Fragaria

(Thank you Ronnaculus!!)

1.

She is small when she is delivered, a new hatchling curled up against Mab's breast. Bright eyes and a darting, inquisitive tongue are all that can be seen at first, but she is wiggling free. The warmth of the Rim makes her curious, so different from the Fortress of Ends.

Teyla coos at her. Guerilla watches over her shoulder, feathers brushing his hat.

"She's beautiful." Teyla says, coaxing the little one out with her nose. The tongue flicks after her snout.

Mab is pleased with the compliment. "She would do any clan proud. We know you will take good care of her."

The little one begins to struggle in earnest. Mab sets her down gently so she may sniff and claw at the cry crust of the Rim. The cluster of adults watch as she toddles towards a slime pit.

"Of course, my friend." Teyla said. "She will be family."

There was a splash from the pit.

2.

"But I don't want to be named Strawberry!" The Bogsneak insisted. It was an ongoing argument.

"It fits you so well, though." Gamma said. He wasn't particularly paying attention; settled nearby, he could not avoid being part of the discussion.

"Your mother's name is Pomegranate, your father's name is Rhubarb, your sister's name is Lychee..." Pithy ticked off each name on her talons. "So. Strawberry." She shrugged. Nightbloom nodded, beside her.

"Not to mention your colors," Nightbloom added.

The Bogsneak puffed her cheeks in a pout. "I know, but..."

"What about Fragaria?" Hestia called, approaching the group. "Wendigo says it is the genus of strawberries. In line with tradition, but not quite so on the nose?"

The Bogsneak considered it, and nodded, her tail wiggling with excitement. "Yes, I like it! Fragaria it is."