Roburcum

[Guog]

Today is a momentous day for Einar, who is turning 15 and will soon be partaking in the Roburcum. He has already submitted his preferences to the Clergy, but now all he can do is wait as his heart races, palms sweating, and anxiety soaring. Today, his fate will be sealed; no turning back from this life-altering moment. He offers up a quick prayer to Satan, pleading for the best possible outcome.

The time ticks away, and the new moon draws ever closer. His parents share in his anticipation, although they too understand that ultimately, they have no control over the outcome. They don their ritual robes, polish their athames, and make their way to the main temple.

Upon arrival, the atmosphere is warm and buzzing with excitement. The priests ring a bell, signaling the start of the rite, and begin reciting an invocation as they brandish their athames. Finally, the high priest takes the Roburcum paper and reads out the pairs:

"Alaric & Osric. Finn & Ronan. Bran & Leif. Caius & Quintus. Soren & Torin. Dag & Ivor. Hagan & Perrin. Galen & Kael. Niall & Jorah. And lastly, Einar & Magnar."

The high priest's voice booms through the temple as he finishes reading the list of pairs. These men are now bound in Roburcum for this lifetime, united not by a sexual partnership but an economic one. They will share their victories and hardships equally, helping each other at all times. All earnings will be split, and all decisions made together. Inheritances and lottery wins will also be divided equally. The partnership will only be dissolved upon the death of one party, at which point the deceased's family or next of kin will receive half of the total capital.

The high priest burns the Roburcum paper, concluding the rite in a standard fashion. Amidst cheers and applause, everyone celebrates this momentous occasion by exchanging gifts.

Einar looks around, trying to spot Magnar among the sea of faces. He's both excited and nervous to meet the man with whom he will share his life's fortune. As their eyes lock, they smile shyly at each other, unsure of what the future holds but ready to face it together as partners in Roburcum.

The feast commences, and the night is filled with laughter, food, and the clinking of glasses as congratulations pour in from all sides. This day will be etched into their memories forever—the day they embarked on a new chapter of their lives, bound by the ancient rite of Roburcum.

As the celebrations wind down, Einar and Magnar find themselves alone for a moment. They shake hands, sealing their partnership, and exchange contact information, promising to keep in touch until they can meet again.

Days pass, and weeks turn into months. Einar and Magnar grow closer, learning to navigate their unique bond. Their families become entwined, sharing in triumphs and supporting one another during challenges. Despite the initial uncertainty, the Roburcum has brought them stability, companionship, and a sense of shared purpose.

Years later, looking back on this pivotal day, Einar realizes that the Roburcum was not just a binding agreement but a catalyst for personal growth, lifelong friendship, and unforeseen opportunities.

To be continued ...

 

[Hellenic SS]

Is this a story you made? It looks great so far!

 

[Guog]

~~~ Chapter 2 : The Marriage ~~~

As the young men approached their twentieth year, the priests heralded the dawn of a new era in their lives - the quest for a compatible mate. Each man was presented with a scroll, meticulously detailed with names and contact information of potential partners. However, there was a catch - they were prohibited from meeting, exchanging photographs or videos for an entire month. This unconventional approach aimed to ensure that physical appearance wouldn't cloud their judgment.

Instead, the men were counseled to focus on personality traits, values, and compatibility. Encouraged to select at least two women, the priests would make the final decision based on their choices. Months slipped by as the men underwent rigorous interviews and evaluations, their nerves jangling with anticipation and anxiety.

At last, each man compiled a list of two or three women he was willing to marry. The priests took over, delving into the divine realm with consultations with demons, scrutinizing birth charts, and analyzing the histories of the men and women. Weeks stretched into months as the priests deliberated tirelessly.

The fateful day arrived, and the men and women donned their wedding finery before making their way to the temple.

The temple buzzed with excitement and anxiety as the men and women gathered. The walls were painted a deep purple, adorned with intricate runes and symbols crafted by their ancestors. A fire crackled in the hearth, filling the room with the scent of pine and smoldering wood. Every now and then, the faint sound of distant chanting could be heard, adding an eerie yet comforting atmosphere to the already surreal setting. Suddenly, the priestess entered, dressed in her traditional attire, which glowed under the dim lights. She walked towards the altar carrying the sacred bell, and without a word, she began to ring it. The temple was filled with its echoing sound, sending chills down every spine present there.

As the echo of the bell faded, the High Priest stepped forward. He unsheathed his Athame, a silver dagger etched with ancient Runes, and performed the standard evocation. With a thunderous voice that reverberated through the temple, he announced the newly wedded couples:

"Alaric & Brigid, Hagan & Elowen, Osric & Nyssa, Perrin & Jocasta, Einar & Kerensa, Magnar & Maeve."
The High Priest paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of these words to sink in before continuing.
"From this day forth, you shall share your joys, sorrows, triumphs, and failures. You are bound by the vows of love and loyalty, and this bond will transcend the test of time." He then beckoned each man to take their place beside their chosen partner. As the couples stood united, a surge of excitement swept through them, their hearts beating wildly.

In an unprecedented arrangement, the priests designed a circular connection among the twelve individuals - six men, six women, six marriages, and six Roburcum. Given -R- for Roburcum and -M- for marriage, the circle looked like this:

┌─Alaric─M─Brigid─R─Elowen─M─Hagan─R─Perrin─M─Jocasta─┐
R                              R
└─Osric─M─Nyssa─R─Maeve─M─Magnar─R─Einar─M─Kerensa─┘

After the High Priest burned the parchment, he concluded the wedding ceremony. It was now time to celebrate.
They made their way to the sacred grove, where the Master Musician would shout "make the earth tremble!" The music began, each note stirring up emotions and memories, creating a symphony that echoed through the forest. Under the canopy of trees, they danced, laughed, and sang. The spirits of their ancestors joined them, adding to the revelry. It was an unforgettable night - one etched into the collective memory of these young men and women, as they embarked upon their journey toward their future together.