link Shez volume_up
Hey, Annette. What're you up so late for? Some kinda research?
link Annette volume_up
Oh no, it's nothing like that. I've been working on this.
link Shez volume_up
Uhhh. That just looks like a bunch of little black bugs jumping around on a page.
link Annette volume_up
Excuse you, it's sheet music! I have no idea how you could possibly think the notes look like bugs.
link Shez volume_up
Sorry, sorry. It's just, I don't think I've ever actually seen sheet music before. Does this mean you're writing a new song?
link Annette volume_up
Mmhm! A lovely tune popped into my head today, so I wanted to jot it down before I forgot.
link Shez volume_up
Mind singing it for me? I'd love to know what kinda song it is.
link Annette volume_up
Nope, sorry—I'm not done writing the lyrics yet. I have a rough outline, but that's about it so far.
link Shez volume_up
What kinda song is it? I can't read sheet music, so I'm having trouble imagining what it'll be like.
link Annette volume_up
If it turns out right, it'll be bouncy and fun. Though, I'm nowhere near finishing the lyrics yet.
link Annette volume_up
Still, I want to write something happy. A song that'll make people feel good when they sing it.
link Shez volume_up
That sounds great. I can't wait till it's finished.
link Annette volume_up
Hey, um... Do you remember the song I wrote about that knight?
link Shez volume_up
Knight? Oh, you mean the horse with the human— Ahem. Yeah. The song about the knight, of course.
link Annette volume_up
Well, I heard someone singing it again.
link Shez volume_up
Look, Annette, I know you're upset I let it slip, but what's done is done.
link Annette volume_up
I didn't mean it like that. I... I heard a mercenary singing it to himself as he died.
link Annette volume_up
He was covered in blood, and could hardly breathe. Yet he had this great, big smile on his face as the words crossed his lips.
link Annette volume_up
He must have been in so much pain...but still he just kept smiling.
link Shez volume_up
Probably thinking back to all the times he spent drinking and singing with his friends.
link Shez volume_up
Soldiers always throw the wildest parties after a battle. The sorta thing where you can find knights and mercs alike locking arms and belting out tunes.
link Annette volume_up
Maybe. Anyway, I've been thinking about that mercenary a lot ever since he passed.
link Annette volume_up
I never wanted that song out in the world, and I'm honestly still not happy about it.
link Annette volume_up
But it helped him face his final moments with a smile, instead of sadness or fear. And I'm forever grateful I could provide that.
link Shez volume_up
It's like I told you before, Annette. Your songs can really help people.
link Shez volume_up
I'm sure tons more took comfort in that song, too.
link Shez volume_up
Including me. Whenever I'm feeling down, I just think about one of your silly songs and I'm right back in high spirits.
link Annette volume_up
Silly? Are you implying my lyrics aren't serious? No, never mind. I'll choose to take it as a compliment.
link Annette volume_up
And hey, if my songs really help people that much, I better get to work writing lots of new ones!
link Shez volume_up
There you go. So, what's this next one gonna be about?
link Annette volume_up
Well, right now I'm planning to make it be about a group of friends who dig into a huuuge feast together.
link Annette volume_up
They keep churning out dish after delicious dish, and everyone's faces are alight with laughter and joy.
link Shez volume_up
Wow. I'm getting hungry just hearing about it.
link Annette volume_up
Right? Then once all the food runs out, they go off hunting for ingredients so they can cook up some more.
link Shez volume_up
Uhh, OK.
link Annette volume_up
But, uh oh! They come across a ginormous bear, and have to battle it to the death!
link Shez volume_up
A deathmatch with a bear? I thought this was supposed to be a happy song about a feast.
link Shez volume_up
Eh, guess I shouldn't judge it before it's done. Just lemme know when you're finished, OK? I wanna be the first in line to hear it.
link Annette volume_up
Yes, of course!