It is a widely spread belief among the elves that everyone has a soul mate. Thus it is common to seek out fortunetellers and oracles to discern the traits and whereabouts of this ideal partner. Those that believe in reincarnation hold it possible that the soul mate has not been born at the same point in time. Whatever the verdict of the seers, most elven youths keep a lookout for their soul mate. Once two elves have expressed serious interest in each other, commonly after many poetic letters, love songs and secret meetings, they approach their parents in order to receive approval for formal courting. Social standing is an important factor among the Kvyr elves, and courting below one's station is seldom approved. The courting period is often rather long, sometimes spanning over decades. Elder elves argue it to be a good tradition in the light of century long marriage. When Kvyr elven suitors are ready to commit to marriage they traditionally present a pearl to their lover. On the morning of their wedding day the spouses undergo a bathing ritual. The Kvyr elves wash themselves in their bath houses or the ocean, while the A'lure elves use rivers or lakes. The wedding ceremony is often accompanied by music, and sometimes poetry is recited to express the joyous feelings of the moment. The couple exchange pledges of love and trust, and seal them by tying wedding bands to each others wrists. Afterwards the newlyweds are showered with flower petals or confetti, depending on the season. The spouses usually dress in light shades of green and blue during the ceremony. The Kvyr elves hold their weddings on ships at sea, with relatives and friends present in nearby boats. Noble and royal families may have entire fleets as witnesses. A priest who calls upon the attention of the gods to empower the ritual performs the ceremony. A'lure elven weddings are commonly held outdoors, either in sacred groves or open-air temples. A druid conducts the ritual, and gives the blessing of nature to the couple. When children are born, they are bathed in a bathhouse, river or ocean, within three weeks in order to purify their souls. A cleric or druid often performs the ritual cleansing. Elves spend much time with their young, playing games and teaching them to appreciate art and music. Mourning elves dress in black and burial ceremonies are commonly accompanied by music and poetry. The deceased is washed and dressed in fine clothes. The Kvyr elves traditionally sink the corpse in the ocean, while the A'lure elves burn the remains of the deceased on pyres. Afterwards they spread the ashes in a watercourse.