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?

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

That is good to hear. I must admit that I am curious to see your skills with such a sword. And should you come to Nohr, I will make sure they stay sharp, especially if there is risk of you being sent off somewhere.

And, well... I imagine I'd like to hear everything in good time. Since you don't know when you may have to leave I'd prefer to act as if there is all the time in the world to hear all the stories of our kingdoms. [It's also less sad that way. It's all well and good to be prepared for something to happen but always wondering and worrying about some inevitable day can only bring sorrow and strain.] Besides your story sounds so unbelievable, truly, but incredibly fascinating too. So much so that I hope the trials and my own stories of Nohr do not bore you. [Nor make her think ill of his kingdom. There have been some very hard times but things are righting themselves slowly but surely. And hopefully she will see his icy kingdom as a place to be proud of as she will be one of the driving forces that will make it better than it had ever been before.]

I truthfully couldn't tell you. Laslow has kept me in the dark, refusing to share his story and only hinted at the mystery in passing conversation. But your friends have been welcome in my home and they came at a time when Nohr needed them most. And now that my kingdom is in it's days of peace they have led me here and to you. I am thankful all the more that Laslow waltzed into my kingdom attempting to impress my father with his bladework and that I wasn't too stubborn as to not let him stay by my side. I do not care to boast but I truly have remarkable retainers that I owe a great deal to. You keep good company, Princess Lucina. I am thankful that they have stolen away to my kingdom and I sincerely hope you join us for as long as you are able.

[That one was an understandable one, but an option he was hesitant to let Pai have. If they were left with no choice, Hei would have to go in her stead. Given his talent for combat Though, it was likely this was the best option for him.]

And if we don't choose that, what else did you have in mind?

He reached into his bag, pulling out a lantern and lighting it up. Least now they could both see what they were doing. A good fire would help, but it was best they rested till the morning. He didn't doubt sue needed the extra rest given the mental stress of what had happened.

"I see. In that case, let me teach you, for future reference."

And with the light of the lamp, he proceeded to make the tent for the both of them.

He... was going to teach her?

Olivia wasn't certain what she'd expected, but in the back of her mind, being self-sufficient wasn't really a bad thing. (Just not something she'd ever really thought about. All things considered.)

She blinked rapidly and then moved a little closer. Just to get a better look. "O... okay!" It might have sounded a little too enthused, but maybe it was just what she needed to loosen up a little. After all, she couldn't be infinitely uptight around him. ...Right? And at least she was finally smiling.

A little.

Even a glimpse of that smile did make Hei a little happy. Just because he was given payment he didn't quite want didn't mean Olivia had to suffer for it. Best they did get along, or if she could sustain herself in case the worst happened. Seemed better in his mind.

He went over with it carefully, occasionally undoing it so she could try. Really, he didn't expect her to nail it in under an hour, but any kinda contact that had them talking helped.

Eventually he finished it, moving inside and fixing the blankets.

"We'll have to share this. Luckily there's enough room so I doubt we'll be bumping into each other."

He at least tried to think that far ahead.

Olivia lowered her hood, adjusting the way her cloak fell about her. In helping him, she was too sheepish to ask for an actual walkthrough and instead, rather emulated him. To the best of her ability, anyway. If anything, she probably just seemed foolish. And a mite silly.

She had to appreciate that he didn't find humour in her attempt, though. There was that, at least. She could hold onto her dignity for another night.

"O-oh..." she replied quietly, glancing sidelong to him thoughtfully. She hadn't shared sleeping quarters so close with a man before. But he'd already said he wouldn't let harm come to her. Or put her in any compromising positions that she didn't volunteer herself to be in. Could she trust him? What choice did she have, really?

"I'm not terribly... restless when I sleep. I-it should be fine," she explained. "Is it safe for us to stay out here?"

"It would be far less safe if we stayed on the road," he replied, pointing out the darkness. "Bandits or something worse would have little trouble preying on us if our sight and stamina are gone. Better we rest up first."

For as talented as he was in combat, those were essential elements for him to need in a fight. He had to think more than just about himself now.

[ He continues down the hall, his hand still on Rowan's elbow after another glance at Eleanor. ] Literally, you shit on my tongue. We still use the colorful phrases of the old language.

Whenever you feel up to it I don't mind testing my skills against yours in a sparing match.

[Perhaps real weapons could be used after they were acclimated to each other's style. She smiled softly at the mention of his worry over her once more. Her grin widened as he described how Inigo came into being his retainer, that sounded very much like the man. She placed a hand over her heart as she spoke, feeling as if she was very much speaking from her heart as she spoke.]

I'm grateful you feel so deeply for my companions as well as them being able to help you in your time of need as they had for me. Ylisse is in a time of peace thanks to the efforts of both the parents of this time as well as the children of them who came with me from the future.

[She hesitated for a moment, seeming like she was struggling to find the right words.]

I hope to hear all the tales of your kingdom that you will tell me, as I would be glad to do so in kind. As well as perhaps we can make some ourselves, together?

[She tried not to appear embarrassed over her enthusiastic sounding yes, perhaps he would forgive her for the connection she believed she felt already between them. For the first time in quite a few months she was feeling excitement but didn't want to feel like she was jumping ahead too far. They could take their time there was no rush. Right?]

[She tilted her head curiously at Hei's words. A tad saddened to hear them, but understood where he was coming from.]

Just as I said before, I'm content with dropping that. I understand not everyone wants to pick up a sword. And those who have before may not necessarily wish to do so again. I'm not here to force you into any decisions, I was just laying options on the table for the two of you to choose from.

[He turned to look at Pai, the both of them then turning around and away from Lucina, voices barely above a whisper; for all their time as slaves to the other kingdom, they did learn how to discuss things privately. Though Lucina might be able to hear bits and pieces, particularly with the way Hei seemed frustrated.

Really it was down to Pai bringing up good points. If Lucina were to somehow die for whatever reason, their position here could be compromised without sufficient trust, maybe even blamed for it. That and she was about to take the position if he would not, something he was strictly against. They finally turned back around with Pai smiling, but Hei keeping his poker face on.]

I changed my mind. I'll take on that position of helping you. As for Pai, she said she would settle with being a maid or something.

[She was already used to such tasks back then. It was extremely doubtful doing a job like that could be worse here.]

"R-right," Olivia agreed thoughtfully. She was certain she wouldn't be able to hold her own against bandits. Or whatever the 'something worse' was that he was thinking of. "Safer here than out there, I guess."

She frowned after a moment, wondering why they'd chosen to leave at night. Probably because Hei had been rather keen on leaving. She couldn't blame him, she supposed. One day, she'd find the courage to pry a little more into his arrangement with the kingdom opposing hers.

Hers. Like she was any prominent figure. She knew very well she wasn't. Did she have a right to think of it as hers when she had so conveniently just walked away?

"Uhm. This... might seem silly for me to ask, but did you happen to bring anything else with you? Like... a book, maybe? I don't think I'll be able to sleep..."

He grabbed his bag, digging into it again. Though he doubted he would have much of what she would prefer to read. He hands her three books: one was a book about famous restaurants around the land, another one explored constellations in the sky, and the last one was....a recipe book. He got that mixed in with the others somehow.

"Sorry if they make you hungry though."

For someone who was feared as a cold assassin, he had a great weakness for cooking and eating.

[ A pause. Then, Rowan busts out laughing. ] Oh, you will have to tell me all of the phrases you're fond of. That sounds incredible.

[Now that is something he looks forward to! With the time of peace having come to Nohr there is a great risk of his skills growing rusty which would be troublesome should something happen in the future. He likes to make sure his abilities stay sharp even if there is little need for them. And the confidence in which she agrees to spar tells him that she won't hold back either, like anyone else he may try to train with. That's such a very exciting prospect!

But if those words pleased him it's nothing compared to her next few in which she suggests they make a few grand tales of their own. Not as war worn rulers of their respective kingdoms but as, well, a prospective partnership. It's quite a lovely prospect, honestly. He's done most of the talking to encourage this arrangement and hasn't had the opportunity to start feeling overwhelmed by such promising words. Ah... he feels a touch embarrassed, in front of her father and his retainer too.

He hadn't heard that arranged marriages go quite so well at the beginning and the first meetings are rocky at best but this... She's something special! Truly she is. And he hopes that whatever force that may one day demand her return is kind so that he can have her company for as long as possible. Or maybe, if the promise of return is there he could go with to make sure she comes back. And not just her. Laslow too, of course. And the others. Nohr will need all of them even in times of peace. They should all stay and live in the world the home they made better.

But perhaps such thoughts are a little over hasty. They've only just met, after all. Although, he is a firm believer that some plans are flawless from thought to execution. Maybe his retainer was right on the nose with this one and it would not be so egregious to think so far into the future.]

Nothing would make me happier than to carve a future with you that does not consist of war and great trials. And from the brief description of what you've been through that is something you very much deserve. I can only hope to give you such a place.

Perhaps if you behave, yes. Then again, I may have to keep a few to myself in the future.

So you can use them against me, if we ever happen to fight? Cruel.

Do you anticipate lots of fighting? [ Because that's the first ingredient in most Tevinter marriages. ]

I didn't plan on it. [ He shrugs. ] Unless you're into that sort of thing. [ gross. ]

Not particularly. However, I've heard that make up sex is entirely worth it in the end. [ Ya feel, Rowan? ]

[ Oh shit. ] Tempting, though I may have to pass. We could just skip right to the sex and forget the fighting.

Quite the negotiator, skipping right to the delightful bits. Do Fereldens have no sense of foreplay?

[Hearing the change of mind brightened Lucina's expression. Though, she was trying to contain her excitement over being able to win them over.]

That's great to hear, thank you for considering the positions more. I'd like to keep the two of you close so I can ensure fair treatment from the rest of the court until they are use to your presence. So, Pai, I'd like you to be a personal maid then and Hei what is it that you would like?

[She smiled happily at his words, feeling deeply touched by them. Placing a hand over her chest, she gave him a sincere look.]

Thank you, Prince Xander. Shall we all take a break before discussing matters further?

[There was a definite yes between the two of them but the rest of the details were out of her hands, for it was between him and her father to figure out. She had no say in what should be given, only opinions to give. Plus a clear head would help matters along faster so they could hammer out details that needed to be attended to. The faster that was...well she was being selfish, she wanted to spend some time with him to get to know him better. That, and she was wanting to spar with him among many other things she wanted to do with him.]

Considering what you mentioned before about possibly being thrust into battle, I would like to be your guard.

[If he was going to be thrown into a battle in the future, he might as well have a position that kept him ready.]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

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Arranged Marriage.

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