New Life Under the Sea (Virgo and Darian)

[Darian]

The Oceanian Docks were the biggest in the city, and the most mysterious. Only recently had the Mer-Peoples of the oceans become a part of the surface world, and it showed: Their docks and Embassies were still walled off and shielded from easy access.
This was because the Oceanian docks transported the most valuable cargo in the world: Substance Crystals, or Seastones. The glowing, egg-shaped crystals were full of power and magic, and all the surface nations clamored to have them. The Docks had to remain secure so that the crystals went to their proper masters.
However, the Oceanian Docks also transported another priceless, or very cheap cargo: people. Specifically, surface dwellers were transported down to several new underwater cities in the fathoms of the deep. They had to go, for some mysterious reason, the Substance and it's crystals could only be formed in great size with both Mer-people and surface people living in those cities.

There were many political reasons for going: the underwater cities were the forefront of any political action involving the mysterious Oceanian empire, and was a position that promised power and potential.
As the minimum stay was five years away from the surface, it could also be considered an exile of sorts. Either way, the mer-people had... odd ways of selecting surface dwellers. Sometimes they scrutinized every aspect of the persons life and status before said person was allowed in. Other times, they were drawn at random from lottery or selected by the Surface Cities, as if they Oceanic Empire were simply trying to fill a quota of humans underwater. Criminal, commoner or high class, it was hard to tell if it was unlucky or lucky to be chosen.

But those chosen ended up inside the walled docks, warded against scrying with only what they could pack into a single suitcase, maybe two, and what they could carry. All were waiting for their ship to arrive.

The docks themselves surprisingly sturdy, built out of white stone that was smooth and gleaming. A glowing seastone set into the processing building prevented any detailed magical scrying, or at least that was what the Merfolk said.
Surface-people, sturdy men, women, nagas and minotaurs guided passengers to various docks. They all wore the mark of the Oceanic Empire, trusted to work at the docks, but occasionally, a mermaid or man would pop up from the sea, relaying orders or giving them. Sometimes even popping up to warn outsiders to stay away from certain areas or even if they were lost.
There was more to the dock than what was obvious. Like the cargo containers, for example all were shaped like seastones, oval eggs instead of logical boxes. Some even had windows.

Still there were plenty of people on this particular dock. Some were middle class, looking nervous or excited. A harpy, beaming at the opportunity to go where no-birdy else had. A fashonista, complaining about the heat while sitting next to a loyal servant. A mother comforting a young child. Some even talked to each other, sharing suspiciouns and wondering about what was to come.

Of course, it was crowded and secure enough that if one wanted to sit alone and not talk to ANYONE, all they had to do was sit in line and ignore the people around them. The dockworkers assumed that anyone on the docks that had a passenger token was meant to be there... and that was a safe assumption: getting past the processing building, and entering the work docks was only possible if you had ALL the paperwork in order for a trip to the underwater city. and going there wasn't exactly a good vacation plan...

Still, the day was bright, the sun was shining, and the water was a deep clean blue, despite being near a large surface city. Perhaps it had something do with the crystal...

[Virgo13]

There was a lot of people as expected really but at the same time it was a bit surreal the emotions of everyone around would be overwhelming to most though for one by the name of Winter she just chose to ignore all others for the moment. On the outside she seemed like anyone else a young person who was to be sent to the mysterious waters below, wearing a black hooded jacket, some jeans and a grey shirt hood up that hid her face and glasses slightly reflecting off the sunlight. But so far no one seemed to notice or care about her which was exactly what she had intended. Yes just a regular person, it was a good thing she stayed out of the public eye, otherwise security no doubt would have escorted her out by now for Winter was the daughter of one of the most influential people on the planet. One of the key business partners of the ocean's depths that aided in this strange alliance, Rachel Reese of Reese incorporation.

Winter was a step-daughter in fact if anything it seemed like a fairy tale, her father who worked for Rachel as one of the lowest grunts of the office, just happened to be at the right place and right time. Pulling his boss out of the way of a speeding car that aimed to assassinate the woman a disgruntled ex employee who was fired. So impressed that the woman promoted and went out on many dates till just less then a year later they got married, going from common folk to the 1% in such a near instant was a change...but when Rachel truly got to know Winter...and know of the girls gifts and talents...well that was when Winter's life became hell. She was a prodigy with a photographic memory and the ability to understand it, she skipped grades ahead, but suffered lessons after school as well. Paraded around at parties groomed to be an heir not giving Winter much of a chance at all! Her childhood stolen graduating at only 13 years of age and attained a bachelors degree at 16, on the verge of getting a doctorate when...the one person Winter hold with respect came to her.

One of the maids, Maria, was the only one who would help Winter from time to time, coincidentally interrupting lessons, so that she could ditch, or cover for her saying she was ill just give her some kind of break. But Maria could never help Winter full out run away in fear of her bosses wrath but...that all changed when Maria told her of news that her daughter Wanda was chosen to go to the sea below. Maria helped winter a lot cause she reminded her of her daughter both were around the same age give or take or a year and had similar facial features and hair color. Maria being in tears came to her fearing that her daughter may not ever return hearing the rumors. But if one volunteered in her place...

Winter there and then knew it was her only chance she admitted she was still hesitant she didn't know anything below, only that she'd be in the lower class ranks which was fine with her, no one would recognize her no one would know of her even those in the higher levels only those that traversed the surface would have an inkling who she was. There was no one to turn her in but at the same time no telling what would happen, all that was known is that people were assured that those that were taken below were safe. Winter gave it some thought but she agreed...she hated her mother and life on the surface too much...Winter took on Maria's last name masquerading as her second daughter to replace her older sister. She was after all almost 18, after a bit of work making fake ID's, "Winter Sanders", thus here she was sitting waiting...noting others eagerness and anxiety. But...all that concerned her was getting out before her step mother caught any word that Winter was gone...once she was in those waters there was no going back.

[Darian]

"C-come now, I'm sure it'll be fine..." One of the mothers whispered to her child, trying to console herself as much as them. "Lets look at our ticket... see, we're going on the Ship Lauriel! it must be such a pretty sight..."

Activity seemed to be picking up. One of the human workers hopped up on top of a crate and began addressing the crowd of soon to be passengers.
"Okay folks! We are passing out re-breathers! You are not being charged for this, but they are NOT optional!"
a large dock naga slithered over carrying a large box. She handed out what seemed like a solid cylinder of bronze, etched with runes and a mouthpiece in the middle, and there is a
circular strap from the mouthpiece, obviously meant to be around the jaw. "around your neck, then." The naga instructs. "Press the button on the side. It should flash green."
She waits till Winter has obeyed before moving on.

"You might have a fancier one that you own, one that lets you speak or some other trick. That officially does not matter, because these are straight from the Oceanian Empire, and of high quality, and will still work even if they get hit repeatedly with a VERY heavy rock." the man continued. "And if you think that you will not need a re-breather, please direct your gaze toward the crane at the center of the dock. Please look for the green flag on the rope."

The man points to the crane, which suddenly drops into the water. after a few moments, a green flag appears, tied to the rope.
"That is 60 meters, the amount a professional human swimmer can swim upwards while holding a singe breath." (Numbers is bullshit)
The rope drops into the water again, the green flag quickly vanishes, and then a red flag appears. "That red flag is 120 meters, the amount a professional NAGA swimmer can swim upwards on one breath."
It finally stops on a blue flag. "The blue flag is the bottom of the bay folks. and you're going to be going a LOT deeper than that. So the re-breathers stay on your neck at all times from this point on. This is like wearing a life vest in the open ocean, folks. It's basic safety, and we take your safety very seriously here. You'll find that not following the rules under the sea can get you in a lot of trouble, if it doesn't just kill you. But you are not on your own, either, and you'll be better off for that."

The man glances at his watch, then smiles. "Okay, we've got your luggage all loaded up in the cargo pods, so I think now is a good time to show you the... captain of your little trip down into the deep. Your transport is provided by a group of special people devoted to the wellbeing of the surface and carrying our people to and from the undersea."

The water begins bubbling in the strange, bowl shaped berth that Winter and the guests stand beside. In fact, all the docks are bubbling, and something moves in the depths of the sea.

(hope you don't mind the slow build up.)

[Virgo13]

Winter listened to the crowd here and there rolling her eyes but all the same just stuck to herself till at last they were addressed. Winter stood up glasses glaring against the sun as attention was turned to him before briefly attention turned to another, a naga passing out re-breathers, Winter quirked a brow listening and following the instructions the naga gave her. Inserting it into her mouth and hooking it on securely before pressing the button. The naga did not leave till it was assured to have flashed green. This was going to take some getting used to but oh well.

Winter continued to listen hands thrust in her pocket on how this was a case of life and death and all that, she figured, at least she knew the objective was not to drown their cargo...cause that's what they were. Cargo. Cargo for what she still wouldn't know. However once again a brow would quirk when he mentioned they wouldn't be on their own...what that meant she didn't know. Still though that would be something to come back to later final attention drifting as he commented on meeting the "captain" of their ship. Her luggage was just a single backpack figuring she could find a job down there to get whatever else she needed. Eyes drifting to the waters something...was...bubbling...and moving. 'Ah of course must be a submarine...a...really large submarine', she thought logically.

[Darian]

Unfortunately, it was NOT a submarine. It became clearer that a large body was moving through the water, and something reached out over the shallow bowl. With gurgling splash, a huge hand reached out of the water and wrapped around a large metal rung set into the side of the dock. The fingers were taller than Winter's whole body!

There were some muffled exclamations and soft screams of fear as a second hand rises out of the water and grasps onto the dock on the others side of the crowd, coincdentally between them and escape back to the shore.
"Now, easy everyone. This lady here is going to be your best friend on the way to the undersea." The human dockworker was quick to reassure the crowd. Winter might notice the naga dockworker having taken up position at the entrance to the dock. there would be no getting past her without jumping into the water.
"Ladies and gentlemen," The man continues as a huge swell of seawater appears pushing up from the depths. "I'd like you to meet your captain, AND your vessel to the Undersea cities, Lauriel!"

The water rises up in a bulge ten feet high before it bursts open and begins cascading down around a face that is easily twice as tall as Winter's body. Blue hair has been tied back in a ponytail, and water splashes down in small rivulets across what seems like a green breastplate over an ample chest. A mist fills the air as the head shakes from side to side, clearing off some ocean, before her big blue eyes open up to gaze down at them. A big green tail causes all the water under the dock to shift and flow as it pulls up onto the shallow bowl, the odd dock now making far more sense.
She smiles down at them in an open, friendly fashion.
"Greetings, little ones." her voice is clear and soft, and fills the air without effort. "I am Lauriel, and it's my great pleasure to be your welcome and your vessel to the Oceanic Empire. Just a moment, and I'll get your luggage packed."

The giant mermaid then reaches over to the big cargo pods, and which are like softballs in her hands. She lifts one of them up, and brings it to her mouth. As the man continues talking about how Lauriel is a member the group which transports people and Oceanic gems to and from the city, but most are distracted by Lauriel. Her lips open wide, her jaw seeming to stretch around the metal egg as she pushes it into her mouth, and with a great flex, swallows the entire cargo pod whole. It's a massive bulge that squeezes down her neck, vanishing beneath her armor. there is absolutely no doubt that she could do the same to a human with far less effort.

"and don't worry about getting near the cargo pods. Lauriel, like many sea-folk, has multiple stomachs and she can choose which pods go where. And if you're worried about your clothes getting slimy from her insides, you'll be travelling in these special passenger pods!"

Lauriel, who was in the process of picking up the other two cargo pods, notices something, and leans down toward the man.
It is at this point everyone on the dock learns that big sea-folk, no matter how hard they try, cannot whisper.

"Mikhael? Where are the passenger pods?" Lauriel asks in a sotto voice. The man looks round the empty dock, then swears loudly and at length.

[Virgo13]

There are very few things that surprised Winter in life after going through all that she did she ran many idea's in her mind, all that she knew of the underwater city and its inhabitants from business partners, but she had never been near the docks was not allowed near them before. A ship or some kind of technology that they hadn't released yet was all that she thought of until seeing the giant mermaid, her jaw nearly dropping in disbelief eyes widening normally stoic composure was breaking. She remained calm for the moment that was till she noticed security had grown. There was no getting around some individuals no doubt expecting some to run for those that didn't come willingly. She was a bit confused as to why till...it was explained how the mermaid was taking them below.

Now her mouth dropped and immediately words of discouragement started to rise people nervous and Winter was meanwhile starting to calculate on methods to slip past the guards but didn't act on anything yet. Attention though brought back for a moment as she greeted them and started swallowing their luggage in the pods the sight creeping her out a bit but as he mentioned passenger pods...the human and crowd started to relax...for five minutes.

Lauriel trying and very much failing to whisper and once again there was uncomfortable whispers that the passenger pods were no where around. Winter though was kind of sighing in relief perhaps she didn't need to go to the bottom of the ocean after all, if they had to reschedule she could take what money she had and get on a bus as far away as possible and her step mother would believe she had snuck to the bottom of the ocean somewhere. She couldn't help but smile a little at the idea.

[Darian]

Quickly, the dockworker began muttering about how 'it'll take half an hour to get new pods with the docks like this,' conferring with another dockworker and moving over to the edge of the dock, presumably to call over a mer-person.
The other docks were a flurry of activity now, with massive forms of other large mermaids having pulled up from the sea. Some were swallowing up pods like Lauriel had, or were talking to the people on the docks with them. One was even pulling pods out of her throat! There was a massive shark-mermaid talking to a group of chained prisoners on the docks... Winter was probably lucky she wasn't going with THEM.

Then Lauriel stopped all conversation on the dock. "Mikhael, we really don't have time to wait. Khali is carrying a triple load of crystal, and we can't leave her in the water that long. I can take them without the pods."

This causes some commotion among the crowd of passengers on the dock, but a few of the more bestial passengers simply nod in understanding. The harpy girl actually seems excited about the prospect.

"Now, please little ones, there is no need to fear. Let me tell you about an Oceanic tradition, that of Sha-mei-lei and Mei-la. There isn't a word for it in your language, but the closest translation is Mother-Guardian and Child-Charge." Her voice rolls gently through the air, gently quieting the voices of the crowd.
"In our culture, to be Sha-mei-lei is a sacred bond, that they must care for their Mei-la as they would their own kin for as long as they are under their protection. This can be for as short as a trip like we are taking, for years as a master and apprentice, or as long as a lifetime between friends and family. All of us, the vessels between the sea and the land, take this oath to be Sha-mei-lei to our passengers, and part of that training is being able to feel and care utterly for everyone that enters our bodies, no matter where they are. Should it be necessary, I will gladly sacrifice my own life to keep you safe and alive, as my beloved Mei-la."

The gentle passion and reassurance in Lauriel's voice is quite moving... it's clear the mermaid believes every word she is saying, and she seems less like a man eating monster, and more like a nurse or guardian as she described.

"Even without the pods, I promise I will get you to the undersea in safety. My flesh is your hull, and my skin you armor. You all need fear nothing within me or from without me. but I realize this may be awkward for such a long trip, so I shall offer you all a compensation: a trip in special first class."

The dockworker's head snaps up. "special- Lauriel wait!"

"It's only fair, Mikhael." Lauriel waves off his protests as she heaves her waist out of the water, and lifts up a section of her armor. She's... revealing her vagina! Does the mermaid have no shame?! "I was actually trained to be... Cruise-liner, I believe it was called? So I have a great deal of luxury modifications within my body. You will find my womb to be very comfortable, I promise."

Mikhael groans and rubs his face as the crowd recoils slightly. "Not what I was worried about. Never get used to Mer-folk, I swear..." Then he starts waving people around to form lines. "Okay folks! two lines! First is for special class, front of the dock. Second is for regular class, and they get loaded up after. She's got plenty of stomach space, so you'll be at the back of the dock!"

The beastfolk seem eager to line up for the first class. Two of the dockworkers play a quick game of rock paper scissors, with the winner forming up the 'special' line. Apparently it's a twice in a lifetime opportunity: most of the big Mer-girls are too busy or expensive to allow travel in their wombs.

Of course, someone isn't really following instructions.
"This is humiliating and Unacceptable service!" The loud fashonista shouts. "I refuse to travel in such a disgusting manner, in, in such a crude beast! I demand the first class pod I was promised!" Several high class citizens agree, sounding snooty and angry. "I will not debase myself in such a way."

The dockworker looks pissed, and is about to say something loud and angry when Lauriel gently speaks over him. "That is perfectly understandable, little one. You may wait for the pods to arrive if you wish."
"Laury, we really can't-" He tries to say, and Lauriel gives him a small smile and a... look.
"They are my Mei-la, Mikhael. Their comfort is my responsibility." She says in a reasonable tone.

The dockworker hesitates, then rolls his eyes. "Okay then! Third Group! if you wanna wait for the pods, please head to the far end of the dock! We need you out of the way to manage things, so please wait there! But it would be VERY helpful if you chose to travel without a pod and stay in one of the lines!"

So, now Winter has a choice to make. Special class, regular class... or waiting for a pod. While... disturbing, many of the beastfolk passengers are encouraging of the special class, and while they aren't human, and have different cultures... well, the dockworker guiding them into Lauriel's Vagina is very happy to take the trip herself. And Lauriel despite having people slipping into what should be a sensitive spot, hasn't so much as twitched and kept a small, professional smile on her face.

The regular class is more full of humans, nervous and worried, but none of the dockworkers are giving them any hassle, and are in fact being quite encouraging. Still... stepping into the whale's belly is a daunting prospect.

And while the last class seems to be the most... sane one, there tends to be... strong willed people there. People of a sort that Winter likes to avoid when possible. The dockworkers are attempting to ignore them, only keeping them out of the way...
and Winter might notice something. The third group is being kept on the end of the dock... furthest away from the exit.

(Hehehe... Happy to see this again!)

[Virgo13]

Winter was left stunned as everything went down at first she was ecstatic at the idea of the pods taking longer that was until...she saw looked over at others assembling at the docks and swearing a little to herself in the back of her mind. Prisoners were being lined up and that meant security around the exit would probably be far tighter then she anticipated though they were all chained up. Maybe there would be enough panic for her to slip some other way but all thoughts were interrupted the minute Lauriel came up with her own solution. Attention now focused and not in a good way as she looked up thinking the mermaid was insane.

She went on talking about the oceanic culture and of their bond and though Winter listened and remembered every word cause she couldn't control it either way she still did not make a favorable face to her it was all just pretty words and she was immune to pretty words. But of course it would only get weirder...brow quirked at this mention of a special class till the woman rose herself further and again eyes had widened and she balked back...'God mer-folk are weird', she thought shaking her head eyeing the exit once again while they shout directions to pick a line.

She noticed the beast folk were more then ready to get into "first class" as it was call and most of the humans opted for regular though attention had drifted again to the rich folks that cause a scene. There was an option to not have to do this at all...to wait for a pod...she thought about it but...she saw those people and knew at least two of them from parties she dared not risk any recognizing her. She couldn't take that risk and they'd reveal she had made a switch and her step-mother would be immediately called to a means to take her back to the hell she lived prior. For the first time in awhile Winter was lost in her thoughts...

So deep in trying to think of a way out that when she stood up she had been bumped against pushing her backwards to the very back of the first line, "Gah hey watch it", she grumbled though whoever had bumped her was long out of ear range hands thrust in her pockets as she stood and even moved along. Though checking to see if anyone was watching noticing she was closer to the exit this way. If none paid attention perhaps she could try to sneak away but if there was enough security scanning everyone she wouldn't bother.

(I have returned!)

[Darian]

Perhaps Winter would have been better off paying more attention to what line she was in rather than how she would try to sneak out, because as she tried to glance around, and also ignore the hopping happy harpy giggling in front of her... Winter would suddenly realize that she's next in line to hop into Lauriel's vagina!

"Easy with those talons, kid. Lauriel might be tough, but there's no need to be mean, eh?" The attendant, a nice lady in a slick looking uniform and a circular hat, gently encouraged the harpy. Said feathered maniac nodded happily and dove headfirst into the gaping folds of flesh before her.

There's a soft *shlish* and suddenly there's no sign of her, some inner muscle having swallowed the harpy up.

Winter would now be facing a slick, wet opening of blue flesh, a vagina as big as she was tall. Above her was the massive breasts, and then face of the blue haired mermaid, giving her a gentle smile from on high. One massive hand was gently holding open her vagina, the other balanced on the dock. Her hips were pressed right up to the dock... feet away from her.

There was a gentle pat on Winter's back as the attendant encouraged her forward. "Here we go then. I'll hold your hand if you like, but you don't need to feel squeamish about hanging onto Lauriel. It's a little slippery in there, but it's best to go feet first. I'll make sure you don't fall and hit your head on the dock." She doesn't seem to notice Winter's hesitance. "Once you're halfway in, Lauriel will take care of the rest, so you don't need to wiggle.

[Virgo13]

Winter only had herself to blame engrossed in the idea of escaping and finding a way out of a situation where she'd still give her step-mother the slip...that she didn't even notice the exact line until it was too late. It wasn't until she heard someone speak so close to her that she realized...she wasn't with the rest of the humans...looking over expression paling to see the feet of the harpy girl vanish right before her eyes as they were swallowed up into the large sex that was just feet in front of her. She was in the "first class" line...and the fact made her pale incredibly. What was worse is that the two dock workers had their full attention on her there was no getting away.

"Uh...", Winter started staring straight ahead at the waiting blue folds looking up to the giant woman that just smiled down in a way that made her feel uncomfortable. Just waiting for her to willingly slide inside, she looked over her shoulder...and...no one was behind her crap. She could see the other humans staring given that they couldn't get "on board" till all those taking first class were secured and...much to her chagrin the snooty people also staring but luckily none saw her face as she was too far. Winter's face reddened...if...someone had been behind her she could just have them go and she'd sneak back to the human line where she'd have more time to plan. But there was no time and everyone looking at her.

Tensing up at being touched on the back the attendant's prepared to help her...Winter suppressed a groan looking at them, looking back up at Lauriel and then...at the awaiting flesh in front of her. There was no escape, she bit her lip but...took a deep breath and approached shivering at what she was about to do reaching a hand out to grab the attendant that offered as she slowly raised one foot...and slid it past the warm and slippery folds cringing lightly but...continued with the other foot as the dock workers helped her.

[Darian]

(sorry this took so long, I've been distracted... attending cousins wedding, birthday... then a PS4 , But I should be back in business!)

The flesh quickly parted around her feet and Winter would slide into the warm, slimy folds. The tunnel quickly parted before her, allowing her to see the pale blue flesh twitching and going very deep-

Before the folds close behind her, plunging her into humid darkness. "That's the last of them! Tuck em in!" The dockworker calls out, their voice muffled.

Then the walls squeeze gently at her shoulders and the passage beneath her feet tilts, and Winter is gently squeezed and even slides deeper... and then there's light! Glowing blue lines suddenly appear in the fleshy walls, giving the dark passage a dim illumination... are they tattoos? Glowing tattoos inside her... ouch!

But the passage isn't long, and feels more like she's sliding down a gentle incline than being squeezed up a birth canal. Before long, she sees a cervix that flexes open to reveal the smiling face of a female attendant.
"Here we go!" Gently, she helps Winter to her feet and steps aside to reveal a medium sized chamber of flesh, well lit with the blue light. All around the circular chamber are little ovals, comfy looking circles set into the walls. Winter would see families settled into the chambers, or individual passengers.

"Lets get you seated." The attendant leads her to an empty cell, helping her sit into the slightly damp, fleshy seat. It's easily big enough for four, and Winter has it all to herself! The attendant points to several symbols tatooed on the flesh behind her. "We're going to seal you in till we're underway, but that symbol opens your seat. The red and blue line controls the temperature. The last one tells Lauriel you want to talk to one of us. Tap it and we'll head to you quickly. Bathrooms are outside near the back."

The attendant hesitates for a moment, as she takes in Winter's awkward looking expression. "... if you wait till we're underway, I'll get you some blankets to lie on. Most humans probably aren't that comfortable traveling au-natureal."

[Virgo13]

"Holy crap", Winter whispered watching straight forward as folds quickly and easily parted letting her see quite well while being submerged into the pulsing fleshing tube looking up to catch one last quick glance of the sky before she slid all the way and blocked from the light. Hearing the sounds of workers briefly before subjected to the wet squishing noises while squeeze though gently along the passage. "Ugh", she groans the trip luckily didn't feel as long looking ahead with the aid of the glowing tattoo's seeing what could only be the cervix and the face of an aid smiling at her. Sliding onto the "floor" being helped up by the woman, Winter composed herself a little before getting a good look around the strange interior.

Following the attendant the woman leading her to an empty area and was helped to sit down, all the while making rather noticeable grimaces hands pulling away from the slightly damp area it was squishy but sturdy it was a weird experience to say the least. The attendant must have noticed this allowing her to nod, "Uh yeah thanks...don't worry I memorized all you said, I have a photographic memory", explaining albeit casually. Before the woman would leave she just had one question.

"How long is the trip if you don't mind me asking?", once she'd get her answer she'd try to just let her mind go elsewhere till they arrived at their destination.

((guess whose back?))

[Darian]

(yaaaay! I've been looking forward to writing this!)

"It shouldn't be more than eight hours once we're underway, maybe six if the convoy catches a good current." The aide assures her, then steps back. "It'll be easy to nap, at least."

The Aide taps something outside Winter's little chamber, and the opening closes shut like some huge sphincter, and and were it not for the glowing lines etched into the walls... flesh around her, Winter would not be able to tell which wall was the exit.

If she took a moment to settle in, even without the blanket between her and the flesh of the womb, Winter would notice that she's in a very comfortable place... were it not for the layer of slime, she wouldn't know that she's not in a very comfortable room. The walls are cushy, and comfortable, and there's no scent at all.
The little details begin to stick out, though. That slight whoshing sound? Unlike in a sub or airplane, the sound isn't a fan... it's Lauriel's breathing. The whirring sensation? It's not mechanical engines... it's Lauriel's heartbeat.

If Winter strains her ears, she'd hear soft glucking sounds, and an occasional whisper of reassurance. Lauriel is swallowing passengers whole...

"Okay my passengers, I'd like to take a few moments to discuss safety procedures. before we load up the last passengers." Lauriel's voice suddenly speaks up, and much like an captain on a regular vehicle. She discusses basic safety procedures: Stay in the orange tattoos when they light up, put the rebreathers on in an emergency, which is a red glow...

"-and I should mention that as your captain and your Sha-mei-lei, I have three priorities. The first is your safety, which I will place above all else, and even my own life if need be. The second is the quick transport to the city, as agreed between both our peoples. Third is your comfort, as any parent should care for their children.

For example, if for some reason I would have to extend our trip for your own safety, I will happily do so. And if ignoring your comfort will help support my oath to both our peoples..."
Lauriel's voice becomes a bit less chipper and friendly.
"Well, that's my decision to make, not yours, children."

There's a sudden shift in the floor, and the swallowing sounds resume. This time, Winter can hear something like muffled screams and protests as well.

It seems like Lauriel isn't really waiting for the passenger pods at all, and anyone left on the dock aren't getting such an easy passage inside her. Looks like the mermaids have carte blanche about unwilling passengers as long as they're kept safe.
WInter lucked out by getting such a comfy seat.

"Now that we're all loaded up, please assume the transfer position in the orange light, and we'll push off from the docks." Lauriel continues on after a few moments of much faster swallowing.

[Virgo13]

Winter gave a small nod as the aide explained a long travel but at least she had room to stretch her legs that much she could be thankful for sighing softly while taking a moment too look around a bit more. Observing all her surroundings the sounds and rather interesting situation she found herself hearing her body at work and even talking to the other passengers swallowing them down above her. Time passes on and soon enough Lauriel addresses them and she couldn't help but get a few chills going against what the last of them had wanted screams heard and the assurance what she said goes. Winter was suddenly a little more thankful that she got in the first line even if not intended...she doubt the mermaid would have been so kind if she had tried to escape. Honestly she was not sure what to expect in the underwater city if it was going to be much like she was but put that thought aside for now. She instead looked for the orange light and did as instructed without any qualms...far too late to turn back and even if her step mother did find her it was too late to stop it.

[Darian]

(Sorry if I'm drawing out the trip a bit, but I had this idea for a scene that I really wanted to do.)

As Winter laid down in the orange light, the glowing flesh actually indented a bit and wrapped around her! The reason for this soon became apparent as Winter felt the largest shift in position yet, a full ninety degrees. She would be held there for a few moments, then the flesh shifted and slid her to the new 'floor' again... a truly insane amount of muscle control. Were all mermaids like this?

"We're in our travel position now, my dears, and heading a bit off-shore while the rest of the shoal forms up." Lauriel's voice spoke again.

The orange light vanishes again, and the sphincter opens up again (on the ceiling this time) revealing the aide with a blanket and a towel.

"Here you go, one blanket for extra insulation, and a towel for the slime. Truth be told, it's not going to do much good. You'll get just a slimy going out as you did going in." The aide still hands Winter the blanket and towel. "You should get settled before we're really underway."

Lauriel's voice continues speaking. "I realize that this might be a bit different than the trip you were expecting, but please be assured it will be a comfortable one. The people of the sea have many differences between those of the land, but I know for certain there are many things we have in common as well. In some ways, the lives we lead are tied closer together than most either of us realize. As incoming citizens of the undersea cities, you will learn this first hand in the coming years... but, my beloved mei-la, since we all are now much closer than is normal for these trips into the sea... I have the opportunity to give you personal example of what I mean."

The lights of the tatoo's suddenly fade out, and Winter might hear a soft clanking sound... muffled metal? Is it coming from outside?

And then the walls begin to glow all at once. Brighter, brighter! Winter's eyes have trouble adjusting to what feels like sunlight!

But when her eyes finally do adjust... she might find her breath taken away.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muYaOHfP038[/youtube]

The walls of flesh are GONE, but she can still feel them under her legs. Winter can see for MILES around her now, a new, blue horizon... and directly below her is a cavalcade of rainbow colors. It's a reef, larger than any she's ever seen, full of fish and life and clear blue ocean. shoals of colored fish flit by, and sharks glide lazily above the anemones.

Lauriel's flesh has become see through... what? That's not just glowing tattoos, that's... insane! and also the most beautiful aquarium she's ever seen...

"Most landfolk don't know that reefs like this exist only a few miles offshore." Lauriel speaks again, voice soft. "Of course, they wouldn't exist without the efforts of our own people, and that we are allowed here to clean the oceans. But we can't grow corals like this in our homes. It's a little hard to tell at this distance, but there are a grand variety here, closer to the sun and shore."

The aide simply takes a deep breath and smiles. "Now... that's a view you wouldn't get in a submarine, or a pod." she closes the door behind her. Leaving WInter to stare... she can't see any other passengers... apparently, Lauriel is letting everyone see this in a more private way. If she looked upwards, she'd see that Lauriel has raised her armor up, and is smiling happily at her stomach from above her chestplate.

"Looks like a few of the locals are coming out to say hello!" Lauriel glances back toward the reef, and Winter would see several mer-folk, young girls and boys, swimming up from the reef to look at Lauriels stomach... they can see inside her too! "For all they live close to shore, they rarely see land folk here outside of boats. Please don't mind their stares."

one young mermaid presses her face up against something a few feet away from Winter... and suddenly the aquarium metaphor seems... reversed. She waves happily at Winter.

Still, the moment doesn't last long. A larger mermaid quickly swims up and gently herds the group of youngsters back down into the reef, as other massive mermaids show up, their bellies bulging with cargo or people. Other more armored mermaids, those based on aggressive whales or sharks, quickly take up position around the group.

[Virgo13]

Winter simple nodded at the stewardess after she was released from the enclosed position of her "quarters", sighing a little if she had known this was gonna happen she'd have brought extra clothes but none of the less no point in living on regrets. Winter sitting there listening to the mermaid as she was told they were heading out. Winter was going to a place no one would find her at least she hoped those rich folk concerned her a little but so long as she stayed clear of them she wouldn't worry so much.

Once again her attention was drifted as Lauriel spoke to them all she just kind of rolled her eyes at the dribble not really caring so much about it though what was a curiosity was the strange sound of clanging metal...followed by the blinding light. "Ah", Winter hissed feeling the light sing her eyes till she was able to blink and adjust and...able to see outside.

Eyes widened as the light reflected off her glasses staring out to the sea of blue fishes going by and see the bed of coral all around. Pressing a hand down she could still feel the flesh so knew she was still within the giant mermaid but somehow made it see through. She had to admit it was a rather beautiful sight a peacefulness too it that you didn't get in the city less going to an acquarium or out to the country. Winter instinctively pressed her hands out a little indeed looking up but...shyed away from the smile the giant mermaid gave. She knew she wasn't just smiling at her but it almost felt like it. But the spectacle only continued when seeing some locals.

Looked almost like a school trip for them as seeing the young merfolks though Winter was given quite the surprise when one pressed her face against Winter's area making her reel back as she waved at Winter. Winter just kind of awkwardly waved back till they were taken away once again left to stare out at the open sea...

[Darian]

"Don't be afraid little ones. You're starting a grand adventure, and helping to bridge the gap between worlds." Lauriel murmurs, then says that they're ready to head underway. There won't be many other sights like this during the trip, as Lauriel has to keep her armor closed during much of the trip, but she does promise to let them get a first glimpse of the city as they arrive. Apparently it's quite a sight.

The trip is un-eventful, and a bit boring. At least Winter is kept from getting too slimy by the new blanket she has, and as long as she seems... relatively fine, she'll have no problems.

(I did plan on Lauriel revealing she can actually talk and listen to individuals inside her, but I thought it would be better to just keep her as a secondary character. But it's a bit of thing I should reveal- with rare exceptions, the larger seafolk are the most powerful.)

It's a good thing, Winter might realize, that the trip was boring, if slimy. For if there was trouble, that would add to the time Lauriel kept them around. The girl would get a frightening thought... weren't there stories about people thought lost at sea for months, or even years, only to show up later thanks to a Sea-Folk?
Perhaps the story of Jonah and the Whale was far less fantasy than most realized. Years trapped inside someone's belly... or womb? A scary thought.

Still, eight hours later, there was a humming... Lauriel, Literally Humming, to get her passengers attention gently.

"My Mei-La, we have arrived, and I believed I promised you a first look at the city as we come in?"

[Virgo13]

Once again Winter rolled her eyes a bit but simply laid down flat onto the blanket the armor closing and soon once again surrounded in the dim lighted surroundings she decided to just take a little nap since they had a long journey and the travel was well rather boring and uneventful. In her dream she recounted memories, her dad marrying Rachel...the woman's reaction to her genius...being forced to skip grades, take lessons, go on diets she was just a little doll. The hell she was put through. But then the chance and opportunity given to her when the only maid she trusted told of her daughters draft and Winters plan to all escape it all.

She dreamed of doing things on her own of being truly free no longer needing anyone as she had grown quite bitter. Though her thoughts did recall stories...humans who disappeared...the thought did make her wake up not so much out of fear but nerves. But those were just stories correct? Surely she wouldn't come across someone like that...thus she shook it off before hearing the humming.

Finally they had arrived Winter sitting up eyes adjusting curious to see what this city looked like.

[Darian]

The WombRoom lit up again as Lauriel's insides become see-through... or was she merely projecting an image of the outside on her inner flesh? So little was known about the Sea-Folk, and everything about them was wrapped in mysticism that the Sea-Folk weren't all that interested in explaining scientifically.

(Okay, I'm a little hesitant about this, because I don't have a picture exactly, but I'll try.)

They were no longer in sunny sea. All around them was... dim light. They were so much deeper now, and the light far less bright. She could see mountains in the distance, and they were right next to a large, deep ravine. Down there, it was utterly black. But... then Winter would see a light, just on the edge of the darkness.

A yellow light that grew and spread out as the giant mermaid and the pod around her glided toward it. Soon she would see a vast disk, suspended above the darkness of the canyon below. On that disk were bronze and copper spires, conected by many tubes and cubes of all shapes and sizes. Buildings! shaped like no other she'd seen above the sea, these were all rounded and almost seemed organically grown in places... some of them were even made of what seemed like pale white stone! It was beautiful... and that was only the start. Below Winter would see a massive amount of tubes and piping, all leading down into the darkness of the canyon... it seemed like there was a second city beneath the first! There were a few submersibles whirring around, but mostly? there were sea-folk EVERYWHERE. Now, she could actually see a caves and houses built outside the city... there were only a few of these, but the city... it seemed like everything was closely packed together, especially below the disk.

But at the center of the disk was a grand white spire, a spiralling thing of bronze and white stone that looked a bit like a rainbow covered sea-shell, except that it seemed to glow with power, it's nooks and crannies glinting with the light of the sea-stones.

"Welcome to Al-Caelum, Mei-La." Lauriel's voice whispered, and Winter would see her smiling at them again... clearly pleased with the expressions on their faces. "In a few moments, we will be docking, and I will release you from my protection. I have enjoyed my time as your Sha-Mei-Lei, and hope you become ever brighter."

She swam beneath a large bubble, and there was a burst of water as the huge mermaid pushed through it. She would get a glimpse of a busy dock, much like the one she had left... before the flesh darkens and becomes flesh again. The blue lights return.

"Alright people! Time to stretch out and hop up! Sad to say, First Class has to exit first!" The attendant calls out.

[Virgo13]

Once again Winter had to adjust her eyes to the light squinting harshly till they adjusted fully when at long last she got a good look at the city that was to be her new home. Immediately her jaw dropped she honestly wasn't sure what to expect as there was no pictures or anything of the city and now the memory was etched into her brain forever. Winter continued to stare there was nerves but also a bit of excitement in for her as well all and all there was going to be a lot to get used to in this new life of hers.

She continued to stare out in wonder and awe before collecting herself just as the mermaid burst through the bubble and seeing the rather busy dock of seafolk and others. A curious thing but nothing that concerned her for now as it was finally time to get out. She didn't mind first class being first to leave far from it, rather she collected herself and exited her cell to get in line for exiting.

((sorry my posts aren't as long but I really liked the description and the idea you presented with the mermaid!))