This is something that's struck me, especially concerning changelings. Most fae only seem capable of learning about 'love', and what it actually is, from humans.

Given Moth's infatuation with Costa, and her original name of Caroline, is it possible she was a changeling herself?

Acrathia: Ugh! Humans are so uppity about trading their children. They always assumed I wanted to eat the poor child *scoffs* as though I had nothing better to eat!

...Seems I'm not wrong.

Acrathia: *scoffs* I'm not entirely convinced humans understand love any better than fae do. Like with so many other thing in their ridiculously short lives, they keep changing the definition, and what actually constitutes as "love"

Alright - let's narrow it down and say 'parental instinct'. Not all humans have...

Had.

...that either, but is it a trait that fae lack? Presumably the need to bear and raise children themselves is countered somewhat by near-immortality.

Acrathia: That would entirely depend on what you deem proper parental instincts. I have had the pleasure of acting as a parent for a few beings, some I have birthed, others adopted. The major criticisms I have heard of how I parent are that I am "cold" "distant" and "demanding" Does this mean I do not "love" my children? Many have argued that I do not, I argue that I am pushing them to be self-sufficient, and to thrive, and I would not do so if I did not care for them on some level.

Well...

*thinking of appropriately tactful questions*

...how well did they all survive? Beyond any circumstances entirely outside your control, of course. And did you keep in close contact with them afterwards?

It's complicated, I agree. Humans like to think they're the only ones capable of actual emotional 'love' as a natural bond with their partners or children as they don't have an 'equal' on their plane to compare themselves to.

Thou art saying the beasts that have existed for aeons prior be not 'equal'?

Well no, I'm referring to a limited perspective and understanding. Imoldra would tear my throat out if he believed I thought that now. I know unicorns feel their own equivalent of 'love', or at least infatuation.

One needeth only see Auris to witness the ague when such be abruplty stripped away.

Acrathia: *A haunted expression crosses her face* They... did not all survive... I protected all I could... but I was weakened then... and the world suddanly became hostile to the gifts my children possessed...

*She places a hand over her mouth as she appears lost in her thoughts for a moment. She regains her composure and looks to Eala again.*

Each one of them who burned, each one that was hung, or stoned to death, torments me to this day... Yet the one who caused me to fall to the point where I could not save them... the one whom I should have every reason to hate... I cannot bring myself to push away... If that is not love... what is?

*she gives a soft bitter laugh* It is as I said so many ages ago... Love makes women weak... and I have allowed that girl to infect me with such weakness...

Oh. *sagely, with slow head nod* Yes, of course.

At first I was like "Wait, he's offering her what?" because I didn't notice that was a coin bag.

I'll have to listen to the song later.
I've seen a couple stories centered on selkies, but it seems those involving male selkies and human women are in the minority.

Though what's so bad about being raised by humans?

"He needs the sea... or he will..."

If the mother doesn't understand that statement alone, than I feel incredibly sorry for Sande.

I don't know about death, but he'd certainly be weakened and perhaps lose the chance to ever become other than human, which to Sande would be even worse.

If he were to explain their son would die without spending time in the ocean, I think she would have changed her tune quickly. He just went about it the wrong way, poor fellow.

Is there a rule against letting the mortal parent in on the rite of passage? Can she not be present to at least witness it for herself?

So far as I'm aware, I don't think so. She'd have to wait on the shore and bid her son farewell for a time, but she can at least be present for the child coming into his inheritance.