A continuous, massive arch of water shot skyward, as the ball of energy raced through the water and toward the horizon. Throttling a big ball of energy into the ocean felt a lot like being blasted with a fire hose (not that I’d ever been blasted by a fire hose). As my energy met the resistance of the solid water, I could actually feel the friction it created. As it fizzled out and the water returned to normal, I slowly twisted around in shock and met the wide eyes of my onlookers.
Phoebe gave me a standing ovation while Olivia and Carmen smiled widely. I was overcome by the powerful current of excitement that coursed through my body. Zara resumed her instruction, completely un-phased.
“Instead of trying to push the water outward, concentrate on throwing out a thin line of energy. With that, you can push the water in either direction; creating the trench,” she diligently advised. I decided to try a small experiment before casting my energy out to the horizon like a fisherman on steroids. I had only been fishing twice on a lake near Atlanta, and I didn’t have much to brag about. At least this didn’t involve sticking a hook through grub worms and tiny fish. I took a deep breath and allowed my energy to flow from my feet; a steady stream that stretched forward a couple meters.
I closed my eyes and tried to remember to breathe, as I focused on sending more and more energy onto that one, fragile strand until I was ready to try the next phase. I willed the line of energy to widen and expand outward. As if I were lifting weights with my mind, I pushed back against the pressure that was created by the powerful water. An eruption of applause and cheers behind me made me peek out of one curious eye, and I saw that a wide gap now extended approximately three meters; introducing the sand below to the air - along with shells, scampering crabs that couldn’t seem to penetrate the sides of the trench, and clumps of seaweed. With a smile I slowly pulled my energy back toward me, allowing the trench to fill itself back in.
Exhaustion was knocking at my mind, but a tank couldn’t have stopped me from continuing at that point. For the next hour, I casted my line of energy into the water over and over; each time sending it further out than the last. My growing confidence allowed me to accomplish it quicker and easier; sending my onlookers into a frenzy of shouts and applause. As night cast its heavy shadow over the ocean and the moon rose higher in the sky, I finally succeeded in creating a trench as far as the eye could see. The moonlight shone off of the water, causing the trench to look more like a silver canyon. As the water deepened, so did the pressure. That pesky exhaustion quickly won over my determination, but for one glorious minute, I had succeeded. For one powerful moment, I had overcome the power of the ocean and commanded it with my mind and essence. It was exhilarating and frightening all at once.
I collapsed backwards as my energy returned to me like an oversized sling shot. The ocean quickly zipped up the trench. Enjoying the feeling of accomplishment, I gazed up at the glistening stars as they blinked back at me. The waves caressed my skin as the soft sand below supported my tired body.
“Well done, young goddess.” Zara peered down at me lying in the sand with more amusement than usual. Those four words were void of her southern accent and I frowned up at her in confusion. I convinced myself that I had only imagined it when the normal drawl was clear once again as she continued, “I think the ocean’s had enough excitement for one night.”
“You cannot understand!” a voice screeched with unabated pain. “The peace you feel within your heart for our sisters does not exist in mine. They have made it so. They have stripped me of my dignity! They have stripped me of my pride! One mistake should not heed an eternity of rejection and banishment!”
“You must give them time, Keto,” the voice of the person sitting beside me countered. When I turned to see who it was, I recognized her immediately. Amphitrite. “Forgiveness is a gift that must be earned. And only time can mend the fractured hearts of our sisters.” Amphitrite’s lustrous blonde hair fell past her shoulders, as the streaks of pale blonde created an amazing effect. A crown of silver was woven around her head; the encrusted yellow diamonds sparkling in the light of the crystal chandelier hanging above. I observed my own attire, instantly taken aback by the striking blue gown and aquamarine jewelry adorning my wrists and fingers. I shifted my gaze to the woman Amphitrite was debating with and stiffened when I looked directly into the weeping eyes of Keto. Her blazing green eyes appeared to glint that much brighter as the tears poured down her cheeks. The dark green streaks that highlighted her hair perfectly matched the dark green gown that flowed down the length of her curvy figure and pooled at her feet.
“Time?” Keto pleaded, “All we have is time! Must I endure this torture for another century - a millennia - until forgiveness prevails? Would you have me face their judgmental faces for that long?”
“Your sisters love you,” I said soothingly, my voice coming out wiser and slightly lower.
“You must know that. They only judge that which you have done, not who you are.”
“What do you know of judgment, Thetis?” Keto cried at me. Thetis. I had entered an antiquity experience! The last thing I remembered was lying on my bed, listening to the creaking of the rocking chair as Zara patiently watched me purposely enter my mother’s memories. As Keto continued her rant, I forced down my excitement and tried to concentrate on my surroundings. I found myself in a grand room with high ceilings, marble floors and looming windows covered with lavish silk tapestries. A large stone fireplace roared behind us as we sat on regal furniture. A modest table stood between Amphitrite and me, overflowing with books. Keto stood before us; exasperated and contemptuous. Mom’s gaze commanded Keto’s attention before she spoke again. I could feel her anger rise and fall as Keto’s tone cut her. She quickly collected herself and succeeded in presenting the picture of grace and dignity.
“The scornful eye of judgment watches us all, especially me,” Mom said. “Every step, every decision I make is critiqued and discussed. I feel the pressure at my back every waking hour, but you must stand strong and remain confident in who you are and move forward.”
Keto threw up her arms in frustration. “You could have it so easy if you would utilize the gifts bestowed upon you! You are the strongest of us all! You must know that no Nereid would challenge you! The words you speak have no validity when such an advantage exists!”
“The path to obtain the love and respect of those around you is not through overpowering them,” Mom corrected her sternly. “Strength and power must be used to protect and nurture those who depend on you. Those are the qualities our Order covets in a leader. Those are the qualities which earn the trust of our sisters. Once that trust is broken, it is extremely difficult to rebuild- as you are experiencing now. But, you must remember…” Mom leaned forward, “It can be rebuilt.”