Exton

Rowan was at the clearing when all the guests began to arrive. The evening was warm and pleasant, perfect for a gathering. She watched as Alise and Stoney arrived with the twins and their newest arrival. Then the gars, Ob carrying Chloe so that Pandora could assist with the ceremony. Star and Erik came with Keon who was carrying Mera as Star had a small part in the ceremony too. Rowan smiled at the sight, the three of them seemed as much a family as any single- or two-parent household. She smiled again as Alise placed Gracie in Graces arms, the old woman sitting in a wheelchair beaming with happiness. As the sun set candles were lit and the last of the guests arrived.

“Welcome everyone. I love coming to this place, so many happy memories for many of us here. That alone makes it sacred and perfect for tonights ceremony. Pandora will call the quarters and we can begin...”

Once everything was ready Rowan began, “This is traditionally called a 'saining' and traditionally guardians are picked and asked to stand for the child. But tonight we will break with tradition a bit. Alise and Stoney, Ob and Pandora, Keon, Star and Erik have asked that all of you, friends, family and loved ones stand as guardians for all the little ones.”

“New lives have become part of our world.
We gather this evening to name these children.
To call a thing by name is to give it power,
and so tonight we shall give these children a gift.
We will welcome them into our hearts and lives
and bless them with a name of their own.”

Keon steps forward with Mera and smiles as he watches Mera watch Rowan. The priestess blesses her with oils, making the sign of the Goddess over Meras third eye and giving her name to the Goddess.

“Mera Cassandra, this is your name, and it is powerful. Bear your name with honor, and may the Goddess bless you on this and every day."

She repeated the ceremony with Chloe, Traeger beaming as he presented his first grandchild. Stoney shook his head at Tomas as his mother carried her grandson to Rowan. Tomas was sending the image of Lobo and Wolf getting named too. Alise smiled and holding Tara took Stoneys grandmother by her hand and whispered to her in French, asking her to take Tara to Rowan. The woman smiles, happy tears slipping down her cheeks. Kissing Alise on either side of her face she whispers Merci and reaches for Tara who adores her grandmaman and is all smiles. Then Alise moves to Grace, running a hand over the womans back, she helps her to stand with Gracie in her arms and asks her to present Gracie to Rowan. Torrent moves to help her walk and tears start as Alise watches the two older women with her daughters.

Stoney slips an arm around her and pulls her close. Chaton... I know how much you were looking forward to this. This was so kind of you, letting the grandmothers present the little ones... Je taime....

Her mind caresses Stoneys and she leans into him, watching as the saining continues. Its all right mon amour. We will have other children to bless and this means so much to them.... I dont mind...

Rowan says a closing prayer and Pandora blows out the candles and finishes her part. Star gathers the supplies for Rowan and places them in a special box that she kept her blessing things in. The box smelled strongly of sage and Star smiles knowing it comes from her own garden.

“Thank you for coming to share in one of the happiest of the Goddess' gifts. Nicholas and Raina would like to invite all of you to their house for a meal and celebration.”

Blessed Be....