Marriage as humans know it is by and large a human construct, though Bonding has existed for Fae since nearly the beginning.
A Bonding is recognized as a sacred connection, to never be broken outside of by death. It is not entered into lightly, and said to tear a soul when broken. Those who agree to a bonding are making a promise for eternity, and among a long lived species that is viewed as sometimes a risk. There are rumors that if a soul bonded dies they are reincarnated, searching out the one they are meant to be with, though this has never been fully confirmed. Still, in times of war and destruction Bondings often go up, in the hope of protecting the souls of beloved warriors.
Typically once a pair, or more, decide to Bond to each other they wait the cycle of the seasons at the least prior to the ritual ceremony. This is to permit them to see all seasons together, and to permit them to use a binding ring (where humans got the idea of an engagement ring from) to feel lesser aspects of the Bonding gift without the soul bond fully in place. The enchanted jewelry, not always a ring, sometimes a necklace, a bracelet, a collar, even at times things like nipple rings or cock rings depending on the pair, gives them the benefits of the Bonding, though the strength of awareness and communication come from the fae’s power well, rather than the length of time. The abilities, while similar to a full Bonding, are a fraction of what a true Bonding gifts those who go through the ritual. And the connection would be lost rapidly once the jewelry is removed.
With a ruler’s consent a Bonding can occur more quickly, but these are very rare circumstances indeed that would inspire a Regent to give that sort of approval. Once, when the great wars were more frequent, it was common to designate a Guardian for those entering a Bonding to anchor them should they experience loss. This has fallen out of fashion as the violence waned for a time, the fae enjoying an era of mostly peace by gift of the ruler’s sacrifice at Atlantis.
The Ritual
The ritual itself may be carried out anywhere, though typically people ask local spiritual guides, priests/priestesses, rulers and the like to oversee them. It is thought a good omen to have a person of importance to oversee the Bonding, especially one impactful on the Bonding lovers’ lives. Each Court has their own traditions, and indeed within that among different races and clans the variations can vary wildly.
The ritual words, though, never change.
Blood of my blood, bone of my bone. I give to you my body, that we two might become one. I give you my soul, until my life is done. Neither you nor I can possess each other, for I belong wholly to myself; yet while we both wish it I give that which is mine to give, my heart, my dreams, my hope. I shall guard your dreams as well as my own, and tenderly care for you from this day until my last.
If there is someone to lead the ritual they will speak next, otherwise the newly Bonded will say together.
May the land give of its strength and nurture joy to flourish through the years. May the sun warm their hearts, it’s ever burning flame fueling their desire for each other. May the breeze bear witness to this bind, and murmur memories of it in times of change. May the water provide dreams to affirm this Bond.
Typically as each element is invoked in the closing it reacts in some manner, though that changes from Bonding to Bonding.
Benefits of the Bonding
- Ability to communicate through a private magic bond. This typically only works within the space of one realm, and the newer the bond the weaker it is and so the closer the Bonded need to be to hear each other.
- Sensing each other’s moods - this ability grows with time.
- Being able to locate their Bonded partner.
- When one of a Bonded fair is gravely wounded their Bonded can help them hold on longer, and last until a healer can reach them. Additionally, when one of the Bonded dies the living Bonded(s) can anchor their soul and work with a Dreamweaver specializing in the shades of ghosts to be able to make their farewells. The length of time a fae can hold onto a soul depends on how long the Bond has been in place.
- Increased chance of fertility and having a child together.
It is common for Bonding to shift over time, and additional people to be brought in if relationships grow.
