Today is a momentous day for Einar, who is turning 15 and will soon be partaking in the Roburcum. He has already submitted his preferences to the Clergy, but now all he can do is wait as his heart races, palms sweating, and anxiety soaring. Today, his fate will be sealed; no turning back from this life-altering moment. He offers up a quick prayer to Satan, pleading for the best possible outcome.
The time ticks away, and the new moon draws ever closer. His parents share in his anticipation, although they too understand that ultimately, they have no control over the outcome. They don their ritual robes, polish their athames, and make their way to the main temple.
Upon arrival, the atmosphere is warm and buzzing with excitement. The priests ring a bell, signaling the start of the rite, and begin reciting an invocation as they brandish their athames. Finally, the high priest takes the Roburcum paper and reads out the pairs:
"Alaric & Osric. Finn & Ronan. Bran & Leif. Caius & Quintus. Soren & Torin. Dag & Ivor. Hagan & Perrin. Galen & Kael. Niall & Jorah. And lastly, Einar & Magnar."
The high priest's voice booms through the temple as he finishes reading the list of pairs. These men are now bound in Roburcum for this lifetime, united not by a sexual partnership but an economic one. They will share their victories and hardships equally, helping each other at all times. All earnings will be split, and all decisions made together. Inheritances and lottery wins will also be divided equally. The partnership will only be dissolved upon the death of one party, at which point the deceased's family or next of kin will receive half of the total capital.
The high priest burns the Roburcum paper, concluding the rite in a standard fashion. Amidst cheers and applause, everyone celebrates this momentous occasion by exchanging gifts.
Einar looks around, trying to spot Magnar among the sea of faces. He's both excited and nervous to meet the man with whom he will share his life's fortune. As their eyes lock, they smile shyly at each other, unsure of what the future holds but ready to face it together as partners in Roburcum.
The feast commences, and the night is filled with laughter, food, and the clinking of glasses as congratulations pour in from all sides. This day will be etched into their memories forever—the day they embarked on a new chapter of their lives, bound by the ancient rite of Roburcum.
As the celebrations wind down, Einar and Magnar find themselves alone for a moment. They shake hands, sealing their partnership, and exchange contact information, promising to keep in touch until they can meet again.
Days pass, and weeks turn into months. Einar and Magnar grow closer, learning to navigate their unique bond. Their families become entwined, sharing in triumphs and supporting one another during challenges. Despite the initial uncertainty, the Roburcum has brought them stability, companionship, and a sense of shared purpose.
Years later, looking back on this pivotal day, Einar realizes that the Roburcum was not just a binding agreement but a catalyst for personal growth, lifelong friendship, and unforeseen opportunities.
To be continued ...
The time ticks away, and the new moon draws ever closer. His parents share in his anticipation, although they too understand that ultimately, they have no control over the outcome. They don their ritual robes, polish their athames, and make their way to the main temple.
Upon arrival, the atmosphere is warm and buzzing with excitement. The priests ring a bell, signaling the start of the rite, and begin reciting an invocation as they brandish their athames. Finally, the high priest takes the Roburcum paper and reads out the pairs:
"Alaric & Osric. Finn & Ronan. Bran & Leif. Caius & Quintus. Soren & Torin. Dag & Ivor. Hagan & Perrin. Galen & Kael. Niall & Jorah. And lastly, Einar & Magnar."
The high priest's voice booms through the temple as he finishes reading the list of pairs. These men are now bound in Roburcum for this lifetime, united not by a sexual partnership but an economic one. They will share their victories and hardships equally, helping each other at all times. All earnings will be split, and all decisions made together. Inheritances and lottery wins will also be divided equally. The partnership will only be dissolved upon the death of one party, at which point the deceased's family or next of kin will receive half of the total capital.
The high priest burns the Roburcum paper, concluding the rite in a standard fashion. Amidst cheers and applause, everyone celebrates this momentous occasion by exchanging gifts.
Einar looks around, trying to spot Magnar among the sea of faces. He's both excited and nervous to meet the man with whom he will share his life's fortune. As their eyes lock, they smile shyly at each other, unsure of what the future holds but ready to face it together as partners in Roburcum.
The feast commences, and the night is filled with laughter, food, and the clinking of glasses as congratulations pour in from all sides. This day will be etched into their memories forever—the day they embarked on a new chapter of their lives, bound by the ancient rite of Roburcum.
As the celebrations wind down, Einar and Magnar find themselves alone for a moment. They shake hands, sealing their partnership, and exchange contact information, promising to keep in touch until they can meet again.
Days pass, and weeks turn into months. Einar and Magnar grow closer, learning to navigate their unique bond. Their families become entwined, sharing in triumphs and supporting one another during challenges. Despite the initial uncertainty, the Roburcum has brought them stability, companionship, and a sense of shared purpose.
Years later, looking back on this pivotal day, Einar realizes that the Roburcum was not just a binding agreement but a catalyst for personal growth, lifelong friendship, and unforeseen opportunities.
To be continued ...