Chapter 17: Irene, the Light of the Village
The morning sun spilled over the village, casting golden light across the wet leaves and muddy paths. The air smelled of earth, milk, and celebration. There was music already—soft drums and flutes, their melodies drifting through the trees as if nature herself had joined the rejoicing.
The village was alive.
Word had spread faster than fire—Avrielle had delivered a healthy baby girl, and the villagers could hardly contain their joy. For them, the birth was no ordinary event. It was the fulfillment of the "union," the sacred ritual they had performed on Ian and Avrielle. To them, this child was a blessed gift, a sign that the spirits had accepted the young couple wholly.
Outside the hut, decorations bloomed like spring. Brightly colored marigold garlands were strung from tree to tree. Clay pots painted in vibrant reds and yellows hung with tassels swayed in the breeze. The villagers bustled about—some preparing food, some collecting wildflowers, and others polishing old musical instruments.
Inside the hut, the atmosphere was calmer, more intimate.
Avrielle sat upright against a pile of soft cushions, cradling the newborn in her arms. Her face, still pale from the delivery, glowed with a strange serenity. Ian sat beside her, unable to look away from the two most precious beings in his world.
The baby squirmed a little in her mother's arms, letting out a soft sigh before settling again. Her tiny hand brushed against Avrielle's chest, as if recognizing her heartbeat.
Ian grinned. "She's a fighter, just like you."
Avrielle chuckled softly, brushing her finger along the baby's cheek. "She's tiny but fierce. I could feel her strength even before she was born."
"Have you thought of a name yet?" Ian asked, his voice gentle.
Avrielle looked at him and smiled, her eyes reflecting the warmth of the morning light. "Yes," she said. "I want to call her Irene."
Ian repeated the name under his breath, savoring it. "Irene…" A smile curled on his lips. "It's beautiful."
"It means peace," she added softly. "And I like that it starts with an 'I'—like Ian."
Ian leaned closer, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Then it's perfect."
"She'll be our little Rene," Avrielle whispered, stroking her daughter's hair. "Little Rene… the light we never knew we needed."
Ian pressed a kiss to Avrielle's temple. "I love you. And I love her. I didn't know it was possible to love like this."
Avrielle blinked back tears. "Me neither."
A loud burst of flute music startled them, followed by laughter and the rhythmic beat of drums. Ian peeked outside and saw the entire village gathered with food, flowers, and baskets. The chief stood in the center, wearing his ceremonial robe, arms open wide.
"I think the naming ceremony is about to begin," Ian said, turning to Avrielle.
She nodded, adjusting Rene's blanket. "Let's take her."
**
The villagers gasped with admiration as Ian carried the baby in his arms, Avrielle walking beside him, her hand tucked around his elbow. The pathway to the ceremonial clearing had been lined with flower petals. Children danced around them, tossing bright orange blooms in the air.
The old healer stepped forward and motioned them to the center. A small altar had been prepared, made of smooth stones and fragrant herbs. Smoke from a sacred fire curled into the air, creating a hazy veil of sandalwood and rosemary.
The chief raised his hand for silence. "Today," he announced, "we welcome a new life into our fold. A child born of love. A symbol of peace and destiny."
Drums beat slowly in the background. The women hummed an ancient lullaby. The air pulsed with reverence.
Avrielle stepped forward. "Her name is Irene, and we'll call her Rene," she said clearly.
The chief smiled. "Then let this day be remembered. May Rene bring peace to our village and strength to her parents."
He dipped his fingers in sacred oil and gently touched Rene's forehead. She stirred, letting out a tiny whimper before settling again.
The villagers clapped and cheered, surrounding Ian and Avrielle with joy. Some offered handmade gifts—small wooden toys, beaded bracelets, bundles of herbs to ward off evil.
One elderly woman gave Avrielle a carved amulet. "It will protect her dreams," she said in her raspy voice.
Another gifted Ian a handwoven sling to carry the baby.
Ian laughed nervously. "Guess I'll have to learn how to use this."
"You'll be a wonderful father," Avrielle whispered, her hand brushing his.
"I hope so," he whispered back.
**
The rest of the day unfolded like a warm dream. A feast was prepared with freshly cooked lentils, sweet rice cakes, and goat stew. Music filled the air—deep drums, tambourines, the high notes of flutes, and the rhythmic clapping of hands.
Avrielle and Ian sat on a raised wooden platform, Rene resting peacefully in her mother's lap. Villagers danced around them in circles, faces beaming with joy.
"I don't know why they care so much about us," Ian said, smiling as he watched.
"I think to them, this is sacred," Avrielle replied. "They think we're meant to be here. Like we're part of some old prophecy."
Ian turned to her, resting his hand on her knee. "And you? What do you believe?"
Avrielle looked down at Rene, brushing her fingers across her daughter's cheek. "I believe we were brought here for a reason… even if we don't understand it yet."
Ian nodded slowly. "Me too."
As dusk fell, the village lit dozens of lanterns and placed them in the river. The glowing orbs floated gently downstream, their light reflecting in the dark waters.
Ian and Avrielle stood at the edge of the river, watching in silence. Rene slept against Ian's chest, tucked safely in the sling.
"Irene," Ian murmured. "A peaceful name for a world that's been anything but peaceful."
Avrielle turned to him. "Maybe she'll bring change. Maybe she already has."
He met her gaze. "I'll protect her. No matter what."
"I know you will."
They watched the lights drift away, hope glimmering with each flickering flame. And in that moment, standing side by side with their daughter between them, it felt like—maybe, just maybe—they could be okay.
Even in a world that had taken so much from them, Rene had given something back.
A beginning.