[Dragaera] Lifespans of familiars (Was Vlad & Cawti & Dzur Speculation)

[Mark A. Mandel]

(in response to a number of posts)
--- Jon_Lincicum at stream.com wrote:

> I guess the point here is that we have a plethora of examples of 
> individuals who live far longer than they are "supposed" to. In a world 
> where magic is commonplace, I don't know how atypical this really is. I 
> would say, given who Vlad's friends are however, that he (and also
> Loiosh) 
> have a very good chance to be exceptions to the normal concepts of human
> (okay, Easterner) and jhereg lifespans.

Remember Vlad's contract with Loiosh's mother! (from memory, so not 100%
precise):

  And what will you give it in return?

  My friendship, long life, and fresh red meat without hunting.

*Long life*. Evidently the familiar bond extends the familiar's lifespan
beyond the norm for its species, possibly for as long as the master lives.
This is presumably part of the ritual that is thousands of years old, even
though the exact course of the conversation can't be predicted once a
jhereg has responded to the ancient summoning rhyme.

I happen to be quick on the draw with this one (once I get to the list)
because the past couple days I've been singing "Rocza's Song"
(http://filk.cracksandshards.com/RoczasSong.html) in the shower.

m a m


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