#mithrilwren

[sailing-ever-west]

Hey real quick everybody go read this Sanji & Nami fic I found IMMEDIATELY it's such a good study of their charactersssss

[soullistrations]

🕯️🛼🌿🧩!

thanks for the ask!!

🕯️: on a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy editing? why is that? probably a 7 or an 8 probably. getting it down is the hard part, refining and rethinking is the fun bit!

🛼: describe your latest wip with five emojis: umUMMMM 🥦🤝🐙📝💪🏻 🌿: give some advice on writer's block and low creativity: tbh i struggle with this! sometimes your creative and decision-making energy is just going elsewhere in your life, so give it time. when i have an idea that i need to figure out, i usually go for a walk--spending some energy and being outside is a big help

🧩: what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately? the first thing that catches my eye is paragraph length. both ends of the spectrum--one long paragraph and every sentence is a new paragraph--will make me say 'this fic is not for me.'

[agentmintea]

Tagged by the beautiful and talented @jadesabre301 💜

coffee or tea | early bird or night owl | chocolate or vanilla | spring or fall | silver or gold | pop or alternative | freckles or dimples | snakes or sharks | mountains or fields | thunder or lightning | egyptian mythology or greek mythology | ivory or scarlet | flute or lyre | opal or diamond | butterflies or honeybees | macarons or eclairs | typewritten or handwritten | secret garden or secret library | rooftop or balcony | spicy or mild | opera or ballet | london or paris | vincent van gogh or claude monet | denim or leather | potions or spells | ocean or desert | mermaids or sirens | masquerade ball or cocktail party

Tagging: @mithrilwren @koboldkatalyst @booksbardsbway @daevranni @redvanillabee if you'd like! and anyone else who feels up to it :))

[aeor-is-for-reccing]

Soulmates: A Shadowgast Rec List

This week, we have Soulmates! Check under the cut for 10 fics that feature Essek and Caleb being fated for one another, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

the shade of poison trees by MithrilWren (3791, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek didn't realize, when he was young, that the name on someone's arm could be shameful. Like all other topics, he learned quickly.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Marked by venndaai (1979, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

There is a particular kind of magical tattooing process perfected by the Kryn. It is used on only two occasions: for the ritual of Consecution, and when two Consecuted vow to be with one another through all of their future lives.

Reccer says: A fantastic trope subversion (Caleb and Essek don't share any marks), that also explores what it means to choose each other.

you're familiar like my mirror years ago by bubblesandburdensfics (3057, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Your greatest hurt's name is on one wrist and your greatest love is on the other. Caleb has a hard time telling which is which.

Reccer says: I liked it!

I can see a glimmer by HostileGlitch (1303, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

In a world where soulmates share magic, generated when they touch, Essek realizes how much brushing hands with Caleb Widowgast could mean.

Reccer says: Combining Essek's hunger for touch and his hunger for magical power is next level shit, this concept is so tasty.

with flying colours by idontreallylikebutterflies (2254, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

People who are important to you - platonic and romantic - leave marks on your body. For the longest time, Essek only had one mark.

Reccer says: I love expanding soulmarks to platonic loves and friendships, and Essek's feelings on soulmarks still ring true throughout.

little thumbprints by softlyblue (6239, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes, Choose Not to Warn

In a world where soulmate marks are rare and often mistaken for birthmarks. Essek and Caleb have learned to hide theirs.

Reccer says: The story of Caleb and Essek's soulmarks was great, but I also enjoyed the little asides about other Exandrians' marks and locations.

Fortune's Fool by timbrene (5047, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

The Luxon marks Kryn with the name of their soulmate. Essek doesn't get one until he is 90.after a few more decades, isn't sure he will ever meet Bren.

Reccer says: I like the pining. Essek thinks Caleb is not his soulmate and then later, when he realizes he is there is still so much pining.

Falling Toward The Singularity by Riot_Fae (117491, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Essek joins the Mighty Nein after Travelercon.

Reccer says: A very interesting and welcome take on the soulmate concept! Elegantly written and fun to read!

And In Dreams (we will meet again) by Beauteousmajesty (6138, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Soulmates begin to share memories after the first skin to skin touch. After Caleb kisses Essek's forehead, they begin to share memories

Reccer says: Beautiful writing and an interesting concept!

The following fic received two recs!

Some truths are stubborn as gravity by SkyScribbles (4742, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: Emotionally Abusive Parenting

In which you cannot lie to your soulmate. Which makes things difficult, if you are Essek Thelyss, and you were raised a liar.

Reccer 1 says: It's a different take on soulmates than I'm used to seeing

Reccer 2 says: It's a classic - I love the premise and the worldbuilding involved, and the problems that not being able lie causes Essek - and how he manages to get around them anyway. It's a must read, in my opinion.

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with WIPS!

[kmackatie]

shadowgast fic rec list: the modern au edition - part one

This has been a long time coming, and hopefully the start of a few, but I have been intending to make some fic rec lists for a while. I am time-poor and generally bad at remembering to bookmark fics, but I figured I shouldn't let that stop me.

I have a love for modern au's, I write many of them, and I often see arguments against them when the source material is fantasy based for a number of reasons. But, I wanted to shine a light on some out there that tickle that box for me of being delightful.

Listed below the cut are a bunch of fics I have enjoyed, in no particular order and of varying lengths. I will of course forget some, but I hope to do some more lists in the future as I have more tabs open than I can reasonably fit in a list.

Fundamental Forces Other Than Gravity by mllekurtz (TheKnittingJedi)/@mllekurtz (1/1 chapters, 40,676 words, E, no warnings)

- A shadowgast college au with great characterisation and weaving of the Nein throughout. This one has chronic pain Essek, and I love how it is handled. As a note, Essek is briefly one of Caleb's professors, however, there is little power imbalance between them.

the fire kept closest (burns most of all) by mousecookie/@ariadne-mouse (3/3 chapters, 21,822 words, M, warnings: MCD)

- The fic that created the vocaleb tag. Essek is scientist on a research team studying a volcano, for which a tragic accident occurred years prior. It's told in a series of present and past, and the slow build of the relationships throughout the fic are gorgeous. For those eyeing the MCD warning, know that it is also tagged with 'angst with a happy ending'.

I've been lost before (and I'm lost again, I guess) by toneofjoy/@fireryn (21/21 chapters, 165,080 words, E, no warnings)

- The boys are rock climbers in this one. I know, it sounds odd, but trust me and read this. It has incredible characterisation and conversations about sexuality and gender (I hold the cafe scene in my hands so gently), as well as some wonderful sexual tension that builds until it bursts. This fic also got me into recreational rock climbing and I owe the author for it big time. As a note, Essek is Caleb's coach in this fic and this is a plot point for the background of their developing relationship.

starting with your heart (bright heart) by 2manyboys/@cluelessheroes (1/1 chapters, 9,914 words, E, no warnings)

- This has the sentence "Have you been taking four legged showers with Essek Thelyss?” in the summary and it has lived rent-free in my head ever since. Modern-wth-magic university au where they are both students with some lovely build-up of sexual tension between them. Hot smut to go along with it.

disputable presumptions by hanap/@callingvoicemail (3/? chapters, 9,606 words, E, no warnings)

- The corporate lawyer au of my dreams where they are friends with benefits and hiding it from the rest of the Nein. This has a delightful background of plot, along with ambiguous not!wizards hiding their true feelings behind an air of casualness, and snappy writing that keeps you reading.

Inside Edge, 3 Turn, and Closed Hold by MithrilWren/@mithrilwren (3/? works, 16,060 combined words, T/G/M respectively, no warnings)

- The shadowgast figure skating au I didn't know I needed until I read it. I've reread this one so many times and keep coming back to the characterisation and the way the story is slowly told across all three fics. There's a richness of the world behind what we see, and I adore coach!Beau in this one. Another with chronic pain Essek, and generally a careful understanding of the risks that go into the sport.

Labor of Love by OMGitsgreen (6/6 chapters, 43,331 words, M, warnings: CNTW)

- Bakery au. It's a classic, and it's done so well here. This is one of the earliest fics I remember reading, and it's a warm hug on a cold day that is great for when you're wanting something nice.

fermata by canyon_wizard/@canyon-wizard (8/8 chapters, 65,403 words, E, no warnings)

- A classical music au (there really needs to be more of these, please) where they are both piano students. The focus of this one is less the music world and more the character dynamics, and they are incredibly well done. The smut is hot, there is delightful miscommunication, and tense dynamics (ha) throughout.

(your face in my hands is) everything good I need by mllekurtz (TheKnittingJedi)/@mllekurtz (8/8 chapters, 25,884 words, M, no warnings)

- Professor au where they meet at a conference, Caleb a professor of modern history and Essek an expert in Latin. This fic has everything--wizards being nerds in every universe, first kisses, developing feelings, long distance relationship, emotional stakes, and dramatic declarations of love. I adore Mlle's writing (it really should not be a surprise at this point) as they have a way of capturing emotions and turning them into stunning pieces of prose. This one is also a love letter to Paris and Berlin, and please give it a read!

[mithrilwren]

Chapters: 5/7 Fandom: Critical Role (Web Series) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Post-Canon, Moving In Together, Angst with a Happy Ending, Lack of Communication, Fluff and Angst, navigating the ins and outs of a new relationship is tough, especially when you’re two wizards who are too used to being on their own, Festivals, Cats

Summary: The world has quieted in the wake of the Chained Oblivion’s defeat, and Caleb and Essek finally settle down together in Rexxentrum. Essek struggles to adjust. Caleb just wants him to feel safe in their new home.

3. Companions

After a year and a half, guess who's finally back to finish this story :)

[okiedoketm]

Last Line Challenge

Rules: In a new post, show the last line you wrote (and/or drew) and tag as many people as there are words.

Tagged by: @miamibice (yes, miami, this line is from KANGVCD)

Last line:

“Please don’t make me watch that,” Usopp begs.

Last art: we don't do that here

Tagging: @anonymouse-fiction, @grubus, @primtheamazing, @orange-artist, @silkentine, @mithrilwren, @katia-anyway, and @aachria!

[essektheylyss]

I got tagged separately by @mithrilwren and @submerged-in-stories with a mostly similar list of questions so I have combined the two into one haha. Thanks for the tags!!!

Last song/piece I listened to: Believer by Imagine Dragons, according to my spotify, but I've had a large writing playlist on shuffle for a while.

Favorite color: Purble :3

Last book I read: God apparently the last book I finished was Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer; I have NOT finished many books yet this year.

Last film I watched: I... genuinely do not know. I want to believe I've watched a film more recently than Christmas movies, but in my heart I don't think I have.

Last TV series: Candela Obscura

Last video game (if applicable): Control

Last thing I googled: "woolly bear caterpillar poisonous" because I found a caterpillar on the driveway last night and I very responsibly checked if it would kill me before saving it from walking into traffic with my bare hands (for the record they are not poisonous but their little hairs can break off easily and get stuck in your skin and cause irritation so proceed with caution!)

Last thing I ate: leftover snow peas

Sweet, Savory or Spicy: Savory by a MILE I love savory

Amount of sleep: Honestly, a decent amount actually. I sleep pretty well overall, ngl.

Currently reading: Art in the After-Culture by Ben Davis which I have been muttering about on the dash so I'm sure this is not news.

Currently watching: Does the series of Copyright lectures I'm assigned for class count?

Current obsession: OH MAN I think last time I answered this I had no answer but now I have LOTS: the beverage I'm currently drinking, which is club soda, grenadine, and lavender simple (can also be made alcoholic with two shots of vodka); Finch, the only habit tracker app I have ever found that worked; and my lil juniper bonsai that I repotted two weeks ago, which is adorable and I keep going outside to give it a little pat. Also, obligatory boops mention. [boops you :3]

Gonna tag some folks at random but with no pressure lol: @ariadne-mouse @burr-ell @humble-wayside-flower @frumpkino @stickandthorn

[saturdaysky]

Tagged by the wonderful @mithrilwren 🫶

coffee or tea | early bird or night owl | chocolate or vanilla | spring or fall | silver or gold | pop or alternative | freckles or dimples | snakes or sharks | mountains or fields | thunder or lightning | egyptian mythology or and greek mythology | ivory or scarlet | flute or lyre | opal or diamond | butterflies or honeybees | macarons or eclairs | typewritten or handwritten | secret garden or secret library | rooftop or balcony | spicy or mild | opera or ballet | london or paris | vincent van gogh or claude monet | denim or leather | potions or spells | ocean or desert | mermaids or sirens | masquerade ball or cocktail party

I aim my tagging wand aaaaat... @ariadne-mouse @hungryriverbeast @quinn-of-aebradore @mllekurtz and anyone else who might like to do it!

[critter-genfic-events]

Mystery Gen Recs

This week, we have seven mysteries for you to unravel! Check them out under the cut, and please comment and kudos if you liked them!

Resonance by elanoides (25072,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Background Caleb/Astrid

When the Mighty Six turn up on his doorstep, Archmage Caleb Widogast finds himself swept into their investigation of a crime twenty years gone. But the murder of Trent Ikithon isn’t just any cold case, and as impossible coincidences start to pile up, Caleb and the Mighty Six discover a far stranger mystery.

Reccer says: Instantly compelling and manages to be in character, even given the obvious changes to canon

Only the Nightingale Sings by MithrilWren (170518,Teen) Warnings: Torture, Mind Manipulation, Sensory Deprivation Pairings: None

Things go sideways in Felderwin - Trent manages to capture the Nein. The spellcasters are sent to the Soltryce Academy - and Caleb ends up under Trent's thumb again. And Yeza is still missing.

Reccer says: A true epic, with wheels upon wheels turning, and plenty of mysteries.

The Avatar Conundrum by R_Black (19861,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

Last Airbender AU. Airbending Master Essek has been tasked to teach the Avatar airbending, and the Avatar's group--the Mighty Nein--is also willing to learn some techniques, despite most of them not being airbenders. The only problem? No one outside of the Nein knows which of the members is the Avatar...

Reccer says: It's so much fun to read a little mystery from Essek's point of view. And to see just how infuriatingly confusing the Nein are to outside observers.

the moon answers when you cry in the woods by royalgreen (allyoop) (685,Teen) Warnings: Pairings: None

Caleb is missing memories, but the pieces he is left with terrify him.

Reccer says: At under 1,000 words, it's a very short and fun mystery with plenty of spookiness

Among the Nein by Nellaplanet (124171,Teen) Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence Pairings: Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast, Beauregard Lionett/Yasha Nydoorin

An Among Us AU that has the Mighty Nein traveling on a spaceship - until someone murders the captain

Reccer says: I liked it

Debt of Vengeance by steelneena (61351,Mature) Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence Pairings: Percival "Percy" Fredrickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III/Vex'ahlia, Shaun Gilmore/Keyleth/Vax'ildan, Keyleth/Vax'ildan (Critical Role), Shaun Gilmore/Vax'ildan, Percival "Percy" Fredrickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III & Anna Ripley, Cassandra de Rolo & Percival "Percy" Fredrickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III, Percival "Percy" Fredrickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo & Scanlan Shorthalt, Vax'ildan & Vex'ahlia (Critical Role)

A modern au. Anna Ripley is murdered, Percival is the prime suspect, and Detective Vax is determined to find the truth.

Reccer says: I'm a bit biased on this one as I helped to beta it, but because of that I know how much thought was put into every detail, including the ending and the reveal. Do pay attention to the tags, as while this isn't Dead Dove territory, it does touch on some dark themes and is clinical in the descriptions of violence. Also, without giving any spoilers, if you like happy endings, this may not be for you; but if you like a legal thriller that punches you in the gut and stays with you, then give it a read :)

somewhere in between by judypoovey (2223,General) Warnings: None Pairings: none

Umbrasyl is dead, but as Vox Machina try to catch their breaths, they're faced with another mystery: finding out that the dragon was working with a strange human woman.

Reccer says: I liked it

This is one of our weekly communally-generated gen rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation. Please note that the summary and content notes are provided by the reccer, and may be different than what the author has provided. Please assume good intentions all around. <3

And hey, anyone can include you!

Next week, we'll be featuring Monsters. Metaphorical monsters? Fighting monsters? Being a monster? It's up to your interpretation!

Then, it'll be humor, hurt/comfort, and then focusing on Yasha Nydoorin.

Any fics coming to mind?  Well, then use this form to submit!

If you're looking for some more, check out some fics written in the critter genfic bingo tag, or the older rec lists! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!

[hopefulcanary]

Do you have a favorite Kirk/McCoy fic?

I have several, in fact!

The ones I keep going back to lately are:

First they fuck. Then they fall in love. I just really enjoy Jim & Bones here.

An AOS take on the TOS ep "This Side of Paradise". MithrilWren crafted an unusual, yet intriguing page-turner that's part mystery, part slowburn romance, with a lovely little melancholic, Southern Gothic-y vibe. I honestly want more folks to read it just so I can talk to them about it!!

Time-loop, both unaware, though they get exactly what they want in the end.

There's so many stellar McKirk writers though, it's really really hard to have a favorite. SO READ THESE TOO:

[the-littlest-goblin]

Tagged by @mithrilwren :)

coffee or tea | early bird or night owl | chocolate or vanilla | spring or fall | silver or gold | pop or alternative | freckles or dimples | snakes or sharks | mountains or fields | thunder or lightning | egyptian mythology or greek mythology | ivory or scarlet | flute or lyre | opal or diamond | butterflies or honeybees | macarons or eclairs | typewritten or handwritten | secret garden or secret library | rooftop or balcony | spicy or mild | opera or ballet | london or paris | vincent van gogh or claude monet | denim or leather | potions or spells | ocean or desert | mermaids or sirens | masquerade ball or cocktail party

I woke up before sunrise (unintentionally) so I don't know anyone's username rn, up for grabs!

[romeoandjulietyouwish]

Of your still doing the number thing; 1,3,5 for Shadowghast and since we’re on a friendship streak Percy and Keyleth!

1 of my favorite things about them

My favorite thing about shadowgast is when people write about cultural differences between the Empire and Xhorhas and how it relates to their relationship, it's always a banger.

I love that Percy thinks of Keyleth as a sister and she's one of the first people to help him start heal after everything and he's also there to tell her that all the feelings and anger she has is alright.

3 fic recs

Shadowgast: burning up (for you, baby) by MithrilWren, Just a Little Ol' Little Bit by Bonnie (PirateFox), and Indecency by RainyDayDecaf

Kiki and Percy: A Dragon's Bane by EmberForge, Kinetic Energy by dancer4813, and Light, Light, Light by gayshitiguess

a 5 sentence fic

Essek runs his fingers through Caleb's hair, smiling at the feeling of the silky strands. Even fast asleep, Caleb nuzzles into it. Essek chuckles, it's no surprise that cats are his favorite animal, not when he acts just like one.

"You're making fun of me," Caleb whines softly, still half asleep.

Essek can't help the second laugh that is pulled from his lips, "Of course I am, only in the most fond way."

[agentmintea]

Tagged by @koboldkatalyst for a mini game: picrew yourself and share the last song you listened to!

tagging: @mithrilwren @jochamon @funnygirlthatbelle @jadesabre301 @booksbardsbway @sadieb798

[aeor-is-for-reccing]

Sports AU's: A Shadowgast Rec List

This week, we have Sports AU's! Check under the cut for 9 fics that feature a wide range of sports, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

When the Lights Go Out by 06151126 (27309, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek is a Formula One racecar driver. Caleb signs on to be one of his mechanics

Reccer says: I know nothing about F1 but I'm still incredibly invested in this series

3 Turn by MithrilWren (7290, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Figure Skating AU: Essek tries to get to know the new competitor Caleb Widogast, but with every bit of new information the man seems like more of an enigma.

Reccer says: I love the way the Essek POV is written, very insightful and curious.

overture: excerpts from a curtain rising by hanap (5091, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb accompanies Yasha to the make-or-break performance of Beau's career, only to find himself captivated by Beau's new partner - Essek.

Reccer says: A beautiful work. Reading this feels like actually watching a ballet performance.

Shapes in the Smoke by Luckyowlsfoot (2817, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

The Mighty Nein are invited to a Dynasty performance. It's not quiet what they were expecting.

Reccer says: I Liked It!

Dancing Cheek to Cheek by soot_and_salt (3871, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek Thelyss is a prodigy at ballroom dancing. But he's tired of the competitions until he meets another dancer - named Caleb Widogast.

Reccer says: It's a wonderful, emotional work about two people stumbling upon each other.

gloaming’s end by toneofjoy (41065, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Bren wants to be the professional rock-climber the Ceberus Assembly always wanted him to be. Essek already is the most successful climber, and Bren can't help but be captivated by him.

Reccer says: Another beautiful look in the world of climbing - Bren and Essek have a unique dynamic and the world building is amazing.

The following fic had 3 recs:

I’ve been lost before (and I’m lost again, I guess) by toneofjoy (165080, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: There are discussions of doping, eating disorders, chronic illnesses, PTSD, past hospital-related and medical trauma, past psychological and physical abuse, suicidal ideation, and past dubious consent,

A professional rock climbing AU: Essek ran away from his problems and settled in the seaside city of Nicodranas. When Caleb Widogast joins their team at the Tidepeak rock-climbing gym, everything changes. Caleb has plans to take down his old coaches, and Essek has secrets.

Reccer 1 says: Compelling character dynamics all around, great development arcs, and cool mapping of canon onto an AU premise.

Reccer 2 says: The world-building and character development are amazing and one can't help falling in love with climbing through this fic, because it is so well fleshed out. Reccer 3 says: it’s THE Climbing AU. this fic made me laugh, cry and watch 30 min analysis videos of rock climbing.

The following fic also had 3 recs: song of the moment by 2manyboys (6143, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

The Thelyss brothers are amazing ice hockey players. Caleb and Beau go to a game to make money, and the brothers are a safe bet. They meet, and the Empire sibs want to start playing as well.

Reccer 1 says: so fair it’s only one chapter but i’m so so interested in the world building and alternative hockey rules + magic! and politics! Reccer 2 says: There's an amazing amount of worldbuilding in here while still keeping the general shape of Exandria in it. I was instantly hooked.

Reccer 3 says: The worldbuilding is incredible. The details of the sport, incorporating both magic and physical moves, are so neat. Love seeing Essek and Verin interact. Caleb is so horny about how Essek is using magic during the game. Chef kiss, amazing.

And there were 2 recs for the following fic: Uncharted Waters by empressofwizards (11598, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: None

Essek Thelyss has one goal at the Olympics: to win. After hours and hours spent in the pool training, there is nothing that will distract him from grabbing gold. Or so he thought. The intriguing swimmer from the Empire might prove otherwise.

Reccer 1 says: I liked it!

Reccer 2 says: I liked it!

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with fics that feature rumblecusp/travelercon!

[the-kaedageist]

6, shadowgast? :)

Your wish is my command! I hope you wanted a seriously outrageous amount of fluff. 👀

A Purrfect Interlude (650 words, established relationship)

As time went on and Essek became used to the relationship between himself and Caleb, he discovered something delightful – Caleb was, at heart and buried beneath all the trauma, a playful person.

It came out in small bits here and there, rarely with strangers or people he wasn’t comfortable with. A joke here, a mischievous look there. A teasing gift left on Essek’s pillow, meant to both please and make him laugh. Essek found it astonishing. He’d seen hints of that playfulness when watching Caleb interact with the Nein, but he’d never even fathomed that he would someday get to experience it for himself.

Yet, there they were in Essek’s study, in the middle of brainstorming a new spell (a serious spell, Essek felt like he had to add), when Caleb suddenly went quiet from his place at the bookshelf behind him, the sound of turning pages abruptly vanishing after some unintelligible whispering. Essek’s first thought was that Caleb had found something compelling in one of his books, and he turned to ask what it was.

That was when he noticed that the room had lost its second wizard and acquired a large, cream-colored tiger.

The tiger blinked sleepily at him from where it was lounging on the rug. Essek smiled fondly. “Fun with Polymorph again?”

Caleb sneezed in response, and Essek gave a small chuckle and got up from his own research – he’d needed a break anyway – and walked over to kneel on the carpet next to Caleb. Caleb flopped into a crescent, watching Essek with coy eyes and radiating complete harmlessness, despite the teeth and the claws.

Essek had enough experience with Caleb in Polymorph at that point to know that no matter how dangerous the creature Caleb transformed into, he would never do anything to harm Essek. With the confidence of such experience, he reached over and stroked a hand across the soft fur of Caleb’s side. Caleb rolled on the rug delightfully, looking up at Essek with sleepy eyes.

“Done researching for the day?” Essek asked. Caleb sat up and gave him a headbutt in response, his forehead lighting bumping against the side of Essek’s arm. Essek knew a hint when he received one – he resumed his petting and, remembering how playful Caleb could get in Polymorph form, rubbed his belly.

Belly rubs turned into mock wrestling, probably why Caleb had transformed into a bigger cat in the first place – when he just wanted cuddles, he tended towards smaller animals. Essek had never playfully wrestled with anyone before Caleb, not even his brother – it was undignified for young drow to do such a thing – but he’d found that Caleb enjoyed careful roughhousing, both in human and Polymorphed form, with people he was comfortable with. As he attempted to give Caleb an aggressive ear rub, Caleb twisted in his grasp and a moment later pinned him down, paws on his chest.

Essek cocked an eyebrow at him and a moment later, the hundreds of pounds of large cat on top of him shifted back into a smiling redhead, blue eyes twinkling. 

The entire mood shifted abruptly with Caleb human once more. Essek stared up at him, helpless and spellbound by how much he loved this ridiculous man.

“You needed a break, my friend,” Caleb said, his voice gentle. “As did I.” He leaned down and rubbed his nose against Essek’s, just once. Essek closed his eyes, overcome, as Caleb pressed a soft kiss against his mouth.

He pulled away after a moment, and Essek gave a soft gasp and instinctively chased his retreating mouth with his own. Caleb laughed softly, a hand coming up to rest in Essek’s hair as they kissed again, deeper this time, Essek letting Caleb use all his weight to press him down into the rug.

That was definitely the end of research for the day, but Essek found he had no complaints.