Romance Research

Posted on Sat 1st Aug, 2020 @ 6:00am by Maiek s'Ethien

586 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Resolution
Location: Maiek's Quarters
Timeline: MD 17 2345

Maiek pondered his dilemma, and whispered under his breath in the liquid Romulan tongue. It would be so easy if she were Romulan, to find the appropriate gifts and present them with his suit for her had. He wouldn't be refused by parents, due to his Matrelineal clan. "Computer....is there a corollary for the engagement bracelet in Earth Traditions? "

"Affermative"

"Please display." Maiek tapped his PADD to activate the display and indicate to the computer where to show him the information requested. A scrolling bar of text began to flow across his screen in elegant romulan script that kept going and going. He cocked his head to one side, reading through the seemingly endless list of unique traditions from Earth's many cultures.

"In Japan...Gifts wrapped in rice paper are given to the prospective , include dried cuttlefish for male virility, kelp for female fertility, a linen thread for a long marriage, and an opened fan representing riches and a big family. What is a cuttlefish? How is that sort of gift relevant?"

"Please specify directive?" the computer asked as it displayed images of cuttlefish on his PADD.

"THAT is a cuttlefish?"

"Affermative. This specimen is a giant cuttlefish-Sepia apama."

Horror, at the creature before him, and revulsion crossed his face when the creature started to undulate. "Disgusting. Clear screen."
Maiek sat there for a few minutes tapping his stylus on his lips, thinking "I am glad that Mary Elizabeth does not hail from Japan. Please refine search to England"

"Tradition dictates that the man should ask the father of the bride-to-be for his daughter's 'hand in marriage and present her with an engagement ring to indicate his promise. This ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. A Victorian tradition which is still followed comes from an old rhyme which says on the day of one’s wedding a bride must have...'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.'

"Refine search...detail Engagement rings." He began to read aloud, making a note to find out what a silver sixpence was, and what the significance of walking on it was. The words "Wedding or engagement rings have long been exchanged as a symbol of love, honor and devotion. That seems an appropriate thing to do, and is similar to the bracelets that we give to symbolize engagement, and the intent to merge houses. The circular ring has neither a start nor finish, which is emblematic of the everlasting union. And the custom of wearing it on the left hand is said to stem from the ancient Egyptians' belief that the fourth finger's vein connects directly to the heart. With such rich meaning and symbolism, engagement rings are designed to last a lifetime. How fascinating. Do the stones have meanings?"

A massive array of gemstones both precious and semiprecious appeared on his screen, and began to scroll at his rate of reading. Every color of the rainbow appeared before him, and he was both entranced and overwhelmed by the information provided.

"Hold scrolling. What is considered traditional?"

"Tradition indicates the diamond is the most appropriate, but many addendum's to this file have been made under the heading 'personal preference'."

"I just need to go to a jeweler don't I?"

"Insufficient information provided for a response."

"Computer inquiry, listed jewelry preference of Mary Elizabeth Gregory?"

"No listed preferences on that individual. Noted birthday of March 25 indicates an Aquamarine as birthstone."

"Females should come with a manual..."

 

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