The darkness around you is suddenly broken by pale blue light. The tentacle releases you, and you are able to look around anxiously, wondering if you have the oxygen or strength to make it back to the surface. How deep is this lake?!
The light gets brighter and closer. A shadow emerges from the algae and floating debris. The strange light illuminates their blue-green torso. Scales shimmer, and in place of hair, a crown of fins crests the creature’s skull. Their webbed hands tread water, and you realize their lower half is a purple, iridescent tail, powerful and capable of propelling the creature quickly through the water.
Its long body shimmers, catching the dim light and magnifying it to pierce the blackness.
You are equally terrified and stunned, hardly able to believe your incredible luck! You recall that a mermaid scale is a required ingredient in the Exordium potion, and here you are, staring at a mermaid. You know that you are unlikely to ever again have an opportunity like this to procure such a rare item.
The mermaid swims swiftly towards you, and hands you a small wad of what looks like dark worms.
If you are talented in Herbology or Divination turn to page 302.
Otherwise, turn to page 165.