The Grey Tower

The familiar bundle that was the bond with Gareth gave Ria a sense of warmth as she thought on it and her husband as she spoke with the Dedicated. “A Warder, once bonded, requires less sleep, food and water than their non-bonded counterparts. With the bond comes warded dreams, and the ability to sense shadowspawn that may be nearby,” Ria explained.

“Both channeler and Warder can get a sense for the general direction and distance of their bondmate, along with an idea of the emotions the other is experiencing. There are downsides. . .namely that if my bondmate is injured, I will know as I will feel pain myself, and the same goes for my bondmate. Perhaps one of the biggest downsides. . .if something were to happen to Gareth. . .if I were unable to protect him and he were to fall, I, as his warder, would be so driven with the desire for vengeance, I would go insane or perhaps driven to end my own life if there is not another channeler nearby to come to my aid.

“Overall, the bond benefits both, but the downsides are real, and should not be taken lightly. The channeler who bonds, if they lose their warder, will not go insane, but will likely grieve deeply, as the bond is a strong link between the two,” Ria finished explaining. “The heightened senses and ability to go longer without sleep or food mean we are less vulnerable when we are out in the world. . .we can stay awake longer, and keep watch on our wards. There is a give and take. . .both benefit, though, if that is what you are concerned with.”

Taesh's mind was working rapidly as he took in everything that the Mistress of Arms had to say. As his mind was wont to do sometimes, his train of thought went down more private paths. If the bonded pair shared each others pain, what else would they share. How awkward would it be if one of the pair was talking to royalty while the other was cuddling up in bed with someone else. And how intense if both were feeling the other's feelings and in bed with each other.

The Atha'an Miere was just beginning to think certain aspects of that bond might be worth further hands on experimentation, and he could think of a couple of Dedicated and Accepted he wouldn't mind being his test partners, when a somber tone cut through the reverie.

". . .if something were to happen to Gareth. . .if I were unable to protect him and he were to fall, I, as his warder, would be so driven with the desire for vengeance, I would go insane or perhaps driven to end my own life if there is not another channeler nearby to come to my aid."

Taesh almost missed a step when he heard that. Death severs the bond, but still she would die if Gareth Asha'man died. Yet she still made the bond Taesh though to himself.

"I can only hope that I show myself so worthy to be bonded. I did not know all of this, thank you Mistress Riahana. It is always better to know the way before you set a course, and you have helped me with your knowledge. I hope I have not taken too much of your time" the Atha'an Miere said.

Riahana offered Taesh a warm smile, "You have certainly not taken up too much of my time, Dedicated Taesh. I am always happy to speak with our learning ranks, and answer what questions they may have. If I were honest, I wish more Accepted and Dedicated would take the time to speak with our Gaidin about what the bond means.

"To bond with someone is not something that should be taken lightly. It is a greater commitment between those involved in the bonding, be they channeler and warder, or two channelers. That you took time to gain an understanding of the bond is commendable, Taesh. To me, it means you will likely not be one to take your bondmate for granted," Ria replied. "Unfortunately, I must bid you farewell for now, as my duties require me elsewhere. If you find you have further questions, my door is always open to you."

The Mistress of Arms tilted her head slightly, "Until we meet again, Dedicated." With that, Ria continued along a garden path that took her towards her office. As much as she'd rather stay out and enjoy the Gardens, there were meetings to attend to, and paperwork waiting for her.