Tale of the Binding

Summary

Once upon a time, two great and noble families ruled the twin kingdoms of Azaria and Esturia. However, both were always wary of one another, in case one family should grow greedy and try to seize the power of the other.
But one day, the young princess of Esturia went out with her servants for a ride. The weather turned against them, and they took shelter in a cave. Alas, the rains made the rivers swell, and the poor princess was almost swept away. As it so happened, the prince of Azaria had been out hunting that same day. On seeing the princess in distress, he bravely dived into the river and saved her from drowning.
This act soon led them to becoming friends, although this was scorned by their families. Both sides tried to keep them apart, but to no avail, and soon their friendship turned to love. But this was too much for the King of Esturia. Coldly he locked his daughter in their castle home, and banished the prince from ever seeing her again. The princess cried and cried, begging to be reunited with her love. The King could not stand her pleas, so tricked her into drinking a potion which erased her memories.
Distraught, the prince sought help from his brother, who agreed to lend him the Azarian army. The prince then returned to the keep where his love was imprisoned, and demanded her released. The guards refused, and so he attacked. However, when he had conquered the guards and forced his way into her chamber, she could not recall his face, and refused to leave her family's side.
Defeated, the prince returned home, hoping to seek a way to cure her, but shortly after the Esturian King launched his own assault. The two kingdoms fell to war, and the heavens themselves turned angry. Terrible tempests and floods raged the lands, and the prince's brother was slain. The prince vowed revenge, and sought the princess again, not out of love, but out of hate, determined to hurt his enemy deep.
He finally found the princess, and without remorse drove his sword through her heart. The pain and shock broke her spell of stupor, and she whispered words of love as she died in his arms. The prince screamed, torn by grief at what he had done, and turned his sword upon himself.
They were eventually found, and both kingdoms were deeply ashamed. The two Kings made a pact of peace, and prayed to the Goddess for forgiveness. Moved by their remorse, she descended from the heavens, banishing the storms, and cast her holy light upon the fallen lovers. Her gentle touch woke them as if from sleep, and the kingdoms rejoiced. The Goddess smiled, and brought forth a spell that would let nothing tarnish the purest love. She named this spell the Binding, and declared that both the kingdoms be united. The prince and princess pledged this would be so, making the magic eternal, and on their wedding day, Esturia and Azaria became one.

Historical Basis

It bears a lot of similarity to the House Gladier/ House Farrontine feud which led to the death and elimination of both Houses, but historically would appear older than this.

Spread

Extremely common knowledge, it's often told as a bedtime story to young children.

Cultural Reception

Most people accept this as the origin for the Binding spell as magic is not well understood in the Age of the Goddess. Also almost all historical records before this were lost during the Age of Darkness.

In Literature

Many books, epics and poems are written about this and this is the oldest story connecting to the Binding spell.

In Art

It is a common inspiration for a lot of art

Date of First Recording

2020

Date of Setting

At the end of the Age of Darkness

Related Organizations

• Royal Kingdom of Azaria