Momma Said Knock You Out

Trying to get sleep has been a nightmare, literally. That's why Kaydon has been awake for two days, subsisting on coffee and his training to not fall asleep. Even then he manages to nod off while sitting at the bar, and as soon as he falls asleep, he gets that same sensation of falling and he tumbles backwards off the stool, which does at least manage to wake him up, and probably announce to everyone around that he's awake with his scream

He may jerk. He may scream. He may topple back from the stool... But at least he doesn't fall flat on the floor thanks to someone catching him. "I was going to ask why you look like warmed over shit, moreso than usual for a jarhead, but I think I already got that answer," remarks a familiar voice as she hoists the were-gnoll back onto his seat with little effort. Hosses be stonk, yo. Especially ones that pride themself on not being a squishy glass cannon type of spellcaster.

That's always the fun with Kauchemar, you never know if she just showed up, or if she's been lurking somewhere just out of sight. Because she has that knack of being there to notice just when the time is right for her to be there and be noticed.

"Oh..Hey Kauchemar." Kaydon says, as he lays there in her arms for a moment, before getting put back up onto his stool, "I haven't slept in days, this damn debuff.." He mutters, "From the haunted mines. Haven't been able to sleep since."

Kauchemar tilts her head. "Debuff, huh? From a haunted mine..." She props her fingertips under the gnoll's chin to lift his head a bit as if examining it. "And it's disrupting your sleep... and that's messing up your circadian rhythm." If such a thing actually exists in this world. "Well, fortunately for you, I'm here." She withdraws her hand, stepping to the side and plopping down on the stool next to the other were fang. "And who better to deal with a nightmare, than a Nightmare?" Gives a fancily twirling wave with one hand. "Granted my kind are usually causing them, but I'm an equal oppritunity dream dealer. Not about to let some other fiend's fear mongering stand."

She takes her staff from her back and rests it against the bar, uttering under her breath as she does so. The skull's eye sockets glimmer faintly, but there's no visible effect, yet. And it's easy to turn one's attention away from it when Kauchemar pulls out her instrument next. Bard is gonna bard.

"Hey if you know how to fix it, I'm absolutely game." Kaydon says, as he sits back and tilts his head a little bit as she pulls out the insturment, "You're gonna sing the debuff away?" He asks, not thinking that should be a real thing...Even though bards are totally a thing. He figured it'd be more complicated than that.

"It's a debuff that disrupts sleep with bad dreams," Kauchemar replies with a smirk. "And if there is one way I know of dealing with bad dreams..."

She starts to play her lute, the forming melody having a soft and soothing feel. The mood even seems to shift the perspective of the tavern around them, with the lighting dimming and getting a few other patrons to also look up and see what's going on. The song she's weaving certainly has the feel of a calming lullaby.

"o/~ You would not believe your eyes; If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep o/~"

Leaning next to the bar the sockets of her staff light up more steadily as it's illusionary magic enchantments are activated in resonance with the song. The dimming light of the tavern is filled with dozens and dozens of darting specks of light, their movements mimicing those of the little glowing bugs one sees at the twilight hours, mismerizing as they flit about.

"o/~ 'Cause they'd fill the open air; And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude, but I would just stand and stare

I'd like to make myself believe, that planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep; 'Cause everything is never as it seems o/~"

( https://youtu.be/QsiRZ7gv47o )

It seems to be working really well, as Kaydon listens to her sing, but can also see that illusionary fireflies. He does seem mesmerized by the fireflies flitting around him. He didn't grow up where fireflies were common, so he seems very easily taken by the image of the firefly. He reaches up to touch one, his eyes feeling very heavy again, this time he's sure he'll pass out again, but he's not fighting it this time, instead letting the sleep overtake him in order to see if the spell worked.

Kauchemar reachs over to nudge Kaydon so he leans back against the bar as he dozes off, instead of nearly falling off his seat again. Her eyes shimmer with their heliotropic glow... Because this performance isn't over yet.

Not when she can use her other powers to continue her soothing song, directly to him as only an Oracle's powers are capable of as he sleeps to ensure the hindering effect is cleared out.

o/~ 'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs; from ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance

A foxtrot above my head; A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

I'd like to make myself believe, that planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems o/~

It would seem that Kaydon is finally asleep, and not screaming and falling again. So that's a step in the right direction. But asleep or not, the performance still affects him, ensuring every last trace of that curse is lifted, and perhaps Kauchemar can find a way to protect others against it.

Once she's finished with her musical remedy Kauchemar settles back on her own set, reach over to shift her staff and deactivate the illusionary projection. "Another soul soothed by the power of music." She picks up a drink from the bartop, considering it for a moment. "I may have to track down others afflicted by this binural bother," she muses, before slugging back the liquor.