The remains of the Zedo civilization that the sirens salvaged from the deep sea are undoubtedly a timely help for the repair and upgrade of the Steel Sky.
Whether it's directly smelting it into special alloys for repairing shipwrecks or handing it over to research departments to analyze the advanced technology it contains, both have greatly accelerated the pace at which this interstellar fortress regains its former glory.
Whenever a new batch of debris arrives through the coastal warp gate, the factories and research areas inside the Steel Dome enter a brief but highly efficient period of high-speed operation.
When discussing sirens, one cannot avoid mentioning the special member who had long regarded the Iron Sky as her "second lair"—Sirenna.
As a pioneer who was "captured" by chance before Linde's formal contact with the Siren Clan, Sirina's identity had long since changed from an initial prisoner/research subject to the Siren Clan's "plenipotentiary ambassador" to the Iron Sky. Of course, in the eyes of many people (including herself), she was more like a pampered and well-off mascot, or rather, a tacit "hostage" that maintained the relationship between the two sides.
Sirina quickly adapted to life in the specially designed, deep-sea-simulating recirculating capsule inside the Steel Dome.
Her heavenly voice, which she initially sang to alleviate loneliness and practice her magic control, unexpectedly captivated the dwarven craftsmen who later joined her.
These rugged and bold dwarves have an innate love for music and fine wine.
Sirina's ethereal, melodious, and soul-stirring voice was like a heavenly melody they had never heard before, a sound they were accustomed to in the roar of battle cries and the thunder of forging hammers.
They generously bestowed upon her the respectful nickname "The Siren's Throat" and quickly became her most enthusiastic and loyal listeners (and drinking buddies).
Under Lind's seemingly casual but actually profound "enticement" (or "guidance"), Serena had a sudden inspiration—why not share this beautiful sound and joy with more people?
Thus, the idea of opening a tavern took root in her mind.
The idea immediately received strong support from the dwarves.
They were worried about not finding a place in this cold metal fortress that felt "good" enough to enjoy a drink.
Thus, with the great enthusiasm of the dwarven craftsmen (and the large amount of scraps and "experimental" building materials they secretly saved), the "Siren's House" tavern, located in a corner of the Steel Sky's living area, opened to great fanfare.
The dwarves made full use of their engineering and aesthetic sense: they constructed walls and bars with polished dark metal plates, and the walls were inlaid with glowing phosphors that emitted a soft blue light or magical lamps that simulated the underwater world.
The tables and chairs were made of heavy, reinforced wood with natural grain (from the orc trade), sturdy enough to withstand even the most excited dwarves jumping on them and stomping their feet in cheers.
Behind the bar is a huge wine cabinet, with temperature-regulating and protective runes personally inscribed by the dwarven rune master. It is filled with all kinds of fine wines collected from various places, as well as wines brewed by the dwarves themselves.
The most eye-catching feature is a small, open-air circulating water tank in the center of the tavern, connected to Sirina's main circulating tank, where she can comfortably half-immerse herself, like a singer on a stage, ready to sing or interact with guests at any time.
The tavern's style is a wonderful fusion of "deep-sea charm" and "dwarf bunker," possessing both the dreamy mystery of the ocean and the warm and lively atmosphere that a tavern should have.
"The Siren's House" quickly became the most popular social venue in the Iron Sky.
Soldiers finishing their shifts, mage apprentices completing their research phases, dwarven craftsmen sweating profusely after a hard day's work, and even some curious human officials and occasional representatives of other races, all like to come here for a drink and relax.
Sirina is not only the proprietress and top singer, but also the soul of this place. She soothes homesickness with her songs, dissolves barriers with her smiles, and occasionally, when she's in the mood, she'll use a little water magic to create some dreamlike light and shadow effects to add to the festivities.
She learned to concoct simple "Siren's Special" drinks to suit the tastes of various races (although the recipes mostly came from the "guidance" of the dwarves), and she also learned how to deal with drunken dwarves who started loudly singing off-key war songs.
Various languages are spoken here, exchanging messages from the mainland and even the deep sea, and the air is filled with the salty, fishy smell of ale, mead, rum, and a faint sea breeze (originating from the water tank and specialty drinks of Serena).
Within Linde, a steel fortress centered on order, research, and power, "The Siren's House" is like a vibrant, multicolored bubble, a rare haven where different races can lower their guard and briefly enjoy pure joy.
The tavern was bustling with activity as usual that day. Several dwarves were gathered around Sirina's trough, cheering and applauding her for the ancient siren lullaby she had just finished singing (although they didn't understand the lyrics at all, the melody was enough to captivate them).
Sirona smiled and tossed her long hair, the scales shimmering under the light. She took a wooden goblet, almost as big as her face, from a dwarf and sipped the frothy mead inside.
Just then, the tavern door slid open, and Lind's figure appeared in the doorway.
He was not an incarnation of the crystal skeleton, but his true form had come in person, only his aura was concealed, like an ordinary visitor.
His appearance did not cause much of a commotion. After all, the lord would occasionally come here for a short while, which had almost become an unwritten rule and was also proof of the special status of the "Siren's House".
Sirona, with her sharp eyes, spotted him immediately, and a delighted smile bloomed on her face:
"My lord!"
The noise in the tavern instantly subsided, and people cast respectful glances at each other, some bowing with their hands on their chests, others raising their glasses in greeting.
Linde nodded slightly and walked straight to the bar.
"The usual, my lord?"
A quick-witted human waiter who was in charge of managing the tavern for Sirona immediately asked.
Lind nodded.
Soon, a glass of clear, transparent "water" that emitted a very faint energy fluctuation was brought up—this was just highly purified and energy-blended water; Linde had not come here for alcohol.
He sat down in a relatively quiet seat at the bar, his gaze sweeping across the bustling tavern before finally settling on Sirena as she swam over.
"Business seems to be as good as ever; the 'Siren's Throat' lives up to its name."
Linde's voice carried a rare hint of relaxation.
Sirenna happily lay on the edge of the bar, her tail swaying gently behind her:
"It's all thanks to everyone's support! The dwarf friends have been so helpful, and Lord Aster's guards have kept order..."
She chattered on about the interesting things that happened in the tavern, like which dwarf tried to get a mage drunk with strong liquor but ended up passing out first.
Linde listened quietly, occasionally taking a sip of the "water" in his glass.
While he certainly had considerations in creating this place—to house Sirina, appease the dwarves, and observe the interactions between different races—it is undeniable that this vibrant little tavern added a rare touch of warmth and human (or perhaps monstrous) charm to the cold, austere steel firmament.
"...It seems like there's been a lot of 'materials' being sent from the deep sea lately, and everyone's working with even more enthusiasm!"
As Sirenna spoke, her tone was filled with pride, as if she too had contributed to the salvage operation—even though she spent most of her time singing and selling alcohol.
"Yes, your people have done a good job."
Lind affirmed, "Their efforts are making this fortress stronger. And you here are the best link between us and the deep sea."
Sirena nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling.
For her, this place was no longer a cold prison, but a home filled with songs, friends, and acceptance.
She loved it here, loved seeing different races put aside their differences and share joy in her tavern.
"Keep singing, Sirena."
Lind finished his water, stood up, and said, “Your singing is another form of ‘restoration,’ which is equally important.”
He left those words behind, and under Sirina's sparkling gaze, turned and left the tavern.
The door slid open and closed again, the quiet and cold metal passageway outside contrasting sharply with the noisy warmth inside.
As Linde walked down the corridor, he could still faintly hear Sirena's ethereal and melodious singing, which had resumed, and the dwarves' rough cheers behind him.
The corners of his mouth curved upwards almost imperceptibly.
The salvage of the Siren provides the material foundation, while this unexpectedly born "Siren's House" subtly nourishes the humanistic ecology inside the steel sky.
All of this was a glimmer of light that emerged unexpectedly, outside of his plans and expectations.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com