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bakerstreet2016-12-07 11:06 am
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The Scheherazade / Harem Shipping Meme
Straight out of the Arabian Nights, or any variety of the spin-offs and spoofs since, in a beautiful and fantastical realm of magic and djinn. You may be the great ruler, prince, or sultana of the realm, or you may be the tribute, captive, or arranged marriage spouse brought before that ruler.
Scenarios:
1. Arranged Marriage - You’re both royals or nobles of some variety, but one of you has been sent far from home to be wedded to a stranger in a foreign land.
2. Ambition - You’re just one beauty in a harem of dozens—or hundreds—but you’re determined to stand out, to earn the exclusive attention of the ruler, and to take your place by their side as the ruler of this land.
3. Scheherazade - One night with the king (or queen). Perhaps your one-night spouse had their heart broken, like in the story. Perhaps they’re simply a monster, or they have other motives. They may kill you in the morning, unless you can convince them to delay, by at least one more day.
4. Tribute - Perhaps your land was conquered, or perhaps you’ve been sent here to secure an alliance. Either way, this wasn’t your idea, and you aren’t particularly happy about it.
5. Within the Harem - Both characters are residents of the harem. You hardly see the ruler, and they don’t matter. What does matter is the friendship—or love—that you have found within the harem, and, possibly, your plans for escape.
6. Outside the Harem - You’ve fallen in love with someone you shouldn’t. A guard, a servant, or someone outside the palace entirely. But in order to be with them, you’re going to have to break all the rules.
7. Arabian Nights - Wildcard scenario, play any elements from the Arabian Nights that you please. Magic carpets, powerful djinn, curses and treasure!
How to play:
-Post with your character, preferred role (ruler, harem, other), and any other relevant info
-Reply to others. Use RNG or choose your favourite scenario!
--
originally posted by marlowe_tops
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Let me know if this is good! I can switch to prose too if that's better for you
[The eldest, the crown prince, is received well. A talent for perfect ruling, maybe not, but he’s personable and handsome, and such things can carry a person far enough. His flaws, well, he knows them well enough, and hides whatever hurt he might feel deep away from where it might be seen.]
[Such a habit of hiding things is something that seems to have been passed down to the second son, only in greater qualities. Prince Kei of the Tsukishima royal family doesn’t carry the affability of his older brother and, if anything, is even more reserved thanks to the burden of the crown not being immediately weighing down on his brow. Strangers to the court find him aloof, although his manners are consistently without flaw, and his appearance has apparently had more than a few different suitors interested. Among the servants and those who know him past that initial facade, however, the impressions are much different. Sharp witted, yes, but sharp tongued and sharp edged, all of him. It’s little wonder, the gossip goes, that the young prince is still unattached and only seems to call upon the services of the palace’s harem- those who are part entertainer, part companion, and part whatever else the royal family might need of them, from the cousins to even the princes themselves.]
[Although…. Sometimes it’s not for the best, the rumors sometimes say, to get involved in royalty. Perhaps in other kingdoms, with other royal families, it’s for the best for a prince to favor you, but…. Sometimes those who go see the young prince of Kara don’t return.]
[Perhaps Yuri, recently brought into the Tsukishima harem, knows of these rumors. Maybe he doesn’t and has simply been doing his job best he’s been able to. However, one night, before he can return to his room, one of the royal guards draws his attention and lets him know that his presence has been requested in Prince Kei’s room tonight.]
[It’s best to not keep royalty waiting.]
[Prince Kei’s room is in its own wing, favoring the impressive royal library and a sprawling garden that is the home to dozens of well cared for crows. The stone halls are quiet save for Yuri’s footsteps, dark shadows enveloping it completely save for bastions of light from hanging oil lamps. When he finally reaches the prince’s room and enters, he’ll find the prince already waiting for him.]
[The rumors are right- he actually is fairly handsome, lamp light making his eyes seem to shine gold and catching off the pale strands that are partially covered by the thin orange cloth draped over his head and sprawled long his shoulders. It’s weighed down by small chains and ropes of gold, held in place by a piece of obsidian. It’s a reoccurring theme, gold and obsidian jewelry, draped across his body and wrapped around his wrists, but that’s the luxury afforded to a kingdom with such plentiful territory in the harshness of the desert. Water and precious minerals- two things of value in land like theirs. His shirt is left open, the thin material hanging off his long limbs, and layer after layer of delicate material falls from his waist in a variety of patterns.]
[For as gold as his eyes are, however, they seem fairly cold as they flick to Yuri.]
So you’re Katsuki Yuri?
this is absolutely fantastic!! ♥
Until he was called to Prince Kei's room, Yuri had only really served more vestigial members of the family - cousins, nephews, occasionally the royal council. The summons sent a chill down his spine, but he didn't hesitate in attending to his duties. He had seen enough to know that refusing an order meant a guaranteed beating.
Now, though, as he makes his way towards the prince's room, he can't help but think of all the rumours he's heard. Gossip is one of the major components of harem conversation, and while Yuri doesn't speak much, he's always been an excellent listener. The darkness of the hallway doesn't help, either, and by the time Yuri arrives his heart's beating a mile a minute.
When he enters the room, his head is bowed respectfully, but he can still make out the general shape of the prince. He's handsome, of course, but even from where Yuri's standing he can sense an aura of coolness surrounding him. All the gold doesn't make a difference; it's the darkness of the obsidian that Yuri notices most prominently.
Hearing his name reminds him of what he's here for, and he nods meekly, When he speaks his voice is soft and respectful, tinged slightly with his dialectic accent - something he's managed to hang on to despite living here for so long. ]
Yes, your grace. How may I serve you?
no subject
[An enigmatic response that’s probably not particularly comforting, but then… Kei hadn’t meant for it to be.]
[He shifts from where he’d been curled up along the loung chair- now suffocating in pillows and blankets. Off to the side, a crow- one of the family’s holy creatures for whatever their reputation in foreign lands- cocks its head curiously as its master sits up properly. There’s something similar to the way Kei’s gaze flicks over Yuri calculatingly.]
You really aren’t noticeable, are you? [Leaning forward, he lets his chin rest along his hand, index finger following the curve of his face.] I’d heard about it, but it’s different seeing it in person.
[If Yuri wants to say something about that, he’s more than free to. The prince falls into silence once more, as if rolling something through his mind.]
I’ve heard you’re a good dancer.
slowest reply in the world I am so sorry
At least, he tries not to.
Yuri holds his tongue until he's absolutely sure the prince is done speaking. Interrupting any of his masters is a bad idea, but this one in particular seems to be less than willing to put up with disrespect. Freedom to speak doesn't always mean that speaking is the best thing to do.
When silence hangs between them, Yuri finally allows himself to nod, slight and shy, his eyes flicking up for just a moment. He doesn't quite catch Kei's gaze - he's not ready for that just yet - but he manages to get a decent look at the prince's face. He's handsome, but in striking, frightening way, as though he knows how to wield his good looks like a weapon. ]
That's what others say about me, your grace. I would be happy to dance for you if you would like.
no problem, december murders people lmao
[And it’s taken him a while to decide on what this something else should be. Kei hasn’t made his choice of company tonight idly, for all that he acts lethargic and aloof. He’s been keeping a careful eye on the royal harem lately, sorting through the many people there like a connoisseur picking through fine wines for the exact match that would bring out the best of his meal.]
[Yuri isn’t going to be eaten up, exactly, but he suits Kei’s purposes completely.]
I want you to tell me a story with your body, and then your mouth. If the dance and the story you tell afterwards match, and I like both, then I’ll reward you.
[Except then there’s a sharp curve to his mouth, sharp and cold as the crescent moon over the desert.]
But if you fail… I’ll have you be disposed of. Do you understand?