Encyclopaedia of Life - Behind Still Waters
Encyclopaedia of Life - Behind Still Waters
Title: 'Til Death do us Part: An Explanation of the World of MatrimonySeries: Still Waters (Run Deep)
Author:
melody_in_time
Rating: NC-17
Spoilers: Through S1 only
Disclaimer: I wish, I wish upon a star... but until that works, not mine and sadly no money made.
Fourth Entry: The types of relationships and their hierarchy found in in this world
If you've wondered here by mistake, you may wish to start at Part I of the series, Rarest of the Rare: Chapter 1.
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‘Til Death do us Part: An Explanation of the World of Matrimony
Up until now I’ve been talking about couples being Bound and Bonded, exchanging bracelets, and marriage, but haven’t actually explained what in this world any of those terms mean. As such, I thought I’d provide a short explanation on what exactly these terms mean, and how they relate to each other.
The Relationship Hierarchy
From the most highest standing to the lowest and to whom it applies:
Bound and Bonded (A/O only)
Bound (A/O)
Married (Any not A/O)
Bound (Other than A/O)
Claim (Any)
Bound and Bonded, Bound: Alpha - Omega
Legally there is no difference between an Alpha-Omega couple being Bound and Bonded and just Bound. This is because the only part of the relationship that is recognised by the law is the Binding. As a result, whether Bound and Bonded or just Bound, the legal status imposed on the relationship remains the same.
Socially, however, being a Bonded couple is accorded a special status. Bonding isn’t something that can be arranged. It’s a little like finding your biological soulmate - 100% random from the individual’s point of view. Sometimes it happens instantly during the first Heat an Alpha and Omega spend together; other times it might suddenly happen after they’ve been together for years. Because of that, it’s not in and of itself a legally binding arrangement - just being Bonded is meaningless in a court of law - but it’s generally expected that any couple that is Bonded must surely following with a Binding Ceremony soon after. It is, after all, the highest height.
Marriage: Any Combination Not Alpha-Omega
Only Alphas and Omegas are capable of forming a Bond, a situation that over the years rather annoyed the various women who rose to power routinely through history. Additional support was provided by various religious groups and over time an equivalent to Bonding evolved for non-A/O couples: Marriage.
Unlike Bonding, marriage was an entirely human relationship. There were no associated biological changes, it was not an automatic process that just happened, but it is a legal relationship, formally registered. It has an additional standing beyond a Binding Ceremony because it was designed to indicate a more serious religious commitment, and consequently it is more difficult to get a divorce as opposed to a severance, but otherwise there is no actual difference.
As a point of interest, Bonding with an Omega during a Heat is an automatic annulment of marriage. No waiting, no separation periods, just an immediate grant before a court.
Bound: Any Combination Not Alpha-Omega
Technically being Bound is no different no matter who you are. The Binding ceremony for non-Alpha/Omega couples is exactly the same as it is for those who are. The only difference is that Alpha/Omega couples have a higher standing precisely because they are an Alpha/Omega couple. It’s a legal relationship that involves the formal presentation of a collar and signing of a register, but if you want the same prestige you’ll have to get married as well.
Claim: Any
Once upon a time, relationships were arranged and children married whomever their parents told them to. This wasn’t going to last forever, and eventually the young things decided they didn’t want to meet someone during a Binding Ceremony and they’d much rather know who they were tying their life to forever. Thus sprung up the practice of being allowed to mingle and court potential suitors, still heavily weighted towards whomever your parents were suggesting as a strategic match, and for the first time people were able to openly choose for themselves.
Which is all well and good, but once a Dom had come to an arrangement with a Sub they sort of liked and thought sort of liked them, they suddenly weren’t so happy about all the other Doms sniffing around talking to their Sub and not being able to do anything about it. The Alphas in particular didn’t like other Alphas sniffing around their Omegas, but being young chaps they weren’t necessarily ready to stand up in front of an official and promise forever. As such, the practice of exchanging a bracelet as a make-shift collar to signify that the Sub was spoken for, if not actually formally Bound, began to assuage the aggressive territorial instincts of the Alphas.
Exchanging a bracelet is seen as a formal declaration of a serious relationship, but not necessarily a pre-courser to becoming Bound. It’s an indication that the couple in question are exploring that idea, learning whether they are compatible, and that it is a possibility in the future. Most especially, from an Alpha, it’s a warning to stay away.
Or else.
So I have no idea whether that made things any clearer or not, but hopefully it gives you a little insight into the way this world works from a relationship perspective. If you have any questions and want further clarification, just ask!
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