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?
no subject
Xander would be right there glaring with Lucina but he needs to be courteous and gracious to his hosts, King Chrom and his queen. Subtle bows and quick pleasantries about the kingdom and the journey. The usual introductions.
But now that he's seated there needs to be some proper discussion and the air needs to be cleared as he's probably the only one here who has no idea what's going on. He may not be able to offer his own icy stare at his retainer but Laslow will definitely have a lecture or two once they're on their own.]
As said, I am happy to be here but I must beg your pardon as I think some information has been lost in translation, so to speak. When my retainer mentioned all this he said that it would be princess Lucina but the lady I have met claims not to be her. [It's all quite confusing. A Lucina but not the Lucina.] Marriages are arranged to benefit the kingdoms. Ylisse clearly could offer a great deal to my kingdom that struggles due to the weather and the constant winter like season. And surely Nohr can offer your kingdom a great deal as well. Military prowess and weaponry. But these negotiations only work when royals wed. If this is not the Princess Lucina then Nohr gains nothing from this arrangement and that would be a disservice to my people. My marriage must be to help my kingdom, that is imperative.
[Hoshido is right across the way and a far more realistic prospect. Though it would put a great deal of burden on their kingdom to make enough crops for two kingdoms it's the more reasonable solution. He's only here because Laslow insisted this would work but there are clearly some details that have been left unspoken of.
He is not so lucky to have someone arrange his marriage for him. His father is gone as are many advisors and his dear mother. He has to make good choices not for himself but for the kingdom, harsh as that may sound to a potential future bride it is the realistic path and the one he's been raised to follow. You do things for the kingdom, not for you. Now that the kingdom is in his hands he must follow that creed all the more. Everyone is counting on him to find a good match that will benefit those that need it the most.]
no subject
The information that I'm about to say, please keep at this table...While I am Royalty from Ylisse, it is not of this Ylisse but of a time in the future where the Fell Dragon Grima destroyed everything. We were blessed by Naga and sent to the past to save this world and went back to a time where we could intervene and steer a new future and be able to defeat him...We have not been called by Naga to go back yet. Father has graciously let me stay here but I should have no right to this kingdom and everything should belong to the aforementioned Princess Lucina. I have mentioned before that I don't want to take anything that belongs to little Luci.
[He was trying to give her a birthright she had no right to by the looks of it. Marrying their kingdoms would look good and Prince Xander seemed like he had his heart in the right place. He would do anything for his kingdom as would she, if Chrom wanted it them she would consider it, but she didn't feel like she had the rights to it.]
no subject
But one day you will have to go back, yes? You and Laslow and the other retainers that serve my siblings that came with him that day? Or do you have a say? [He gives a slight shake of the head, this is complicated but...] If you don't have a say then do you return to your time where everything is destroyed? You too Laslow? That's certainly no life... I suspect that if I were you two I would try and make the moments where I am count the most. But if you do have a say then perhaps instead of thinking of yourself as someone who is taking away from your other you could think of her as a sister. The Lucina of this world will be the crowned princess but you are still you. Being here doesn't change that. You could be considered just another princess of Ylisse. My siblings will be married off some day and that will insure alliances with other kingdoms. With your existence, though it may not technically belong here, can still be an asset to the kingdom. Where Ylisse only had one princess it now has two. One that will grow up and be the Queen and yourself, who certainly cannot stay in this kingdom forever but there is no need to returned to a ruined kingdom not when Nohr and Ylisse could help each other a great deal.
I have told Laslow that I do not mind if he has to someday leave unexpectedly... I would of course be quite sad. He's very loyal and kind. Quite troublesome but of good heart, I think. My only condition is that wherever he goes he continues to draw breath. But if this place you both intend to return to is a place of ruin then I am afraid that won't do. I would have him stay in Nohr. And I would insist that you consider this arrangement. There are more options than returning to a destroyed kingdom and you cannot stay here as that might be difficult for the princess Lucina of this time. But this arrangement is not taking anything from her. If she's only five I will have hoped to have found a queen and have heirs by the time she's suitable to be considered for marriage. You would still be a princess of Ylisse but also, should you still be willing, a Queen of Nohr.
[He's not sure why he's fighting for this as it's all rather confusing. And he should have probably prepared to leave after hearing her story of strange time travel. But her story seems sad and difficult. All the retainers that came from this unknown land hold a sadness to them. Laslow carries it too. Why linger in it? Is it inevitable that they have to go back? Why return to a kingdom of ashes when you can start new lives. Maybe not the lives you were originally meant to have but better ones. You do not have to be bound by fate and you can carve a different path. That is what Corrin did. Surely it is possible for these children who have already traveled through time to change the destruction of their kingdom. Why not go a little further and find happiness?
It now makes sense why Laslow suggested princess Lucina of Ylisse. It would not only be bringing a friend back home to Nohr but it would be incredibly beneficial. The actual Lucina gets to rule her kingdom but there will still be ties that bind the two kingdoms without taking any crown prince or princess from their kingdom. It does work. Maybe he won't have to lecture his retainer quite so hard. But he is still absolutely getting a lecture.]
no subject
When and for what reason Naga calls on us solely depends on her will. It could be either to be as a soldier for a war that needs won or it could be to place us back in the time we came from. With that knowledge in mind though you still want to take me by your side...
[A smile that toyed on the edge of rueful crossed her lips before it seemed more genuine as she gazed up at Xander.]
I believe I'd be a fool to turn you down, especially with how well I heard your kingdom was treating my valued companions from Inigo-
[It was her turn to flinch, a confused look flashed before an embarrassed one replaced it.]
-Ah, I mean Laslow. Regardless, I would like to continue getting to know you better.
no subject
Yes... I would. Though I would sincerely hope that you and the others are never called away. But if you are I know that you have Laslow and Odin, those that have bled for my family and I know you'd be safe not only because you are all friends and know each other but because you would also be a part of the Nohrian family that they have sworn to protect. And I would ask, that like Laslow, wherever you go you stay safe. That would be my greatest wish.
[Nohr has lived without Queens for many years. Their stays are short but they are always beloved by the people. If that is Lucina's fate in Nohr as well then so be it. At least she will go somewhere where there are good people protecting her. And maybe, if they're lucky, her and Laslow (Or Inigo as he finally has learned!) will return someday.
But it seems that his lengthy words have hit the mark. Not only has he gotten a smile out of this princess but he's also earned her consideration. And that's quite the relief. To this day he still gets nervous about speeches and this is a very strenuous situation but it turned out better than expected especially given the circumstances. He can't help but but a hand to his chest, offering a faint sigh of relief. He's quite glad.]
I would like that as well. Perhaps you will be more willing to tell me the tales that my retainer keeps a tight lid on. I at least have his real name now. [And Laslow's exasperated expression is certainly worth it. But at this point it seems silly to keep secrets, hopefully it will no longer be necessary.]
no subject
I would do my best to keep safe as well as keep those around me the same, Falchion is far from a decoration at my side. As for tales, I'm unsure of which you'd like to hear. There are many from the future as well as from this time that I don't mind sharing. Though I'm unsure of why there was a leave of absence of my companions, their reasons for leaving as well as where they have gone to, which includes Laslow here.
[Though she was unsure of the name Odin...she had a feeling it was Owain though, he and Severa seemed to disappear in a hush one night with Inigo. Lucina figured it was something terribly important for them to leave without a word to anyone...Or at least she hoped so. By the looks of it, the task was very important with how highly they were spoken of by Prince Xander.]
no subject
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.
no subject
[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?]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
(I'm not sure if you want to continue but just in case!)
Still. He can't help but feel very pleased with his outcome. Now, he can't bring himself to look at Chrom as of right now. In his experience, which is solely with his own, father's can be quite terrifying. But his eyes do meet Laslow's who looks quite pleased and and just slightly exasperated with the conversation. Which is fair, all his carefully kept secrets are now blown out of the water.]
Of course, Princess Lucina. I feel the progress made already has been undeniably fruitful. And there is no need for it all to be talked through this afternoon. We hope to stay a bit longer that way there is time to sleep on it in case there are any change of hearts or tweaks to the arrangement.
[Allowing her to think on it and not just overwhelm her with flattery is important. He hopes she still feels the same way about the arrangement tonight, tomorrow and a few months from now.
Conversation with King Chrom does come though. There are important matters about what Nohr needs from a friendly and united kingdom. Their crops don't do specifically well because of the dark and frigid tundra. With the combined efforts of both Hoshido and Ylisse Nohr's people will be much better off which means a much happier and healthier kingdom. And what he can give in return are fine weapons and armor and of course the minerals if Ylisse would like to craft their own things.(He has heard the weapons here break quite easily!) There is no shortage of crafting materials in Nohr, it's the one thing that's truly abundant. Such arrangements can be tweaked if necessary down the line but currently it feels right.
All that's truly left is for the princess and the prince to get to know each other a little better. Which can be done easily enough in his few remaining days here. There is a great many things to talk about and discuss so there isn't any fear of running out of subject matter once she comes to Nohr. But getting to know her is a must! That way he knows what to have for her in the castle. Her happiness will quickly become something that is of the utmost importance to him.