To Be Named Anew
A freshly trans Keldor discusses with his older sister what he could he referred to as.
"So… what do I call you, then?"
He shifts a little in discomfort. "Just… Brother, for now."
Ilanis snorts, rolling her eyes. "Ah yes, brother of mine, I will refer to you as such henceforth." Her laughter grows as he slaps at her arm, the duo flopping over the bed as they flail at each other.
"You're the worst."
"I love you too."
With a gentle huff, he rolls over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. "What do you think Mother and Father will say?"
"Honestly, they'll probably think you'll be a breath of fresh air. I'm the trial-run kid, after all." She lays next to him, folding her hands behind her head. "Besides, Father'll probably love having another man around the house. Even if you're not that good at yard work." She says with a wink, carefully jabbing her elbow in her brother's direction.
"Hey! It's not my fault I get sunburnt so easily!" His arms unfold from around his middle to slap at her again, almost shuddering at the thought of experiencing such blistering pain again.
"Ow, hey! I'm only joking!" She grabs a pillow to shield herself, shoving it in his direction. "Besides, I don't think they'll care all too much. I mean, they've still got me and Sariel to dress up pretty, and if you're not gonna take Dad's hand-me-downs, then I will!"
"Like hell you will! I want that fancy coat, the one he never wears!!" He sits up, brow furrowed, fully prepared to fight for it, but Ilanis just laughs.
"I’m joking, I’m joking! C’mon, you gotta learn to take a joke sometime. Even if you’re trying to be all fancy and smart.” He hits her again, which just makes her laugh more. As they both fall silent, however, Ilanis catches a thought. It’s her turn for her brow to furrow, this time in thought, as she sits up and slips off the side of the bed.
“Where are you going?”
A grin creeps back onto her face. “Y’know, I’m pretty sure Mother has a book you’ve never seen before.” When he sits up, expression clearly interested, she continues. “It’s a book of baby names, I’m pretty sure she used it for all three of us. I bet you could use that!”
He makes a face, unsure about sneaking around and taking things without asking. “I don’t know…”
Ilanis puts her hands on her hips. “Do you want her to choose another name for you? One as bad as–”
“No, no. You’re right.” Shuddering, he gets up, only to be slapped deftly on the shoulder.
“Attaboy! Now, it should be in the attic somewhere…”