Written By Cristoph
Jan. 31, 2021, 10:58 p.m.(11/9/1014 AR)
The mounting pressure of things to come sometimes feels as if it's going to crush the breath out of me. But then I turn around and find solace in a night spent with close friends, watching them laugh and joke. I feel the touch of a person that I've grown to love and care for immensely. It's both relief and realization. These moments will sustain me when we face dark, endless nights.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 31, 2021, 10:46 p.m.(11/9/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Tyche
An oddity? A whirlwind? No, a cornerstone. Just as I've told you today.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 24, 2021, 8:53 a.m.(10/22/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
My dear friend, Lady Amari has written about my recent attempt to save Baron Norwood from a soggy fate in the cold Oathlands currents.
Once upon a time, I was bleeding out on the field of battle, near death. The good baron rode his horse straight across the field to pluck me from that fate, unfortunately I was too heavy and he fell off of the horse.
There's a certain 'what goes around, comes around' to this scenario. I attempted to pluck Baron Norwood from the water! Only to be pulled down as well. Really, this is probably symbolic of our entire relationship. Just endlessly tripping over one another while trying to commit good acts.
Once upon a time, I was bleeding out on the field of battle, near death. The good baron rode his horse straight across the field to pluck me from that fate, unfortunately I was too heavy and he fell off of the horse.
There's a certain 'what goes around, comes around' to this scenario. I attempted to pluck Baron Norwood from the water! Only to be pulled down as well. Really, this is probably symbolic of our entire relationship. Just endlessly tripping over one another while trying to commit good acts.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 10, 2021, 10:02 p.m.(9/23/1014 AR)
I had the pleasure of attending a tournament put on by House Valardin for High Lord Alis' birthday. It was a fine thing watching all of the combatants engaged against one another and I applaud them on how well they fared. I believe it was Prince Grimgar who took home the win? I think. Why, yes. Maybe I was a little distracted toward the end but the conversation on the benches was very engaging.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 10, 2021, 6:41 p.m.(9/23/1014 AR)
While I try desperately not to look too closely at the pile of riding manuals that are gathering up in my office, I find myself lost in a multitude of other papers that are quite dry. Not that I take any issue with executing my duties. But I have to confess that sometimes my attention does wander to the window and my imagination takes off.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 10, 2021, 10:37 a.m.(9/22/1014 AR)
I have another two weeks to go before I can have this cast removed from my arm. I spoke with a physician this morning, one that was not my cousin, or Marquessa Keaton, to see if it could be removed early. They looked at me as if I was totally daft, which I suppose that I must be. There were also concerned glances around them, possibly expecting Lady Mabelle to appear from the very air to scold both of us.
But probably just me.
Meanwhile Baron Norwood has been shoving riding manuals under the door of my quarters and waiting for me around corners when my meetings conclude. At which point I'm hauled out to the stables and forced to ride around the paddock under his watchful eye. There will be no escape from his lessons now, I fear.
But probably just me.
Meanwhile Baron Norwood has been shoving riding manuals under the door of my quarters and waiting for me around corners when my meetings conclude. At which point I'm hauled out to the stables and forced to ride around the paddock under his watchful eye. There will be no escape from his lessons now, I fear.
Written By Cristoph
Nov. 28, 2020, 12:34 p.m.(6/20/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Ripley
This man helped me break down older, unused portions of my wardrobe from prior seasons. And yet, I've never actually spoken to him face to face. One time I saw him in a crowded room, I tried to wave. But he was gone. I have heard that he likes my eyebrows. Not the kind of compliment a man hears about everyday but I'll take it.
Written By Cristoph
Nov. 23, 2020, 1:14 p.m.(6/10/1014 AR)
How do you describe the feeling of having opened up a part of yourself that you'd previously kept securely shut? Cracking the door open enough to allow the light inside to spill out? I find that there's something oddly terrifying about it, but it comes with a rush and a desire to keep going back to it. To pry the door open just a little further and see what else might be in there. And is there a reason we haven't danced yet? Or is it just that everything else becomes so consuming?
Written By Cristoph
Nov. 8, 2020, 8:01 a.m.(5/7/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Mabelle
My cousin tells me I'm not advanced enough yet for more dance lessons and that I need help standing first! She's probably right.
Written By Cristoph
Nov. 8, 2020, 7:59 a.m.(5/7/1014 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
I was going to write an amusing remark about forks and etiquette lessons. But it doesn't seem fitting to joke about a subject our High Lord is so skilled at, especially when she's being so gracious with her time.
Written By Cristoph
July 19, 2020, 8:57 p.m.(9/8/1013 AR)
I went to the stables and found mules in them. Mules in my stables.
Why? Not even a note!
Why? Not even a note!
Written By Cristoph
May 17, 2020, 9:52 p.m.(4/22/1013 AR)
Whatever the results, I'll always enjoy a good competition where I get to work with Baron Norwood and Marquis Kael. Cheers, gentlemen.
Written By Cristoph
May 16, 2020, 12:43 p.m.(4/20/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Alis
When you mention Duke Arn Telmar, it reminds me of a day when my father had brought me along to one of the meetings between High Lord Radley and the leaders of his ducal houses. Duke Arn was on a tear about something, I can't remember what anymore. But what I do remember is my father, sitting there, watching him. His expression was impassive, but under the table he was tapping his index finger against the arm of the chair. He was just patiently waiting for the screed to come to a conclusion before he spoke. You couldn't tell that what had happened was upsetting to him at all.
But that was always his tell, the tapping. It meant that he was getting increasingly aggravated with Duke Arn.
Later on, I could hear but not make out, the angered mutterings about the meeting while he was talking to my mother. Always done behind closed doors, always where the children didn't hear. Where the servants would have less of a chance to take an irritated comment as something to blow up into a larger, juicier gossip. He maintained a polite, cordial relationship with the Telmarch the entire time he was duke.
I think of moments like that sometimes when I'm becoming annoyed. Not to say that I'm annoyed now. Duke Ansel is really quite a nice man.
But that was always his tell, the tapping. It meant that he was getting increasingly aggravated with Duke Arn.
Later on, I could hear but not make out, the angered mutterings about the meeting while he was talking to my mother. Always done behind closed doors, always where the children didn't hear. Where the servants would have less of a chance to take an irritated comment as something to blow up into a larger, juicier gossip. He maintained a polite, cordial relationship with the Telmarch the entire time he was duke.
I think of moments like that sometimes when I'm becoming annoyed. Not to say that I'm annoyed now. Duke Ansel is really quite a nice man.
Written By Cristoph
May 14, 2020, 8:57 p.m.(4/16/1013 AR)
It's been awhile since I've seen the journals in such a state. I've written of this before and I'll write it down again because I found it was very important advice. The most important advice my father probably ever gave me, 'Cristoph, son, sometimes just be quiet' or sometimes he'd phrase it 'Cristoph, shhh' or "Cristoph, just stop talking'.
Written By Cristoph
May 10, 2020, 5:04 p.m.(4/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Adalyn
That Lady Adalyn Clement is old enough to get married seems incredibly surreal to me. I guess I really am starting to get old. I'm sure it's more surreal for Norwood. Sorry, friend.
Written By Cristoph
May 10, 2020, 5:03 p.m.(4/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Kedehern
Why. Why are you avoiding mushrooms??
Written By Cristoph
May 5, 2020, 9:28 a.m.(3/25/1013 AR)
Several days ago, I wrote about my feelings of frustration. In return, there were a number of messages written to me privately, inquiring as to my state and offering to help. I'm humbled to be associated with such caring people, it truly is a silver lining in a time of my life that's proving to be rather difficult.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Written By Cristoph
May 3, 2020, 10:14 p.m.(3/22/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Eshra
Lady Eshra was kind enough to send bells and cookies for Lord Eadric and Lady Annalise. They were both fueled by the sugar for many hours. However the bells secured to their persons made it very difficult for Lord Eadric to escape. He insists he's going to sail to the whirlpool in the harbor. Doesn't he knows he's a Laurent? Taking too much after Lord Flavien these days with all the ships.
I suppose he'll learn how to undo the strings eventually...
I suppose he'll learn how to undo the strings eventually...
Written By Cristoph
May 3, 2020, 10:11 p.m.(3/22/1013 AR)
There was nothing in all of my father's lessons to prepare me for what I have to face now. I've had few moments in my life like this. Incredible anger, almost unquenchable. Mixed with horror and despair and a deep heaping dose of regret.
And then again, more anger.
And then again, more anger.
Written By Cristoph
April 26, 2020, 6:51 p.m.(3/8/1013 AR)
Relationship Note on Cassandra
As much as things change, they also remain the same. I'm forever glad to have Cassandra as my sister, a tirelessly steady hand in times of strife.
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