From: alden@coos.dartmouth.edu (Laurie F. Alden)
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: Barmaid's Journal/[L] Naming
Date: 6 Nov 92 17:59:58 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

Somewhere on a northern beach near Generica, four people were cradled by
the mist.  They were all amazed:  Luthor by the miracle of birth and the
return of his memory;  Serene by the child itself, such a beautiful
little gir;  Nightstalker at the ease of the birth, Serene wasn't in any
pain and there were no complications; finally, the baby by its new world
and the feelings of love that flowed into her like a neverending flood.

The three adults talked quietly about many things, but they all revolved
around the incredible child.  When it was time, they were all ready,
each would perform the ceremony in his or her own way, but the effect
would be the same.

Serene cradled the child gently in her arms and brought the child to her
breast.  As the child took her first milk, her body hovered between
possibilites, and gently adopted the corporeal form in which to spend
her childhood.  Serene smiled warmly at the child and said, "I am Serene
Uhtsong and I am your mother.  As you grow, I shall grow.  When you
weep, I shall be there to make you see joy.  When you are happy I shall
also be happy, for you and your father are my life and my reason for
being.  I shall teach you to Dance the Fog, my darling, and shall dance
with you.  I have given you my pledge.  Your father and I shall give you
a name."

Greyness and bright hair mingled together in the infant's hand in
ancient ceremony.  "We name thee Mista."

Once the child finished its nourishment, Nightstalker took the baby in
his arms.  "I am called Nightstalker, mage of Generica.  Some say that I
am powerful, but power without a purpose is empty.  I shall be your
Night Guardian.  As you grow, Small One, I shall guard you in your
sleeping hours, protecting your soul from those nightmares who would
misshape your power.  I shall guide and nourish your dreams.  I do not
promise a life of pleasures, but I do promise a full life.  I am
Nightstalker your godfather."

As the first sliver of the sun transversed the horizon spilling its
light, Luthor took Mista into his arms.  She was very small, but alert
and playful. He could tell that she was healthy and strong...perhaps an
infulence of her "father".  As he remembered Joshua's Naming Ceremony, a
single tear fell.

"I called Luthor Anside, but my True Name is," he wispered the Name in
Mista's ear so evesdropping beings of malicious intent would not have
power over him.

"Now that you know who I am, hear my vow.  The light of the dawn brings
new hope and new life into the world.  The light is cast through the
mist and it leaves shadows, places where all things are possible.  I am
a man of the Shadows and you are a child of the Mists.  Know that they
are allies, they are the unknown, but do not fear them.  They are to be
explored, cherished, embraced, and trusted for they Know us and welcome
us into their company."

"Mista, I promise to be there for you always as a companion, protector,
teacher, guide, and father.  I will watch you grow to adulthood and take
joy in your learning.  I will care for you as if you were my own.  Once,
I had a child of my own, now he is gone.  All of the love I have for him
will be celebrated in my love for you.  I am Luthor, your Godfather."

The sunlight streamed through the mist creating a tapestry of wonderous
colors.  The light and mist shimmered and danced in colors that made
rainbows seem pale and sickly.

A sudden gust of wind lifted the tiny child from Luthor's arms and took
it into the multicolored display.  "I TOLD you I'd drop the baby,"
Luthor said in disbelief.  Serene was not worried in the slightest.

The child was borne aloft by the mists, it took her into its arms and
held her close.  A trick of the wind made it seem as if there were a
thousand people wispering softly to the child.  She responded in a happy
gurgle and something resembling a laugh.  Wisps of fog held Mista for a
moment a longer and then they lowered the child into the outstretched
arms of her mother.

In the wee hours of the Inn, the door opened to admit three weary folk.
Serene, her autumn hair disheveled like a swath of silk, carried a
bundle wrapped in her grey cloak.  Luthor, his hand on her back, guided
her to Littlefair and Mary, hurrying to meet them near Listener.
Nightstalker had disappeared into the edge of consciousness, guarding
against unseeable dangers, softly stroking the baby's psyche with his
own.  Serene lowered her treasure and revealed tiny twinkling
starlight-coloured eyes.  "This is Mista."  The new mother's own eyes
shone.   Luthor kissed Serene's hand lightly in parting.  Today they had
given birth to a child...and much more.  Mary took mother and child in
hand, gently but firmly guiding the two to Serene's room.

Littlefair combed his fingers through his hair with the look of a man
who has just been reminded of miracles.  Listener caught Luthor's eye.
"That is no ordinary child.  Nor do I think is it an ordinary mother.
Tell the tale, and I will know the lullaby to give the little one."
--
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