Benavur slipped her hand into mine, where it fit perfectly, as we crossed the plaza to the spruce of the Temple of the Host. The statues of the elven gods watch over us as Gledril pricks the finger of each of my new matrons, drawing a single drop of blood from them, just like last time.

I held out my hand to receive my prick, but Gledril shook her head.

"That is not required of you once you have been bonded." She informed me, then turned and began the ritual.

"Que, van iesoval."

This time only drops of blood from the new matrons rose one at a time as she...