Courtship

Something to Woo

(Courtship)

So, a certain lord / lady has caught your eye long enough that you want to do something special for them, something that will make them notice you. Or maybe you want to do something nice for your significant other. But you have no idea what. Everything you think of involves spending money on things you can't afford. Have no fear! Courtship can actually be one of the cheapest areas of Larping life, if you're creative about it. Here are a few romantic ideas that cost nothing or almost nothing:

• Give them a favor: this need not be something fancy, unless you want it to be! Something small that you're wearing (a ribbon, a detachable sleeve, a necklace, etc.) is perfectly appropriate. A handcrafted favor or token is also nice, if it's someone you've known for a while, like your significant other. Just remember, if they are a fighter and wearing your token or favor on the field, it will most likely get dirty and may get damaged. Don't give something that can't put up with abuse.

• Watch their fights: if the person is a fighter, watch when they fights. Especially if they are fighting for you. It might be boring if you don't know what's going on, but try anyway. Cheer when they win. Console them when they lose. After all, they are fighting for *you*.

• Flirt: hey, if you can't flirt in the Amtgard, you can't flirt anywhere. Be pretty/handsome. Bat your eyes. Puff out your chest. Smile. Offer tender witticisms. Some of you may be rolling your eyes at all this, but try it anyway. After all, much of what we're doing in Amtgard is playing out the stereotypes of court lords and ladies. It's fun, I swear!

• Ask to fight for their honor: if you're a fighter, ask for the honor of fighting for them. Ask courteously, and be prepared to accept a “no”. But often, you'll make their day by asking.

• Kiss their hand: now, I know you probably don't usually think to do this. It's something of a standard in the SCA but not in Amtgard, but can be quit effective and sweet. But done with all your heart, it's one of the most romantic things I know. Look at them sincerely, and ask for the honor of kissing their hand. Go down on one knee, kiss the hand, and look into their eyes as you do so.

• Be chivalrous: open the door for them. Offer to carry their bags or baskets. Walk on the street-side if you're on a sidewalk. Act the part of the valiant knight and enjoy yourself!

• Write something for them: if you are musically or poetically inclined, write a song, poem, or story for them or about them. Then recite it to them, in private if you're shy or it's intimate, in public if both you and the receiver are comfortable with it (or do both!)

• Make something for them: if you are an artisan, consider making them something to show your affection. Or cook something, if you're a cook.

• Present a cloven fruit: if you don't know the tradition of the cloven fruit, ask someone in your shire and be prepared to enjoy yourself!

Tips submitted by other people

• Submitted by Bob Slivertongue: Here're some tips for the lords: if you want to impress a lady you've caught the attention of, take every opportunity to flatter her. (Comparisons to doves and angels work well.) If she accuses you of flattery, say that it could not be flattery, for she is fair enough that all compliments are intrinsically true, etc. Make sure you do all of this in character; for some reason, that seems to help.

Warning

• Remember that when you are courting someone that it needs to be two sided.
• Don't be a creep. Accept a No as No and stop whatever you are doing and DO NOT do it again. Even Viking men could be punished by the law for touching a woman's hand without first asking permission.
• Remember that the Code of Conduct lists "Sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual contact" as a bannable offence. No booty is worth getting banned for, so don't be that person.