Written By Cristoph
Feb. 5, 2019, 10:17 p.m.(7/9/1010 AR)
Against the advice of some very smart people, I acquired for my son, a cart that could be pulled by one of the dogs. Now, if anyone reading this hasn't had the pleasure of meeting Lord Eadric Laurent, they're in for quite the treat. At two and a half, he's truly a prodigy of mischief and chaos. He sat in the cart for all of five minutes before promptly squealing and taking off with it and the dog across the gardens at a breakneck pace.
Now, I've been getting rather soft in the middle these days. But still, I was able to pick up enough speed to catch up with them before the whole thing plunged into the pool. I detached the dog and while I was doing that, my son took off and began to climb one of the trellised walls. It took me several minutes fraught with dramatic wrestling moves before I was able to peel him away. He had several handfuls of plant leaves clutched in his hands.
I told him no. He then proceeded to have what I can only conclude to have been the world's most ferocious temper tantrum. He smashed the leaves into my hair. It was terrible. I'm still picking out pieces of it.
I was not prepared for any of this.
Now, I've been getting rather soft in the middle these days. But still, I was able to pick up enough speed to catch up with them before the whole thing plunged into the pool. I detached the dog and while I was doing that, my son took off and began to climb one of the trellised walls. It took me several minutes fraught with dramatic wrestling moves before I was able to peel him away. He had several handfuls of plant leaves clutched in his hands.
I told him no. He then proceeded to have what I can only conclude to have been the world's most ferocious temper tantrum. He smashed the leaves into my hair. It was terrible. I'm still picking out pieces of it.
I was not prepared for any of this.
Written By Cristoph
Feb. 5, 2019, 10:09 p.m.(7/9/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
Sometimes I forget that Baron Norwood spent a not insignificant portion of his life with his bees and hunting hounds. This also means that I forgot that plants, earthworms and bees are acceptable negotiation tactics.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 27, 2019, 5:12 p.m.(6/18/1010 AR)
Over a year ago, I had the idea to take a sizable portion of land in the Oathlands and convert it over to become a massively sized project. A school of agriculture, where we could focus on the foundations of farming and animal husbandry. Where brilliant minds in the field could come together and study problems unique not only to the Oathlands, but possibly to other regions in the Compact. We could employ people from all walks of life and teach those with talent in the field, giving them the opportunity to become even more knowledgeable. Something that could change the way we work with the land and how to provide for our people.
And then things happened and I shelved the project, pushing it to the back of my mind as I focused on what felt more important at the time. In doing so I let myself forget that what truly makes Artshall strong is our desire to preserve, to become bold and to rise from the ashes of destruction to something better. Surely, we have troubles that we can not ignore. But we also can't allow them to muddle our ambitions or dampen our spirits to the point we become mired down in the fight.
I look forward to what the next year of changes is going to bring.
And then things happened and I shelved the project, pushing it to the back of my mind as I focused on what felt more important at the time. In doing so I let myself forget that what truly makes Artshall strong is our desire to preserve, to become bold and to rise from the ashes of destruction to something better. Surely, we have troubles that we can not ignore. But we also can't allow them to muddle our ambitions or dampen our spirits to the point we become mired down in the fight.
I look forward to what the next year of changes is going to bring.
Written By Cristoph
Jan. 18, 2019, 10:01 a.m.(5/19/1010 AR)
The Compact is presented with a great many choices. When I think over them and weigh all of our options, I find myself thinking the following:
We are not weak. We may not be as strong as others, but we're not weak. The Compact has among its people an unlimited amount of grit and determination. We have wiley, clever mines and courageous hearts. We have been attacked by dangerous enemies and met them head on. We did not cower.
In the time that I've taken on the title of duke, I've seen a king restored, old alliances reforged, threats defeated. I've seen our nobles and our commoners band together against mutual enemies. I've known love and joy, fear and sorrow. I've known incredible anger that shook my bones and left me bereft.
I know that we can do this without chains of any kind. It will be harder, it will be dangerous. But we will grow stronger for it. All of us. Hold onto your hope.
We are not weak. We may not be as strong as others, but we're not weak. The Compact has among its people an unlimited amount of grit and determination. We have wiley, clever mines and courageous hearts. We have been attacked by dangerous enemies and met them head on. We did not cower.
In the time that I've taken on the title of duke, I've seen a king restored, old alliances reforged, threats defeated. I've seen our nobles and our commoners band together against mutual enemies. I've known love and joy, fear and sorrow. I've known incredible anger that shook my bones and left me bereft.
I know that we can do this without chains of any kind. It will be harder, it will be dangerous. But we will grow stronger for it. All of us. Hold onto your hope.
Written By Cristoph
Dec. 16, 2018, 9:49 p.m.(3/9/1010 AR)
I've purchased a very plush bed for Echo. But the truth is, she often sleeps at the foot of the bed now. Unless Nicia makes me send her to the floor. We're also feeding her a tremendous amount of table snacks. The man who keeps our dogs says we're overfeeding her. But I'm really just trying my best to help her adjust!
Written By Cristoph
Dec. 14, 2018, 6:20 p.m.(3/4/1010 AR)
Artshall Spring Fête of Blossoms feels as if it's just around the corner, when really it's about two months away. So much time! And so quickly it goes. There's always a tremendous of amount of planning and talking involved. I'm excited at the prospects of seeing new and old friends visit our family home. I've plans to have the lawn cleared away so that visitors can set up their tents and pavilions, it's likely where I'll have the crafters and vendors set up as well.
We've received a beautiful painting from Master Jyri Tersk and an extraordinary tapestry from Mistress Petal Penrose. I look forward to seeing the tailoring masterpiece that's surely to come from Natalia Whisper.
We've received a beautiful painting from Master Jyri Tersk and an extraordinary tapestry from Mistress Petal Penrose. I look forward to seeing the tailoring masterpiece that's surely to come from Natalia Whisper.
Written By Cristoph
Dec. 10, 2018, 8:26 p.m.(2/24/1010 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
I'm positive you've saved my life on at least two occasions before becoming a baron. You've just been more concerned with Jael since she's your favorite.
Written By Cristoph
Dec. 10, 2018, 12:01 a.m.(2/23/1010 AR)
I have an awful lot of new dents to have hammered out of my good armor, as well as a new scar. Just another to the collection. One of these days I'll learn.
Written By Cristoph
Nov. 11, 2018, 5:53 p.m.(12/21/1009 AR)
With the winter season coming, I'm frustrated to hear that there's been some banditry in our holdings. We'll no doubt need to increase troop movements along the roads until it ceases. House Laurent's first duty is of course, to the people under our charge.
Written By Cristoph
Oct. 28, 2018, 10:08 p.m.(11/22/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
My arm is out of the cast. I want my rematch.
Written By Cristoph
Oct. 28, 2018, 7:21 p.m.(11/21/1009 AR)
The days are turning a bit colder as autumn passes and winter grows closer. As such, my children are inside the manse quite a bit more. Eadric will be two in March and is quite simply, out of control. I've heard tales of the terrible twos, am I to expect this to get much worse? He escaped his nanny last week and spent a significant amount of time charging around causing chaos until he was captured again. He knocked down a whole line of decorative suits of armor. The noise echoed throughout all of the rooms.
Is he too young to squire off with Baron Norwood?
Annalise is perfect as always. But then again, she's an infant. Sometimes I see a glimmer in her eyes and I wonder...
Is he too young to squire off with Baron Norwood?
Annalise is perfect as always. But then again, she's an infant. Sometimes I see a glimmer in her eyes and I wonder...
Written By Cristoph
Oct. 21, 2018, 8:06 p.m.(11/7/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Nicia
I couldn't possibly ask for a more capable, well grounded and talented spouse. We'll be approaching our second wedding anniversary this winter and it feels like that time went by with a snap of my fingers. I know that there were eyes turned on us when we announced a Laurent-Pravus marriage betrothal. And I can't help but feel incredibly satisfied (perhaps smug is the right word) with how everything has gone so far, she's never failed us, me or this family. I love her dearly.
Written By Cristoph
Oct. 17, 2018, 8:21 a.m.(10/17/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Norwood
If we're discussing best beards, I would like to nominate Baron Norwood. No one has a more well curated beard than that man. Perhaps he'll share his secrets with the rest of us.
Written By Cristoph
Oct. 6, 2018, 7:05 p.m.(9/24/1009 AR)
Vanguard of the West, a Voice of House Valardin.
I think I'm supposed to feel excitement or happiness, what I feel is a tightening of anxiety in my chest. My father used to tell me, "That's responsibility, son. Get used to it."
I don't know if you're supposed to get used to it, but he was always such a solid man. He seemed like a rock to me, even being as old as he was at the end. I don't think I could have ever figured out if he was acclimated to all of his responsibility or just good at faking his way through the worry.
I hope that I can do right by House Valardin, House Laurent and all of the rest of the Oathlands. The Laurents have stood as your protectors since the time the house first came to be and I'll try not to tarnish the good record of our people.
Even if it means I have to go to the High Lord's meetings.
I think I'm supposed to feel excitement or happiness, what I feel is a tightening of anxiety in my chest. My father used to tell me, "That's responsibility, son. Get used to it."
I don't know if you're supposed to get used to it, but he was always such a solid man. He seemed like a rock to me, even being as old as he was at the end. I don't think I could have ever figured out if he was acclimated to all of his responsibility or just good at faking his way through the worry.
I hope that I can do right by House Valardin, House Laurent and all of the rest of the Oathlands. The Laurents have stood as your protectors since the time the house first came to be and I'll try not to tarnish the good record of our people.
Even if it means I have to go to the High Lord's meetings.
Written By Cristoph
Sept. 18, 2018, 10:42 a.m.(8/16/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Naka
When I was growing up, my knightly pursuits often led to me being closer to certain members of my family than others. It was easier and simpler to relate to Klaus or Eiran. I sadly knew almost nothing about Naka until he came to Arx.
I suppose I can thank age for teaching me that not every problem can be solved with a sword. I'm proud to have him as blood, his wisdom is invaluable to me and to our family.
To many more years, cousin.
I suppose I can thank age for teaching me that not every problem can be solved with a sword. I'm proud to have him as blood, his wisdom is invaluable to me and to our family.
To many more years, cousin.
Written By Cristoph
Sept. 13, 2018, 6:10 a.m.(8/3/1009 AR)
Relationship Note on Jael
Jael broke my arm.
The rest of my sisters haven't broken any of my limbs.
Yet.
The rest of my sisters haven't broken any of my limbs.
Yet.
Written By Cristoph
Sept. 11, 2018, 11:54 a.m.(7/27/1009 AR)
My son's nanny is a real hero.
She fished Eadric out of a laundry shoot yesterday.
Sure, there's that lingering question of how he was able to get down there to begin with.
You'd have to know Eadric to understand. The child needs to be on a leash. This woman deserves every bit of her salary.
She fished Eadric out of a laundry shoot yesterday.
Sure, there's that lingering question of how he was able to get down there to begin with.
You'd have to know Eadric to understand. The child needs to be on a leash. This woman deserves every bit of her salary.
Written By Cristoph
Sept. 10, 2018, 8:40 a.m.(7/25/1009 AR)
I have read the most incredibly tragic piece of history. It breaks my heart to learn how much it cost to see our family born.
Written By Cristoph
Sept. 9, 2018, 10:50 p.m.(7/24/1009 AR)
I made it to second place in a joust, for that I'm quite proud of myself.
Unfortunately I lost because I was knocked off my horse (again) and landed on my side, so I broke my arm.
Which is all definitely Jael's fault and not because I'm a lesser rider.
Lets not be silly.
There's going to be a rematch.
The scholar is reminding me that I received a message from my wife earlier stating that I would not be jousting Jael again.
I'm absolutely certain I could do it again without breaking anything!
Unfortunately I lost because I was knocked off my horse (again) and landed on my side, so I broke my arm.
Which is all definitely Jael's fault and not because I'm a lesser rider.
Lets not be silly.
There's going to be a rematch.
The scholar is reminding me that I received a message from my wife earlier stating that I would not be jousting Jael again.
I'm absolutely certain I could do it again without breaking anything!
Written By Cristoph
Sept. 6, 2018, 10:51 a.m.(7/17/1009 AR)
My parents were blessed and cursed to have several independent and stubborn children.
My father passed on years ago now. I can still hear his laugh, loud and gregarious. I can still picture his exasperated eyerolls and sighing when I'd do something rash. I see them sometimes when I watch Jael. Cassandra bears his determined look when she's concentrating.
Little pieces of him are here and there, surviving.
Sometimes a little piece of me wishes for him to be here still. I could use his chiding, his solid advice. Especially these days.
My father passed on years ago now. I can still hear his laugh, loud and gregarious. I can still picture his exasperated eyerolls and sighing when I'd do something rash. I see them sometimes when I watch Jael. Cassandra bears his determined look when she's concentrating.
Little pieces of him are here and there, surviving.
Sometimes a little piece of me wishes for him to be here still. I could use his chiding, his solid advice. Especially these days.
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