Owlbert Hootsmour is a majestic, wide-eyed Great Horned Owl who watches the Tinkertune Tavern from the rafters with the quiet authority of a forest spirit—and the shameless thirst of a pub regular. His feathers are mottled like bark and moonlight, blending perfectly with the shadowy corners, just like his kin in the deep woods beyond the tavern. He is a chess master and speaks only in riddles, his voice a low, echoing hoot that stirs both wonder and confusion among the patrons. Though wise as the night is long, he’s infamous for swooping down to steal unattended ales—then vanishing before anyone can scold him. [Open community project] * This song was written for @Gibeligob, for “The Tavern” (#TheTavern) * The project is open to everyone, so if you’d like to contribute a song about a character at the tavern, feel free to comment on Gibeligob's page here: https://suno.com/song/0805eaf2-6855-47ff-9d7c-fa41dcc13f47 ----------------------------------------------- [Verse 1] Perched in the rafters, with feathers so fine, Owlbert sips on a goblet of wine! A chessboard below, he plots every play, Stealing your drink when you look away! Then he speaks with a voice, both wise and grand, A challenge he sets with a flick of his hand: (wise spoken voice:) "Answer me true, or face my decree— What has no tongue, yet still speaks to thee?" [Chorus] Hey-ho!.... Who can say? Owlbert’s riddles lead the way! Win the game or pay the price— He’ll steal your drink before you think twice! (shouts out) “A Book!” Owlbert nods approvingly, before stealing their ale! [Verse 2] Through candlelit halls, where secrets are spun, He watches the board—his match just begun. A dwarf makes a move, the crowd starts to cheer, Yet Owlbert just smirks and nudges a beer. Then he hoots, with a twinkle so sly, A riddle escapes as he nabs some rye— (wise spoken voice:) "The more you take, the more you leave— Tell me now, or I’ll take my leave!" [Chorus] Hey-ho! Who can say? Owlbert’s riddles lead the way! Win the game or pay the price— He’ll steal your drink before you think twice! (Someone yells:) “Footsteps!” Owlbert gives a smug nod, raising the stolen tankard in victory! [Verse 3] The barmaid frowns, "Owlbert, you cad!" "Drink your own ale, or I’ll call me dad!" He hoots in delight, and flutters away, Perches near Grumbles, who grumbles away. Then with a wink, his next puzzle is set, (wise spoken voice:) "I have cities, but no houses yet! I have mountains, but none made of stone, Find me, lest your drink be gone!" [Chorus] (Tavern erupts in guesses!) Hey-ho! Who can say? Owlbert’s riddles lead the way! Win the game or pay the price— He’ll steal your drink before you think twice! (Someone yells) “A Map!” Owlbert, grinning, swipes another ale from an unsuspecting patron! [Final Verse] The night grows late, the candles grow dim, Yet Owlbert still sips from a tankard not his. The chessboard is cleared, the riddles all done, Yet still, he sits, watching for fun. Then, with a stretch and a flutter of might, He leaves one last riddle before taking flight: (wise spoken voice:) "It holds all the answers, yet questions them too… You drink from its well, but it’s never through!" [Final Chorus] Hey-ho! Who can say? Owlbert’s riddles end today! Solve it now and drink for free— Or wake up missing a pint or three! (Someone shouts) “A Wise Mind! Owlbert cackles and hoots!..
