Blessing Moon

Fifteen: Light Orbs

Vidorea and her father made five of these orbs - one for Beanni, the first Natanstrellean child, and one each for the four Natanstrellean children born within the same year. Vidorea had consulted Illuminare-Trabem, in the way that seemed to be forgotten by other Sìthicris - by visiting the lake within the West Forest. He instructed her to hold a naming ceremony for the children, where they'll be presented with a light orb and be introduced to a new chapter within the new tribe's story.

All the people of the Terran gathered in the garden between Chridocus and the Wilderness; Sìthicris, Troglobha and their offspring - the Natanstrelleans. The five children stood in a line beside the Trabem Pool in order of age. Their parents filled the first two rows of benches looking on proudly - the same parents that sat in the main tent for supper only days before.

Vidorea stood in front of the Trabem Pool and addressed the congregation.

"Welcome all to this wonderful occasion. A ceremony blessed by the Great Power. For a while we wondered what our future may hold, what traditions our new tribe will pass on. Today we shall shine a light on this new era."

The sound of applause and cheering erupted into the air, and the joy coming from the united people fuelled Vidorea's smile.

"One by one each child will look into the waters of the Trabem Pool and the Great Power will announce their new title, then they'll be presented with a magic orb," Vidorea explained to the spectators. She then turned towards her own daughter. "You're first, Beanni."

Beanni stepped forward nervously, she pushed her long red waves behind her ears and rested her pale hands on the stone side of the pool. To look properly into the rippling water, she had to stand on her tip-toes. As soon as she was in place a breeze ruffled at her delicate, lilac skirt and a beaming light lit up her face.

"Beanni... the First..." Illuminare-Trabem's voice whispered in her ear. Beanni then stepped back from the pool and looked up at her mother.

Vidorea looked at the water's undulating surface, where Beanni's title was written in gold letters.

"Beanni the First," she announced to all who were gathered. Then presented her with the first magic orb to be given away. The orb lit up the child's hands with a violet light, and with a smile, Beanni bowed, then made her way to sit on her father's lap.

Each of the other children then took their turns. Starting with Strellum - Sevopri's first born. He was named Strellum Biabus-Lus and his hands lit up yellow like his mother's magic. The next child was Mach and Maria's son who was named Callan Draoicis-Lus whose hands lit up blue. Lenla's daughter was named Mollig Sprèintis and glowed orange. The last of the five children was named Emlyn Slànacus and her hands glowed green, matching her father's healing magic.

Once the ceremony was over, the crowd lifted their voices in unified song, welcoming the new era of the land with open minds and hearts.

"Bay? Are you still listening?"

"Hmm?" The change in Oslac's tone snapped Beanni out of a daze. She always found his voice so soothing when he was in full storyteller mode. She shook her head and focused on the glass shard she held against her duvet covered knees.

"You're so quiet, I thought I may have sent you to sleep," Oslac said, his kind smile shining up from the smooth surface of the broken piece of mirror. "I'm sorry if I'm boring you today."

"No no, you're not. I'm just... Erm tired," Beanni quickly lied. She wasn't really that tired, her mind was elsewhere. It has been ever since Aeron-Lius showed her the Biabus-Lus pendant that her father hid. So many questions plagued her mind, questions with answers she dreaded to hear. She faked a smile to hide her inner turmoil, managing to fool the reflection of the Prince that she held in her hand.