make the streams for our children flow

Colibri Haki · 10-17-2012, 12:57 AM

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Long post is long, had a lot to cover! The actual ceremony is at the bottom in italics, if you'd rather skip ahead. <3

Word Count → 1k

Coli stood in her Optime form for the first time since her children were born, flanked by Miskunn Stormbringer on one side, and the Virdings and their litter on the other. She had washed and groomed her mane that morning, combed her fur, polished her Frithr pendant, and done everything else she could to look presentable. It was an important day, one she hoped would be a turning point for them all. These last weeks she had sank deep into the clutches of depression, as she so frequently struggled with during times of stress, but she had emerged from the emotional duress with a strong desire to fend it off for good. No more wallowing in self-pity, or clinging to anyone who showed her the slightest attention. She had to change herself, for the sake of her children and her relationship with Lilin, if nothing else. She just couldn't bear to be pathetic any longer. Taking it out on her sister was inexcusable, and she was still guilty it had come that far.

The lake was serene and calming. The air was cool, and Coli held her three woolly pups close in her arms as she waited. They were impatient to play with their cousins, squirming and babbling their nonsense sounds. They were heavy, too, gaining weight quickly as they filled out. She joggled them up and down, trying to distract them into falling silent as their packmates gathered at the shore. Coli held her head high, fighting the twinge of anxiety that twisted her stomach in knots. Only a select few Vináttans knew she had recently become a mother, and even less had actually met the girls. She still had mixed feelings herself, but of course she loved them and wanted everyone else to cherish and love them as well no matter their origins or heritage. Coli had done her best to groom their thick coats today and make them look pretty, though their puppy fluff matted easily and it took some effort. Their ears were floppy and soft, the cartilage yet to form properly and set them upright. Colibri's gaze flitted anxiously through the crowd, lingering on familiar faces and obviously avoiding one in particular.

When the murmuring died down and it seemed there were no more arrivals, Lilin addressed them all. Coli listened, a hesitant smile gracing her lips -- she was looking forward to the ceremony, welcoming her brood officially into the pack and their religion. But there was an unexpected announcement, and Coli blinked, ears falling back apprehensively. After the spectacle she had made of herself and the tension that arose from it, she wasn't sure what was coming... but it definitely wasn't leadership. Coli had asked for a way to change, some small job or responsibility to steer her onto the right track -- but this? She was rendered speechless, gaping at Lilin, then glancing quickly to Saul, making sure he too agreed with the monumental decision. She wanted to sputter and protest her worth, as she so often did, but it was not the time and place. This was the greatest honor to ever be bestowed upon her, and she had already pledged her loyalties to this pack and its leadership; now she had a way to be of use to them.

"Th-thank you, I... I'll do m-my best," she stammered in shock, bowing her head humbly. It was plain to see she was astounded by the news -- and she would definitely have a few cross words with her sister later, for springing that on her without notice in front of everyone! It was too much to process it all at once, but thankfully there were other matters on hand to distract her.

Miskunn Stormbringer motioned her forward, indicating they continue. Coli swallowed, feeling terribly bare and self-conscious to stand before everyone without a mate at her side. But she was relieved by the warm bundles in her arms, the flocculent daughters that had finally stilled and were quietly regarding the Godja. This was their day, they were all that mattered. They would be blessed, and receive their Frithr necklaces.

In the pregnant pause that followed, Miskunn spoke, her calm tones carrying throughout the clearing.

"This rite of passage is called 'ausa vatni'. We accept and welcome the newest generation into our family, blessing them with the elements of our home, earth and water. The Aeska is laid upon the ground, recognizing the source of all life, 'jord'. Then each child is raised and receives the element of water, a power of healing and good. It is sprinkled three times -- once in the name of Thor, again in the name of Freyr and lastly in the name of Njord."

Sterling silver gaze turned on Coli, waiting expectantly for the mother to comply. Coli drew a deep breath, and placed the month-old pups on the ground at her feet. They sat obediently, and she breathed an internal sigh of relief. Then she raised her firstborn, presenting her to Miskunn. The Godja made a sign with her hand that Coli recognized to be that of Thor, the same rune she wore on her chest.

"Ek verp vatni þetta barn a, ok gef honum nafnit... Fiora." The Godja dipped her fingers in the lake water and sprinkled it on the pup's forehead three times. They repeated the process for her second -- "...Farina," and third -- "...Florina,", solemnly and proudly initiating them in the old custom. Then Coli gathered all three back in her arms, nuzzling them happily as they stared curiously up at her. The grey-blue of their infant irises were beginning to turn; Florina's gaze was growing paler, with flecks of silver visible, and Farina's eyes were darkening by the day. Little Fiora, however, was keeping her mother's blue, a simple fact that made her smile to notice. She stepped back to give Saul and Lilin their turn, deeply touched by the sentimental ritual and eager to see her niece and nephews confirmed in the same way.

Image courtesy of mackenzei-stock@deviantART! Table by Haley!

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