Written By Ida
Sept. 25, 2016, 9:10 a.m.(9/3/1004 AR)
I have not written much about the speckled gray and white horse, who I think I shall name Ironfoot simply due to his disposition, since mentioning having asked after him with Princess Malorie. I try to visit the Valardin stables with each of my comings and goings, spoiling him with an apple when he can bother himself to come take the offered treat. I've no idea how much he may cost, when the time comes, but I hope I'll manage to have the silver for him. Which brings me, in a way, to my next dilemma of sorts.
It takes time to learn new things, of course, and it can be hard to pursue two serious skills at the same time, if not nearly impossible. I really should train further in pugilism while I still have some years of youth on my side. It is my first love, truly, and I've neglected it with all the work I've been blessed with in the city. I do want to work rubicund, if only so that I can maybe achieve the skills necessary for diamondplate, but I wonder if it's a touch of vainglory to pursue those before fighting. I /do/ love working the metal nearly as much as working a ring, but there is far less frustration when going one-on-one with another in a fight than there is fighting myself over the qualities of metal. Once again, I suspect I am over-thinking the same old musings.
It takes time to learn new things, of course, and it can be hard to pursue two serious skills at the same time, if not nearly impossible. I really should train further in pugilism while I still have some years of youth on my side. It is my first love, truly, and I've neglected it with all the work I've been blessed with in the city. I do want to work rubicund, if only so that I can maybe achieve the skills necessary for diamondplate, but I wonder if it's a touch of vainglory to pursue those before fighting. I /do/ love working the metal nearly as much as working a ring, but there is far less frustration when going one-on-one with another in a fight than there is fighting myself over the qualities of metal. Once again, I suspect I am over-thinking the same old musings.
Written By Freja
Sept. 25, 2016, 8:58 a.m.(9/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
A quick friend with the kindness I showed his 'protege', Acacia. Good deeds do not go unpunished it seems, so I am stuck with his friendship. Alas, woe is me. Our views are similar in ways I would have never thought; the merits of men and their worth, our alarmingly long-term goals so alike in nature. It makes his friendship and drinking companionship all the more enjoyable. Friends, not allies. The former is far more lucrative and he wouldn't allow the latter.
Written By Ida
Sept. 25, 2016, 8:57 a.m.(9/3/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Tobias
Lord Tobias Telmar, or Lord General, I suppose, is a son of Duke Arn Telmar who apparently had a falling out and returned at the head of a mercenary company, Crimson Blades, some years later. It is likely a tale that had tongues wagging quite a bit, and I do recall it, but I'm rarely one to linger on the scandals of the courts. While there is a certain similar bearing I think I can recognize in the Telmars, father and son are markedly different in person. Regardless, the Lord General had inquired about contracting for weapons for his company, but my duties to House Valardin will always take precedence. For now, the work will be commission based and perhaps an apprentice or journeyman of mine might decide to join his company someday as a more permanent fixture.
Written By Ida
Sept. 25, 2016, 8:42 a.m.(9/3/1004 AR)
After a week spent mostly away from the doings of the city and even the shop (thank Jayus for such skilled journeyman capable of keeping the place for me), I ended my semi-sabbatical by attending the fencing competition hosted by Sir Silas and Lady Dawn. The event placed some of the most skilled swordsmen, as well as a few newer faces to me, the realm has to offer together and the showing certainly did not disappoint. Of course I favored Prince Edain to take the win and he, as he always does, acquitted himself exceptionally well during the tournament!
As it often is, the company in the stands made the event just as enjoyable. Mistress Joscelin has found a partner in her impassioned cheering in Princess Freja, I suspect! Both women are simply amazing and it was nice to speak with her highness again. Met an artist named Fortunato Grayhope who, apparently, also does a bit of blacksmithing. A few new faces I hadn't had occasion to cross paths with yet in the city, though all seemed just as wonderful company as those I knew. Perhaps events like this breed a bit of camaraderie? Who knows. Overall, it was another exciting, well-run event that I am glad I attended.
As it often is, the company in the stands made the event just as enjoyable. Mistress Joscelin has found a partner in her impassioned cheering in Princess Freja, I suspect! Both women are simply amazing and it was nice to speak with her highness again. Met an artist named Fortunato Grayhope who, apparently, also does a bit of blacksmithing. A few new faces I hadn't had occasion to cross paths with yet in the city, though all seemed just as wonderful company as those I knew. Perhaps events like this breed a bit of camaraderie? Who knows. Overall, it was another exciting, well-run event that I am glad I attended.
Written By Gabriel
Sept. 25, 2016, 12:50 a.m.(9/2/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Samantha
If I could choose one thing, just one, as proof that something good can come from tragedy, that we can find something worth saving among ashes, it would be Marquessa Samantha Deepwood. After we lost Alaric the Elder in the Tyde Rebellion, I came home to a regency and a long, brutal series of campaigns in the Gray Forest, all but exterminating the Reapers. Through those difficult years of blood, I received the single gift of watching a child grow into a gifted young woman, and perhaps no noble in the entire Peerage of Arvum is as aware of her responsibilities as the Marquessa of Old Oak. She is like a daughter to me, and I'm proud to have played a small role in seeing Samantha become the Conscience of the Peers.
Written By Eos
Sept. 25, 2016, 12:34 a.m.(9/2/1004 AR)
Sir Silas Mercier put on a good show with the fencing competition, and before I note anything else, I should note that. It was an honor to test my merit against some of the finest swordsmen from all corners of Arvum, and to find myself twice-favored and cheered from the stands.
My matches did not begin well. I tried my hand with the sabre first, hoping that the similarity to my usual fighting style would suit me. The feather weight of the weapon did not help me at all, however. It does not help that my first match was against Master Talen, the Sword of Lenosia. He bested me soundly. Prince Fergus Redrain did much the same. It does not feel like a tremendous loss to lose to either of those men, but I knew I could do better than I was showing with the sabre.
After I changed to the heavier epee, I made a far better showing. Master Viktarkim gave me a good go of it, and Lord Valkieri pressed me to a fourth set before I took the match; both sound with their blades, though Lord Valkieri might fare better if he learned to harness his temper instead of be ruled by it.
When it came to Duke Niccolo and Prince Dagon, I expected the losses, and looking back, can only be glad that Prince Dagon did not break his weapon upon my body or I might not have made it to my final round. What power must be behind a strike that shatters a rapier? Master Talen's resilience is just as impressive. Still, I pressed both men to a fourth set and I will count that as a personal victory.
In the end, I was able to finish strong. Prince Edain made me fight for the last set, and I was truly unsure if I could take it against his skill, but I found my way to a win.
If these are going to become a regular affair, I will have to add fencing practice to my weekly routine. I would like to be able to say that I learned something from the experience and place better in the next event.
My matches did not begin well. I tried my hand with the sabre first, hoping that the similarity to my usual fighting style would suit me. The feather weight of the weapon did not help me at all, however. It does not help that my first match was against Master Talen, the Sword of Lenosia. He bested me soundly. Prince Fergus Redrain did much the same. It does not feel like a tremendous loss to lose to either of those men, but I knew I could do better than I was showing with the sabre.
After I changed to the heavier epee, I made a far better showing. Master Viktarkim gave me a good go of it, and Lord Valkieri pressed me to a fourth set before I took the match; both sound with their blades, though Lord Valkieri might fare better if he learned to harness his temper instead of be ruled by it.
When it came to Duke Niccolo and Prince Dagon, I expected the losses, and looking back, can only be glad that Prince Dagon did not break his weapon upon my body or I might not have made it to my final round. What power must be behind a strike that shatters a rapier? Master Talen's resilience is just as impressive. Still, I pressed both men to a fourth set and I will count that as a personal victory.
In the end, I was able to finish strong. Prince Edain made me fight for the last set, and I was truly unsure if I could take it against his skill, but I found my way to a win.
If these are going to become a regular affair, I will have to add fencing practice to my weekly routine. I would like to be able to say that I learned something from the experience and place better in the next event.
Written By Tobias
Sept. 24, 2016, 7:45 p.m.(9/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Morrighan
A seamstress I ordered a number of tunics and tabards from after some negotiation. We need a local supplier for this just as much as combat gear for the long term, with our current personnel stretched thin out in the field
Written By Joscelin
Sept. 24, 2016, 7:44 p.m.(9/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Sylvie
Sometimes I find mysteries, and other times ... mysteries find me. So it is with the Lady Sylphie. I look forward to working with her more in the future.
Written By Tobias
Sept. 24, 2016, 7:43 p.m.(9/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Ida
I did some detailed negotiations this week with a number of people, the weaponsmith Ida being one of them. I think I'll be able to get what I need from local commissions while I search for a retainer to contract on a long term basis.
Written By Darren
Sept. 24, 2016, 6:42 p.m.(9/1/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Jaenelle
I've met Princess Jaenelle only a handful of times. Once, when she was lost in my home and I had to escort her to Duchess Nadia's spa day. The other was during her trivia competition. She is an all around a friendly and charming girl, but she seems to have a very by-the-book definition of victory. Sometimes, it is how you play the game that defines the victor, not how many points you earn.
Written By Nadia
Sept. 24, 2016, 3:09 p.m.(8/28/1004 AR)
When Princess Jaenelle asked me to assist her in hosting her quiz night, I was more than happy to agree. I'll admit that we could have spent a bit more time planning the actual execution of the game to make it more fair on the players, but it all turned out quite well in the end once the liquor started flowing.
We had an interesting mix of players split between two teams; Prince Darren, my baby sister, and Lord Tobias. On the other, Lord Valkieri, my cousin Aislin, and Sir Silas. We decided there would be no real victor, despite Prince Darren swearing it was his team that took home the win - I'll let him think that, if it pleases him. It was Aislin who tipped the scales into her team's favor, before she had to leave. Regardless, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the variety of alcohols from the different fealties we provided; even Lord Valkieri seemed to.
We had an interesting mix of players split between two teams; Prince Darren, my baby sister, and Lord Tobias. On the other, Lord Valkieri, my cousin Aislin, and Sir Silas. We decided there would be no real victor, despite Prince Darren swearing it was his team that took home the win - I'll let him think that, if it pleases him. It was Aislin who tipped the scales into her team's favor, before she had to leave. Regardless, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the variety of alcohols from the different fealties we provided; even Lord Valkieri seemed to.
Written By Nadia
Sept. 24, 2016, 2:17 p.m.(8/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
Aislin is a favored cousin of mine, from the Ashford brood, and is always a delight when one manages to pin her down long enough to enjoy her. She rarely frequents one location longer than a fortnight, so I was pleasantly surprised to hear that she'd returned to join her siblings here in Arx - even more so when she regaled us with her company at the quiz night I co-hosted with Princess Jaenelle.
Written By Nadia
Sept. 24, 2016, 1:45 p.m.(8/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Anastasio
Anastasio Belardi is reputed to be a rather accomplished healer, and a charming one at that. I first encountered him in the Trader's Tavern several weeks ago during a tavern-crawl with several hunters under my House's employ to celebrate another successful hunt. The exact details of our encounter I don't recall, but he impressed me that night. Maybe it was the man's courage to try an experimental bottle of whisky unflinchingly, or that he was able to contemplate its uses in his medical practice and explain his plan to repurpose it several bottles in. Whichever it is, he has since become my protege - my first at that - and I have every intention of seeing him grow and prosper under my care.
Written By Anastasio
Sept. 24, 2016, 12:16 p.m.(8/28/1004 AR)
It has been a long week, and one for which I can be glad that it is ending. Not merely so I can chalk it up to another bit of change, and so say I have lived through one more week of Lagoma's service. Rather, I have slept little. Between my studies with the Pantheon, my research, and completing some orders I have just had little time for it.
Admiral Alrec is pleased with his beard oil. I heard some rumor that Lord Salazar has placed an order for a case, but for the life of me I cannot seem to find any such request. But that is of no matter, others are certainly requesting.
It's good to be busy.
I just hope I don't grow too cranky to deal with the customers.
Admiral Alrec is pleased with his beard oil. I heard some rumor that Lord Salazar has placed an order for a case, but for the life of me I cannot seem to find any such request. But that is of no matter, others are certainly requesting.
It's good to be busy.
I just hope I don't grow too cranky to deal with the customers.
Written By Valkieri
Sept. 24, 2016, 12:12 p.m.(8/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Silas
I've run into Sir Silas several times now in recent weeks. His company actually manages to avoid most annoyances and even be satisfactory.
Written By Valkieri
Sept. 24, 2016, 11:58 a.m.(8/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
I'm rather jealous of Lady Aislin, I have to admit. We share something of our upbringings, both being second children, but I was never given the freedom she was to take off and explore the world. I had to carve out my own contrary pursuits by force. Her adventuring has served her well, at least as far as her ability with a blade goes.
Written By Dawn
Sept. 24, 2016, 11:28 a.m.(8/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Rook
The third of my proteges, and proof that my interests run a fairly eclectic range. Master Rook exemplified what I felt a courtier should be from the instant that we met. He has wit, insight, exquisite taste, and spine enough to look a furious High Lord in the eyes while explaining himself. He knows how to stand his ground, how to move to cross it, and how to help you find a different perspective in ground-crossing yourself. If I were a lesser woman, I might be flustered, even embarrassed, to compare my fewer talents to his. I'm fortunate to have him as a protege.
Written By Dawn
Sept. 24, 2016, 11:17 a.m.(8/28/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Joscelin
The second of my proteges and a woman of exceptional talent. I marvel at how she must see the world, to take what is expected, or mundane, and elevate it, to make it fantastic. Blessed by Jayus, and also with a sense of responsibility to her fellows, I know that she will make a wonderful Guildmaster of the Crafter's Guild. She has the strength of will and determined personality that's needed in such a role.
Written By Aislin
Sept. 24, 2016, 2:49 a.m.(8/27/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Salazar
In my experience, the wildlife with the most vivid colors and outlandish shape is usually trying to mislead you in some way. Whether to masquerade as some larger and more dangerous creature, or distract you from a weakness, there's almost always a motive to it.
What, then, should I make of Lord Salazar Argento?
The man speaks like a poet, every other sentence a flowery turn of phrase meant to evoke a vivid image. He acts with flourishes meant to draw the eye, and oozes charm like a tree leaks sap. And I can't help but wonder how much of that is genuinely who he is, and how much meant to lead the eye in the directions he wants.
What, then, should I make of Lord Salazar Argento?
The man speaks like a poet, every other sentence a flowery turn of phrase meant to evoke a vivid image. He acts with flourishes meant to draw the eye, and oozes charm like a tree leaks sap. And I can't help but wonder how much of that is genuinely who he is, and how much meant to lead the eye in the directions he wants.
Written By Salazar
Sept. 24, 2016, 2:48 a.m.(8/27/1004 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
Lady Aislin Ashford is fierce, strong, beautiful and a little bit scary. A lot scary, perhaps, seeing as she's gone as far inland as I've gone outwards. She fights with the precision of a surgeon, wielding a sword like an extension of herself. But she seems, ultimately, uninterested in the political waters I find myself floating so often in, which may or may not be a boon. We've agreed to practice sparring, for the betterment of the both of us. There's certainly more to be had at the cost of but some time invested.
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