Chapter Text
Poseidon dismisses his court, and watches as his courtiers and advisors exit the throne room. His wife Amphitrite also makes to leave after kissing him and kissing their son and only living child, Triton, on the cheek. Poseidon watches as his heir stretches and rises from his own throne, healthy despite all odds.
Triton is his pride and joy. When he was conceived, the idea of Kronos’ curse had not truly scared Poseidon. It seemed so new and insignificant, the words of a moot being, and none of his siblings nor him knew just how horrendous and pain wracking it would prove to be. Triton was born seemingly healthy, green skin and two little tails. His hair was as black as his own, and they came to find that his eyes were of Poseidon as well. His face shape was almost all Amphitrite.
They barely had time to rejoice at his birth before he began wailing in pain, his parents not knowing what to do, nor the midwives who made sure he was healthy. They were helpless but to watch as the slight glow he had began to fade, before his little fist clenched. The water around him seemed to pull and his glow returned, his wails beginning to cease. They would learn a harsh lesson that the only reason Triton survived the curse was his grasping the domain of the seas and tidal waves. If he had not, he would no longer be here.
The birth of his sisters after Triton proved this fact; Rhode, Benthesikyme, Kymopoleia had all died as they did not grasp domains in time, even ones their parents tried to provide to them. After their deaths, Poseidon was faced with the harsh truth that the curse was very much real, and it was taking his and his wife’s beloved children from them. They did not name any other children attempted, forgoing trying for them altogether once it became apparent that no matter who carried the child, they would not survive.
Poseidon and Amphitrite mourn their children, and this makes their love and attention of Triton grow. Triton himself was so excited for the birth of his sisters, anticipating being a big brother, only to mourn with his parents at their deaths. He has learned not to hope too much for future children in the family, and has sworn himself off trying. He has seen the pain his parents went through, feeling it through a sibling bond. He cannot imagine how they felt as parents losing their children. The new children up on Olympus brought up that long buried hope, but the Atlantean royal family is trying not to think about it, lest they face another disappointment.
“Father?” Poseidon shakes his head, brushing off his thoughts. His little nieces and nephews have really gotten to him it appears. He looks up at Triton and smiles, causing his son to relax from where he has been watching his father in concern.
“Nothing, my little Conch Shell. Shall we retire for the night? Your mother appears to have some other matter to attend to, but I shall accompany you to your room.” Triton rolls his eyes at the nickname. He received it when he took dominion over as herald of the seas, and the conch shell became his symbol of power. He will never deny his parents calling him such, though he will express his annoyance at it.
The father and son discuss the happenings of court as they make their way through the hallways. Soon, they reach Triton’s door and Poseidon puts his hand over the back of his son’s neck, squeezing in affection before bidding him goodnight. Triton enters his room and Poseidon sighs, turning to head to his own chambers.
He has barely made way before the vortex appears in front of him. He instinctively changes his tail into legs, not even aware he does so. Eyes widening, he makes haste, no hesitation as he goes through, preparing himself for what he will find on the other side. His trident is gripped in his hand, prepared for anything and everything that is waiting for him once he emerges.