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 Dizyntk Bonding practices (no sex, scfi)





   The Rite of Bonding is the single most important ceremony in Dizyntk
culture.

   It is what forms their Bonded Mating Groups.  The Dizyntk equivalent of
marriage.

   There are many similarities, but there also several important
differences.

   The most obvious ones being that more than two Dizyntk may be bonded to
each other in this fashion.

   Also there are no restrictions as to the sex of the Dizyntk being
bonded, as there is no stigma in Dizyntk society over homo or bi sexuality.

   Although, since one of the two primary purposes of the bond is the
bearing and raising of children, single sex groups are looked upon as being
strange and their prevalence among Mating Groups is less than 2 percent.

   However it is not uncommon for two Dizyntk of the same sex to be bonded
with the intention of adding a member of the opposite sex.  Once two
dizyntk are bonded they may, at any later date, add others to their Mating
Group.

   Their is no theoretical limit to the number of Dizyntk that may be
bonded to each other.  However there are practical limits.

   For any new Dizyntk to be added to the group, ALL current members must
agree to the addition as they all must perform the Rite with the new
member.

   Therefore, while it is not unusual to have groups with three to five
members, groups larger than this are rare.

   It is also not unusual for just two Dizyntk to never add another member.

   The average size of a Bonded Mating Group in Dizyntk culture is between
three and four.  The largest group known is eight.

   There is also no such thing as divorce in Dizyntk society, hence the
serious nature of the Bonding Rite.

   Dizyntk bond with each other for life, literally.

   Therefore it is not unusual for Dizyntk to simply live with each other
if they do not feel the time is right for bonding.

   While Dizyntk society does not look at this non-bonded cohabitation as
wrong, bearing children outside of a Mating Group is seriously frowned
upon.

   Therefore non-bonded adults, both male and female, usually have
implanted contraceptive devices that last about two cyankas (the Dizyntk
year, which is equal to 18 earth months.)

   Dizyntk must be twelve cyankas to be bonded, although the average age is
sixteen.

   The Rite of Bonding is presided over by a Priestess of one of the Orders
of the Temple of the Goddess.

   All Dizyntk being bonded to each other kneel before the Priestess, join
hands and recite the Pledge of Bonding to each other simultaneously.

   Witnesses, other than the Priestess, are not required.

   Neither is the presence or approval of any family of those being bonded.

   As a general rule, however, both of these are present.  Most Dizyntk
would never think of undergoing the Rite without inviting friends to be
there.  Also, as family is such an important thing in Dizyntk culture, most
Dizyntk would never even consider being bonded without at least the tacit
approval of their parents and other members of the Mating Group in which
they were raised.

   At the end of the Recitation all those being bonded have a
silver-titanium bracelet, about four inches wide and inscribed with the
names of their mate, or mates, permanently attached to their left wrists by
the Priestess.

   There is a layer of material on the inside of the bracelet that will
bind the bracelet to the flesh on the arm within one hour of placement.

   Removal of the bracelet is, needless to say, a very difficult and
painful endeavor.

   As has already been said, Dizyntk bond for life.

   Upon the death of one of the members of a Mating Group, a thin strip of
titanium reinforced copper is placed over that Dizyntk's name with the name
engraved on the copper strip.

   Dizyntk culture is just as opposed to incestuous relationships as any
other.

   The problems arising from inbreeding are best left un-discussed.

   However, given the makeup of many Mating groups, it is possible to have
"siblings" who share absolutely no blood ties.

   In these instances if the "siblings" share a sexual relationship, it is
not really looked upon as incest, although it is considered a bit odd.

   Siblings from a Mating Group can, theoretically, be bonded if they share
no blood ties.

   The instances of this happening are exceedingly rare however.

   Recently it has been discovered that an alien species, namely Humans,
are genetically compatible with Dizyntk and can produce offspring with
them.

   Much debate and controversy has arisen from the question of whether or
not Humans can be bonded with Dizyntk through the Rite of Bonding.

   As of this time, while the general populace is split over the issue, The
Orders of the Temple of The Goddess have given at least tacit approval to
the concept.

   While there is no precedence for such a thing, The Orders have stated
the belief that since Humans can breed with Dizyntk, and that one of the
two main purposes of the Bonded Mating Groups is to produce offspring, then
any Human who is willing to adopt Dizyntk beliefs and live in Dizyntk
society should be allowed to bond with any Dizyntk who agrees to the
bonding.

   As of this writing there has only been one test of the bonding of Human
and Dizyntk.

   The bonding of Crown Princess Feyalisa Fretheri Ariarisha Zerleen to her
human mate, Michael Christopher.