Well, I have a take on relationships that, while not based entirely on snippets found in game, seems as though it would be plausible. Taking into consideration both the basis for the Norn (nordo-celtic societies) and the concept of the Animal Spirits, you get a wide and diverse approach that mirrors the rest of the Norn culture, which IS supported by available lore. To start, I’d like to take a look at the Spirits.
As far as relationships go, the easiest one to explore would be Wolf. Representing pack and family, among other things, there is an obvious draw to a want and need for a close connection. Working together, sharing responsibilities, and earning a legend as a pair comes across as a viable viewpoint. Also, it is one of those commonly accepted bits of information, albeit slightly skewed, that wolves mate for life.
The next easiest to look into would be Bear. While oftentimes they are seen as surly, aggressive, and generally possessing of a bad attitude, there is another side to them. They are strong, loyal protectors of those they care about, and I could see that as carrying over to relationships once they can get past the grizzled exterior. Wild bears are seen to be great with their cubs, and attentive to their mates.
Snow Leopard comes next on my list in order of “the one”. Individualistic, stubborn, and always up for a challenge, it would be seen as a legend in its own right to “tame” one. Unfortunately, they are traditionally solitary. Cats are fickle, as we all know, but can be extremely affectionate and desiring for attention.
Finally, we come to Raven. Overall, trickery and cunning do not seem to be appealing relationship traits. I could see a Raven using guile and clever words, saying everything right just to be able to make the match, if only for that night. Interestingly though, ravens are one of the few creatures in the animal world that also mate for life. So, if a true bond is formed, it is one that is cherished, though challenged from time to time.
Moving away from the game and the animal kingdom, and putting the existence of gender inequality aside as it does not exist in GW2, the relationship culture of nordo-celtic peoples is interestingly diverse. Various levels and layers of worthiness, examples of love superseding tradition, and tradition countermanding love, have always been key features in stories and legends, just like they are present today. While it is true that circumstance and the social ideas of the time were not conducive to love and affection, and that harsh climates and lives produce harsh people, the relationships between people were just as extreme as the weather. They were known to love as hard as they lived, to ensure every moment they spent with the important people in their lives were treated as if it was their last. And it is that attitude I feel is spot on for the Norn.
Love today, for tomorrow I may die. There would be no hesitation to show care, to display affection. For a people intent on making sure that they are to be always remembered, I would think that they would go out of their way to do all that they could to make the relationship memorable. That point, leads me into children. Nordic society revered children, as they were not only kin, but the future. On top of that, naming traditions such as the use of -sson and -sdottir would indicate that their kids will be associated with the parent, and therefore a point of pride for them. The Norn would be similar.
I’m going to stop here before I ramble on and on too much more.