Dance of Bracelets

Overview

The Dance of Bracelets is a custom used by old nobilities and royals all over the continent and in nearly every kingdom. It is coming into play during festivities, balls and other official happenings. Even on birthday parties. On every event it is stated in the invitation if the Dance of Bracelets is allowed or not. Mostly it is, but that is up to the host of said festivity.

Occurance

As stated above the Dance of Bracelets was a more or less regular occurence in noble circles, be it the nobility or royality. After a few decades it trickled down to rich merchant and the less wealthier citizens; there it was executed without the needed silver bracelets, there the bracelets were made out of the materials people could afford.

There are also special... etablissements where the Dance of Bracelets occurs more regularly for people who aren't royality/nobility. In exchange for coins obviously. In most etablissements the bracelets are included in the fee.

Execution

If the invitation states that the Dance of Bracelets is allowed, then you, as a noble or royal person, can bring your bracelets with you. Using it is entirely up to you.

The dance consists of four bracelets in total. There are four points at your body where you can attach them: both ankles and both wrists.

Depending on the position of the bracelet you send a message. The meanings of wrists and ankles are stated below. You can change the position at any time and can take any combination you like. The meaning of the message is relatively clear and needs no further explanation, right?

You don't have to participate in the Dance of Bracelets. How? Well, don't wear them. That is the safest way in this context, but wearing a bracelet on your right wrist should state the same. If other people do not respect these boundaries, report them to the host. The consequences are... well, not pretty.

If you participate in the Dance, then you have to wear your bracelets visible, be it one, two or all four. Every ankle and every wrist states a message:

Left side

-Left ankle: single / not taken
-Left wrist: open for more than talk

Right side

-Right ankle: taken / bound
-Right wrist: only open for talk

History

The Dance of Bracelets was used back in the day to regulate the uncontrollable, hormonally induced, ruthless courting of some persons, especially males in nobility and royality. It was designed as a dance around the possibility of creating relationships with the consent of both parties. This relationships could hold for a few hours, an evening, a night or a lifetime, depending on the participants.

Over the course of decades the Dance trickled into the rest of the population and stayed there for a while. A few more specialised etablissements still support the Dance and it was sometimes used in the public (the bracelet on an ankle or a wrist), but it is now mostly forgotten. Some people who know of the Dance recognise bracelets at the specific parts of the body and in the rare occasions both know of it things can happen. And be it a small chat over a coffee.

But today the Dance is mostly forgotten and only the message of the ankle-bracelets remains: single or taken.

Silver Tears Tales

"Oh, my dear lady, sorry to interrupt your way, but I noticed that you have a very beautiful bracelet on your left ankle and I was wondering, if you might participate in the Dance by any chance?"
"Well, that is the first time I am being addressed in this noble way and the second time one knows about the Dance..."
"I hope I am not too intrusive by this question, but..." He showed his left ankle where a copper bracelet glittered in the sun. "I was wondering if you are open for a small chat?"
She blushed a bit, but nodded. "Of course. When one knows about ancient traditions, I'm getting curious." A short smiled moved her lips. "I need to get some ingredients for dinner first. Do you want to accompany me and then we can search for a nice spot?"
"Of course, my Lady. Luckily I have the time and I'd know a café which serves excellent chocolate." He extended his arm to her, she hooked into it, her basket on her other arm.
"Lucky me." she grinned.
— A meeting by chance of two Dancers

"You know that Edgar has an eye on you?"
"I know."
"Oh, you do? Did you see his bracelets?"
"Not yet, why?"
"Well, they are made from adamant as far as I know and the stones are the clearest emeralds one can find."
"And what does he want of me? I mean, I'm just lower noble and he is practically a king."
"But you are beautiful, young and you are the female heir to the cotton empire of your parents."
"Lucky me. At least he is decent looking. Ahem, then lets dance."
— Noble female friends at a ball

"You dance really good."
"Thank you, my Lady. I try my best here. What are your thoughts on this fine evening?"
"Oh, I like it. I have endulged in the small appetiser they served a short time before the dance. You should taste one."
"When you recommend them, I will taste one or two of them. - By the way, forgive me my frank words, but your bracelet is very beautiful. It appears to have the weigh of centuries."
"You are right, it belonged to my great-great-grandmother. Just like me she wore at mostly at their left wrist. It was her favourite."
"Without question, my Lady. Is it your favourite too?"
"You can say that."
— Nobles at a dance during a festivity

"Hello and welcome, beautiful people, our dear customers, new and regular. Welcome to the Headless Chicken's Night of the Dance. You get your bracelets right away after paying the entry fee. You can keep your clothes, but drop any sharp items at the reception, including your purses and other personal items. We will keep them safe.
At arrival of the premises you are allowed to chat, drink, eat and participate in the Dance of Bracelets. You are allowed to dance everywhere you find suitable, but there are also more private locations for your Dance. Our employees are here for your needs and to dance, if you want.
But be advised and be warned: if you hurt the rules of the Dance and ignore the customs or clear statements, you are removed from the premises including your belongings and you are getting a lifetime prohibition without remorse.
We begin now. Have a nice evening and I see you in the yard."
— Owner of the Headless Chicken brothel

Bracelets

The bracelets can be made out of any material. With the material the owner shows their wealth. The more intricate and valuable the bracelet, the more it showcases the suitor's wealth, taste, and dedication to their potential partner (how long or short the relationships might endure).