Nyla slouched slightly in a booth near the center of the tavern, her hand curled around yet another glass of wine. The warmth of the alcohol buzzed through her veins as she ordered drink after drink, letting the liquid drown out her sorrows and soften the sharp edges of her thoughts. Over the last hour or so, she had lost track of the number of glasses she had consumed—was this her fourth? Fifth? Whatever it was, it was enough to put her into a pleasant haze.
The sound of Aldrick's music filled the air, wrapping itself around her like a bittersweet blanket. She watched him as she drank, his golden eyes focused, his fingers dancing over the strings with a precision and passion that only he could manage. At times, the music blurred into the background as her thoughts turned inward, heavy and muddled. She’d stare at him without truly seeing him, her mind wandering through fragments of the past. Then, with the next strum of Aldrick's lute, the melody would pull her back, her focus drawn to Aldrick and the lively patrons dancing and singing around him.
A nostalgic feeling grew in her chest, breaking through her otherwise solemn mood. The infectious energy of the tavern filled her with a sense of levity. It had been far too long since she’d last performed for a crowd like this, where joy came so easily. This—this moment—felt familiar, almost like home, if she had ever had one. She smiled faintly, the corners of her lips curling ever so slightly upward.
As Aldrick’s song drew to a close, he glanced up from his lute, his golden eyes catching hers across the room. For a heartbeat, everything else faded away. She raised her glass to him, a silent toast in his honor, her small smile and the look in her eyes carrying a knowing warmth. Despite the years, despite the transformations they had both endured, she recognized him. She always would.
Damn. That’s really her. Aldrick couldn’t help but grin as she raised a toast. Too many years had gone by since he’d seen Nyla. Too many years since they’d last performed together, and shared in each other’s company.
He took a graceful bow before the audience before stepping up onto a chair.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve been too kind. This has been an incredible place to perform but I’m afraid I must take a brief intermission. Fear not! The music will return!”The bard jumped down from the chair and snatched his mug of ale in one fell swoop before pacing towards where Nyla was sat. He took a large gulp of his hearty beverage as he walked. A warm smile grew across his face as it became more and more certain that the woman before him was no illusion or misplaced recognition. What little doubt in his mind was now gone.
Nyla’s heart skipped a beat as she noticed Aldrick weaving through the crowd toward her, his warm, golden gaze fixed on hers. She straightened in her seat instinctively, and brushed a stray strand of raven hair from her face, a smile tugging at her lips.
“Nyla. You are truly a sight for sore eyes among this otherwise completely unfamiliar place. I can not fully put into words the joy it brings me to see you again.” Despite the overwhelming emotions running through him, his words flowed like sweet wine. The noise of the tavern’s patrons seemed to fade away in the background as he took a seat across from her, outstretching a hand and placing it atop Nyla’s.
She couldn’t help but laugh softly at his heartfelt greeting—he was still as magnetic as she remembered him to be.
“I’m glad to see you too, Aldrick.” She replied with a grin, her blue eyes alight with the exhilaration of seeing her old friend again. When he placed his hand atop hers, she hesitated, feeling the faint warmth it carried. It was a warmth, like her own, that no longer held the familiar, human heat they once shared.
“Please don’t be alarmed by my… … … otherworldly appearance. Certain parties did not appreciate the messages I was spreading and well… they tried—and succeeded—to kill me.”Aldrick’s smile faltered for a moment and his eyes lowered to his drink.
“It seems the goddesses had different plans however, for I have very much cheated death itself.” He returned his eyes to Nyla with an almost-cheesy grin.
“That or death has a wicked sense of humor, bringing me back to enthrall the masses and stir chaos in the nobility once more.”Her fingers turned under his, her palm now pressing against his as she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
“I’d recognize your voice and your music anywhere, no matter how you might look.” she smiled, her gaze holding his.
Slowly, the genuine and warm look in her eyes shifted into something more playful.
“Your mouth always did have a way of getting you into trouble, didn’t it?” she arched a brow and smirked, the subtle innuendo a nod to the intimacy they had once shared long ago.
Aldrick broke into a grin once more at her words, before raising his hands up in playful surrender.
“Hey, it’s not my fault I’m far more handsome than the lords of Aurelia.” He leaned in a bit closer, looking into her eyes.
“I don’t regret any of it.”Nyla laughed softly, her gaze unwavering as she held his, making no move to retreat as he inched closer. Her voice quieted just slightly, carrying a teasing warmth.
“And neither do I.”As he spoke, her gaze flicked over his features, noting visible changes. He was so different from the man she had known. Yet beneath it all, he was still unmistakably Aldrick. She stared for a moment too long at his horns, her thoughts drifting to her own, hidden just beneath the illusion she so desperately clung to. A flicker of guilt stirred. The words she wanted to say swirled in her mind, but refused to form. He was being so open with her, and yet she still hid. She knew Aldrick would never judge her, yet she couldn’t quite find the courage to face her own reflection, let alone reveal it to him. Not yet. Not now.
“You still play as beautifully as I remember.” she said earnestly, her voice softening. Her expression faltered for a brief moment as she asked,
“Do you plan to stay long, or will you be leaving soon?” She tried to sound casual, but there was a faint vulnerability in her tone. She didn’t want to admit how much she hoped he’d stay, even if just to wait out the winter. Having someone familiar—
someone who wasn’t Flynn—would mean more than she cared to admit.
“Trying to get rid of me already Nyla? I’m wounded.” He smiled, giving her a wink. She smiled, rolling her eyes playfully.
“But truthfully, I don’t know what my future holds. Since I’ve become what I am, I’ve wandered through many villages and towns only to be met with fear and distrust. My previous reputation and legacy remain in the past. They seemed to have died with me to most people.” Aldrick’s smile faded as he spoke. It was true disappointment visible on his face now, not acted or playful. He reached for his mug once more, taking a noticeably longer drink from it than before.
When he finished, his somber gaze remained on the table.
“Only time will tell if the sentiment remains, but the people of Dawnhaven have thus far been both welcoming to me and mostly indifferent to my appearance. I have no other place to lay my head these days. My parents passed not longer before I did, and a bard has little need of a farm that he will not be around to attend. I have only gold and my instruments to my name these days.”Nyla’s smile slowly faded as she listened. She could empathize about having no place to call home and facing the fear or mistrust of others.
“I’m so sorry about your parents, Aldrick,” she said softly, watching as he stared at the table, his mind worlds away. She hesitated, wanting to say more, to tell him she understood what it felt like, to be seen as something other than yourself. But the words still caught in her throat. Instead, she just sat there.
A small smile returned to his face as his eyes returned to his friend.
“In short, I don’t see myself going anywhere. Not anytime soon at least. And I appreciate your condolences. They died peacefully, and not long apart. They truly could not bear being apart from each other.”She returned his smile with her own.
“I’m glad to hear you’ll be staying awhile.” A subtle sense of relief settled in her chest, as if some unspoken weight had been lifted. Whatever else happened, at least Aldrick would be here.
“I’ll be staying for the foreseeable future, too.”Grabbing her wine glass, she raised it with a playful glint in her eyes.
“To two wandering souls—who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.” she grinned at him as she offered her glass toward his mug.
“May Dawnhaven survive us both.” Aldrick raised his mug to the toast with a nod.
“And may the tales of our exploits and mischief be taken to our graves.” The glasses clinked together with a soft chime, and he shot Nyla a grin before taking a healthy swig. She finished off what was left in her glass.
Setting her glass down, she took a steadying breath, the alcohol suddenly making itself more known. Leaning back slightly, she let her gaze drift to the front of the tavern, where both Aldrick and the puppeteers' performances had taken place.
“Speaking of trouble,” she started, looking back to Aldrick,
“what did you make of that puppet man from earlier?” She shook her head, a shiver running through her.
“He gave me the creeps.”Aldrick raised a brow before nodding.
“He does make me feel a bit uneasy, truth be told. I can’t help but feel like that show had more to it than just a tale for the children. It seemed a bit… personal.” He tilted his head, looking back over his shoulder to the now empty place where he’d been performing from, as if it held any answers.
“That, and interrupting my act is absolutely unforgivable, obviously.”Aldrick then paused for a moment in thought, his eyes wandering across the patrons of the tavern. He tilted his head a bit once more and looked back to Nyla inquisitively.
“The way he picked you from the crowd was also a bit odd. Have you crossed paths with him before?”Without realizing it, Nyla nervously bit her lower lip and her gaze fell to the table, a small gesture that betrayed her thoughts. Unaware of how the alcohol had dulled her composure, she was likely being far more transparent than she intended, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes.
For a few moments her gaze lingered on the table, her thoughts seemingly elsewhere, a subtle sign that she might be holding something back. She hadn’t crossed paths with the puppeteer before—but Flynn… Flynn was another matter. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers absently fiddling with the edge of her jacket sleeve beneath the table.
“I didn’t know him,” she finally said, her voice steady but quieter.
“Well—20 minutes prior to him interrupting you—he spoke to me when he first came into the tavern. Just in passing.” She shrugged, not thinking much of the interaction. Still, it
was odd that he had called her on stage, out of all people there. Did Gadez—or Halcyon—know something? How could he? She wondered if the exchange of glances between her and the Prince had been too obvious. Had they drawn Gadez’s attention? Was that why he had chosen her?
Her mind spun with questions she dared not voice. Was it even appropriate to bring up her history with Flynn? It had been a secret even then, and now—well, things were more complicated. She felt the weight of it all pressing on her chest, begging to be let out. The truth lingered on the edge of her tongue, but she swallowed it down. This wasn’t the time, and she wasn’t sure if it ever would be. Yet, carrying all these secrets around felt heavier by the second. For a moment, she nearly gave in, the urge to confide in Aldrick almost overwhelming.
Instead, she glanced up as a waitress passed. Seizing the opportunity, she leaned forward, calling out,
“Excuse me! Another round for us, please.” The waitress nodded, promising to return shortly, and Nyla offered her a grateful smile before turning back to Aldrick.
Aldrick made sure to catch the waitress’ attention before she walked off again.
“Put it all under my name, please and thank you miss.” He gave her a nod before turning back to Nyla.
“And before you protest, today’s beverages are on my mum and dad. I have a healthy bit of coin from selling the farm. This is the least I can do for a long lost friend.” She smiled, her gaze softened as she met his golden eyes.
“Fine, fine.” As the alcohol continued to loosen her guard, she felt a pang of gratitude—whether from the drinks or the warmth of his presence, she couldn’t tell.
“I’m just so glad you’re here.”“The feeling is mutual. I’ve missed your company Nyla.” The bard replied warmly with the slight bow of his head before finishing the last of his drink. As his awareness of the surrounding tavern returned, Aldrick couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. Sure, there were voices everywhere and thoughts could easily be lost among them. But it was still just… … … too quiet for his tastes.
“This place, while lovely, could do with a bit more… life to it, don’t you think?” He shot his signature grin at Nyla before turning his eyes back to the crowd.
“Yes, I do believe it could do with just a touch more…” He paused, though clearly for playful and dramatic effect as he feigned trying to find the right word.
“Magic.” His golden eyes seemed to glow brighter momentarily as the word left his lips.
The bard stood from his place abruptly and yet with a cat’s grace. With the smile never leaving his face, he turned and took a gentle bow towards Nyla. As he did, he extended his arm towards her and offered his hand. Behind him, thin wisps of light began to dance around both his lute and violin, carrying them gently in the air. An act he had not performed in years and one he could not sustain for more than a handful of minutes without the sun’s presence.
But today? Today he felt was deserving of such a feat. And moreso, his friend was deserving of it.
“My lovely lady, would you join me for a dance?”Nyla's eyes widened slightly, captivated by the ethereal glow of light that seemed to breathe life into Aldrick’s instruments. She couldn’t help but wonder—was this a gift born from his transformation, or had he mastered a new art in the time they’d been apart?
Her thoughts lingered only briefly before his warm smile drew her gaze back to him. Without hesitation, she slipped her hand into his. Rising from her seat, she returned his grin.
“I’d be honored.”The moment she stood, a slight wobble in her step reminded her of just how much she’d indulged, but she steadied herself quickly. Dancing while intoxicated was hardly new territory for her, though Aldrick’s hand in hers offered a sense of grounding too. Excitement fluttered in her chest as she let him lead her toward the center of the room, where others had swayed to his music earlier. It had been far too long since she’d danced for her own enjoyment.
Aldrick released Nyla’s hand for a moment as they stood. He sent her a cheeky wink before turning to face the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen I do believe that is a long enough intermission as any.” He called out across the crowd.
“Now, may I present the main event!” And with his words he began to clap along to a moderate tempo, his eyes looking across the audience. Though words were unspoken, his request was clear. Slowly but surely the crowd began to clap at the same beat. A moment later, Aldrick’s lute, violin and kick-drum soared above the crowd surrounded by the almost-angelic glow of light-magic. Another moment and they began to play, hovering just inches above the patrons’ heads.
Nyla watched in awe, her lips parting in amazement before curling into a smile.
"That's new." [Song]With this tune, he grabbed Nyla’s hand and gently dragged her into the crowd. There was no conscious thought or effort in the movement of his body as he began to lead her in a fast-paced jig. It was a casual, fun dance that they’d enjoyed thoroughly in their earlier years as friends and one that didn’t require much finesse. Mistakes were expected, even welcomed.
The bard’s head swayed with the rhythm, his golden eyes smiling almost as much as his mouth. Though the alcohol was certainly buzzing in his head, the music never faltered and its notes never off. The gentle rumble of feet on wood boards filled the room below the sound of the fast-paced tune, providing a much needed rich-ness and bass. For the percussion, many patrons still clapped along to the tempo provided by the kick-drum; it pounded away under the influence of the same light-magic.
Despite all the wine, her feet found the rhythm effortlessly. She matched Aldrick’s movements with ease, swaying when he swayed, their steps falling into perfect sync. Of everything she’d endured lately, this felt the most natural. A giggle escaped her as she twirled beneath his hand, feeling a burst of joy that threatened to take all her defenses down. For a moment, all her worries melted away, and it felt as though they’d slipped back into the past, reliving the carefree moments they once shared.
“You really have a gift, you know that?” she said through breathless laughter as they moved together in step, her cheeks slightly flushed. Her voice softened as she added,
“Not just for music,” she added, glancing to the enchanted instruments before returning her gaze to him.
“But for bringing life into a room. For making people feel… like this.” She gestured to the crowd, now cheering and dancing along, before spinning back into his arms with a grin.
“Making people feel like this is the reason I get out of bed every morning.” He smiled, his eyes taking in every moment. Time almost seemed to slow as he continued to dance. Sure he had danced, sang and played his heart out in the weeks leading up to his arrival in Dawnhaven. The small villages dotting the landscape still welcomed his presence despite his current appearance.
But the way he felt now, that was something he’d not felt in years. Happiness. True happiness. In this moment there was nothing else that mattered in the world. Seeing his long-lost friend enjoying herself as much as she was, it meant everything.
As the song began to wind down, Nyla felt a flicker of boldness rise within her. The music, the crowd, the atmosphere and the alcohol swirling through her veins all conspired against her. She stepped a little closer to Aldrick, her heart beating faster as she leaned in.
“Can I tell you a secret?” she whispered, her voice soft as her gaze locked with his.
“As always, Nyla, you can tell me anything and I will take it to the grave if that is what you wish.” He whispered back, giving her a playful wink. It was clear that the alcohol was definitely having an affect on him as well.
“I would never betray your trust.”Nyla’s grin softened into something more tender as she intertwined her fingers with Aldrick’s, leaning into him for support as her balance wavered. Her forehead came to rest against his shoulder briefly, her eyes focusing on the ground beneath her feet. The gesture felt natural, a familiar closeness she didn’t have to think twice about. She let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes as the world seemed to spin just slightly. The secrets she carried felt too heavy, too insistent to be contained any longer. But did she really want to do this?
Straightening, she met his gaze with a softer, more vulnerable expression, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“Come.”Still holding his hand, she tugged him gently off the dance floor, weaving through the lively crowd. She followed the path that Flynn had taken her only a few hours ago, slipping into the back of the tavern, through the kitchen, and out the back door into the crisp, quiet night. The door closed softly behind them, muffling the sounds of the tavern within.
For a moment, she stood still, her fingers still laced with his as the moonlight illuminated the snowdrifts around them. Her breath formed soft puffs in the chilly air, and she looked at him, searching his eyes for a moment before releasing his hand.
Slowly, a faint shimmer began to surround her, golden flecks like tiny fireflies sparking to life around her. The glow dimly illuminated the space around them for a brief moment, the illusion she had been maintaining for so long beginning to fade as the lights began to flicker in and out of existence.
Her horns, black and gold, emerged atop her head. Pointed ears became visible, and butterfly-like wings unfurled from her back. Her skin shimmered with a faint golden, glittery hue, as if dusted with starlight. Intricate golden designs ran along her body, glowing softly with a metallic sheen that caught and reflected in the moonlight.
When the transformation was complete, the shimmering dust faded, leaving only her true form. The strain of upholding the illusion had lifted, leaving her with a fleeting feeling of weightlessness. She took a small step back, giving him a faint sheepish smile as she raised her hands slightly, gesturing toward herself in silent explanation.
Aldrick scanned her new features as they appeared, his expression was pure curiosity and marvel.
How did I never think of masking my features with magic? He pondered for a moment with a grin on his face.
You always were a clever one Nyla.His golden eyes met her ocean blues, a smile ever present on his face.
“I did not realize it was possible for you to become more breathtaking, Nyla.” He closed the distance between them, placing his hands gently on the side of her shoulders. Memories of their previous exploits filled his mind, his curiosity now fixed on figuring out just how Nyla, of all people, was taken by the Blight. He didn’t know of anyone who wanted her out of the picture.
An accident then? Perhaps she wandered off the beaten trail too far. He shrugged internally. It was a mystery for another time.
“I can’t imagine the energy you spend trying to keep up the guise of your old self.” He gave her a reassuring smile, pulling her into an embrace.
“You don’t have to hide, Nyla. Not from me in the least, and not from the people here from what I’ve seen.” His voice was kept quiet and soft in her ear, but the warmth in it was ever-present. There was no judgement in his tone, no disdain in his eyes. There was only the look of caring and unconditional love for one of his few remaining friends.
Nyla’s lips curved into a soft, playful smile at Aldrick’s compliment, her expression seeming to say,
I don’t quite believe you, but I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless. As he pulled her into his arms, she let herself melt into his embrace, resting her head against his chest and wrapping her arms around him. Closing her eyes, she let the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothe her. He was right—it
was exhausting. As the weight lifted, it felt as though she could physically feel the energy draining from her body, evaporating into the night air.
She lingered there for a few beats before speaking, savoring the moment. How long had it been since she had last been embraced by someone who actually cared for her?
“I suppose you’re right,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Yet, as the words left her lips, a pang of unease stirred in her chest. It still
felt wrong.
Memories flashed in her mind—the piercing eyes of the noble spectators, whispers shared over wine glasses as they spoke about her. The way they looked at her as though she were a circus animal on display. She had been made into a spectacle, a creature to be marveled at and judged all at once, their fascination laced with disdain and disgust.
It wasn’t like the way crowds had once gazed at her on stage—back when she was human. Back then, their eyes had been filled with joy, captivated by her music and movement. She had basked in their admiration, wrapped in the euphoria of shared delight. It was different now.
Finally, she stood upright, still keeping her arms around him as she tilted her head back to meet his gaze. Her eyes shimmered with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty as she whispered,
“Thank you, Aldrick.”Her gaze flicked briefly toward the tavern door, and a spark of her usual mischief returned as her lips quirked into a faint smile.
“You should probably head back—before they riot,” she teased, her tone light despite the heaviness lingering in her chest.
“I’d hate to be blamed for stealing their bard away.”
Member
Snowdrops
PrinceAlexus
Silent Showers
SpicyMeatball
ChronicleMan
c3p-0h
AWildSquirtle
BlackRoseSiren
Theyra
Dezuel
