Prydaen Life Bond

Prydaen pairings are often brief and informal, lasting a few seasons or less, until the two go their separate ways. A "life-bonding" is a deeper commitment between two Prydaens, usually involving a longer courtship and blessing of the union by the Elders.

Eu's Promise Flower

Rumored to be created by the Claw of Eu, the flower holds similar properties to that of a Saemaus kiss rose, enabling Prydaen to form deep bonds under the blessing of the Triquetra, without entwining their souls.

• The flower may not be used by non-Prydaen.
• The flower may not be used by Necromancers.
• Once bound, if the Prydaen ever wish to separate, they must turn to Be'ort. The Triquetra and the Claw of Eu provide no means of achieving it.

Clothing

The use of sheer garments seemed to originate from one particular group and is considered distasteful by the majority of other Prydaen.

Bride

• Pr'ysin - This sash is a narrow strip of fabric, often gathered in pleats, wrapped around the hips, and draped over the opposite shoulder, akin to a train behind the wearer.
• Pr'chmir - This is a loosely worn dress that is slit along the sides to assist in freedom of movement and often belted.
• Pr'sarrak - This is a loose, hooded robe that is slit along the sides to assist in freedom of movement and often belted.

Groom

• Pr'mra'sin - This long tunic is slit at the sides for easy movement, worn loose, and usually belted.
• Pr'sarrak - This is a loose, hooded robe that is slit along the sides to assist in freedom of movement and often belted.

Eastern Traditions

Bonding Token

• Pr'raaho - Not necessarily a requirement, but these rings are often exchanged by Eastern Prydaen and typically display some sort of nature design as an honorific to Eu. The practice of ring exchanging was largely influenced by Eastern traditions.

Ceremony

Pulling from Western traditions, two Prydaen that wish to be life-bonded will often seek out a Prydaen Cleric to stand over the proceedings. The pair will exchange a marriage token, commonly a Pr'raaho or a tailband. The pair will then, as a show of devotion and promise, feed each other some sort of small prey -- a hunt is not always practiced. The small prey is often mice, birds, or something else easily kept alive until the ceremony. To complete the ritual, the Prydaen Cleric recites a bonding prayer to Eu.

Western Traditions

The life-bonding of Prydaen is such an uncommon event, that it customary to gather and celebrate to prepare for what is to come. The pair usually meet with a priest or a member of the Claw of Eu to ensure that neither soul is already bound to that of another Prydaen. Asking the Triquetra to bind such a soul to two different souls is like asking to have your soul ripped from your body. When a life-bonding is to happen within a Hub, the Hub provides a feast. This is done as celebration, because these events are so infrequent among the Prydaen, given our nature and understandable caution concerning matters of the soul. Throughout the feasting, there is often a large bonfire, around which many Prydaen will gather to share stories and legends.

Bonding Token

• Typically a tailband or a torque decorated with the accouterments from recent kills, such as claws, fur, and teeth. Often, this served as a reminder of the promise to protect and provide for each other.

Ceremony

If two Prydaen chose to become life-bonded, the two stand before Eu, in nature, and exchange a marriage or bonding token. This token was frequently was a tailband decorated with teeth, skins, feathers, or claws from recent kills. After the exchange, the two hunt together, and as a show of promise to care for each other in this life and all the following lives, the pair feed each their kills. Completing the ritual, a priest or a member of the Claw of Eu from any nearby Hub performs a bonding prayer to Eu.

The Bonding Prayer

While the bonding prayer may often change with translation, the general message is held in the prayer below.

Eu-Demrris-Tenemlor gave us a promise of life again.
Hear our praise now, for your people are strong and happy.
We wander the lands in thanks to your promise.
As each creature of Eu seeks a partner, so now do your people.

Eu-Demrris-Tenemlor, we call upon you now.
It is time for your children to find happiness in each other.
It is the time for pairing and the time for hunting for each other.
It is time for the Prydaen before us to give promise.
It is time for the bonding two souls.

As the Wheel turns, these Prydaen will join in each life.
Choosing to never separate, but to entwine their souls.
Eu-Demrris-Tenemlor, bind these Prydaen to their promise.
As they wake to each other, may their souls be as one.
Bound now and forever more, no longer to wander alone.