The Cephalopod: Curious Creature Encounter #23

Greetings from the deep!

Your intrepid Professor has once again plunged into the deep, this time in search of the elusive 'Opaline Osmanthus of the Pacific' – a crucial ingredient for my new 'Dream Weaver's Draught.'  Not to be confused with your traditional Osmanthus Flower mind you- this is a white aquatic kelp grown in deep sea trenches, usually close to active seamounts. The pressure down here, I must say, makes one appreciate a well-brewed cup of something fortifying (preferably something that grants water breathing). 

The descent was… eventful. I've deduced that the local marine life has a very obscure sense of personal space. But it was during my careful harvesting of the aforementioned osmanthus that I had a most… memorable encounter.

Imagine, if you will, the inky blackness illuminated by the gentle glow of my submersible lantern. And then… it.

A creature of truly fantastical (and frankly, slightly unsettling) design. It was bioluminescent, naturally, with at least six googly eyes all pointing in different directions, and, I swear on Merlin's beard, it was wearing a miniature, soggy top hat perched jauntily atop its… well, its primary appendage.

This dapper denizen of the deep took an immediate interest in my kelp-gathering efforts. Initially, I feared a territorial dispute. Instead, it began… assisting me! Yes, this googly-eyed, top-hatted marvel diligently nudged stray strands of Luminescent Kelp into my basket with surprising dexterity.

I attempted rudimentary communication through a series of enthusiastic hand gestures (as one does when confronted with a formally attired, multi-eyed sea-thing), but it mostly responded with a series of curious clicks and what I can only describe as a rather judgmental stare from its starboard-most ocular protrusion.

Eventually, my kelp quota was met, thanks in no small part to my newfound (and slightly bizarre) aquatic assistant. As I began my ascent, the creature gave a final, what I interpreted as a rather theatrical bow (tipping its nonexistent hat?), before disappearing back into the gloom.

Los Angeles, you harbor wonders in your waters I never imagined! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a Dream Weaver’s Draught to concoct, and I’m fairly certain I saw a pattern for a tiny diving helmet in my submersible’s repair kit… just in case I need a co-pilot next time.

Yours in soggy discoveries and sartorial sea-creatures,

Professor Eldrin Nightshade

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