A tent flap opened. "Get up!" Geneth, daughter of none, opened her eyes. The Cook stood in
the kitchen doorway. "Get up or I'll tell the Master you've been slouching. It's a big day today. The
master's son will drink the Nectar of Niniani and they'll expect a feast!" Geneth rolled over and stood
up. Quickly she grabbed her sleeping bundle and thrust it into its cupboard along with everyone else.
"Let's go!" the Cook grumbled. Geneth stretched then started the morning chores.
Geneth waited inside the tent at the end of the line. It was her big day too. As an orphan she
was to go last at the ceremony. The master's son being the highest ranked at this ceremony had the
honor of going first. It was considered good luck to go first. The master pulled aside the entrance. They
all filed out in an orderly line. All along the path were animals, tied up or in cages. Xantu, son of Master
Derek, walked at the front. His outfit would have fed the town for months with the amount of money
they had invested in it. For ONE occasion. The towns Greencloak, Mai stood at the end of the path,
holding a delicately tooled flask. Geneth knew what it held. They reached the end of the path and stood
off to the sides. Mai came forward and stopped in front of Xantu. Xantu knelt before her. "Xantu, son of
Derek, receive the Nectar of Ninani." She said. Mai held out the flask and allowed him only a swallow.
Then Xantu rose. A single animal call trumpeted over the land. It stepped forward to Xantu's side. A
raccoon reared up to touch his hand. All was silent. Master Derek applauded and the town followed
with respect. Xantu dipped his head in thanks then returned to his place beside his father. The raccoon
followed him closely. Mai moved down the line. Geneth swallowed nervously as the next person knelt
before Mai.