At the middle of the river, a head slowly came out of the water.
A mermaid with long red hair rose up and swam to a rock near the bank. She was pretty. A small crown rested on her head.
Below her waist, she had a silver-blue fish tail that moved gently in the water, sending tiny drops into the air.
Her lips curved into a faint smile when she saw Ninzu.
"It's been a long time since you visited me sorceress," she said softly.
Ninzu stood still at the edge of the river.
"You still remember me, then."
"How could I forget?" The mermaid said softly. "Few dare step this close to my waters… fewer still leave with their souls untouched."
Ninzu took a slow step forward, her feet sinking into the water.
"I didn't come to steal from you, Nerida. I came to ask."
The mermaid tilted her head, studying her.
"Times are changing again, aren't they?"
"They are," Ninzu said. "I need your help before the tide turns against us all."
