The King of Dragons and the Queen of Atlantis

Mera looked over her shoulder at the man who still hadn't revealed more than his Name. Something about this man fascinated the young, red-haired queen to her very core. As she glided elegantly through the water, Eternicus simply walked on the ground as if the water did not exist. She suddenly thought of how long it had been since someone had walked across those tiles.

"I hope you'll forgive me for not controlling the water but only the royal family is able to breathe air." she smiled kindly at him and caught his grateful smile.

"Please don't bother. I readily admit that this water is not exactly pleasant, but I am a guest here and will follow the customs of this kingdom." he said calmly, looking around him. The Atlanteans present looked at him curiously and made way for the two of them in awe. It was clear that this man, who walked next to the queen, was something special.

The library of Atlantis was an impressive masterpiece of the architecture of Atlantis. In countless floors, generations of researchers and scholars had gathered knowledge from all corners of the world. Stories from a time most people did not know about were written down here. On mystical crystals the knowledge was secured insensitive to the influence of time and ocean. The Centre of the library was the primary courtyard, where a holographic tree could be seen. This tree was a reminder of the glorious times when Atlantis had been the heart of the Earth. It symbolized knowledge and not even the worst enemy of Atlantis had ever dared to desecrate this holy place.

The archivists of the library swam between the shelves while eagerly preserving the technology behind the holograms. One tiny mistake would be enough to destroy knowledge that could be thousands of years old.

Mera swam to the tree and sat on the surrounding wall. She could barely take her eyes off Eternicus as he stood before her and looked around. He didn't seem to be too impressed, though.

"So Eternicus. What brings you here? What do you seek? Have you perhaps been to Atlantis before? `“

"Hmm? Oh, no, Queen Mera. I've never set foot in this place before. Though my children have told me about this place. Though that was a long time ago. I'm not sure that I can be helped in this place." Admitted Eternicus.

"That sound like it's been forever?" Mera grinned. "Do you perhaps know the name of the king when your children were here?"

Eternicus paused to think, then nodded. "One of my sons once told me his name. I believe his name was Nerutur."

Mera stared at him in bewilderment. "King Nerutur? King Nerutur was the first king of Atlantis! That is... from a time... your children!?" she asked stunned. That would mean that this man before her must have been several thousand years old. "Heaven! But you've kept your age well!" it escaped her before she was frightened and put her hand over her mouth. She could hardly believe that she had said it out loud.

"Thank you!" Eternicus grinned and let his eyes glide along her. Mera had the feeling he was undressing her with his eyes. It was an incredible feeling that came over her. It was as if it didn't bother him in the least that she was queen of this realm and married. There was just the power in his eyes to do the things he wanted to do.

It took some time until she found her composure again and realized her position. "Of... that time, there are hardly any records left. "This time belongs to the beginnings of our civilization. There is very little knowledge that has survived and that comes from this period. "The people of Atlantis were not as advanced then as they are now."

"Of this I am aware. "I did not expect to get an immediate answer, either. However, I need to brush up on my knowledge. I've been asleep for a long time. If you don't mind, I would like to study this knowledge until you arrive."

"Who will arrive?" Mera now asked anxiously and carefully.

Eternicus turned all the way back to her after he had looked around a bit. The queen was very beautiful for a biped and he could sense that his presence was subconsciously perceived by her. It wouldn't be long before his essence would bewitch her spirit.

"I give you my word that no harm will come to Atlantis as long as you welcome me as a guest. "Until then, I will abide by your laws." He said, reassuringly, as he sensed the fear and anxiety within her. His words and gestures seemed to calm her.

"Now, under these conditions, I welcome you to Atlantis and make you a guest." Mera said and showed him around a little more. Later, however, she had to leave him alone because royal duties awaited her. But it was impossible for her to think of anything but Eternicus. Her thoughts drifted again and again to his face, his stature and his whole appearance. Cramped she tried to concentrate on her husband, but she failed very well.

When she was lying in bed with her husband in the middle of the night talking about Eternicus, she noticed that her husband seemed to be skeptical about Eternicus. He seemed to be worried because Eternicus was apparently so old and nobody knew anything about him. For some reason, it upset Mera that he talked about Eternicus so smugly and arrogantly. Who were they in direct comparison with a man like Eternicus No sooner had she thought that thought than it seemed wrong to her. Why would she think such a thing? Worried, she turned and closed her eyes. Maybe she should listen to the king's instincts and look at Eternicus a little more skeptically.

But when she finally fell asleep, dreams of power and greed crept into her mind. The magical presence of the ancient dragon began to spread throughout Atlantis. It wasn't a dark aura or anything like that but each being reacted differently to the power it radiated.

In Mera's case, however, this meant that she was more interested in the guest and willing to go further than was appropriate to ensure that he would stay in Atlantis.