Dalish: Bonding

History and Philosophy
Bonding is an important part of the Dalish culture and it is a dream of many, to bond another elf and have children, allowing life to go on and their ways to be continued through their children. It is believed that the Dalish word for marriage- Bonding- dates back to the days of Arlathan, there where bonding had a different meaning. Elves used to be immortal and they would remain with a partner for a long time prior moving on to another. Thus, it was a bond they would make as they could choose to be with another for however long before seeking a new love. Now that they no longer stand as immortals though, the name remained but the meaning altered. Monogamy became the norm as their lifespan decreased and bonding now stands for spending your entire life with a single partner.

Recent Dalish value bonding and the act of sharing their whole life with another. They yearn for the creation of a close-knit family and things as clan, children, blood lines and ties are of great importance to them. Since they have already lost a great part of their past culture, they wish to remain close and undivided; they wish to preserve whatever they currently have in their possession. So, it is not surprising, considering the Dalish philosophy of passing on their culture to their children, preserving it that way, that they greatly discourage homosexual relations. Bonding between two elves of the same sex will bore no children and life will not continue that way. Thus, they are usually negative towards such intimate interactions and individuals whose sexual preferences differ from normality are not very popular among most clans.

Bonding ceremony
Firstly, it is to be noted that the elves hailing from the same Dalish clan are usually related by blood. Thus, it is common for the Dalish to choose bondmates from other clans, either during Arlathvhen or when new members are being adopted. When two elves take an interest to each other and have a blossoming relationship occur, it is customary for them to inform their families of their love and decide to bond at some point. It is to be noted though, that arranged marriages are not uncommon among the Dalish, with the parents pairing their children to a partner they believe will produce good and healthy offspring. Whether the pairing happens out of love or not, once the official proposal has been made, but prior the bonding ceremony itself, the couple exchanges symbolic presents; this is an action which shows intention of spending their remaining years together, as well as an indication of affection. Usually, the presents hold significant meaning for the two elves.

When the time of ceremony comes, the clan gathers and the couple stands before the Keeper of the clan. Keepers are the elves who usually perform the bonding rituals apart from the times that they are the ones to bond. In this case, an esteemed hahren of the clan performs the ceremony in their place. The elvhen couple, repeats a Dalish oath, after the Keeper and before the eyes of the Creators and their clan, their fates intertwine.

The bonding ceremony is followed by a two-day celebration where the Dalish drink and eat and dance in the name of the new, bonded now, couple.