Elaine and the Merfolk

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With the sound of the voice, a thick fog suddenly enveloped the lake, shrouding the black expanse. "Please forgive me, human. I don't want our meeting to be observed by others," the enchanting voice echoed in Ethan's heart again, taking on a crisp and sweet tone like that of a woman.

A faint floral fragrance emanated from the dense fog as a slender figure gradually ascended from the lake.

To Ethan's astonishment, he beheld a young girl with delicate and beautiful features—light green, flowing hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing almond-shaped emerald eyes. The woman's fair, flawless skin revealed a subtle blush, and her thin lips were as tender as rose petals.

Her upper body emerged from the lake, supported by her arms as she attempted to climb. The mist, enchanted as it seemed, gracefully accompanied her movements. What astonished Ethan even more was the fact that the lower body transformed into a fishtail adorned with brilliant dark green scales, rapidly swaying in the lake's waters.

Exerting much effort, she successfully ascended to the lake's surface. Remarkably, her fishtail swiftly morphed into slender legs, and the scales transformed into a dark green dress that enveloped her lower body, revealing only delicate, snow-white feet.

"Human, I heard your call..."

She stepped forward but staggered, prompting Ethan to support her quickly. A blush graced the girl's cheeks as she regained her composure. A more human vulnerability replaced the mystique that initially surrounded her.

Stabilizing herself, she stood upright with hands gracefully crossed on her lower abdomen, swiftly regaining her dignified aura. "Human, I heard your call. I am Elaine, the Nymph of the Black Lake," her voice echoed directly in Ethan's heart.

Ethan looked at Elaine in surprise, realizing that the woman before him was, indeed, a Nymph. Elaine's appearance defied the dignified and solemn image he had envisioned for a nature deity.

Despite his reservations, Ethan respectfully offered Elaine a chest salute. Elaine's emerald green pupils revealed a satisfied smile, clearly pleased with Ethan's demeanor.

"Ethan, our destinies have become intertwined," Elaine solemnly declared.

"It seems the centaurs have recognized your bravery, Ethan. You should be rewarded as a hero." Ethan couldn't help but wonder why centaurs, lake Nymphs, and Hogwarts' Divination Professor Trelawney frequently spoke of fate.

Elaine extended her hand in a gesture, only to realize she had forgotten the reward she promised. A hint of embarrassment crossed her delicate features, but she quickly devised a solution. Elaine crouched down, tapping the water with her left hand as if knocking on a door.

Soon, a mermaid swam towards Elaine from the lake's depths. The mermaid's iron-gray skin, disheveled dark green hair, yellow eyes, and broken teeth presented a stark contrast to Elaine's elegance. Wearing pebble necklaces and propelled by powerful silver tails, the mermaids swam swiftly, answering Elaine's call.

As the mermaid approached, Ethan observed that it held a long object in its arms. Approaching Elaine with evident awe, the mermaid slowed down, lowering its head respectfully. Having the long item in both hands, the mermaid performed a ceremonial act, presenting it to Elaine with great reverence.

Casually accepting the mermaid's offering, Elaine waved her hand, dismissing the mermaid. Before departing, the mermaid saluted Elaine solemnly, underscoring the high status of Black Lake's mermaids, regardless of Elaine's actual deity status.

Mermaids, being an intelligent species, possess the ability to transform into humans, yet they actively reject this classification. Their level of intelligence remains somewhat mysterious, but they certainly surpass the cognitive abilities of most animals. Mermaids have their own language and can create music, a common hobby among them.

Different merfolk subspecies or races exist, varying based on their geographical location. Those inhabiting warmer waters tend to have more alluring appearances, while those in colder waters, like the Selkies in Scotland and the Irish Mermen, may not be as aesthetically pleasing.

The merfolk residing in the Black Lake belong to the Selkie subspecies, fueling Ethan's curiosity about Elaine's identity.

Merfolk exhibits evidence of a thriving culture, residing in organized communities and crafting elaborate stone dwellings. They domesticate creatures like Grindylows, Krakens, and Lobas and even use Lobas as weapons. Mermaids engage in jewelry and weapon crafting, produce artwork such as sculptures, and communicate through basic gestures.

Historically, merfolk trace their origins to ancient Greece, where they were called sirens. In modern times, mermaids are found across the globe.

The relationship between mermaids and wizards, particularly with the British Magical Government, has been somewhat tumultuous. According to Alfreda Cragg's definition of "being," the Speaker of the Wizarding Council, merfolk were excluded because they are not considered "speaking beings." This decision puzzled their allies, the centaurs.

In 1811, Minister Grogan Stump redefined "being," making mermen eligible. However, they voluntarily choose not to pursue human transformation, as they are unwilling to be separated from dark creatures like Grindylows and vampires. Despite still being considered beasts at the time, merfolk were persuaded to attend a 1692 summit of the International Confederation of Wizards to discuss preventing Muggles from discovering the existence of magical creatures.

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