18, 2020, 8:34 p.m.(8.100048363095238/6.602708333333333/1012.5916706969246 AR)
Relationship Note on Josephine
I'm not very good with words to begin with, most times, find myself at an even greater loss than usual. The news of the loss of our Guildmaster is hard for me to frame into anything. From the accounts, it was a brave and honorable death, but that doesn't really dampen the sadness.
Written By Ida
Jan. 11, 2020, 6:52 a.m.(7/16/1012 AR)
I have been a disciple of Jayus nearly my whole life, in heart and soul instead of a sworn member of the Faith, perhaps, but it makes it no less true or meaningful to me. I am now also a disciple of Gloria, having been allowed to join the Templars as an unsworn knight. It is something I have written here about, and something I felt...maybe not /called/ to, but it's hard to explain. Ever hear that phrase, put your silver where your mouth is? Maybe it's like that, in a way, but not quite. Maybe it was a bit of a calling, after all. Whatever the case, it is something I weighed doing for some time and have now been graciously allowed to do. I hope I serve as honorably and well as a knight should.
Written By Ida
Dec. 30, 2019, 6:36 p.m.(6/21/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I am constantly humbled by the kind words and regard of Sir Preston, Grandmaster of the Templars. His faith in my abilities is something I will be forever grateful for, and his trust in me as both a smith and, it seems, a person, is something I hope I continue to earn. Were it not for my family, my children in particular, I would have long ago sought the path of the Templars due largely to Sir Preston's example.
Written By Ida
Dec. 22, 2019, 10:19 a.m.(6/4/1012 AR)
Inspiration and creativity are curious things. Things, I think, I have struggled with a lot over the past several months. Maybe it's that other focuses have just left me without an idle mind to come up with ideas, and maybe I shouldn't worry about it like I do. Lord Rysen Crovane sent his assistant over with a sword beautifully inspired by storms. It took me a moment to realize it was my own work, as it seemed too handsome to have been something I managed to craft. It made me wonder where that woman who made that blade has gone recently.
I'd blame age, but just brushing up against forty is hardly /old/, no matter that half the Compact acts like it is positively ancient. That's another story, though. In any case, it's a lot of why I haven't been taking commissions much lately, as I don't like to half-ass someone's personal weapon that they might end up trusting their life to. I'm not, in any way, lamenting my other projects - they have brought me a joy that is hard to describe. Hopefully I'm not just losing my touch.
I'd blame age, but just brushing up against forty is hardly /old/, no matter that half the Compact acts like it is positively ancient. That's another story, though. In any case, it's a lot of why I haven't been taking commissions much lately, as I don't like to half-ass someone's personal weapon that they might end up trusting their life to. I'm not, in any way, lamenting my other projects - they have brought me a joy that is hard to describe. Hopefully I'm not just losing my touch.
Written By Ida
Nov. 25, 2019, 10:58 a.m.(4/6/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Riagnon
It is as much a travesty to have cold feet as it is not to have something with which to stab people. Or so I have always thought.
Written By Ida
Nov. 20, 2019, 6:40 a.m.(3/24/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
Armor can be fancy! Not always easy to dance in though, I guess.
Written By Ida
Nov. 9, 2019, 2:12 p.m.(3/2/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Otto
I think just putting out an ad or sign that says 'metal armor made here' might do it, if only to judge by how often I am asked if I make armor and have to disappoint a customer. I mean, technically speaking I can make armor, but nothing better than standard steel and that just doesn't cut it in these current times of shadows and monsters.
Written By Ida
Nov. 9, 2019, 6:41 a.m.(3/2/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Tikva
My patron, Princess Tikva, lent me a book to read after coming across a journal I had written recently. It is, I think, one of my favorite books ever, even if it is a story for children. 'The First Choice: A Children's Tale' is something I wish I had years ago to read to my own three kids, though maybe I'll manage a copy for /their/ children if any of them bother to make me a grandmother. At the very least, I can probably recite it from memory and for that, I am very grateful to Her Highness for sharing.
Written By Ida
Nov. 2, 2019, 6:19 p.m.(2/17/1012 AR)
Relationship Note on Austen
I've been behind on most of everything, which is also why I haven't really taken any commissions as of late. My focus the past several weeks has been an alaricite claymore for my brother. It is only the second piece of that metal I've ever made and I have to say, it is probably the best quality blade I have forged in my life thus far. I pray that it will serve him well and for many, many years yet to come. There is only so much I can do to help protect him against the evils of this world, to my often dismay.
Written By Ida
Oct. 30, 2019, 6:08 p.m.(2/11/1012 AR)
Respectfully, I do what I want.
Written By Ida
Oct. 6, 2019, 9:02 a.m.(12/18/1011 AR)
Sometimes I forget how nice it is to just chat with someone in the shop while having some tea or coffee. I look back over the years and realize how many of my closest friendships began in such a way. As well, it helps inspire me more often than not, which is how I ended up doing another small collection of seraphinite hairpins for the shop. I had wanted to craft a diamondplate sword with a gleaming piece of that exquisite green gem set in the cross-guard, but inspiration for that eludes me still. When I do one-of-a-kind pieces, the design has to be just right and my sketching hasn't gotten me to that place yet. Mildly frustrating.
Written By Ida
Sept. 28, 2019, 9:29 p.m.(12/3/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Preston
I would be incredibly honored and happy to get to work with the Templars again, Sir Preston. Were things different, I would have liked to have attempted the path of a Templar. You have been kind in your regard and I am grateful to be considered a friend. It is a privilege I hope to continue to earn.
Written By Ida
Sept. 27, 2019, 6:09 p.m.(12/1/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Teagan
Lady Teagan Blackram does me a great honor with the kind words she has written in the whites. Sometimes I am wrong with that faith in people thing, but not all that often. That's okay, though, because maybe there has been a time or two when I was the only one who had that faith and it made a difference.
I have thought about the Faith, with the capital, a lot lately. Having spent time with the Templars a couple of times over the last several months has given me an insight I didn't really have before. Ah, but to become Godsworn won't ever be a path for me, not after having been knighted by Prince Edain for my services to House Valardin. As well, I hope I honor all the Gods properly, but my devotion to Jayus and my love of crafting is hardly a secret.
I suspect it is sincerely by the grace of all the Gods (and no small amount of luck) that I am still breathing and able to write this. Knowing that, I think I would take such a risk again if asked because it is important to do so. It is important to have faith.
I have thought about the Faith, with the capital, a lot lately. Having spent time with the Templars a couple of times over the last several months has given me an insight I didn't really have before. Ah, but to become Godsworn won't ever be a path for me, not after having been knighted by Prince Edain for my services to House Valardin. As well, I hope I honor all the Gods properly, but my devotion to Jayus and my love of crafting is hardly a secret.
I suspect it is sincerely by the grace of all the Gods (and no small amount of luck) that I am still breathing and able to write this. Knowing that, I think I would take such a risk again if asked because it is important to do so. It is important to have faith.
Written By Ida
Sept. 23, 2019, 12:04 p.m.(11/20/1011 AR)
Oaths and steel, I have never been so effing happy to see my own bed. The trip was...well, I'm not really sure, but I am grateful to my traveling companions and the grace of all the Gods that I returned at all. Battered, bruised, but alive is a gift that I don't plan on wasting.
Written By Ida
Sept. 22, 2019, 8:30 a.m.(11/17/1011 AR)
I am so touched by the kind words I read this morning about the recent hairpins, inspired by House Stahlben, that were in the shop. To say that I love what I do does not give it the slightest amount of justice, but those are the only words I have. I love to craft weapons, to bend metal or set stones or etch something of personal meaning onto a piece someone will trust to protect them. I am humbled by the trust people have put into my work over the years since His Grace, Prince Edain, invited me to Arx. I have realized so many dreams here, some of which I never dared even speak aloud for fear they'd never come true. I have had the honor of forging two House blades and I still get a bit of a tear in my eye when I think about it. Every piece, though, that has been commissioned means something to me; from delicate hairpins with little bumblebees on their tips to the only alaricite blade I've been asked to make, they all hold a special place in my heart.
I mull all this over as I pack a small bag for a requested return trip to the Oathlands with Sir Preston, after reading his white along with the others this morning. It hadn't really occurred to me that I might not return until recently. It's not that I think I'm invincible by any means! I guess I just do things that need doing without considering the consequences sometimes.
I think myself a very, very fortunate woman and am grateful for this life I've been allowed to live. As the Grandmaster wrote: I hope I shall return as well.
I mull all this over as I pack a small bag for a requested return trip to the Oathlands with Sir Preston, after reading his white along with the others this morning. It hadn't really occurred to me that I might not return until recently. It's not that I think I'm invincible by any means! I guess I just do things that need doing without considering the consequences sometimes.
I think myself a very, very fortunate woman and am grateful for this life I've been allowed to live. As the Grandmaster wrote: I hope I shall return as well.
Written By Ida
Sept. 21, 2019, 4:10 p.m.(11/16/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Volcica
I was sent a handful of seraphinite stones by House Stahlben to use in whatever creations I might want to. I had already been toying with an everwinter or black ice sort of theme, and these gems could not have fit in more perfectly, all evergreen and snow-feathers in looks. I made seven pairs of hairpins, two of which I sent as gifts, the rest of which I put in the shop for sale.
I'm thankful House Stahlben thought I might be inspired by the stones which, really, are pieces I plan to work with a lot more in the future.
I'm thankful House Stahlben thought I might be inspired by the stones which, really, are pieces I plan to work with a lot more in the future.
Written By Ida
Sept. 15, 2019, 6:33 p.m.(11/4/1011 AR)
Things have been quiet in the shop, though mostly due to my not taking commissions before an important trip. I had Rigby bring me some whites he thought I might enjoy, and one from an apparent fellow brawler struck me with a touch of melancholy, I guess you'd call it.
It has been some time since I've truly been in a sanctioned brawl. Unsanctioned one, either, unless you count that ride on the back of an elk with Sir Daemon, but even that was some years gone. I still train, of course, but as I get closer to forty - which some think is positively ancient, for the love of the Gods - I wonder if I might ever truly see the circuits again. There have been opportunities, of course, but the longer I have been in Arx, the more I have found myself pulled toward crafting weapons instead of breaking noses.
I won't ever stop training, at least. Well, as long as my body will allow anyhow. There's something about repeating the steps and the motions - feint right, feint right, left jab - that I enjoy to much to quit. It's just me and my thoughts and a routine to lose myself in.
Anyhow, those were the thoughts that kinda all came to mind and I figured to save them. Tah dah.
It has been some time since I've truly been in a sanctioned brawl. Unsanctioned one, either, unless you count that ride on the back of an elk with Sir Daemon, but even that was some years gone. I still train, of course, but as I get closer to forty - which some think is positively ancient, for the love of the Gods - I wonder if I might ever truly see the circuits again. There have been opportunities, of course, but the longer I have been in Arx, the more I have found myself pulled toward crafting weapons instead of breaking noses.
I won't ever stop training, at least. Well, as long as my body will allow anyhow. There's something about repeating the steps and the motions - feint right, feint right, left jab - that I enjoy to much to quit. It's just me and my thoughts and a routine to lose myself in.
Anyhow, those were the thoughts that kinda all came to mind and I figured to save them. Tah dah.
Written By Ida
Aug. 12, 2019, 8:16 a.m.(8/19/1011 AR)
Relationship Note on Arn
I met the Duke in my earliest days in Arx, shortly after His Grace, Prince Edain, invited me to come and serve as a smith for House Valardin. The Duke visited the shop and, in very few words, ordered a warhammer. He seemed pleased enough with the piece, which I suspect since he later had me replace it with one of rubicund. Surely that one got replaced along the way, but it was still a great honor to me that he trusted my work.
I lived in the Valardin estates for a time and I came upon His Grace and Duke Arn looking over a large map. His Grace invited me over and was very enthusiastic - as he often tends to be - about something or other. It was military in nature and the Gods know that's not my strong suit. I watched Duke Arn listen and consider what His Grace was saying and there was a moment there that made him so incredibly human, in a way I think he didn't realize at the time. The protector, the leader, the guider of Radley's kin. The second he looked at me looking, I quickly turned my eyes elsewhere. I can't say the man didn't intimidate me a little bit. Maybe a lot. Still, it's a memory I'll hold as dear as him calling me a probable drunk when he ordered that warhammer.
There's more I could try to write - the man was a legend of integrity and conviction - but inspiring words about people aren't a strong suit of mine. I've already read no few recollections about the Duke's honorable qualities from others that have been put so much better than I think I could even come close to, so my memory will serve, I hope.
I lived in the Valardin estates for a time and I came upon His Grace and Duke Arn looking over a large map. His Grace invited me over and was very enthusiastic - as he often tends to be - about something or other. It was military in nature and the Gods know that's not my strong suit. I watched Duke Arn listen and consider what His Grace was saying and there was a moment there that made him so incredibly human, in a way I think he didn't realize at the time. The protector, the leader, the guider of Radley's kin. The second he looked at me looking, I quickly turned my eyes elsewhere. I can't say the man didn't intimidate me a little bit. Maybe a lot. Still, it's a memory I'll hold as dear as him calling me a probable drunk when he ordered that warhammer.
There's more I could try to write - the man was a legend of integrity and conviction - but inspiring words about people aren't a strong suit of mine. I've already read no few recollections about the Duke's honorable qualities from others that have been put so much better than I think I could even come close to, so my memory will serve, I hope.
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