I Love Love Love 💕 my gift!
It’s been a busy few days with various bits of family, and as I drove hither and thither, I was able to contemplate fond memories of the five great aunts who were such an important part of my childhood. This story struck so many resonating chords in me, from important protective great aunts to my Saami heritage and nature themes.
And here it is!
————
LUONTO
“Well” said the ancient aunt. “Given our family traditions, I had not been expecting a lagomorph. But that is what the child appears to have. A big one, too. I hope it is able to protect her well.”
The old lady frowned down at her tiny greatniece. The baby was sleeping on her side, her face peaceful and her small body curled around a mass of soft grey fur. Not that anyone outside the family would have been able to see anything more than the sleeping infant. Not unless they were from a Latvian, Saami, Finnish, Estonian or Karelian tradition and were sufficiently in tune with nature to perceive the companion spirits that bonded with children and became a third part of their souls when the child cut their first tooth, or when they received their names. Sometimes these spirits were formless, or wore the shape of a respected ancestor, but often they looked like animals, and caused the child to show characteristics of the creature they resembled - a child whose companion was a moose might be strong and enduring, a squirrel child would be curious and talkative, always poking into things that were none of their business, her own adder made her clever and creative and a dangerous person to cross. This baby’s rabbit brought luck and survival skills, a fondness for children and an ability to endure harsh conditions of life.
The old lady wondered how long it would take for the souls of her family to adapt enough to their adopted homeland to start attracting local spirits, if that ever happened. She smiled at the thought of how a kangaroo luonto might behave. At least it would be strong enough to bring warmth to the body, that animal heat which was a part of the luonto’s gift to its human, along with a link to the magic of the land. But her own roots were Estonian and many generations deep, so adapting might take centuries……
The old lady let her hand drift down to pet the grey, silky fur. As a close relative and one of those who would be caring for the child she was entitled to do so, and knew she would provoke no defensive reaction. All she could feel was a warmth, a softness that was immaterial but very real, and she smiled, knowing that to the baby its presence would be as solid and comforting as that of a real animal. The luonto blinked open its eyes, which were as blue as those of the child, and stared into her own.
“Hello Auntie” it said. “Don’t be worried. I will stay with this little one her life long, and love and protect her as I know you will.”
All would be well.
———
I am really bad at guessing, and we have so many talented writers amongst our fandom …
