[ This is why Elliot has trust issues?! He can't possibly expect genuine earnestness from anyone who doesn't immediately pick up on his ego complex and his propensity for yelling because he lacks any other viable way to communicate that actually gets the point across. ]

I've never heard of stories like those! I thought they lived out at sea and dragged sailors to their death. [ NOT THAT HE'S SEEN ANY DO THAT, much less seen any mermaid period, but she can't possibly expect him to understand societal norms, much less supposedly mythical creatures. ]

Then why don't you enlist help and take it back? [ LIKE THAT'S SO EASY. ] Are you stupid or something? Don't overgeneralize people! You won't win anyone's good favor by insulting people who are perfectly willing to help you find your tail.