After Dyn's introduction, Jill patted the Beholder lightly on the side, indicating that she understood his gambit. "I am Jill Orion," the captain spoke up. "Mage and songstress. My job is to keep this crew in good spirits. I think I can speak for all of us when I say a tour would be greatly appreciated, and if it concludes in a tavern, we should be even more grateful."

Cynthia gave a small bow to each of the crew who introduced themselves. "Then a tour you shall receive! Let us be off!" The merfolk seemed completely unphased by the advances from the kobold, nearly as unphased as she appeared when addressed by the beholder. Once they had traveled a short distance away from the outpost, she spoke up again. "I apologize for Lucian's behavior. It's just that we have all been on edge since the last time those drakes showed up. They ransacked the town and drove off the marid that kept us safe. They are the worst of the worst, and Lucian hates almost anyone who associates with them. I could tell that you were caught unawares by this revelation, however."

They soon reached the outskirts of the town, denoted by a simple sign with foreign writing etched upon it. Instead of the familiar buildings springing up from the ground, each home or business had a small opening in the ground covered by a doorway made from driftwood or a shell. A sign was next to each opening, either made from similar materials, or directly carved into the coral itself. The signs and doorways were adorned with a myriad of beautiful artwork of nearly every sort describing in imagery the inhabitants or purpose of the establishment. Thus, despite not knowing the language, any in the party could easily determine where any entrance promised to lead.

Cynthia for her part was a wonderful tour guide, even if the initial tour was fairly short. Most of the businesses in town could be seen at a glance from the top of the coral, or were a short walk or swim away. With no buildings in the way, there was little need for streets, and the few people they saw above the surface of the coral spent a minimal amount of time passing from one opening to another, some giving a wave to Cynthia and others ignoring the group altogether. Cynthia pointed out the commerce center, the administrative area, and the militia district, as well as points of interest such as the marid's former manse, the entertainment district, and their food production centers where fish and other seafood was processed. Despite her (somewhat detailed yet generic) descriptions, the only thing the group saw was the coral and the signs bearing testimony to each area. 

"I could take you into the coral," Cynthia suggested, "but if you want for privacy, the surface is your best option. Space is a commodity down below, and we are all packed in rather tightly. Why don't you tell me why you're really here, now that a dozen tridents aren't pointing at you. Don't worry, I don't bite." Cynthia glanced over towards Askia and winked. "Much."