As a species, the Yashelin are created directly by a deity rather than born. Therefore, their familial structures required intentional construction without relying on any inherent parental figures. The modern familial system found in Yashelin homes today evolved from this original construction, entrenched and enhanced via the repetition of traditions, the enforcement of laws, and a healthy dash of spontaneity.
The Yashelin familial structure is made up of four main components: the Wanuye, the Elevu, the Ayiru, and the Kabi. The
wanuye and
elevu are the child's primary caregivers, comparable to a mother and father.
Ayiru, meanwhile, literally means
mentor, but the closest comparison lies somewhere between an auntie and/or a teacher. Finally, a
kabi is the word for the child of the above three caregivers, similar to the terms son or daughter. While Yashelin do not traditionally possess a position comparable to grandparents or siblings, these dynamics do regularly exist and are becoming more commonly articulated.
Traditional Family Structure
Wanuye: the Primary Caregiver
The wanuye is the ultimate guardian of a Yashelin child from their first Creation Day onward. They traditionally perform the brunt of the personal labor required to raise the child, including but not limited to providing it with shelter, food, education, and love.
Elevu: the Secondary Caregiver
The elevu is the secondary caregiver of a Yashelin child whose responsibilities vary according to the unique dynamics of the family unit. While the wanuye has primary authority, the elevu has the authority to make decisions for the child in their absence.
The elevu is usually one of the cohabitant romantic partners of the wanuye. If there are only two cohabitants, the two of them typically divide up the labor equally. If there is a third partner, they may informally adopt similar childcare duties. In cases where the wanuye is single and lives alone, the elevu is usually a close friend or family member. For example, Sheruba is the child of Hanalun. When Sheruba was tasked with raising Runa, they asked Hanalun to be Runa's Elevu.
Ayiru: the Mentor
Ayiru - the tertiary caregiver of a Yashelin child, usually chosen later in the child's youth based upon the personality and professional trajectory of the child.
Kabi: the Child
At the base of every Yashelin family is the child, or mali. Each child is typically granted two primary caregivers before they reach 50 years old, and a third caregiver chosen by the child is usually introduced around 500 years old.
Every single family dynamic is different. Although a child is usually closest to their Wanuye, a child's relationship with their Elevu and/or Ayiru can vary significantly.
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