2024-06-25 - [4.1] In which there is whining and a name

Names have their uses. The growing being can easily distinguish now the older, more formed minds whose speech it sometimes picks up - there are names associated with them also, words that mean people and that mean specific people. They all are people. Mother-Gwillanth, mother-friend-Shayled, one-who-mother-misses-Pertemarth, one-who-peeksin-Yuakajth, and others who communicate with each other. Then of course there are the other clutchmates.

In all honesty, while aware of other voices, Nutshell takes less interest in those who do not reach out to him. He reflects, listens, tries out new words and phrases. Dreams.

Sun’s Honor called out to the heavens again. “Rocranth! That’s who I will be. Most brilliant mother-Gwillanth shone on me the possibilities and I gleamed, I gleaned! Rocranth. Call me by this name."

Reflexively this one calls out in answer, "Rocranth! I hear you - that is your name and how you will be known."

He mentally assigns the pattern/ sound of rocranth to the feel of the mindvoice. Good, that will be helpful.

But I should have a name also. One such as I cannot be nameless. This is an interesting train of thought because obviously I am I and why do I need a name for myself because I am I and will always be I. And yet, a name would be what others would use when they ... this is a new thought. Other people also think, as I think (do they?). Other people may need to call me by a name.

Nutshell shifts uncomfortably within the shell, tilting the egg over and into the sands. It tries out sounds, shapes of words. I am I? What if I am nameless? None of the people whose voices it hears are nameless - they all have clear identifiers that they use to address each other. Do all people have names? Is everything with a name also people?

Whenever one of the other clutchmates shares a name, the creature responds with a loud affirmation, celebratory in tone:

"I hear you Diath! This is your name and how you will be known!"

"Neath! You are Neath and I hear your name!"

His own tone shifts, more plaintive, sorrowful, quiet. Will I ever have a name? He tries out more sounds, shapes, sighs.

Nothing changes, nothing obvious. But the shape of a name comes together and he finds it appropriate. He waits of course for a time when the others (clutchmates) are quieter so that he can make a grand announcement.

"I have looked without and I have looked within and know all of you, my name is Liorenth! That is how you may know me."

Liorenth emotes being pleased with himself. He has learned two things - one is his name, and the other is that whining works.