Elvish courtship

Elvish Courtship Traditions in Ilthalor
Courtship among the elves of Ilthalor has long been a ritual of elegance, restraint, and deep spiritual meaning. To love publicly, or even hastily, is considered vulgar — a stain on the soul and the bloodline. The old ways are sacred, echoing the silence and stillness of their moon goddess Elaru’neth, who teaches that love, like the moon, is best unveiled in phases.

Traditional Courtship:
Silent Exchanges:Traditional elven courtship begins with nonverbal gestures — offerings of crafted items, shared walks beneath moonlight, or the placement of personal tokens (a pressed flower, a folded ribbon) in the intended’s space. Speaking of affection directly is considered a breach of etiquette in early stages.
Moon-Binding Rituals: If a bond is accepted, the couple undergoes a Moon-Binding — a private ceremony conducted during a full moon, where vows are whispered, hands are bound with silver or red thread, and no witnesses are permitted. Public announcements may follow, but the ritual itself is sacred and secret.
Monogamy and Lifebonds: Traditional elven unions are monogamous and intended to last a lifetime — not by law, but by cultural and spiritual expectation. To love once is purity. To love again is indulgence. This is a core belief King Serelthar Moonborn holds as absolute.
Affection in Public: Physical contact — even a brush of the hand — is deeply intimate in elven society. Public displays of affection are rare and typically restricted to lifebonded pairs. To touch someone’s face in public is considered a declaration of devotion.

Modern Influences (Post-Migration Changes)
With the arrival of humans, halflings, and other races, new customs crept into Ilthalor — to the horror of the elder courts.
Flirtation and informal courtship have become more common among younger elves, especially those mingling with other races. Shared laughter, hand-holding, or public dances are now seen in mixed communities.
Multiple consorts or lovers are increasingly accepted among human-leaning nobles, though still considered scandalous by the traditional elite.
informal pet-names , Like "Baby" or "sweetpea", are human customs that are slowly becoming popular among the young elvish couples.
Public affection, including kissing, dancing, and gift-giving during festivals, is practiced more openly, particularly in urban districts.