[Dictated] In which Cimorene poses some questions

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

 In the weeks I have been here I have spoken to a great many people.  And some of the things they have mentioned to me sound very strange and curious.

And now I am wondering a great many things.  My own world is filled with such creatures as dragons and djinn and wizards and fire witches and giants and many others beside.  Are there truly so many worlds with none of that?

Also, I am wondering if anyone has any dried feverfew.  I would gather it myself, but I'm afraid it is the wrong time of year for it.

Comments

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

I have never met one, although I have heard there are several tribes in the Enchanted Forest.

[inafadingcrown]

Then at least I will not have to convince you that I am what I say I am, though I have found that elves vary greatly between worlds.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

Like I said I have never met one for myself. Although I have heard that the different tribes are very different from one another. There are some who are dangerous travelers. Although that is true of much of the Enchanted Forest.

But none of them come to the Mountains of Morning. That territory belongs to the dragons.

[inafadingcrown]

The last dragon of my world was slain some time ago. But it is true- no elf with the desire to live would approach a dragon without great reason and, if possible, a greater army.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

What? But that's awful! Who would do such a thing?

[Says the teenage girl who has been living among dragons for the last few months and has become very close friends with some of them.]

[inafadingcrown]

[Somewhat flatly:] Those who tire of having their homes burned and their kith and kin slain, I imagine.

I know it is not the case for all who come here, but in my world dragons were fell beasts, dark servants of a Dark Lord. I shed no tears for them.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

That is not the case with the dragons I have been living with at all. I think that they would be greatly insulted to be called beasts. True, they do eat people sometimes. But usually only in times of war or when someone has done them a great insult. They prefer other foods normally.

[inafadingcrown]

You have been living with- [But no. She thinks back to Alexstraza and to Krasus and even to little Spike and she can't be as shocked as she should be.] Forgive me, old instincts are difficult to overcome.

As I said, I know it is not the case for all here. During my time here, I was honored to have counted several dragons among my dear friends. But I am wary still; I have seen too much not to be.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

I suppose I've been rude in not introducing myself. I am the princess Cimorene of Linderwall, currently Chief Cook and Librarian to the King of the Dragons.

And no apology is needed. I'm afraid that reaction isn't much different from the ones I usually received at home. Although there it was more horror that I had done something so untraditional as to volunteer for the dragons. And then more horror at the realization that I have no interest in being rescued.

[inafadingcrown]

If you have been rude, then I am guilty of no less. I am the Lady Galadriel of Lothlórien and the Galadhrim. You are well met, my lady. And I am hardly one to speak against the untraditional; if you are content and in no danger, then I am pleased for you.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

[Cimorene hastily draws up some memories from her much hated etiquette lessons.]

A pleasure to meet you as well.

You sound much more sensible than many of the people in my world.

[inafadingcrown]

Age and experience give one a certain amount of perspective in such things.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

I can believe that. Many princesses and princes my age are very silly, but I have met a few older people with much more sense.

[inafadingcrown]

[A little laugh] And to what do you credit your good sense?

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

I'm afraid I have no ideas there. Certainly not from any of my sisters, and my parents are more likely to quote tradition than common sense. I was very trying to my parents, you see.

[inafadingcrown]

Most children are, in their own ways. We love them no less for it.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

[Cimorene's relationship with her own parents was still strained at best. They had never understood each other very well. Cimorene had wanted to learn new things. To have adventures and to do something useful and interesting. Her parents had wanted her to be more like her sisters. To settle down and happily learn etiquette and embroidery until she was married to a prince. Just like a traditional princess.

When they'd tried to arrange a marriage for her she'd run away and done the terribly improper thing of being the first princess to ever volunteer to serve a dragon. She hadn't spoken to her parents since then.]

I would hope that is true.

[inafadingcrown]

I may say with certainty that there is nothing that could change my feelings toward my daughter. I know few parents who have felt differently.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

Some parents would put tradition first.

[inafadingcrown]

Then they are fools. [A little harsh, yes, but she was separated from her child by circumstance and it pains her every day. To drive a child away for something as inconsequential and simple as tradition? It's unthinkable.]

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

There are worst parents in the world. [Such as the members of the Wicked Stepmother's Traveling, Drinking and Debating Society.]

[inafadingcrown]

Certainly. Yet I think they will regret placing aught between themselves and their child. It is a bond that cannot be replaced.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

With my parents, it is already a bond that might as well be forgotten. I doubt that I will have any reason to speak to them any time soon.

[inafadingcrown]

I am truly sorry to hear it- for both your sakes.

[chiefcookandlibrarian]

I don't see much to regret in it. Father and Mother spoke at me a great deal. You could hardly call most of our meetings conversations.