Avery's pov
The temple suddenly became busier than it already was, with people filing and trying to get a personal space so they could get their babies' names.
It was against the law for a baby to be named before the sacrifice of dedication. A name for the baby wasn't even to be thought of until the three
days of waiting were over. Anyone who named their child outside the temple could be banished from the clan.
The Riverine clan believed in naming their children in the temple because the temple was the dwelling of the goddess on the mortal realm. So, they believed that any name given in the temple was given directly by the goddess.
My father had spotted an empty spot, close to the river of the goddess. The water in the river of the goddess came from the river of the moon, so it was just as sacred as the river of the moon. And the fact that no one had spotted it before us was a sign that it was destined that way.
He dropped the lamb to the floor as gently as he could and restricted it to a pillar. I was handed over to my father while my mother went to the priests to collect the moon basket I would be placed in after the baptism.
He was still awkward when carrying me, but he did his best in hiding it.
"Goddess," he called, looking up. "I know it doesn't lie in my hands to name the child, but I wish I could be given the chance to. I'm a mere man, and I do not have your blessings, but it would be my utmost pleasure if I'm able to name the gift you've given to me." His hands, which were clasped together, separated as he stared lovingly at his son. Me.
My mother came back, holding a huge white basket. She smiled as she moved towards us, her face seemingly glowing.
"Rivetti, what made you so happy?" My father questioned, the corners of his lips lifting as she became closer.
So, her name was Rivetti. During the three days I had been born, my parents had only addressed themselves with endearing names, like my love, sweevela which meant my little moon, strong man and many others I wasnt bothered enough to remember. I wondered what name my father bore, but I didn't have to wait too long.
"Oh, Ivan!" She shrieked. "I got us a basket of the moon!"
My father, who was called Ivan, had a puzzled look on his face. Was that not the reason she had left? To get the moon basket?
"What do you mean, my love?"
Her eyes didn't lose their shine. "I got the moon basket!" She squealed again, moving her hands about this time around.
Ivan squinted his brows until they gradually softened, and his eyes widened. "You don't mean it!"
"I mean it! I was just waiting in line, and I received the moon basket!"
What the hell were they talking about?
My mother, Rivetti, continued in animated joy, "this means that our child has been personally blessed by the moon."
"We've been blessed!"
I was gently placed on the floor while my father hugged my mother, lifting her in the process. They both squealed, drawing the attention of people's close by, but as soon as they glanced at the basket my mother held, they smiled gently.
My parents were still hugging each other, and I suddenly felt jealous. Why wasn't I the reason for attention? They were focusing on a stupid basket. I let out a cry.
They cocked their heads towards me and smiled sweetly. Breaking out of the hug, they smiled sweetly at me. Unconsciously, I gave a toothless grin, and they cooed in response.
Rivetti cradled me as they sat down.
"What name will you be giving our child, Rivetti?" My father asked, smiling.
He picked up the basket to arrange the clothing that would be placed in it for my comfort.
She fondled with my hair absentmindedly, "if you were a girl, I would have had so much fun with your hair since I would be in charge but your father is in charge of it…" she muttered.
"Hmm, what'd you say, my love?"
"I didn't say anything. Did you ask me something?"
"I was wondering what name the goddess had inspired you to give our child."
"The truth is," her voice was a little downcast, "I have no inspirations for his name, which means you will be the one to name our child."
The baskets fell from his hands, and the rim of his eyes became teary. "The goddess has heard my prayers!" His shoulders trembled as the tears became more visible on his face.
"Ivan, what's going on? Why do you shed tears?"
"My love, my love.." he called, still crying.
"Yes, talk to me– what is the problem?"
"I prayed to the goddess to give me the opportunity to name our son, and this happens."
"Oh!"
The corners of her lips slowly tugged up. "The goddess must really love our family, blessing us with this child, granting us the moon basket and answering your prayers."
"Our son, Avery, is truly a blessing to us." Ivan muttered silently.
"What did you say?"
"Oh, nothing. I just said that our son, Avery, is a blessing to us…" he covered his mouth in surprise and realization.
"You have been granted a name!"
She turned to me. "Child, from this moment onward, you will be known as Avery Clouds, the first son of Rivetti Clouds and Ivan Clouds of the Riverine Clan."
She smiled gently. "As the head of the family and your mother, I give you the blessings of the earth on which I have lived and shall live out my life and on which you shall live and live out your life. I give you the blessings of the air which I have breathed and which I shall continue to breathe until I draw my last and which you shall breathe and continue to breathe until you draw out your last. I give you the blessings of the water that has refreshened me and shall continue to keep me refreshed. As the water hath no enemies, so shall you as well, all your enemies shall perish in the line of existence as water destroys those who go against it. I give you the blessings of fire, which has kept me warm and which will continue to keep me warm and shall keep you warm and continue to keep you warm until your death."
Carrying me to her chest,tears trickled down her face. "And I bless you with the blessings of the breasts which you have suckled and will suckle until you are weaned, the blessings of a mother, you shall live longer than I, my child!"
She handed me over to my father, who raised me to his head and gently butted his head with mine. "I give you the blessings of a father." He whispered into my ears.
Standing up, they walked towards the priests who had announced that the sacrifice of dedication would begin. They looked at us in surprise as we were the first people to arrive.
"You have named your child so quickly.."
"The goddess looked upon us with her mercy and granted us a name early." My mother replied slowly, smiling.
The priestess took me from my mother and just as I was about to cry because I was being held by a stranger, she winked at me and I smiled instead.
"Child, I give you the blessings of the moon and the god who owns it. The moon brightens the night, so the world remains bright. Your life will never be dark. You have brought joy and light to your family.." she raised her head to look at my parents who were beaming. "You shall continue to give them joy and light."
She continued to watch me and suddenly touched my hair. "Such beautiful hair.." she muttered.
"What is the name of the child?"
"Avery!" My father blurted.
The priestess chuckled before her face became serious, like she just realized something. "That is a name belonging to one of the ancient races. The race of the elves…"h