Disclaimer: I don' own elfquest... as much as I would like to. I only own Starhowl.
Bearclaw looked down at the baby Strongbow was holding. Untill a few moments ago, it had been Moonshade holding her; but Moonshade had finally gotten tired of her screaming, and shoved her onto Strongbow. She had, surprisingly, quieted down, a bit, after that.
"Where did you find her?" he asked the lifemates.
-Under a bush,- sent Strongbow. -She wasn't really all that hard to find. Her voice carries.-
"I noticed," said Bearclaw, wryly.
"Who will she stay with, tonight?" asked Moonshade.
"Welll........ let her choose."
"Right," said Treestump. "Everyone takes a turn at holding her, and whoever she's quietest for, is who she stays with."
"From now on," added Bearclaw. "We don't want her screaming like this; it might get the humans' attention."
"Looks like Strongbows winning, so far," grinned One-Eye.
-So now it's your turn,- sent the archer, passing him the baby.
She screamed and kicked at him. He passed her to Clearbrook, who got the same treatment. Everyone, exept Redlance and one-year-old Skywise, were attacked in the same manner. Then Joyleaf jumped down for her turn. Rillfisher handed her the screaming infant, who quieted down instantly, and went to sleep.
"Looks like she's chosen, sister," said Treestump, grinning.
"So it does," said Bearclaw.
"Well, lts see how she likes you, old badger," said Joyleaf, handing him the baby girl.
The cub opened her eyes, and looked at him. He looked at her. They stood that way for a while, then the baby, wanting more attention, stuck her fist in her mouth. He laughed, she cooed; he smiled, she giggled.
"I think she's chosen, now, brother," said Joyleaf, softly.
"Aye," said Treestump. "I think she has."
"What's her name?" asked Longbranch.
"Starhowl," said Bearclaw. "Her name is Starhowl."