"It's a point of pride among us," Merwen says with a shrug. "Most of us look forward to the day we declare our selfname and be able to speak at a Gathering. My lovesharer is Usha the Inconsiderate One. The daughter of my womb is Lystra the Intemperate One. Our other children are Wellen the Screamer and Weia Who Spits Up Her Food."

A funny, slightly pained expression passes over her face. "I am proud of them, but it is... not usual for children so young to take selfnames."