Written By
Dagon
Oct. 30, 2016, 8:50 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Natalia
The Princess is an interesting person. Aside from the high opinion that she has of herself, I do rather enjoy the time I spent with her during this outdoor excursion. I think it amusing that she seems so intent on having me purchase her some sort of trinket or bauble. I wonder if many ladies in the city are like that. Silver should be invested more in arms and armor, things of practicality than in gaudy baubles, but to each their own, I suppose.
Oct. 30, 2016, 8:45 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Dawn
Lady Dawn is the voice of Grayson and has always provided our family with the support it needs to establish themselves in Arx. It is through her grace that we operate with the freedom we are entitled among the Grayson ward. That freedom made us rich but it there is more than just wealth. Lady Dawn respects my business decisions and supports my endeveaours. Without it I would not have been able to prove my worth to my father. He sleeps peacefully with me at the helm. Rest the old man deserves. Thank you Voice of Grayson. House Mercier stands with you.
Oct. 30, 2016, 8:32 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Samantha
Samantha is a childhood friend of the Mercier. Our families' wealth closely interwined. In response to the Deepwood Massacre, the House of Mercier stands in support of the Vassal of Bisland, Deepwood and Marquessa Samantha Deepwood. They provide us with excellent wood material to work with. Every house in Mercier is made from Deepwood.
Oct. 30, 2016, 8:10 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Sir Silas held a Mercier tea tasting that was both very lucrative and informative. I was able to meet very important nobles from House Valardrin, Grayson, and important vassals. My expertise was given an opportunity to be tested by the guest, which I highly appreciate, and feel I perform appropiately. A very good night indeed.
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.
Oct. 30, 2016, 8 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Freja
Princess Freja is a delight! And how fortuitous that she is here in Arx! She is stacked with wisdom and she even killed a bear herself - with a sword, no less! Right in the eye! It went splurt! Or was it splut?
The North might say that weakness is not tolerated, but I would rather be weak and warm and have all my toes than strong and cold and toeless. It would be so very-very awful if one were missing their toes, after all. Climbing with stubby little things would be terrible, forget digging them in the sand and tip-toeing to sneak out would be completely out of the question. Awful!
So a white bear headdress to match hers is off the table. But maybe a nice fawn-colored brown bear? Or a dark brown? Or a ... well. I'm sure there's a seamstress or a leatherworker out there that is able to come up with more shades of brown.
But oh! If Princess Deva will also kill a bear, we can be triplets! Wouldn't that be wonderful? I just need Luca to hold the bear off with his very fearsome self (with a bunch of other people) so I can shoot it without fear of it rampaging. Yay!
Inspiration truly can come from anywhere and Princess Freja is certainly inspiring.
Written By
Jarek
Oct. 30, 2016, 7:17 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Darkness engulfing the land, horror lurking at the edges. Deep in the unknown parts of the world terrifying and strange things happen. Yet those who believe this and consider it a concern seem so unwilling to actually do anything about it or only wish to work in bits and pieces. Insults I am used to, but it has been odd seeing two different men disregard not only me but The Flame and the gods entirely when talking about this darkness and terror. Healing and fire? Light and passion? Men are only mortal, the gods are eternal, shall we not forget that?
Oct. 30, 2016, 7:07 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Sophie
Princess Sophie Valardian likes tea. I don't understand the obsession; I think tea tastes like dirt flavoured water. She invited me to High Tea in the near future. I have no idea what that means, but I doubt it has anything to do with drinking tea while perched upon a high cliff or high tower, which means it sounds altogether far less entertaining than I've made it out to be in my head.
Written By
Edain
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:29 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Princess Isabeau hosted an amazing Gala and Ball at the Valardin Manor. It was so strange seeing the Vow decorated so? festively. I am used to it being far more somber, but it was a welcome change. Not every day mind you, but nice for a time.
I made some rounds early on to greet the visitors, and the event was well attended and near as I could tell everyone had a good time. I faded into the background very quickly. Such social events will never be my arena I fear.
Princess Isabeau, Prince Beaumont, and even Princess Sophie, who I think enjoys social events less than her siblings, were all amazing ambassadors for the family and made sure everyone felt welcome. I am quite proud of them. Princess Isabeau in particular shows promise not just as an event planner but as a diplomat that can reach across family lines in a way I cannot. One day we may even call her our Luminary.
Written By
Edain
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:06 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Jarek
I have had the opportunity to meet one Prince Jarek Velenosa. I must admit I found him surprisingly pleasant and less? well I guess there is no delicate way to put it, less pretentious than I would expect of a noble of the Lyceum without the burden of rule hanging over him. He is a bit of a wanderer as well which makes me think fondly, if with regret, of my brief time as an errant knight before the Tragedy.
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:05 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
With winter coming on and the summer ending, I have begun a drive to obtain extra wool to make warm cloaks for the poor and infirm in the House of Solace. I have sent two sailing men in my employ up the river to gather wool donations from my family's vassals, as they are godly folk who understand the cutting cold.
Oct. 30, 2016, 5:03 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
I met Lydia today after my shift at the House of Solace. Later in the afternoon we were joined by Nadia, and thusly we went to patronize the woman Joscelin, whom has made our signet rings like father had before his disappearance. They are most fine, and have a hammer and mountains on their effacement. Quite fine! And we went to the woman Ida and purchased a fine sword for me, as the work of Stonedeep's blacksmith cannot exceed that of the city's smiths. It is decorated as if it were made of ice, and the quality is fine.
Oct. 30, 2016, 5 p.m.(12/25/1004 AR)
My shop is now relocated to Thrax Row, and reopened with much of my earlier stocked replaced on the shelves. A busier week I have never had and I am grateful to once again have four walls and a roof around me. One whirlwind week a decade is enough to convince me that I would much rather remain home with a paintbrush in hand and pages opened in front of me than to be out and about.
Master Benjamin Carver is to be thanked for allowing the outright purchase of the little building in which I find myself. He offered a loan with such glowing terms that I was amazed that one person could be so generous. If sales remain as steady as they have been these last days, I should be able to repay him in no more than a few months.
Forced to set my work aside and socialize, I don't think I made too much of a fool of myself this week. The Voice of Thrax has made overtures of patronage and expressed some admiration for my work. A Master Aureth Grayhope will be sending commissions to me in the future, and several others have written to express interest in either my stock or future business possibilities. It all rather makes me want to hide in a closet but fortunately I need not venture out again any time soon, and much of my business can be conducted through messengers.
Now, to begin my Hall of Heroes series.
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.
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.
Oct. 30, 2016, 3:34 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Esera
Well, if I am going to get to dress one of the five leaders of the Compact, I'd rather it was her than the old coot Donrai or a Valardin that'd insist everything be armor.
So I took her offer of patronage.
At least she'll look stunning as a canvas for my work.
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:53 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Niccolo
The Duke always seems charming when we have met. It seems that our schedules keep us from ever getting to the actual tea portion of our meetings. It helps that we are both normally running into messengers and people that need our time. It will happen eventually and we will sit down for a pleasant conversation.
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:45 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
I have in my room a glass vase, long and slender. Fit to hold a single flower.
The flower it holds is singular too, though its stem is a bit short, and its light is fading, slowly.
It's a very rare bloom, rarely seen, and yet her Grace the Archduchess gave it away without thought, because it made me smile.
It makes me smile still, to look at it; to bring it to the windows under the moonlight, and watch the petals gain their shine still.
This is what is good about Arx.
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:37 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on
Runa
The Lady Runa Hawkmoor makes for interesting companionship. I can see why my cousin keeps her around. Despite some nervousness among groups of people, she clearly has a keen mind and the way she talks inspires one to want to listen to her.
In some ways I envy her. And I know she, in some ways, envy me. But I'm sure our friendship can survive it, and we can be better together.
Oct. 30, 2016, 1:10 p.m.(12/24/1004 AR)
The move from Clemenstone to Arx was remarkably uneventful. I still have a great deal of equipment yet to arrive, not to mention my books, but such is the sacrifice I had to make to bring the clippings and animals with me personally. To be sure no moron mishandled them.
The city is as uninteresting as expected, and though the Manor is fine enough I do not think my cousins are all too pleased for sharing the space with my pets. What did they expect? I was not going to leave them to the care of the rest of the family back home, in addition to being sure they are not neglected, they are required for my work.
The only true annoyance is the perpetual presence of Lisette, my cousin's maidservant, who Silas set upon me as my shadow while I am still unfamiliar with the city. A baby-sitter seems more the case, undignified as it is. To even have peace just to come here and note these inane entries I had to back track through the Boroughs, and lose her in the markets in the city centre. I cannot leave the manor for simple damn walk without the woman following me like I am some child and--
-- She's behind me, isn't she?