Beginning at the End (Moon Child Trilogy: Book One)
Page 16
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A half cycle into the Hunt, Sarali’s new baby is ready to be named. The tribe gathers in the center of the village and waits outside the lodge where all tribal business is conducted. For the past cycle since his birth, Sarali and Sirak have been thinking of names for the baby boy. It is a special time for all new parents and for the tribe as well. The newest edition to our tribe will be presented today along with his healthy mother.
Inside, Natoak and I prepare for the ceremony. We will perform a blessing to ensure the protection of the spirits and ancestors. The blessing is conducted in private to make sure that the spirits and the ancestors are watching only this child.
Sarali sits in formal clothing with her baby in her arms. He stares up at all of us with his curious brown eyes.
“Have you and Sirak decided upon a name?” Natoak asks.
“We have,” Sarali answers.
“What did you decide upon?”
“Jarol.”
“A strong name indeed. Would you agree, Wise Woman?”
“I would, Shaman. A beautiful name as well.”
“Please place the baby onto the ceremonial blanket,” Natoak instructs.
Sarali stands up and sets the baby onto the blanket. She moves back to her seat and waits with Sirak at her side.
Natoak and I stand on either side of the baby. I light the clump of incense from the forest and the ceremony begins.
“Ancestors and guardian spirits of Kurtu’lak, please watch over Jarol as he grows. Make him strong and wise. Protect him from danger but allow him to learn from his mistakes. Bring him peace when he needs it and clarity when he has earned it,” Natoak says.
I speak next: “Spirits of the earth and sky, watch over Jarol. Allow the sun to warm him and the shade to cool him. Give to him the air that is so precious and the life that will nourish him. We ask that you keep your eyes upon him until he joins you in the Spirit World.”
We wait until the incense has burned down reasonably far before waving it over the baby. Gently picking him up, we hand him back to Sarali.
“It is time now to introduce the young one to the tribe,” I tell them.
Natoak and I walk outside and stand before the tribe. “Brothers and sisters, a cycle ago Sirak and Sarali of Deep Forest were blessed with a strong and healthy baby boy. He has survived his first cycle of life and we present him to you now. People of Kurtu’ilan, meet Jarol of Deep Forest.”
Sirak and Sarali walk out behind us and hold their baby so that every member of the tribe can see him. They then walk among the crowd and introduce him to the people. It is a beautiful sight to behold.