Glossary of Terms

Dear Readers,

I would like to express my sincerest apologies for the delayed inclusion of this glossary in the book. As I reviewed the content, I realized the importance of having these terms and definitions available right from the start. They provide valuable context that can enhance your reading experience.

Here, you will find a compilation of terms and their corresponding definitions that may prove useful as you journey through the pages of this book. However, please note that certain terms have been deliberately omitted from this glossary. This exclusion is intentional, as their inclusion would reveal crucial plot points and serve as spoilers. Rest assured, these terms will be explained in due course as you encounter them in the story, adding intrigue and surprise to your reading experience.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delayed inclusion of this glossary. I hope that these definitions, along with the anticipation of discovering the omitted terms within the narrative, will enhance your immersion into the world of merfolk and the captivating tales that unfold.

Thank you for your understanding, and may your journey through these pages be filled with wonder and excitement.

Best regards,

Lilly Rowen

Glossary

Kingdoms/Territories:

1. Aqualearia - Term for all the oceans and seas of the world.

2. Arcttegat - Kingdom encompassing the Norwegian Sea.

3. Burminia - Kingdom encompassing the Bermuda Triangle.

4. Myanmarine - Kingdom encompassing the Gulf of Mexico.

5. Prolific Oceanus - this is the merfolk’s name for the Pacific Ocean

6. Tasmanridge - Kingdom encompassing the Tasman Sea.

7. Tritania - Kingdom encompassing the Mediterranean Sea.

Languages:

1. Aquasign - The mother language for all merfolk sign languages. All merfolk have a dialect of Aquasign.

2. Lumitaal - The silent language of using bioluminescence to "blink out a message" in different patterns and colors. Primarily spoken in warmer waters at a depth below 5 thousand feet.

3. Mertounge - The mother tongue language of all merfolk, made up of only sounds that can be made with the mouth without using vocal cords. A few words are spoken throughout Aqualearia to gain attention before using Aquasign, but the full language is primarily spoken by travelers.

4. Sirenchant - The only known verbal language of the merfolk, nearly a dead language. It is primarily spoken in Burminia, with only a few remaining speakers. The need to conserve breath and blood oxygen has contributed to its decline. In ancient times, this language was primarily spoken by merfolk of the Prolific Oceanus.

Surnames:

1. Finwhisper - Someone from a long line of Finwhisperers, indicating a deep connection and understanding of marine life, often sought for advice and guidance.

2. Pearlwing - Someone with shimmering fins that look or act like wings.

3. Pinnipedal - A surname given to families known for having foot-like fins, referring to merfolk with distinctive and agile hip fins that resemble feet. This is the surname that was given to Joe and Bryan at their trial.

4. Reefblaze - A surname for someone whose ancestors came from abundant coral reefs with stinging corals. This usually signifies a merfolk who is immune to stinging coral.

5. Wavecrest - Someone from a family associated with the crest of waves, symbolizing strength and power.

Familial Terms:

1. Cousins - A term referring to the relationship between children born to two different kinpods. The term "cousins" does not necessarily imply a biological relationship, but rather signifies a familial connection and shared heritage between the children. It reflects the bond between kinpods and acknowledges the special relationship between the children born into these related pods. (See also: Kinpod)

2. Dad - A male parent who is not the sire. (See also: father)

3. Father - Birthfather or "sire." (See also dad)

4. Kinpod - A separate pod where one or more of the parents in each pod originate from the same pod. Similar to extended family. (See also pod)

5. Mom - A female parent within the same pod who is not the birth mother. (See also mother)

6. Mother - Birthmother. (See also mom)

7. Mychild - A familial term used by a merfolk parent within a pod to refer to their biological child or an adopted child. It is a term of endearment and signifies the deep and special bond between the parent and the child. In the case of a biological mychild, the child is born to the parent within the pod, sharing a direct biological connection. In the case of an adopted mychild, the child may not have a biological connection to the parent, but the parent willingly and lovingly takes on the role of a primary caregiver and provider. This term recognizes and embraces the parent's exceptional commitment to nurturing, protecting, and unconditionally loving their child, surpassing the bond the child shares with other non-biological parents within the pod. The mychild holds a unique place in the parent's heart and is cherished as their own, creating an unbreakable bond within the pod's familial structure.

8. Pod - A family made up of a male bonded pair, their (2-6) female mates, and all the children born to the pod. Similar to immediate family. (See also: kinpod, dad, father, mom, mother, mychild and sychild.)

9. Sychild - A familial term used by the non-biological parents within a merfolk pod to refer to a child born to parents within the same pod. Sychild reflects the special bond and parental role of all of the non-biological parents towards a child born to another individual within the pod. It is an endearing term that acknowledges and embraces the child's place within the pod's familial structure. It signifies the collective love and care provided by the non-biological parents, who consider the child as their own.

Terms:

1. Airgarden - A special area filled with air, serving as the only source of oxygen in merfolk communities. It is located in each building or chamber, taking the place of an attic. Within the airgarden, there are systems of garden beds with oxyplants along the floor. (See also: moonhole and oxyplants)

2. Aquabreeze - A soft, pleasant current.

3. Endangered Species - Non-hidden critically endangered species. (See also: epically endangered species)

4. Epically Endangered Species - Species of animals that throughout history have been hunted for their unique abilities and therefore have been kept hidden, reducing their existence to myth among humans. In other words, mythical creatures. (See also: endangered species)

5. Finwhisperer - A station or title given to someone with a deep connection and understanding of marine life, often sought for advice and guidance.

6. Floorhole - A hole in the floor leading down to the lower level or floor, replacing the need for stairs.

7. Merchild - A gender-neutral term used to refer to a young merfolk, regardless of their gender identity. Merchild encompasses merfolk individuals who have not yet reached adulthood and is a general term for young members of the merfolk community.

8. Merfilk - A derogatory term for Merturned, meaning "filth in merskins." (See also: merturned)

9. Merfolk - The people born of the sea.

10. Mermade - Made by merfolk.

11. Merturned - Former humans who have been turned into mermen/mermaids. (See also: merfilk)

12. Mertech - Advanced technology created by merfolk.

13. Moonhole - This acts like a "moonpool" on a ship or submarine, using air pressure to keep the water from entering the airgarden. It serves as the door or entrance to the airgarden, located in the middle of the floor/ceiling that divides the levels. The bright bioluminescent glow from the airgarden above, coupled with the surface tension of the water level with the moonhole, creates the visual effect of a portal. (See also: airgarden and oxyplants)

14. Oxyplants - Genetically altered plants that can survive in both air and water. Most of these plants have chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis, and many also have bioluminescent attributes. These plants produce more oxygen than any other known plants on Earth. There are several different varieties, with some being much more rare than others. (See also: moonhole and airgarden)

15. Seastorm - A hurricane or tornado over the ocean or sea, strong enough to affect the currents or depths.

16. Sirensong - The effect that happens when Sirenchant is sung, causing all who hear it to be mesmerized as if hypnotized. (See also: sirenchant under languages)