001 ♓ [Video]

[apologiesmyking]

[Kaldur takes in the location as calmly as he can after having the strange location explained to him. He knows that this is a city on the back of a turtle—which sounds vaguely like something out of one of the books on surface-dweller mythology he had read once—but why he had been chosen and how cut off his final memories were before arriving here was still a mystery.]

It is said that to better understand your surroundings you must look at it with many eyes. [He is formal, but genial. He does not wish to start a confrontation on his first day.] I am known as Aqualad. It is a very…unique situation in which I find myself. Where we are and how we may have come to be here has been explained to me, but I would greatly appreciate any further information that those who come before me are willing to provide. The frequency of arrivals, whether others have managed to leave before, and general disposition of the native inhabitants would be very helpful. Those I have met so far have been...amicable, I can say.

[If none respond, he will have to seek a less direct route of coming by the information. He bows his head slightly, but visibly.] Thank you for your time.

Comments

[relentlesstide]

[Apparently even these two Atlantises evolved differently. Magic has a much darker past in his Atlantis's history, and it was King Orin the first and the scientists of the age that developed the serum that made the past Atlanteans breathe water.] It sounds like a more peaceful Atlantis. I'm very glad to hear that. [Since a lot of the things that made sorcery so hated in current days are his fault.]

We all serve Atlantis, and anyone who chooses to stand by me is worthy in my eyes. [It took him a long time to find a place in the world. But he can ensure that Kaldur has a place with him as long as he wants it.]

[apologiesmyking]

We are...not without our own troubles. But for the most part, yes. You--The King and Queen do much to keep it that way.

[He won't speak of the Purists. It has no bearing on their current predicament and he would rather not speak so ill of his people at this point in time when he is not sure when next he will see them.]

And thank you.

[relentlesstide]

No Atlantis is without its... darker points. As much as I wish it were otherwise. [Ask him sometime about blond babies being left on Mercy Reef to die. Actually no, don't ask. He knows all about suspicion and tensions between the different sectors of Atlantis; he's dealt with similar issues before.] Apparently we have things better under control there. Mera... rules alone, at the moment.

I look forward to getting to know you.

[apologiesmyking]

The Queen has always been a formidable force and I have no doubt she rules well and justly. I myself will do my best to live up to your expectations. [He does not wish to be this person that Arthur remembers, but he is still Aquaman. For him to do anything less would dishonor his own mentor and what he has learned from him.]

[relentlesstide]

That never changes. My wife is formidable as a typhoon. [His smile is fond when he speaks of her; they never really stopped being in love, even if they did stop being a couple for a while.

But then he offers a hand.] I believe it's best we go into this with no expectations. [He barely knew Jackson, but he can tell that Kaldur isn't Jackson. And that's okay. He'll take Kaldur as he is, get to know him. Partners are partners.]

[apologiesmyking]

It is impossible to go into any situation without some form of expectation...sir. But I will do my best to set them aside as much as possible.

[He takes Arthur's hand with a serious expression. This may not be his king, but his sense of loyalty cannot be completely diminished. He'll have to adjust to this strange situation as much as he can.]

Is there anything else I should be aware of? [If not, he does need to get to a meeting with Robin. To find out what he knows so far.]

[relentlesstide]

As few as possible, then. No sense in pretending to be people we aren't, exactly. [He gives his hand a firm shake before he releases it.]

Not off the top of my head. We can always speak later if something does come up.