Stavanger Bay Den-mother Doe

The question, though partially expected by the little woman, still made her stomach twist. "No," she said at once, before her heart could swoop in a claim the child as her own. Sharkbait belonged to Skellige, and he'd denied her already the title of 'mother'. "No, not your mommy, but a den-mother. It means that I will care for you as a mother will, but that you were not born to me. The name of a den-mother is Amayo, not Mommy."

Looking sadly at the child - for the sight of her made Atoll's chest ache in longing - she decided that being Amayo meant more than just healing. Sharky was scared and alone, and her Amayo would comfort her, if there was any comfort to be had.

Lying down and nosing a bit of honeycomb to the girl, Amayo affected a calm, unconcerned facade. "Have more, if you wish. You are the daughter of Skellige - the lone princess in this land. I will do what pleases you, to the best of my ability."