bakerstreet | Arranged Marriage.

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Arranged Marriage.

Marriage for love is a such a modern concept. In the past, marriage was
recognised as a social contract. Unions were entered into for many
reasons: to obtain property, to unite families, to carry on a bloodline,
et cetera. Whatever the reason, congratulations, you're getting married!

HOW IT WORKS:
❧ Post a comment with your character's name, canon, and any preferences.
❧ If there's a specific set of circumstances you like best, set the scene.
❧ Or leave your comment blank and let others use RNG to choose the scenario. Feel free to mix and match.
❧ Please note the prompts below are merely suggestions and you're more than welcome to come up with your own situation.
❧ Have fun!

POSSIBLE REASONS FOR MARRIAGE:
① Station → You come from a royal, noble, or otherwise distinguished family who has chosen a suitable spouse for you.
② Feud → You are being married to put an end to the bitter enmity between your two families.
③ Economics → Your economic state and/or your station will improve through the union, though one of you may be marrying down.
④ Empire → You and your spouse are merging your businesses and/or property to create something more influential or profitable.
⑤ Tribute → You have been offered as a gift or appeasement, alternately you're the spoils of war.
⑥ Bloodline → Carrying on your distinguished family name has fallen to you and the equally well-bred spouse of your family's selection.
⑦ Disapproval → Your marriage has been arranged to keep you away from the person with whom you truly wish to be.

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS:
① First meeting → This is the very first time you're meeting your future spouse.
② Courtship → To get to know each other and encourage affection, your family has approved of you going on dates.
③ Engagement party → Be it a huge, formal affair or a small, intimate get together, you're celebrating (or pretending).
④ Wedding day → The big day!
⑤ Reception → The big party!
⑥ Wedding night → Every meme needs a smut prompt, right?
⑦ Honeymoon → Where will you go with your new spouse and what will you do there?

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[ please don't marry into this family. ]

[m/f, 21+ pref. cross canon welcome.]

[ Well, if you're anything but a zora this'll be pretty awkward. How did this happen to you? ]

Kara busies herself with untying the girl - Marie, a friend she hasn't seen in far too long. Oh, Rao, how did Marie get herself wrapped up in this?

"I'm sorry," she says to Marie before turning to the mayor. "I agreed to this. You couldn't find someone else who agreed? She doesn't want this!"

The mayor is shifting awkwardly, tugging at his tie. The goons are eyeing Kara warily but keeping their distance, and they better. "Supergirl, we wanted the most advantageous match for you! You deserve this! This girl, she's powerful, like you. Together, you could save the world."

"I already save the world!" Kara blurts out, voice high and tense. Not her best, most professional moment, but she's so tired of all this! "It doesn't matter what she can or cannot do. You literally had to tie her up to get her here."

“You could have asked! Believe me, if you guys told me about this, I just might have said yes!” Marie snapped. “She means a lot to me and to pull this...!”

She quickly turned around, arms crossed, trying to keep her emotions in cheek. “Can I be wth her alone for a moment?”

[Mipha doesn't do the best with large crowds or parties or things like that, but it's a special occasion so she'll make a special exception.

And because it's a zora party, it's more of a pool party, of course, with all the diving and splashing and general watery tomfooelry one might expect. Mipha watches it all with a small smile before making her way to Sidon's side--it's hard to miss him, after all, since he towers over pretty much everyone else.

She'll even bring some food over with her to hand over to him, some fish dish we don't need to really name since it's not important shh] Are you having fun?

[Marriage wasn't a word that Nike was normally used to hearing. It was such a foreign concept, one that she never thought she had to think about for, at least, the next decade or two of her life; not until all of her older sisters had found someone of their very own. Wasn't it customary for the oldest to get first dibs on everything? Why is it she was chosen to marry someone from one of the neighboring countries?

She knew it had something to do with uniting the once two disputing nations, which wasn't a terrible thing, but usually wasn't it expected for the person next in line to the throne to carry this particular duty? Whatever the case, she can't escape from it, as much as she wanted to, not when everyone has been begging her with pleading eyes over it. It was clear everyone wanted the wars to end.

So when she was introduced to the boy with silver hair and very pretty eyes, Nike couldn't help realize her luck and misfortune all at once, it was difficult to look at and away from him. He had interesting colorings. Ones she has never seen on anyone before. His silver hair, white skin, and clear color eyes were very rare, indeed. It was such a curious thing, enough to keep her silent as the adults did all of the talking. All she had to do was introduce herself once she was given the cue to, her gaze on her lap as she did, not knowing if she should look at him or not.]

...it's nice to meet you...I'm Nike from the Rain Principality...y-your bride....I guess........if that is a normal thing to even say...

[Her face was burning up faster than she could of ever expected to after realizing the complete embarrassment of having to point that out. That she was gonna be his bride. It sounded like such a redundant thing to say. Then again, her older sisters were in the room, standing behind her, and they were known as the three beautiful sirens of the sea, which she wasn't included in that title. It may be a good idea to inform him to get the disappointments out of the way.]

...sorry.

[May as well apologize about it for added measure. Not that she should be apologizing, but it may not be a good idea to pick a fight when all they're doing is trying to put an end to them.]

Sister!!

[ He gratefully accepts the DELUXE SEAFOOD AND VEGETABLE SKEWER given to him by his sister, beaming down at her before sweeping her into a crushing one-armed hug. ]

I was wondering where you had gotten off to! Has he arrived yet? I made certain to confirm his invitation! Twice!

[ He means Link, of course. That's not who Sidon is betrothed to, woefully, but this whole party announcing Sidon's marriage to □□□□□ frees Mipha up for her truest love quite nicely. At least, that's how this is all playing out in Sidon's head. So forgive him while he ship pushes a little for his dearest sister. ]

(Speak only when spoken to, he'd been told, so Riku stayed silent. He wasn't good at speaking, anyway. For a young prince who'd been holed up in that gilded cage of a castle, not allowed to go past the walls or even see the outside world, it was understandable that he knew little of how to interact. When his royal family had been given the chance to make up for their heinous war crimes, to appease the Rain Principality after decades of ceaseless battling, they had jumped at it.

And of course they had bargained Riku for it. Of his five siblings, Riku was the only one blessed with magical prowess all of his own: a mastery over balance, over darkness and light both. While his parents called it a curse, it was hard to ignore how some royal families sought Riku out to teach their magic-inclined children. The public didn't know, but that didn't mean it wasn't well-known among the nobles of the lands. Riku had been a good bargaining chip for years between countries, and he knew instantly that this arrangement was the same thing.

He felt for Nike, really. She was beautiful--quite stunning in her own right, with such vibrant hair and calm eyes. He had to look away, keep his eyes on the room and on the papers shuffled between their families, to stop from staring and letting his heart beat too fast. He couldn't help but think that he was very, very sorry for her, to be forced into this situation. Even the thought of standing beside her made him feel embarrassed for her. She'd probably already seen the world, and this was his first foray out of the castle...

It was okay. He'd make it clear to her, privately, that he supported her being with someone else. That was natural. As she spoke, Riku lifted his eyes to her and managed a smile, even if his eyes were as empty as they were kind.)

You don't need to apologize. I'm Riku from the Destiny Isles, your groom.

(He bowed his head deeply, long hair falling over his face as he did so.)

It's a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to ending these wars with you.

[ Parties, from what she had heard, were supposed to be fun. This was exhausting. Even more so than her usual training. The engagement happened too fast for her to have much time to prepare. Yet no amount of practice could really make her feel like she belonged here. Everyone else seemed to know it too. She was well aware of their gaze. Staying near her fiance was best for now. He seemed to know what he was doing. At least she could enjoy some of the food they had out. The only problem she was having with that was distinguishing what was meant to be decorative from the edible. But that doesn't seem to stop her. She doesn't even pause as she puts it in her mouth. ]

This looks good. What is it?

[It was difficult to simply ignore him once he begins to speak. He had a calm and deep voice; she couldn't help notice the formality and elegance to it. He was definitely from a different nation; one that cares for proper ediquette. It really shouldn't surprise her. This was a political situation, not a casual meet and greet. All she can do was raise her gaze, turn her attention towards him, and notice the length of his flowing long hair. Such good quality too. Nike simply couldn't keep herself from admiring him. It was clear from the gasps and reactions heard behind her that she wasn't the only one entranced by him. Was it respectful to find a boy beautiful?

Too bad she missed her cue to return the formality as her grandmother begins to clear her throat loud enough for her to overhear. How long was she staring at him for?]

A-Ah, yeah, right...um...l-likewise...?

[And there goes her lack of awareness in conducting in a formal setting as she stopped following the intended script. Her grandmother had to literally grab the back of her neck and force her into a bow. All she can do was continue to make up for her mistake.]

I-I look forward to it as well. To bring forth peace and prosperity to our lands for the many generations to come. [After a bit of thinking, she'll add.] ...I can't wait to get the chance to speak to you on more equal terms. Honestly...why do we need to hold back for?

[She couldn't help find it suffocating, to say the least. It made her wonder if the other prince agreed with her over finding it just as tedious. By the increase grip of her grandmother's hold on the back of her neck, she knew she had irritated her further. But fortunately Nike's sisters will begin to speak up, agreeing with their youngest sister over the matter, suggesting the idea of allowing the couple to be taken to another room to get better acquainted while they finalize the last of the agreement. The thought was enough for her grandmother to release her hold on the princess. Nike will raise her head, but make no indication of discomfort or pain. On the contrary, she'll perk up and turn to Riku.]

Would you like to see our gardens?

[ would love a roan for this, tbh!! ]

[ OOC : #2 sounds good perhaps #1 or #3 for scenarios? Here's a reaaally brief official info and a bit more details. We can try wing it a bit? Rufus probably coming from this powerful family that has risen amongst humans, and settling a feud between vampires and humans? Or perhaps AU vampire Shinra? I can roll with any~ ]

(Had... he said that wrong? The gasps and reactions to his words colored his usually fair skin, ears and cheeks turning a light pink. Riku's expression turned from calm to scandalized and embarrassed, ashamed--maybe his accent was too strong? He hoped he hadn't warped any of his words to offend.

Great. He'd already messed up. The way her grandmother had gripped onto her hadn't gone unnoticed, either--it seemed he brought her trouble, too. He wouldn't be surprised if she despised him for that... he knew he always felt a little slighted when he was silently reprimanded, especially when it wasn't his fault.

Internally, his mind raced. He'd studied so hard to know about her country, to not make any cultural faux pas. He had to make this right. There was no option for him to mess this up. He parted his lips to speak but before he could even utter a word, his brother cut in sharply, glancing to him with a reproachful glance. His brother, instead, smiled charmingly, encouraging Nike and complimenting her, insisting that bowing wasn't necessary--after all, they were the guests here.

If his brother was talking, Riku knew that his words weren't needed. He closed his mouth, and as he righted himself, he let his eyes wander again, taking in the architecture. Think, think... He'd probably offended the princess, so what could he do to make up for it?

He doesn't expect the offer, even with the clamoring--his brother seems to think on it for a few moments before agreeing, nodding to Riku. He paused, glancing back to Nike, feeling his heart beat a little faster at how she perked up. It coaxes another smile out of him, and he speaks more slowly this time.)

I would be honored. It'd be nice, to see how different our lands are.

[Honestly, Nike was very close to grabbing Riku and getting out of the room the moment his older brother had given them the cue to. It was all so odd. Everything about their situation. She really wished everyone would be forward with their thoughts than simply hiding behind a mask of pleasantry. There was just something about it that made her feel uneasy.

Her attention will return to Riku, hoping to have the courage to look at him without feeling self-conscious over it. There has to be a way to keep her nerves and heart in check. She'll have to get used to him. But when she notices the smile on his own lips, she couldn't help feel her face begin to feel warm once more. A nod will be given as she couldn't help find her tongue feeling tied at the moment. These nerves -- as she believes them to be due to the fluttering effect it was having on her -- were beginning to annoy her. It isn't like she hasn't spoken to a boy outside of her family before. She's spoken and befriended many! Sailors and farmers, mainly, but none of them have ever looked or felt like the prince before her. He was different.]

Then you won't be disappointed! There's a lot to see in form of history.

[She'd mention the amount of sighseeing and exploring he'll be able to do if he enjoys nature, but decided against mentioning it. Not in front of his brother, at the very least. Something told her to be careful with her words until they can leave the room. Her attention will turn to her grandmother, noticing her firm expression, before returning a smile to Riku's older brother, allowing her the chance to show her gratitude for his understanding while adding her own apology for not having shown the same amount of effort they were showcasing and would appreciate the chance to make up for it in form of entertainment for tonight's banquet.

Just as she makes that promise, her sisters will begin to chide in over Nike's singing being of the highest quality as she holds the title of the best singer in their kingdom. A title held after defeating all of the mage singers within the royal family. Nike couldn't help feel slightly flustered at the mention, it was enough to help her make the first move by poking Riku's legs from under the table to get his attention. She'll signal for their cue to leave.

It was clear her sisters had given them the opening they needed to leave without having to say another word. Since they were given permission to leave. Nike had no issue getting up from her seat, heading towards the door, and opening the door for Riku to go through first.]

(Oh, she could sing? It'd be nice to hear her voice, he thought, though as she grabbed his attention, he followed her lead.

At least, until it came to the door, he notably stopped, flustered. Wait, what? No, the girl was--he was supposed to hold open the door! For her! Ughhh... he glanced at her with an uneasy expression in his eyes, but at least they weren't as expressionless as they had been before.

... but he really wanted to be alone with her for a little while, at least. To apologize.

So he quickly darted out, thankful when she closed the door after her and exhaling. Riku spoke with hushed tones:)

I'm really, really sorry--I... I don't know a lot of your customs, so if I offended you, I didn't do it on purpose. Can I make it up to you somehow?

(Fuyuhiko is the heir to the most powerful Yakuza family in Japan, and would more than likely allow himself to be set up with a spouse than seek one out himself, so he's pretty much made for this meme. Happy to roll with any of the prompts (including Tribute), and open to both assumed CR or first time meetings.)

[His astonished reaction towards her opening the door had caught her attention. For the simple fact it was one that felt the most genuine out of all of the expressions he had previously given her. Something about it had tickle her enough to gain a wry smirk. Why did she find the idea of wanting to tease him?

Normally, those types of thoughts weren't ones that normally she would act on, but after closing the door and whispering to her his own thoughts, she'll be caught slightly off guard and yet the urge to mess with him was beginning to grow. She really wanted to get all types of reactions out of him, but for now...she may need to set a few things straight.]

I don't mind, but...you didn't really do anything to offend me. I mean, if I were a more vain person, I'd say the only thing offensive about you is your natural beauty.

[Because, seriously, how can a boy be prettier than her sisters and her combined!? It was a difficult thought to process, even if she has always known there are all types of men. But Riku was a league all on his own in aesthetics. Just the thought was enough to gain a pout of her until she realizes: she called him beautiful, didn't she?

...oh.

It won't be long until her face begins to change color at the realization of that simple fact. She wanted to scream. Really loudly. Maybe, even hit her head onto the nearest wall, but used all of her willpower not to. After all, since they were on the subject of beauty, Nike had to warn him about an important detail. One she couldn't say in front of the door. All she could do was hint it.]

...white is a very popular color in these parts. Actually, any unusual and rare eye and hair colors work just as well. You're safe in these parts, no need to worry about someone wanting to target you or anything, because we really appreciate beauty, so...

[After a moment of thinking about it, she'll begin to step away from the door before turning a shy gaze towards him; somehow she was afraid to tell him, but she knew it had to be said, he'll figure it out eventually and....she may prefer to end things early before she got attached to him.]

....you're my sisters' type, you know. Their gasps were evidence of that...kinda though they were gonna faint and everything too.

[All said as she adds a force chuckle to showcase her amusement over the matter. She knew her older sisters better than anyone. The first and second oldest in particular -- those two were boy crazy. She just knew she won't hear the end of it. About Riku being exactly as they dreamed a prince to be like, and if it becomes the case, then she wouldn't mind stepping back on their behalf especially if Riku requests for it. No, if he requested for it, then it'll be easier to relinquish her position than freely doing so. While all at once, it made her feel just as anxious too because she wanted her sisters to be given the opportunity to chose for themselves. She didn't mind being the sarcifice.]

Edited (used the wrong wording, sorry) 2017-10-22 07:28 (UTC)

... what?

(He blinks at her as he rights himself again, confused by her words. Surprisingly, as she speaks, he looks less embarrassed or pleased and more like he's trying to hide away--he crosses his arms over his chest and folds a little into himself, insecure as he is. Is this some kind of joke? Was she teasing him because she knew he looked... strange?

The lightest his family got was light blonde, but here he stood with silver hair and bright eyes, the color of a clear ocean. He looked so out of place that some of the advisers had called him the ghost of the royal family--quiet and rarely seen. She was obviously just teasing him, wasn't she? That kind of hurt. He understood that he looked strange, probably even grotesque--he knew the way his sisters swooned over the tanned, muscled soldiers of his kingdom, and they were most definitely not alone--but he'd thought she'd at least be willing to humor him since this was a political marriage. His cheeks started to burn as he chided himself, couldn't stop himself from being a bit terse:)

You don't have to tease--

(... but he's cut off as she explains, and he takes back his words. Right... part of the reason he'd been holed up in the castle for so long was just that. It was common to hear of these kinds of cases... beautiful men and women stolen away in the night, found leagues away from home, killed or enslaved. Riku pursed his lips, and followed her gaze back to the door before he just raised an eyebrow, and then shook his head.)

And? They're... nice, but I'm betrothed to you. Aren't they already married, too? They're older than you.

(His eyes flicker away from her, words stumbling slightly--it's clear he doesn't speak often.) I don't really think... I'm anyone's type. I wanted to say--I...

I know a lot of arranged marriages are kind of... loveless. I don't mind, I'm not really gonna make a big deal out of it when you find whoever you actually fall in love with. (He tilts his head slightly at her, and then kind of smiles again.) If you haven't already. You do look like you've got suitors begging for your time, so I wouldn't be surprised if someone tried to duel me for your hand.

No, they aren't. The third oldest has someone she's interested in back at another country, but the other two are still searching for someone. [How to explain this?] In our country, we don't really follow the age heirachy aspect of it like other kingdoms usually do. Everyone in the direct line to the throne have a shot to become chosen as the next ruler. It's usually decided on skill.

[Which may have been the way everyone decided on choosing Nike to take over the task to be used in an arranged marriage. She did notice the regretful expressions everyone wore over it. Then again, Nike had no interest in the throne, she knew she didn't have the qualities to become a politician like her grandmother or mother. Which was fine by her because there was no longer a reason to feel any concern about it now. Not when a partner has been arranged for her.

A very kind one to boot. It almost stung to overhear him speak the way he did. About her having suitors or being the type to. She didn't know what to make by that suggestion, but it was clear that he didn't think too highly of himself. Nike couldn't help feel slightly miff at just the thought.]

...I've never been interested in romance. If I ever had anyone admiring me in that way, I wouldn't have ever noticed, and no one has ever express that sorta interest in me before. So, you don't need to worry about that sorta thing. Whoever decides in wanting to foolishly challenge you to a duel for my hand will be met with my fist.

[There was no remorse as she bluntly explains, not even bothering to be careful with her wording.]

It's as you said, you're going to be my husband, and...really, it's unfair for someone else to make a scene when they had plenty of opportunities to before you came along. [A slight pause will be given in an attempt to give her time to find just the right words to express herself better.] I had planned to give it a chance. I had every intention to learn to love whoever I was assigned to; even if it'd become one-sided. A loveless marriage is the last thing I want to happen too.

[Her expression will begin to soften at the realization that: they thought alike. It was unexpected. To think someone as beautiful as Riku would be as self-defeating as she was. The way he spoke over not being anyone's type only began the spark of her current feelings of annoyance towards him. She didn't want to make anyone believe they weren't good enough when she felt the exact same way. She had to tell him or else there won't be any progress to their relationship. Whatever it may become.]

...I was being honest. Over finding you beautiful. I don't know if you're my type or not, but...I like the way you look. It was hard to stop staring...

[Which was the honest truth. As embarrassing as it was to admit. The thought anyone could make such a strong impression on her was rare. He was really doing a good job in stirring all types of reactions out of her. It was just enough to get her to want to give him a penalty of some kind.]

...and if I have to repeat any of this again, I'm going to pull your cheeks until you believe my commitment in making this work! [Beat. A more sly grin will be given.] Unless you really want me to pull your cheeks to be the sign of our friendship anyway?

(He could empathize, really. Riku hadn't really been interested in romance--he thought it'd never come, truth be told. After all, why would it? As far as he was concerned, his eldest brother--the crown prince--was far more desirable, and he had so many women to call on. Why would anyone ever look to him? He'd just accepted that he'd be without a partner for his life and continued on.

This was so strange. He had to clear his throat to try and get rid of the rasp as he spoke every now and then. Scandalized expression aside, he cleared his throat.)

N-no, I really just want to see... the gardens, like you said before. I'm not--calling you a liar! I just... it's hard to believe. (He admitted, shrugging with a chastised look on his face.)

For what it's worth... I think you're beautiful, too. (He chuckled a little, despite himself.) I really want to hear you sing, you know...? Your voice is really nice already, so I know that it'll be great. Um...

(He rubs the back of his head, shy expression coming back onto his face.) If you want to stare, I don't think I'd mind. I'm kind of used to people staring for other reasons... so, I mean--since you're gonna be my wife and all.

If we're gonna give this not-loveless marriage a chance, I'd feel kind of bad if I told you to stop staring. I didn't think I had much to offer you but my magic, so if my looks please you too, I'm happy to give it.

(It felt weird to say, but really, he wasn't sure how else to put it.)

... but I've read all about this country, so can we walk while we talk? I don't wanna be caught out here and have to go back in, either. (He sends a wary look to the door.) I've had enough of embarrassing myself for one day.

[The war they fought was brutal, both sides took heavy hits but the kingdom of Ylisse prospered and in the end won. Lucina made her way into the courtyard flanked by two pegasus knights. She was dressed down from battlefield attire, wearing a tunic and stocking befitting of her status.]

Are you Hei?

[She smiled before waving the knights to stay back. She never cared for a lot of protection, just for a sword by her side.]

I apologize for the entourage and keeping you waiting, I had to attend a peace negotiations as well as a war counsel. Now have you been briefed as to why you and your sister are here?

[Upon seeing Lucina, he was back on guard. She was the one who managed to knock him out in the first place. Still, with her words and how he was treated, what else could they want? It was easier just to get rid of the two.]

My sister told me nothing, wanting to keep it a surprise. But I assume you don't want us dead given our status at the moment. There's no doubt we lost anyway.

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Arranged Marriage.

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perfect!

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