Undine

393 AC - I stare at the foam. The waterfalls gush and bubble above the pool. The Muna zoologist is collecting samples, and my assistant and I just have to wait until she's finished. If she needs us, she'll let us know. I signal to the Kinemancer, whose name I've forgotten. Ta-something. I don't really care, actually. All I care about is that she follows my instructions to the letter. I'd heard that Takao was dead. The inquest concluded that it was a handling error. But I had my doubts. He had taught me the basics of alchemy, and he'd always been incredibly meticulous. It was hard to believe that he could be so careless. But despite my suspicions, it's not like I could do anything about it.

With those thoughts turning in my mind, I summon the substance I've chosen. It's something malleable, but with enough structure that it can be observed. In alchemy, the traditional elements – earth, water, fire and air – are inhabited by elemental spirits: gnomes, undines, sylphs and salamanders. I break the Effigy, then use Silk's threads to tie down the idea I'm looking for, and pull when it becomes taut. A lapping sound answers. A watery figure, round and supple, emerges timidly from the pool, as if it had always lived there. I stretch out my hand as an invitation, and she rushes over, her feet making ripples on the water's surface. I'll need to essencify her and infuse the idea of her into a newly-hatched Moth. The Kinemancer begins her kata.

Undines are creatures from Germanic folklore, depicted as water spirits much like nymphs and naiads. They are found in running water, rivers and fountains. Some of them guard treasure in underwater areas. It's said that they supply water to fountains, and dry them up if they feel offended. To avoid this, they should be given offerings, ranging from simple flower garlands to small shiny or sparkling objects.

MOYO