Greatwater Lake some women are lost in the fire, some women are built from it

Atoll did not get very far before very dark, very rude figure bowled her over. She dropped the child at once and leapt up with a yowl of displeasure. She abandoned her prize without a second thought, running several yards away before pausing to see what had attacked her, and what had become of Riverbone's daughter.

Understanding came at once when she saw that it was Riverbone himself who had come to take the child from her. Though she'd thought she'd grown past her need of him, his want for the baby girl made her heart ache anew. That he would protect the girl over her and from her made the hurt sink deeper, the pain all the worse. But it was little enough that she could still squash it down and remember that she served a new king, now, and that he would be expecting her home - medicine and all.

Hiding herself in the bushes, Atoll decided that she would wait for Riverbone and his true daughter to depart. She would rescue her herbs from the riverbed, and she would return to the bay. She mourned the loss of father and daughter, but there was still much to be thankful for.

Doe might never again emerge for anyone but Szymon, but Atoll would live to see another day.