Trouvere
Explorer
"And not a few half-truths," says Keldar, but so softly that only those with exceptional ears might hear [Listen DC 20?]. "Well, mesdames Rapture and Rinya, you might be surprised to hear that there is a song of my time with the Merfolk." He throws Galwynn and Ciprinus, who appears to have fallen asleep, sidelong looks. "Kurgahz, forgive me. Phyrah, praise me." He hops up onto a stool, and begins to sing for a second time.
Off the old coast road from Ravensdale town,
You might meet an outlaw of fame and renown.
Though armed with a crossbow, he never takes aim,
His mercy and kindness just heighten his fame.
He’s gallant and brave and handsome as heck
As he stands in the sea right up to his neck.
When travellers pass, he feigns to be drowning
But you who try rescue will find that he’s clowning.
He leaps from the surf with soaking wet shirt,
Exclaiming "Keep calm, no one needs to be hurt!"
"Now, don’t be hasty," he says with a smile,
"Why don’t you join me and stay for a while?
"I’m sure I can offer you all a good time.
"I have dried fish and salt water wine."
"Though it pains me to argue, I must be insistent.
"Ah, here she is now, my charming assistant."
From beneath the water, leaving great ripples,
Swims a fish-girl with seaweed on her… head.
"Travellers, I beg you, don’t be dismayed,
"Though I’m scaly and green, I’m just a mermaid.
"Keldar, my dear, our guests who are staying -
"Have they decided the fee they’ll be paying?”
And then, of a sudden, what you took to be seals,
Turns out to be Merfolk, supported on wheels,
Rolling at speed o’er the dunes of the beach
To leave you surrounded as they stop with a screech.
Though carrying tridents and crossbows of coral,
These Merfolk bandits are not looking to quarrel.
Instead for the visitor, there’s wine, music and song,
And firelight merriment all the night long,
But when the sun rises, then payment is due
For the welcome of Keldar and his watery crew.
"Your wagons are laden with all kinds of supplies,
"You can spare some I’m sure – now that would be wise.
"Tell me, my friends, what’s in those kegs?"
Asks Keldar of the Merfolk, the first one with legs!
Off the old coast road from Ravensdale town,
You might meet an outlaw of fame and renown.
Though armed with a crossbow, he never takes aim,
His mercy and kindness just heighten his fame.
He’s gallant and brave and handsome as heck
As he stands in the sea right up to his neck.
When travellers pass, he feigns to be drowning
But you who try rescue will find that he’s clowning.
He leaps from the surf with soaking wet shirt,
Exclaiming "Keep calm, no one needs to be hurt!"
"Now, don’t be hasty," he says with a smile,
"Why don’t you join me and stay for a while?
"I’m sure I can offer you all a good time.
"I have dried fish and salt water wine."
"Though it pains me to argue, I must be insistent.
"Ah, here she is now, my charming assistant."
From beneath the water, leaving great ripples,
Swims a fish-girl with seaweed on her… head.
"Travellers, I beg you, don’t be dismayed,
"Though I’m scaly and green, I’m just a mermaid.
"Keldar, my dear, our guests who are staying -
"Have they decided the fee they’ll be paying?”
And then, of a sudden, what you took to be seals,
Turns out to be Merfolk, supported on wheels,
Rolling at speed o’er the dunes of the beach
To leave you surrounded as they stop with a screech.
Though carrying tridents and crossbows of coral,
These Merfolk bandits are not looking to quarrel.
Instead for the visitor, there’s wine, music and song,
And firelight merriment all the night long,
But when the sun rises, then payment is due
For the welcome of Keldar and his watery crew.
"Your wagons are laden with all kinds of supplies,
"You can spare some I’m sure – now that would be wise.
"Tell me, my friends, what’s in those kegs?"
Asks Keldar of the Merfolk, the first one with legs!
