'Hold still,' was the first thing he thought, his expression souring for the briefest moment only to disguise it as a brief example of disappointment. Best not to look so down. He wanted Lamia to help, and was grateful for her being here- but right now, if things went well, he'd only need himself to talk.

It was good she knew Tethys, though. Perhaps their knowledge of each other could serve well.

He expected push-back from this. After all, he was an unknown to them. But, he curled his head in, politeness drawing his shoulders in a little. "I mean you no harm, of course." In truth? He was wary of the tiger- he knew Zelk would help, at least, but if she pounced now, what would he become? Fresh meat? He wasn't afraid, though. No. If something were to happen to him, he'd die proud that he did this for the hive.

That put some will back into him. Pallas cleared his throat, glancing down. "You raise a good point- why trust me? But I have come alone in this, on faith that I would be safe here. On faith that I could provide the same to others." He paused, glancing down. Yeah, those claws were much bigger than his. "I only mean to give you an opportunity to learn. I would do nothing of the sort to put you in harm's way. Please, trust me." He bowed, again, fur tingling on his skin as he forced down a wave of anxiety flaring up. "I had nothing but Aquamarine's word that you existed. Now, I beg you to extend that kindness in return. If only for a walk- or a swim- there and back."

However, that still left Tethys's question of his hive up in the air. "If it would help- I can provide some light, at least." He straightened and sat, tail curling defensively over his paws- and in an attempt to hide his aching claws that threatened to slip out in a nervous tic. "My family keeps knowledge. Secrets, that we offer those that would benefit from it. Others we can trust not to divulge in our location and knowledge to the Masters. We hope to be beneficiaries of the caves, nothing more." The orange tip of his tail flicked tighter against his flanks. If he didn't convince them now, what then? They were outnumbered, yes, but the hive's members were outmatched in strength here.

"There is not much I can say, myself." He bent his head down, grooming casually over his fur in an attempt to soothe his screaming mind. "The Children of Rot have already benefited from our existence in their cave. I want to give this opportunity in turn to you all, to keep you safe from a certain deer, particularly."

He almost mentioned Aetius, but he held back. Now was not the time to mention her. "If you do not trust me fully, perhaps then, Tethys, would you like to accompany me to see our lorekeeper yourself? I have no reason to cause harm- if I desired food, it would serve me no purpose to come down here when there is enough in Cetus, and I am not a sadistic being." He tensed for an attack at suggesting only Tethys, but he interrupted anything that would come of it. "I ask for you, queen of the sea, personally, as I feel it would be best for the leaders to speak amongst themselves. Sending messengers is possible, but things get lost in translation. Perhaps the tiger- Pardon, I don't know your name- Perhaps she could accompany if you feel I might try to do something rash." He regarded her for a moment- this would be a fitting input, as they were the two left that didn't have Mother's hold.

'If you desire, Lamia, you can speak on your involvement. Go along with the story of this family and secret keeping.' He shot a glance to her, a string of slight fear tainting the line connected between them. 'And, Zelk- thank you. You three all know more about them- if they show signs that I'm making this worse, tell me.'

"Of course, I am concerned if you can make it up the tunnel, no offense. There are waterways into Cetus, if you would want to meet me there. I do wish for a friendship to bud here. I'm not here to make enemies. If there's anything I can do to accommodate you, I would be happy to do so."

If they did decide to fight, they had muscle on their side. Tethys would go down quick. She was just, what, a tube of blubber? Easy. Maybe a struggle to get her out of the water, but Orlaith was easily outnumbered by the bulk they had at their disposal. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that.

A heavy sigh was withheld from escaping Pallas. Instead, it ran through the mental connection in the form of a clear relief. "Of course," he gave on the exchange. Alliance, yes- this is what this was. They would give their information and they'd get... Kindness, in return? Well, if that worked with the story, then, more power to them.

Lamia spoke in her crude speech on his behalf, adding in that she may help. It gave her something useful for the Hive, something Pallas wanted to give to her for a while, now. 'That'll be good. Thank you, Lamia.' His eyes fell on her with a warmth that he reserved only for his family, nodding to her. 'Lead her to the hive- not close enough for her to know the rest of the way, but enough so that you can both swim and meet with our brothers.' As for the land creatures, he'd lead them- he demonstrated with a lift of his tail, ready to trail ahead like a leader with a flag.

The Children of Rot would not know of this. They had no need to. "No questions from me, thank you." He turned his snout to Lamia, pointing. "Lamia can help lead you there. I should be able to find you easily with you two together."

With that, he bowed and started to back away, mentally preparing himself for another steep climb. Orlaith was to be watched, to accompany them, and all of them were to follow this stranger to learn. Oh, how he was excited to fulfill his Mother's wishes.

Turning around, Pallas made to lead the way back out of Fornax, intent on leading the three of them to their second home.