Chapter Text
While not something one would find written about in any training manual or text in the Chantry library, there is a nigh-unspoken phenomenon that takes place within the Templar ranks— and one that is strategically encouraged by the Order, in order to strengthen bonds within the ranks, and to the Order itself.
Within Templar ranks and squads, being around other templars who share the song has its own effect. Those who live, travel, and fight together for extended periods of time often describe a feeling of comfort or closeness, extending into the lyrium song itself. This often leads to templars going so far as to physically sharing lyrium with each other. When this practice was first observed is not officially documented. But repeated acts of physical intimacy entwined with lyrium creates a new, unshakeable bond between them.
Upon swearing into the Order, templars are assigned a partner, typically chosen both in terms of emotional compatibility as well as strategic suitability. However, these partners are not life-long, as shuffling of squads, promotions, and other organizational changes often occur. For this reason, it is not uncommon for a templar to become bonded with multiple members of their company, or even their entire squad.
Lyrium-bonded pairs or squads appear to function more cohesively as units. It builds an unshakeable loyalty within the ranks, where being among fellow Templars is as much a part of life as taking the lyrium itself.