As my eyes turned towards the speaker, i was astonished to see who it was. Prya, the FireSlyph had just proclaimed she would be my… wait did she just say soulmate. Did I just propose? Siya, choose this time to chime in
'In most spirit cultures, when a spirit is asked to soul bond, this is equivalent to a human marriage proposal, just more binding. When creating a spirit bond, the spirit will bind her life essence to yours, making a permanent connection, as well as allowing the spirit to live of your life energy, effectively putting their life in your hands. However, spirits see many benefits to finding a spirit bond, as she cannot die while you are alive, but can gain strength proportional to you.'
This is exactly why it is crucial to know people's culture's when visiting a new place so you don't make a fool of yourself in front of a crowd.
'Umm… so like is Prya expecting a ring from me ?!?
'No, rather than jewelry like most cultures, spirits are typically given something found in nature, like a pond, a volcano, a rare elemental stone, rare beast core and in some special cases a magical beast or plant.'
I had nothing like that! But as i thought that, i had a sinking feeling in my gut. I did have one thing that did qualify as natural. It was the legendary beast core that Ari and I got from the Wyrm on our first day. It was surely worth at least 100 gold. Was I willing to give this up? for a proposal that I didn't even mean to make?
I gave another look at Prya, and really took in her features, the petite but beautiful Slyph and then thought of everything I had learned so far about her, and as I did this, the answer came to my mind.
Yes, I would. I would give up a lot for her. Even more than some legendary beast core that could be replaced. Prya then spoke
'My first request is that we split all of our earnings between us. If we bond our souls, I'm not going to work for you. Partnership. We split the earnings, and I don't want you holding on to my money!'
'Okay, That is fine with me'
'Hmmphh. 2nd. Look but don't touch. Not without my permission anyway.' Prya again blushed, which made her red fair even more striking
'I've seen your stares pervert. I'm not saying you are unattractive but I don't want you taking advantage of me when we are alone, just because we are soulmates doesn't mean I'm some floozy!!'
'Yes; that is fine.' I said impassively. Not sure how I would do that given your size difference…
'Lastly, I expect a proposal gift so I want…' she paused to add dramatics. I was expecting this, but as I started to dig into my bag, she finished: 'your BloodRaven'
"What?!?! Hell no"
'Why not?? I am your soul spirit' she pouted but didn't stop.
'If we are going to be together forever,,, I'm going to need a soul beast too. and well… you already have 3 beast allies and you can't soul bound with all of them! Soooo,,, I thought I could have one? Right?"
Inwardly, I asked. 'Siya is that true?!'
'Yes, at your current soul's strength you will only be able to soul bond with one beast, and one spirit, as these are vary between the two'
I stared at Red, looking to see what he was thinking, but as glanced over, I noticed Red had already gone over to Prya and was letting her stroke his wings. That traitor. We were just starting to feel each other out. And now, he was already jumping ship.
The reason I was not immediately declining the request was I didn't really know what the downside's would be… it wasn't like I was going to lose red, because I was gaining Prya permanently, but that still begged the question of why this was her big request.
'Siya what will happen if she bonds with Red'
'When soul bonding with another, your bond grows stronger than any other. This bond will never shatter. Knowing the others thoughts, feelings, but also lending power, mana, and even spells. Compatibility is crucial. You cannot bond with just any magical beast. Some believe there is one specific soul out there in the world for you, and only that soul can be bonded with.
'Would I ever be able to soul bond with Red'
'No. But you could build a three circle bonding ritual. With you in the center, then Prya, then Red. Reds soul bonds with Prya, and then Prya's spiritual soul bonds with you. This would be your only way to form this bond with red.'
Thank you Siya! I apologize for thinking you were useless all these days! A grin spread across my face as I looked a Prya.
'I will agree to a three circle bonding ritual with Red being your soul beast, and then you becoming my soul spirit'
The second I said this, the one foot tall FireSlyph flew straight towards me and pressed her lips against mine.
'Thank you thank you thank you! This is the best day ever!!!' She then flew back over to red and said
'You are so beautiful, we are going to be so good together girl'
'Girl?! Who are you talking to, Red is a guy!'
'Guy?!? You truly have no brains! This BloodRaven is a girl! No wonder she wants to be with me. Don't you girl?! What did you name her anyway?
'We have only been together for a few days… and well I named her red, because of the ruby red dot on her forehead.'
'Psst, you truly do need me, knowing nothing. Well, lucky for you. For now on, she will be Ruby Red.'
'Whatever' I spat. I was not happy being shown up, especially when the person was taking so much joy in it.
'You know how to umm, make this ritual circle right?' I asked. I clearly had no idea, I could probably ask Siya… but for some reason I had a feeling Prya was planning this from the beginning.
'Sure, sure. Of course!' She said beaming.
Fluttering her wings as fast as she can, she shot towards the sky, not caring that everyone's eyes had been on here for the entire conversation. Deliriously she yelled.
'I did it! I finally did it! MuwAhahahahah!!!'