At the middle of the river, a head slowly came out of the water.
A woman with long red hair rose up and swam to a rock near the bank. She climbed onto it and sat there, watching quietly.
She was very beautiful. A small crown rested on her head. She covered herself with green seaweed and small shining shells that looked like cloth on her skin.
Below her waist, she had a silver-blue fish tail that moved gently in the water, sending tiny drops into the air.
Then her lips curved into a faint smile. "It's been a long time since you visited me sorceress," she said softly.
Ninzu stood still at the edge of the river, her robes brushing the damp grass.
"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."
