Fox’s Naming Ceremony

Soft light filtered through the branches of several large oak trees, casting the perfect amount of dim light into the makeplay stadium. Tall bushes shrouded the area, as if it was hiding the secret within. Many children of all shapes and colors sat upon fallen trees, using them as chairs. A small girl sat next to her lighter brother, clinging to his arm in excitement. This was a joyous occasion after all. All of the children of the forest had come to witness a naming ceremony, chattering softly to each other, filling the nook with noise.

15 year old Swan stood elegant and graceful next to a sleek and dark 14 year old Raven at the front of a stadium. In front of them was a large assortment of twigs, rock, and an assortment of other things. All of the children had brought something upon coming into the alcove, building a human sized nest.

The crowd of kids instantly fell silent at the noise of footsteps. The first was easy to make out. Loud, thumping footsteps crunched dry leaves as it stepped. It sounded confident in a sense, powerful. A second step could be heard. This one was fainter. It seemed to skip along, walking in hops.

A tall boy with a broad chest appeared through the bramble. Blonde hair framed his face and gave him a majestic look. This is Eagle, the lead of the forest children. A shorter boy with rusty red hair and bright green eyes appeared next to him. The boy appeared to be around the age of 8. Freckles crested his face as he smiled wide.

The boy was assisted into the nest, so he could face his audience. Raven and Swan both got a good look before turning to face their superior. A soft murmur could be heard before they turned back. Swan flaunted over to the nest, falling onto her knees, her snow dress wrinkling around her knees. A pale hand reaches up to stroke the cheek of the newcomer, who flinched in return. Swan kissed the boy’s forehead, “You’re name is Fox, little one.”

Eagle turned to face the crown. He yelled, “Fox!” and the audience cheered. Hundreds of children stood, applauding. Bright smiles lit up the faces of every single one. Tiny Fox sitting in his tiny throne, looked up. The sun seemed to smile at him through the leaf rooftop and he felt something deep inside him that he knew he would never forget.