Stavanger Bay the girl the size of a gumdrop

Doe poked her head out of the den almost as soon as Qilaq called. The sharp-eared mother had heard her approach and judged by the lightness of the steps that it'd been her daughter's little paws that drew near. Her eyes went at once to what preoccupied the girl, and Doe couldn't help the sharp chuff of mirth that escaped her at the sight.

"You've got a wayfarer," she pointed out, though she did not expect the poor little dunce to understand. Doe came out and attempted to snatch the crab away from the girl's tail, not wanting it to catch skin and hurt her.

Her eyes went then to the pretty objects that Qilaq had brought, brightening as they did. Immediately, she ducked down and snuffled over them, examining them with her nose and tongue. They were a little slobbery, but the moisture helped bring out the brilliant colors in some of the rocks and shells.

"These are much prettier than your friend," said Doe, tail wagging enthusiastically. "Do you want help moving them inside?"

They would have to be placed up on a ledge to prevent the puppies from getting them, but Doe would afford them their place of honor.