At Your Service (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
atyourservices) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
bakerstreet2017-10-20 06:54 pm
atyourservices) wrote in bakerstreet2017-10-20 06:54 pm
Entry tags:
Arranged Marriage.
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?
♥
If you'd really let me see it, I'd like--
(He stops himself mid-sentence, face flushing and the excitement in his face dropping. Ah... tonight, after sunset. His dark power would be the most potent... he knew how to control it, but with his emotions so wild and out of control, so honest and out there, could he be certain that he wouldn't hurt her? Could he be certain that he wouldn't hurt anyone else, or the surrounding fauna? That power was meant to destroy, after all.
He swallowed hard, and rubbed the back of his neck.)
I... mean, if we have time. Right?
(His voice is soft, considerate--)
I'd like to see it, even if it might not be during this visit.
no subject
I'll hold you to it!
[As odd as his answer was, she was more than willing to save it for a another time. Keeping it as a promise as a way to give him a reason in wanting to return for another visit. It wouldn't be a good idea to overwhelm him with too many things all at once. As impatient as she can be about the chance to go on a adventure, she knew the importance of timing.]
I did promise to sing to you. At the very least, I want you to have one good memory to take with you...to help you look forward to your next visit.
[She'll begin to take a few steps toward the far side of the gazebo. Her gaze will turn upwards. A reflective look will begin to cast a shadow onto it before closing them shut, light hum will begin to escape her lips.
It'll take some time until the tune begins to evolve into a chorus of whispers echoing in their surroundings. The louder her melody became, the further the distance between them will become. Their surroundings will begin to change, feeling cooler, as the winds will increase in speed while the rain clouds above them will begin to slowly circle over them, changing shape.
Nike can feel the atmosphere's willingness to follow her orders. A change that will be felt with the decrease in temperature. Light droplets will begin to form. It was enough of a signal that she needed to begin her song as she raises a hand towards the sky, allowing the rain fall to grow stronger, to fill the garden with the much needed water it needed. After a while, she will raise her second hand towards the sky in which it will erupt the clouds above them to move in different directions to clear the sky with the cooperation of the wind. Her song will end with the sun light greeting them with a colorful rainbow forming across one corner of the sky to another.]
no subject
... is it weird that he thinks she's even more beautiful here, showing off how powerful she is? It's probably strange--probably unmanly, or something. But it draws him in despite that. Who cared if it was or not? He knows his family might be taken aback, but he didn't care. Were they really his family once they got married, anyway? If she was still okay with it, anyway.
He closes his eyes as a fresh wave of petrichor washes over him, just listening to her voice. She's soothing the gardens, and cleansing him too. The worry he'd felt about his own powers started to melt away, and when he opens his eyes and sees the rainbow, he smiles bright and wide, like a child on Christmas morning.)
I thought so...
I liked your voice since I heard it. No wonder you've got this kind of power. If I could, I'd do what you said without fail, too.
no subject
[Performing for an audience was one of her favorite moments of her day. To be able to witness the changes in people's expressions after showing them her power, Nike could never get enough of it. She always chased after it -- to impress as many people as she can. The feeling of satisfaction always faded with time, it never remains for very long. And yet, whenever the prince began to compliment her voice, she can't help feel all sorts of feelings: both good and bad. There was always pride, but there was the feeling of self-conscious; before changing to one of feeling thrill, yet nervous; then a warm, fluttering, sense envelops her, it was one she didn't recognize. What was it? That wish in wanting to always have his attention?
It felt like a selfish feeling while all at once a more comforting one.
She knew Riku was powerful in his own right. He was his country's trump card. A very important individual that was going to be used in uniting feuding countries with. The urge in wanting to keep him was very strong. She wanted him to stay just a little longer. There was still so much she wanted to know.
Her hands will find their way over her chest as she decides to return to his side with a soft smile.]
...I'll try harder to. Tonight at the banquet. Even though I told your brother I was going to sing for him, just know it isn't the case. Not by a long shot. Since he... [There will be a slight pause as she wonders over the correct words to use. It was embarrassing to admit, but...] Doesn't give me much in way of inspiration.
[She wouldn't be able to perform to her fullest to someone she didn't feel any interest for. Not even as a friend. He didn't feel as authentic as the mysterious, awkward white hair magic user next to her.]
I just know his reactions won't be as fun as yours', Riku.
no subject
His expression goes from overjoyed to... dimming, his eyes drifting down to the floor. Right, his brother... the rest of his family... he folded his hands in his lap, and then just let his shoulders sag before smiling to her again.)
I'm sure he'll like it.
(Maybe not as much as him, but... his eyes drift away from her again.) ... he doesn't really care about the arts, but I think since it's tied to your powers, he'd be interested. I know he can be pretty intimidating, but--he's not really a bad guy. He's just... got a lot on his shoulders. Being crown prince is probably really stressful for him.
(How did this become 'sorry for my big brother' time? He shakes his head, trying to stray back on topic, and reaches a hand out for her shoulder--but he doesn't touch, unsure if it'd be rude.)
Anyway--it doesn't tire you out, does it? Your singing.
no subject
Hopefully.
[Again, there won't be any indication over which of his responses she was agreeing with. She knew a little about the struggles most first born children had in other countries despite the fact that her country was different in that regard. Along with knowing about the negative effects her song may have on those with pride. Which is a trait most of those in power struggle with. There will be a note about trying to keep her song gentle to not trigger any reactions. After all, Riku clearly loved his family as much as she loved her own. There was remorse in having spoken about his brother the way she did. It wasn't right. She was close in offering an apology until he decided to return to the topic they almost strayed away from.
When he reached for her shoulder, she subconsciously took a step closer to him, gingerly placing her own hand over his to lightly guide it into place on her shoulder. With a weak smile, she'll give him a quickand honest response.]
Only if I sing for over an hour non-stop. As long as I sing briefly, keep myself well fed, and space the amount of times I have to sing in a day, then I'll be okay. Our song can be draining when we're exposed to it for long periods of time. The worse that can happen is losing consciousness between a full day or several.
[Her family's power wasn't a gentle one. It held a double edge effect to the castor due to the among of power needed to control the weather of any given area. There was a lot of concentration and energy involved. Nike wished she could tell Riku more about it, but knew it will be impossible to until they were married. After all, the truth behind the use of their powers has always been a mystery filled with speculation in the royal famil. Only rumors and legends lightly approach the subject.]
How about you? Aren't you a magic user too? This is the first time I'm meeting one outside of my family, so I'm curious to know more about it. About your unique power.
no subject
(Riku hesitated, glancing at his hands before he peered up at her, and he looked embarrassed.)
The prophets of my country call it the power of balance, even if I don't think I agree. I can control darkness and light... usually, whatever time of day it is, it's more powerful.
(He pulls back from her shoulder to turn both of his hands over--a small globe of darkness swirls into his left palm, a globe of light in his right. The dark globe is notably smaller, but it's no less potent: unlike the cold, unfeeling darkness of fairytales and horror stories, a warmth radiates from it. It feels like a misty summer night, crickets in the background and a moon high in the sky. On the opposite end, the light feels almost jarring, overpowering, like staring into the sun for too long.)
If I use one of them for too long, sometimes... it'll take a toll on me. I just have to be careful to keep my emotions in check, or else either one of them could go haywire.
I've--hurt people before, with it, when I was really angry, so I've been trying to learn to control how I feel. It's why I stay inside the castle, so I don't hurt anyone in case I get out of control.
('Keep my emotions in check' and 'control how I feel' are two different trains of thought: Riku speaks as if they're the same, but perhaps now there's little wonder as to why he'd been mostly blank-faced before he'd been spoken to.
And with these new feelings... he's too scared that they might become too powerful and backfire. He hesitates--)
I wouldn't blame you, if you asked to back out now. I think I've got a good control over it, but I don't know.
no subject
[It was the only word Nike could utter after watching his demonstration. There was so little to see while there was a lot to observe. Her expression showed nothing more than awe at his gift of balance, to control the difficult elements of darkness and light, it was beyond her expectations. She was amazed by the powerful ball of light that reminded her so much of the sun in its radiance, no matter if it was much smaller in comparison to the more powerful beam of light. It made her wonder if touching it would harm her.]
...the dark side of your hand feels really inviting. You'd think it's suppose to be the other way of around...
[Then again, the darkness was a world she knew very well, as she was prone to escape to her precious mountains just before the sun sets because she felt the most comfortable watching the sun dive beyond the ocean's horizon. The emotions the small, dark orb communicated to her was comforting, almost as it was seducing her senses and allowing her guard to weaken -- just as the malevolent spirits of this world have attempted to. A grim expression will appear as she begins to gain an insight over the reason behind Riku being as overly aware of controlling his emotions. It was more than just him being awkward or overly consious.
The moment he begins to offer her a way out of their relationship, of sorts, she couldn't help feel a sting before it turned to one of sadness as she realizes: he's going to end up alone, isn't he? Biting her bottom lip, she'll begin to shake her head.]
Don't say that! [Reaching out under his hands, she'll offer a light holds by using her fingers.] Every spell caster knows there's always a dangerous side to any power, no matter how light or gentle they may seem to be. It's an understanding we all share!
[Everyone wasn't born with absolute control of a skill. Practice and experience are the needed ingredients to learn about the best way to keep a certain ability or habit under control. Nike didn't want to simply abandon Riku when he clearly needs help in mastering his powers without having to isolate himself. She was determine to remain by his side!]
No matter how long it takes, I'm going to stay with you until you feel confident enough to go out without the fear of losing control. You shouldn't allow your powers to take command of your life! Our training in learning to summon the rain is all about learning to work alongside our powers as thought it's an extension of ourselves while learning to keep it under control. Maybe it can be useful in improving your own control!
[The thought of training with him sounded like the perfect excuse for them to remain together. For one of them to leave their home for the other. Any nation would be thrill at the prospect of having two mages continue to study and improve their abilities. It'll be a perfect opportunity for them to grow as magic users.]
no subject
(He was sheepish in admitting it--his continued avoidance of the sun was obviously the cause of his pale complexion. Her insistence, however--and her touch--cause him to flinch slightly, surprised by how impassioned she was.)
Uh--I mean, I know that it's...
(His voice dies easily as she continues, and he flusters, face quickly turning red and eyes a little guilty.)
Hold... hold on, isn't that my line? I'm pretty well-known as a magic tutor because I can handle my own powers pretty well--I mean, no one ever comes at night, so they're never in any danger--so isn't it a little weird if I'm the one getting tutored? (He lets out a little huff, and makes a quick snapping gesture with his fingers into his palm, extinguishing both globes and letting them dissipate, so he can hesitantly take her hands. He's warm--mostly. His fingertips are cold, the onset of anxiety taking hold at the thought of hurting her.) It's not really my choice, you know... staying in. I think it's a good one--I don't wanna hurt anyone, but my parents came up with the idea, so I can't just stop.
(... he quickly remembers how she was talking about his brother and amends, swiping his thumb across the back of her hand;) I think... I'd like to try it out, though. Your powers being an extension of yourself... it's no wonder you're so strong.
no subject
[While the glaring white orb of light was difficult to look at; she may have just gotten another peek about him through his magic. A proud smile will be formed at the thought. The little he had shown was absolutely wonderful. She felt very please while excited at the prospect of the type of magic was available outside her own kingdom. Her small island rarely received visitors from other places due to the order of keeping their borders close -- neither accepting those wishing to visit the island or allowing anyone from the island out. The royal family made absolute certain to hide their island from others while summoning storms to repel them away. It was always a sad sight to witness or overhear.
His reaction to her suggestions and touch will be enough for her attention to be regained. It was a little entertaining to watch him struggle. She couldn't help notice none of her words were getting a rise out of him. He wasn't rejecting or denying her which will have her feeling silent. It was obvious that he didn't understand the reason she over-reacted in the first place, but right now this really wasn't about her or them instead it was about him. She didn't approve or like the idea of him having to be trapped anywhere with almost no contact with other people. How could she simply leave him alone after knowing all of this? Just the thought of him keeping such minimum with other people was a waste.]
I don't think it's weird. How does anyone become a tutor in the first place? You weren't born one, were you? Someone had to have guided you in some way before you became capable enough to be able to do it too. So, really, it isn't so far fetched for a tutor -- or anyone, for that matter -- to gain additional training to improve their art! [The light brush of his finger tips on her hands was a bit of a distraction. She couldn't help allow her attention become transfixed to it. Then again, she couldn't help herself to concentrate on his touch when she was feeling nervous again.] ...and besides, it's always more fun to learn magic with someone else and...have lessons outside once in a while...maybe even sneak in a date before you have to go back to work...
[The final part had to be said under her breath or else it'd be too embarrassing to admit she had ulterior motives. No, she definitely had them! It was clear in her flushing face that was currently showing him. With a small shake of her head, she'll simply add.]
...I wouldn't really say that, but we believe all magical abilities should be treated as a piece of ourselves than just being a nifty trick we picked up. It helps in keeping ourselves in check and all. I'm sure you'll pick it up quickly though. You're...pretty amazing too. [All said with an actual proud smile appearing on her lips as she can't help admire his attempt to keep his feelings and emotions in check, even when she's literally strong-arming him to do what she wants.]
I come bearing new icons!
His eyes widen before he looks back down at his hands and thinks, pursing his lips. It doesn't look like he can actually disagree or even try to form an argument--he had to learn how to teach others, as he went at it. It made sense. Though as she mentions a date, his face flushes, and he clears his throat a little, shuffling his feet.)
You're too nice to me. (He chuckles, feeling his lips turn up into a smile even when he wants to be serious.)
Thanks, for putting some sense back into me. You're right--I'd need to learn how to step my game up, wouldn't I...?
(He lifts one of her hands to his lips, giving the back of her hand a chaste kiss, like a knight to a princess.)
I'll see what I can do about that. I don't think my parents would be against it.
they came out really nice!!
Ah, it's fine. I just didn't want you to feel awkward or anything about the whole thing. It really didn't have anything to do with bein--
[Just as she was going to admit in being over-opinionated, all of her thoughts escape out of her mind when she feels something warm and soft lightly embrace her hand. It'll take a few moments until her mind could process the whole situation.
Riku + lips + hands = kiss? Or Riku (kiss) + hand = doki doki? Maybe it's Riku (kiss + hand) = affection points? One of these should be the correct formula that was running through her mind, no matter how very advance it could be.
All of the heat will rush to her head, almost making it seem like she was going to release steam by just how bright her face was glowing. She really wanted to hide from him. Just nose dive into his chest and pretend she was suffering from heat stroke or something. But instead she decided to face him directly because her mind was far too preoccupied by his reaction and response to do much.
It was only a kiss on the hand and promise of a date! No big deal. All very normal behavior, even if her heart was being very receptive to it.]
...it's a very normal thing to do! Um, for couples to be together and doing all kinds of stuff to support each other...
[Was she still on the topic over the whole tutoring thing or date? Hard to tell when she is slowly beginning to calm down. Her attention will fall to her hand after a bit. A smile slowly growing, her grip on his hand growing firmer, she'll begin to pull him over to the nearest stone bench inside the gazebo, to have him sit next to her while holding hands under the slowly fading rainbow sky, the rain clouds were slowly returning into place. Her head will fall into place over his shoulder, with a thoughtful look passing by her gaze.]
You're the kinder one out of the both of us, just so you know.
Thank you!
Was that too forward? He thought that was generally okay, but he shoots her a worried glance at seeing just how red she is. Eventually, though, his worry turns into a little smile that grows, and he brings a bent knuckle to his lips to try and hide his grin before he chuckles.
Wait, is she reacting to him? Was all that fuss because he kissed her hand, really? It was...)
... cute.
(Oh, whoops. He said that out loud, huh? He clears his throat, letting her drag him along. He settles into his seat, letting her lean against him and perching his head on hers. This feels... comfortable. Comfortable in a way he's never experienced. To think that he never would've felt this kind of ease if they'd never met...)
Hm? Where'd that come from? I don't think I can agree...
<3
...really?
[It was difficult to accept the compliment, but for now she'll roll with it. Just figure out what exactly he found cute, in order to do it again until she had enough confidence to show him other reactions. But, for now, she won't worry much about it. Not when she felt comfortable leaning over his shoulder with her attention at the sky above them, a past time she always felt the most at peace in doing, but unlike the previous times whenever she was sky watch, it felt even better having someone so close to lean on and share it with. She never once thought having anyone's head over hers' would be so soothing.
His response, however, will pull her back to their reality, wondering about it.]
...you are! This just may be the first time I didn't receive a negative reaction from my meddling. [Wrapping an arm around his, to keep him from running off or losing himself into his memories, she'll look down on his hand, wondering if she should reach out for it or not.] Why do you think otherwise? It doesn't have to do with your powers or...?
no subject
(... well, it kind of was, but he didn't want to bother her with that. Of course people shied away from him and his abilities. Darkness and light were most definitely two of the hardest elements to master, and Riku had a decent mastery over both now. Sure, he'd been locked away in the palace for years and barely had any contact with others just to make sure his control over them was decent... but his isolation didn't help rumors. It just exacerbated them.
Riku lets out a little hum before he continues, turning his head so he's more speaking into her hair than the air. It's muffled, but he clearly doesn't want to talk about it.)
Some people said I'm intimidating... not just because of my powers, but because I'm serious, I guess...? When I spar, I take things really seriously. Maybe I'm really strict when I teach other people. And since I've stayed in most of the time, some people even think I'm hiding something and plotting.
(He cracks a sardonic smile, huffing out a breath of irritation.)
Doesn't help that my brother likes pretending like the world is his chessboard.
no subject
Geez! Whoever thinks you're threatening for those reasons, they must be pretty thin-skinned. And if they're guys, they deserve a good beat down...
[Growing up with a grandmother that was not only strict, held an honest and harsh tongue, all of the children had to be forced to grow thick skins while inheriting the blunt attitudes that came along with it. The idea of those believing Riku was up to no good due to living a secluded lifetime as a way to dedicate his life in mastering his powers left a bad taste in her mouth; especially when she had done the very same thing -- sacrifice her childhood to obtain power and the skills that were needed to keep it under control. Just the thought had her form a thin line on her lips, while reaching for his hand, lightly brushing his skin with the tip of her fingers.]
I want to watch you spar with someone. Just to see the type of warrior you are. I bet you look cooler than scary.
[The mention of his brother will leave her feeling silent. It was clear he wasn't speaking well about him, but understood he respected him as well. She didn't want to speak out of line about him again. Instead, she'll wonder...]
It isn't hard to imagine. Does that mean you work with him a lot?
no subject
... I'm not that impressive. I hope I look cool, though... not scary.
(Hm. His eyes close as he thinks of how to word it.)
My brother doesn't have any powers of his own... so he has to use me. Since magic is more and more common now, I've had to watch his strategy more.
I was honestly kind of expecting, after all that's happened between our kingdoms... that you'd just hate me from the beginning. It's not like his tactics were nice. But I guess no war is nice. It just felt... underhanded.
You do what you have to, to win...? Maybe.
(Really, 'respect' is kind of a strong word. It's clear Riku doesn't agree with his brother's methods, but what can he do? He might have magic, but he has no power of his own--he's the youngest brother, after all... and he has to admit that maybe, just maybe, he's the thin-skinned one, for wanting more peace than is probably possible.)
You should probably just ignore me. I end up talking to myself when it comes to stuff like this.
no subject
[If anything else, she could imagine him to be a sight to behold during a fight. He already had a refinement to his behavior, no matter how awkward he could be about expressing himself. It was a detail she'll never forget about him; one which she only learned after getting the chance to speak with him once they were alone.
His expressions spoke volumes as much as his speech did. Almost everything about him gave her an additional detail to learn from. The feeling of the movement of his hand and fingers will regain her attention. All she'll do is continue to play with his fingers a little longer before being enveloped by them. An amused smile will pop up as she can't help wonder if their fingers were now sharing an embrace. It took a great amount of her willpower to keep her from wanting to laugh, not while Riku was explaining it all.]
Honestly, having to hate you, for no reason other than you having been part of the feuding, neighboring country sounds like too much work. The only way I could really resent you is if you only decided to marry me because you wanted see the rain than wanting peace.
[No matter if Riku's brother did plan out many underhanded ploys to weaken their forces, he didn't exactly kill any of her relatives nor did he harm any of the citizens of the nation. As far as she knows, at the very least. Nike wasn't in the front lines of the war. She was kept out of it, even if her younger self had wanted to join the fight, but after learning more about her powers and family legacy, is when she changed her mind about the whole ordeal.]
Besides, I'm tired of all the fighting. If this is the only way to end it all, then it's fine. I was gonna be used one way or another. I had no interest on becoming queen or anything like that. I'm just glad on getting the chance of being useful...