OOM: To Marina
Marina.
Marina is an island realm, surrounded by an ocean that softly fades into the Unformed well beyond the horizon. The island itself rises steeply out of the water, and its cliffs have homes clinging precariously to its hilly ridges both above and below the water. This realm is one of the few places freely populated by both air and water breathing creatures, in a small city designed for both.
The small 'down-town' area of Marina is only slightly above sea level. Canals parallel the small streets, and most shops and restarants have small pools that open up inside the buildings for their more aquatic customers.
Below the waves, thick, glass-walled tunnels and streets move along the ocean floor, spreading out from the harbor and all around the island.
Marina obviously is well known for its water sports, irregardless if you breathe air or water. Swimming, diving, competative sports, wind surfing and sun sailing. Beings and creatures from many different watery realms of Underhill travel here for events, or just to enjoy the scenery. Up on the dry side, the town is known for its small artisian groups, which tend to provide most of the furnishings in the various houses and hotels built on the island.
The water is cool and clear, with kelp forests carefully maintained in secluded coves. Days above water are bright and sunny, with nights cool and foggy. It is early June, so the heavy tourist season has not quite started--
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Which means Laini did not have to threaten too much to fix the reservations. The main Portal, at least, the one above the water line, exited from a brilliantly tiled arch right on the boardwalk between the shore and downtown. The setting sun is painting the horizon shades of vivid pink and gold, while fog is already starting to creep along the ridges of the island.
"See, totally safe and sound, and right in time for check in." She spreads her arms out, turning around to look back at Dot and Bob.
"Welcome to Marina."
The wide boardwalk they were on curved around to follow the edge of the shoreline, with waves lapping gently at the water front. Low arched bridges curved over canals heading from the water and winding their way into the town, while railed stairwells lead down to the air tunnels leading out the harbor beneath.
And... the people. For the moment, Bob and Dot may be the most human-looking in sight, but no one is giving them a second glance.
"The hotel is just a couple short blocks up past the board walk here- not far at all."