Ayla was both nursemaid and sister to Uba. When Ayla ran away to prevent her son from being rejected, Uba secretly followed Ayla to her private cave. Later, Uba brought word that the clan was looking for Ayla and that Ayla would likely be cursed with death. This timely news prompted Ayla to return before the naming day, allowing Brun to save face by not being forced to accept Durc. When Uba became a woman, Ayla led her to the cave to live out the period of isolation during her first menstrual period. When Broud ordered Ayla to be cursed with death, Ayla left Durc in the care of Uba and Vorn.