"Before the island of Atlantis was sunk, it was known for the skills and knowledge of its inhabitants" Ethan began to explain.
"Yes, I've read about it, according to legends they were a very advanced civilization" Delphine agreed.
Ethan smiled at her and proceeded with his explanation.
"They still are, but in a different way. They still possess that knowledge of architecture, astronomy, engineering, navigation and much more that made them famous in the legends of many peoples and for so many centuries"
Delphine was pleasantly surprised and wanted to know more.
"I wish you could already see the cities they were able to build, their art, I wish that you could also read their books about philosophy and mysticism" he added.
"Their books? You don't know how much I love that field" Delphine commented dreamily.
"I know. I promise I'll let you read something" Ethan replied.
"But… if they were so advanced, why was their civilization destroyed?" she asked questioningly.
Ethan took his eyes off Delphine and looked out into the dark woods for a few seconds before he answered.
"They were so advanced that they had become arrogant , they felt superior to everyone else, including the Gods themselves".
Delphine tried to keep an open mind, but for her they were concepts that didn't exist outside the books.
And now, that guy was telling her about things that had actually happened but that she only considered part of ancient history and mythology.
"The Gods got angry at them and sank their island. This was the result of their arrogance" Ethan added to complete the sentence.
"I see. So, the Gods... do they really exist?" Delphine asked frowning.
Ethan's eyes widened, as if Delphine had just asked the obvious.
"Of course, what a question… See"
Ethan carefully lifted his necklace with his fingers, revealing a small, intricately crafted charm dangling at the end.
Delphine's eyes widened with curiosity and he began to explain the meaning of the symbol.
"Delphine, this charm holds a deep
connection to the ancient religion of Atlantis"
Ethan began, his voice filled with reverence. "It represents a symbol known as the 'Serpent of Wisdom.'"
He held the charm closer, allowing Delphine to examine its exquisite details.
The charm depicted a beautiful serpent coiled around a vertical pillar, its body entwined with precision and grace.
The serpent's eyes sparkled with a brilliant blue gem, reflecting the depths of the ocean itself.
"The Serpent of Wisdom" Ethan continued, "is a representation of our religion. We don't follow it blindly, we're called to question it and to pursuit knowledge. Knowledge is considered a sacred thing."
Delphine listened intently, captivated by the symbolism and the wisdom it represented.
"As the serpent coils around the pillar" Ethan explained "it represents the intertwining forces of wisdom and power, knowledge and protection. The pillar represents the foundational principles of Atlantis, the wisdom that upholds our society, and the strength of our beliefs."
He gently traced his finger along the charm, following the elegant curves of the serpent.
"Legend has it that the Serpent of Wisdom was believed to grant those who wore it with enhanced perception and understanding. It was said to be a conduit to the ancient knowledge and spiritual energy of Atlantis."
Ethan paused, his gaze meeting Delphine's, their shared fascination evident.
"This necklace has been passed down through generations" he continued, "It also reminds us of the importance of humility in the pursuit of wisdom and the responsibility we hold to honor the legacy of this lost civilization."
"It's beautiful" she commented, almost speechless.
"I'll give you one when you're ready" he told her.
She smiled and then Ethan said "so... I was saying"
"Yes" Delphine replied.
"When Atlantis was sunk, some inhabitants survived and managed to survive underwater. And over the centuries nature has taken its course and now the depths of the ocean became their new home" Ethan explained slowly.
"Over time the other peoples who also live deep in the ocean joined them to help them and in turn they too became more advanced. Now, the new inhabitants of Atlantis are no longer just them, but also us mermaids, water spirits, silkies and others." Ethan continued.
"That's great" Delphine noted. "Then... it means that our ancestors joined theirs."
"Exactly. The other peoples helped them mainly with their powers and their natural ability to live under water. The Atlanteans, on the other hand, shared their knowledge of all the sciences".
Finally Ethan had touched the point he wanted to touch.
"Wait, what powers?" Delphine interrupted him.
"This was exactly where I wanted to go. Delphine, we have extraordinary powers that allow us to change part of reality at will".
Delphine was surprised.
"So... do you have powers too?" she asked.
Ethan nodded with a half smile and corrected her.
"We have powers".
"You know, when I was little and I got angry the water around me went crazy. Is this my power?"
Delphine asked, still confused.
Ethan burst out laughing.
Delphine couldn't understand why, her question was serious.
"Delphine... if you knew what our powers are capable of doing, you'd understand that that's only a small part" he told her.
"Isn't it dangerous?" she quickly questioned. "I mean, anyone can do what they want..."
Ethan immediately replied "No, no. We can only use our powers according to the law. And we can't do literally everything we want..."
"What can you do, then?" she asked curiously.
"Have you ever wondered why I've always lived there and now I'm here walking on my own legs and talking to you?" he said with a bit of benevolent sarcasm.
"Yes, you're right. So… is shape-shifting part of the powers?" she inquired.
"It certainly is. But you don't know how hard it was to train to live here. Oh, and when the water touches me I transform again" he replied.
She finally had an explanation.
When Delphine had sat next to him when they met outside her school, drops from her backpack dripped on him and he ran away.
That was the reason, not something she said or did.
She felt relieved.
"But our powers need to be trained, otherwise there is a risk that they will not develop or will be destructive" he added.
"Is that why I don't have them anymore?" she asked.
"Delphine, you still have your powers, you just need to develop them".
"And how can I develop my powers?" she asked impatiently.
Ethan looked at her and touched her hands. "Don't be impatient, that's why I'm here."
A smile appeared on Delphine's lips at the sound of those words.
"Obviously, only if you want" he added.
Delphine replied "Of course I do! I would do it right now!"
"No, it's not possible now, of course" Ethan replied with a chuckle.
"So... you only came all the way here to help me learn about my heritage and powers" she observed.
"It's a long story, but in short, yes, I'm only here for you" he replied.
"It's amazing" she said happily.
"So, Delphine, would you like to start developing your powers with me?" he asked for the last time.
"Is that even a question? Of course I want!" she said.
Ethan looked at the woods again and then said "Now, I think it's time for you to go home".
But Delphine didn't want to go home.
She wanted to know everything right away.
She didn't want to go back to normality and wait for Ethan to text her every time to meet secretly and receive pills of knowledge.
"And where will you sleep?" she asked.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine" he replied.
However, Delphine was happily surprised and satisfied by that meeting.
She stood up and waited for Ethan to do the same.
"Do you already know when we'll meet again?" Delphine asked.
"We could always meet if it depended on me, the only obstacle is finding the right place and time for you to come" he replied.
Delphine nodded and wished him a good night, before turning and starting to walk.
"Don't be afraid, you are under my protection. Nothing in this wood or outside will be able to harm you" he reassured her.
Delphine turned and asked "Really? Is it one of your powers?"
Ethan replied "Of course it is".
Delphine turned around again and started walking towards her house.
In those moments the nature around her seemed surreal.
Just like the situation she was experiencing, on the other hand.
Once again, she didn't have the answers to all of her questions and despite her impatience she knew she would have to wait.
She walked silently through the woods, this time with a light heart.
Ethan inspired her confidence and she knew that if he said she was protected, she really was.
Within minutes she was home.
She opened the door and entered the house silently, trying not to wake anyone.
She saw the light from the TV coming from the living room and as she got closer, she saw that her mother had fallen asleep there.
At the sound of her footsteps she suddenly woke up and, having seen her, said to her "Hey, you're back", almost whispering.
"Yes, mom, it's late" Delphine replied.
"Were you with Dorian?"
This question caught her off guard, even though she knew it was to be expected.
"Yes, mom, we went to the beach and had dinner" she answered dryly.
She hated to lie, but she had no other choice.