A Song Lost in the Flow of a River

Hunt down the cruel lizzy in the Karek Swampland. It should have the materials I need for my lutestrings.

Aldo, it's exactly as we feared.

What do you mean?

Stories about merfolk are spreading like wildfire. At first it was just about her defeating those monsters...

But now people are starting to whisper about merfolk flesh and immortality. At this rate, their kind will never want to return to these waters again.

Her attack was really impressive. It's no surprise other people saw it. But it's only gossip, right? People'll get bored of it and move on to something else.

I don't know if I can wait that long. She saved my life. If I let these rumors keep growing it may bring harm to her people. That's no way to repay a debt. And even though she said she wouldn't come back until people forget about her, she didn't stop me trying to follow her.

I can't let things go on like this.

Guess we've got to silence those rumors. Any idea how we can do that?

Well, we can't stop people talking, but what if we could change the stories they're telling?

Oh, I get you. If we play our cards right no one will even notice what we're doing. Do you have any new stories in mind?

Alas, I've got nothing so far. But that's where you come in.

I think you may be overestimating my talents. I'm no storyteller.

No, I mean I want you to accompany me to the Serena Coast, to look for inspiration. I feel a special connection with that place. I'm confident it won't let us down.

Okay, that I can handle. We'll go whenever you're ready.

This spot sure brings back memories... She was so beautiful, that first night. And time has done nothing to take away her graceful nature. I could stand here and reminisce all day...

But there's no time for that. I have work to do. I can feel new ideas flowing already!

Nice! Take all the time you need.

...It's done. This story will change how our people think of merfolk.

Sounds good. Lemme hear it.

All right. "Once upon a time..."

Hmm... It's well put together, even if it is kind of a sad story. You did a good job of casting merfolk in a flattering light.

Plus, it totally contradicts the stories we want to get rid of. You're actually pretty good at this. You ever think of becoming a writer?

Not a chance. I can only write like this because of the subject matter. My head is always full of merfolk-y thoughts.

Well, we've got our story, now how do we get it out there? If we want people to think it's true, should we publish it as a book, maybe?

No, if it didn't sell we'd be no nearer our goal. I've heard about a talented bard living in Unigan. I think we should have him whip the story up into a ballad.

I never thought of that. It's a great idea. Popular songs travel all over the country in no time. Let's go ask him!

Excuse me, sir, are you a bard?

Sure am, sugar. What can I do for you?

There's something we want to ask you...

Sorry, I don't take requests. Nothing personal, I just can't do that for everyone.

No, that's not what we mean. We'd like you to turn a certain story into a song.

Ooh, interesting. Okay, you've got my attention. What kind of story is it?

You've probably heard rumors about the mermaid on the Serena Coast, am I right?

Why yes, I heard it right here just the other day. No place like a tavern for swapping stories.

If we tell you more about her, would you spread it around? As a song, I mean?

I don't know, that particular story seems to be spreading fast enough without any help.

Rumors are one thing, but we want everyone to know the truth about her!

Sounds like you know more about this than the average man on the street. And the truth will always be revealed, as they say. I would love to have a shot at this story of yours, but I have problems of my own...

Anything we can help with?

Perhaps. My lute is in need of repairs, you see, and its strings are made of rather... special material. It's not sold in stores, it can only be obtained from a rather ornery type of monster.

Treasure guarded by grisly monsters? Sounds right up my alley. Just tell me where to find them, and I'll go get your supplies for you.

Are you sure? This isn't the kind of foe any old adventurer can tangle with...

Nothing "any old" about me! Just promise you'll write us a great merfolk song in exchange.

You've got yourself a deal, honey. Just don't say I didn't warn you. The materials I seek are jealously guarded by a cruel lizzy in the Karek Swampland.

Got it. I'll be back in a flash!

Hey there. I got you the goods.

Yes, this is what I need. Splendid work! Looks like you put a stop to that cruel lizzy. With these new strings, my lute will sing like an angel.

Great. Now, about your side of the bargain...

Oh yes, I will write you a song that will stay with you your whole life! But first, tell me all you know about this mermaid.

It's done... For an improvised piece, it shaped up rather nicely. And it does full justice to your tale. The warmth of a love that transcends the species barrier, chilled by the bitterness of loss... Such pathos!

All that's left is a title. I'd welcome your input on that. Or if you have no preferences, I'll think of something myself.

Actually...

Hm? Uh-huh... Uh-huh...

You are a lyrical genius, my friend. That title is perfect for this piece!

There's one more thing... Can you wait one day before starting to perform this song? I'd like her to be the first to hear it, and for it to come from my own lips.

How romantic... Do as you wish.

She should hear it if we go to the usual spot.

Right. To the Serena Coast!

Here we are. Time for our ballad's debut performance.

Are you ready, Aldo?

Sure. I've been looking forward to hearing what you two came up with.

I couldn't have done it without your help, either. Thank you for sticking with me all this time.

It's been my pleasure.

Wherever you are, I hope the ocean will carry this song, and my feelings to you...

Wow... I already knew the story, but that song really touched me. This should put an end to those unwholesome rumors.

Not a bad song, but it was a little too melodramatic for my tastes.

That voice...

You came after all.

I couldn't possibly ignore such a beguiling serenade. We merfolk love music.

I didn't know that...

You are the first human to learn so much about us in centuries.

Who are you?

This is the head of our clan.

Oh! Pleased to meet you, sir! What brings you out here?

My darling granddaughter twisted my arm. I can never say no to her. This girl has long been fascinated by humans. She's always making trips onto land, ignoring my warnings of the dangers... And look at her now, in love with a human.

Grandfather!

So that's what you meant...

There is very little I would not do for the sake of my granddaughter's happiness. But I cannot allow her to marry a human. It goes against the most ironclad laws of our people.

However, we may find a solution by turning our thinking around.

Like...if she can't live on land, Kasim could go live in the sea?

Precisely.

Hold up a minute. This is all moving too fast for me... Me, live in the sea? How? Why?

Urgh, are all humans this dense?

Let me spell it out for you. I love you, Kasim! I want to be with you!

What?!

So...uh, so this means... We can actually...be together?

Indeed. However, an invitation to join our world beneath the waves cannot be extended to just anyone. It is my duty to judge whether you are worthy of this honor. That song is all the evidence I need. I sense a strong heart and unshakeable resolve behind its lyrics...

Y-You mean?

The choice is yours, Kasim. Will you join me in the ocean and remain by my side?

I... Are you sure about this? I don't want to be a burden to you.

Don't worry about that. I'll teach you everything you need to know about our world.

......

In that case, I...

There he goes... Living under the sea is probably gonna take some getting used to. But knowing him, he'll be a lot happier this way.

...Well, I've got an adventure of my own to get back to. ...... Good luck, Kasim.