Role

Chapter 12

As Arinayar settles in for rest, her meditation just finished, she lays
herself down. Relaxing her breath, she falls asleep. Very soon a feeling comes
to her, of falling, of going back. A vision comes, a scene from 400 years ago
is brought to light once more ...

At the edge of a meadow, near the woodland edge a hare plows through the snow,
her coat equally white, revealing the dark soil below. Unexpectedly the load
croak of a frog emerges from the nearby woodlands, startling the bunny. As it
darts away, the hoot of an owl softly breaks the nightly silence, then fades
away into complete stillness once more.

Two pairs of feet softly approach, each step accompanied by a mild crunch as
they break the thin layer of frost. It is the longest night of winter, just 3
AM now as the two figures approach a small altar, set against that woodland
edge. It is a pedestal of a simple, hexagonol shape. At the middle of the top
a time worn symbol of the Sun has been carved, only the top half. Most of its
rays move upward, but some pierce downward.

One of the figures runs her hand, glowing with fire, across the relief. As she
does this the layer of frost disappears.

"Guard over me my love, as I call upon the Light" she whispers softly but
sternly.

The accompanying man answers with a silent knowing nod.

Nodding slowly, the woman proceeds as planned. Deliberate and slow, her
gestures seem to build up momentum. As she waves her arms in this intricate
patterns, Elemental powers arise and vanish. On and on this continues,
unrelentless, stubborn. After some time a ball of bright energy emerges
between her hands, just above the relief, not touching the cold stone.
Multi-colored it too seems to consist of all elements. Sweat now runs from the
woman's forehead as she shapes this orb to her will. All colors merge and
become the brightest light. Not blinding, but soothing and warm against
winter's chill.

Soft mumbling can be heard now, barely audible, of the Elven tongue. Over and
over, a prayer about love and a marriage, not blessed with childbirth.

As the litany intensifies, so does the orb. Finally, as the hour of 4 AM is
almost upon them, the shape of the orb seems to shift. With that, the woman
collapses to the ground, her magic totally spent. The man rushes to her aid,
lifts her up. Doing this they see a baby, of Elven kin as they are, lying on
the altar. Silent, barely moving but very much alive.

Lovingly man and woman whisper in unison "I call you Arinayar Ala'Irilan, born
from Ice and Earth, from love, guided by Light. We will raise you, guard you
as our own."

As both stand up, they bow with reverence towards the altar, the woman lifts
the baby up. The man supports his wife as they return home. Everything is dark
once more, silent, ere dawn rises.