Once their catch has accepted this arrangement, the game changes. Now, they are to wait a certain period of time and - gently - reach out and lightly touch the merfolk. If they panic and flail or grab roughly, the merfolk evades them. Only by understanding and respecting their master's body and boundaries do they progress.

Then they learn their master is gracious - they are permitted to sleep, snug as a pillow in their master's arms, without demands.