#the beauty of briar’s bailey | nox

[nyf-archive]

When she sees that he’s noticed her, there is a softer look to her eyes. He is horrified. He shouldn’t be. Nox doesn’t flinch, doesn’t even move as he closes the distance between them. There is naught but a smile on her face as she reaches out for him with her unharmed appendage.

She’s not scared of him. She’s not worried about how much it hurts, because at the moment it doesn’t. Her partner is all that she is worried about. What caused him to have such a nightmare? To have stirred the beast within him so quickly? His hands gripping her cause her to whimper for but a second in discomfort, but as he pulls away and begins to invoke his own magic does she sit ever still, compliant to his orders.

His magic soothes her being and helps in tandem with her own healing abilities as the wound completely shuts and is no longer a threat to her health. Once all is said and done, Nox reaches up and begins to prestidigitate all the blood away from both their forms, cleaning up the mess as if it had never happened. And when she’s done, does she place her hand against his cheek.

“Look at me, Halsin…this isn’t your fault…I know what you’re thinking but it’s okay.” Her voice is ever gentle, soothing, ready to calm any emotions that would lead him astray or to make quick judgement calls. “Please, don’t go.” Her opalescent eyes flicker to try and catch his gaze, to try and convince him to stay despite how he may be feeling in this moment. “I’m okay…”

He hadn't felt his claws melt through her flesh, hadn't known that he had caught her in the midst of his change and mild rage fit... and with his head hung, he hadn't noticed the blood on her form. But the blood on the sheets, the blood on the bed? That he certainly noticed. A growing horror seats itself firmly in his chest as he follows the spray of blood, noticing that some of it had gotten onto himself as well ...

and when he found the source, the horror only grew until he felt he could weep. Eyes as wide as saucers, Halsin stared at Nox for some time before he surges to his feet, covering the distance between them in two long strides. With his hands falling to her shoulders, the urgency in his gaze is undeniable, brows furrowed upwards in his extreme worry.

"Nothing too bad! Look at yourself, Nox!" His voice was raised in his worry for her, grip tightening for a moment before he pulls his hands away, closing his eyes to focus his magic ... and soon a pleasant yellow glow emerges from his hands. "Here, let me-" there's no room for argument as he places his hands on the already-knitted flesh, attempting to heal it further than she already had.

[nyf-archive]

@lclthlcved continued from x

"Don't worry, darling. You needn't be so feisty with me." The pale-elf appearing woman would raise her hands in defense, laughing a little bit to herself as she clears her throat and takes her violin and puts it to her shoulder. "You use not melody for your magic like I do, but the way your body flows when you channel...here. Let me show you." She would play a soft melody, her figure moving in that of flowing sound in the direction of the drow, and with a crescendo, the magic drifts over Barrae, copying her in the next moment with a minor illusion, making it move beside her as if to show her what she saw. And it danced over and over again while the woman concentrated.

"I was only saying that I admire it. How your body channels it, uses it to attack, to heal. 'Tis all I was saying, dear heart." Another titter of laughter falls from her lips before she puts her violin back to her back as she keeps her eyes on the illusion. "I wish mine flowed as beautifully as yours. The poise. Power. Control...it's something to be praised upon, really."

[nyf-archive]

@never-surrender asked | Halsin is DELIGHTED to give Nox a kiss. His lips are warm and surprisingly gentle for his size, and when it ends? Halsin chases after Nox for a split second, smiling once it's ended. "Mmm.. you taste as delectable as honey-"

The changeling is surprised by the man's soft kiss. Nearly a head and a half taller than her, she was expecting more of a gruff nature, but he was as delicate as any. There is a bit of a smile that comes to her features as he follows, it grows only brighter as she covers her mouth with a titter of laughter. "Do you use that line oft?" a teasing wrinkle of her nose is given as she delicately touches his cheek. "Dare I say, that was one of the most pleasant tokens I've ever experienced. Thank you, Halsin."

[nyf-archive]

@necromanticdancer continued from x

The woman sat there, wiping the blood from her fists as she looks back to the elf and nods her head. She honestly didn't blame them for getting angry. Technically, being a racist feck-shite was one way to get yourself kicked out of her establishment. So no, Nox didn't stop them when they lashed out and attacked her patron.

"I don't think they'll be making any further slurs in their conversations, right lads?" Nox looked to them as she put her lyre on the counter and looked to her crew to motion to get this mess taken care of.She truly didn't care for the fighting, but as soon as it came to murder, that's where she had to draw the line. She hummed softly, a lilting lullaby like melody as she moves over to the drow-blooded creature and gently places her hands against his shoulders from behind, imbuing them with a bit of calming energy before softly redirecting them to the side.

"Now, now, love. Can't have brains all over my tavern floor. It'd be bad for business if you have enforcers coming in here, now. Come along and have a drink with me and get your mind off those idiots, hmm?"

[nyf-archive]

@unfortunatedarling asked | "when you are not fed love on a silver spoon, you learn to lick it off knives"

The changeling, though disguised as a tanned, ivory haired elven woman, would flicker her gaze to the humanoid across from her. A soft smirk finds her features and she nods quietly.

"Your words do not fall upon deaf ears, darling. Look around. These people, my staff, we're all familiar with the double-edged sword that is love." A smile, though one of a somber sort, finds her features. "You needn't worry about consequences here. Everyone gives freely, spoon or hand fed, if you so desire." Within the Bailey was the Garden of Rapture; a hidden bordello that was only accessible to those deemed worthy enough.

"If you're lucky, you might even hear the Mistress of the house perform. They say her songs soothe all who listen. Like a siren or a harpy. Except there's no excruciating death at the end of it."

[nyf-archive]

@insearchofstory asked | ❝ i just….need some air…clear my head. ❞

"Sure, no problem, dear. I'll make sure your drink is safe." Nox smiled softly at the other, watching as he moves towards the door. She puts his things behind the bar with one of her other workers before leaving and walking to him. Her form shifts from that of her changeling skin to a more normal looking half-elf girl and follows after him to make sure he doesn't fall unconscious or anything.

"Easy does it, lad...I can help calm your nerves if need be...bard by trade, healer by nature and all..." She speaks softly and pats him on the back softly. "I know my appearance can be ghastly, but I hope I didn't scare you." Nox chuckles. She had shifted inside when speaking to one of her customers who had asked her about who to speak to in the bordello area of their establishment. It was normal for her, second nature. But some people found her and her abilities appalling.

[nyf-archive]

@justanothermultimuse | continued from x

She had been afraid to approach the group, afraid that they were just like those warriors that Zevlor had knocked heads with several times. She didn't want to throw her lot in with those who just abandoned their own in the face of danger. So when they returned? The changeling was surprised, impressed even. Maybe they could help them all return home.

Though she had been disguised as a tiefling in the druid camp, Halsin had sussed her out and asked her to reveal herself, to which she had done, in hopes of being honest with the Druid, at least. She accompanied the larger man to the party, accepting his guidance by his arm. He had only been trying to be a gentleman.

So, the pale creature stood there in the middle of it all, taking in the sights and sounds of all that was happening. She heard him before she saw him, and when her dark eyes clocked the tiefling moving towards her, there was a nervous shift of energy, but she smiled nonetheless and turned towards him, her own black gown had been saved after her escape from the nautiloid, so she was able to wear it again after this time. Watching the hand reach out towards her, Nox's hand curled away for a moment and swallowed hard. It was fine. They meant her no harm.

"My apologies...I don't mean any offense. It just takes me a minute to reciprocate friendly touch..." she laughs nervously before her fingers uncurl and she is able to place her hand delicately in his. "My name is Nox...I was hiding in the grove with the others...I uh...I was on the ship as well. I fear we're both afflicted with the same wigglers." Very gently does she shake his hand and smile a little softer.

[nyf-archive]

The changeling laughs a little more and shakes her head. "See? There. You've won four times. Much better than only winning once." She pulls out a red marker and draws a little heart on it before folding it back up and handing it back to Barrae. "And now! For your prize!" With that, the changeling stands on her tip toes and gives the cleric a kiss to her cheek.

@notyetfixed

She takes the paper back before crossing out the center space before giving it back.

[nyf-archive]

@never-surrender asked | Halsin is nearly breathless as he enters the inn, his companions struggling to keep up. The instant he had seen this place he had been drawn like a moth to a campfire, a sense of peace sweeping over him when he went through the doors. This.. he could sleep here, and know he was safe, a fact he wouldn't have felt for many nights since arriving in Balders Gate. Wandering forward, he absolutely towered over nearly everybody, painfully out of place in his druid garb amongst the city dwellers. He didn't seek out the owner... not yet. Instead, he stands in the middle, head tilted back, eyes closed... and simply basked.

The tavern sits in one of the lower corners of the lower city, hidden and tucked away into the corners where most people wouldn't dare travel in fear of 'being knifed'. That was alright. If people thought so lowly of those in these parts of town, then they needn't wander here. Briar's Bailey Inn was a place all of it's own. Though secluded in the town, it was bustling with life. There was a cacophony of people here of all backgrounds of life. There was naught but peace in within these walls. The peace that surrounded the patrons was that of her doing. There was no segregation, no judgement here.

"Welcome to the Briar! Open seating, so pick where you'd like, darlin'! There's tea floatin' around, so grab it when it goes by! I'll be with you in a moment!" A lithe woman, no taller than five-foot-five waived at the looming druid, watching as he basked in the warmth, in whichever sense it meant for him.

[nyf-archive]

@necromanticdancer asked | caught 

It was supposed to be an easy trip. Just one. Back and forth to get the goods and then back home. It turned into everything but. The changeling had used all of her magicks. She could feel her connection to said phenomenon fading quickly as her consciousness also waned. While everyone else was now uninjured, she had sacrificed a bit of her own vitality to make sure that the rest of the group was safe and standing.

She could barely hear Evoka calling her name, her gaze lifting to meet theirs as the glamour of her magic fades and her changeling features become prominent once more. The ability to hold her form together faded almost entirely in that moment. The pitch scars beneath her eyes are revealed. There is concern upon that of the party's face, but her eyes can only focus on Evoka who is quick to her side, their arms catching her just as her legs give out, body no longer physically capable of holding herself up.

Nox feels as though she weighs as much as a rothe. Her limbs do not respond to her movements, barely able to pick her head up as she apologizes profusely to her companion. It comes out in a garbled mess, but the 'i'm sorry, i'm sorry' is all that can be made out as she slips in and out of a state of consciousness

[nyf-archive]

@oathwilled asked | the true character of any city is found among its poor.

A brow is raised at the man's words, a soft grin finding her features a moment afterwards. The ever changing figure would nod her head as she refills his cup and places it before him at the bar.

"Truer words have never been spoken, if I do say so myself." Briar's Bailey was nestled into the middle of the lower city, so she catered to all those around her. "We keep eachother safe out here. Especially here at the Bailey. So, if you're looking for character, you've come to the right place." The woman, appearing as a pale tiefling, would look around to her patrons and her compatriots. They intermingled, laughed, bantered about, and even were making deals if you could pick up on the Cant.

"I've not seen your face 'round my tavern before. Are you stopping through town or are you here for purpose? Maybe I can help get you sorted."

[nyf-archive]

📜

Molly: You're the love of my life and my best friend, I would do anything for you. Evoka: I want you to eat three meals a day and have a decent sleep schedule. Molly: Absolutely not.

Nox: Don’t worry, I have a few knives up my sleeve. Evoka: I think you mean cards. Nox, pulling knives out of their sleeves: No, I do not.

[nyf-archive]

not me and @never-surrender and our big brain energy with how EASY it was to come up with a tag and title for our muses' ship name

[nyf-archive]

Nox watches as they smile at her, the exhaustion plain as day now that their walls were somewhat lowered. The changeling gently touches their shoulder again. "It is my pleasure, Evoka." It always seemed to good to be true. That was what some people found weary. But, for those who came seeking refuge, found exactly that.

She never blamed anyone for turning and running the opposite direction or denying her help. Some people had terrible things happen to them which made them utterly suspicious of her intentions.

But even still, if they came back, the help was always given. No one owed. No one was tricked. It was all just given. Now that was hard for people to understand, too. But, Nox always gave everyone the opportunity to experience it themselves. Evoka would be no different. Even if they thought her intentions ill, she would shrug it off and leave it on the table. This wasn't her first round of helping those who were mistrustful.

"Well, then you may earn your keep if that is how you feel. You mustn't do anything here you don't wish to do. But, none here will stop you from doing whatever it is you wish. Just now that it isn't required for you to do any of that. We are indeed all part of a whole, but the whole requires all of it's parts to work well." Her voice is softer as she begins to stand, but as the drow hugs onto her, is there pause.

Nox smiles ever so gently, her arms wrapping around them in return, giving a gentle, reassuring squeeze. She never wants to pull away from those who seem so lost and withdrawn. They are like hugs you give to children. Only when the little one is done hugging, do you end it. Her hand smooths along their back for a moment, and whenever it is that they feel ready to release her, does she pull away and catch their gaze.

"You are quite exhausted, darling. Let me show you to your room so you can get to that bath and bed." Turning her eyes to that of one of her barkeeps, she makes a hand motion to note to them that she was heading out for the night.

It's strange to be coddled and fretted over. To be touched with such kindness and consideration. Such a rare and precious thing indeed, there was no telling what lengths Evoka would go to or what they'd chase for the chance to truly feel loved. Even if now it's just momentarily done out of sympathy and one piece of the changeling's very large heart.

Not even their mother had been so gentle in half forgotten memories nor any fleeting lover sought after for comfort and pleasure or the settling of a debt. Not like this, not with such sincerity and true genuine care. Something often promised but rarely delivered.

The fact she proposes and highlights wanting nothing in return makes the worst of Evoka's mind rile back with suspicion. They learned the hard way that handouts are not always given without expectations. The other part of themselves that remains hopeful and optimistic chooses to believe that there are good people everywhere. That even in this cruel city charity and selfless acts may still survive. Perhaps Evoka just hadn't known where to look and now that's changed.

Returning her smile with their own, one now much softer though still betraying the bone deep exhaustion. "Thank you." The words don't feel nearly enough to offer in return. Which is strange isn't it? If Evoka had the power, finances and place in which to offer the same kindness they wouldn't ask for more from the struggling either. But yet it feels different when it's them taking up space, spending her offered coin and making a scene in her sanctuary. Perhaps Evoka could do with some self directed kindness and understanding. For now they choose not to dwell on it.

"You're far too kind." Spoken but not meant. Kindness was not a limited resource in of itself and the realm would be better with more people like her in it. "All I want at the moment is someplace safe to wash and sleep. I'd like to at least try to earn my keep, give back where I can or feel as if I've earned new boots. In my home grove if of sound mind and body we must contribute, even if it's repairing another's hammock or feeding seeds to the birds. We are all part of a greater whole. But my mind is struggling and my body aches. I'd be able to speak on what I can offer as I settle in once properly rested and no longer on the brink of madness."

"Thank you," Said again. Rather unsure of themselves and awkward the half-drow hugs her lightly. Giving her the chance to pull away if she wants. "It's nice to know that friends and kindred spirits can be found even in dark places such as this."

[nyf-archive]

@never-surrender asked | ∗ o7﹕ sender  wraps  their  arms  around  a  hysterical  receiver  to  calm  them

He was there. And then he wasn't. She waded in the rivers of the underdark and looked for him through the rubble of the battlefield that he destroyed in order to give them time. Nox did this for hours. Every last ounce of her strength went into finding him.

And when she finally did, the pale little creature pulled him from the water, cursing and screaming and begging for this to be a dream. All while his party sat and watched in the distance, unable to say or do anything. It had been too long for them to use a spell. Too long for a scroll to be used. And the threads of fate had already been spun.

But Nox refused to believe this was the end of the line. She had just found him. Had just found what her happiness was going to be with him. And then her father took it all away. And she had to wrap him up. Had to take care of him so delicately. Made sure that he would not decompose on her, and she watched over his corpse like a sentinel. With some supplies abandoned in the underdark, Nox made a proper resting place for him in the cart so that he was carried with dignity back to the surface.

And once they had returned, did she rest. And when she had rested, did she call in almost every last one of her favors that was owed to her by the wizard that helped her build her home. Magic bled from the city with one spell. One phrase; "I wish."

The color returned to his features. His body was made whole again. Breath flooded his lungs, and those beautiful eyes opened once more. And she wept. Oh how the bard cried. How she sobbed and chided him for being stupid. For doing that to her. For leaving her alone. For giving her happiness and then immediately taking it away with such heroic stupidity.

But it all began to ebb away as he wrapped his arms around her. His natural cologne filled her senses, his heart beat lulled her racing thoughts, and though her tears still fell, Nox could only shake with relief. She nuzzled into his shoulder and gripped him as though he would disappear in the next moment. She would've given up everything if that was what it would have taken.

[nyf-archive]

@never-surrender asked | [SACRIFICE]: the sender cups the receiver's face tenderly to distract them, right before shoving them out of the way (to safety) and facing an attack alone in order to buy the receiver enough time to escape.

Her skin has split over her brow, blood has trickled into her eye and all down the left side of her face. A few bones have most certainly been broken. It was getting harder to breathe. This was her Father's doing. The man had shifted into a Nightwalker before their eyes, a huge and twisted creature. Was this what he was doing all those years while she was passed around like an heirloom? Making deals with whatever he could manage. He looked now like this hideous creature, and he was set on killing her and all of her companions now. The woman made for her violin, but saw that it was broken into thousands of tiny little pieces.

There was still magic left in her. She could feel it coursing through her body, was ready to take the man who did this to her, to finally be free of the nightmare that he was. He is that incarnate, now. His shadowy form looms over her, and for a moment, she is paralyzed with fear. She can feel the blade in her collar, can feel the blood seeping out and oozing down her arm that fateful night. Before he decided to sell her like some common livestock. The stench of blood fills her senses, and unbeknownst to her, tears cascade in rivers down her cheeks. Nox is stunned, the creature's hand pointed at her as if ready to attack in the next moment.

But it never came. She could see the purple radiance of Gale's magic lingering in the sky, dissipating the beam of magic that was intended for her. Pulled only briefly from her fear, can she see Halsin is now in front of her. His hand is warm upon her cheek. Pale lashes flutter in recognition of his healing seeping into her bones. His words fall upon deaf ears. All Nox knows is that the tears fall faster now. Has she doomed them all? He said he would protect her, but she didn't want that to be until death do they part. There is a choked sound as she grasps desperately onto his hand, head shaking as she realizes what he's doing, but it is a moment too late.

His other hand has taken her by the waist, and before she can stop him, he's tossed her to Karlach who holds her fiercely in her arms.

"HALSIN! HALSIN PLEASE! NO!" Her voice cries out for him, immediately her hands trying to pry the tiefling's arms from around her, she watches as the elf begins to glow, the radiance of his light and of nature around him swirling to life. She's half carried, half dragged away from the scene as the earth begins to crumble away at their feet, plates shifting and splitting the earth between them and what fate would have awaited them. She screams his name over and over again, doing anything she can to get out of the hold. No. She didn't want to lose anyone else! She couldn't!

"HALSIN!" Her voice cracks, she begs to be released, but Karlach is finally able to get a hold of her, hugging her tightly as they run, whispering apologies to her as she hugs her close. The changeling cannot contain her emotions as she clings to the barbarian. This was agony. This was torture.

This was worse than death itself.