Soham grew more receptive to the sights and sounds around him with each passing day. Though his vision remained slightly fuzzy, he could make out the intricate details of his room's lavish furnishings. The giants that tended to him so dutifully were clearly people now - servants and relatives, he surmised.
One morning, Soham awoke to find the manor abuzz with activity. Servants hustled about, cleaning every corner until it was spotless. The enticing aroma of cooking food wafted in from outside. Soham wondered about this sudden commotion.
As Ellara changed and dressed him in a soft blue outfit, she said, "Today is a big day, my little love. We will finally give you your name!"
Soham's eyes widened. A naming ceremony! Of course, his infant mind and undeveloped vocal cords had limited his ability to communicate his old name. But a new name signified his official induction into this fantasy realm.
Ellara carried Soham downstairs where the manor opened up into a grand hall decked out in festive colors. Long tables laden with platters of food lined the walls. Guests milled about in their finest attire, mingling and laughing. At the hall's center stood Alaric, dressed in a smart tunic, grinning from ear to ear.
"Friends and family," Alaric proclaimed, "thank you for joining us on this most special day." The crowd quieted as all eyes turned expectantly to Soham and his parents.
"My wife Ellara and I are so thrilled to finally introduce you to our pride and joy, the newest member of House Emberhart." Alaric took Soham into his sturdy arms. Holding him up with beaming pride, he announced, "We name our son Eric Alaric Emberhart!"
The hall erupted into raucous applause and cheering. Eric felt both elated and sheepish as the guests came forward to congratulate his parents and fawn over him. A name represented so much - identity, belonging, roots. This was a true fresh start.
One elder woman with kind, crinkly eyes embraced Eric tightly. "Little Eric, you've brought such life to this family," she said warmly. From her features and Ellara's affection toward her, Eric surmised she must be his grandmother.
The celebration whisked by in a blur of laughter, feasting and music. Eric's head spun trying to take it all in. But he knew this was only the beginning. Bearing a new name in this fantasy realm meant finding his place in its unfolding story.
As the manor quieted down that evening, Eric lay in his crib, finally alone with his thoughts. He whispered his new name silently to himself. Eric Emberhart. It rang with potential and adventure. This baptism of sorts still left many questions unanswered. But cradled by his soft blankets, Eric felt that familiar sense of hope kindling within.
His trials reborn in darkness had led to this bright new beginning. In the nights ahead, he repeated his new name over and over like a magical incantation. He was determined now to grow and gain knowledge, to take the first steps down whatever remarkable path fate had set before him.