If the art is accepted by the potential consort, it is time for something more intimate.

This step in the relationship must be taken by the man. Even though the female made her feelings known by showing the male her art, it is the man who should start the courtship.

For other races, this is not a crucial point. But elves still see a difference between male and female.

Women are supposed to be more quiet and withdrawn. They are not seen as less. Man are just seen as more adventurous and more capable of completing a quest.

It isn't safe for a woman, according to the elves. Women are able to carry children, more fragile then man. Nothing can happen to them so they are treated differently.

Dwarves are also very protective over their woman but don't look at them as weak or fragile. Their woman are, just like their man, capable of protecting themselves in battle. And man know this.

For elves this is different.

And that is why man should take the lead when it comes to courting. It is seen as disrespectful if the female makes her feelings known before the man does. Accept for when it comes to the first step which was about presenting your own art.

When a male feels the same way, or has initiated the first step of courting, he has to prepare everything for a special two months. The two months are special, only shared between two potential lovers.

Just note that you are not courting the elf at this point. You are still at the stage where you get to know one another. After all, elves can get quite old so they must choose their mate carefully.

The male will ask permission from the consort' parents to spend time together for two months. It is supposed to take place at an house in between the house of the consort and the house of the suitor.

The potential couple can not be disturbed by anyone during these months. It doesn't matter what they do as long as their is permission from both sides. If the couple manages to stay together for the whole two months they are deemed worthy of courtship.

That doesn't mean you are courting.

Nope, you just started the road you need to take. And it is a long and dangerous one.

You met the parents but they haven't been allowed yet to give permission for courting. Spending time together is something completely different. Hahahahaha...

You are not even close.

Alright, I will take it from here Nathalie *Elrond walks in*.

B-but... I was explaining -

We heard that.

Well, dear reader. From now on I will tell you all you need to know. Let me begin by saying that elven parents aren't as scary as Nathalie would like you to believe. We care about our children and we don't want to see them hurt.

That's why the next two steps have to be done right before the suitor comes to ask permission from the parents.

*Throws hands in the air* Fine, you do it. I don't even like elves.