Dhivael’s head inclined once in a short nod of understanding when Professor Whyte told her she shouldn’t spend too much time studying fables. It was true that she had many other things to study, and Earthlings seemed to have less time than Rihannsu in which to do things. It had been a great difficulty to adhere herself to the sleep schedules of Earth according to how little time each day contained. “I look forward to listening to your teachings on the matter.” It wasn’t a lie. This humanoid interest her, and she felt that she would have much to learn under his direction.
The Rihan’s lips parted to decline his second offer for refreshments, but she changed her mind. “I think I will take your offer. You may distill your preferred blend into a mug for me.” As one who was studying Earthlings, she often attempted to mimic specific behaviors. This meant eating and drinking as they did. This had resulted in many unpleasant results, and while things were still mysterious to her, she hoped to make connections between specific actions and preferences. By tasting his preferred blend of tea, perhaps she would gain some insight into his mind that she had not been able to reach simply by speaking with him.
She accepted the mug when he was finished, careful not to touch parts of it that may be too hot, and sipped it thoughtfully.
“It is my understanding that there has been so much procreation among the peoples of Earth that no race is quite ‘pure.’ Thus, ‘bi-racial’ seems like a trivial choice in vocabulary. When I first saw you, I was not aware of what your racial background may be. Had you not told me of your descent, I would not have been able to pinpoint specific physical details in yourself that are distinctly those races. Thus, ‘racially ambiguous’ was the most fitting term to use.” Her explanation was valid as far as she was concerned. He must simply have believed she was using a term incorrectly, but her language skills were very good. It was jargon or slang that had a tendency to confound her for short intervals.
Dhivael thought carefully about how she should explain the topic of mating to her future professor. “The choosing of a mate among Rihannsu depends on preferences. Many allow their families to choose to whom they will bond, but many others find their own. Had I stayed on ch’Havran, my parents would have chosen my mate for me based on ideal genetic traits within that male. Love is not a factor in the choice to marry in the same sense that it is on Earth.” In fact, her mother and father had already chosen an ideal mate, but Dhivael would have had to stay on ch’Havran or he would have had to come to Earth with her, and neither of them would have wanted to budge. He would likely become bonded to another while Dhivael was on Earth, but she was not bothered by that.
“However, I would not be forced to bond with him if I decided for any reason that he was not a proper choice for me. I chose to continue my studies on Earth, and many potential mates would not have been willing to travel with me, nor would I be willing to stay on ch’Havran for him. When I return to ch’Havran, it is likely that I will find a mate at that time, and I will likely need to choose him for myself rather than my progenitors.” The choices would be fewer, of course. At her current age, she was at her prime for finding a mate. When she returned, she would not be old, but most males would have been mated by that time.
“Once two Rihannsu have accepted one another, a ceremony is performed, and they are bonded. Once the consummation is complete, they are officially considered mated – or married as it is known on Earth. The act of sex is performed in the same fashion among my people as it is yours. It is considered to be a physically appealing experience though I do not know for myself. My people, however, do not commit the act with different partners as is common here. Once two Rihannsu have been ‘wed,’ they stay together for the remainder of their lives. It is extremely rare for one to remarry if her or his mate’s life expires before theirs does.” The bonding itself was a more private affair that occurred immediately after the public ceremony. It consisted of the joining of both bodies and minds.