[Ah. That's...not something he's been asked, at least not something he's been asked by anyone but his children. And for a long time, he doesn't respond.]

Contact between merfolk and humans has never been something I have desired. It is not that I hate them, far from it...I care for the ocean as much for their sake as I do ours. But we as a people do not need to make our presence known among them. There are so many out there who would seek to exploit us...perhaps even hunt us.

That is not a life I wish for my people, and certainly not my sons. We should live free from beneath the scrutinizing gaze of man. And likewise, there are many of us who feel particular animosity towards humans...it is not as if it would be guaranteed that all mers would be interested in being friendly with them.

[He pulls his tail closer to his side.]

It is safer for us both that we be apart.