Thanks so much! And I loved reading your comments too! You get those broad strokes so well and seem to be able to synthesize superbly on that level whereas I think I dwell on details *g*

I know the query re lifebond/kaeira is to Xanthe (please enlighten us!) but from memory only one of them requires the ritual - the lifebond? So the kaeira would be the natural element/power in that AU that is tapped into and accessible once the bonding is done? Hmmm, not sure now that I think about it! Maybe they are so fated to be together that they are picking up on the kaeira anyway or that it is trying to make itself felt despite they're not being bonded yet! Oh it's fun to just theorize!