| |
Elven Sexuality
First of all, elves are omnisexual. Some may choose to have furmates and loves mates that are the same gender. If you have a problem with this, then please do not join the holt. Although some elves choose to be monogamous, not all are. Elven society accepts sexual encounters outside the regular lifemating or lovemating bonds as well as more than one love- or lifemate. Jealousy is not impossible but is very uncommon.
Furmates
Furmates are those who are not your lifemate, nor your lovemate, but you still 'roll in the furs' with them, so to speak. Rolling in the fur usually happens between lifemates or lovemates, however in the Celebration of Joining, anyone may roll in the furs with anyone they really like to show that they really like them and to share experiences with eachother before possible death in upcoming battles. Elves are very expressive beings, even when it comes to sexuality, and they know it's natural, so are not ashamed of taking a furmate every once in a while. However, they like to stick to just a few furmates and don't roll in the furs with anyone and everyone that comes their way.
Lovemates
Lovemates are special. Two elves may not be Recognized to eachother, but still truely love another elf, proclaiming that they will always be together(like boyfriend & girlfriend). And so they are then lovemates, only rolling in the furs with eachother(again, possibly unless it's the Celebration of Joining). Some lovemates may decide to share their soulname with the other, and try to force recognition. This usually wont work. And some lovemates just might wish to share their soulname with the other to feel closer to eachother. It's up to the lovemates.
Lifemates
Lifemates is when two souls bare eachother to someone else, and each person accepts it whole-heartedly. They are, in todays term, what we call in love and married. Lifemates will stick by eachother through thick and thin. Sure, they may have their quarrels(especially in the beginning), but deep down it's a strong love that NOTHING can interfear with.
Recognition
Recognition is an irresistable mating urge that draws two genetically ideal elves together. It ensures strong and gifted children. At the moment of Recognition two elves' souls are laid bare and they instantly know each other's soul names. It doesn't nessicarily mean that the two elves love eachother or ever will. Recognition doesn't care about the parents, only about child they will produce(if they are to produce children). It can be fulfillment of all dreams for elves involved, solving all problems, or it can be a nightmare, bonding them together even if they hated each other and disturbing existing relationships.
Sometimes elves try to deny this urge but it is impossible. Denying Recognition causes sickness until it is fulfilled but it doesn't kill the elves since it's purpose is to create life, not destroy it. Recognition doesn't demand the elves to stay together for life, only to mate once to produce the required offspring. Then they can either lifemate or go their separate ways.
Recognition is sparked usually by fresh or unique genetic stock (in SilverSprings Holt when new elves arrive) or sudden population decrease. But if neither happens for a long time (a century or more), elves who have known each other for a long time may Recognize.
How does SilverSprings Holt recognize elves? As in elfquest... it's completely random. I will draw names from hats every once in a while to decide who shall recognize. There's also my favorite type of Recognition...for the sake of the RPG! If some match would make a very good roleplaying opportunity, it will most likely happen.
Threemating
This is when three elves are joined together. This is rare that three elves will recognize, and usually occurs when one of two lovemates recognize someone else, and that third person openly accepts the other lovemate into the family.
Soulsiblings
Soulsiblings are two elves of the same gender that have exchanged soulnames by either telling it to the other person, or a moment much like Recognition. They are often also lovemates but not necessarily always.
Pregnancy and Cubs
When two elves recognize, it doesn't nessicarily mean that they will have a cub right away. It could take several turns of the season. It takes two turns or the season after conception for cubs to be born, and most females don't show until the second turn. Birth is usually cared for by the Healer and/or Midwives, and is a long process taking anywhere from a few hours to four days. First births are usually longer than second, third, or fourth births. Elves can be born out of Recognition, but that doesn't mean that they themselves will not Recognize, and it doesn't mean they aren't any less valuable to the holt. Whether born of Recognition or not, children are very precious. Elven birthrate is very low, sometimes even centuries pass between tribal births, thus making twins extremely rare.
| |
