Challenge #02158-E329: Shattering Performance
The noise was indescribable, and practically cleaning the windows. -- Anon Guest
If there is any sound in the entire planar system to be feared, it is that of a Kobold Bard about to commence a Traditional Kobold Folk Song.
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..." the Bard took another deep breath, "Eeeeenouncing salutations, my merry pack this day... We celebrate the ending of a knight who came to slay..."
Kobolds, being creatures of darkness and tunnels, had bats to teach them what music was. They do not share the views of sunsiders who had birds to sing and inspire the first songs. Thus it was that the Kobolds and other underdwellers were the only ones clapping along. That included Lady Anthe, who had spent time in both realms. The sunsiders, attempting to be polite in a rare festival atmosphere of friendship, had smiles approaching grimaces and the thoughtful look of people attempting to work out how to politely stick their fingers in their ears.
Then the Bard started hitting the high notes, and the glass in the inn windows started to vibrate. As a small species, Kobold's excell at the high notes. Even when essentially taught by bats, who are considerably better at it. Smut from candles and lamps began to ooze down the glass panels. Glasses all through the tavern vibrated along with the high notes.
Wraithvine was better at concealing hir winces than Melvin. As were most of the Humans and Elves also thronging the tavern. Melvin ameliorated his flinches by hiding in the shadows and discretely shoving wadded rags in his ears. After the first time, he wasn't inclined to drink himself into a stupor and avoid the performance that way. He concealed his distaste and wiped his face because his eyes were wont to run.
Lady Anthe tapped him on the arm to let him know it was over. The sunsiders were all politely applauding. So did Melvin, but he also discretely took the rags out of his ears. During a small argument about how much to pay the Bard to indicate that their performance was appreciated, but please do not perform again... the Kobold reached their shared table for compliments.
Struck in the middle of their calculations, Melvin was the only one not doing complicated math. Therefore, he said in all honesty, "It was indescribable. Your performance brought me to tears."
Which lead to some serious discussion - once they had privacy - of Melvin learning to multiclass into Bardic disciplines. He already had a command of diplomatic honesty.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / krasyuk]
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Lol awesome job Melvin 😆
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