Post by InsidiousFlair on Jul 14, 2018 0:39:19 GMT
Courtship Rituals
Each Clan has their own unique courtship rituals. These may be performed by any cat at or over the rank of an apprentice, as it is not yet a commitment to becoming mates, but a way to show affection(Think Valentine's Day/White Day gifts, promposals, promise rings, etc.). While often these acts are preceded by interactions with the other individual, it is not necessary. Not all cats make the choice to court another cat in this way, even before committing themselves to them, it is a normal and exciting way to reveal - or hint to - feelings towards another cat.
HazeClan
A HazeClan cat wishing to court another collects little rare/attractive rocks and shells to present to their love interest. They may present them to the other cat in any number of ways: giving them to the cat outright, sneaking them into their nest, leaving them nearby in the night to see their reaction the next day, giving one at a time, giving an entire pile all at once, or almost anything else they can think of. This can be done by several people for one cat, in which case the givers typically separate their gifts from the others. If the cat approves of some of the gifts, they will take one and sit with it somewhere by themselves. The first cat to approach them, or beckon them, directly is often assumed to be the gift-giver. Apprentices, per the rules, must remain somewhere in the camp for this part unless given explicit permission, but cats of higher ranks may wait wherever they please.
RidgeClan
A RidgeClan cat will either mark themselves or have someone mark them with clay and/or mud on at least two spots of their body (the cat can be more discrete or more obvious depending on their preference) before courting another cat to represent their commitment to their Clan. Sometimes a cat will do this at the same time as other cats to avoid their "pick" being obvious. They must bear this for the entirety of the day and, sometime in the night, make a clay/mud marking on the nest of the individual they wish to court (again, as discrete or obvious as they choose) and leave a special object next to them. After completing this task, they may clean themselves of their markings. If the marked cat has feelings for another individual, they will go through the same process. Sometimes this can result in confusion, the cat marking an individual other than the original court-er, or washing their nest of the mark entirely. Others may even ignore the ritual and show affections purely through interaction.
SageClan
In SageClan, courtship rituals are based greatly on their frequent excess of plantlife. When an individual wishes to receive another's affections, they will roll themselves in a scent that they believe the other cat will like (examples could be mugwort, sage, mint, flowers, etc.). Then, they will take parts of that scent's origin, such as leaves or flower petals, and line the nest of the other individual. If the cat likes the substance in their nest, or is able to smell something obvious on a cat they approve of, they can either return the favor, keep the objects in their nest, or show approval in another manner to lead to further interaction. If they disapprove of the object or know which cat was the source of the gift and are unable to return their feelings, they will remove the objects from their nest. Sometimes cats will try several scents and sources to gain the other's affections. Other times they will quit trying. Just as with the other rituals, some choose not to participate at all.
Mate Ceremony
The cats of Steel Skies often choose to make their partnerships official by requesting that a ceremony be performed. This is optional, much like getting married in real life, although common. These ceremonies are performed by the leader or, in times when the leader is not present, a medicine cat. This is often done in the meeting place of the camp with all cats who choose to watch attending, while couples wishing for more privacy would tend to avoid the ceremony all together. Any cats can request this ceremony, as long as the other is in agreement, although they typically go through the Clan's courtship rituals at some point beforehand. Rarely, "arranged ceremonies" are made, typically by parents or a leader, when a leader (or two leaders, in the case of a cross-Clan courtship) deems it advantageous (Cat shortages, necessary Clan alliances, etc.). Both parties must agree, but their pairing is highly encouraged in such cases.
For the ceremony, both cats prepare themselves in the way they would for their Clan's courtship rituals. HazeClan cats will prepare one or more precious objects for their partner (often relating to their partner, their ability to provide, or their promises for their future together), RidgeClan cats will mark themselves with clay or mud, and SageClan cats will roll in and sometimes decorate themselves with scent-giving plants or objects. The leader or, sometimes, medicine cat, will call the Clan to gather together. After the cats have gathered, the couple will reveal themselves to the Clan and to eachother, walking from two separate areas/dens to the meeting place
Leader: On behalf of (name 1) and (name 2), I welcome you to witness the official binding of two cats. Today, (name 1) and (name 2), you are surrounded by your Clanmates, all of whom are gathered to share in the joy of this occasion. Let this be a statement of what you are to each other and the commitment you will make before StarClan("before StarClan" can be omitted/swapped, although it is somewhat taboo).
(Name 1), do you have anything you wish to declare?
(This cat can choose to say anything about their mate, ceremony, or anything else, or choose to stay silent.)
(Name 2), do you have anything you wish to declare?
(This cat can choose to say anything about their mate, ceremony, or anything else, or choose to stay silent.)
Does the Clan have anything to declare?
(Any issues with the ceremony can be declared here; otherwise, the ceremony moves on.)
The stars above have witnessed the growth of your affections and know that your love is true.
(Name 1) and (Name 2), please look into each other's eyes.
(Name 1), do you seek to bind yourself to this commitment to love, defend, and respect your mate to all ends?
(Presumably "I do" or "yes," or even "sure")
(Name 2), do you seek to bind yourself to this commitment to love, defend, and respect your mate to all ends?
(Same as above)
(Same as above)
I now pronounce, by the powers of StarClan (can be omitted, again taboo), with (Clan name) as my witness, you two to be mates for life. May you be joyous the rest of your days, and may your promise be binding.
After, the cats may touch noses or not, and oftentimes they will be cheered on. They are excused from duties, except in an emergency, for the rest of the day.