Essek the Wanderer

by Dragoncurl

Summary:

When forced to flee the Dynasty's wrath, Essek Thelyss slowly grows closer to Caleb Widogast.

I wrote this back in 2021 with pen and paper while at a job that went nowhere, forgot about it, and now found it again while tidying by room. Time to release it into the world. I'm gonna split it in two parts and publish as I finish typing up each chapter.

Rating and some of the tags are for the final chapter only. Chapter length will probably vary wildly since it's hard to count words on paper.

Chapter 1: Prologue - Essek's Message

"Caleb. I have fled the outpost. The Dynasty has come for me. I... believe I am in the Savaliir Wood. I will find the Grove."

The message comes late in the day and almost makes Caleb choke on his dinner. He listens to Essek's voice with growing concern. It's like his mind is suddenly an engine revving up to high hear, running through all the endless possibilities of what he could do in response.

Teleport to Essek? No, the chances of that sicceeding when even Essek didn't sound certain of where he is would be too slim. To the Grove then? And try to meet him halfway? Less improbable, but equally impractical. The prosecution of Trent Ikithon is nearing it end, Caleb needs to stay home to see it through.

Caleb swallows his food, and answers.

"Be careful. Fly over it if you can. I can't leave Rexxentrum, but I will warn the Clays. I'll see you when Trent is imprisoned."

He waits for further messages, but none arrive. Essek must be conserving his magic to traverse the treacherous woods, which Caleb isn't surprised by. It doesn't do much to ease his worry. Still, he takes a deep breath and tries to tamp it down, despite his mind offering him all sorts of lovely scenarios involving Essek in various states of dismemberment.

Caleb shakes the images out of his head. He calls on his own Sending spell instead and pictures Caduceus' kind smile.

"I need your help, friend. Essek has fled the north and is somewhere in Savaliir heading for the Grove. Find and help him if possible."

The response is immediate. "Oh! Uh, of course. I'm guessing you don't know where he is exactly? Wh- No, Caleb is- Hold on. We'll let you know when he's here."

Caleb smiles at Caduceus' halting words. It's reassuring, in a way. He brings the dishes to the kitchen and dumps them in the sink, though he's not in the mood to wash them. He moves to the study instead. Spellcraft always distracts him from the word, and if he finds himself reaching for the notes on dunamancy, he's not about to complain.

Chapter 2: Meeting at the Blooming Grove

When Caleb finally steps out of the dungeon, it's like he's on autopilot. The sight of Trent Ikithon collared, helpless, and behind bars echoes in his mind like a heartbeat. It's only Beau's steady hand on his shoulder that draws him back to the present.

"Hey man, you okay?"

Caleb lets out a held breath. "Ja. I will be."

"Doesn't feel real, does it?"

"No."

"Yeah. Just give it some time. You'll get used to it."

Caleb lets out a long slow sigh and nods.

"So what're you doing now? Wanna gather everyone and celebrate?"

His mouth starts to form a 'yes' before he changes his mind. "No. Not yet. I told Essek I'd go see him when this was over."

"Oh right! He's still at Deuces' place, isn't he?"

"Ja. We could all gather there in a few days."

"That'd be awesome if we cna all make it. Even if we can't, make sure you tell everyone anyway."

"I will. Are you going back to the Soul?"

"Yeeees," Beau groans. "Still got more shit to deal with. You go have fun with the hot boy."

She punches him lightly on the arm as goodbye. He simply waves in return. It took a while to get used to his friends openly calling Essek hot, but he managed it. It's not like they're wrong.

Once he makes it home, Caleb works efficiently. A bit of food, ditch the formal attire, and prepare a travel bag of holding. His hair, which is overdue for a trim, gets tied into a messy ponytail.

With everything ready, Caleb thinks of laughter and blue skin and cats Sending. "Hallo Jester. Trent is behind bars. I'm meeting Essek at the Grove and I'd like everyone to join us in a few days to celebrate."

It's strange to speak Trent's fate out loud, but he doesn't have time to dwell on it because Jester's reply is instantaneous.

"Ohmygosh Caleb, that's great! Yes, of course we'll go! Me and Fjord just left port but we can go back. Oh gosh, I have to-!"

Caleb smiles at the cutoff and, predictably, Jester's voice drifts back into his throughts not a moment later.

"I'll tell Veth! Are you coming to pick us up? Where should we wait? Oh, we'll be at the Chateau! ...See you... in... four days?"

"Sounds good. See you soon."

He reaches into the bag for the token that will take him to the Blooming Grove: a small simplified symbol of the Wildmother made of plain terracotta.

With a quiet mutter and flash, he teleports.

His feet hit grassy soil and his nose is filled with smells of greenery. It was afternoon in Rexxentrum, but here in the Blooming Grove, it's just about mdidday. A gentle breeze brings the mouth-watering aroma of the Clays' cooking to him. His smile lingers as he walks up to their house.

The muffled voices within pause, just for a moment, when he knocks. It's Colton who answers.

"Mister Widogast! We didn't..." Colton stops and glances up, as though remembering something. "Actually, Caddy did say you might show up soon. Please, come right in, we're just about reayd for lunch."

"Ja, thank you."

Colton nods, then turns back to the interior of the house. "Cad! Your friend is here! The wizard one!"

Colton ambles off into the kitchen and is quickly replaced by Caduceus himself, who offers Caleb the usual welcoming smile.

"Caleb, hi. It's so good to see you." Caduceus cradles Caleb's hand between both of his own; they're cold and a bit damp, probably from being washed. "It's done, then?"

"Ja. I jus left the royal prison."

"Hm. That's good. How do you feel."

"...Weird, mostly. In a good way, I think. Where is Essek?"

"In his guest room, I expect. He's been trancing at noon to avoid the worst of the sun. We usually save some food for when he wakes."

Caleb would've liked to speak to Essek immediately, but he can wait. "Okay. May I join you for lunch, then?"

"Of course."

The Clays are as warm as ever. The tea is as good as ever. The vegetarian meal is wonderfully distinct from Rexxentrum cuisine. There's little conversation, and that suits Caleb just fine. He ends up exchanging a few more Sendings with Jester and Beau to finish setting up the celebration in a few days' time, but time passes peacefully otherwise.

Later, after everyone's had time to rest and digest, Caleb joins the endless manitenance of the family crops. He's assigned weeding duty and gets to dig into the cool earth to pull the things up by the root. Constance offered him gloves, but he finds himself enjoying the wet dirt between his fingers.

It's when he's hunched over, struggling to dislodge a particularly stubbond weed, when the waning sun baking the back of his neck, that he finally hears it:

"Caleb."

Essek's voice comes right when the weed finally gives in, making Caleb's arms jerk up and fling loose dirt in his face.

Essek at least has the decency to cover his mouth when he chuckles under his breath. "Is this a bad time, perhaps?"

Caleb is still shaking dirt out of his hair when he actually looks at Essek: silver hair just a touch messy, lavender eyes squinting in the shade of his hand, and strangest of all, clothes that are quite clearly borrowed from one of the Clays. Caduceus, judging by the too-long sleeves and pant legs.

"Not at all," Caleb replies. "I'll come inside in a moment."

Essek nods and drifts back into the house.

Caleb stands and goes to the pond to wash his hands. He summons a small flame to dry himself and watches the fire lick across his scars. He  doesn't dwell of it, though. He just pull his sleeves down and heads inside.

Essek is at the table with a meal warmed by Constance. Caleb sits with him.

"So," Essek starts. "Our mutual enemy is behind bars?"

"He is. I saw him there myself."

"Good, good." He grabs another spoonful, but while he's chewing he gives a single breath of a laugh. "To think that might one day be my fate."

"No," Caleb says firmly. "It won't happen."

"You don't know that, Caleb."

"I don't. But  know that I won't let it happen. That none of the Nein will."

Essek chuckles quietly. "I suppose I've seen you do much bigger things than sheltering a traitor to the Dynasty." He waves a hand. "Well, go on. Tell me all about it."

Caleb does. He speaks of the seemingly endless trials with the high court and the Cobalt Soul. He speaks of the select few members of the Assembly who chose to testify against Trent. He speaks of the horrified gasps at his recounting of the death of his parents. He speaks of describing Trent's torture and showing the resulting scars to a vast room of strangers. His hand pinches his sleeve when he does.

Essek, done with his food by now, reaches out and lays his own hand atop Caleb's. He says nothing, yet the simple touch his enough. His hand is soft. Mostly. Caleb notices a callus on the spot where Essek rests his writing quill. Calleb has one too, but on a different finger.

He thinks about holding Essek's hand. His grip relaxes.

Essek unfortunately takes it as a cue to pull his hand back. "At least it's over with."

Caleb sighs and nods. "Ja." He smooths his sleeve and looks back at Essek. "What about you? What will you do now?"

Essek smiles bitterly. "I've been thinking about that since I got here. I still don't know. I supose I'll have to spend the rest of my days in disguise. It's difficult to think of any other option that would work in the long term."

"There's always our spell."

Essek looks up from staring at his hand.

"The one we made for Veth."

"Ah. I don't know if I'm ready for such a commitment, but... I will keep it in mind."

Caleb nods.

"What of the others? Have you told them already?"

"Ja. They'll gather here within he week to celebrate."

"Oh, will they?" Constance interjects from the kitchen. "When are they coming?"

"In about four days. I hope that's okay."

"Of course it is, Caleb. We'll be sure to give them a warm welcome."

Constance returns to her duties and Caleb finds Essek smiling at him, which he can't help but reciprocate.

"What? You're staying intil then, right?"

Essek shrugs. "I suppose I have no choice."

"...And after that, I was thinking of returning to Aeor."

Essek's eyes widen, just for a moment, before he gives a smirk that seems almost mischievous. "Well, I can't let you do that by yourself, can I?"

"I suppose not."

Chapter 3: Talk of Scars

The Nein celebrate as only the Nein can. Jester makes everyone laugh. Fjord and Veth bicker like siblings. Beau and Yasha make out. Yasha flyes Luc around the room. Kingsley gives Yeza a tarot reading, passes out drunk, and gets several dicks painted on his face. Essek even gets goaded into dancing with Jester, to intense jeering from Beau.

Of course, just because there's a party it doesn't mean Essek changes the time of his trance, which means he's awake when everyone else has either left or gone to bed.

He's grown quite fond of the night, and not just because it lacks the sunlight he hates so much. The quiet is nice. Well, relative quiet, the Grove is still in the middle of a forest, after all. The noises of animals are always present, but they're different at night. Quieter. The sound of the sleeping Clays and, tonight, of the other Nein members who chose to spend the night, is calming. That slow, deep breathing. The occasional shift of blankets when someone moves in bed.

Most nights, Essek pends his time gardening, or wandering the grounds, or reading what few books the Clays own, or doing his physical therapy. Tonight, though, he finds himself drawn to the Clay home. Specifically, to Caleb's room.

Carefully, Essek pushes the door open and peeks inside. Caleb is, of course, in bed. He's lying on his side, one arm under the pillow, the other tucked to his chest, knees bent. His hair is splayed out across the pillow, and Essek wishes his darkvision could pick up on its rust-red color.

He hesitates, but edges his way inside. Hovering means he only needs to worry about closing the door silently, which he (probably) suceeds in. He hesitates again, unsure of what exactly he even wants to do here, but he floats to the simple desk, carefully pulls out the chair, and sits.

It feels like an invasion of privacy, in a way, yet Essek sits and watches Caleb sleep. It's peaceful. Caleb's face is calm in a way it usually isn't when he's awake. The lines that make him look older than he is are smooth. It's strange, in a good way.

Unfortunately, Essek had been walking amidst the graves outside earlier, and the chair is far from plush. It quickly exacerbates his old leg pains. Making himself hover off the seat doesn't help as much as he'd like. He floats upright with a slight wince, braces a hand on the desk, and uses the other to guide one leg at a time. Roll the ankle, bend the knee, lift it up, roll the hip joint. Repeat for the other leg.

"...Hello?"

He freezes. Caleb is awake, it seems. But it's dark, he can't see.

"Ah, hello, Caleb. My apologies, I didn't mean to wake you."

Thankfully, he lowers his leg right before Caleb summons his dancing lights with a wave of the hand.

"Essek. What're you doing here?"

It's not a question make defensively, just the drowsy curiosity of someone newly awoken.

"I was, ah... Watching you sleep. I apologize."

"It's fine." Caleb frowns when Essek sits and winces. "Are you alright?"

"I..." He has to remind himself he has nothing to hide from the Nein. "As alright as I usually am." He kneads his thighs without trying to disguise it.

Caleb watches the movement. "Your legs hurt?"

He nods. "Some days more than others. I can usually handle walking for short periods." With some internal reassurance, Essek rises again and continues his therapeutic exercises.

Caleb sits up and wraps the blanket around himself to watch. He has the same quizzical expression he usually wears around a new magical theorem. "Can I ask what happened."

Essek's mouth twists a bit. "The development of the gravity sinkhole spell was.. less than smooth. My legs were crushed during one of the tests. They were healed, of course, but the involvement of experimental dunamis makes the damage... rather recalcitrant. Recurring, you could say."

Caleb hums, but otherwise remains silent while Essek completes his reps. Just as he does, Caleb scoots to the side to make room for him on the bed.

"Thank you."

He sits next to Caleb and folds his legs. It's always been curious to him how sometimes this position is more comfortable than sitting normally.

"Are there scars?" Caleb asks after a moment.

"Some. Most have faded."

The dancing lights begin to slowly orbit them both. Essek raises a hand in front of one. It passes through with the faintest feeling of warmth.

"I am sorry for waking you. I didn't think I was that loud."

"You weren't. I wake easy. Hard not to after spending too long sleeping on the streets."

"I see."

Silence envelops them. Briefly, until—

"Can I hold your hand?" Caleb asks quietly.

It catches Essek off-guard, but he smiles. "Of course."

Caleb's arm snakes out of his blanket cocoon and meets Essek's halfway. His hand is incredibly warm. His sleeping shirt is short-sleeved, leaving his own scars plainly visible. Pale welts wrap around the forearm.

Essek starts to reach for them, then catches himself. "May I?"

Caleb nods. "Don't squeeze."

"Okay."

He lays his hand on Caleb's arm. The layer of thin hairs disguise tthem somewhat, but Essek can distinctly feel the little welts against his palm. He keeps his touch light, tracing the bigger scars while mapping the others with his eyes.

Eventually, Essek pulls his hand back. "I'd like to say that this would've made me refuse to work with Trent, had I known it at the time, but... I'm honestly not sure."

Caleb is still holding his hand. He squeezes it, when Essek tries to pull away. "Don't dwell on the past."

Their eyes meet. Nothing is spoken for several seconds. Caleb squeezes Essek's hand again, then lets go and retreats into the blanket.

Essek lets out a breath. "I should let you sleep," he says as he lifts off the bed."

"You can stay if you'd like." Caleb nods toward the desk chair.

"Are you sure? Won't I wake you?"

"Not if I know you're there."

"...Very well. I'll get a book."

By the time Essek returns, Caleb has laid down again, though the dancing lights stay until Essek settles into the chair— a inch or two off the seat, of course. Then, they wink out.

"Gute nacht."

Essek smirks at the sleepy Zemnian speech. "Good night, Caleb."

Soon, he's asleep once again. The background noise of his slow, deep breaths is nice. Essek takes great care to keep his page turns quiet.

Chapter 4: The Cold North

Aeor is dangerous. Essek and Caleb know this, of course, but neither of them ever fully internalized it until now, after having to sneak invisibly past all the new beasts that moved into the spaces the Mighty Nein cleared months ago.

Overall, though, their foray into the ruins is highly productive. They collect many documents inside Caleb's bag of holding. They visit the T-dock and disintegrate it into dust. They even revisit the Imensus Gate. They have to dispatch the water elemental that's still stuck in the room, but they manage it without much issue. Once they're alone, the two wizards delve into the room around the portal, which is currently closed.

Essek clears the cold water off his lower half with a quick prestidigitation, after he floats up to the gate structure. Meanwhile, Caleb has already started inspecting its panels and mechanisms and quickly zeroes in on the lever that opens the gate, as well as the slot that holds the rod tuned to Cognouza. Caleb pulls it out and finds it finely carved with a familiar set of nine eye shapes. He frowns, inserts it back into the slot, and slowly turns the lever.

A line of red cuts across the inside of the curcilar gate, but it looks... unstable. It fizzes and wobbles and hisses very quietly. Bit by bit, the line opens like an eye. The red color resolves into the starry expanse of the Astral Sea. Off in the distance, the carcass of Cognouze floats, weightless, gradually rotting. Even when the portal is fully open, it never stabilizes. The edges shiver against the circular frame. The inside is fuzzy, sections of it going translucent at random intervals.

"It seems the attunement is fading," Essek muses.

"Ja." Caleb closes the gate and removes the rod. "Still, better not leave this here for anyone to find." He slips it into the bag of holding.

"Indeed."

They get to work investigating the structure as a whole. They pull panels open to see the inner mechanisms, which theyr sketch and take nots on. Caleb gets his hands inside to disconnect and reconnect things, to try and understand how it works; he's marginally successful. He even dares to open the gate and step through it, if only to give the cave on the other side one last thorough search for anything he might've missed.

Eventually, the pair is satisfied with thheir investigation. They begin their trek back out of Aeor. They could teleport out, of course, but it's better to minimize the amount to potential mishaps. They've already had to deal with some strange temporary side-effects to their magic and neither wants to repeat the experience, especially on the last step of their journey. Better tot ake the long and, hopefully, safer way out.

Thankfully, flying lets them exit the crater quite easily. They settle inside one of the many empty homes in the ruins, one of the few without corpses inside. Caleb digs some of their rations out and they sit and eat; they'll have to make do with the dome tonight.

While they're eating, however, Essek's ears pick up something. He reaches out to grab Caleb's arm and silence him with a look, then glances toward the sound.

It's hard to make out, but the longer they wait, the clearer it becomes: a quiet but incessant chattering and clicking of teeth. A nullifier.

At the same time hat Essek has that realization, Caleb finishes casting the dome around them.

The chattering pauses, for just a moment, before it returns with a vengeance as the beast draws closer. The wizards also lean closer, each preparing for a fight.

The nullifier passes by the window. It paws at the door and opens it. Its strange snake-like head peeks in and, from its perspective, sees only a stone gray hemisphere. It ambles inside chattering endlessly, and presses a clawed hand to the outside of the dome.

The wizards tense. Essek catches Caleb's hand in his, squeezes, and lets go. They both cast mage armor.

The nullifier's claws drag across the unnaturally smooth dome. Its other hand thumps against the barrier as its many mouths twitch and murmur, seemingly out of frustration. Does it know they're here? Essek can't tell.

The beast scratches a few more times, until it steps back. It holds its arms out to the sides, claws up. it takes a deep breath. Then, all its mouths open at once, but no sound comes out. Instead, each mouth emits a wave of sparse fog that expands like a bubble around the creature. Where that bubble intersects with the dome, the latter simply vanishes. Even their mage armor fades.

"Scheisse!"

The nullifier screeches and surges forward, too fast for Essek to avoid. It's all he can do to shield his face with am arm before the thing is on him. He ducks under one claw, barely, but the other slashes deep into his shoulder before those horrible mouths gnaw into his arm.

Caleb scrambles backward, but when he tries to reflexively shield the answering swipe, the spell fails. The claws rake across his chest, causing him to stumble through the section of dome still standing, which promptly dissipates. His back hits the far wall while he frantically thinks. A split second later, his form balloons out into a giant red-haired ape who, with a bone-rattling bellow, tears off a chunk of the wall and throws it at the nullifier.

Stone shatters against the beast and showers around Essek. The antimagic field drops, but the nullifier's incessant chattering burrows depe into his brain, it takes all his focus just to stay upright. He has no hope of dodging its attacks. Claws tear his belly, slice into his thigh, and teeth sink into his other shoulder, his neck, his chest and upper arm.

He stumbles back, barely conscious, whole body throbbing with pain, but he's still just cognizant enough to feel the rush of wind when the ape charges past him and crashes into the nullifier, shoving it back and punching into its fang-filled torso.

Essek retreats until he cna brace himself against the half-broken wall. He covers his neck, which does little to stem the worrying amount of blood leaking from the wound. He lifts the other hand to cast, but his vission is swimming, the shot goes wide. That same shaking hand pulls out a healing potion, the last one he has, and brings it to his lips. Yet, just as the soothing sensation of healing begins to spread, it fades with almost no effect.

The last thing Essek feels is a shapeless force slam into him. He falls, hits his head on the stone floor, and everything goes dark.

Chapter 5: Recovery

Feeling comes back slowly, then all at once. Essek drifts back into consciousness and realizes he must not be dead after all, until the various intense aches across his body thoroughly scatter his thoughts. He gives a pitiful groan.

Blearily, he opens his eyes. It takes a few blinks to make the image focus. It resolves into Caleb, lying down only a foot away and also rousing slowly. Caleb has blood caked on his hair and cheek and his clothes are torn, but essek is sure he's far worse.

"Hello," Essek says, unable to keep the strain out of his voice.

Caleb's eyes snap open full of worry, before he lets out a sigh of relief. "Essek." He reaches out and lays a gentle hand on Essek's cheek. "I'm glad you're awake."

"Essek does his best to make his smile reassuring instead of pained. "Thanks to you." The smile shifts into a confused frown. "What happened? My potion didn't work."

"A reverser was drawn to the battle."

"Ah. And you managed to fight off both?"

"It took every polymorph I had."

His smile returns. "I'm impressed. It seems you'll never be done saving me."

"I'll do it gladly every time," Caleb replies with a tired smile of his own. "How do you feel? I haven't had to use a healer's kit so extensively before."

He tries to move and only succeeds in making himself wince. "About as bad as I probably look." Trying to move makes him realize he's been stripped to his underwear beneath the blanket covering him, but he's in too mucn pain to have room for embarassment. "I'll live," he concludes.

Caleb nods. "Good. I need a few more hours of sleep before I can summon the tower. Can you hold out until then?"

"Of course. I'll keep an ear out for any other intruders."

Caleb says nothing. He just takes Essek's hand and closes his eyes again. He's fast asleep before long.

Essek takes the chance to look around as gingerly as his injured neck allows. The dome is around them once more, but the walls beyond it are different. There are skeletons in the corner instead of fresh corpses.

Caleb moved him while he was out. Unsurprising, but appreciated nonetheless.

Essek tries to relax as much as possible. He mught not be able to trance in this state, but he'll try anyway. He watches Caleb sleep. He focuses on Caleb's hand in his, on the roughness that is so unusual for a wizard. He follows the rise and fall of his chest.

Around the time Essek is failing to count Caleb's freckles, his eyes fall shut and he drifts off to sleep. Proper sleep, not the trance befitting an elf.

The next time Essek wakes, it's to the feeling of soft sheets around him and a plush mattress underneath. Oh, and also cats. More than he cares to count, all curled up around him and purring up a storm. It makes him laugh, then cough and wince at the still tender claw marks across his stomach.

As soon as he starts moving the cats spring into action. One runs off and dives into a flap in the wall. a few climb off the bed and wait for instructions. About half simply push closer to Essek and continue their purring.

"Alright, thank you. That's enough."

the cats scatter obediently off the bed, allowing him to carefully pull himself sitting. He's still aching all over, but true sleep has done wonders to his disposition. He's still almost naked under the covers, so he takes the chance to inspect the damage and remove what bandages he can.

Nothing looks infected, which is good. His left arm is covered in bites. His right shoulder is too stiff to lift the other arm too far. The clawed legs looks bad, but he can float. He's most concerned about the gouges across his stomach, they went far too deep for comfort. Thankfully, not deep enough to actually spill his guts, it seems.

"It could be worse, I suppose," Essek muses to himself. Then a cat jumps onto the bed and meows, clearly awaiting orders. He chuckles, and inevitably winces. "Right. I think some food is in order. A soup, I think. Something filling. And could some you leave the bath ready for when I'm done eating?"

The cats scatter in groups as he distributes his requests. Shortly after, there's a knock at the door.

"Essek?"

"Come in."

Caleb leaves the door open behind him. He's already all cfresh and clean. "You look like you slept well," he says as he sits on the edge of the bed.

Essek smirks. "I probably look like a chew toy, but I'll take the compliment. It has certainly been quite a long time since I've needed to truly sleep."

"How are your wounds?"

"Stable. They should hold until we make it to safety."

"Did you order food?"

"Yes. And a bath. I feel filthy."

Caleb nods, to Essek and himself. "Let me know when you're ready to keep going. I can recast the tower if you need more than one day."

"Thank you, Caleb."

As if on cue, a whole horde of cats enters the room with Essek's food on their tails. They lay a small table across his lap and set out a deep bowl of thick, creamy soup, plus half a loaf of dense, dark bread and mug of steaming hot cocoa.

"I told them to add the chocolate," Caleb says.

"Oh. Thank you."

Caleb follows the cats to the door. "I'll let you eat. I'll be in the library if you need me."

The door shuts. Essek can't stop smiling.

The hot chocolate smells just like that first time back at the outpost. He wraps his hands around the pawprint-patterned mug and just soaks in the smell and warmth for a while, he drinks almost half of it in one go. Then, he moves to the soup and its heavy yet smooth texture, with also carries a faint grittines of ground-up insects, that's characteristic of Dynasty cuisine. Finally, the Zemnian bread, with an interestingly fruity taste that makes him wonder if juice is part of the recipe.

Everything is amazing, but Essek only manages to finish the cocoa. The rest, he lets the cats take away.

With the help of one of the larger cat servants, he drags himself upright so he can activate his hovering spell. He drifts into the bathroom, already full of the light, herbal scents he prefers; the tub is full and waiting. He sheds his underwear and sinks in, first with a groan of relief, then a hiss of pain when the hot water needles his wounds.It fades quickly, though, and he can finally make himself presentable again.

Soon, he's back to feeling like himself again. He styles his hand to the side, letting the curls cascade over his ear. He decorates the other with a few simple earrings, plain silver and only one tiny black gem. He chooses comfortable, somewhat loose clothes. a lavender silk shirt with silver enbroidery around the neck, plus black pants cuffed around the ankles.

With one last look in the mirror, Essek takes a deep breath. Caleb said he's be in the library, and Essek certainly has a few things he wants to talk about, things that have been left unsaid for far too long.

Chapter 6: A Discussion of Feelings

Essek drifts into Caleb's peripheral vision looking positively stunning, and yet it's obvious he's barely put any effort into it. It should be frustrating, but Caleb's just glad Essek is feeling well enough to even do this much. He sets his book down and watches Essek gingerly sit in the armchair opposite him.

"You should leave your hair like that more often."

"Perhaps I will." Essek smiles, but then he entwines his fingers in his lap. "Caleb. I believe there are things between us we need to discuss."

Something in Caleb's gut twists. "Go on."

He presses his lips together and gulps. "You are the most intriguing wizard and the most wonderful man I have ever met, Caleb Widogast. My desire to be close to you may have been initially fueled by curiosity, then guilt, but I've moved past that. I think. It would be impossible for me to not be drawn to you. You are kind, and resourceful, and incredibly smart, and... well, handsome. I would be happy to spend as much time as my circumstances allow with you, with whatever affections you may be willing to give me."

Calleb is... speechless. He'd never expected Essek to be so forward. He opens his mouth. Closes it. Clears his throat. Tries again.

"That is... a lot, Essek."

"My apologies. I only speak the truth."

"I don't doubt it." Caleb goes through it again in his head, every word and pause. "I, ah. I'm thankful for the compliments, but... Do you really want to be with me? Knowing the discrepancy between our lifespans?"

"I do. My memories of you will be just as precious as the time spent making them."

"...I see." Caleb fidgets with his hands in his lap. He can't seem to look Essek in the eye. "Well, I- it's- hrm."

"I don't expect you to reciprocate."

"No! No, I-" Caleb runs a hand through his hair with a frustrated huff. "Have you had other romantic leanings before, Essek?"

"When I was younger, yes."

"Were they good experiences?"

"For the most part. Why do you ask?"

"I only have one other romantic experience, Essek, and it was... fraught. Astrid and Eodwulf were so, so very beautiful, and smart, and driven, but Trent used that, he led me astray not just through my mind but my heart. And you," he gestures to the whole of Essek. "You are like them is so many ways, good and bad. I'm in awe of your willingness, your determination to change and do beter. I am enraptured by your beauty and your wits. But..." He reaches for a different word than the one on his tongue and finds none.

"...I am scared, Essek, of falling back into bad habits."

Essek listens. He nods while mulling it over. He rubs a thumb along the back of the opposite hand. "I understand. Though, if I may be so bold, that didn't sound entirely like a 'no'."

"Ja. It was a request for patience. I want to, Essek, I do. I just need some time."

"Of course. As much as you require."

"Danke."

Calleb picks up his book again, but stops. He looks around. They're sitting in opposite armchairs, when there are couches and loveseats scattered across the library.

"Wait," Caleb says when Essek rises. He stands up himself and moves to one of the couches, then pats the spot next to him. "Sit with me."

"Okay."

Essek settles next to him— actually settles, rather than hovering a couple inchess over the cushion. Their hands clasp between them, as though they've been doing it for years. This time, however, after a moment's thought, Caleb threads their fingers together.

"This is nice."

"It is."

Caleb sets his book aside. He sits and stares at Essek's hand. He stretches it out over his own slightly shorter and thicker fingers. He strokes the back of it and finds it devoid of hair. On a whim, he raises it to his mouth and kisses it.

When he tries to lower their hands, Essek resists, so he lets go. essek runs the back of his fingers across his jaw, over the coarse stubble he hasn't shaved.

"I've always been somewhat fond of this," Essek muses.

"Beards?"

"Body hair in general. Elves have little to none of it."

"I ah, guessed as much."

"What...?" Essek suddenly remembers waking up mostly naked after being unconscious, blushes fiercely, yanks his hand back, and clears his throat. "R-right."

"Sorry. I thought it was preferable to cutting up your pant leg."

"It's alright. I just wish it had happened under... less dire circumstances."

"Ja."

After a few moments, they hold hands again. Caleb sares at their intertwined fingers, at the contrast between pale pinkish skin and Essek's grayish purple. His gaze travels upward, along Essek's sleeve, past the delicate silver designs around his neck, to study Essek's features. He's never has the opporutnity to do so quite this close up.

The elven stereotype is fine, slender features, but his time in Rosohna has shown him that drow in particular tend to stray from that. The queen herself fits such expectations, but Essek doesn't. His jaw is somewhat round. His nose is flat, rather broad. His eyelashes are short but plentiful, like halos of white around his eyes. And are a few little blemishes, things that Essek normally keeps hidden under makeup. A handful of tiny pockmarks scattered across his cheeks, a tiny dark spot near his chin, a thin scar next to his eye.

The imperfections make Caleb smile, which Essek reciprocates in amusement. "What is it?"

Caleb shakes his head. "Nothing." His gaze gets caught on Essek's ears. Even now, those silver caps are there on the tips. "Can I aks you something?"

"Of course."

"Are your ears sensitive?"

"Ah." Essek's blush returns faintly. "More than I would like, yes."

"Os that common for elves?"

"Relatively common, from what I understand. It's... hm. I believe it's similar to how some humans are particularly ticklish."

"I see."

"Are you ticklish, Caleb?"

"I'm afraid not," he says with a smile.

"Shame."

They linger for a few more seconds, until Caleb gives Essek's hand a squeeze before releasing it. "Why don't you go find yourself a book? We can read together."

"I would love to."

Essek rises, not without a slight wince. He drifts away and returns with an empire book on theories about dunamancy, though the name of it is never used.

Caleb raises an eyebrow when he sees it. "Are you sure you want to read that? It's pretty inaccurate."

"I'm sure it is," Essek replies as he sits, "but I could use a bit of levity at the moment."

Caleb just smiles and scoots closer to press them hip to hip, which Essek is more than happy with.  They sit, and read, and drink tea brought by the cat servants.

It's simple, yet perfect.

Chapter 7: Travel Through the Empire

It takes months for them to move forward in their relationship, though not entirely by Essek's choice. When they make it back to the Grove and he gets fully healed, Essek decides it's time to accept his renegade status and begin his wanderings in disguise. As tempting as it is to accept the invitation of the Clays to stay, he doesn't want to risk putting them in any further danger. He can return as necessary, when he needs healing or just as a place to lay low, but he won't stay permanently.

It's only after he bids Caleb goodbye that Essek concocts a few different personas to hide behind: a high elf scholar, a wood eld pilgrim, a half-elf student, even a human. It's strange, putting together these fake people that will serve as his shield. He even does some practice with the more willing members of the Clay family, but eventually, he feels ready to finally set out.

At Caduceus' adivce, Essek heads for Empire land. It makes him worry himself sick, but Caduceus was right in saying that the comon folk here don't know him. He's far less likely to be recognized by his mannerisms. So, Essek Thelyss, the dunamancy prodigy and traitor to the Dynasty, travels into Empire territory with only an illusory disguise to keep him safe.

It doesn't feel like enough. It never does, even as days turn to weeks turn to months and the miles roll by under his feet. No matter how careful he is, how expertly he weaves the life stories of the people he pretends to be, he's constantly on guard, always expecting Krynn soldiers to break down the door of whichever inn he happens to be in and haul him away to be executed.

Yet, it never happens. His disguises hold. The people he meets vary from courteous to indifferent to brutish, but it's rarely due to his status or name. It's strange, at first. It takes some getting used to. But in time, Essek comes to appreciate the anonymity of his aliases.

By the time he realizes how comfortable he's grown in his masks despite his constant paranoia, more than half a year has passed. He's been occasionally keeping in touch with Caleb, who has since become a teacher at the Academy in Rexxentrum, and he even knows about Caleb's new flesh-and-blood cat, a black fluffy little lady named Greta.

It pains Essek to hear about Caleb's life, because he's thoroughly vague about his own wanderings, all the little odd jobs he does to keep his money bag full and all the people and cities he visits. He has to be vague. It wasn't a secret that the Shadowhand had dealings with one Caleb Widogast back in the Dynasty. The last thing Essek wants is for Caleb to be captured and interrogated. The Nein may have the Broght Queen's favor, but Essek isn't willing to take that as immunity from the potential consequences of associating with him.

Despite all that, as winter thaws and the land begins to warm up in preparation for summer, Essek's heart aches for Caleb.

One day, he's made camp in the shade of a small clump of trees not far from the road. The sun drifts westward as his meager campfire fades. The heat of the day grows thick in the air, thicker than it has in many weeks. Essek has to strip down to his lightest underclothes, since he's yet to purchase a more airy outfit to wear under his illusions.

It must be the heat that finally breaks him. He's been resisting the temptation to message Caleb and ask to meet him, but today he gives in. He thinks of the contrast between Caleb's soft hair and rough hands and casts Sending.

"Caleb. I- I miss you. I'd like to meet again. Far from Rexxentrum, if possible. If not, would I be safe to enter it disguised?"

The answer comes within seconds.

"Nein. Tell me a place to meet you in... two days. I'll teleport us into my home. ...It's good to hear from you again, Essek."

He can't help a smile while he constructs his reply and casts the spell again. "The second crossroads south of Zadash. I'll wait for you there. I look forward to seeing you again. Should I bring treats for Greta?"

"Only if you can afford them. I'll see you soon, friend."

Caleb's reply sounds both elated and amused. It's only when his voice fades that Essek realizes he has a hand curled over his heart. It makes him laugh. Nothing but a lovesick fool, he is.

Essek shakes his head. That's all behind him. what he needs to worry about now is getting to that crossroads, and he'll need to start moving now if he wants to make it in time. He quickly tidies up his belongings, dons what few clothes he can bear, and sets off down the road.

He makes good time. He's kept the habit of trancing at noon, which lets him traverse the roads when they're deserted at night. It's peaceful, and also generally safer than brushing past countless passersby.

He reaches the crossorads right after dawn on the second day. Essek's not sure when Caleb will show up, so he sets up a simple camp behind a large boulder at the edge of the road; it doesn't offer much shelter, but he won't need it for long.

Indeed, it's only a few hours later when Essek peeks outside his tent and spots Caleb's hair looking loke glowing embers in the late morning sun. He's standing in one corner of the crossroads and looking around. His gaze is quickly drawn to Essek when he steps out into the open. There's a beat, Caleb's eyes narrow for a moment, then he smiles and strides over.

"Hello, ah... Mr. Telnion?"

Essek winces slightly at the terrible fake name. "Let's skip the niceties, please. I just need a moment to gather my things."

Caleb looks like he's trying to hold back laughter. "Of course."

He's done prepping in record time, yet it still doesn't feel fast enough when Caleb is standing there with that bemused smirk on his stupidly handsome face. Essek thought that using his human disguise today would be a good personal joke, but he's realizing how stupid it was to base his fake last name on Beau's.

Whatever. He pushes the thought out of his mind and hefts his bag over his shoulder.

"All done?" Caleb asks.

"Yes."

"Gut. Follow me."

He leads Essek away from the crossroads, through the increasingly denser grass and greenery, but they don't go far. It only takes a few minutes for them to reach a divot in the landscape, a shallow bowl choked with long grasses and shrubs. It's far from glamorous, but it's enough to get them out of sight.

They hold hands, lock eyes, and teleport.

Chapter 8: Caleb's Home

Essek's feet land on stone. He smells damp and a little bit of mold. Most importantly, the light is bressledly dim.

"Thank the light, he sighs in relief. The illusory disguise drops. He takes off his dark-tinted glasses and tucks them into a pocket to have a look around.

It's a basement, simple as that. There's am empty wine rack by the wall, an old barrel, and cobwebs in every corner. The beginnings of a teleportation circle are scratched into the floor.

"I haven't cleaned this out yet," Caleb says, also looking around. He waves for Essek to follow. "Come, come. Let me show you around."

Caleb's home is relatively spacious, but not opulently so. Mostly it just feels that way because it's sparsely furnished. It's clear Caleb is still in the process of making the place his own. The essentials are present, and here and there an extra piece of furniture or decoration adds a bit of personality.

In the common area there's a shelf holding books and a handful of trinkets, mostly cat-themed. Another shelf sits empty under the kitchen window, presumably so that Greta can have a view of the backyard. There's a painting Essek recognizes as Jester's in the hallway; he counts at least three hidden dicks in the brief look he gets.

It's the study that first looks truly lived in. One wall is completely hidden behind half-full bookshelves. another is lined with a long work table and cabinets full of glassware and other tools. There's a cupboard of sorts, for materials and components, and finally a desk and well-worn chair.

Caleb's own room isn't nearly as thoroughly furnished as the study. It's still plenty cozy, there's a plush-looking four-poster bed, a big darkwood wardrobe, yet another bookshelf, and a somewhat clawed-up armchair upon which lies Greta the cat.

"There you are."

Caleb crouches by the armchair to greet her. She lifts her head into his scritches, then yawns and stretches. Greta sits, wraps her fluffy tail around her paws, and fixes Essek with a yellow-eyed stare.

Caleb bekons his closer. "Come say hello. Just hold out your hand let her sniff you."

Essek approaches slowly. He's not afraid of cats, he just has no experience with them. He holds out an arm and feels Greta's whiskers tickle the back of his hand. She sniffs at it for a worryingly long time, but then she just headbutts it and Caleb smiles.

"She likes you. Go ahead and pet her, stay above the neck. The cheeks and under the chin are good."

He follows the instructions and is pleased to find Greta leaning into his touch, it makes his nails dig deep into her long fur. He pets her for as long as she accepts it, until after a minute or two Greta pulls back on her own accord. She yawns a second time, shakes her head, then circles around and lies back down.

Caleb nods approvingly and stands up. "Well, she was the last thing left to see. What do you think?"

Essek scans the room and peeks down the hall. It seems to be well on its way to becoming a home. Though, I am concerned about the closed curtains. Won't the neighbors get suspicious?"

"Nein. I've been periodically keeping them shut for the past few months in preparation. They're used to it by now."

"Really. I'm flattered, Caleb."

"It was nothing." He runs his hands together. "So! What would you like to do?"

"Frankly, all I want right now is a proper bath. And, afterward, if you think it'd be safe, I'd like to go shopping. I need lighter clothes for the coming summer."

"You might not need them here in Rexxentrum, but yeha, we can go shopping. And maybe after we could eat somewhere?"

Essek smirks. "Caleb Widogast, are you asking me on a date?"

"Ja."

"Well. I suppose I have no choice but to accept it, then. I'll go get ready."

"I'll wait here."

There are three guest rooms in the house, but only one has A) more than the barest essentials, and B) an attached bathroom. That's the one Essek slips into. He leaves his pack propped up against the bed and shes his travel clothes. There's a full-body mirror in the bathroom, which lets him see how much he's changed in these past several months of constant hiding and travel.

He's a bit thinner, but he's also... Well, less soft would probably be the best way to put it. Very well elves can ever become as visible muscular as most other races. There's a little bit more tone to his muscles, especially around his shoulders and upper arms, and even his legs have bulked up a bit. It's harder t maintain the illusion of walking when he's floating, so he's made an effort to stay on his feet as much as possible when the pain allows. The limbs still look a bit withered compared to the rest of him, but he's still strangely proud of the change. Proof that he's survived this long on his own.

When he moves into the bath itself, Essek is pleasantly surprised to find an herbal-scented soap waiting for him. It's not exactly like what he prefers, this one leans a little too floral. The thoughtfullness behind it warms his heart anyway. Of course Caleb would remember, he always does. Essek sinks into the bath with a smile and an immense sigh of relief; being the wandering fugitive has its charms, but he definitely wishes he has regular access to a fully furnished bathroom like this.

Maybe he'll ask Caleb to teach him how to cast that wonderful tower. Or maybe he could create something a little simpler that still suits his needs. Why isn't there a midway point between Tiny Hut and Magnificent Mansion, anyway? That suddenly feels like a major oversight on the part of all wizards ever.

Those are thoughts for some other time. Right now, Essek has a date to worry about. He gets out the tub, after thoroughly scrubbing off the grime of travel, towels off, and returns to the bedroom.

If only he'd been able to pack more of his wardrobe before he fled Eiselcross. Still, he should be able to put together something nice anyway.

The end result is a little darker than he would've liked, but still quite pleasing to the eye. Form-fitting black pants with silver embroidered designs down the side of each thigh, pointed blakc boots with a small heel, a simple black shirt long poofy sleeves, all topped with a vest in a rich plum color. essek also adds a start=shaped silver brooch just below his collarbones, from which three fine chains loop around his shoulders at different heights.

The last touch is the jewelry. There's the ear caps, of course. He also gathers as many little dangling bits as he can find on his ears without creating a tangling hazard. and finally, a bit of makeup to emphasize his best features. No lipstick, since they'll be eating later. Some smoky dark blue eyeshadow instead, to highlight his white eyelashes, and just the lightest dusting of silver glitter across his cheekbones. His hair is left on that sideways curly flop that Caleb liked so much.

This is all for him, after all, everyone else will see whatever mask Essek decides to wear. The thought is kind of thrilling.

No, focus! Enough preparations.

Essek steps out of the guest room and knocks on Caleb's door. "Caleb? May I come in?"

The first answer is a meow. The second is the voice Essek expects.

"Ah, ja! Let Greta out, please."

As soon as he opens the door a furry shadow slinks past his ankles. she's followed by a faint smell of woodsmoke that Essek recognizes as Caleb's preferred fragrance. It seems Caleb had the same idea for getting ready, and he's now sitting in bed facing away, apparently trying to braid his hair.

He twists around, in what is clearly supposed to be a quick greeting, but then he double-takes and just stares at essek for several seconds.

"...You look beautiful."

"Thank you. Would like some help with that?" Essek nods to the half-formed braid that has slipped out of Caleb's grip.

"Scheisse." Caleb tries to get the braid back in order, fails miserably, and gives up. "Yes. This is much harder to do on yourself."

Essek sits behind him and starts to undo his messy attempt. "I didn't know you could braid hair."

"I used to do it on Veth plenty of times. It helped her feel pretty... before. I'm surprised you know it too."

"I did, some time ago. I haven't tried it in literal decades. But I'll do my best." He begins dividing Caleb's hair into thirds and passing them back and forth. "I like it when you let your hair loose."

"I don't want it falling into my food later."

"Hm. How about a compromise?"

He releases the hair he's already braided and combs it loose with his fingers. Instead, he pulls only the upper half of it back to braic, which also makes it easier and significantly less messy. It's far from perfect in the end, but passable enough.

Caleb feels along the much smaller braid once it's done and nods his approval. "That works. Thank you."

"Of course."

Caleb stands and turns around, and Essek finally gets to see his full outfit: brown shoes, maroon pants and matching jacket, the latter decorated with line sof sparkling beads in red, orange and gold that suggest flames, and a splash of sky blue on the shirt underneath that brings out Caleb's eyes.

"How do I look?"

"Very handsome." Essek waves a hand across his front to don his earlier human disguise, then gestures toward the door. "Shall we?"

Chapter 9: A Date and a Massage

In the end, they don't buy anything Essek had planned to. Caleb insists he won't need anything too light for spring in Rexxentrum, and summer, if he chooses to stay that long. Of all things, Essek buys a pair of hats instead. They're never been his style, but it's another layer of protection against the sun.

Caleb also buys things, though his aren't for wearing. He takes Essek to the little shop where he got some of his cat trinkets from. With Essek's help, they find something to represent each member of the Nein. A midnight blue owl for Beau. A pink beetle for Caduceus. A green sea turtle for Fjord. A bright blue weasel for Jester. A yellow butterfly for Veth. A white dove for Yasha. And, to Essek's surprise, an orange cat for Caleb himself, a purple snake for Kingsley, and a black raven for Essek.

"The Nein stick together, ja?" Caleb explains, while the shop owner puts each delicate little trinket of ceramic or glass into its own cushioned box.

After shopping, it's time for a late lunch. Caleb brings Essek somewhere with very comfortable seats to avoid exacerbating the ache in his legs. The food is also very good, the typical Zemnian cuisine that Essek has grown used to recently. Caleb even has the audacity to ask for lit candles on their table, which both embarasses and delights Essek in equal amounts.

Why did he have to fall in love with a firebug?

Either way, they eat. They talk. Essek tells as much of his adventures as he dares. Caleb speaks of his students and recounts the warning he got about spreading 'potentially seditious ideas' with glee. Essek laughs. The whole thing is quiet, and intimate, and it makes Essek all warm and fuzzy inside in a way that's entirely unrelated to the hot food or the spiced mead.

The shadows are long by the time they start heading home. The pain in Esseks legs is getting unbearable, so he leans heavily on Caleb's arm for support. As soon as they're indoors, Essek activates his floating spell with an immense sigh of relief. He also dismisses the disguise.

"Will you be alright?"

"Yes," Essek says tersely. "I just need to do my massages. and... some heat, probably."

"Greta trots over and rubs against Caleb's leg with a meow, but goes ignored. "Another bath, then?" he asks instead.

"Most likely. The head expedites the recovery."

"Would you mind if I join and help you?"

"Uh." Something in Essek's brain seems to grind to a halt. Greta meows again, louder. He clears his throat. "No. No, I wouldn't."

Caleb smirks, but spares Essek the embarassment by crouching down to pet Greta. "I know how that sounds, but it's not meant as sexual. I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet. I just want to help."

"Right. Yes, of course."

"You can go ahead. I need to put these somewhere she won't find." He stands and lifts the bag of boxed trinkets.

"Alright."

Essek floats through the house to his guest room. He hesitates at the door, but closes it, mostly to keep Greta out. He methodically undoes his date ensemble, laying each piece across the bed, including the jewelry. For now, the underwear stays.

He moves into the bathroom and winces when he sits at the edge of the tub. It's while he's waiting for it to fill that there's a knock at the door.

"Come in!"

Caleb slips inside and shuts the door behind him. He's now only in his underclothes as he steps barefoot into the bathroom. "Everything alright so far?"

"I haven't gotten to the worst part yet, so... Yes."

Essek shuts off the water when the tub is only half full; he doesn't need more than this. Then comes the issue of actually getting in. He rises to a standing position and hesitates, uncertain of how to go about it, until Caleb silently offers him a steadying hand, which he gratefully takes. with that, he's able to slip off his underwear and maneuver his legs into the water, not without a small pained noise. Slowly, he lowers himself into the water to sit on the step that wraps around the edge of the tub to form a seat.

Caleb joins him immediately. Essek didn't notice him undressing, but he tries no to let it distract him. Which, given how much his legs are throbbing, turns out to be prety easy.

"Okay," Essek huffs. "I'll do it once to show you, then you can do it."

"Alright."  Caleb moves it to sit at the bottom of the tub in front of him for a better view.

He takes a breath. He leans down and reaches into the water, down to his foot, where he begins to squeeze the limb rhythmically, once per second, while slowly dragging his hands up. Every squeeze makes his face twist at the throbbing ache. He sighs in relief once he gets all the way to the top of his thigh and can finally stop.

Caleb watches like a hawk. "It hurts?"

"The first round usually does, yes. It gets better." He scoots his hips forward and parts his knees to give Caleb more room to work with. "I'm used to it."

Caleb nods. He moves closer, water lapping around his shoulders, and wraps his hands around Essek's other foot. After one last look of confirmation, he begins to repeat the process, steadily working his way up his leg. Essek's hand clench against the porcelain of the tub.

"Is this correct?" Caleb asks.

"Yes," Essek groans.

His eyes are shut tight, so he can't see whatever expression might be on Caleb's face. He just sits and grimaces through the worst of the process, as those rough hands squeeze higher and higher up his leg. It's be arousing if it weren't so damnably painful.

Eventually, Caleb reaches the end and pulls back. Essek sighs again.

"Better?"

"Getting there. Keep going, one, then the other."

Caleb obeys without complaint. This time the rhythmic pressure still stings, but much less agonizingly. It's almost pleasant.

"Why do you think they hurt?" Caleb asks.

"Dunamis," Essek replies. "Dunamis is... time, and space, and gravity. It's..." He waves his hand, as though trying to catch the right words. "It's something we don't fully understand. So, with an experimental dunamantic spell that went wrong, who's to say what exactly happened? My main theory is... minuscule time loops, essentially.

"The flesh in my legs has been partially unbound from the normal flow of time. Sometimes they experience localized regressions to the moment the spell failed and suffer microscopic damage. Never enough to cripple me for good, but enough to, well..." He makes a sweeping gesture at his legs. "Some of the healers hat have examined me over the years found pockets of scar tissue and areas of stagnant blood. This massage helps with the latter."

Caleb hums and nods. He's finishing the third round of massage. "Would propping up your legs above your torso help?"

"Yes, but it takes much longer, and the strain on my knees can be unpleasant. This is more efficient."

"Makes sense."

When Caleb goes to start a fourth round, Essek puts a hand out. "Wait. Help me stand up, please."

Caleb stands first and lets Essek pull himself standing. It takes some effort, but he nods. "Okay. Yes, one more round should be enough."

"Are you sure? You still look like you're hurting."

"I am." He sinks back down. "Only magical healing can make it stop completely, and the massage has diminishing returns. One more round is plenty."

"Alright."

Caleb sits back and gets back to work. The last round of massage goes by in silence, aside form the gentle sloshing of the water. It's mostly pleasant. Once it's done, Caleb is left sitting in front of Essek but lower in the water.

Essek can't help a smile. "I never thought the first time we'd be naked together would be for this."

Caleb chuckles. "I'm sure. How does it compare?"

He gives an exaggerated hum. "Well, there were many possibilities in my mind, all quite different. I think I prefer this."

"I'm glad." Caleb moves to sit beside him. "But, I think we can get a little closer to what you may have had in mind."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"I'd like to kiss you."

"O-oh."

"Would that be okay?"

"Yes."

Ordinarily, Essek would regret the eagerness in his voice, but there's no time for it. Caleb's hands cradle his jaw. Caleb's thumb rubs along his cheek, dragging water across his purple skin and smearing the makeup. Caleb leans closer and closer, Essek could count his freckles, and his vission blurs and all there is are those warm lips against his own.

Essek's eyes flutter shut.A long exhale drains out of him. Before he can be tempted to try to deepen the kiss, however, Caleb pulls back. The kiss is chaste. Experimental. Essek is left with, if not a fire, then at least some low burning embers somewhere below his navel.

"Hm. Interesting," Caleb muses.

"Good or bad interesting?"

"I'm not sure. We'll have to repeat the experiment a few times for a definitive answer."

He snickers. "I'd be happy to assist."

"Good to hear."

And Caleb kisses him again, longer this time. Long enough that Essek can put a hand on his shoulder and squeeze, just a little. e gasps quietly when they part.

"You're making me want to do something reckless."

"That doesn't sound any different from our usual interactions," Caleb teases.

He laughs. He's about to agree, maybe even mention all the wild things they've gotten up to in Aeor alone, when his mouth is caught in a third kiss, one that is all but chaste. The breath Essek gathered to speak comes out as a moan instead. Caleb licks into his mouth, but just when Essek starts to chase that high and reciprocate, he breaks off and holds Essek at arm's length.

It takes a moment to process what happened, but as soon as he opens his eyes he's worries. "Caleb?"

"I'm alright." Caleb's eyes open as well. "Just... not ready for that yet, as it turns out."

"My apologies."

Caleb shakes his head. "It's alright. I was testing my boundaies and I found them. That's good."

"So chaste kisses are good?"

"Chaste kisses are good, ja."

"Could I have one more before we get out of this tub?"

Caleb smirks and leans in for one last touch of the lips. "Do you want help getting out?"

"In a moment, yes. I'll wash off this makeup first."

Caleb nods and climbs out to dry himself. Essek stays, only until his makeup is floating in the water amidst soap bubbles, then accepts Caleb's hand to get out. With his support, he only gives a minor wince as he climbs out. He towels off, floats into the bedroom, and puts on one of his comfy home outfits.

The rest of the day is spent just... existing around each other. He helps Caleb arrange his new trinkets on the shelf on the common area— the owl and the dove, the turtle and the weasel, the cat and the raven, and three lone little animals. Caleb makes dinner and essek helps where he can, mostly by keeping Greta away from the ingredients.

When night comes, and at Caleb's suggestion, they sleep together in Caleb's bed. Yes, actually sleep, not trance. They wake up lying much closer together while holding each other, but not quite cuddling. They experiment with a little bit of spooning and Caleb decides against it for now, so they simply kiss before getting ready for a new day.

Chapter 10: Spellcraft

It's strange, having Essek as a guest, but not at all in a bad way. Caleb can't be around him all the time, of course, he's still a teacher. He has lectures to give, ests to grade and so on, but when he comes home Essek is there, usually reading or entertaining Greta.

That's not all he does. with Caleb's permission, Essek starts to tinker in the study. He announces his intention to create a new spell for his own use, something like a lesser version of Magnificent Mansion for the next time he sets out by himself.

Essek's experimentation and Caleb's job means they rarely run out of things to talk about. While Essek works on his spellcraft, they work on their relationship.

The longer Essek stays, the easier it is to focus on the differences between him and Caleb's fomer paramours, on how he's uniquely Essek. Caleb starts to push as his boundaries, little by little. They start to cuddle while lounging around at the end of the day. Sometime during the second week, they start doing it in bed as well. The light kisses become a staple, and every now and then Caleb asks to go a little farther and Essek obliges with all the patience in the world.

Essek never sets a specific date for leaving. He decides to do so after finishing his spell, which they both know is a vague timeframe. Spellcrafting is difficult and unpredictable. What Essek is trying to do isn't anything overly powerful, but anything dealing with extradimensional spaces tends to be tricky.

So, time goes by. The weeks pile on, They grow closer. Essek learns to cook a few things to help keep them fed. Caleb furnishes and decorates his home a bit more. They go out a few more times.

It's so unbelievable domestic, and exactly what Caleb had been hoping for while waiting for Essek to call wanting to meet again. But, three months into Essek's stay, they're sitting together after dinner sharing a book and Essek can't seem to relax.

"Essek. What's wrong?"

He sighs. "Is it that noticeable?"

"You're stiff as a board."

"Apologies. I am... anxious. I haven't stayed in one place this long since I left the outpost."

"You're afraid we might get an unwanted visitor."

His mouth twists at the thought. "Yes. Don't get me wrong, Caleb, my time here has been wonderful. But the last thing I want is to bring danger to your doorstep. You have a good life here. I don't want to ruin it."

"Essek..." Caleb sets the book aside so he can take Essek's hand. "You know I'd help you with anything."

"I know." He squeezes Caleb's hand. "And I'm grateful, Caleb, I truly am. There are no words in Common or Undercommon to describe my gratitutde. But I don't want to make you have to prove it."

He stares into Essek's eyes. He brings Essek's hand and kisses it, lingers on that touch, before lowering it. "Okay," he says simply. "How is the spell coming along, then?"

"It's close. The runic matrix is just about done, I just need to find the right components to bind it to."

"Can I help?"

Essek glances toward the discarded book. "I'd rather not disrupt our evening."

He squeezes Essek's hand and puts his other on his shoulder. "Essek. You're worried about this. Let me help."

Essek lets out a breath. "Okay." He leads the way to the study and the corner owhere he's been working, then simply gestures for Caleb to have a look.

The spell's working title is Private Sanctum. It's meant to create a comfortable extradimensional space, similar to Magnificent Mansion but on a much smaller scale. It would have no ethereal servants or ready-made food, but it would be able to hold items brought within, even while not being actively cast. It would be able to house as many creatures as the caster's intellect allows, and last for half a day if the caster remains inside.

Caleb leafs through the pages of notes and prototypes. He follows the development of the mathemagical formula, each step detailed expertly in Essek's slanted spidery hand. The latest version of the matrix is solid, though with some gaps, some aspects in need of anchors. Namely, how the spell determines what the inside od the sanctum looks like and how it recognizes the creatures allowed by the caster to enter.

The latter should be simple, Tiny Hut already does something very similar. And they cna take cues from Magnificent Mansion itself to determine the appearance of the pocket space. The last piece that actually needs figuring out is the physical component.

Caleb taps a finger on the center of the circular diagram. Something small. Something easy to acquire, ideally. Something...

"...How about a token from the caster's home?"

Essek's eyes widen. Then his brow furrows. "What if the caster doesn't think they have a home?"

"Somewhere safe, then. A secure location they can always go to and be protected from danger."

Essek hums and mulls it over. He steps close and looks at the unfinished spell matrix. He takes up a quill and starts making adjustments, redoing calculations, moving runes.

Caleb just steps back and watches Essek woth with a smile. It's captivating. The way his hair falls over his face could almost be called cute. At one point, when Essek is particularly engrossed, Caleb steps out to quickly grab one of his many cat trinkets, a grey ceramic tabby curled up and sleeping. He returns to the study and waits with the little cat closed in his fist.

After about half an hour, Essek steps back with one last sheet of paper in his hands. He looks triumphant. He scans his immediate surroundings, as though expecting the material he needs to materialize out of nothing. Fortunately, it does when Caleb silently holds out the cat trinket.

"Oh." Essek laughs at himself. "Of course. Thank you, Caleb."

Essek takes the proffered token and places it on the floor. He takes a deep breath. In one fluid motion, he draws a complicated shape in the air above it and mutter an incantation. The ceramic cat shimmers, vanishes, and from where it sat rises a glowing rectangular outline that fills in with a darkwood door.

"Well done," Caleb says.

"Indeed," Essek replies, stunned. Then he turns around and catches Caleb in a crushing hug. "Thank you."

He laughs and returns the hug just as tightly. "You are very welcome."

As soon as the hug ends, Essek grabs Caleb by the hand, opens the summoned door with the other, and pulls him through.

 

Chapter 11: A Parting Gift

The inside of Essek's Private Sanctum materializes as a spacious main room. The style is an interesting and equal blend of Jrynn and Zemnian influences, black and purples mixed harmoniously with browns and reds. The cat trinket is embedded on the inside of the door within a glass orb. The main room ha splenty of comfortable seating, a kitchen area, and the far wall holds a closed door with plenty of room for more. There are also windows, but it's obvious even from a distance that they can't be opened, and the view beyond them is just a haze of golden fog.

Essek takes a few steps forward as he looks everywhere in wonder. He didn't have every single detail on mind, but the spell seems to have built off his basic idea wonderfully. The bookshelves and kitchen cabinets are empty, of course, but those can be easily filled up.

"It looks good," Caleb says behind him.

"It is."

Essek moves to the door in the back and opens it to a large suite, decorated just like the rest of the Sanctum and holding a sumptuous couple's bed. Even as he takes in the surroundings, his mood sours. "I suppose this means a goodbye is due."

"Probably. First, I'd say the successful creation of a new spell warrants some celebration, ja?"

Essek turns around to find Caleb walking into the room and not stopping at the door. He comes right up to Essek instead, pulling him into a hug and a kiss that's well beyond chaste. It makes Eseek hum appreciatively, but he breaks off before he gets his hopes up.

"Ah. Does that mean what I think it means?"

Caleb grins as he rubs his hands up and down Essek's back. "I don't think I'll be partaking, but yes. I want you to think of me when you rest here."

"O-oh. That. Uh."

Caleb's grin only widens. "Do we have an agreement?"

"Ah, yes! Yes. I would very much like that."

At long last, when Caleb surges forward and their lips meet, Essek lets himself reciprocate without restraint. He holds Caleb tight, digs his fingers into the back of his shirt, dleves into Caleb's mouth with all the lust built up over the past months of careful experimentation. It's glorious, and Essek moans languidly into the kiss.

He has to break off, however, when Caleb slips his hands under his shirt and drags his nails down Essek's back, drawing a ragged groan from his lips. His back arches, then he buckles forward again, panting.

"Caleb, I... how... How much can I undress you?"

"Above the waist should be enough."

"Okay."

Essek immediately grabs Caleb's shirt and yanks it off, then discards his own so they can properly feel each other when they embrace again. Essek even groans.

"You're so warm..."

Caleb just smiles against Essek's neck before he starts kissing and nibbling and sucking at it, drawing a whole symphony of noises from Essek's lips. He also feels himself steered backward, until his knees hit the edge of the bed and he falls sitting on it.

Caleb starts to climb on to straddle him, but he stops him. "I'd love to, but I know from experience that's a bad idea."

"Ah. Right."

He sits beside Essek instead, but that doesn't deter him at all. They go right back to making out. Essek feels all hot and overly sensitive, and Caleb is fascinating. Specifically, he's fuzzy! Essek knows humans can get much hairier than this, but it already feels like so much. It's not rough, exactly, but it's a very uniquely coarse texture that fills his senses wherever he touches.

At some point, Essek becomes very disitnctly aware of Caleb's hand traveling south. It's moving slowly, stroking across Essek's belly from side to side as though to confirm consent, which he very enthusiastically with nods in-between kisses and moans.

Caleb's hand finally reaches between Essek's legs. It palms his growing erection and he groans, he even tries to buck his hips into the touch despite the awkward angle. He clutches Caleb's arm desperately.

"Caleb. I need this off now."

He chuckles. "Alright. Move back, please."

Essek crawls to the head of the bed, back to the pillows, not even caring how desperate he must look. He only cares about how Caleb is crawling into bed after him. They work together to get the rest of Essek's clothes off, and then Caleb is there, between Essek's legs and somehow all the more attractive for his own partial nudity.

"Anything I need to know before we get started?" Caleb asks.

"Take it slow, I suppose? It's been... I think about four decades since I last did this with someone else. I don't want it to end too soon."

"Understood."

Caleb reaches out. His touch is so incredibly light when his fingers wrap lovingly around Essek, yet it still makes him gasp and croon. Caleb starts to carefully experiment, feeling along the silky smooth shaft, fingering around the flushed head, like he's just learning how to operate a new device.

It drives Essek mad. He can feel Caleb watching him, no doubt cataloguing all his reactions, and he can't bring himself to match the stare. Not at first, anyway. The touch is almost overwhelming, but over time Essek adjusts and even laughs a little. When he manages to open his eyes, the sight of Caleb's hand around him is so much better than the darkness of his eyelids.

"Good so far?" Caleb asks?"

"Yes. Very. You?"

"I'm fine. Tell me how you like it."

"Oh, light take me." Essek throws his head back onto the pillows, just for a moment. "Must I say it?"

"Ja."

Essek laughs. "Of course. Okay. Grip it a bit tighter, like- A-ah. Oh light, yes. Like that. And there's a... *huff* A thing..." He can't quite marshall his thoughts to describe the particular twist of the wrist he wants, so he mimes it instead, then just about melts when Caleb copies it perfectly. His head tips back again. "Caleb, light almighty."

"Ja? What is it?"

Essek can hear the smug smile in Caleb's voice, he can't even reply. Caleb does a maddening twist and pull with his hand that turns Essek's retort to mush in his mouth. "Y-you- Ah! Evil..."

Caleb laughs, the bastard. "Can I use my mouth as well?"

"By the light, yes."

The ministrations pause. It's enough of a reprieve to let Essek watch Caleb rearrange himself, moving back and leaning forward and propping himself up on his elbows. Before his hand even finds Essek again, it's his hot breath that curls around Essek's around and makes him shiver in anticipation.

Caleb holds his member again and Essek's hands grip the bedsheets. He strokes a few times, teasingly. He leans in and places a kiss on the underside of the shaft, and its almost frustrating how much he's dragging this out, but Essek has no one to blame for it but himself.

The kisses trail up the shaft, but pointedly avoid the head, and Essek can't help a very undignified curse in elvish. He repeats the process while adding just a little bit of suction to each longering kiss, all the while keeping the shaft neatly cradled against against his warm palm. The third pass adds a touch of the tongue and a wet squelching noise to each kiss. It makes Essek squirm for how lewd it sounds.

"Caleb. Caleb, I-" He curses in Elvish again. "Please."

The way those blue eyes burn into him in response is undescribably hot, but there's little time to appreciate it because Caleb doesn't let his begging go to waste. He licks a long, languid stripe up the underside of Essek's length and, finally, Caleb swirls his tongue around the head, once, twice, before sucking it into his mouth.

The feeling ripples through Essek's whole body. It sparks up his spine like foreworks clenching all the muscles along the way, it burns through his veins and sets all his nerves ablaze. Essek tries to thrust up into that addicting high, despite the ache the motion causes in his legs. His nails dig into the sheets. He keeps squirming, until Caleb puts an arm over his thich and pins him down.

In the end, Essek is glad Caleb took so long to build up to this. He doesn't last long at all.

Caleb grips his base and works his lips and tongue around the rest expertly. Essek's noises break down into vowel sounds and half-formed syllables in different languages. He tries to warn Caleb he's close, but it's impossible to coordinate his own mouth into the right series of shapes.

A choked scream ends up being Caleb's only warning before Essek's mind goes blank. His whole body stiffens as he fills Caleb's mouth with white, and for a few glorious seconds, Essek's world is nothing but bliss.

When he crashes back down to the Material Plane, Caleb is wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. There's no mess on his face or around Essek's crotch.

"Ah. Apologies?" he pants.

Caleb shakes his head. "No need. I wanted it."

"That's... good. Oh light..." He crumples back onto the pillows, chest heaving.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. Just... tired."

Caleb comes to lie nest to Essek and puts a hand over his racing heart.He leans in for a kiss. Essek can taste himself on Caleb's tongue.

"Are you sure... you don't want anything?" he asks when they part.

"I'm sure. This was for you."

"Well... Thank you. It'll certainly... be hard to forget."

Caleb grins. "Gut."

After another minute or so, Essek pulls himself together enough to get out of bed. He still needs to make sure the bathroom facilities of his sanctum work, after all.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Essek the Wanderer