[color=00aeef][i]As we treaded water above the coral city, our guide explained to us their side of the tale. Much of it had already been alluded to: the marid protected this city for as long as memory held sway. The theullai, on the other hand, was a relatively recent gatekeeper, having defeated the previous gatekeeper in single combat a few decades before. Since then, trade between the city and the Material Plane had fallen greatly as the theullai imposed harsher and more numerous restrictions crafted solely for his own benefit, including a tariff that went to his own pocket. 

Eventually, the marid stood up and challenged the theullai, despite knowing the latter had the martial advantage. When the marid was on the ropes, he used his trump card, the [/i]wish[i] spell, to destroy the theullai's power over the gate and send the marid to safety. As is often the case with such a spell, nothing quite happened the way the caster intended. The marid was whisked away to the Verdant Stream, a current of green ichor flowing through the Water Plane. This current flowed from a labyrinthine collection of mechanical objects and structures located far from the gate. 

The only question left was whose version of events was true?[/i][/color]

Cynthia's story came to a close, only interrupted once or twice by passersby. At the end, she opened a hatch into the shopping district. "I am sure you will find plenty of wares to aid you on... whatever your goal might be," she said with a smile. "We welcome new traders with open arms. Although, I might suggest holding off on the music, kobold. Not only do those in this city distrust your kind, they also have a very particular ear for music."

The hatch led into a winding tunnel deep into the coral. From the sharp corners and muffled noises overheard, one could surmise this tunnel was constructed to weave around existing hollows. Despite its unpredictable turns, the tunnel was well-lit with a bioluminescent strand along the right wall, and the passage was wide enough for two or three to pass comfortably. Cynthia explained the dual purpose of the lighting: it not only provided visual aid to those without darkvision, but also served as a guide when the pitch of the tunnels was unclear: right was down, and left was up. The marid had proclaimed this measure after a family had gotten lost for days, nearly starving to death deep inside the more complicated residential districts. 

Eventually, they swam into a wide open space in the coral. If they hadn't known better, they likely would not realize they were still inside due to the cavernous room they had entered. Hundreds of merfolk and a spattering of other races filled the room from top to bottom, and nearly every inch of coral was occupied with a stall or shop selling their wares. Much of it was mundane trinketry, but several shops appeared to sell valuable gear and weaponry. Cynthia grinned widely and gestured before them. "Welcome to the Coral City!"