At the southernmost edge of the only lake in the plains, at least, the only one worth mentioning, lay a smallish village. The lakeside village of Sidelake was a rustic fishing village, known for their main exports of rainbow trout and salmon, and exotic pet mer-rocks. Now, pet mer-rocks are a proud race of rocks, completely different from regular run of the mill pet rocks.

First of all, pet mer-rocks do not have those ridiculous googly eyes. As they are absolutely ridiculous and completely incapable of properly focusing on interesting things found underwater, like a rotten shoe, some shiny coins, or an animated human skeleton attempting the “Longest amount of time spent dancing the Charleston underwater”, the record for which is about 98 and one half consecutive years. Pet mer-rocks have half-cut ping-pong balls for eyes, and love to watch things happen. Even unspeakable things.

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Second! Pet mer-rocks are naturally curious beasts, liable to clamber out of their aquariums and follow the family cat for several hours before drying out. It is best to keep a magically enhanced glass ball full of water so they can wander to their hearts’ content. Many a traveler has come upon a grand circle of pet mer-rocks just staring at something in the distance. Many a traveler have had nightmares of that which lurks in the dark.

Third of all! Pet mer-rocks have an ominous glow to them when opened, and it should never make-

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Victor stared at the rocks. The rocks stared back. He wisely decided to skip staying in this town.