Becoming the Merines is not an easy prospect. Only specific Ferines are capable of even attempting the Rite of Accession, a purification ritual that places the Ferines in direct contact with Nerifes, and even then, the Rite can fail, which may result in the candidate's death. Shirley Fennes, who failed the Rite of Accession on purpose in order to protect Senel Coolidge, fell into a coma and was only saved due to the influence of the Tear of the Sea. Even after waking up, the seawater and sea breeze became poisonous to her and almost caused her death on numerous subsequent occasions.