“I’ll go for the Lagoon Uncle Jack” you told your uncle. In all honesty it was maybe the best choice being somewhat Sea-based in location yet not actually thousands of miles of water both distances and horizons-wise. “Alright then Maria. Now remember to activate the compass spell on the bangle just tap beside the jewel three time” Uncle Jack accepted as he wheeled you to right in front of the Lagoon Painting “Oh I dare say you’ll make some good friends if you’re lucky”. “Be brief friendships” you countered thinking Uncle Jack was talking about the local wildlife often found in the seas as you pulled yourself through the painting-portal.
But as opposed to going from holding yourself up via a painting frame to floating the mermaid version of water treading just by some rock formations alike to the ones you saw on the painting you were somewhat submerged underwater with quite a distance between you and said formation. Apparently this was a rather large lagoon. Still the sudden dive helped you experience the aquatic breathing mermaids are known for and with your swimming experience figured the two would easily help you reach it. But something was off as you swore there was movement upon the rocks before starting your swim.
“Well now there’s a new face” a voice called upon you emerging after reaching the formation. Right in front of you seated upon the rock nearest to you was a woman, early 20s African with neck-length dreadlocked hair woman, or mermaid rather who had the exact same style of tail as you and was also fully naked, seated their slightly waving her tail within the water while laying on her right side. She even had a bangle like Uncle Jack had given you. “Oh… Hello their” You greeted. “I’m Durah. This your first time with Jack Harrows, owner of the store and what he offers?” the mermaid inquired. “Umm…well yes and no. he’s my uncle that my parents requested look after me while their out of the country after being estranged for awhile…and only just learned he’s magic” you confessed. “You’re kidding me? Your Jack’s Niece?” Durah questioned.
“I do think he spoke of her a few times. To me at least?” a new voice then called out. You turned to see where it came from to see this early 30s Japanese-Asian mermaid with flowing long raven hair laying on her front, chin resting on her hands with her tail pointing upwards, as the speaker. In fact by now you found there were a few dozen mermaids about, mostly no older than their early 50s or younger than 8 but coming in various ethnic backgrounds but all baring the exact same type of tail replacing their legs only adapted to size. Some simply chatting to themselves uninterested in your sudden appearance while those that were interested were either talking in hushed tones or watching and maybe pondering if you’re interested in them.
“Oh I’m Haru by the way” the Japanese-Asian mermaid introduced. Right as this chin-length Light brown but also Japanese-Asian 11 year old suddenly emerged and got seated next to Haru “Who is she mum?” she asked Haru. “Said her name’s Maria and she’s Mr Harrows’s Niece” Haru answered. “Hi Maria, I’m Yukari” the child welcomed. “My daughter” Haru added. “Umm… What exactly is this place?” You then asked. “One of a vast collection of pocket realms your uncle created for customers to use to get away from the pressures related to humanity for awhile” Durah answered “This one a place for those with a liking for mermaids”. “I had no idea” you responded.
“So what about the other portals?” you then asked. “Well mum’s been and there is a lake version that’s those with ideas of sharing with a vaster selection of mythical beings go” Yukari answered. “What Yukari means that the lake portal is for transformations in general when limitations are of little issue” Haru assured. “And the vast sea lacks above water land for those with little to no interest in emerging during their time” Durah followed. “In other words this realms an in-between type” Haru went on. “So you want to go exploring with me?” Yukari inquired, “well…” you started: