"Why do you say that?" "Well, back on my world, being bonded for life with someone you would not have any intimacy was the joke definition of marriage." "That's funny." The voice chuckled. "And also kind of sad." "Never mind the jokes. Let me get this straight: you once were a mighty artifact, full of treasures and knowledge. But now everything you had and knew is lost, and you are dimished to the size of a marble. Am I missing something?" "No, all your statements are correct." "Also, you did not pick me because of my talent or virtue, but simply because I possess, and I quote 'the bare minimum magical powers to sustain your life'. That makes me nothing more than an off-brand life support system." "That is not exact. I am now bonded with you until your death do us part." "That sound

