title: A Drop of Red
author: Marte, M. Liza
description: More than a dozen years after his marriage is contracted, Wroth Praeter finally summons his bride to the frozen north sector. His wife-to-be, Oriáne, hails from the south and has enjoyed a life far removed from his harsh, cold home. Whatever she feels or doesn't feel in unimportant. She has no say in her marriage, when it is to be validated, or how many children she is to bear. The two are ordered to marry and bear children, just like every other couple before them. Such is written the marriage laws. Their marriage should be straightforward and simple. Every facet has been carefully planned and scheduled since their childhood. But what looks good and works on paper doesn't necessarily translate well in the living form. In the year 3160, the goal of men and women is to bred a stronger, healthier future generation. Strict laws govern society and punishments are meted out to those who disobey. Somewhere along the line, the balance of power and control has become askew. The laws of the land overwhelming favor the men. In their arrogance, men have overlooked this imbalance. The women, however, forget nothing.