[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 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.