A question to the Kingdom A&S Minister, Master Philip White:
“I am both a fighter and an artist. I am aspiring to become both be a member of the Chivalry and of the Laurel. But people tell me I need to stop doing my art. They tell me if I am made a Laurel first then the Knights will not support me there. What’s the deal?”
A reply from the Minister:
Well. Where to start? Actually. That’s pretty easy.
These people are wrong.
First. You should do what brings you joy. If fighting and arting at the same time brings you joy then you should fight and art at the same time. If pursuing your goal of peerage makes you happy then you should pursue your goal of peerage.
Second. If the Royalty thinks you’re ready to join the Order of the Chivalry then they will offer you membership. Even if you’re already a Laurel, if the Royalty thinks you’re ready to join the Order of the Chivalry then they will offer you membership.
It is really as easy as that.
But, as with all things, it’s never really that easy. And it is always a bit more complicated.
These people are wrong. True. But, what else?
Working towards any peerage is hard. Working towards more than one peerage at the same time? Even harder.
Why?
Because there’s only so much time. Your attention will be split. You can’t help it. You’ll be practicing art when you could be working out at practice. You’ll be fighting in a tourney when you could be at showing at the art’s display. You’ll be teaching a class while you could be fighting for a war point.
You can’t be in two places at the same time. So that’ll just make it all harder.
Harder for you to gain your skill as a fighter. So then harder to prove to others of your skill as a fighter. And then even harder to build relationships with those people.
Harder isn’t a bad thing. And longer isn’t a bad thing. You just need to realize that it will be longer and harder. And that’s okay. As long as that’s your goal.
Remember.
You should do what brings you joy. If fighting and arting at the same time brings you joy then you should fight and art at the same time. If pursuing your goal of peerage makes you happy then you should pursue your goal of peerage.
If you don’t mind how hard it is or how long it takes? Then you can do both at the same time.
But if part of your goals of peerage have a time frame? Then you could consider focusing on one or the other.
And really?
Just have fun.
Work on your goals. Improve your skills. Teach what you’re learning to others. Build relationships with the people who are working on the same goals. Support each other in those pursuits. Serve where you may and volunteer for your groups.
Those are the things that will help you on your path of becoming a Peer.
Remember… Have fun! Learn! Teach!
Your Servant to Command,
~p.w.