Duskfire Glacier the seal lullaby

she knew the question would come, eventually. it wasn't fair to dance around it, and besides, that was not Tahani's nature. the girl was old enough to understand; it wouldn't do to lie to her. she let out a small sigh and stared mournfully at her daughter, her heart beginning to break as she prepared to shatter the illusion of their shared kinship.

your true mother was short-furred, Tahani murmured. she was hurt, and she couldn't take care of you. so she gave you to me. she swallowed and licked her chops, looking away for a brief moment before returning her gaze back to Currituck. you are a northerner in all but blood. i wish you could grow the thickest pelt of all. but i want. . .i want you to be happy. to be healthy, and safe, and warm.