Quolo's Guide to Worldwide Romance Tradition / Ritual in The Mother's Garden | World Anvil
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Quolo's Guide to Worldwide Romance

I want to woo the person of my dreams. In your world, how do I go about this?     You hold in your hands a pamphlet of several folded pages, stapled down the center. The cover sheet reads "Quolo's Guide to Worldwide Romance: A Treatise on the Many Customs of Love." With a flutter of your heart, you turn to the first page.   Ah, to be young! To be in love! To be horribly confused and afraid because you aren't sure where to begin to capture your beloved's heart! You dream about them day and night, your heart trembles when they enter the room! But how to make sure that you two end up together forever, you ask?   That, dear reader, is where I come in. I have traveled the world seeking the Song and have heard many a love story in every land. I am the foremost authority on the art of romance and I have a foolproof method for every nation! Simply find the section which applies to you below and go impress your glorious muse!  

I am a Cat.

Before beginning formal courtship, you should start by confessing your feelings. It can be quite frightening for a cat, but that's part of what makes the gesture so romantic. It is customary to bring a gift for this confession.   Avoid frivolities like jewelry or flowers and any kind of food- it is best to give a useful gift that has been personalized in some way. This shows that you are thoughtful and caring as well as grounded and respectful of their skills. Perhaps for a skilled hunter a spear you have carved the shaft of, or arrows with uniquely dyed fletching. If you've become smitten with a homebody, fine thread in their favored colors is an excellent choice.   Having this conversation privately will come naturally to you, as exposing one's heart publicly feels too much like exposing a weakness to cats. There is no need for flowery poetry or song, unless you are so inclined. The important thing is to speak from the heart and let your special someone know how you feel. Everything else falls into place from there.    

I am from the Deepwater.

Is this your first time feeling this way? Didn't they tell you about this in school? Oh, whatever. Just talk to them- if they're down to dance they'll say so. Don't press the issue- if they say no, they're well within their rights to physically enforce that decision. Just get it over with and get back to whatever you were doing when the mood struck you.    

I live in the Ungul Alliance...

...in an Equine Camp.

You may need a little assistance from a friend or your beloved's family to pull off this big romantic gesture, but if you want to capture a heart, this is how you do it. Take advantage of a day where they will be too busy with other responsibilities to take their horse out to graze (if you want this to fall on a specific day, like the day you met, get help to arrange the inconvenience). If you can offer to take it for them without arousing suspicion, you can. Otherwise sneak it away from the stable. Treat their horse well, with a thorough bath and brushing and treats. Gather grasses, flowers, autumn leaves or other decorations and plait their mane and tail as beautifully as you can. If you have any skill with the paints, feel free to use them as well, but be warned that clumsy designs look worse than none.   Then, late in the afternoon, bring their partner back home to them and invite them to watch the sunset with you.   All this is to show two things: how much their bonded horse trusts you; and how you care about all of them, including their spirituality. These things are more vital in a marriage for Equines than looks or money or battle prowess- a bond that strong can withstand anything. Even if the object of your affection isn't really looking for marriage, these are things they'll feel deep in their heart.    

...in a Hart City.

You surely know already. Do you want the good news first, or the bad?  

What's the good news?

If you're a girl the pressure is entirely off of you.   If you're a boy, there's only that one path to victory and it's a sure lock if you do it right.  

Then what's the bad news?

If you're a girl, this requires men to pursue you, so if your crush isn't getting the hint you could be out of luck. If you're very serious about one in particular, and he's as dense as an adamant tree, tell him plainly that you want to see him dance at the next monthly mixer. That's about all you can do, by the formal rules.   If you're a boy, the display you're supposed to put on will very likely be made extremely difficult due to physiological factors. Are you gifted in the horn department? Do you have especially high heels? Were you perhaps born with a touch of Capric vision? All of these will hold you back from putting on a gloriously elaborate dance display.   Remember, the goal is to put on a performance that exudes power, confidence, and grace. What you're saying is, "I'm available, I'm looking for love, and I'm desirable." This will impress and move the ladies and if done very well you'll even have your choice. With any of the detriments listed above, this will be quite a bit more difficult.   You need to plan your steps carefully, taking your abilities and limitations into account. If you're top-heavy, don't try to include any flips. If you're high-heeled, great leaps aren't the best idea. If your peripheral vision is wider than most, spins are out. If you feel you're at a loss for how to proceed, there are dance schools available in every Hart City. Perhaps you'll even be lucky enough to have a traveling Avian teach a class or two!   Above all don't fall on your butt, and remember to dedicate your dance so she knows you're interested in her!  

Um... but I'm gay...

Well then, gentlemen, simply dedicate your dance to the buck who has caught your eye!   And ladies, you're in luck. All this formal courtship business can be largely sidestepped in your case. A simple bouquet of flowers and an admission of feelings are all you need to get off to the races!    

I am a Wolf.

If you're reading this, you're hoping there's an easier way. No, you can't cheat. And if you think it's too hard or too much effort, maybe they're not The One. Your nation's Virtue is Love, you shouldn't need Quolo to tell you this.   Remember that your courtship is unique to you. It should take into account your love language as well as your significant other's. And, until you figure that part out, sing your feelings to the sky. It's raw and primal and when words and actions fail, that still gets through.    

I am a Hiver.

Just keep doing what you're doing. I'm not kidding.   If you're having these feelings, it's because you've already delved into deep conversations for hours on end with your special someone. You are quite sure of your attraction on a mental level, yes? If they keep seeking out and having these discussions with you, they are quite likely to be having the same feelings.   Bring up the attraction as an item of interest and discussion soon. Speak earnestly and honestly; really dive into the idea. That's all you have to do.    

I am an Avian.

Have you Resonated, yet? If not, be aware that it can't be forced- The Song is a wise and mysterious force with a mind all its own. That said, bear in mind that not everyone Resonates. It is a rare and beautiful thing, and you will know it if it happens to you. In fact, both of you will be able to feel it so strongly it can't be denied. So if you've Resonated already, fear not- The Song has already done the work for you. Just get to know your destined one and make sure to meet the family before you request that you be married.   But for the rest of us who haven't, and may never, Resonate, love's a bit harder. You'll want to serenade the bird you fancy, preferably with an original tune, but a personalized cover of one of my ballads may suffice if you lack the skill or confidence. Dance with them at festivals, sing at service, get in-tune with them, so to speak. If you both like the harmony you make, things will naturally blossom from there.    

I have a Mask.

It's important to remember this rule: Love need not be returned, but it must always be confessed. Even if you're ultimately rejected, it's important to be open with your feelings. This is an incredibly brave thing to do, as it leaves you vulnerable to some deep pain or embarrassment in the event of rejection. And that courage can really make you seem appealing.   So go all out, be BRAVE. Make your confession publicly, in front of witnesses. Many witnesses, if you have the strength. In song, if you have the skill; in verse, if you can't carry a tune. Go all out and you're certain to gain your beloved's affection!    

I am a Serpent.

Ladies, you know you're in charge. And you know that we men can at times be as dense as bog mud. If you're reading this because you're unsure of how to approach your first mate, my advice is: don't be. Just be as confident as you can, and tell him he's the one you want. I assure you, most of us idiots don't need much coaxing.   Gentlemen! It is true that culturally, women select and pursue the men in Serpent Pits. That doesn't mean you are without agency, or that your opinion is without value. You must simply signal to the woman whose favor you want that's the case. Compliment the features you find attractive about her. Are her scales a lovely color? Is her hair particularly lusterous? Are her fangs petite and cute? Whatever makes your heart skip when you see her, tell her- the truth in your voice will tell her more than words themselves ever could. Soon you'll find yourself among her men, just as you dream.    

I am a Bear.

Unfortunately, I can't help you much here: the Council of Mothers' matchmaking means that whatever your feelings are may not be taken into account. Put a hold on full romantic wooing until such time as the Mothers won't interfere- the risk of devastating heartbreak is too high.   All I can advise you to do is prepare for when you are brought before the Council for evaluation. Go in with a plan. You may be able to make a passionate speech about how you love your chosen one, but the Council has a reputation for coldness in these matters. They will likely ask many scrutinizing questions, or throw mocking barbs at you to see how you respond. Keep your cool and remain respectful no matter what they say. Remember that unfortunately they hold your future in their claws, and can easily reject your requests as punishment.   I wish you, and any bear who ever seeks this advice, the very best of luck. I cannot condone how the culture "molds love," as I've heard it said- The Song and it's harmonies cannot be shaped by mortal hand. I cheer for you, brave lovers who have embraced the warmth of your hearts! I pray that victory will be yours.     An additional section seems to have been torn roughly away here- an entire page is missing before the closing statement on the inside of the back page.     Thanks for reading my latest pamphlet, my lovelies! If you need music to serenade your someone, be sure to pick up one of my songbooks, available at booksellers in most cities! Keep on the lookout for more of my writings in the future as well. Until then, best of luck out there!

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Jun 9, 2022 07:56 by Annabelle Silvich

?? Last page? I must know more, for I came here from the prompt. Off to binge-read your world!