It turns out that the story concerning Tahlmus and the Sirens is not yet over, as some new brainstorming took place and a new story was asked for. The original intention was to just have the first Story, but thanks to inspiration from some very special ladies, the story continued in a sequel, and now this new adventure that the characters are embarking on.
This story is dedicated to the beautiful women, who took on the responsibility of being Sirens. They lured me in with their song and nurtured my abilities when I was unsure of myself. But most of all, Coral, Fleur and Laguna inspired this story through their aspirations, wit and graceful sarcasm. I will forever be grateful to them, and especially Celestial, as without her claiming me as hers none of this would have been possible.
It had been a year. Only one year since the Dark Lord had been defeated, and Tahlmus had watched Winky walk away with Dobey. It had hurt at the time, and Tahlmus had been depressed for months. The Sirens, while no longer mermaids still called themselves Sirens, stayed with him quite often. Since there wasn’t any transforming it was rare if he was left alone. In fact they had even worked out a special sleeping rotation. They usually slept on different bed, unless they were feeling the need for his touch, but they were always there.
The Sirens kept him busy during the day too. Each one had their own tasks in different parts of the estate. He would help them with those tasks as he rotated through spending time with each of them. It didn’t matter the task, and Tahlmus of course never told them no. He at first, would just give a sad smile as he complied with their wishes. Upon seeing the sadness in his smile he would always end up in a hug. A few would even give him a kiss on the cheek.
Then once a week, Celestial, Coral, Fleur and Laguna were on a rotation to take Tahlmus to town, on a hike, or sometimes down to the water. These special trips were usually more intimate, and based on what they felt he needed. They hated seeing him so sad, but they also weren’t used to being regular humans and having romantic emotions, rather than yearnings for fresh blood.
The mansion had come a long way in one year, and so had all of them. Tahlmus had been feeling much better as the void of losing Winky had started to be filled, not only by time with the Sirens, but also with preparing for classes for the upcoming school year. The Sirens had all agreed that a different kind of school was needed. One for children of all talent levels, even those that did not have magic or did not have a strong enough connection to the fade to use it.
There was a strict application process since it was the first year, which was overseen by Celestial, Tempest, Ataragis and Lamia. If they were struggling with the qualifications of a specific applicant they would then ask Tahlmus’ opinion. With the school year close to being ready to start, they had most of the applicants processed, and still had three available slots; that is what had Tahlmus sitting in what the Sirens had designated as his office. He was scouring over the last few applicants, trying to determine which three would most benefit from this new magic school. He was having difficulty as he had been trying to fight off the depression that had overcome him. Earlier that morning he had received an invitation to a celebration that was being put on for Winky and Dobey. It was going to take place in another week after they were bonded by the Hahren.
“I’m at a loss,” he said as he realized a small part of him had hoped Winky would decide she didn’t like Dobey and come back to him. It almost felt worse than when his parents had ceased to want anything to do with him.
As he leaned back in his chair, he heard the doorknob turn. The door flew open and Fleur came running in. “Tahlmus, Tahlmus,” she squealed. “look what I just found,” she said as she sat down in his lap. Tahlmus wrapped his arms around her to keep her from falling off his lap, and looked at what she had in her hands. There were two creatures he determined, the likes of which he had never seen. They had a bill similar to a platypus, a pouch like a kangaroo, and their fur, while soft looked similar to the spikes of a porcupine.
“What are they?” He asked.
Fleur gave him a look like he was crazy. “They’re niflers,” she explained in a very matter of fact way. The look on her face told Tahlmus that he should know about niflers, but he knew nothing and had no idea what to say. “You really don’t know,” she said looking at him sadly.
Tahlmus shook his head. “But see, that’s what I have you for,” he said softly with a smile. “I love listening to you tell me all about the new creatures you find,” he finished giving her a kiss on the cheek.
This made Fleur smile and she then went on to tell him all about the little niflers. The part that really stood out to Tahlmus was that they were troublemakers, and could not resist taking shiny things, usually shoving them into their little pouches, which Tahlmus learned weren’t so little. How they could fit so much in their pouch left him stymied. It was definitely bigger on the inside.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Fleur said as she finished talking about the niflers. “We have a surprise for you.”
“Really?” Tahlmus asked a little surprised Fleur nodded with a smile. The Sirens had heard the news of Winky and Dobey, and had decided to do something special for Tahlmus. After all he had helped them with so much. It was the least they could do. Fleur popped out of his lap, and carefully arranged the niflers so she could grab Tahlmus’ hand. She pulled him out of his office and down into the ballroom. As they entered all of the Sirens popped out to greet him.
“What is this for?” he asked as Ataragis and Marina carried a large cake with a candle on it, over to him.
“It’s been a year since you defeated the Dark Lord and freed us of the curse,” Celestial said.
“And one year since you made the decision to stay with and help us,” Laguna added, the dancing milk carton by her side.
“You may think you stayed out of obligation, but you know you love us and actually decided to stay with us,” Coral said flashing her flirtatious smile at him.
Tahlmus did his best to smile back. The Sirens were happy and wanted to celebrate so he would do his best to celebrate with them. There was singing and dancing. Even Laguna’s dancing milk carton wanted a turn for a dance. Fleur was going to let the niflers run around, but Tahlmus magicked up a large cage filled with fake gold. The little niflers were entertained for the rest of the night, and while the celebration wore on, Tahlmus started to feel better too.
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