Storm

The Merman's Children, Book Two, III. 

After a feast, there is a storm. Outside, rain dashes against the walls of Ivan Subitj's castle. The night is said to howl. That must mean wind. OK. Outside, there is wind, rain and darkness. It must be comfortable inside, though? However, there, coldness is said to creep out of the tapestried stone walls and the lamps are surrounded by darkness which is even said to besiege them. Ivan's wife, seated in a corner, tries to warm herself at a brazier. 

This is the appropriate setting for a sad story recounted by Ivan to Vanimen. A young woman who had drowned in the lake now haunts it. A narrative about merpeople can also include ghosts...