It took his eyes a second to adapt. It had been dark in the ship and inside the palace. Now bright sunlight blinded him for a moment. So the first thing he got from the people of the Oceanplanet were their voices. Although he didn't understand one word of their cheers he could tell they were happy and excited. He heard them saying the names of the royal women a few times.
He blinked and the picture became clear. A little surprised he realised, they were less than he had expected them to be. But somewhere in his mind, a memory flashed through of Mera telling him that the Oceanplanet was much less populated than Earth. She had also told him that the folks preferred living in small villages instead of big cities. So these forty to fifty people standing below the few steps would be considered to be a huge crowd.
They wore light clothes in multicoloured patterns and some sort of leggings, but no shoes. Some of them had bright ribbons in their hair. Most were middle-aged. Few carried children and Jason could see some youngsters in between, but barely elder people. He looked around and found that the palace they just stepped out was a building made of several pyramids. The palace itself was built into the rocks. There were a lot of stairs and platforms which were canopied with white clothes on wooden columns. But it was overall pretty flat. Jason guessed people rather stayed closer to the ground aka to the water. The people below were standing on bare soil, for the yard was not paved.
A small waterfall to his right fed a river. Through the trees of the jungle, he could see the ocean glittering in the sunlight. The trees were huge and grew thick. Some had such huge roots above the ground, he could have easily walked through below them.
The air felt warm on his skin. It was slightly damp and enriched of the scent of moist soil but also of something sweet he never smelled before.
His gaze met Neri's. She seemed just as fascinated as him.
"Like my island," she whispered happily.
Jason grinned. "Yeah, just a little bigger."
Two blonde children, a girl and a boy of the same age, broke from the crowd and climbed the five stairs running. Their mother called to them but was ignored.
"Biala! Kaapal!" Mera exclaimed as the children threw themselves into her arms. She said a few words, then nodded in Neri's direction. Neri bent down, offering them her open hands. She smiled at them, and they touched her hands, chuckling.
The cheering of the crowd died down a bit, and Jason suddenly realised that they were now aware of his presence. Their expressions changed to curiosity but also timidity.
His attention was drawn away from them as someone tugged his shirt. Biala and Kaapal showed no sign of fear, but widely grinned at him. Their mother had climbed the first step of the stairs but stood frozen, watching them with reserved fear. Mera said something calming to her.
Jason bent down and held up his open hands the same way Neri had. For a moment, his eyes met Shalamorn's who nodded encouragingly. Biala touched his fingertips with hers while Kaapal was watching her. Obviously, he was not as fearless as his sister. Jason smiled at them, and Kaapal finally dared to stretch out his hand. But instead of reaching for Jason's hand, Kaapal aimed for his head. Jason bent it and Kaapal tugged Jason's hair, chuckling. He pulled on his own hair in comparison and draw back, looking satisfied with himself. Biala tipped on each of Jason's fingers as if she was counting. Then she did the same with her own hand. Jason held up his flat hand and Biala pressed her hand against his. She gave him a bright smile, and he snapped his hand shut. With a cry of shock, she flinched back, then broke into laughter. Jason offered them both hands and Kaapal bravely touched it. Jason snapped his hand shut again. Kaapal was too slow, and Jason tugged one of his fingers. Kaapal didn't seem to mind. He laughed as well. Jason opened his hand, and it was Biala's turn again. They played this game a few rounds, and soon the children roared with laughter.
When Jason looked up, their mother was watching them with a much gentler expression. She even smiled faintly. When she called them again, they obeyed although hesitantly. Obviously, they didn't want to let go of their newest toy so soon.
Shalamorn began talking, and Jason rose. Neri gave him an affectionate smile and took his hand.
"I know, these are difficult times," Mera translated quietly. "I know, you are afraid but be assured, that I have not abandoned you. I came here along with my daughters so we can listen to your needs in person. Spread the word, and come to us with your concerns and worries. We will listen."
A question was posed, and several agreeing cries were thrown in.
"What about the people of Earth? Will they help us?"
"The people of Earth have to deal with a lot of decisions right now. They still struggle with challenges we overcame centuries ago. We have to be patient."
"So Malakat was right?"
"Malakat would have taken Earth by force, as you know. Remember who we are! How could our children ever forgive us if we build their future in an ocean of blood? How could we forgive ourselves?"
The critical voices died down.
"The Earth People are friendly and compassionate. They are just as afraid as we are. We have followed the path of peace and harmony for so long. Especially now, we should hold on to it."
A dark-haired woman in a green cloth stepped forward, and for a moment, Jason thought, she would bow to Shalamorn. But instead, the woman took her hands.
"It so good to have you back, Your Majesty," she said according to Mera. "When we heard, you were still alive against all odds, it filled our hearts with great joy. With your daughters at your side, how can we doubt you anymore?"
Shalamorn squeezed her hand. The warm gesture seemed to be some kind of signal, for other people now climbed the stairs to approach them. Soon they were surrounded. They reached for their queen and their daughters. Surprised, Jason found himself talked to by several, excited people, as well. They laughed at his blank expression – but in a teasing, friendly way.
There was no need for a translation, though. The welcoming message was clear enough.