Chapter 21 #2
The others looked shocked, and Xylo’s grip tightened on my hand. No one spoke, but I saw the others glancing at one another.
I coughed, searching for a way to take the focus off me again. “So, umm... How do Ulax and Wudox name their offspring?”
“When my fathers adopted me, they combined their names, creating Odelm. They raised me as their own,” Odelm admitted.
Surprised that Odelm was the one to answer me, that he was sharing a part of his history with us, I leaned toward him encouragingly.
“What did they do? Since you aren’t a member of the Warrior Class, I am assuming they raised you differently?”
A smile crossed his face. “They were a Ulax and Wudox unmated couple and fairly successful members of the Merchant Class, so we never stayed in one place very long, and I was often left to my own devices. Digging through the varied merchandise was a favorite pastime. That was how they discovered I had a talent for music. When I was a youngling, I found an instrument buried in a pile of goods and it piqued my curiosity. I began playing with it, and when my fathers came back to the storage bay, they discovered me. That was the moment they knew I would never be a Merchant, and they made sure I had instruments and music from then on. I spent long hours teaching myself every instrument and song they brought back, and eventually, they had me perform for some of their clients. That is how I became known.”
“Are they still alive?”
“Yes. They were among the first Circuli merchants to trade off-planet with other species in CEG. When I joined the Destiny’s mission, they told me they would join me—when we found a hospitable planet—to be able to see me whenever they were planet-side.
I have not seen them since we left five years ago. ” The smile fell from his face.
“I am sorry, Odelm. Hopefully, the Aldawi will be able to help, and you will see them soon.”
Turning toward Xylo, I rested my hand on his hip petals. “What about you? How did you get your name?”
He glanced at Odelm before meeting my eyes.
“Odelm and I came from the same hatchery. I was adopted by an unmated couple also, but my fathers were both widely known healers in the capital. Whereas they specialized in both Ulax and Wudox anatomy and healing, I was more interested in learning about other species in CEG—about their culture and physiology. I would not be where I am now without their support and assistance—nor without the princes asking me to join them. This opportunity to interact with other species is everything I have dreamed of, but I, too, have not seen my fathers since we left Circul. Once we find a new home, I will send word, but they have no drive to explore space.”
“But how did you come by your name?” I pressed.
Xylo shrugged. “They never did tell me how they chose it. I have always assumed it was just a name they liked.”
I leaned back for a moment, thinking.
“So, how do Aldawi name their cubs?”
Odelm started, and Kaede gave me a warning look—then he leaned back and rubbed a horn with his gloved hand as he thought.
“All Aldawi cubs get their mother's surname—though if she allows the sire to claim them his name is appended to hers. Traditionally, first names for littermates are chosen with some sort of theme in mind. So... a litter born during a storm? The cubs might be given storm-related names. Sometimes, the theme is as simple as all names starting with the same letter or perhaps rhyming.”
I snorted. “Rhyming? That seems like it might get silly and possibly confusing.”
“I think that is the point.”
Kaede laughed.
I squeezed Xylo’s hand underneath the table and leaned against him, bringing his attention back to me. “What do you think? What should I name them?”
Xylo looked at me, shocked. “You are asking me?”
“Of course. You are to be their co-father. And I know nothing about naming children. I mean, I’m sure no one at this table does”—I spotted Ayces across the table—“Ayces! You’re the Hatchery Manager. Do you have experience naming males?”
Ayces looked shocked, then stammered, “Y-Yes, I name the males left at the hatchery when they are sent to the Academy.”
“So, how do you come up with names? You can tell me your naming secrets!” I asked with excitement.
He looked over at both of his prince. “Do I have to answer this question?” he pleaded.
The table laughed, and Ayces took a long sip of his drink as if trying to hide behind the glass.
Once the chuckles died down, he responded. “I look up the name of the exact shade of their skin and rearrange the letters. If more than one has the same shade, I just add the first few letters of something that describes them.”
I paused, then nodded thoughtfully. It might not be appropriate for my children—no, my cubs—but it gave me something to think about.
Odelm excused himself to perform, and Ayces took the opportunity to escape. The other healers followed soon after.
I leaned against Xylo, his vines wrapped loosely around my waist and back. The princes nursed their drinks, a few of their tentacles and vines entangled. Kaede focused on something on his personal armband, minding his own business.
Contentment flooded through me as I closed my eyes and listened to Odelm’s performance.
I could get used to moments like this.