puerirarche 58 Share Posted July 31, 2021 - A Mali’thill’s Guide to Courtship - penned by puerir’arche Spoiler “The traditional Haelun’orian method of courtship is scholarly, anti-degenerate and proper.” Such is the way things ought to be, my dear lliran - yet, in recent times, it seems few of the coming-of-age oem’iian are aware of this traditional procedure. In hopes to absolve us of this detriment, I have taken the time to write out the Guide to Courtship which you now read. In this missive, I shall lay out a step-by-step process which all Mali’thill bachelors and bachelorettes might use to fulfil their duty of courtship, marriage, and reproduction - to continue on our Silver Blood to the next generation of pure Mali’thill. I should hope that it is both comprehensive and utile in nature, providing all the answers one might seek. Read on, my Mali’thill lliran, and learn the secrets of the Traditional High Elven Courtship Procedure. Spoiler [https://mandhos.tumblr.com/post/614214862822948864/a-picture-book-about-earendil-and-elwingi-made-it] Chapter I - Selecting a Candidate for Courtship The criteria for a suitable Courtship Candidate are as follows: --- I - Candidates must be pure Mali’thill, physically and mentally. II - Candidates must be of the opposite sex in order to reproduce properly. III - Candidates must be over the age of 50, and under the age of 500, with both partners ideally as similar in age as possible to maximise the time in which both will be fertile. IV - Candidates must be able to conceive, or alternatively one is permitted to marry in order to raise an orphan child through guardianship, ensuring the ideal nuclear family model is still met. V - Candidates may either be selected by the individual themselves, should they find a partner that matches their own wit and ideals - the ideal individual to raise children with and to support them in their scholarly endeavours - or a courtship to be arranged by the pairs’ respective guardians, who will have evaluated the two to be an ideal match. It is theorised also by one fine Mali’thill in their recent missive that government-arranged marriages may also come to pass - this is an idea which I stand by in full support, and I truly do look forwards to seeing the fruits beared by perhaps a trial of this concept. VI - Candidates must, obviously, reside within Elcihi: refer to point I. Spoiler [https://felixwhetsel.tumblr.com/post/618457378502934529/just-an-excuse-to-draw-finrod-with-an-absurdly] Chapter II - The First Stage of Courtship To avoid any public disturbance in the rare case of an ill-matched pair, the First Stage of Courtship is to be undertaken in a discreet manner. The individual, male or female, who wishes to initiate the courtship will begin by sending anonymous notes, expressing their interest in a courtship and inquiring as to their chosen candidate's current status. Often, these notes are in the form of things such as poems - catching the attention of the candidate by displaying the individual’s intelligence and wit. Whilst praising the beauty of physical purity that their chosen candidate holds is certainly not discouraged, it is also encouraged to give great focus to explaining why the partnership would be productive and beneficial in logical analysis of other merits. If the candidate is not currently fit for courtship - either already engaged, infertile, or perhaps terribly stricken with duties (though courtship should still be pursued when hard at work; it is the duty of our people to continue the legacy of Larihei by producing a next generation) - then the courtship shall end here, a mutual agreement of an end to the possible pairing; another candidate must be chosen instead. If the candidate is indeed interested in courtship, the instigator of such will soon find out through word of mouth or letter in reply. After some small communication, the instigator is to reveal their identity to the chosen candidate. The pair is to meet, to discuss the direction of their courtship, and either agree or disagree to it. At this meeting, the two are likely to bring things such as self-made gifts, family records, and prior works in order to convince the other that they are a suitable match. This is the last true stage wherein a break of courtship would be made, unless something of great misfortune happens prior to the wedding. Once the two have met and confirmed they wish to pursue the courtship further, the pair are officially to be viewed as a courting couple, announcing this to the rest of Elcihi. Spoiler [https://felixwhetsel.tumblr.com/post/186317588395/today-is-day-one-of-arafinw%C3%ABan-week-finarfin] Chapter III - The Second Stage of Courtship In this stage, the pair should socialise and meet often, though of course no physical fraternisation is to be had. They are instead to dedicate works of art, science or literature to each other, a statement of their loyalty and dedication to the partnership, and proving that their bond enhances their productivity and direction towards the maehr’sae hiylun’ehya rather than being a simple thing of lust. Unless something truly goes awry in a terrible manner - illness or unforeseen troubles - the couple is expected to swiftly begin arranging a date for their marriage, an official proposal made by either partner not long after their courtship is publicly announced. This often includes a gift, not necessarily a Valah-styled ring, but something to signify the engagement. After only a few elven weeks of planning and organising, invitations will be sent to the blessed Citizenry, calling for their lliran to attend the ceremony within the Eternal Library upon the chosen date. Spoiler [https://felixwhetsel.tumblr.com/post/186054855925/finarfin-and-e%C3%A4rwen] Chapter IV - The Marriage Ceremony The procedure for a Mali’thill marriage is as follows: --- I - Firstly, before the ceremony, a Speaker is chosen. This will likely be a parent/guardian of one member of the couple, or a respected figure and friend within Elcihi such as an Okarir. They are to write a speech that shall praise the purity and merit of each member of the couple, and the couple together. II - As the ceremony begins, the two Mali’thill stand on a raised platform within the Library upon either side of the speaker, facing each other. The speaker stands in the centre, just behind, facing the gathered audience. Close friends, family, and well-respected guests of the pair are to sit at the front upon each side of the aisle, with the rest of the Silver Citizenry seated behind or standing at sides of the hall. III - The Speaker will hush the gathered crowd, welcoming them to the ceremony - announcing the current calendar date, and the full names of the pair. They will speak of each in turn, praising their purity and merit individually, before speaking of their compatibility as a couple. IV - Then, the Speaker shall remain silent for a few moments. This silence is not to be addressed by the Speaker or any in the room, however should any object to the marriage, this is their time to speak up. An objection very rarely happens, and it would be considered incredibly rude to speak up at this time. V - Finally, the Speaker shall announce the two as a married couple, stating the Talonnii name the two will take, and repeating the phrase of ‘maehr’sae hiylun’ehya’, and often encouraging them to ‘Go forth, and produce crotchfruit’ - a phrase used to hope for the fertility of the couple and that they might bring forth new Mali’thill oem’iian in soon time. Those gathered are to repeat the blessing of ‘maehr’sae hiylun’ehya’, as is only polite and proper - the official ceremony then concluded. VI - In terms of the taking of Talonnii Name, the individual with the more esteemed family shall grant their Talonnii Name to their partner. This is something that often comes under great discussion by the two families, debated upon at length prior to the ceremony, especially in the case of two very esteemed families. On some occasions, when no answer can be reached, a hyphenated name will be kept - usually only temporarily, as one will be dropped in time when a consensus is reached by the families. VII - After this, gifts shall be presented to both the Couple in congratulations of their marriage, and to the Speaker, thanking them for their wonderful speech. The gathering would often then move to the Silver Tavern or similar such location for fine conversation and celebration. Spoiler [https://silmaspens.tumblr.com/post/186440279340/finduilas-orodreth-for-arafinweanweek] Chapter V - Expectations of Marriage When married, couples hold a great duty to both each other and the Silver State. --- I - Married couples are expected to produce offspring as soon as they might: it is their duty. II - Contraception is, of course, prohibited - it holds no purpose or place, for the only draw towards physical fraternisation ought to be conception, never the lesser urges of lust. III - Infidelity is, of course, prohibited - as before, it holds no place. Even with conception, such a thing is disgraceful. To be disloyal towards your partner is not only an insult to them and yourself, holding no self-control, yet also damages the ideal nuclear family dynamic wherein children can be properly raised by two capable individuals. IV - This success of nuclear child-rearing is why such things as ‘polygamy’ are illegal: even though more children might be produced, the circumstances of their birth and upbringing hold ill effects upon their development. The other reason for this, of course, is the preservation of the Bloodline Archives - we wish for no confusion in tracing back heritage. After all, the Mali’thill seek not to become like Valah royal families of old, and therefore must be quite careful in record-keeping. V - Whilst married, the couple are still expected to dedicate certain scholarly pursuits to each other in continued show of their loyalty - whilst public displays of affection are to be frowned upon as quite improper and degenerate, dedicated acts of scholarship serve to assure the public that all is well with the couple, and that crotchfruit are to be had. Or, if children have already been born, these things show that they are being properly raised with the scholarly pursuits of parents setting a good example to their children. VI - When possible, couples are expected to attend events together, and act in suitable manner - speaking highly of their spouse, discussing the fruitfulness of their marriage and how positive an impact it has made. This sets a good example for the Mali’thill youth in how to act respectfully and properly towards both their fellow ‘thill, and towards their future partners. Mali’thill married couples should always seek to act as beacons of light for their fellow Citizenry and their offspring, setting an example of what all should aspire to. VII - Both parents, not simply one, are expected to be devoted to their children, teaching them, protecting them, and raising them with the correct principles of the maehr’sae hiylun’ehya. When a child is born, parents are expected to divert a great deal of their focus towards the upbringing of the oem’ii. It is through this that the next generation of pure Mali’thill might be raised, to continue our work and legacy, to push towards the completion of the maehr’sae hiylun’ehya and the wellbeing of our blessed people. Spoiler [https://silmaspens.tumblr.com/post/181437515240/celegorm-is-given-huan] Ahernan for reading, my dear Mali’thill kin - I sincerely hope that this was an educational experience. I would encourage any courting Mali’thill to refer back to this document frequently, ensuring that they comply with the proper, traditional methods of courtship. If any questions are to be had, I wholly encourage my good lliran to send a letter with their points of confusion, and I would be more than glad to give explanation to such. Learn well, good reader, from this impromptu ‘Imperative of Reproduction’, as one supposes it is. And if it is so, lliran, then let us conclude this as tradition dictates. I do beseech you, my fellow Mali'thill; Go forth, and produce crotchfruit ! --- -= maehr’sae hiylun’ehya =- 16 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johann 1418 Share Posted July 31, 2021 An estranged Uradir reminisces writing a thesis in the name of his first true beloved. He sheds a single, poignant tear. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoanOfArc 4586 Share Posted July 31, 2021 Spoiler This is such a wonderful piece! Thank you for giving it a write! You are the best! 47 minutes ago, puerirarche said: It is theorised also by one fine Mali’thill in their recent missive that government-arranged marriages may also come to pass - this is an idea which I stand by in full support, and I truly do look forwards to seeing the fruits beared by perhaps a trial of this concept. Niënor Nullivari, who considered herself in all ways a follower of the esteemed Puerir’arche, felt honored by an official response and agreement by the author! Niënor sent probably a thousand letters of thanks to Puerir'arche and hoped one day that they perhaps may be able to author a piece together! "Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya, o Noble One!" the Nullivari ended off her thousand thank-you letters off with. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmerclown 3911 Share Posted July 31, 2021 A certain young Wynasul’s visage burns nearly as red as the hair that dons her head in a somewhat flustered manner upon scanning the idea of an arranged marriage and she quickly focuses back onto her work and fiddling with a needle and thread. “Government marriages? How… awkward…” Sabine flashed the missive over to a certain ‘roommate’ of hers and offered a amused grin. “Where is my anonymous poems? Eh? The pomp and romance! Didn’t your hear it’s clearly a necessity.” She spoke in a clearly sarcastic manner in the privacy of their home. @Johann 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiredom 1554 Share Posted July 31, 2021 "Government arranged marriages?" Peralien says, looking at the missive. "This will either be a excellent idea, or end up in several mis-matched couples stuck with people they never truly loved." 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chezel_ 264 Share Posted July 31, 2021 "And it gets worse." A certain mali' sighs after catching wind of the missive, waving off the person who had told her of such. "I do ne wish to hear more, I'm already sick to my stomach." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulan 443 Share Posted July 31, 2021 "What are they even doing over there?" A Mali'ker laughed at the prospect of their own undermining, stripping their people of real love. "Such a shame that you do not have the freedom of choice." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amyy 916 Share Posted August 1, 2021 Ro’ya Nullivari snorted a laugh as she read the missive, remembering her own husbands courtship techniques those many years ago. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ontheoldplateau 5 Share Posted August 2, 2021 Reading over the paper, the young woman would tense up, trying to keep a steady poker face as she continued on, stopping several times to reflect on the thought of a government-mandated marriage, "how degenerative of them, if you're going to force us into reproducing as often as we can, at least let us choose who we shall do it with...it's an awful idea really." Reyphine would clasp her hands together, standing awkwardly with her brow slightly furrowed, "I'd rather us simply die out if that happens...perhaps I'm being too overdramatic." She'd add, mumbling it under her breath, only allowing the last part to be heard, before taking her leave, visibly distressed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesmellypocket 1841 Share Posted August 2, 2021 (edited) "I have to write some kind of big-brained mathematical sum or logical syllogism in order to court a lady? I'll stick to courtly love, thanks." Says an old-fashioned Heartlander. He adds: "There is some virtue in these Elves, however." Edited August 2, 2021 by thesmellypocket 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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