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aeor-is-for-reccing · 1 month

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MODERN AU: A Shadowgast Rec List

This week, we have modern AU! Check under the cut for a whopping 24 fics that all take place in modern times, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

LOVE & OTHER ENCHANTMENTS by LivThael (2092, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

An imagined review and synopsis of a movie about a Shadowgast modern-setting bookstore AU.

Reccer says: Hilariously awful, I say with great love, and by that I mean it purposefully and artfully swan dives out of the AU tree and hits every trope on the way down. This was written to be as cursed as possible, and Liv really delivers both that and non-stop laughs. This is clearly a love letter to terrible romcoms, cliché fanfic tropes, and the Shadowgast fandom as a whole. A+ satire, PLEASE read this!

like 80/20 on the kinsey scale by jakia (2772, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb bangs his hot TA and panics about it the next day. Beau did not sign up for listening to this.

Reccer says: Caleb -- who's only dated women before -- discovers he LOVES the D.

ask to be unbroken by chaotic_geeky (40038, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes, Unfinished Cliffhanger

Caleb gets a last minute chance to be a photographer at a big runway event. He meets the star model at the afterparty, and things go from there.

Reccer says: The premise is great, the story is excellent, and the characters are enthralling. It does end on an unfinished cliffhanger, but the beginning is so good it's worth it.

Fundamental Forces Other Than Gravity by mllekurtz (TheKnittingJedi) (40676, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

How cold, ruthless and lonely Essek Thelyss (a brilliant student with a secret) accidentally makes some friends and falls in love: a Shadowgast college AU.

Reccer says: This is a fantastic college AU! And the characterization is done so well it's phenomenal.

a smile is more than showing teeth by thought (13642, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

"you are welcome in Zadash should that be an option for you," Caleb had written, "and I would be pleased to set aside a few days to work with you in person." Or How to seduce your academic pen pal through basic kindness, stolen sweaters, and books. Mostly books.

Reccer says: This is the start of an incredible AU with two more after it in the series. I love this version of Essek and Caleb falling in love. SO MUCH.

Paradigm Shift by full_time_dreamer_behold (114291, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb joins a law firm. He meets Essek, the IT manager. Things happen. They fall in love

Reccer says: It's a super sweet slow burn!! Essek and Beau have a really fun dynamic and the budding romance is very satisfying.

(your face in my hands is) everything good i need by mllekurtz (25884, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Academics Caleb and Essek are nerds and fall in love over the course of a conference

Reccer says: I liked it!

like colored indigo inscribed with my name by KmacKatie (kmackatie) (30648, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

An exploration of tradition, culture, what is worth sacrificing in finding yourself and family. Essek learns how to make a new family.

Reccer says: This is an incredible pic with a lot of beautiful world and culture building set into it. Though I love the idea that Essek knits, I am especially fond of the other handcrafts that the Dynasty may do culturally, and this one does such a great job with it. And the interpersonal relationships are absolutely incredible!

we learn to live with the pain, mosaic broken hearts by vegabondfirelily (5777, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Sometimes things don't go as planned. Caleb will always be there for Essek, though, even after a life-changing accident. Non-linear narrative, angst with a better ending

Reccer says: I love this pic, even if it makes me cry every time. It is emotional and brilliant.

the fire kept closest (burns most of all) by Mousecookie (21822, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: Major Character Death

Takes place on a modern Rumblecusp, Essek and Caleb are volcanologists. Absolutely bonkers genre mashup of scifi disaster thriller ghost story romance that somehow works. There is a MCD warning but it is also tagged as Happy Ending and that does come through!

Reccer says: The writing style is like watching a movie and it made me cry both sad and happy tears.

Starting with your heart (bright heart) by 2manyboys (9914, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek and Caleb have been taking showers together, but it's totally platonic, they swear

Reccer says: I liked it!

scene: a shift in tempo by hanap (6790, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek, first soloist of Rosohna Ballet, comes across the mountains in an exchange to be Caleb's new partner.

Reccer says: A beautiful fic! I love the way the AU fits our characters so beautifully, and how it honors ballet while also subverting it just a little. Gorgeous!

A King in Cat's Clothes by royalgreen (1544, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Frumpkin is extremely suspicious of this interloper Essek who keeps visiting Frumpkin's domain (the cat cafe) and sniffing around Frumpkin's human

Reccer says: Frumpkin's POV is utterly hilarious. He is so angry that Essek is sweetly romancing Caleb.

read between the lines (everything is gradual) by SpottedEnchanse (SpottedEnchants) (3047, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

A series in which Caleb owns a cat cafe. It's amazing.

Reccer says: SpottedEnchanse's writing can do literally no wrong ever. It's like flossing for the brain

the golden thread around your neck whispered visions of my undoing by MarsBar2019 (191412, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek is the CEO of an arcane tech company in Roshona where Caleb gets a job as his personal assistant.

Reccer says: A tense slow burn that's sexy as hell, one of my favourite fics.

Sleep, With Benefits by KmacKatie (62272, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb tries out his coworkers' mattress. That's definitely all and not that he has a major crush on Essek.

Reccer says: I liked it!

take chances by 06151126 (3021, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek left Formula One and came back, but his return isn't going well. He hires Caleb to help.

Reccer says: This is the second work in a series, and the whole thing is wonderful! Well written and honest, it's very cool to see how Essek and Caleb come together over the course.

Empire of Lights by mllekurtz (TheKnittingJedi) (17215, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Rosohnans call it the rainy season: a time of humid days, heavy showers, and suffocating heat. Caleb, who feels less and less like a stranger in the city he recently decided to call home, finds it's also a time for revelations.

Reccer says: This is a fantastic, sweet AU of our wizards getting together and I love it.

A mile high by Mousecookie (545, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb and Essek (try to) get frisky in an airplane lavatory.

Reccer says: It's cute and funny.

The Kitchen Sink by mousecookie (17126, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek is a supermodel and Caleb is a jack-of-all-trades, and they keep meeting in increasingly unlikely circumstances. WIP with 6/12 chapters.

Reccer says: It's funny and the writing style is almost Pratchett-esque at times

The following fics each received 2 recs each!

Something to Believe in by AwesomeFroggy (108948, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek's mother sends him to Nicodranas as punishment, where unbeknownst to her he already has a friend. Jester thinks he'd really get along with her friend Caleb.

Reccer 1 says: I liked it! Reccer 2 says: This is an amazing incredible story! I love it so very much! The story is complete, though it is marked as one chapter left as no epilogue is out. Don't let that stop you from reading! I love every single second of this story so very much.

I’ve been lost before (and I’m lost again, I guess) by toneofjoy (165k, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Rock climbing AU! Caleb is the new athlete to the gym and Essek takes over his training. Despite the specter of their pasts, feelings blossom.

Reccer 1 says: It's well written, most of the esoteric climbing stuff is explained well, and I really enjoy their characterizations. There's a good balance between the relationship-building and the climbing part. Reccer 2 says: This is top three Shadowgast stories ever. It's a wild, beautiful, heartfelt ride. It's worth every second of time it takes to read. Also, this will make you want to take up climbing or at least start watching climbing. It's so well written and enjoyable. Everyone should at least give it a try!

The Secret Romance of Caleb Widogast by Cardinal_Daughter (15680, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

All Caleb wants is a peaceful, romantic weekend alone with his boyfriend. The boyfriend none of his friends know about. Naturally, nothing goes quite as planned.

Reccer 1 says: a sweet and silly story where we get a glimpse of the absolute chaos of a M9 group chat Reccer 2 says: A fantastic AU with a brilliant sequel. I love it!

coping skills by eldritchmochi (251061, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

BDSM fic for a disabled Essek and the trials he experiences

Reccer 1 says: There is so much good about this WIP! The depiction of both Essek’s disabilities and the kink community are so well done, and the characterization is super fun. Well written and super hot. Reccer 2 says: This is one of the best long fits out there for a modern prompt. It is an absolutely wonderful story, heartfelt and meaningful, and the characters have so much depth. And I'm a sucker for a well written chronic illness/chronic pain Essek, and this one is so realistic it walks the line to uncanny. I love this!

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

#shadowgast #caleb widogast #essek thelyss #critical role #cr fic recs #fan fiction rec list #aeor is for lovers #critical role fan fiction #cr fic #cr fics

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tarydarrington · 1 year

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The last of the Nein shuts their door for the night, and Caleb starts counting.

After one minute, Essek steals a glance at him over the top of his book. Caleb meets it with a raised eyebrow, and he retreats with a pleased smirk buried between the pages.

At five minutes, Caleb sets his own book down on the table with a stretch and a contented hum. "How is your reading?"

Essek turns the page. There is something deliberate in the way he moves his fingers that suggests he knows the way Caleb is watching. "Dull," he says mildly. "Have you made any progress on the amplification we spoke of?"

They discuss their research until the fifteen minute mark, at which point Caleb's hand finds its way atop Essek's knee. Twenty minutes, and it's traveled to his thigh. Twenty-five, and Essek begins to thread his fingers through the ends of Caleb's hair, twice as scandalous.

Twenty-nine minutes and fifty-seven seconds. Fifty-eight. Fifty-nine.

"I think it is likely our friends have settled--"

"Good."

Then Caleb climbs halfway into Essek's lap and is dragged the rest of the way, and this is what he’s been itching for all day.

“H–” is probably intended to be a hello, but Caleb kisses it out of his mouth. The little sound that replaces it is sweet enough to swallow.

"I have missed you," comes out hoarse when the two of them can bear to part long enough for words.

Essek gives him a fond hum and leans up to rest their foreheads together. "I have missed you, as well," he echoes. "Dearly."

Essek has learned to be handsy when drunk - a very intriguing development that Caleb intends to explore to the fullest. To celebrate the Mighty Nein’s reunion, they’ve all gotten into the Brenattos’ wine cellar tonight, a fact which is clear from the way Essek’s hands are straying. It has been a long time since Caleb last felt this warm.

“Hmm.”

Caleb bites back a bereft sigh as Essek pulls back. He’s wearing his thinking face - a very, very attractive one, but perhaps not the one Caleb would choose at this moment.

“Regarding the spell,” he says. “Have you considered compensating for the larger area of effect by increasing the– Caleb.”

“Hmm?” Caleb hums into the hollow of Essek’s throat.

“Are you listening?”

“Hmm.”

The sound that escapes him when Essek takes a handful of his hair and pulls until they’re eye to eye is positively obscene. The look on Essek’s face is one of fond exasperation - but notably, he doesn’t let go.

“The components.”

“Ja.”

“Have you considered increasing the quality?”

“Ja.”

“By what factor?”

Caleb manages to stumble over his words only once as he tells him. Essek clicks his tongue. He rattles off a suggestion that is certainly very clever. Later, Caleb will be happy to absorb it all in great detail; just now, it’s easier to pay attention to the clipped, deliberate way his accent shapes the words than to the meaning of the words themselves.

“Caleb.”

“Hmm, ja?”

Oh, the way Caleb has mussed Essek’s hair is evident when he shakes his head.

“You are terrible, are you aware?”

Caleb grins. “I am–” and he pauses for emphasis– “drunk.” He presses one finger to Essek’s lips–very warm, very soft, they ought to be kissed a great deal more–before he can reply. “On both the wine and the company.”

Essek is welcome to roll his eyes as dramatically as he wishes, and takes the opportunity - but there is no hiding the flush across his face.

“Fool,” he murmurs.

Caleb retracts his finger. "Oh?"

In soft apology, Essek brushes a thumb over Caleb's lower lip and chases it with a kiss.

"Bright man," he whispers on warm breath. Another kiss, less chaste this time, and it seems the spell is forgotten. "Brilliant man."

There is little else to do but kiss him back.

It goes very nicely, for a while. Hands find bare slivers of skin, shared breath mingles between them, and everything tastes vaguely of wine. At this moment, the world could be vacant save for the two of them.

Then the bottom stair creaks, and both of them snap their heads toward the stairwell where Fjord stands frozen like a child with his hand stuck in the cookie jar.

For a moment (three seconds, four, five), no one so much as breathes.

Then Fjord squeaks a whispered, "Sorry," and the tension collapses.

Somewhat surprisingly, Caleb does not find himself evicted from Essek's lap. He had imagined that, in a situation like this, the touch-shy modesty of their early courtship might shine through again. Instead, Essek’s hand stays firmly on his shoulder, gaze so imperious as to dare Fjord to say something untoward, reminding Caleb very much of a cat who has just taken a tumble from the windowsill and means to silence any witnesses.

For his part, Fjord looks as though he would rather be anywhere else.

“So sorry, I just– my throat was very dry, and I– there’s water down here. Downstairs. In the kitchen. Did not know that you two were…” He clicks his tongue twice to illustrate, then appears to regret it immediately. “I’m going to…”

He points back toward the stairs and begins edging back the way he came.

“Fjord.” Essek’s sharp voice stops him in his tracks. There’s something of the cool demeanor of the Shadowhand in the way he nods toward the kitchen. “Go and get your drink.”

Caleb will wait until Fjord is out of earshot before begging Essek to take that tone of voice with him. He is still very much in Essek's lap, however, and the amusement in Essek's eyes as they shift back to Caleb says that other parts of him are already asking.

In the kitchen, the sound of rattling glass and ceramic is followed by a muffled curse, and Essek presses a hand over his eyes.

“We should have retired to the tower.”

Caleb hooks one hand behind Essek’s neck, rubbing his thumb in what he hopes are comforting circles. For just a moment, Essek’s posture stiffens at the touch as his eyes flick to the doorway. Then, with a sigh, he relaxes. It’s lucky that Fjord is downstairs rather than Beauregard; she would never let Caleb live down the mawkish smile on his face.

“Forgive my impatience,” he murmurs.

Essek gives him a look. “I am as much at fault as you are,” he admits. With another sigh, he rakes a hand down his face. “They will all know by the end of the night, won’t they?”

“No, no!” Fjord whisper-shouts from the doorway, and Caleb’s thumb stills on Essek’s neck as they both turn to look again. “Your secret is safe with me.”

He mimes locking the corner of his mouth, then tossing the invisible key over his shoulder. To Essek’s credit, his sigh is released so slowly as to be imperceptible to anyone but Caleb.

“I, uh…” Fjord gestures toward the stairs with his water glass. “Sleep well! If you’re planning on sleeping? Don’t answer that. I don’t know why I said that. Goodnight!”

Caleb half wonders if he’s about to Far Step up the stairs in his haste. Instead, he retreats on his own two feet, leaving the two of them in silence again.

Atop deflating shoulders, Essek’s head falls forward until his forehead knocks into Caleb’s chest. Caleb pats him on the back, wondering just how thoroughly the moment has slipped away from them. He runs a finger down the bumps of Essek’s spine, leaning down closer.

“We were in the middle of something, ja?” he murmurs. His free hand finds Essek’s hair. There is a certain way of moving his fingers here that gets Essek keyed up without fail. A moment or two of that, and he ought to be–

Fjord pops his head back into the room, framed by a pair of thumbs up.

"I'm very happy for you!" he stage whispers, and away he ducks again. This time, the sound of footsteps is followed by a door clicking shut.

The silence is so deep as to buzz. He counts Essek’s breaths: slow, steady, warm.

“Well,” says Caleb. “That is thirty seconds.”

For his trouble, he receives a puff of laughter against his chest.

“Cast your tower, Widogast,” Essek says– and oh, he had certainly worked out how much Caleb enjoyed that tone. “I find that I’m short on patience.”

He straightens until their faces are no more than an inch apart, and Caleb fights down a shiver at the spark in his eyes. His wand is in his pocket, the stained glass and granite in a pouch discarded on the coffee table, the cat tucked into a pouch in his jacket.

It will take one minute.

#👋#99% of this has been done since june and i think i'm done staring at it in my wips #critical role #caleb widogast #essek thelyss #shadowgast #mn #mine #mine:fic #caleb #essek

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essektheylyss · 2 years

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It's gonna be, like, circa 1100 PD and Essek's talking to some acquaintance and casually drops in the phrase "the finest man I've ever known—" and just:

"Your late partner?" "What? No, my partner was a brilliant, cranky curmudgeon. I'm talking about the former Marquis of Nicodranas."

(Not pictured: Caleb, in the afterlife, elbowing Fjord like, "It's true! I am a cranky curmudgeon!" while Fjord fully covers his face with both hands because he still cannot take a compliment.)

#beau is also there like 'wow finally essek learned some taste'#this is one hundred percent correct. I do not take criticism.#critical role #fjord #essek thelyss #caleb widogast #I continue to be a fjord-hostile-takeover-concordian-politics truther #not cuz the concord really needs a hostile takeover #but cuz I truly cannot fathom how else one gets a marquis position and also it's what fjord deserves #and by hostile takeover I do mean charm his way into city politics #but like. yanno what I mean

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bloopitynoot · 7 months

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Shadowgast Corporate/Office-Au Rec List!

Hello I'm back again with more disaster wizard (well and in this case working professional but more office-like setting) recommendations!

This list is a little bit more bawdy than normal (I love a good smut fic, but I also try to vary the ratings on these lists for those who may not share my enthusiasm).

If you want to see my other shadowgast rec lists- they are linked at the end of this post. ANYWAYS- let's get into it!

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1 As per my last email

As per my last email (11651 words) by LivThael (I don't think they are on Tumblr- if they do please comment so I can tag- but they have a twitter listed in the notes of the fic) Chapters: 11/11 Rating: Explicit Summary: Essek Thelyss is an asshole with a questionable taste in spreadsheets. Caleb Widogast has more important and certainly more interesting things to do than filing travel expense claims. A series of mails turns into a escalating meeting. Or: Please stop writing me emails, I genuinely hate you. - Explicit content only in chapter 10.

What I loved: Anyone who has worked in an office knows a passive aggressive email when they get one. Plus we have the added bonus of having to deal with accounting to get expenses covered- ugh, so good. The energy of these passive aggressive- yet flirty workplace emails between new hire Caleb and kind-of-an-asshole Essek in accounting is *chefs kiss*. The build up to their meeting was written so well! I also really love the way the fic is formatted- the email style gives it an immersive feel.

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2 Paradigm Shift

Paradigm Shift (114,291 words) by full_time_dreamer_behold (I don't know their tumblr, please totally feel free to tag if they have one- i'll add it). Chapters: 28/28 Rating: Teen and up Audiences Summary: Recently moved to Rosohna, Caleb accepts a job at a prestigious law firm, but the work turns out to be menial and dull. Thankfully, his life takes a turn when he makes new friends and starts taking a curious interest in the IT Manager- the handsome and intriguing Essek Thelyss. Could he be reason enough for Caleb to stay in this place? He certainly intends to find out.

A friends-to-idiots-to-lovers slow burn with a sweet ending.

What I loved: This was such a lovely slow burn. It covers hard topics in a corporate kind of setting including racism, nepotism, and power dynamics that really suck but it handled with care and well written. I also really love the disability representation here! This slow burn is so so good, I super recommend! Also bonus it's the length of a beefy novel!

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3 the golden thread around your neck whispered visions of my undoing

the golden thread around your neck whispered visions of my undoing (172812 words) by MarsBar2019 (If you know Mars' tumblr please comment and I will tag- I couldn' find it in the notes). Chapters: 38/? Rating: Explicit Summary: Caleb Widogast does not belong here. The world of sharp suits, board meetings, and billion dollar budgets is a far cry from Caleb’s preferred domain: the research lab. Where nobody cares about his faded T-shirts and raggedy jeans. But a year of industry experience will look good on his CV, and the hefty pay bump wouldn’t hurt either. How hard could a secretary gig be? What he finds behind the glittering edifice of Auriga, Wildemount’s leading name in arcane technology, is CEO Essek Thelyss, who maintains his domain with an acid tongue and an iron fist. It’s difficult not to find him intriguing, this handsome, guarded, brilliant man. It’s even more difficult not to want to please him. Caleb knows to keep it professional, though. Working late nights together at the office and lingering glances here and there don’t cross the boundaries of propriety. That is, until they do.

Or: the one where Essek Thelyss loses focus and has a consensual workplace relationship.

Updates weekly on Mondays.

E-rated chapters: Ch. 4, 9, 13, 14, 17, 18, 22-23, 26, 32, 38

Why I love it: Out of all the recs this one is the SPICIEST (and I love that). Head the warnings - there may be stuff that isn't for you, but if you, like me, enjoy a 6/5 spicy level fic- congrats this one will not disappoint. This story is in progress but updates weekly which is fantastic. We have big time and hot mess CEO Essek and his personal assistant disaster bisexual Caleb- of course it's an HR scandal waiting to happen, but also, Essek might come out a better person for it. I cannot recommend this enough, this fic is so so good. In addition to the smut, it's also just a really fantastic story.

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4 sleep, with benefits

sleep, with benefits (62272 words) by KmacKatie @kmackatie Chapters: 12/12 Rating: Explicit Summary: Caleb Widogast wakes up from the first good night of sleep in far too long. It takes him a moment to realise it's because he's not in his bed. Is it the better mattress (lump-free and like a cloud), or the fact he drunkenly slept with Essek Thelyss, the colleague he's been secretly crushing on for the last six months?

Why I loved it: Let me just start off by saying kmackatie is brilliant and everything shadowgast that katie writes makes my heart sing. In this fic Essek and Caleb are captured so well- they are both big idiots who act like scared cats around one another (even though they both want the same thing) but honestly- can there be any other dynamic? This hot mess of them not using their words eventually leads to the best of endings and you should all read it because it is so lovely.

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BONUS FIC: (high school teachers, less corporate feel, but not what I would throw on a professor or academia list so its a bonus for this one).

5 all this science i don't understand

all this science i don't understand (8858 words) by mllekurtz @mllekurtz Chapters: 1/1 Rating: Mature Summary: Caleb knew how he was with crushes, he was aware that historically they’ve brought him nothing but trouble, and vowed that he wasn’t going to develop one on his new colleague. This resolution lasted a remarkable twenty-four hours. * Small-town high school science teacher Caleb Widogast has his life more or less figured out, or so he thinks. Then an unexpected variable gets thrown into the equation in the form of the new addition to the teaching staff: the handsome and clever Essek Thelyss.

Why I loved it: This fic was so sweet. I have a soft spot for fics that play with chronology in their story telling and this one does a bit of that. It is a shorter read but honestly that works really well for this love story. Caleb of course falls hard and fast and Essek does not mind at all. Some angst, but they are written so well and so soft, Brilliant <;3

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My Other Shadowgast Rec lists:

Shadowgast fics that made me ugly cry

Shadowgast Space Opera-AU list

Shadowgast Bakery/Coffee/Tea Shop-AUs

As usual I devour all fics shadowgast so if there is a rec list you want to read that is tried and true- dm me or leave a comment. I always prefer to use my librarian degree for chaotic neutral purposes so hmu.

[I am totally thinking about doing a Professor/Researcher OR College-AU OR Time is a Weird Soup list next but we shall see!]

#shadowgast fic recs #shadowgast #for the shadowgast shippers #essek thelyss #caleb widogast #critical role #critical role fan fiction #mighty nein #cr 2 #I honestly love making these lists so much #if you have a theme you like to read let me know #I will totally make you a personalized list

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sporadically-writing · 1 year

Note

Did you get a request? It's headcanons of dating Mollymauk, Essek, Caleb and Fjord. Thanks!

Love me some Crit Role prompts, hope you like 'em!

Mollymauk Tealeaf

Molly is chaos incarnate regardless of whether you are in a relationship with him or not. Your life with the Nein is never dull anyway, but especially not when Molly's around.

Molly, however, is also incredibly smart for essentially being two years old. He's perceptive and picks up things about people very quickly. He is also adept at using that knowledge for his own benefit. All this to say, he picks up on your crush on him very quickly.

And uses this knowledge for evil...

...constantly.

Molly flirts with you every chance he gets with every possible idea he can think of just to see what kind of reaction he can get. He's incorrigible, but you blush all the same.

Don't worry! He also finds a nice time to chat with you when the two of you are on watch and lets you know that he has become just as fond of you. He, "just likes teasin' you, love."

Will find every opportunity to make you laugh or smile and is your biggest supporter and defender on and off the battlefield.

He's your circus man. He loves you fiercely, loudly, and sweetly as the world allows him for as a long as he can.

Essek Thelyss

Essek is a very difficult man to get to know. But, it has been scientifically proven that he can be worn down. Just keep at it.

Once you find something to bond over, Essek can be very sweet. He, despite any attempts he makes to instruct others that he does not, has a very big heart and cares an awful lot about the people he allows to really see him.

If you have a problem he will do whatever he can, within his abilities and around his busy schedule, to help you.

He is very hard on himself and in some instances probably should be to a degree, but you have to be there to stop him and that brilliant but treacherous brain of his from hurting his poor heart and soul.

Watch out for him please. He's battling a lot.

A relationship with Essek would be a sweet and loving one but it would also be fraught with the dangers of the lines he walks on a daily basis. The good news is, the love the two of you share is more than enough to whether it.

Caleb Widogast

Caleb, like Essek, cares very deeply for those around him. But, unfortunately also like Essek, also suffers through a lot of mental and emotional torment of his own making.

He's gotten better being with you and the Nein but you can tell that he still struggles. The kind of things he's been through are not things you can simply forget. He may need your help in the mental fight against his demons every once and a while.

Caleb would need a lot of coaxing to get him to really open up to you about his feelings for you (I mean we all saw how he got around Jester sometimes). You might have to be the one to make the first move because he will likely have plans to keep that secret to himself until the end of time.

I feel like Caleb would oddly be really good at taking care of you? Like reminding you to get the proper amount fo sleep (after all, he knows exaclty how many hours you've been awake for), and eating the proper amount as well as taking breaks. But, at the same time, he is awful at doing that for himself. Watch this one, make sure he doesn't fall asleep with his head in a spell book.

I also imagine that Caleb, once you get to a certain point of comfort in the relationship, is as cuddly as his cat. Imagine that after a particularly long day, he just flops on top of you, absolutely exhausted, curling in to you. Probably mumbling things in Zemnian that makes absolutely no sense regardless of whether you speak the language or not. He's very tired, just hold him and let him sleep.

Caleb is a very attentive person and he remembers literally everything. He constantly mazes you by the things he remembers about you and your relationship. He loves you and that love comes through in the detail he puts into every magical creation that you are included in.

Fjord Stone

Fjord, Wildmother love him, constantly finds himself in ridiculous situations. You, as much as you love him, have to find the humor in it. You are always there to help him out, but you almost have to laugh at him sometimes.

Regardless of his occasional fumbling, Fjord is very attentive and romantic.

He finds his own ways to fluster you, finding moments to be almost comedically romantic like someone out of Jester’s novels.

He, being a Paladin, and a new one at that, most likely feels a need to protect or like he has to prove he can protect you. He knows you are fully capable of defending and protecting yourself and he never wants to step on your toes in that field (he, like everyone else mentioned, is a respectful boi) but he loves you and sometimes assumes that he needs to prove that he is worthy of loving you, prove that he can keep you safe, prove that he himself is safe for you to be around.

He knows how to make you smile in the simplest of ways. Whether it be a flower left for you, a kind word, a reassuring hand on your shoulder, Fjord somehow always manages to know when you need something sweet like that.

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#mollymauk x reader #mollymauk tealeaf x reader #essek x reader #essek thelyss x reader #caleb widogast x reader #fjord x reader #fjord stone x reader #mighty nein x reader #the mighty nein x reader #critical role x reader #crit role x reader #x reader #headcanons #request

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utilitycaster · 1 year

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Wizard Breakdown Tracker: Mighty Nein Reunited, Part 1

GUESS WHO'S BACK

BACK AGAIN

SOUP WIZARDS

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

Hello and welcome to the return of the Wizard Breakdown Tracker, a late Campaign 2 feature that I realized just now I should have also done for EXU Calamity, but also good news, it's all, eventually, 10/10, pretty much all the wizards die except for possibly Volucia who noped the fuck out to Cael Morrow, and Maya Agrupnin who was Assigned Wizard By Patia. There. EXU Calamity Wizard Breakdown Tracker.

Every D&D game is better with wizards. As Liam O'Brien once said, "what's sexier than wizards? nothing." Now, to be fair, he also once said rogues were the best class when you and I and Brennan Lee Mulligan all know it's paladins; but we can all agree re: the sexiness of wizards. It is my hope that we have more wizards in the future, but for now, we shall cherish the wizards we once had, and that we briefly have again.

Because we're not touching base in this two-shot with a large number of our erstwhile arcane allies and antagonists, and in the service of a joke at the end of this post, we are including our Wizard PCs this time! Let's begin.

Lady Vess DeRogna: She was not in this episode nor mentioned but she WAS in The Nine Eyes of Lucien and she WAS talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, etc. No spoilers for that here. Just wanted you to know that Lady Vess DeRogna is still dead. But like, probably 7/10.

Ludinus Da'leth: Per Beau, the Assembly's gotten awfully quiet lately, and per Caleb, Astrid's been trying to set him up with a professorship, which Ludinus can't really spike because he did offer the Assembly seat to Caleb first so it's weird to say that he's qualified for propaganda minister and not transmutation professor. The Mighty Nein have made this slippery motherfucker sweat so hard that apparently he started making deals with the Feywild. 6/10.

Trent Ikithon: Hey Trent! Bitch.

As previously stated, 9/10.

Astrid Becke: Trent's in jail and she's apparently doing pretty well and is either happy to help Beau's investigation, or helping Caleb without realizing that Beau really wants this. Probably the latter, but we love to see a complicated morally gray queen flourish, though I suspect she's having Beau-like growing pains into her new and fancy job. 4/10.

Yussa Errenis: You can just sense, from his brief response to Jester, that he absolutely knows that the Mighty Nein saved his ass twice and that he will need to call them if he gets trapped on the moon in 7 years, but also he is sleeping, dammit. Secretly glad they keep in touch; really unamused at having 14 people dripping seawater in his tower, because Tidepeak is really more of a turn of phrase. Also if he knew Veth was starting up a camp he would be very slightly hurt she hadn't asked him to teach anything but also if she asked him he would 100% turn it down. 2/10. Never change, king.

Essek Thelyss: We could get all poetic about the yearning but realistically, he's still at the outpost, getting more and more twitchy but also managing to visit Caleb regularly. Possibly hooking up? But that might just be a reference to the bit and general vibe of the episode. Anyway he's probably feeling kind of bad, but hey! We know he ends up in Uthodurn eventually, and then gets to go back to Aeor only to be part the most simultaneously intense and oblique confession of love of all time. So probably 6/10 but buddy! It gets so much better, and pretty soon no less!

Caleb Widogast: There's good meta to be had about Caleb Widogast, six months later, and you are NOT going to find it here, in a post that's about shaking up wizards in an empty Pringles can. Well, at least not much. As indicated above I think this is likely pre-Aeor excursion with Essek; but Caleb feels like he is tentatively and hopefully building a life. It's slow, and it's a little quiet and small right now, but the fact that he's able to do so on his own is itself an immense victory. He probably gets to have lunch with Beau and dinner with Essek at least once a week each, he has a little cottage and his tower, and he's already becoming a beloved teacher. And he leveled up! 3/10. We love to see it.

Veth Brenatto: Jitters about her camp notwithstanding, she's fucking thriving. They're working on the apothecary but in the meantime she's finding a balance of what she loves to do professionally while still staying with her family, she's keeping in touch with the rest, and she's absolutely on point, astute, and hilarious this whole episode. And she is definitely using Tenser's Floating Disk for sex purposes. 1/10. It's Veth Brenatto's world; we're just living in it.

Allura Vyesoren: Pending, depending on what sword Yasha brings out next episode and whether Caleb turned in the staff. TBD/10.

Bonus!

Warlock Breakdown Tracker

Fjord (Stone?): Oh honey.

It's at least five simultaneous breakdowns and they're recharging with each rest like his spell slots. You know how one of the Uk'otoa temples had a hydra? It's a metaphor, or whatever. 10/10.

#critical role #critical role spoilers #wizard breakdown tracker

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critter-genfic-events · 5 months

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Fights: A Critical Role Genfic Rec List

This week, we have nine (nein!) fics that feature fighting - the aftermath of a battle, fight clubs, verbal fighting, and fighting crime, to name a few. Check them out under the cut, and remember to kudos and comment!

stop making me like you by baehj2915 (2684,Not Rated) Warnings: None Pairings: Kaylie & Scanlan Shorthalt

Scanlan saves Kaylie from a barfight. Complicated feelings ensue

Reccer says: It allows Scanlan to try to be a good dad, in the only way he knows how - and also for both of them to be kind of a mess.

all her wounds in front by StarryCleric (4274,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Beauregard Lionett & Yasha Nydoorin

After freeing herself from Obann, Yasha joins a fight club to work through her problems

Reccer says: Great action descriptions, and also amazing work with getting into Yasha's psyche.

Liquid Courage by soyybeanboy (512,Teen) Warnings: none Pairings: Veth Brenatto & Essek Thelyss

Essek is not built for battle. He's in the middle of a fight anyway.

Reccer says: It's short, funny, and has the exact same feeling as Essek bringing up his tiny fists to fight in canon.

Community Service by starkraving (5908,Teen) Warnings: Pairings: Essek Thelyss & Reani

Reani and Essek fight crime (whether Essek likes it or not)

Reccer says: Crimefighting is a type of fighting, and I have a soft spot for odd buddy cop pairups. Plus, the fic is one of my favorite comfort reads, it's funny but also allows Reani to be deeply creepy and weird.

a bone from the wall of house of myths by grayintogreen (10827,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

A Tombtakers caper fic, involving a spooky house and plenty of ghosts.

Reccer says: If you like the idea of the Tombtakers in their element (fighting ghosts and monsters), this fic is for you.

Especially the Lies by Operafloozy (7800,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Astrid Beck & Beauregard Lionett

After the finale, Beau tries to get the truth from Astrid.

Reccer says: The verbal sparring between Astrid and Beau is top notch, with both striking hits and neither being completely in the right.

i have been praying to the god of giving up by Princex_N (2252,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Veth Brenatto & Caleb Widogast

Caleb reflects after an argument, early in campaign 2

Reccer says: It perfectly captures where early campaign Caleb was at

watch my back, and keep the blade by jadeandquartz (3553,General) Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Major Character Death Pairings: Orym & Imogen Temult

Orym and Imogen go after Otohan on their own in a roaring rampage of revenge.

Reccer says: "Thull took our hearts from us, so let's rip hers out" lives in my head rent free and for that line alone, this fic is absolutely amazing. It's also just another brilliant look into what could have happened if the fight with Paragon's Call had gone worse.

Prowl by resonant_aura (5241,Teen) Warnings: graphic depictions of violence Pairings: None

Pike takes care of some business (by being a MONSTAH) while rebuilding Sarenrae's temple

Reccer says: A wonderful character study that also allows Pike to be a badass in battle

If you liked this rec list, follow along for more! We'll be posting a new list with a new theme each Monday. Want to make your own recs? Check out the rules, and then use the form to submit!

Next week, we're featuring Modern AU's, followed by some cuddling, FCG, and Forgiveness (just what you need after a fight).

If you're looking for some more, there's been some new entries in the critter genfic bingo tag! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!

#critical role #critical role fic #critter genfic rec lists #gen fic #cr fic recs #scanlan shorthalt #kaylie shorthalt #Pike Trickfoot #Caleb Widogast #Veth Brenatto #Beauregard Lionett #Yasha Nydoorin #reani criticalrole #essek thelyss #imogen temult #The Tombtakers #orym of the air ashari #Astrid Beck

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luddlestons · 4 months

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shadowgast drafting for wip?? 👀

This ask got me to write more on this one haha it’s just a very short thing right now but basically: Essek doms for once, and does so by drafting spell equations on Caleb’s back while Caleb has to remain extremely still or else

———

Essek was not prone to the desire for domination, but on the occasions it did come around, he put his brilliant mind to it in full.

Crafting elaborate scenarios was his forte, especially once given leeway to surprise Caleb in whatever way he liked, within the parameters of Caleb's hard limits. To some degree, Caleb could tell when he had something interesting waiting for him in the bedroom on any one night or another—Essek got this bright look in his eye, and an uncharacteristic impatience to him. Sometimes, to tease him, Caleb pretended they were going to settle in with a cup of tea after dinner, and found himself dragged quite bodily to the staircase.

It was impossible to predict what would be waiting for him there. Most recently, Essek had toyed with him under the guise of experimenting with sensory deprivation. He had bound and blindfolded Caleb, and then cast Deafness. Only Essek's touch let Caleb know where he was and what he was doing. It was a sort of control over him that would be challenging for Caleb to give up to anybody else.

Tonight, his movement was only restricted by Essek’s firm instruction not to squirm.

(WIP game)

#my fic #wip game

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hello-eeveev · 1 year

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another wip wednesday, another snippet of kissy kissy uwu:

The thought that it might be nice to be close to Essek was not new to Caleb. Contrary to whatever lies Essek seemed to have told himself, he was not a difficult man to like. He was brilliant, for one. The way he spoke about magic and time and space was captivating. He was also very kind. It was obvious that while politeness and niceties were standard fare among Kryn nobility, kindness was not something that came naturally to Essek. But he tried. He was deliberate with his care. He did not instinctively know how to comfort someone grieving, yet he helped hold Caleb together in the aftermath of the T-Dock’s destruction. He observed, he learned, and he asked questions. He used his mind—built for magic and science—to figure out how best to care for others. And Caleb was so very, very fond of him. So, no. None of this was new, but Caleb was rarely so overwhelmed by it. Yes, he had thought about what it might be like to kiss Essek, but considering a possibility and taking the action to make it reality we’re two very different things indeed.

#it's caleb's turn to pine #kissy kissy uwu #it is a distant wip but so beloved #wip wednesday #shadowgast

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chiakery · 11 months

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Yo! I'm back on my Shadowgast bullshit, this time with Time Travel AU.

Pairing: Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast

Rating: T

Chapter word count: 1657

Summary:

Almost a century ago, Essek had met a person who shaped the entirety of his life. A human, disguised as a drow, somehow alive and well despite being in the very centre of the Dynasty. A brilliant wizard disguised as a merchant, somehow capable of casting dunamancy. And not just any spells - Essek didn't even know one could possess such power.

Now, standing in the shadows of the Bright Queen's throne, looking at the ragtag group in front of them, he barely kept his hands from shaking. One of the intruders, a red-haired human, looked exactly like that mysterious man from his past, but a decade or so younger.

Humans didn't live that long. And they certainly didn't age in reverse.

This was impossible.

#critical role #shadowgast #essek thelyss #caleb widogast #time travel au #my work

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aeor-is-for-reccing · 4 months

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Shadowgast Recs: Polymorph Shenanigans

This week, we have thirteen fics that have Caleb or Essek using polymorph! Some cozy, some funny, and some having some sexy fun with different animal shapes! Check them out underneath the cut, and as always, comment and kudos if you liked them!

Creature Comforts by Mousecookie (4645, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek impulsively visits the Mighty Nein one evening during their travels. Frumpkin sits in his lap. Caleb, oddly, is nowhere to be found.

Reccer says: A beautiful fic with a surprising end that’s so beautiful. I love it,

the shape of my heart in the dark by professor (1584, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek asks for cats to 'schnuggle' with. An amber cat accepts the invitation.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Not a meet-cute, a bleat-cute by professor (3515, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek spends an afternoon collecting spell components and comes home with a pet sheep.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Nepeta by ccaleb_widogast (2037, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Professor Caleb accidentally transforms into a cat. He has to ask Essek for to help him turn back.

Reccer says: Really Wholesome with a bit of outsider POV

Do It For Science by Meadow (Medorikoi) (6885, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Essek gets fucked by Calebs echo, who then polymorphs into a giant ape.

Reccer says: I love the scene they're doing. That it's for "science" and that Caleb could have lost control of himself when polymorphed as a giant ape in Aeor. So Essek has to take the ape in a controlled setting, for his safety ;)

On the Myriad Uses of Polymorph as a Method of First Aid by catgirlthecrazy (1579, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

When a fight in Aeor goes sour, Caleb turns Essek into a T-Rex to save his life.

Reccer says: Caleb in danger? T-ressek SMASH

The Artifact by Chekhov (14378, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: Author warns of a "Looney Tunes concept of peril" and that the sexual tension stays unresolved

A mysterious object is introduced into the wizards' enclosure.

Reccer says: Never have I read a story more worthy of the word "shenanigans". The nerd courting rituals are intricate, hot (though that's not the focus of the story), and - above all - hilarious. Big Yakety Sax energy throughout.

The Annual Rexxentrum Cat Show by hanap (776, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

A cat show has a rare book of spells as its prize. Polymorph shenanigans ensue.

Reccer says: This is hilarious and just gets better

a man by any other face by Mousecookie (33853, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Or, four times Caleb uses Polymorph and one time Essek does, and how both of them must navigate the transformation of the self that is beyond magic.

Reccer says: This is an emotional, gorgeous work that captures so much of the character of the wizards. It’s such a wonderful window into these characters.

good sounds by MinnesotaBruja (2787, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Essek discovers a flustering fascination with eels, and Caleb, transmutation wizard, is all too happy to oblige his boyfriend his every desire.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Reverse Tatzelwurm by witches_chant (1803, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Technically Shapechange, but a polymorph shenanigan (gone beautifully wrong) in spirit.

Reccer says: A brilliant and very funny reinterpretation of some folklore. I like every decision that went into the shape and nature of the creature.

you can have my absence of faith by Anonymous (87745, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent, Male Pregnancy

Essek wants to try freaky egg-pregnancy stuff, Caleb polymorphs into a sexy Lolth spider demon to help him out with that. Then they spend a week having other kinds of domestic sex

Reccer says: There's a lot of love and understanding shared between Essek and Caleb as long-term partners who yield to each other's dark desires and unconventional wants. They're frequently roleplaying as characters and you can see the lapses of the real Essek or real Caleb every now and then, and it's really cute.

True Polymorph by guiding-bolt (4025, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek has always been attracted to Caleb's magic. There was no denying that. It was something of a joke, how he would throw himself at Caleb when he had done something particularly clever. When Caleb masters True Polymorph and turns himself into a dragon, it is no different.

Reccer 1 says: I love the hubris of Essek here, he's going to get that dragon dick in him whatever it takes Reccer 2 says: Amazing writing and delicious situation. Lots of love and care and a bit of size difference.

#critical role #cr fic recs #fan fiction rec list #shadowgast #caleb widogast #essek thelyss #cr fic #polymorph

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kaiannae · 1 year

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Starling Bath Scene part 8

(Formerly random starlingverse snippet #10)

Since there was no chapter this week, have another little bath snippet. again tagged for nudity and a bit of sexual themes though not really. I'm starting to run out of those XD I wonde what I'll do after.

Warning! This may contain spoilers for Starling. May, as in, I am not sure if it will be canon. as of now, it is a oneshot divergent future XD

"Gut," was all Caleb said at his assent, focusing on actions instead of words. His hands roamed over Essek's body, smoothing lather over chafed skin, and it should have felt intrusive, it should have felt lecherous, but it was nothing of the like. It was soft, and caring, and so very thoughtful, conscious of Essek's sensitivities and needs. It still baffled him that there was some part of the human's brilliant mind that bothered to remember the things that made Essek uncomfortable, the things he preferred or feared or liked, even after months apart. Caleb's hands were so very gentle when they roamed over chafed skin. Some patches of skin on his sides, at the junctures of his limbs where sweat would collect were so raw with prestidigitation that he flinched when they were touched. Caleb moved then, if only to look down and see what caused that response, and the look of sorrow in his eyes made Essek want to cast a gravity fissure just so the earth could open up and swallow him.

"Oh, Starling," Caleb said softly, and the tenderness in his voice ripped at Essek's heart like a barbed arrow. He wanted this to be directed at him, not out of pity, or compassion, but out of love. He wanted to be worthy of such feelings. He wanted Caleb to feel that way for him, not as a friend. He wanted it so badly that it hurt. But pity- no, not pity. Caleb was kinder than that. compassion was all he could hope for, and for now he let it be enough, letting his mind play pretend for a while as he gave himself to the sensation of calloused hands touching tenderly against his skin, careful not to cause pain. The scent of soap filled the space around them, something floral and light with just a hint of woodsmoke and spice, distinctly a scent Caleb would use. Essek savored it, feeling an odd delight at having it applied to his skin, as if it was some kind of claim Caleb was staking over him. It was foolish, but his hindbrain clung to it like a hound to a piece of meat, hoarding the thought jealously.

He flinched again, out of a whole other reason when Caleb's hands inevitably reached the bases of his wingbuds.

"Es tut mir leid, Starling. I will be gentle," Caleb promised, even though pain was far from the reason he would have to be careful, and they both knew that. Still, it was kind of him to offer reassurances, and his hands were firm and sure as he lathered the sensitive ridges that formed the bases of unmanifested wings. It was still maddening, and oh, so very good it was almost distracting enough to make him stop dreading the water. But Caleb was aiming for care, not for pleasure, and his hands didn't linger beyond the careful and quick lathering. Essek missed their touch when they were gone.

"Good, Sternchen. Will you let me get the pants, now?" Caleb asked, and Essek hoped the light was too dim for the human to see his cheeks darken. He squirmed for a moment, before the slosh of water sent him back against Caleb's chest.

"I- yes. Yes, of course," he answered, aiming at sounding collected, though he wasn't sure he quite made the landing. It was hardly the first time he would be bare in front of Caleb, but the thought still made his insides squirm as if a group of moths was trapped there. Especially since Caleb didn't bother trying to shimmy the wet cloth off this time. He went straight for the knife instead, and the slide of the blade's cold, harmless back against his thighs had Essek trying not to twitch.

"Bend your knee," Caleb directed him, and Essek pliantly complied, watching as first one pant leg and then the other was carved open. With a yank, the garment was off, leaving him in his smallclothes.

"Ja?" Caleb asked again, gesturing minutely with the knife. Essek nodded silently.

#shadowgast #starling #fairy au #caleb widogast #essek thelyss #fairy essek #fanfic #writing #critical role #starwriting

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