Taliesin

After just a bit of tidying Tal’s dorm room was finally clean and neat. All his clothes were neatly sorted into the wardrobe and all his books were perfectly arranged on his shelf. His little plant ‘Festus’ was doing well, too. Tal made space for his laptop and the first book called ‘Myths’ on his desk. He sat down and opened the first of at least eight hundred pages. His eyes shifted towards his bookshelf to gaze longingly at all the unread fantasy and YA books that would be much better company than this dry retelling about myths and Gods, but Tal needed answers and neither Percy Jackson nor Magnus Chase could give them to him.

Hours later the sun was setting. Tal let out an annoyed groan and almost threw the book across the room. There was not a single piece of useful information in it. Tal didn’t even really know what he was searching for. The Winchesters made it look way too easy to skim books for information. He began to realise just how impossible it was. And the only person who could help him was the last person he wanted to ask. Nik probably wouldn’t even want to help. No, he was sure Nik would send him away immediately. He had been very clear in the library when telling him to stay out of it. But ‘staying out of it’ sounded nice for someone who knew what ‘it’ was. Tal had no clue what he was supposed to stay out of. For all his life, he had this strange ability and no idea why and now that he finally got a hint, he was supposed to stay out of it? He couldn’t do that. His mind was filled with questions and he knew, if he didn’t get any answers soon, they would drive him insane.

The books he borrowed from the library were no help at all. Tal let out another groan and hit his head onto the table. He frowned at the weirdly soft feeling of his wooden desk. “Woah.” His body shot up straight at the sound of a familiar voice and his gaze met Nik’s. He was sitting at a long table with him on his opposite side where he was currently enjoying dinner. It seemed as if Tal had teleported himself directly into Nik’s dining room. “Why am I here?” He asked himself in a desperate voice and lowered his head again until he felt the red tablecloth against his forehead. Nik lowered his fork and sighed. “I can’t tell you that but since you already interrupted my meal, why don’t you dine with me?” Tal lifted his gaze. He was searching Nik’s face for a hint of mockery but he appeared to be sincere about his offer. Tal nodded carefully, unable to get rid of his suspicion. “Maxwell!” Nik called for someone and soon a man in, presumably, his thirties stood in the doorway. He was so handsome that Tal couldn’t avert his eyes. The man, Maxwell, was wearing a Butler’s uniform and had his black hair gelled back. His eyes were a different colour each, ice blue and peanut brown. He was art.

The Butler’s jaw dropped when he noticed Taliesin and his shoulders tensed. “Sir, I have no idea how they–“ “I know, I know.” Nik made a dismissive gesture with his hand. “He’s the descendant, it’s fine.” Maxwell examined Tal more closely now. “He is..?” Nik confirmed it with a low hum and Tal shyly lifted his hand to greet the Butler. “Hi, I’m Tal.” “Taliesin.” Nik muttered and he pouted. “You can call me Tal. Just Tal.” He earned a glare from his opposite. “You’re the descendant of Gods, Taliesin, not a friend from first grade. Maxwell, bring another plate, and pour him a glass of our best wine.” “Actually–“ “As you wish, Sir.” “I don’t drink!” Tal tried yelling after him but Maxwell had already left the dining room and closed the door behind him. He was alone with Nik now and even though he didn’t plan for this to happen he decided to not waste any more chances of getting answers.