Chapter 27 - Wren
1643 - Dunnedin, Vanders
Aengus prepared the area around the old oak tree as Starrling instructed. He gathered twigs, dried leaves, and pine needles to add to the firewood he'd stacked for a balefire. Inside the cottage, Starrling moved about gathering bits of dried herbs and grinding them together. She had baked a loaf of bread that morning and it had taken her so much longer than normal as her strength wasn't yet up to its normal level. Aengus had obtained a bottle of wine from the tavern and she poured some into a large wooden cup.
Sitting on the cot for a moment, she cuddled the child and whispered gently.
"This eve ye shall be named, my Love. A very special name to carry you through your life.
She kissed the small forehead and touched her cheek to the top of the child's head. Snugging the baby back into her basket, she turned to pour hot water from the cauldron into the large wash tub, dropping in a small bit of the herbs in the process. Stripping down, she immersed herself and shivered as the water rolled over her skin. She plunged her head below the surface and stayed there for as long as she could hold her breath. Rising up, she smoothed her long hair away from her face and slicked it back. The staccato sound of the water dripping from her body contrasted with the crackling of the fire beneath the cauldron and these were the only noises in the cottage.
Rubbing her skin briskly, she dried off and turned to the wee babe, stripping her down also. The child squeaked a bit at the sudden cool air. Starrling cooed softly and immersed the small body into the warm water. A slight look of shock appeared briefly upon the small face, making Starrling giggle. But quickly she cradled the wet child against her breast, assuring her that she was safe. With gentle, loving hands she washed the wee one clean then wrapped her in a soft and thick bit of cloth, still murmuring to the little one.
Starrling bundled the baby in the cloth and set her gently in the basket. She donned her soft ceremonial robe of the secret blue dye and opened the cottage door to let Aengus in.
"Are ye ready, my Aengus?"
He had been pacing back and forth between the oak tree and the cottage, nervous for some reason not understood to him.
"I… I think so…although I know not what for…quite yet," he stammered nervously. Starrling simply smiled and directed him to bring the herbs, the bread and the wine out to the oak tree. She carried the baby, basket and all, out to join him.
The moon smiled down upon them as Starrling unwrapped the babe, offering her up to the moon so that she might bathe in its light. Nestling her back into her blanketed basket, she sat down again while Aengus did the honors of lighting the small balefire.
When the fire was blazing strongly, Starrling spoke in her beautiful voice, one that Aengus only heard during these magickal occasions. The lovely incantation was partly in Gaelic, partly in English for Aengus' sake and honored the gods and goddesses. In addition, she gave special thanks to the Lady who stayed with her while the child was being born. She tossed her herbal mix into the flames, causing a puff of smoke and filling the air with a pungent fragrance.
Drinking in the cool summer air and drawing upon the energy provided by the words, Starrling closed her eyes and let herself be carried away by the moment. She felt as though she was the very bird whose name she'd chosen not so long ago but yet an eternity.
"The name 'Starrling' is my independence and I shall call this child Wren that she may soar the skies in freedom."
She shivered as she came out of her trance and looked upon the child. The moonglow on her face proved the right choice had been made. Wren. The beautiful name of a beautiful bird for a truly beautiful soul.
Aengus and Starrling shared some of the bread and she set aside a tiny morsel for Wren then tossed the crumbs about the area, giving back to the earth. She picked up the cup of wine and took a sip, then held it to Aengus' lips while he drank. She took the tidbit of bread and soaked it in the wine so that it was liquid, then held it to Wren's mouth. The baby happily accepted the offering. Starrling rose and poured the wine about the oak tree, again giving back to the earth.
Aengus and Starrling sat together upon a tree stump, cuddling Wren between them. It was the picture of a happy family. Starrling leaned over and kissed Aengus' forehead, then Wren's. After raising the energy for the ceremony, she now basked in the peace of the moment. They lost track of time but noticed the moon had changed positions.
"I suppose it should be to bed with all of us," she looked down upon the sleeping child in their arms.
"I do believe Wren has beaten us to it," Aengus chuckled softly. They shared the closeness a bit more before each retiring for the evening. As Starrling drifted off to sleep, her last thoughts were of her most wonderful family and Aengus still sleeping in the barn. We simply must build another room onto the cottage.
Chapter 28 (coming soon)
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