I mean, as far as we know, merpeople don't exist, but then we've only mapped like ten percent of the oceans, so there's probably a ton of shit we don't know about down there. But I know that what old-timey sailors called mermaids were definitely manatees. Sea cows. They basically look like big gray potatoes with eyes and fins. [ So, like she said, judgment passed on men.

There's a sympathetic noise, for dragons, and when he shrugs, she straightens the bandage around his back, where it's loosened from movement and getting wet. ] Yeah, we got plenty of animals that people have killed off for parts, or gotten close to it. People eatin' weird shit because some asshole decided it would make 'em strong or wise or their dick work better. Usually that last one. Now we have laws to protect animals like that, especially the smart ones. Elephants and whales and apes. There's people who spend their whole lives just workin' to save animals from goin' extinct.

[ She ties the bandage back off and presses gently on his shoulders with her fingertips. Explaining basic animal conservation for the second time in only a few weeks has reminded her that she promised Jaskier she'd make Geralt rest. ] C'mon, back to bed.