When a Shelushian approaches or is in the process of Sprouting there are only two ways to avoid the inevitable. Learn one’s Soul Name, a near impossibility, or find a Pruner. Pruners are rare, but they are well known and thus easy to find. The first thing required of a Pruner’s patient is their Strong Name. Having even a modicum of knowledge surrounding the process of Sprouting this comes as a surprise to many who are unfamiliar with the specifics of Pruner work. However, Pruner’s must have the name to form the Tether necessary to their work. Pruner’s lie somewhere between Soul Named and regular folk, though they are unlikely to ever find their Soul Name, they have much finer control over Tethers connected to their Souls and more importantly, can impact the Tethers of any who willingly grant them their Strong Name. Most assume this is a born ability, but any Pruner will tell those who ask that their abilities come of arduous practice and the training of the Ogen. Pruners often take on apprentices, but the success rate of such students becoming full fledged Pruner’s themselves is extremely low. A Pruner is lucky should they train more than a single competent student in their life time. Such is the difficult path these experts must walk.
Once the Contract is made with the Pruner they can begin carefully severing the near-Sprouting individuals undesired Tethers. This process is a delicate one that involves much conversation and the sharing of many intimate details. Many leave a Pruner session relieved to be safe, but emotionally exhausted after extensive exposition regarding the ins and outs of their relationships.