"How does that even work?"

"You mean mechanically? When a man and a woman love each other very much or have other, less noble motivations, if they engage in acts which can lead to reproduction then an irrevocable soul bond will form and the fact they are married will be visible to everyone and they will have that connection forever, though it's technically possible to marry multiply."

"You soul-bond to everyone you ever sleep with what the fuck -"

"Plural marriages are very rare and very very frowned upon."

"Yikes, man."

"I think we are more monogamously- and permanancy- inclined than you."

"Still."

"And our alts decided to do this after knowing each other a week?"

"It was exceedingly silly of them but worked out well enough until she died."

"Does this means that everyone who isn't visibly married is a virgin-"

He actually makes a facial expression other than detached politeness. "No, actually, for some reason Angband doesn't count."

"Sorry, I -"

"Idaia and Tyelcormo had a very happy marriage and I think would recommend it even to people who have the option of sex outside marriage."

"Thanks."

She squeezes his hand.

And back outside - I know that's not literally the most fucked up thing about that world but that is pretty fucked up.

I wonder why our alts did that. I mean, I'm glad it worked out, both for their sake and the example, but gorgeous as you are I don't see myself consenting to permanent soul welding just for sex.

Idaia's human so it might be one-sided permanent soul welding. But - yeah. A week is not that long to get to know someone you're thinking about spending forever with. 

We should ask Imliss why Idaia did that. Dunno if any of your brothers know your alt's reasoning.

Sure. Where is she?

I think she's outside listening to her Macalaure.

Maybe his nickname should be Orpheus, all things considered.

He laughs and kisses his girlfriend and goes off to find Imliss.

She is in fact outside listening to Macalaure sing.

"Hey. Your Maitimo told us that our alts got married within a week of meeting each other and we were kind of wondering why they did that. Well, mostly Edie was; I fell for her pretty fast so I can kind of see it but then again here marriage isn't an irreversible soul bond thing."

"How much do you actually know about us? Besides the obvious."