(D3 EE) Soon the sun sets

[Leovall Marten]

"I would, though now I worry that perhaps my House is an oddity? We have no maester and we're primarily martially focused." He rubbed his right arm as they walked. "The ladies of the House, such as my mother and aunt, often consult with my father and they each taught my siblings, cousins and I." Leovall appeared to be remembering those days. "And my grandmother safeguards the books we do have. She has an excellent memory and she is a very good story teller."

[Alicent Feyther]

"Even if it's unusual, I don't think it's something to worry about. It sounds like the ladies of your House serve just as well in the same capacity," she replied with a warm smile. "It think it's admirable that your family takes its female members seriously."

She sighed. "I admit, sometimes I feel like a mere bargaining chip, expected to be pretty and quiet until someone picks me out and carries me off in exchange for some boon to my family."

[Leovall Marten]

At her kind words he stop and gives a respectful bow. However, her sigh and further comments drew forth a look of concern and empathy from him. "I can see that... my cousin, Liliane, is in truth somewhat bitter about it as well. I can't say I would relish being forced to leave my family and having to adapt to another. Erm... I take it your family has mixed feelings on your scholarly interests?" He ventures carefully, trying not to upset her or pry too much.

[Alicent Feyther]

She nodded, still smiling, but pleased he got the gist. "Yes. Truth be told, I wanted to go to the Citadel when I was young. Naturally, they were having none of it, but I understand a bit why now."

"I should speak with Liliane in the future."

[Leovall Marten]

"The Citadel... to study?" He looks equally parts stunned and intrigued. "I can't say I've ever heard of any female students, but I can't see why a woman couldn't study a few subjects. Hmm... then again I suppose it would be problematic if a noblewoman tried to become a maester instead of returning home after learning what interested her." A House wouldn't exactly like to give up a potential boon as she had only just observed. He clears his throat and nods a few times. "I am sure Liliane would enjoy that. I can arrange a meeting if you like?" There was also the thought to ask her for a lesson, but even in his mind it sounded embarrassing to ask that of her; they might have met once years before yet they were surely still strangers. He goes quiet mulling it over.

[Alicent Feyther]

"Indeed... You can see the problem. It would have been one thing if I had been a third son, but not a daughter. I'm potential fuel for all sorts of trade partnerships and alliances," she replied with a half-smile. "Sure, perhaps... You said you wanted me to teach you, didn't you? We could always make it a casual lesson with the three of us."

[Leovall Marten]

"That isn't a bad idea..." Which meant it probably was. "Though you might be challenged to make it practical to match her... her learning preferences." There really wasn't an easy way to say Liliane usually hates book lessons. Still, the issue was more his cousin and certainly not any unwillingness on his part.

[Alicent Feyther]

"Practical, hm? What does she like?" She asked.

[Leovall Marten]

"Music, hunting... perhaps metallurgy. She likes... erm... knives." He scratches the back of his neck. "And archery."

[Alicent Feyther]

"Hmm... metallurgy is a possibility. I'd have to think a little more about the others."