Elua followed a stern-faced Yecine attendant through *formerly* unfamiliar corridors. Each turn revealed another display of the family's historied martial prowess. Battle worn weapons and tapestries depicting combat forms adorned a significant portion of the walls.
Their presence left a constant reminder of the family's heritage. It was quite interesting to see in the light of day! When they approached a set of double doors nearly as ornate as the main entrance, the woman she was following slowed her pace.
"The women of the house await you within."
She gestured towards the entrance while stating flatly. An irreproachable mask of 'demure' anticipation nodded back to the attendant, who took it as a sign to open the way. Elua was greeted by a chorus of soft susurrances suddenly stilling.
#OppressedFemaleCultivators
And yes, don't worry. El gets mouthier about it next chapter.
When I was thinking of what sort of bridal 'meeting the family' ritual/tradition might happen in this world's setting, this is what I came up with. An endurance sword kata thing fit with the Yecines in my mind. It's the thing they might most respect.
It ended up twisting thematically into this 'our ways are probably flawed but we haven't fixed them' route. After all, failing the test basically means that you know, you're not respected. Especially poignant if they already had a habit of cherry-picking arrangements for 'weaker' brides in the first place that wouldn't make waves in the family.