Bonding Ceremony

The Bonding Ceremony is the heart of the Order of Arelian’s power and unity, a sacred ritual that intertwines the fates of a Sahar and Guardian. This ceremony is not just a rite of passage but a profound and mystical act, forging an unbreakable connection between the two. Through this bond, they transcend their individual strengths, becoming greater than the sum of their parts.
Shrouded in secrecy, the Bonding Ceremony is one of the Order’s most closely guarded traditions, known only to those who have undergone the ritual or performed it. To the outside world, it is a source of intrigue and reverence, often regarded as a divine mystery that sets the Order apart. For those within, it is a defining moment—transforming lives, solidifying destinies, and ensuring the balance and strength of the mortal realm.

History

The origins of the Bonding Ceremony trace back to the early days of the Order of Arelian, when the godly brothers Aurelian and Leohran sought to establish an institution that would safeguard the balance of the mortal realm. Despite their divine strength, they recognized the limitations of mortals in combating chaos and darkness on their own. It was during this time that Velmorra, the Goddess of Death and Fate, intervened.
Moved by their vision, Velmorra appeared to the brothers within the hallowed grounds of what would later become the Temple of Unity. She wove before them the first threads of fate, showing how the destinies of two individuals could be intertwined to create a force far greater than either alone. This bond, she explained, would not merely link their abilities but also their souls, enabling unparalleled unity, trust, and strength.
Velmorra laid down the sacred rules of the Bonding Ceremony, ensuring that it would always serve balance and never be wielded for personal ambition or corruption. She entrusted the knowledge of the ritual to her most faithful followers—priests and scholars who would later become the Threadmasters. These chosen few were tasked with overseeing the ceremony and safeguarding its secrets for generations to come.
The process was initially seen as a divine experiment, performed only on a few carefully chosen pairs. However, the results were undeniable: bonded Sahar and Guardians demonstrated extraordinary feats of valor and magic, seamlessly blending their abilities to overcome even the most insurmountable challenges. As the Order grew in prominence, the Bonding Ceremony became its cornerstone, shaping its identity and solidifying its place as a force for balance in Tanaria.
Through the ages, the ceremony has remained largely unchanged, a testament to the perfection of Velmorra’s gift. Legends speak of her watching over each ritual, her shadow cast in the flickering light of the ceremonial runes, ensuring the threads of fate remain unbroken.

Execution

The Bonding Ceremony is an intricate and sacred process, performed exclusively within the Temple of Unity, where the threads of fate are said to hum most clearly. Overseen by the Threadmasters, the ritual involves a delicate balance of magic, intent, and trust.
Preparation Before the ceremony begins, both the Sahar and Guardian undergo days of mental, emotional, and physical preparation. This includes:

• Meditation and Reflection: Ensuring both individuals are ready to embrace the bond fully.
• Blessings and Cleansing Rituals: Performed by the Threadmasters to purify their bodies and spirits, ensuring no external forces disrupt the ritual.
• Thread Reading: The priests of Velmorra examine the threads of fate connecting the pair, confirming their compatibility and readiness.

The ceremonial chamber is adorned with glowing runes etched into the floor, and the air is heavy with the scent of sacred herbs. The environment is charged with magic, creating an atmosphere of both awe and reverence.
The Ritual The Bonding Ceremony itself is a moment of unparalleled intimacy and significance. The process unfolds in three distinct stages:

1. Invocation: The Threadmasters begin by calling upon Velmorra and the threads of fate, reciting ancient words in a language lost to all but the Order. The runes in the chamber respond, glowing brighter as the pair kneels within the sacred circle.


2. The Weaving: The Sahar channels their magic, guided by the Threadmasters, to weave golden threads of light that represent the pair’s shared destiny. The Guardian, though unable to perform magic, places their hand into the threads, anchoring them with their willpower and intent. As the threads weave around them, they begin to feel each other's thoughts, emotions, and presence.


3. The Marking: At the ritual’s climax, the threads solidify and leave permanent marks on both individuals. These marks appear where they physically touched during the ceremony—sometimes as glowing handprints, intricate symbols, or even patterns resembling fate-bound runes. Each pair’s marks are unique, a physical manifestation of their bond.

Sealing the Bond As the ritual concludes, the chamber grows quiet, and the pair rises together, their bond now irrevocably forged. The Threadmasters offer final blessings, and the newly bonded Sahar and Guardian are granted time to adjust to the heightened awareness of each other before resuming their training or missions.

Participants

The Bonding Ceremony involves a select group of individuals, each playing a critical role in ensuring the sanctity and success of this sacred ritual.
Primary Participants

• The Sahar: The magic-wielding half of the bond, chosen for their innate ability to channel arcane forces. During the ceremony, the Sahar leads the magical aspects of the ritual, weaving the threads of fate under the guidance of the Threadmasters.
• The Guardian: The warrior half of the bond, chosen for their strength, resilience, and unwavering conviction. Although the Guardian does not perform magic, their presence anchors the threads of fate and ensures the bond is formed with stability and purpose.

Key Roles

• Threadmasters: Priests of Velmorra who oversee and guide the Bonding Ceremony. They possess a deep understanding of the threads of fate and ensure that the ritual is performed flawlessly. Their role includes invoking Velmorra’s blessings, reading the threads, and weaving the ceremonial magic alongside the Sahar.
• Witnesses: On rare occasions, select members of the Order may be invited to observe the ceremony as a form of recognition or reward. These witnesses are sworn to secrecy and bear witness to the profound unity forged during the ritual.
• Blessing Givers: Senior members of the Order or high-ranking Threadmasters may bestow final blessings on the bonded pair at the conclusion of the ceremony. This act symbolizes the Order’s approval and trust in the pair’s future together.

Velmorra’s Presence Though not a physical participant, Velmorra’s influence is deeply felt during the Bonding Ceremony. Many believe her divine presence watches over the ritual, guiding the threads of fate to ensure harmony and balance in the bond.

Primary Related Location

Temple of Unity

Related Organizations

• Order of Arelian