When tracing the river, I saw my first waterfolk. She had the head and chest of a human, tail of fish, and green hair the color of seaweed.

Our Lumdai neighbors say that the Waterfolk are souls of people who have drowned. They lure others to join them in their fate. The Avodai know well of water Gilgul who drag people to their death, so I immediately ran from the shore. I could hear her song in the distance, but did not let myself get trapped by its beauty.

Commentary #

Rafa Counselor Rina bet Or told the following story in her journals:

I was walking along the riverbed on the way to the swamps. In the water, I spotted a pair of waterfolk. Despite Rafa Aviel of blessed memory’s warning, I could not help but observe them. They did not notice me as they were focused on attempting to herd a flock of Sea Goats, who kept swimming away from them. The songs they sang while working were enchanting, but not in the way that would entice me into the waters. When one glanced in my direction, I waved and to my shock he waved back. I tried to start up a conversation, but they did not seem to know any human languages, including Marsoña, Loña, Devir, and Seirey. They quickly turned back to their unforgiving task.

I learned later from the Rafa Midwife Naira, who admitted to me she has N’emdai roots, that the Waterfolk call themselves Delphini. She has learned their language. The Delphini practice the arts of healing and weather bending. If you anger a Delphini you could end up in a hailstorm. Among the N’emdai, many pray to the Delphini for good weather and healing.

Midwife Naira has even learned some of their healing remedies. I asked her to introduce me, which she did. I have learned a bit of their tongue and have had a few halting conversations with Midwife Naira’s help. After my work with the Frog Scholars, I hope to study with the Delphini.

Unfortunately, Rafa Rina passed away of a coughing illness before she had the chance to study with the Delphini. She did record the Delphini words she learned in her Book of Languages.

Rafa Apothecary Yuva bet Viva v’ Zamir of blessed memory was the next Rafa to develop a relationship with the Delphini. She served as a bit of a Rafa Counselor between our communities. The Delphini were upset that we were dumping our outhouse waste into the river and threatened to flood our village. Rafa Yuva established protocols for Avodai use of their river way, which ended the practice. Instead, she helped the community develop fertilizer from our waste. Rafa Yuva was known for her use of water plants in her remedies, including seaberry for general health and bladderwrack for vigor, which the river Delphini trade from the sea Delphini.

-Rosh Rafa Malki