Recognition, mating & cubs

What is Recognition and what sparks it?

Recognition is an irresistible 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. But it is _not_ love. Recognition doesn't care about the parents, only about child. 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. When the child is born, Recognition's effects will fade, leaving behind the knowledge of the soul names involved, and a special empathy for the partner.

Recognition is sparked usually by fresh or unique genetic stock (in the Holts 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 are Recognized elves selected in Shadow Dream Holt?

Exactly like they would be "selected" in Elfquest universe. Randomly. Currently we just drawr two names from a hat. Currently there are so many cubs born or soon to be born that there won't be random Recognitions for a while. If you wish to recognize with another elf. Talk to there owner and if it is ok let us know you want to Recognize. Depending on the time and how many recognitions have happened we will let you know if it is alright at that time.

Can children be born outside of Recognition?

Yes, but it is rare. But it doesn't mean that the elf born outside of Recognition couldn't Recognize. They can, and if they meet an ideal partner, they will.

Pregnancy and cubs

It takes a lot longer with elves than with humans or trolls. Two turns of the seasons in all, to be specific. The belly won't even begin to swell before it's almost a full turn, and it will be round as the mother moon for two seasons. Most births are not difficult. Whether born of Recognition or not, children are very precious. Elven birthrate is very low, sometimes even centuries passing between tribal births and twins are very rare.