A more privileged upbringing, I agree. I had the best tutors, and two parents who loved me. Each year I was blessed with another brother or sister whom did the same. But it came with the cost of never being given an opportunity to make mistakes and learn from experience. All of my choices, down to what I wore and what I ate were made for me.

Truthfully, it is refreshing to have had to learn to do things for myself in this place. And to be able to meet such a variety of folk whom I never would have otherwise been permitted to know.

[ elizabeth finds herself grinning a little, in genuine amusement. ] Nor I. I can cook a little, but I will never be exceptional at it. I admire you for the rest, my lady. Would that I could be thus as well.

[ but elizabeth is a vain creature, and her hair curls prettily down her back and is adorned with flowers most of the time. her gowns are also on the nicer end of the spectrum. she and éowyn appear to be polar opposite, though they share much in common. ]

I would never suggest such a thing. Imparting a practical skill to young girls hardly determines what manner of parent you will be. Now that I am here, I wish someone had done that for me when I was small. Now I am simply glad that you are willing to teach me as I am.

[ she smirks a little, mischievously. ] Oh no, you are too lovely and sweet to be considered anything else. But mad, they would call you, for doing something which only men seem allowed to do.

The roles of men and women are strictly defined in my world, as well. Men fight wars and kill things and sail ships and make money, and we women look pretty, dance or sing, marry well and have children. Many children. If we are poor, then we must keep house and cook, as well. I am Royal, as you are. We would be expected to be intelligent, to excel at the arts, look nice in a gown and marry where we were bid.

[ she sniffs derisively, more ladylike than a snort. ] The last of which I will never do. I will be happy.