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yfere · 5 years

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Bowlgate and Beyond! The Empire Kids Learn How To People.

So who wants an opinion on Bowlgate and Yussa’s Tower, forever after the fact??????? Ahahahha!!!! For once, though, I actually did a bit of research into what other people have been saying about these things, so I at least have some idea of the general discussion, though it’s admittedly not the most comprehensive idea. #INeverSayAnythingNew #PleaseForgiveMe #I’mJustHavingAGoodTime. Anyway, this is a two-part series of mine.

Thesis: Caleb and Beau were understandably terrible at communicating, and communicating with each other specifically at Bowlgate. Yet they are progressively getting much better (I would say pretty damn good!) at handling people in general and each other, even as they continue to have arguments.

Part 1: Wherein Caleb Learns Most People Aren’t Mind Readers

Caleb was just not cut out for cooperative group work—at least, not at the start of the story. At the Labenda Swamp, Nott gives him a magic bowl, and he discovers this is a super dangerous artifact that can be used to commune with Tiamat, an Evil Calamity God. The one person who is personally interested in this item is someone he met only hours before, with some sob story about being part of a Tiamat Cult (alarms ringing!) and wanting to find artifacts like this to “destroy them.” Caleb is suspicious, he’s cautious—justifiably so, in his opinion. He feels it’s anyone’s responsibility as someone who doesn’t want to be Evil to make absolutely, unquestionably sure that by helping this person they are not aiding and abetting the promotion of Tiamat’s influence in the world. He concludes that the only way to be sure this person is telling the truth about their intentions is to use Jester’s Zone of Truth to confirm. (If only he still had Suggestion, his favorite spell for these situations!) If they can get Caliana to camp with them, perhaps he can discuss it all with the group privately…..except, Caliana is dead-set on leaving right that second, and won’t stay to camp. So Caleb is left with two choices:

1) Say nothing, and keep the bowl. Nott would never tell the others if he asked her not to, if he really thought keeping it was best. Problem is, then they would have to figure out how to destroy the item themselves, and they’d be endangering the group since the cult is out looking for it. That’s not fair, Caleb’s already been reprimanded for withholding items before, and besides, Caliana could really be telling the truth, could really be the person best suited for destroying these items. Option #1 just won’t work, which in his mind leaves him with

2) Deal with the trust problem right then and there.

Knowing that Caliana is gifted with magic and that he himself is delicate, Caleb thinks, I believe, well, she could turn on us and attack me and leave with the bowl once she sees it and if she doesn’t want to submit to questioning. He decides the only reasonable thing to do is to put a barrier between her and the bowl without her knowing that’s exactly what he’s doing. It’s the same kind of reasoning that eventually leads to Caleb’s Wall of Fire in Darktow. ((funny that hoarding other people’s stuff is his defining trait. saving the world one stolen item at a time, lmao))

So, with the group safely(ish) walling Caliana from the bowl, he reveals it! And the group loudly tells Caliana about it! And he says, basically, I don’t trust you with a powerful item, and you should let us hold you hostage for an evening and let Jester cast magic on you so that your trustworthiness can be confirmed.

To which the party goes, what the fuck, Caleb?!

What the fuck are you saying, without consulting anyone on the matter?! That’s not teamwork???!!?!? Who do you think you are????!?!?!!!

Proper procedure for Caleb would have been to say, one, I don’t want to keep this bowl. This is what the bowl is, this is what worries me about it, this is what worries me about Caliana, and this is what I think we should do—what do you think? Explain reasoning, ask for feedback, collaborate. But Caleb skips through all these steps and goes straight to executing his preferred mode of action, without properly checking in with anyone. He only even begins to explain what the fuck the bowl is (other than “powerful”—vague much?) after Beau takes it away from him and everyone’s hackles are already raised over his behavior.

So of course it feels manipulative, of course it’s pressuring the group—those are the literal effects of his actions, but I think it’s important to distinguish between Caleb actually trying and intending to manipulate people (Fjord in the Diver’s Grave), and Caleb putting unfair pressure on people as an unintended consequence to an unfortunate assumption of his: that because a course of action seems right to him, that it is self evident—everyone must be thinking the same thing as him, it’s super obvious this is Right, why would anyone ever disagree? “Why would you not want to wait twelve hours to see if this woman’s intentions are true or not?!” he asks, in complete bewilderment. Caleb is genuinely incredulous and surprised when the group starts arguing with him, when Jester suggests that maybe they should let Caliana talk to Tiamat if she wants, when Beau and Molly suggest that it’s really none of their business to interfere with Caliana whether her intentions are true or not—if she does bad shit, why should they take the responsibility to stop her? Will it really affect them? Caleb doesn’t consider at the time that his actions might be controlling and pushed back against because he assumes that the group will all absolutely be in his corner in this thing and that he is acting on their collective interests and desires. What he neglects to do is find out whether he actually knows what their interests and desires are, if they actually agree with him. (((There’s also, of course, Caleb doing Typical Gifted Kid Bullshit #150, thinking “oh, but I’ve thought of everything, this has to be the right and only solution to the problem!” No, you haven’t thought of everything Caleb, STFU. Molly and Yasha both bring up solutions to Caleb’s dilemma that Caleb didn’t think of himself—I can cast Friends, Molly said. I can use my sword and try to break it, Yasha said. These are both things Caleb might have come to know if he cared to, say, consult the group before going off at Caliana with his Plan.)))

But why is Caleb so confused at the negative reaction, so thrown for a loop by disagreement? This fascinates me. At this point, you see, Caleb is……not used to being around people with different opinions than him. I mean, conjecturing from his backstory of Mega Propaganda Brainwashing and Conformity, not to mention the Only Child business—it’s quite likely he’s never (or not in a long time) in fact had to deal with a serious difference in opinion before—certainly not one among peers, where authority and power structures aren’t at play. He also definitely hasn’t spent much time around people from different walks of life, who would have different values and life experiences and worldviews from him. He’s always been fairly isolated, 24/7 around people who were trained to think and make decisions in exactly the same way he did, with everyone else being Wrong and an Enemy. Where there was a premium on Obedience—child to parent, student to teacher, patient to doctor. More recently he’s been around Nott, who at this point in the story is also just agreeing with everything he says and not really challenging that assumption. Arguing over gloves and scrolls and bowls—that’s probably new stuff to him. He’s finding out in an ugly way that he can’t project what others are thinking, people don’t think exactly the same way he does, and he doesn’t know how to collaborate in decision making the way he obviously needs to to survive in the group. He doesn’t know how to handle disagreement in any other way than caving in and Following Orders and Keeping the Peace, and he definitely doesn’t know how to handle a disagreement when caving in is no longer a useful strategy, when the cost of caving is, to him, unacceptable.

“You’re a shitty communicator” is actually some of the most useful feedback he could have possibly gotten out of the situation. What is most important for Caleb to learn to do at this point is learn to explain his thinking in detail before he acts in ways that will affect the others, to stop assuming everyone will think in exactly the same way he does, to present his opinion as an opinion rather than The Undisputable Obvious Truth. He needs to learn how to advocate for a course of action and genuinely brainstorm on issues (he has good ideas, but he doesn’t know everything!) instead of either Winning the Argument or Obeying Others. What’s great to see is that Caleb is getting better at all of these things. Compare what he’s doing with the bowl with his planning strategies post-Felderwin. At this point, Caleb has become fairly comfortable in his preferred role as an advisor and source of information. He doesn’t plainly defer to the group without contributing, and he’s careful now about prefacing his opinions with his concerns and reasoning, with saying “I think this because X,” and then asking for others’ opinions. To paraphrase the moorbounder suggestion, he says, “My concern is, and this is not a dealbreaker, but what if we learn Yeza is on the chopping block, and we don’t have enough time to get to him?” which does three things: 1) presents his opinion as an opinion, 2) explains the reason why he thinks it’s a good idea to get the moorbounders and he’s concerned about the “working for the Krynn” idea without assuming everyone already thought of this and his conclusions are obvious, and 3) asks a question that solicits the opinions of the rest of the group. Nice growth, Caleb! When you do this people can actually work together and address your concerns! Caduceus floats letting the city government know what they want ahead of time, they discuss whether the government would have access to teleportation or sending spells, they talk about how much danger Yeza is probably in and how they can determine whether the government can be relied on to follow through on a favor, how they could safely frame their favor. They agree at the very least to prepare to book it on the moorbounders as Plan B—if the job is too long or Yeza gets in trouble or the favor can’t be relied on, they leave. That’s collaboration at work!

Even when the disagreements are personal, Caleb does a much better job at explaining himself and debriefing, though he isn’t perfect. Post-Yussa’s tower, he does a fairly good job explaining why he refused to do what Beau asked of him in the moment. He also does a fairly good job explaining why he wasn’t exactly giddy to go there, though he doesn’t directly address Beau’s line of questioning (she wants to know what about Yussa makes Caleb think he’s tied to Trent specifically—since she thinks that would justify his fear). Instead, he tries to justify his Absolute Caution With Powerful Mages Philosophy by painting a frightening, gory picture that offends Beau and pokes at her own insecurities—does he not believe in her friendship? And Caleb tries to acknowledge that he as Beau are talking at cross purposes and explain himself more but eventually becomes so frustrated and overwhelmed with the misunderstanding that he begins snapping and storms off to scream at a tree. More useful things to do would have been to ask for a break, or to ask Beau to explain what exactly she was feeling so he could address what was bothering her about what he said instead of trying to brute force get his point across through arguing and fright. The point is though, that he’s trying, when he wasn’t before. He’s getting better, their relationship is getting better, and honestly it’s pretty wonderful to watch.

Next is Part 2: Wherein Beau Learns Assumptions are for Chumps

#critical role #cr spoilers #bowlgate #caleb widogast #beauregard #the meta no one asked for ever #long post #i should have edited this down but standards lower during the school week

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saphirered · 2 years

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I love your writing and I hope you feel better soon! I love, love, LOVED your Yussa HCs! Would you be able to do something with Yussa and his apprentice wizard/magic user SO? (I did send an ask but I think its still broken on mobile.) Thanks! <3

Thank you! This turned into a story instead of headcanons but I hope you like it regardless and sorry this took a while. 😘

The streets of Nicodranas had never felt more like home until you saw the familiar tower creep into your line of sight. Just the view of the building is enough to bring a smile to your face. Moving between the crowds of the busy market you run some errands, gather some supplies, stock up on some components before you continue on towards that tower. Standing at its foot you wait for the door to appear as it usually would but to your surprise it does not. You frown. You wait another minute calling up for Wensforth. No response. You call for Yussa. No response. You grow suspicious so using what gifts were granted to you you speak the words and trace the familiar sigil in the air. The door appears and swings open. You step through into the entrance hall, seeing Wensforth running down the stairs, out of breath looking frantic. At first you worry something might have happened but when the goblin composes himself that worry at least eases.

“Welcome back! Please allow me to escort you to your chambers. You must be exhausted from your travels.” The goblin speaks as he gently pulls at the edge of your cloak motioning for you to undo the clasp. No longer needing it to protect yourself from the harsh sunlight, you slip it off and allow Wensforth to gather it in his arms folding it neatly like he usually does.

“Thank you, Wensforth. I am quite alright. Is Yussa in his study? I’d like to see him.” You’ve been gone for some time and would like nothing more than to spend your time with Yussa, recovering from your travels in the company and embrace you’ve missed the past few weeks. You move to walk up the stairs but the goblin steps out in front of you.

“But you must be famished, I’ll prepare some food while you have tea in the drawing room.” Beads of sweat begin to gather at his brow. Clearly something’s up. You’re a master of the house as much as Yussa is ever since you moved in together and Wensforth has always treated as such so why is he going out of his way, keep you from wandering. Putting the pieces together you cross your arms and tap your foot giving Wensforth a look like a parent scolding their child after being caught stealing from the cookie jar.

“Wensforth…” You say and you must admire the goblin for not spilling the beans right then and there. Usually he would have, or tried to find a way to work around the wording of the order given simply to avoid stress and conflict any of any kind. So when he doesn’t you try to make for the stairs, again he gets in your way so as a last resort you simply speak the words, allowing yourself to move though the fabric of space and appear midway up the stairs. Wensforth scurries after you but is too far behind to catch up.

“Yussa?” You call his name but no answer comes so you continue until you reach his personal study opening the door. He’s not there either. You know he’s not out of the house. Wensforth revealed that much so first space you go check is the sitting room. You knock before entering but don’t bother to wait for a reply. What you didn’t expect were eyes falling to you. Confused eyes, save for the one familiar pair which express a hint of panic.

“Ah, I didn’t mean to interrupt but I left the things I brought for you in your study. Should I-“ You point back towards the hallway but before Yussa can reply a blue tiefling jumps up from the couch and makes her direction towards you pulling you into the room.

“Oh my gosh! Yussa you never told us other people came here. Are you his apprentice? You must be! Hi, I’m Jester.” The whirlwind of joy and energy speaks as she pulls you over to the others. Giving them a read over you gleam a couple of things. You do recall Yussa’s message a couple of weeks ago mentioning a group of adventurers and their antics or rather recklessness as he put it so you feel safe to assume this is them. Then you notice the mechanical ball on the table, parts of it continuously moving. You grow suspicious. Yussa is not one to neglect mentioning a new acquisition or discovery to you. You know he loves your approval and praise so he’d never hide that from you unless he knows you’ll disapprove. When you make eye contact with him after he notices you see the ball you know he knows you’d disapprove.

“You could say that, yes. I’ve been a student of the arcane for quite a while.” It wasn’t a lie and while it certainly did raise some eyebrows, some not entirely buying the story solely based on the fact that Yussa prides himself in being a solitary creature, you move on. Much to Yussa’s displeasure you’re introduced to the bunch of chaos that is known as the Mighty Nein and informed about the ongoing troubles with this ‘happy fun ball’. The more they tell you, the more Yussa starts fearing facing you when they leave.

Eventually they do leave, you and Yussa alone once more, retreating to the study while Wensforth cleans up the mess left in the wake of the visitors. You go over the artefacts you got from your travels along with the difficult to acquire precious components you managed to retrieve. You seated on the desk, Yussa in his chair looking over copies you’ve made from the ruins you came across noting intricacies not seen in the arcane for many ages.

“So… would you like to explain to me how you got trapped in an artefact created by an ancient zealot that quite literally is called the ‘Mage’s Bane’ and these friends of yours had to get you out? Or should we start with the fact you’ve been hiding this happy fun ball from me for months and swore Allura to secrecy on what happened when I just saw her? Maybe instead you’ll prefer to explain how it is that every time the Mighty Nein has been in town something popped up that required my attention and presence elsewhere expediently?” You tap your chin as Yussa puts down the papers on the desk and looks at you sitting back in his chair head leaning on his fingertips as he gives you an unreadable look.

“If you are asking for my preference I’d rather avoid all of them but we both know that won’t happen so please, have at it.” He waves off but you nudge him with your foot giving him a disapproving look that just makes him sigh.

“I just wish you would have told me.”

“I won’t apologise for shielding you from the dangers of that artefact.”

“I’m not asking for an apology and I also know nothing I say can prevent you from doing whatever you set your mind to. I wouldn’t dare try. Has our time together not taught you that?” You move the papers from in front of him to the side and slide over until you’re sitting right in front of the mage. You take both his hands in yours and out of habit his thumbs stroke lazily over the back of your hands. It’s as close to an apology you’d get in this but you don’t want nor need an apology. You’ve not lasted this long together simply on always agreeing or avoiding conflict instead of facing it. You know Yussa better than anyone and he you. You accept each other for who you are and wouldn’t have it any other way. You telling him it’s not his actions that you have a problem with but simply the fact that he left you in the dark instead of communicating with you, alleviates Yussa’s worries.

“What I am very offended by however, is the matter you downplayed the fact you’ve been making some new friends. I’d at the very least would have like to meet them. Then again, they are quite chaotic so perhaps your fear of too much chaos may have been your reasons not to?” You grin as it’s Yussa’s turn to give you a disapproving smile, the tension he previously held completely drained and gone.

“You say that as if you did not enjoy playing the part of my apprentice in front of the Mighty Nein.” The million questions and simple statements he’d be facing about your involvement with him next time he’ll reunite with the bunch of adventurers he’ll dread most. Maybe it would be good to have you there with him, if only to not face them on his own.

“On the contrary. You should have seen yourself. I usually do not take joy in making you squirm like so but I won’t deny my own satisfaction.”

“You are too cunning for your own good, my dear.”

“I’ve been away for a while. Someone needs to provide a little mischief in your life.” With that you see a glint of mischief in his eyes. His hands release yours and find their way to your hips, with the push of an arcane hand and the pull of the ones on your hips you’re in the mage’s lap, leaving your mouth agape and a satisfied smirk from Yussa. You’ll have to applaud him for catching you off guard. Draping one arm over his shoulder you gently run your fingers through the white hair affectionately still with a hint of teasing.

“How long do you think it’ll take them to catch on to what we actually are and how much of a shock it will be that their stone-cold all powerful mage friend and ally who hardly every leaves his tower has a heart of gold and a lover so sweet?” You press featherlight kisses along his jaw. Yussa can feel the smile on your lips as you do. He’s missed this. He’s missed you.

“Is that a challenge I hear? Willing to place bets?” You pull back enough to raise an eyebrow as his fingers rub gentle and precise circles in your hips and thighs. A dare.

“Against you? I already know I’d lose.” You know you will. Yussa is competitive, especially when he sets his mind to it but as it happens so are you. Though, in this specific query you may not want to win and might benefit greatly from losing.

“If you win, I’ll speak to Oremid to get you access to those tomes you’ve been wanting to study.” Yussa offers and now it has your interest piqued.

“And if you win, I’ll cancel my trip to Tal’Dorei and the meetings with the Pansophical next month.” You pull back and stop your kisses to see his response. Just as expected you see that glint in his eyes you love seeing so much, a determination.

“Agreeable. Should we get back to discussing your exploits?” Yussa teases knowing fully well your mind is on anything but whatever the hell you found overseas.

“I can think of some other exploits and better activities to occupy or time mutually beneficial for the both of us.” You state and Yussa doesn’t need to be told twice. Your lips find his and all worries and concerns of the world are forgotten. Plenty will find you the moment you leave the comforts of your own space or whenever chaos comes knocking but Yussa will brave it, especially with you at his side to keep him grounded and prevent him from making the more self-destructive choices, or face them with him as a united front.

#critical role x reader #mighty nein x reader #yussa x reader #yussa errenis x reader #critrole x reader

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saphirered · 3 years

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I absolutely love you're writing and would love just general headcanons for Yussa and his Bard SO. Please and thank you!

Sorry this took so long. Hope you like it! 😘

When Yussa first met you, or heard you he almost spilled the contents of his latest carefully planned, prepared and measured project. You made him jump and almost set him back weeks worth of work so when he found himself angrily looking out of the window where that angelic voice came from, it turned out it came right from below, in the square near the Tidepeak. He couldn’t deny you not only had a beautiful voice but knew out way around a lute and lyre too. The music had been beautiful but came at an inopportune moment, no matter what he did he couldn’t block out the sound.

When the music returned the next day during his reading it was very much pleasant. So pleasant he actually moved his chair over to the balcony so he could see you play from the square. Now with a better look, not only were you a great musician, you’re gorgeous at that too and he was not at all surprised to see the crowd gathered below watching you play and hanging onto every word of your song. He’d sent Wensforth to deliver you a generous reward for your entertainment. He’d seen the donations people left in a hat at your feet but deemed your skills rather undervalued. If you wanted to you could gather a crowd contesting those who attended the Ruby of the Sea’s performances, in his opinion.

Day after day, this nicely dressed goblin would bring you a most generous amount of coin that provided you not only a stay in a lavish inn, but also paid for all your daily expenses and then some. In the middle of your performance you couldn’t go after the goblin to thank him for his donation but on a particularly rainy day you were able to follow where he went; into the tower people had warned you of, the one without doors and only a balcony and some windows that seemed to move every day or even hour.

So after your performance you went knocking. Of course there was no door so you felt a little stupid knocking against the stone tower. When no answer came you just sat down at the base gently plucking away at the strings of your instrument. You’d wait to see if someone came home or left. It was nightfall when you saw someone on the balcony and you shouted up.

Little did you know this would be the beginning of something life changing. The Tidepeak would not be a place you’d distance yourself from and its master even less so. He’d ask you to play for him, revealing he had been sending you these generous donations. Yussa Errenis had offered you more than triple what he had given you for no more than an hour of musical entertainment once a week, more than you’d make in that same week alone so how could you refuse.

Those once a week for an hour extended to several times a week and long conversations after as not only were you an expert musician, you made for company just as good and for the first time in a long time Yussa realised he might not be as much of a solitary creature after all. He was simply lacking the company he needed and could appreciate. There was a mutual understanding and trust between you two, and a honesty he had not found anywhere else.

You let Yussa hear the new songs you’d been working on and pieces you were composing first before you played them in the open, and even left some of them just for his ears and realising this may just have made the stoic wizard blush like never before. You’d managed to break that attitude and while a man of manners and a head held high attitude, he wasn’t as cold nor distant with you. Though, not even you could tame that arrogance. Nor did you want to. There was something attracting about that.

You’re both smart enough people to know when an infatuation grows into something more and this is it. So you did what any reasonable adult would do; sat down and worked it out, communicated and figured out where you would stand in this. When the feeling turned out to be mutual it worked in both your favours as you could simply engage in that instead of keeping up an air of professionalism between musician and patron.

That did not mean your private concertos stopped. If anything they grew more frequent and if you weren’t on the road, had another place to perform or the weather was just simply bad, the door of the Tidepeak would be open to you day and night, and Yussa’s company at your side be that to listen to you play, you gently strumming away while he worked, or the two of you talked until the early hours of morning about your lives, your songs, his work or the hardships and frustrations you’d endured since you last met.

Physical affection would have to go slow. You might not be as opposed, it’s something Yussa needed to be eased into. Having lived alone and without the comforts of another for so long, he quickly got overwhelmed and needed a moment for himself. Never would you shame or judge him for that. You understood and that’s when he knew for sure he could see a future with you.

From that moment on, no more would you sleep in a tavern or an inn or wherever else you found suitable. You’d get your own space at the Tidepeak to do with as you pleased and while he had given you your own sitting room and balcony, you’d still most often found your way to his study even if just to sit there. Yussa wasn’t at all opposed to this as he rather enjoyed your company regardless of volume. He’d gotten used to it and would miss your presence when working.

Kisses were a rarity for the first few months and Yussa let you take the lead when it came to them but over time he grew more daring and eventually even came to initiate them of his own volition and without a feeling of needing to satisfy you but simply because he enjoyed them. You’d find yourself sitting on the couch, Yussa using you as a pillow while he read and he’d press a kiss against wherever was most convenient from his position. It never failed to make you smile and he’d do it just to see you smile, taking pride in getting such a gentle response.

Yussa is not a trusting person and that doesn’t mean he doesn’t trust you but old habits do die hard. Sleeping in the same space had been something he just couldn’t do, not even the meditative trance of his elvish blood. However, when you two fell asleep on the couch together, that made that easier. A bed was still a big no for sleeping purposes but the couch had become better and better and no longer would he lie awake while you slept.

Going out in public with Yussa may have been a bigger step in your relationship than physical intimacy of any kind. Yussa knew the opinions of the sharks around him and what lengths they would go to get into his good graces and he wanted to shield you from that, if not for your own sake then for his. But he couldn’t simply act like you didn’t exist and his changes in attitude came out of nowhere as those sharks also weren’t fools.

Attending a ball with Yussa was always something, you’d be stared down like the main show of the evening, or as if you just entered the room stark naked but you were very sure you weren’t. You’d be swarmed by people in a matter of moments, people wishing to hear the latest gossip and figure out your exact connection with the master of the Open Quay and during Yussa’d be internally screaming absolutely exasperated by these intruding annoyances and simpletons. Luckily he had your charm to save yourself and him. You’d deflected all advances, questions and unpleasant encounters like a protective shield with ease and grace and if those failed you a simple discrete spell to charm them into leaving you the hell alone was not out of the question. He couldn’t be more thankful. Maybe he should bring you along more often as you had proven to be his saving grace.

You may not be a politician nor were you schooled in his kind of magic. He may not be a musician nor was he particularly schooled in the ways of the bard’s colleges. None of that mattered because you were both willing to learn, showing an interest in the life of the other. Admittedly certain practices would never be the thing for the other but that didn’t matter because you could still appreciate the other’s love for it.

At the end of the day you were happy and would be happy, be that because you wrote a new song or Yussa cracked the code to a spell of his own making, you for scoring an invitation to play at some famous place in front of some renowned individuals, or him for making way in his practices and helping a group of curious individuals end a threat looming over this world. You were content with your wildly different lives and happy a song and an annoyance began it all.

#critical role x reader #critrole x reader #mighty nein x reader #yussa x reader #yussa errenis x reader #critical role #mighty nein

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saphirered · 3 years

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Mighty Nein Masterlist

Last Updated: 1/20/2023

Masterlist for multiple part requests found here.

(The Mighty Nein)

M9 x druid reader

M9 x reader with kid

M9 x fighter reader using magic

M9 x injured reader

M9 x Vex&Percy’s adopted kid

M9 boys x reader: Don’t Leave Me Behind

M9 x reader Holiday Tradition

M9 x reader Needy (nsfw adjacent)

M9 x reader Aftercare (nsfw adjacent)

M9 x reader: Cursed Power

(Caleb)

Late Night

All You Ever Need to Be

First Times (headcanons)

Light in the Dark

Wild Magic Sorcerer (headcanons)

Air Genasi (headcanons)

Bearing Burdens

Good Company

Birds of a Feather

High

Reckless (poly Essek x Caleb x reader)

Wild Shape

Bright and Early

Please Come Back to Me

Dance With Me

Tease

Talk to Me

Fever

Magic Man

He Smiles

Normally pt1.

Normally pt2. (Finale)

Library

Cat and the Songbird

Success

Source Material (nsfw)

Skill Check

Indoor Skies

Midwinter Shopping

(Mollymauk)

Night Watch (druid headcanons)

Every Second Counts

Laughter

Tale of the Handsome Devil and Summer Princess

Ghost of the Past

Yes, Princess

Call Me Darling

Comfort

Meadow Escapade

First Light

Breakfast

Old Love

Hot Springs

(Essek)

Secrets and Confessions

First Times (poly Essek x Caleb x reader headcanons)

Promises

Siblings (sibling!reader)

Serenity

Hell Hath No

Gifts

Betrothal (pt1)

Betrothal (pt2)

Poisoned Sting

Perfect Dream

(Beau)

Feathery Nuisances (poly Beau x Yasha x wild magic reader)

Heroic Savior (human wizard)

(Yasha)

Angel and Her Librarians (poly Beau x Yasha x reader headcanons)

Bad Omen

(Caduceus)

Found Family

Not You (mind controlled reader headcanons)

First Times (headcanons)

(Jester)

Bluff

(Fjord)

A Siren’s Song

Path of Stars

(Kingsley)

The Lovers

Innuendos

A Pirate’s Life For Me

Pirate’s Cliché

Haunted Past

(Verin)

Like an Artificer

New Friends

Good Company

Family Visits

Star-Crossed Lovers

The Runaway Bride and Her Warrior

Lightning and Storms

Demons

Peach Tarts

(Lucien)

Game Over

Game On

Ghost of the Past

Conditional Love

Fan the Flames

Phantom Feelings

(Yussa)

Glorious Performance (headcanons)

Home Again

(Bryce)

Letters (headcanons)

(Artagan)

For the Love of a Not-God

Favour In Kind

Terrible Puns

Crossing Paths

Crossing Paths pt2.

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saphirered · 3 years

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Heyy i hope this is ok, I really love your Verin x reader where he goes to see his brother is it ok to ask for a continuous of it like he visits the empire to see his brother but also the reader ???

I'm doing okay, thank you for asking! The dreaded double shifts have returned but I have a moment of freedom now. Anyway, I hope you enjoy! 😘

The sudden disappearance of Essek Thelyss had left quite the ravage in its wake. The Lens; the network of spies of the Dynasty was left in disarray and without a commander, valuable information had been lost and the underground threats of the Empire still posed a risk. The loss of their connection to the Empire and their own spies to keep tabs on the higher ups Essek had provided had disappeared with him leaving little to no information of the inner workings and plotting on the Dwendalian side of the border.

It was the perfect cover story. Verin is by no means as clever and cunning as his brother. He’s the first one to admit so. He’s got his own strength but that doesn’t leave him lacking a skillset similar to his brother’s. Verin knows how to get information. Verin knows how to stick to the shadows. Verin knows what he’s doing. That’s the words of those who spoke in his favour at the Lucid Bastion when he offered the prospects of temporarily providing that bridge until a suitable replacement was found.

Verin had proven to them his loyalty through providing them with answers to the questions they had been asking about the ongoings in Rexxentrum, limited but answers no less which was much better than what they had before. He offered them a remedy against the chaos and they could do nothing other than take it. So Verin got to frequent his resources of this information insisting he’d take care of this personally due to the fragility of them and risks associated; willing to make that sacrifice for his country and not needlessly put lives at risk, especially not after the disgrace his brother had brought them and his family.

Little did they know that his link to the Empire was you; one who sits on the Kings’ Council and you pointing him in the right direction, leaking through formation that was common knowledge between the higher ups of the empire; information that could have been provided by simply striking up a conversation with one of them. It was merely an excuse for Verin to visit his brother… and you as his social visits now included you many a time. He may have grown a bit attached to your company and you’d not risk sending another drow, let alone a Thelyss to stay at already suspected-of-lowkey-treason-every-Thursday Widogast/Thelyss household. No, you’d let Verin stay within the safety of your home escorting him wherever he needs to go to assure none of you get arrested for conspiracy and treason yourselves.

The cover used for the Dynasty was a little easier to maintain than the one for the Empire. Essek’s disguise had of course been in play long before Verin’s arrival. Essek claimed himself to be a former student of Yussa Errenis. That’s how he got to meet Caleb and when Caleb went to settle and teach at the Soltryce Academy he went with, settling down together going on their occasional adventures.

Verin’s had to be tied to that in some way or their frequent interactions would draw attention, be that people suspecting an affair between the two or something deeper. So the story in nature had to stay simplistic as Verin’s frequent traveling had to be explained and excused in a believable manner. He’d be the so-manieth son of a Nicodranian lord who was given little to no attention from his parents and siblings until he proved capable politically making friends and more importantly connections all over. The downside of these connections; they had to be maintained so he’d travel the world to do so but never too bothered to visit his childhood friend; the former apprentice living with professor Widogast.

Now of course you got some encouragement from the king’s council to nurture this relation with the Nicodranian lord’s son and opening up your own home instead of letting the man stay in one of the many lavish taverns was just that extra personal touch they needed to know you’d do so in name of the king of course. They just didn’t know this was all a lie and you’d keep it that way. The four of you and by extension the Nein and their allies aware would do anything to keep it that way even if that meant a certain little blue tiefling blackmailing a Nicodranian lord or two to keep up the facade with the things she had learned and overheard over her years at the Lavish Chateau.

You’d spent your day off with Caleb, Essek and Verin on a double date of sorts wandering the city, going sightseeing and just exploring ending with a dinner at your place. It had been a pleasant day and you and Caleb had taken a few moments away to allow the brothers to go out on their own for a while as you’d usually done. It still felt strange having the both of them in one place and acting civil no less. Essek had expected his next meeting with his brother to end with one of them dead but that dinner with the Nein had proved him different. Verin refuses to tell him what you’d told his brother to convince him to stay his hand exactly but never stalled to playfully remind Essek he had you to thank for his life.

Essek was happy to admit his relationship with his brother had almost gone back to normal. The normal before both of them were left to the responsibilities and expectations of the world and their country. There were still some hindrances and disagreements but they managed to work through them one by one as adults, though you and Caleb might have something different to say about the bickering children at times. They were siblings and even the semblance of normalcy and a healthy relationship between them brought smiles to your faces as both you and Caleb had been there when it came to your own makeshift family.

The night of your ‘double date’ had ended in a lovely dinner at your place after an eventful day. Caleb and Essek had headed home but a few minutes ago and you’d resigned yourself to washing the dirty dishes. Caleb and Essek had offered to stay and help but you’d shooed them and told them not to worry. There’s just something peaceful about the manual labor of such a mundane task letting your mind wander wherever it went.

“You know you could just cast a spell to clean them, or leave them for your help to clean in the morning.” Verin leans against the door frame watching you clean. You had this argument before. Yes you could speak a few words and snap your fingers and done nor would your housemaid complain about doing them in the morning should you leave them. You’d always felt uneasy with live-in housekeeping for some reason. Perhaps it’s the feeling of lack of privacy or maybe your need for independence but Verin blames your upbringing among the common folk where these were simply tasks you did every day.

“I could also cast a spell and make you do it.” You laugh setting another wet plate on the stack of clean ones ready to be dried and flick your wet hand at Verin who gives you a disapproving look seeing the droplets being absorbed by the fabric of his shirt. he knows better than to argue with you on this and instead picks up the dishcloth beginning to dry the stack of washed plates and putting them in the cabinet where you store them.

“You could just leave them for for the servants.” You mimicked his tone best you could with a laugh and now it’s Verin’s turn to dip his finger tips into the water and flick it at you. You gasp. He’d been getting bolder the more at ease he’d become and you got to see the drow more as the real person behind the layers of responsibility and complexity of his life and just let him be him. You’d seen this transcend with Essek before and knew well enough were it lead. If you could provide a similar haven of peace and allow him to be himself you’d do so. It wasn’t even a sacrifice made as you enjoyed Verin’s company. Though, you could do without him never putting your precious books back onto their shelves when not reading them. He blames losing the tome in your extensive collection if he did so.

“And if I’ve learned anything I know you’d dry them yourself. Last I checked you’re not a servant or am I mistaken?” Verin jokes as he stacks the dried bowls carefully.

“And you’d know all about that, wouldn’t you? Tended to by servants cleaning up after you wherever you went?” You grin finishing the last dish and putting it on the stack turning to lean your hips against the counter behind you. You cross your arms with a teasing grin on your face as you look at him. He knows that grin all too well, enough to know what’s coming.

“Need me to lay out your clothes for the morning, m’lord? Should I bring you a midnight snack, m’lord? Do you desire a bath, M’lord? I could wash your hair and style it just the way you like it m’lord. Would you like me to help you get dressed, m’lord?” You put on a light voice and curtsy holding back laughter as Verin picks up the last dishes and puts them in the cabinet. He’s laughing with you, the act you put on quite hilarious to him. He knows you’re over exaggerating and he knows you know. He’s proven himself independent but it doesn’t help he actually knows people who are tended to in such a way.

“Not far off. I’ll applaud your efforts but you’re mixing tasks. Clothes do not leave the wardrobe until the moment before they’re meant to be worn. You wouldn’t want to wake your lord in the middle of the night so if a midnight snack as you say, should be desired, it should be prepared or provided when asked for. If you’re tending to the lord themself you wouldn’t be the one drawing the bath. As for getting dressed, I doubt you’d be able to help me because I recall you saying my enormous ego gets in your way too much already.” Verin speaks with all seriousness until he’s standing in front of you, hands clasped behind his straightened back. You share a look before bursting out in laughter.

As a reward for this moment of joy you pull out a bottle of wine and two glasses pulling him over to the table by the window he’d once climbed through to hide from the guard patrol. You set down the glasses and begin pouring the wine like a properly schooled server. Verin shakes his head as you pull out the chair for him and let him sit with a bow as you take your own chair at the other side. He may have some comments on the proper posture and manners but holds them back for the sake of humour. He knows you know so instead you just enjoy your wine together.

“How was your day?” You ask taking a sip.

“I’d tell you you’d know since you were there.” Verin commented and you kicked at his leg giving him a look. When you kick again he grabs your leg between his squeezing his shins together to trap it between his and gives you a wink as he takes a sip and releases you smugly.

“I enjoyed it. The gardens were lovely and seeing Essek get in the middle of an intense bet, letting loose like he did… I have not seen that side of my brother in a long time. Not but months ago whenever I tried to take him for a fun night out he’d complain and be a stuck up.” Verin speaks and you can imagine this truth of Essek. He had changed a lot ever since getting entangled with the Mighty Nein. For the better; that’s something you and Verin can agree on.

You enjoy the rest of your wine conversing about the rest of your day, Verin’s travels, your daily business and more. It’s something you’d grown so accustomed to. You pour yourself and Verin another glass, splitting the last contents of the bottle between the two of you with a ‘thank you’ from Verin as you give him just a little bit more.

“How long will you be staying this time round?” You ask changing the subject.

“Trying to get rid of me already? I’ve only been here for one night.” Verin sends you one of his usual charming grins and you wink back at him.

“If I wanted to get rid of you I’d simply call for the guards. How many times do you have to keep sneaking through my window? You know I have a front door right?” You know of his nightly endeavours. You know he really does have information to collect from sources you may or may not have hinted at but he could simply use the front door. You don’t mind either way but getting the living daylights scared out of you when you go into the kitchen for a midnight snack or a glass of water still half asleep, you could do without.

“I’ve been granted three weeks.” Verin has to admit, the Bright Queen’s acceptance of his time came as a surprise. He suspects the Dusk Captain might have gotten her in better spirits that morning and he couldn’t be more thankful. The ‘why’ at the end of his question was implied so he awaits your reply.

“I have some business to attend to at noon but the Mighty Nein is meeting up in Nicodranas for a little side adventure.” Oh. Verin does his best to not let his disappointment show. It’s the downside of not being able to send word ahead or know your schedules beforehand. If he’d known he’d planned differently. He doesn’t want to stand in between you and his brother’s friends.

“I will see you off then.” The crestfallenness in his voice is clear for you to hear so when you reach out over the table to clasp your hand over his, his eyes are drawn to you. Your gentle smile confuses him.

“Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to join us. We’ve worked around the sunlight sensitivity before, especially in the Menagerie Coast so if it’s no bother to you, why don’t you join us?” Verin looks at you, thinking you’re kidding or lying but sees none of this. He thinks for a second.

“I wouldn’t want to intrude-“ He begins but you cut him off with another squeeze to his hand and a reassuring look.

“You won’t. You’re one of us now, Verin. You can’t get rid of us anymore.”

“Then I will come along. Thank you, you and your friends, for everything you’ve done for me.” Verin doesn’t really know how to handle this; getting closer to his brother’s friends, especially you that is. He’s never been in a similar position and the sheer genuineness of it is heart melting, even for him. Not even within his own family has he encountered this and he had been a lot closer with his family than his brother in their younger years.

“You’re very welcome.” You’d be off with Verin and the others. Another sea voyage? Perhaps, but like always you’d see where the winds would take you even if that’s by the literal winds, or a name on a map that sounds funny, or when you’ll unavoidably be on the run from some kind of creature chasing you. Let’s hope that dragon turtle stays far away, and if not, you’d have one hell of a time fighting it. With Verin at your sides this time. He’d be in for an adventure. He’d be in for a surprise. He’d be in for an undoubtable amount of chaos. And he’d welcome it all with open arms. Damn his sentimental side. He blames Essek for that one.

#critical role x reader #critrole x reader #mighty nein x reader #verin x reader #verin thelyss x reader #critical role #mighty nein

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