View source for Soul-Tether

{{Infobox Concept
  | name = Soul-Tether
  | image = SoulTether.jpg
  | caption = A visualization of the Soul-Tether bond
  | type = Mystical Bond
  | function = Spiritual and mental link between lifemates
  | significance = Ensures an unbreakable connection between bonded individuals
  | origin = [[The Binding (Valorèin)]], [[The Ûlèum]]
  | cultural_role = Integral to Valorèin lifemate relationships
  | properties = Links minds and souls; enables shared emotions, memories, and sensations
  | manifestation = Golden strands of energy during [[The Binding (Valorèin)]] or [[The Ûlèum]]
}}

== Overview ==
The '''Soul-Tether''' is a mystical and psionic bond that links two individuals on a spiritual and mental level. It is created through either:
* '''[[The Binding (Valorèin)]]''' – A formal, sacred ritual used to permanently link mates.
* '''[[The Ûlèum]]''' – A primal, intimate act that can also generate a Soul-Tether if the bond is strong enough.

Once formed, the Soul-Tether allows bonded individuals to:
* Sense each other’s '''emotions''' regardless of distance.
* Share '''thoughts, sensations, and memories'''.
* Provide '''mental stability''', preventing emotional or psychological deterioration.
* Remain connected '''beyond death''', making it impossible for the surviving mate to leave the planet where their partner perished without both souls [[Transcendance|transcending]].

== Formation ==
The Soul-Tether can be formed in two ways:

=== The Binding (Valorèin) ===
This method involves:
* A ceremonial incantation: ''"Lodoerus, Lodoerun, Melidrus, Jie’ra"'' (meaning ''Bond, Bind, Meld, Join'').
* Golden energy strands that physically manifest between the two mates, intertwining into a complex knot.
* Full mental and emotional synchronization, ensuring absolute harmony.

=== The Ûlèum ===
A Soul-Tether can also be formed during '''[[The Ûlèum]]''', an ancient and now-taboo ritual. Unlike The Binding, which is formal and controlled, [[The Ûlèum]] is:
* '''Raw and primal''', driven by intense passion and emotional vulnerability.
* '''Unpredictable''' – A Soul-Tether may or may not form, depending on the compatibility of the partners and the intensity of the act.
* '''Potentially dangerous''', as it can force an unstable bond if the mates are not truly compatible.

== Effects & Abilities ==
=== Mental & Emotional Connection ===
Once bonded, mates experience a heightened awareness of each other:
* '''Complete emotional transparency''' – One partner always knows the emotional state of the other.
* '''Telepathic-like link''' – While not true telepathy, the Soul-Tether allows thoughts to be conveyed without words.
* '''Shared pleasure & pain''' – If one mate experiences pleasure, pain, or strong emotions, the other feels a portion of it as well.

=== Physical Manifestation ===
The Soul-Tether is normally invisible but can physically manifest as golden strands of energy in the following circumstances:
* During '''[[The Binding (Valorèin)|The Binding Ceremony]] ''' or '''[[The Ûlèum]]'''.
* When the bond is under extreme strain (such as one mate nearing death).
* If the mates are '''incompatible''' – in which case, the tether remains visible as a sign of imbalance.

=== Incompatibility & Risks ===
If two individuals undergo '''[[The Ûlèum]]''' but are '''not compatible as mates''', the Soul-Tether:
* '''Remains visible''', appearing as a tangled '''orb of light with a tendril''' extending to the other soul.
* '''Causes instability''', making one or both individuals experience mental or emotional deterioration.
* '''Can be forcibly broken''', but the process is agonizing and dangerous.
* '''Can result in permanent damage''', causing one or both individuals to suffer from psionic backlash or enter a state of '''[[Rampancy]]'''.

=== Death & Afterlife ===
If one mate dies, the Soul-Tether prevents the surviving mate from moving on easily:
* The surviving mate cannot leave the '''planet where their partner died''' without both souls transcending.
* If a mate dies near a '''star''', the other mate will remain spiritually bound to that star until their own death.
* The bond ensures that '''even after death, the two will not part''', remaining connected in the afterlife.

== Cultural Significance ==
The Soul-Tether plays a crucial role in '''Valorèin relationships''':
* Seen as a '''sacred and unbreakable commitment'''.
* Used as a '''sign of true devotion''' and a measure of trust.
* Believed to be '''bestowed by the [[Meera Jenlek|Mother]] and [[Merrik Jenlek|Father]]''', the divine creators of Lethurèa and parents of all spirits within [[It'slémwé]].

=== Soul-Tether vs. The Ûlèum ===
While '''The Ûlèum''' can create a Soul-Tether, it differs from The Binding:
* '''The Binding''' is a formalized ritual, ensuring a stable and structured bond.
* '''The Ûlèum''' is unpredictable – A tether may or may not form, and if it does, it may be unstable.
* If two partners are '''incompatible''', a Soul-Tether formed through The Ûlèum can be '''damaging and even lethal'''.

== Trivia ==
* '''Soul-Tether Removal is Rare & Dangerous''' – Those who undergo its removal often bear a '''chest scar''', leading to social ostracization.
* '''Mates cannot generally travel far from each other''' - If a mate travels too far from the other, they will be compelled to find each other. Separation is agonizing and causes great fear.
* '''Mates sense each other's presence even across vast distances''' – Those mates with the strongest bonds may travel apart from each other for a short amount of time. Those who's mate has perished, but they [[Transcendance|Transcended]] have extremely powerful '''Soul-Tether.''' These members can travel moderate distances for short periods of time. If forcibly separated they may lose the will to live.
* The '''[[Mèra Ûrlek Teslek|Chosen Heroine]] '''was separated from the '''[[Merik Teslek|Chosen Hero]] '''for ''several'' [[Lethurèan Calendar|''Weeks'']] when he '''died. '''She was somehow able to leave [[Gokolok]] and return to [[Ûblai]]. She was able to hear and feel the [[Merik Teslek|Chosen Hero]], from beyond the [[Star (Lethurèa)]]. The [[Merik Teslek|Chosen Hero]] was eventually resurrected by the [[First-Flames]] by the Will of the [[Meera Jenlek|Mother]] and [[Merrik Jenlek|Father]], and their bond was made whole again.

== Related Pages ==
* [[The Binding (Valorèin)]]
* [[The Ûlèum]]
* [[Lifemates (Valorèin)]]
* [[Soul-Tether Removal]]
* [[Voyd Surgical Tools]]

[[Category:Lore]]
[[Category:Lethurèa universe]]