#gimme!

[Ok Blue dear, you cursed me. Cursed me with images I can’t get out of my damn head till I’ve written them down. So be cursed in return with this overload of fluff and cuteness! For anyone else that is not familiar Mamu is My character and this is all based on some of the artwork Whysoblue2 has done including Kallamar interacting with Leshy when he was little. This idea had been in my head for sometime and I wrote this purely to be out there and why not add some fluff, its all in good fun. Hope you all like it especially you blue]

[Morning: Harborym]

Last to rise, no surprise. Harborym was always late to rise…they stretched and sighed. A fleeting pang of disappointment seeing their beloved Bishop gone. But that disappeared when a strange sound reached their ears, it was rattling. The door to the room was open and a servant was holding the door..slightly bowed to whatever was outside. Harborym opened their mouth to inquire about the noise…when the answer came. Their eyes widened and sparkled as a little figure entered, carrying a tray of food towards them. Taking little, tentative steps while trying not to trip on the rather embarrassingly [yet all too adorable] large follower robes. The hood covering half of her face, Harborym was slow to exit a bed but today they had a sudden jolt of energy as they scurried to one side and swung their tentacles over the side and waited.

Soon the tray was in arms reach but the little ‘follower’ continued till the tray was at least hovering over Harborym’s lap. Then with feather grace it was set down, Harborym’s smile grew wide. The tiny follower stepped back, bowed and turned to exit.

Ooh, they weren’t getting away so easily~

Harborym sat the tray to the side and snatched the tiny follower, pulling them into a tight hug. Lauging when they got a squeak and giggle out of them. “Little cotton flower, did you honestly think I wouldn’t recognize you~?”

They pulled the hood away, a ball of soft creamy white fur came into view, it turned to stare at them with her beautiful delicate green eyes. Her smile, like the first stars of twilight, small but no less bright, across between two bugs that seem to culminate into something adorable. “I wasn’t trying to trick you, I wanted to see what it’s like to be a servant in the private quarters.”

“Did you tell anyone you were trying this?” Harborym knew the answer but always wanted the little one to at least have the option of either telling the truth or a little fib. “No, borrowed these robes from the storage, didn’t find any in my size….sad.”

“Oh yes…such a tragedy!” With a stifled snort, the little ‘follower’ was lifted into their arms and showered with kisses along their forehead. This earned a squeal and laughter from the tiny one, after a minute or so Harborym stopped and sighed. “But now my dear Mamu, tell me why you’re here delivering my breakfast. Kallamar has servants to do that.”

“I’m aware, but did you forget what today is?” Her little green eyes blinked at them, she then held up hands all fingers up and dropped them one by one. “First day is Lord Kallamar, Second day is Saleos, Third day is Baalzebub, fourth day is…” her voice trailed off, Harborym blinked before it clicked. “Oh scallops! Lessons!”

“There ya go! Yep, your turn for lessons today. Oh and don’t forget you got a poetry reading in the temples palanquin too, thats gonna be our first stop!” With that the little cotton flower hopped down and scurried for a closet, one engraved with ‘Harborym’ in gold over the doors.

The poet smiled, taking the tray into their lap, they began to eat. While they ate…their thoughts drifted back, six months seemed long to a mortal but to someone who can’t age it felt like days. An in that time this little star came into their life, brought back from a meeting between the god of dreams Morpheus….Harborym’s smile faded a little as they recalled the poor child’s…condition when they arrived. Kallamar rushing in, past Saleos, Baali and themself. Clutching something against his chest, their eyes wide and trembling. Their beloved Bishop never looked that horrified since Leshy’s first battle alone, returning with a large gash on their side. They recalled the poor thing- no! No, no, no, now’s not the time! Kallamar said not to think about it, Mamu’s past is just that, her ‘past’.

But since they had become a new blessed member of the temple, it took about a month for them to open up but once they did they blossomed. At first everyone assumed Kallamar would pass her off to a follower who had the means to take care of them. But..in just a week he couldn’t bring himself to part ways with the little one. Harborym’s smile returned recalling a vivid memory, their beloved Kallamar pacing around the garden, holding little Mamu against their chest. Humming a soft lullaby as she cried, having awakened from a nightmare.

Harborym had to stifle a squeal remembering that sight, little Mamu staring up at Kallamar with those soft green eyes, glittered with tears before nuzzling into his chest. Her back rising and falling with each breath as she fell back asleep and Kallamar….oh their beloved…that smile. That beautiful angelic smile as they nuzzled the top of her head. Baali almost inked herself, Saleos was frothing at the mouth, Harborym themself was already imagining being held like that…Astaroth though was more stoned face…but that third eye gave it away.

Harborym was pulled from their memories when Mamu scurried over with an outfit in hand. “Since it’s a poetry reading you’ll want to wear something beautiful so Lord Kallamar got the pretty robe with the silk tassels set up for you. Before you ask it’s the coral pink one, with the red and white tassels.”

Oh his beloved knew just the outfits to set out! Speaking of fashion, Harborym finished the last bite of their breakfast before strolling over and lifting the little bug into their arms. “Speaking of robes my dear, you need to get dressed yourself.”

————————————

[Afternoon: Saleos]

The poetry reading was beautiful, Mamu was practically skipping towards the stairway. Harborym’s sonnet of the ocean was pure majesty. But now it was getting close to lunch, Harborym decided to have everyone gather on the promenade to dine. She was tasked to fetch Saleos from his laboratory while Harborym fetched Baali and prepared everything else. The stairway leading down to the lab was winding…Mamu wished she had a long cape just for this, the idea of it flowing behind her made sigh with delight. She remembered how Kallamar dawned a beautiful flowing sheer shawl that floated behind him as he walked. It just made him look so ethereal, she was too young for something like that so her imagination provided what she lacked physically. She made due with her own robe, soft feather blue with white boarders, her sleeves were long enough to reach the end of her fingertips but the hem was just high enough she wouldn’t trip over them.

Down the staircase she went, imagining the long sheer cape behind her. Pretending to be a princess off to see a potion master, to beg him for a potion to turn her prince back into his regal form. The image disappeared when she came to Saleos’ door. The sign reading ‘Poisons brewing, enter at your leisure~”.

Mamu tilted her head…should say ‘risk’ but then again this was Saleos. Probably made the sign for Kallamar, oh wait..just below that sign was another; ‘Testers wanted, temporary position’ yep there it was. She gave a tiny sigh and knocked on the door.

“If you are here about the position please use the other door.” Mamu rolled her eyes entering anyway, the room was decorated with bottles, beakers and crystal flasks of poisons, toxic plants and all matters of things meant to do harm, oh and the many scattered papers of schemes ready to put into action at the drop of a hat. Saleos was at his desk, looking at a small test tube of his latest elixir before noticing her presence. He paused…then beamed as he stood and approached. “Oh, hello my sweet little Peni, what brings you here?”

Peni; short for Penicillin, that was Mamu’s pet name. Saleos started calling her that not long ago, not that she minded…she liked it. She gave a small bow before answering “Sorry to disturb you but it’s almost time for lunch and Harborym wants everyone to gather on the promenade.”

Saleos rolled his eyes, of course they’d want to do that. But..he was getting peckish, an his latest batch of poisons needed to sit for a little while so…maybe some time out of the Lab wouldn’t hurt.

“Very well my little Peni, let’s be off.” Before Mamu could respond, Saleos scooped her up into his arms and marched up the stairway. Giving her a little nuzzle Saleos spoke; “How was your lessons this morning, did Harborym actually make it to the poetry reading?”

“Yes, it was beautiful! They sang of the ocean and the endless waves of time to crash upon the rocks, how eternal they stand a little is washed away…it was magic.” Mamu sighed recalling the sonnet yet again, she was brought back feeling a little static ‘zip’ on her shoulder. She glared at Saleos who simply looked away, a cheeky grin on his face as they exited the stairway into the hall. One of his many tendrils along his head retreating back.

Ooh how dare he zap her! She was about to attack him with kisses but something…caught her eye, she turned and froze. She flung her face and body into Saleos’ chest, curling up tighter than a snail shell, trying to hide herself as much as she possibly could. Saleos flinched and stared, he turned..and froze himself. Allocer was here, standing near a column. Thankfully the two hadn’t been noticed yet, he moved behind a nearby statue and sat Mamu down.

“Peni…run along now...” Whispered Saleos, Mamu didn’t argue. An order was given and she obeyed, she hurried off.

If Allacoer was here…..so was Shamura.

—————————————

[Evening: Baalzebub]

“Leave it to that motherfucker to ruin everything!”

Mamu clung to Baali’s arm, lunch was canceled due to a..’surprise summons’ from Bishop Shamura. Kallamar and Astaroth were meeting with them in one of the private gardens. Baalzebub was the first person Mamu sought out after Saleos sent her off. Thankfully she was with Harborym getting things ready for their lunch date, Mamu felt a pang of guilt when she told them about Allocer…almost immediately Baalzebub looked ready to throw hands while Harborym rushed off to find Saleos. Growling, Baali was heading towards the palace garden with her little Puff of cotton Mamu...one thing all of Kallamar’s spouses made crystal clear to Mamu…stay away from Shamrua and Allocer.

“Why…is Witness Allocer and Bishop Shamura here? I…thought they were on a crusade.” Said Mamu, her voice just above a whisper. Baali gave a weighted sigh “I don’t know Puff, let’s just pray they don’t stay for long. In the meantime..how about you and I get in some lessons?”

It wasn’t her day to teach but not that she gave a damn, the two of them needed a distraction for a bit. Plus Baali felt like blowing off some steam and what better way to do that than dancing? “Where did we leave off last time?”

Mamu clicked her tongue. “Waltzing solo, partner comes later when I’m taller.”

“Older.” Baali corrected. “But you are right, now.” Baali found a nice clearing in the garden and walked to the center. “Dancing and battling have very similar steps.”

Mamu observed, Baali’s movements were as fluid as a flowing river. Her shifting form, grace full dips, whirling turns…it’s no wonder Kallamar always danced with her first at special gatherings. With as much determination as she could muster Mamu tried to copy the moves, her arm movements were on point but her feet…

“Kiddo yer feet look like they’re tangled in seaweed.” Mamu looked but then with puffed up cheeks she retorted back. “Easy for you to say Ms. No feet! You don’t have to worry about stepping on toes!”

“Not like anyone has any ‘round here.” Baali shot back, oh she picked the perfect pet name for the kid, the way she puffed up her cheeks when she got angry. But the kid had control and more potential than anyone in Kallamar’s latest batch of recruits.

She couldn’t wait to start teaching her combat!

——————————————

[Twilight: Astaroth]

The kitchen was bustling, no surprise..it was always like this. Mamu entered, tying a little apron around her waist as she ducked under one servant carrying a tray of fruit, she wandered over to where the salads were being prepped. True she didn’t have to help but old habits died hard and…she liked cooking. She was standing on a stool, washing the vegetables when a servant approached her, plucking their fingers.

“Um…child…Witness Astaroth requests your presence.” Mamu blinked up at the servant. “Ok, just finishing the-“

“He…said to tell you ‘now’ and ‘not after’…well whatever chore you’re doing.” This time the child let out a soft sigh. “Okay…” with that she hopped down and walked to the main entrance to the kitchen…where Astaroth was waiting for her. His back was to her, no surprise. She reached and plucked at his sleeve with her clean/dry hand.

“You wished to see me?” She asked, voice soft and respectful. He motioned her to follow as he turned and walked down the hall. Mamu followed, keeping pace at his side. “I came to fetch you for dinner, child you’re aware you don’t have to bother with kitchen duties.”

“I know…I just…wanted to help out, also since I don’t have any other lessons till tomorrow I figured I could-“ she paused her words as Astaroth placed a hand on her shoulder. “Mamu….you don’t serve Morpheus anymore…if you want to learn to cook, just ask. Lord Kallamar will be more than happy to-“

Mamu stopped walking little paws clutching her apron “He’s done so much for me already…I don’t want to burden him anymore than necessary…” Her tiny claws though rounded off threatened to poke holes in the apron, her grip tightening grip was lost when Astaroth’s hand rested on her shoulder. “Utter nonsense, Lord Kallamar would praise the fact you are advancing your skills, however if you truly wish to dispel that thought then do more then just simple servant work. Become an asset to his glory.”

Astaroth removed his hand and proceeded, Mamu scurrying behind him. He was right, but..she still liked cooking. Now that she had him here she mustered up a little bit of courage to ask “Sir…I saw Witness Allocer today…did that mean-“

“Yes, Bishop Shamura was here but their visit was brief. Collecting medicine and healing from Lord Kallamar, all is well. Both departing when all was said and done.” Mamu let out a sigh, good..that meant Shamura didn’t stay long enough to say something nasty to Kallamar. Mamu’s thoughts were interrupted by Astaroth’s hand on her back, gently motioning her into another room. “Get changed now, let’s not keep Lord Kallamar waiting.”

Right, can’t keep him waiting. The room was one of the many changing rooms Kallamar had made in case of one of his outfits getting ripped or stained, that way he could slip in, slip out in something. It wasn’t just his own clothes but all of his spouses…and now..some clothes for her.

The outfits were many but she chose something simple..but no less beautiful. It was a robe of two colors with long angel cuff sleeves and the hem swept the floor, the color was a soft moss green while the hem was evergreen with gold embroidered jellyfish swimming about the boarder. She turned to the mirror and gave one turn, if she stood perfectly still..she’d look just like a doll. She stepped outside where Astaroth was, he looked her over once before giving a nod.

A the two proceeded down the hall.

——————————————————

[Night: Kallamar]

Mamu truly felt spoiled sometimes, more than she’d care to admit. To have a warm bath with bubbles was such a treat, even more so when she got her own little bathrobe to wear afterwards. If that wasn’t all, her own personal room was nothing short of a dream. It was a large room with bookshelves lined with all kinds of text ranging from her reading skill to more advanced. Then she had a closet filled with tailored clothing, but the best part…was her bed. It was a large round bed with a sheer canopy draping around it, the bedding felt like someone plucked the clouds from the sky and sewed them into the mattress. The pillows filled with plush wool, the linen softer than silk and smelled immaculate. To her…this was the greatest gift from Lord Kallamar, she didn’t have toys but she never wanted them. She did have a doll though, a small sheep doll dressed like a priest.

She was just getting her nightgown on when a thought struck her…she never wished Kallamar goodnight yet! Grabbing a prayer shawl she dashed towards his chambers, she paused just a foot away. The door was slightly open with soft light coming through, she stepped forward and listened…no sound so the other adults weren’t there yet. If they were she’d leave, she peeked inside.

Kallamar was reclined on the shared bed, a book open. He was wearing his bed robe, closed loosely around the bottom but more open near the top. Seemingly interested in the text before him…thats when Mamu got a cheeky thought, she got down on all fours…and started to crawl inside.

Poor thing wasn’t aware of the countless wars and battles Kallamar fought in, he spotted her the moment she peeked in on him. But…he pretended not to notice, he pulled the book close enough to hide the growing smile on his face. Stifled a giggle when he felt the bed cloth get tugged as she tried to climb up, he waited till he felt the little shifts on the bedding stop. Then slightly tilted the book to see her inching close to one of his tendrils, ready to poke them…

She was too focused on one of them…she didn’t see the one reaching for her foot. Just as she was about to poke one of the tendrils-

“EEP!”

The tendril poked her little foot, making her jump and fall on to the mass of waiting limbs. Wrapping her up and pulling her up into one pair of his arms. “Seems I’ve caught a ‘bed bug’ and what do we do with bed buuuuugs~?”

Kallamar brought the tiny bug close to his face, their foreheads touching…before blowing a little raspberry into her cheek and closed all our arms in a tight embrace. “Squish them!” This got a squeal from the tiny bug and then full on laughter.

Oh this brought back so many memories, how he played this same game with Leshy when he was little. Though he didn’t miss Leshy’s claws on his face, Mamu just resorts to tiny pats instead. Like now she was swatting at his face trying to escape his grasp laughing. “Release me or I squish you back!”

“I challenge you to try little one!” Kallamar teased, reaching out Mamu cupped his cheeks and pushed them together, puckering his lips. “Fishy lips now!”

Kallamar gave a mock gasp and with a dramatic swoon fell to his side taking her with. “Oh no, how will I be kissed now!”

“Tell them to pucker up then buttercup!” Mamu giggled, Kallamar chuckled and pulled his face back and sitting back up. Settling Mamu into his lap, one pair of arms to support her. “Now then my young siren, what brings you here?”

“I came to wish you goodnight.” She gave a small yawn, leaning against his chest. Kallamar smiled, grabbing his book and setting it aside before adjusting the child in his lap. “You must’ve had a long day huh?”

He got a small nod in return, her eyes slowly starting to close. Oh poor thing…Saleos mentioned the situation seeing Allocer earlier, as long as she avoided Allocer and Shamura things should be fine…but maybe Astaroth can plan some lessons on how to deal with them. At least in the context of communication or interactions with them. But for now…he’d focus on their education, health and wellbeing.

She’s just so precious…she was almost like Leshy when he was young, but only not as ‘nippy’ or chaotic. The most important thing…she was healing, she was thriving! Kallamar didn’t want to think about the condition he found her in…he wanted to see her grow into her potential.

“My lord?” Her tiny voice, soft as a rain drop called him from his thoughts. “Yes my dear?”

She gave a big yawn, cuddling closer to him. “Whats….a siren?” Kallamar smiled, leaning down he whispered. “A siren…in the my realm of Anchordeep, is a person of pure perfection. That is what you will become one day, your voice will call out to the lost, your dancing with enthrall them, your knowledge will enlighten them…”

“All…..for you…my lord….just…….for…..zzz.” She fell asleep, Kallamar almost gushed at the sight, yes she was going to be a beautiful siren when she grew up. He turned an not to his surprise found his spouses all lined up, Harborym giving a smirk towards him, Saleos gripping at his tendrils with a grin wider then the ocean itself, Baali was squirming a little and of course…Astaroth stood sentinel but that third eye…as much as he tried to hide it Kallamar could tell all.

With his usual grace Kallamar slipped out of their shared bed, walking over with the sleeping child nestled in his arms strode to her room. His spouses just a step behind him, they all waited outside as he tucked her into bed. Leaning down….he gave her a little kiss on her forehead.

It's summer 1990. Steve cruises down the interstate in a pickup truck. The windows are down. One arm rests on the open frame, wind flapping at his sleeve. Steve's chestnut hair flutters in front of his forehead as his Ray-Bans shield his hazel eyes from the summer sun. "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips streams from the stereo as Hawkins disappears in the rearview mirror. A world of possibilities lay ahead of him; the country is his to explore.

Mini blurb below the cut!