Goods, chattels and cash, that a bride 'Came with'. What if this practice applied to Both partners to a marriage. (reading fun A Civil Campaign scene). -- KnitNan
The bride's family pays the groom's family to take her? That seems wrong. -- a slice of wisdom from ancient times.
For centuries, marriage was a fiduciary transaction. One half of the proposed relationship had a minimal say in the proceedings. One family was purchasing use of the uterus, and the other side was attempting to sell the rest of the person. Of the two parts of the deal, the latter portion involved the greatest transaction.
Then, one couple decided to hell with all of that.
As far as the young couple were concerned, they got along well. They were permitted to listen to the negotiations and even -gasp!- hold hands during the proceedings. The young Duke frowned at his parents and considered the Vicerene to be his partner for the rest of their days. Injustice fought with his instructions to keep his mouth shut, and eventually won.
"How about we both take what value we're worth and start a new realm?" he said. "My land inheritance comes to mind, and all the vassals therein. I'm the fourth son. You can stop pretending I'll inherit your crown, father."
The Grand Duke was effectively trapped. The lands mentioned in the negotiations were largely forests, usually used for lumber or, if it was summer, hunting. Anyone who lived there didn't usually wish to be involved with anyone else. He could not mention that. "It will be difficult," he allowed. "The dowry won't pay for much."
"That's all right," cooed the Duke Theodad Paramar. "We can talk about trade negotiations between families old and new after the wedding."
Grand Duke Alexios Paramar frowned at his fourth son in a mixture of appreciation and you dare? He finally smirked and rumbled, "I should have sired you first. A mind like that could rule the world in the right circumstances."
"I find it amenable," allowed the Vicerene Eliadarde Dawlah. "Isn't the aim to build new things?"
Many traditions were formed that day, from both families assisting with building the new home, to paying fair prices for whatever it made. Those living in the new Duchy of Teomar decided to take up the precedent.
It was no longer about who had what to trade, but rather how each prospective partner could bring something to help build new things together.
Much fairer than the prior arrangement, all things considered.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / picdif]
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