arranged marriages

[funandcutememes]

Arranged Marriage To have and to hold, you said, till death do us part, all while the sharp, swinging pendulum of obligation hung overhead. But how could you have truly meant those words? This union has been tainted from the start, forever bearing the chains of an arranged marriage. It would be understandable if you couldn't bear to look at your new life partner, eternal reminder of your stolen future that they are, much less like them. Much less love them... Still, things can change. You could realize that they are in the same boat as you or, that when compared to others around you, they are the lesser of evils. Perhaps you even open up to the idea of a friendship; at the very least, an alliance may be in order to become a power couple in a perilous world. From that innocent decision or sense of self-preservation, a new feelings sparks. Something like affection. Something, you realize in the wake of speeding heartbeats, like love. Will you acknowledge this? Can the two of you have a happily ever after - happier than if you'd met in another fashion - or will you hold firm in your distaste? how to play. - Everybody loves "couples forged by less-than-ideal circumstances" tropes! - Comment with your character, prefs, all that good stuff. - Reply to others. - IDEC where you set your threads, it's wide open. Fantasy world with hairy hobbits, old-timey lands, future AUs, do a space marriage for all I care. I'm sure they're still getting married in Star Wars or whatever. 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?

Comments

[allbedestroyed]

How did he go from chasing this woman he never wanted to meet, to following her to her boat so she can take him to his own home? Because he is following her. If his family found out that they'd met and then parted ways only to end up in the same area, they'd never accept it. She undoubtedly doesn't need the protection, but he has to be seen to make an effort.

Since he's resigned to this very odd turn of events, he might as well ask the obvious question. Otherwise it will nag at him the entire way. "Where else have you been?"

[delilah_dirk]

She is, in her way, chaos incarnate. Events swirl around her, while she just carries on. Usually in a very determined direction.

"Oh, bit of everywhere," she says, airily. "As far east as Central Asia, all through the Middle East. Of course, my main stomping grounds have been the full circle of the Mediterranean, but I've been out across the Atlantic, too. I've learned from lamas in Tibet and the native peoples of both American continents."

[allbedestroyed]

That is incredibly well travelled. Probably more well travelled than him, which is no small feat. Talking to her is as dangerous as being around her, it seems, as his mind races to fathom what she describes.

"How did you end up travelling half the world? Is it... work that brings you to these places?"

[delilah_dirk]

She shakes her head.

"I'm an Adventuress," she replies, as if that explains everything. Sort of a job. Not really a job.

More a vocation, really.

"I get about everywhere."