Pretty

Pretties are an old and honored custom in Altara. Many a young man or woman has a final fling as a pretty, pampered and showered with presents, before settling down. But you see, a pretty leaves when she chooses. Tylin shouldn’t be treating you as I hear she is.

Setalle Anan

Pretties are an old and honored custom in Altara. Many a young man or woman has a final fling as a pretty, pampered and showered with presents, before settling down. But you see, a pretty leaves when she chooses. Tylin shouldn’t be treating you as I hear she is.
— Setalle Anan

Pretty is a Randland term for men and women in romantic or pseudo-romantic relationships with "partners" who are in some sense "above" them. The exact nature of the role depends on the region and individual, particularly when the Forsaken are involved, but generally a pretty is a (gender-neutral) rough analogue to the real-world term "boy toy." The term "pet" has overlapping usage with the term pretty.

Overview

Pretties are typically subordinate to their partners in some sense, usually social rank, wealth, or simply in terms of power wielded in the relationship.

When "pretty" is used to describe a relationship, it implies a degree of superficiality and a casual nature. Pretties are typically chosen for their attractiveness and the relationships can be somewhat transactional. Pretties who are not Compulsed are typically lavished with gifts and/or a luxurious lifestyle.

"Pretty" relationships are generally expected to be consensual. However, the narrative focus on exceptional individuals like ta'veren and Forsaken results in most known examples being non-consensual aberrations, such as the coercion used on Mat and the Compulsion used on Morgase Trakand.

The term "pet" is commonly used as a synonym to pretty, usually in reference to those who are coerced or Compelled. Note that "pet" can also refer to relationships that are not in any way physical or romantic (i.e. do not involve pretties), in reference to how dominant one person is over the other.

Altara

I favor taverns of the rougher sort. The balls are for older people, and their pretties.

Beslan Mitsobar

I favor taverns of the rougher sort. The balls are for older people, and their pretties.
— Beslan Mitsobar

According to Setalle Anan (and corroborated by events and statements made during Mat's time in Ebou Dar), pretties are particularly common in Altara. Mat Cauthon is the most well-documented example. However, the involuntary nature of his relationship with Tylin Quintara Mitsobar is considered atypical. The initiation of their relationship amounts to rape.

Known examples and references

1. Mat Cauthon to Tylin Quintara Mitsobar - Mat was coerced into the relationship.
2. Various Andoran women to Rahvin - Compulsion may have been involved. Note:
3. Unknown individuals to Sammael - Compulsion may have been involved.
4. Be'lal expresses intent to make pets out of Egwene al'Vere, Elayne Trakand, and Nynaeve al'Meara.

Compulsed pretties

1. Morgase Trakand to Rahvin.
2. Graendal's pets.

Other uses

"Pretty" can also refer to physical objects used to amuse children or the simple-minded.

You’re an infant! Your bottom still remembers the last switching it had as a novice! After this, you’ll be lucky if the Hall doesn’t put you in a corner with a few play pretties. If you want to avoid that, you will listen to me, and do as I tell you. Now, sit down!

Romanda Cassin to Egwene al'Vere

You’re an infant! Your bottom still remembers the last switching it had as a novice! After this, you’ll be lucky if the Hall doesn’t put you in a corner with a few play pretties. If you want to avoid that, you will listen to me, and do as I tell you. Now, sit down!
— Romanda Cassin to Egwene al'Vere