Duskfire Glacier the seal lullaby

something tiny and painful sprouted within her at currituck's voiced discomfort. she had known for a long time that the girl wasn't suited for such cold conditions, but now it was beginning to be painfully obvious. what was she going to do? Tahani would not keep her here during the winter--that was unconscionable. take her back to the dark woods? heavens, no.

she would have to take her somewhere, though. and then she would have to make the choice: would she stay with her adopted daughter in the sun, or return to the glacier and siblings she so loved?

"we might be able to do something about the cold," Tahani said, her voice choked despite herself. she swallowed, trying for a smile again, though the expression faded when she spoke of the stranger. "what was his name? he didn't try to hurt you, did he?"