It wasn't mandatory to be a priest to name someone.
In fact, it was common for parents to name their children among demons and fairies.
Only the Vanir were obligated to be named by a priest, more out of custom than anything else.
"You? You sure?" Nora asked with clear distrust. "You'd better give her a really good name!"
Alioth ignored the comment as he observed the girl.
What name could suit her?
That naming wasn't something to be taken lightly.
"Is it okay to do this? It feels strange," Lisbeth commented, though she was doubly ignored by Alioth.
The boy began to think about using names that were words from his world.
For example, "Grey" or "Ash."
"I think it might be a good idea. We can't leave her as a noname after all," Tata responded confidently.
Spirits pulsed in the air, releasing colors only Alioth could see.
While he reflected, something began to emerge from his mind.
The white-haired boy watched as the branches of a tree he knew well began to stretch.
It was the tree of Ished.
That imaginary construct had escaped from his subconscious to directly influence his visual and auditory perception.
He could even smell the burnt wood smell it gave off.
But he knew it was only in his mind.
"Do you think he got dazed? He's not saying anything," Nora commented impatiently.
But Alioth was only attentive to the white-haired girl. His gaze fixed on her gray, expressionless eyes.
'What name should I choose?'
That's when leaves began to grow from that tree. Each leaf had a name written on it.
He recognized them.
They were names of mythological characters. Of those who appeared in the stories his brother told him when he was in a coma.
The only reason he was able to maintain his sanity.
'That one... That will be her name.'
The spirits began to twinkle with more rhythm, as if they knew something was about to happen.
"Caligo. Your name will be Caligo," the boy then said.
Upon doing so, he heard a familiar sound.
The sound of several gears beginning to move forward. It was the same sound he had heard that snowy day when his teacher found him and saved him.
That day he received the name Alioth, and upon doing so, he heard that same noise.
'Did it work?'
The boy wondered. And then, the girl's empty eyes seemed to acquire a glow, a spark that made her look more alive.
It was the indicator that it had worked.
Then, a creak caught Alioth's attention. Upon turning, he could see how the leaf where "Caligo" was written withered until it became dust.
And with it, his memory. There was no trace left of the memories about Caligo in his mind.
Something that left the boy confused.
Had he forgotten it or had he never known it?
"Caligo? Doesn't sound bad for something Alioth chose," Nora commented.
The boy gave the blonde girl an irritated look.
Why was she so annoying?
He knew she was just a kid. He couldn't get angry with her over silly things. But still, he didn't understand the reason why Nora was like that with him.
"Mmm?" The boy turned. Someone was pulling on his sleeve. It was Caligo.
Upon seeing her, Alioth noticed her attitude had changed. Her expression changed from indifferent to shy.
It was a slight change, something almost imperceptible, but he was able to notice it.
"What's wrong? Didn't you like your name?" the white-haired boy asked curiously.
Upon hearing that, Caligo's body shrank with a slight tremor, almost as if Alioth's words had made her tremble.
"I think she just wants to thank you. You surely got the name right," Lisbeth intervened calmly, while sketching a soft smile.
Alioth returned his gaze to the girl.
"Is that it?" he asked with a calm voice.
Upon hearing it, Caligo hurried to nod repeatedly.
That caused the boy tenderness, who sketched a smile.
"I'm glad you like your new name, Caligo," the boy said, while extending his hand toward her.
Caligo's body trembled momentarily. Upon seeing that, Alioth went slower, gently lowering his hand onto the girl's head.
She shrank while closing her eyes, as if expecting a blow. But the pain never came.
"Relax, I won't hurt you. No one else will, okay?" the boy affirmed with a soft expression on his face.
Caligo seemed to calm down upon hearing that, and let herself be petted on the head docilely while closing her eyes.
'She's like a scared little animal, poor thing.'
Alioth let out a slight sigh as he moved his hand away from her.
The girl blinked upon feeling his hand move away. Her eyes seemed to shine sky blue for a few seconds.
'It seems I let my guard down too quickly. I've already grown fond of her.'
The boy lamented internally.
Then, a golden whirlwind made itself present.
"Hi, Caligo! I'm Nora—nice to meet you!" the blonde girl said cheerfully while extending her hand to Caligo in greeting.
Caligo startled at that abrupt gesture. Her gray eyes turned yellow as she hid behind Alioth.
Nora tilted her head with confusion.
"What's wrong with her?"
The white-haired boy just sighed.
"You most likely scared her. It seems she doesn't like sudden movements," the boy explained.
Caligo had grabbed onto his arm, though her breathing had become calmer. Her eyes had also recovered their usual color.
"Huh?" Nora exclaimed in surprise. "But I didn't mean to..."
Nora's face seemed to go through many emotions, as if she were having an internal debate. Until she finally ended with a sad expression.
"I'm sorry," she finally said, returning to the cart.
Alioth raised an eyebrow.
'What the hell is wrong with her?'
He wondered. Though he decided not to give it importance.
"Well, we've picked everything up. It's time to return to the inn. Regulus should be finishing the meal," Tata said, indicating to people to start moving.
Alioth didn't wonder who Regulus could be. He simply focused on Caligo.
The latter had taken his hand, though she let herself be guided by him.
Her eyes shone blue now.
'What could that color be due to? Maybe it's a racial characteristic?'
There were many types of demons. Though Caligo didn't have a characteristic that differentiated her from a common and ordinary human.
Maybe that was it?
The boy didn't know, but for now it wasn't important.
The way back was quiet. Alioth sometimes asked for more information about the dwarves, and Tata told him something new.
He also noticed how from time to time Nora looked at him sideways with suspicion, for no apparent reason.
Finally, they arrived at the location.
It was an inn just like in fantasy stories. At the entrance, a wooden sign hung proudly.
On it was carved a pig with wings, and below was written "The Winged Pig Tavern and Inn."
"I'll be leaving the things. You go on in," Tata indicated calmly as she took the cart away.
Alioth nodded. Caligo's hand still in his, the boy took a step forward, and without thinking too much about it, entered the inn.