Once Upon a Song🔊

In a landscape shrouded by the tendrils of the morning mist, sat the quaint village of Serenia. Residing in this serene village were a remarkable duo, Melvin and his enchanting parrot Pogo. Not only were they the closest of companions, but they also swarmed the air of Serenia with their exquisite melodies that became their unique language of communication. Melvin was a humble guitar-maker, and together, their symphony was a sweet, soulful and utterly unforgettable offering to the ears of the villagers. Such was their influence, that the village itself seemed to sway like a pendulum with their rhythm.

Rumours in the village hinted at Melvin’s guitars being magical, for every string seemed to play a note of beauty that no other instrument could replicate. Melvin would only smile and touch his wooden talisman when he heard these rumours. His ancestors, who were famous musicians, had left him the talisman, a token of luck and musical enchantment.

One day, a stranger rode into the village. Draped in fine clothes of the majesty’s court, his arrival filled the village with a sense of apprehension and unease. He was Ser Marlow, an envoy from the king, renowned for his love for music--every note, every rhythm, every melody was said to soothe his restless heart. He had heard of the magical melodies of Serenia and had come to invite Melvin and Pogo to the king’s court.

Despite all the glittering promises and alluring offers, Melvin hesitated, for he had never ventured out of Serenia. However, Pogo’s curious and excited chirping persuaded him. On the day of departure, they were seen off by the teary-eyed residents, the pain of distance momentarily eased by the strumming of Melvin’s guitar and Pogo’s harmonious accompaniment.

At the king’s court, their entrance sparked curiosity amongst the high-bred, cultured art aficionados. They politely applauded, eagerly anticipating the performance. As Melvin strummed the first note on his guitar and Pogo matched it with his sweet lament, hushed whispers fell silent. The harmonious blend of Melvin’s guitar and Pogo’s melodious whistle filled the grand hall, captivating everyone in its magical aura. The king fell into a trance, swaying with the rhythm, his eyes closed as if in a peaceful slumber.

Once the last note echoed into silence, a thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall, the cheers echoing off the grand golden walls. The king stood up and, teary-eyed, proclaimed that no music had ever soothed his heart as Melvin and Pogo’s melody had. He wished for Melvin to stay in his castle and play for him every day, offering him riches and honour in return. But Melvin, despite the overwhelming treatment, gently refused, saying that his music belonged to Serenia and its people. His melodious tunes owed their debt to the tranquillity and love of his home.

Honouring his request, the king bestowed upon him the ‘Knight of Melodies’ title, whose magic he believed would now live forever in the annals of his kingdom. The court painter captured this unforgettable moment in a grand portrait of Melvin and Pogo, which would hold a place of pride in the royal art gallery.

So, their magical symphony spread from the humble serenity of a village to the splendid halls of the king’s court, teaching all who heard it that intrinsic values held a charm that not even the shiniest of jewels could surpass. Although they returned to their humble origins, their saga continued to echo around the kingdom, the tale of a humble guitar-maker and his parrot, competing in glory with the mightiest of knights, the wisest of scholars and the bravest of warriors in the king’s court.