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cosmos-coma · 1 year

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was thinking all night of an eskel request, and i think i finally got one! eskel pining for the reader while at kaer morhen for the winter, maybe some teasing from the other witchers? super in the mood for fluff, so if you get around to this, extra cuteness plsss and thank you!

Before the Snow is Gone

A/N: My friend I will ALWAYS be happy to write up your requests. I'll admit that I really struggled with this one for some reason, but I hope I made it comedic and fluffy for you!

Pairing: Eskel X Reader

Words: 1.3k

Warnings: bit of angst and depression (from Eskel)

_______________________

Geralt and Lambert poked their head around the frame of the kitchen door as another sigh came from the room. There they watched Eskel look forlornly into the stew pot as he stirred, his eyes and thoughts somewhere far from here.

“Is he still sighing about missing his lover?” Lambert whispered to his white-haired brother, watching as Eskel began rummaging through the spice jars, looking depressed at each and every option.

“He’s been like this for 2 weeks and we’re only a month into winter... Even Lil Bleater can’t cheer him up like she used to.” Geralt said, shaking his head as he watched his brother finally settle on a spice and add it to the pot.

“What are we looking at?” Asked Yennefer's voice as her head appeared between the two men.

“Is Eskel moping again?” Jaskier asked now, his head poking out above everyone else’s.

Geralt blinked as he looked up at his bard. “Jask, you’re shorter than I am. How are you-?”

“I’m standing on a chair…” he admitted as everyone pulled away from the doorway to talk face to face.

“There has to be something we can do. I don't want to eat sad stew again.” Lambert complained with arms crossed.

Yennefer was the first to pipe up this time, “I... think I may have an idea..”

----

Lil Bleater propped herself up on his legs, baaing and begging for attention as Eskel took care of the other stable animals. She huffed when she didn’t immediately get the petting she craved and stamped her feet against him.

“I’m sorry, Kiddo… I guess I’m just not really here right now.” He said as he finally took the time to pause and look down at her frustrated grunts. Another sigh left his lips as he kneeled down to pet her and jostle her horns in a weak effort to play. He knew he wasn’t being any fun lately and he knew everyone else could see it. Hell, Vesemir even tried to have a talk with him the other week, but it had little effect.

He couldn’t help it if he missed you so greatly. He had spent his warmer months being by your side as much as he could. Memorizing your voice, your eyes, and the feel of your hand in his as much as he could so it would all be perfect in his memory when winter came.

But now… now it was only making it more glaringly obvious that you really weren't by his side. That you weren’t truly there to whisper to him in the dead of night when he can't sleep, nor to smile at him as you simply passed by.

“I don't know what I'm gonna do for the rest of the winter, Bleater… it’s getting hard just to get out of bed each morning, let alone go through my chores.” He mumbled softly to the bright-eyed kid. “I’m a witcher, you know? I should be better than this… I’ve faced vampires, and dragons, so-” he paused for a moment as he idly scratched Lil Bleater’s chin. “So why is it so hard to leave...? Even when I know I’ll be back…”

Lil Bleater only quietly baaed in response, trying to soothe her dedicated caretaker, but not sure how. So she does what all goats do best- she chews on his fingers.

Another sigh from the soft-hearted witcher, this time with a small smile, “I Love them so much…” he mumbled out, getting lost in his own thoughts again, until an unexpected voice pulled him back with a snap.

“I Love you too, Eskel.”

He blinked as he heard it. That was… your voice…? That was your voice! It was you! Eskel spun around to face where the sound came from and nearly dropped Lil Bleater back to the ground when he saw you.

There you stood in the open stable doors, wrapped in your warm winter clothes, cheeks ruddy from the cold, and a big bundle of clothes in your hands. Your breath puffed up in front of your face as you dropped your bag and ran straight into his arms.

Eskel could hardly contain his excitement as your beaming face came running into his embrace. “You’re here..! but, how…?” Eskel asked, hugging you tight against his chest and drinking in your scent. Soft kisses pressed against your forehead and your temple as you tried to answer, but you couldn't get your words out past the laughter bubbling from you.

“We thought you could use a visit...” came Yennefers voice as she also drifted into view of the stable doors, followed by Geralt, Lambert, and Jaskier. “You’ve been moping about for weeks now and I figured it's easy enough to conjure a portal,” she shrugged, “I open up another portal Home in a few days, so enjoy it.”

“Geralt, Lambert, and I are also gonna take care of your chores, so you can enjoy your time together.” Jaskier chimed in with a thumbs up and that characteristic charming smile,“and that time starts now, so go on and get out of here! Shoo! Go be gross and in love,” he said, quickly ushering you two out and tossing your bundle of clothes at Eskel.

Laughter trailed behind you two as Eskel led you inside so you could settle down. However, Eskel rumbled with quiet excitement, and as quick as you settled he was taking your hand to show you everything about the keep. From the kitchen to the armory and everything in between, your beloved witcher just wanted to share every part of his childhood home that he held dear on your first visit.

“I missed you so much” You mumbled as you took a pause from reading.

Eskel had finally snuck you away to the Keep’s library at the end of the tour so you two could spend the perfect first evening together. Hot chocolate filled your mugs and your sweet whispers filled the air as you read to him. His head lay tenderly on your chest as he soaked in the warmth of your presence. The fire crackled softly before you and everything was just as it should be.

“I missed you too… I’m glad you finally get to visit after hearing about it so much” he lifted his head to smile up at you, that notch in his lip tugging it into a larger grin. “And we’ll make the most of our time here. I promise. We can do anything you want- build snowmen, ice skate-”

“Even just cuddle up under a blanket to fight off the cold…?” you offered with a shake of your head and a chuckle, “I don't care what we do, Eskel, as long as I can be next to you. We could spend the entire visit cleaning up horse shit and- as long as I don’t get any on my face- then I would still consider it an amazing time.”

Eskel’s chest rumbled with laughter that easily passed through your whole body, “I mean- that can be arranged…”

An even stronger laugh emanated from him as you poked him in the ribs and frowned, “I think I’d rather fall in the lake, Esk. Let’s just take this day by day, okay?” you asked, running your fingers through that lovely dark hair of his. “I love you so much, Eskel. No matter what we do or how far away you are or how hard it is that I can’t see you.”

You smiled as you pressed a soft kiss to his slightly chapped lips,“and I love knowing that I’ll be able to see you again as soon as the first flowers bloom.”

“Oh, Darling,” Eskel smiled, his expression easy and light as his honey-like eyes melted your heart into a sweet puddle, “I’ll be at your door long before the snow is even gone.”

___________________________

Taglist: @writingmysanity @open--till--midnight (<3) @dark-academia-slut @madamemelancholysstuff

#eskel x reader #eskel x you #eskel x y/n #eskel x reader fluff #eskel witcher #eskel imagine #Eskel #Eskel fluff #eskel fic #kaer morhen #Geralt and lambert are great brothers #and Yen and Jask are superior friends #tw3 eskel #tw3

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justhereforeskel · 11 months

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Mechanic!AU aka an excuse to draw Eskel 🍑

#eskel #tw3 fanart #there was a ref for this tumbling around here #but I can't find the original post anymore #anyway it very much reminded me of rawr's mechanic!AU so here we are #maybe they decided to do a calendar one year?#mechanic!AU #inspired by fic #my art

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on-a-lucky-tide · 10 months

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(Eskel & Geralt, Eskel/Geralt if you squint; young wolves, first time with potions, Eskel's Canonical Strength with Signs; an interpretation. Rated: T)

His skull felt tight. Like it was closing in around his mind, a vice crushing his thoughts, his consciousness. The thundering rush in his ears made him feel dizzy and the heat under his skin made him feel skittish. His heart beat an erratic rhythm against his rib cage, and Eskel felt like he was spinning, but stuck. Rooted to the spot as the world crashed in around him, control slipping through his fingers, torn away by some unseen force.

Yet, beneath it all—beneath the terror, the burning—there was a rush. Something gleeful writhed around in his chest, desperate to get free even though he tried to press it down. Something wanted to burst out of him, break through his grip, burst forth into the world and—

They had said Thunderbolt was different from the others. It lets the monster out good and proper, Varin had slurred around the chipped rim of his mug the previous night. Some hate it, most deal with it, and then some sick fucks enjoy it a little too much. At that, Varin glanced at the large sword hanging over the fireplace. The one that Master Barmin used on those that weren’t safe to be let out on the Path.

The uneasiness had roiled in Eskel’s stomach for the rest of the evening until it had erupted in the bowl under his bed and Gweld had thrown a pillow at him in disgust—learn to hold yer liquor, Skel, fu-u-uck—before shoving his head under the remaining one.

Was Eskel a sick fuck? Was he one of those that they’d put down before letting the rest of his cohort onto the Path? Was that feeling—? Was it—?

“—he’s grunting like an animal—“

“Give him time. Thunderbolt’s always the hardest. Lad’s doing fine.”

There were others in the room; Master Vesemir, as Eskel belonged to his crop of trainees, and more than one mage. They were scared of what Thunderbolt would do to him. Eskel could smell their fear on the air even now, along with the fetid shit from the lavvies, the cooking meat in the kitchens, all of it made his stomach roil once more. The acidic, bitter taste hit the back of his throat, and every muscle pulled taut. Their muttering grew louder, bouncing around his head until it was an unintelligible crescendo.

“He’s losing control…”

“Easy, easy, let him go, let him try.”

The second voice sounded less certain. The chattering grew louder, louder. The voices crushed in on him, pressing down, tightening the grip around his head. Heat. Pressure. Burning.

The fire flooded down from his head, from his chest, swept down his arms, and swirled around his palms. Flames lapped his flesh, singed the hairs on the back of his arms; molten dragon fire poured from his palms.

“He’s—that’s—this needs to stop—“

“No, no, wait. Wait!”

A familiar voice. The first that didn’t feel like a lash against his mind, but a familiar caress. A voice that had drawn him out of the stupor following the Trial of Dreams. A voice that had rescued him from every nightmare, every fear, every uncertainty, since Eskel had first stumbled through the tall gates of the keep, bare foot and wide-eyed, clutching his only possession to his chest; a moth-eaten bedroll.

Two strong hands shoved against his chest, insistent, repeated. “Wait! Wait, don’t! I can get him back!”

The shoves became harder. Eskel wanted to shout out, to tell the voice that it wasn’t safe, that something was tearing it out of him and it would consume them both. But whatever it was, whatever darkness, had secured its grip around his throat and the words faded before they had even been born. All he could do then was surrender.

But if he surrendered, the beast would get free. It would devour him and everyone in its Path. Like hellfire.

“Eskel, c’mon! C’mon, move, you big oaf! Move!”

Oaf.

Two boys splashing in the lake, Eskel cannon-balling and creating a tidal wave, “ahh, you coulda drowned me!” said in jest, a light-hearted slap of water, “big oaf,” said with love, with warmth, with trust. Trust that Eskel would never hurt him. Could never.

“C’mon, Eskel. Come back to me. Don’t you dare fuckin’--don’t you dare leave me, Eskel.”

A hand in his as they stared at a tall, foreboding door, their fates unknown. Those spindly fingers, callused from swords and chores, squeezed as firmly as they could. “Don’t you dare leave me,” whispered, desperate and fearful, and Eskel squeezed back, “I won’t.”

A promise kept.

Eskel went lax. He stumbled. His back hit a door which gave way behind him. The ground underfoot became slippery, like mineral grease on a steel blade.

A rush of cold flooded in, washing the brimstone away, water drops like pins against the searing heat of his skin. He fell. They fell. Because, just as the cold stone connected with Eskel’s rear, a heavy, warm weight fell on his front.

The pin needles turned to rain drops.

It was raining.

Hot breath puffed over his lips, a solid pressure against his forehead, a brush against his nose.

Eskel opened his eyes.

The faded grey light melted away, and two orbs of melted gold gazed into his. “There you are.”

Geralt.

“Don’t speak, it’s okay, I’ve got you.”

Eskel must have said it out loud. He leaned back and looked down. There was steam rising from his hands, hot where they rested against the slick flagstones of the courtyard. There were blurry figures standing in the doorway of the laboratory, the colours of their robes melded into one, anxious voices swimming in and out.

His body felt alien, detached. Like he was pulling it back on after someone else had worn it. “What… happened?” he managed to rasp, the words flowing from his throat like gravel.

Geralt took his face in wet fingers, tips tracing the trail of boyish stubble to the hinge of his jaw. “Nearly had a bigger storm than the mages predicted. It’s fine though. Thunder’s always followed by rain, right?”

Geralt pressed his forehead to Eskel’s again, they shared the same deep breaths, grounded in each other, their hammering pulses slowing, quietening in the lull of comfort.

Eskel knew then that Geralt had saved his life. If Eskel couldn’t control himself on Thunderbolt, he wouldn’t be leaving Kaer Morhen. It was too much of a risk.

“You could have… I could have…” Eskel choked out, the vision of Geralt consumed in flames of his making flooding his mind.

“You could never,” Geralt replied, his voice a soft, the touch on Eskel’s face wandering, as if seeking reassurance that he was still intact. “Not you. Not ever.”

Eskel could see himself in Geralt’s wide eyes. Black hair plastered to his skull, the rain dripping from his wide brow and nose, his own eyes sunken with fear. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” “Nothin’, nothin’s wrong with you, you’re jus’ Eskel. We’ll get through this. You and me. Like always. We’ll try again, and… and you’ll get it. Then we’ll, we’ll walk out together on the Path, like we always planned, yeah?”

Eskel could hear the hope in Geralt’s voice, but he could see the fear in his eyes–fear of losing Eskel, fear of going it all alone, fear that he wouldn’t be strong enough to get them through–and Eskel knew he couldn’t fail.

“Yeah,” he whispered back, letting his eyes fall shut so he could bask in the chill of the rain and the gentle warmth of Geralt’s touch. “Together.”

#witcher eskel #geralt of rivia #young wolves #fic #the witcher #tw3

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mllekurtz · 4 months

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I haven't been talking about it because it feels too good to be true, but lately I've been working on a shadowgast fic consistently again for the first time since the vibes au 🙏🏻

The fic is the follow-up of my shadowgast Witcher au, there are roughly 12k words in it right now (including some outline), and this is one of my favorite passages so far:

In the silence that followed, Caleb took a deep breath and conjured happy memories. The smell of his mother’s kitchen. The moment he mastered his first Sign. Killing his masters alongside his peers and ending decades of torture and oppression for good. The first time he made Essek laugh.

I really hope I can bring this home and share it with you soon. Not being able to write (due to covid, bg3, work, general burnout, my dog's illness, probably other stuff I'm forgetting) sucked massively these past few months. This fic in particular has been on the back burner for literal years, and I'm so excited to be inspired to work on it again. I shall hopefully be sharing more soon!

#i'm also rereading the novels and replaying tw3 #i missed this world a lot #i wrote and deleted this post several times because again: too good to be true #what if it doesn't stick etc etc #but sometimes you just have to embrace the uncertainty and the impermanence #even if i never finish this fic i really love what i have so far #and i had a blast writing it #critical role #shadowgast #shadowgast witcher au #fic: heliotrope

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witchertits · 4 months

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Witcher AO3 Benefit Zine

The Witcher AO3 Benefit Zine (NSFW! 18+) my lovely server has been working on is available for $1+ download at: https://hollylib.itch.io/witcher-ao3-benefit-zine-2023

ALL sales from this project will be donated to the OTW! Cover art by @captnsunshine <3

Thank you so much to all our amazing contributors! @captnsunshine @kayforpay @kueble @mysticcoyoteart @howdoistormspirit @elythegardeningbard @tiltedaxii

Holographic stickers also available for $3! Again proceeds will benefit the OTW! https://ko-fi.com/s/39a4d280ff

Read the collection free here: https://archiveofourown.org/collection/WitcherAO3BenefitZine2023

#witcher fic #witcher fanfiction #dandelion #my fic #fandom zine #fan zine #fanzines #tw3

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xejune · 2 years

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doodle dump! couple AUs, couple shitposts <3

#the witcher #twn #tw3 #lambert #geralt of rivia #jaskier #voltehre #okay let's see #we've got #incubus!jaskier #necromancer!jaskier #dragon!jaskier #just #creature!jaskier #in general #i should continue writing that lambert fic sometime.....#doodles #art

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aghxst · 1 year

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My main contribution to @stonerwitcher this year is a lil illustration of a scene from chapter one of @WitcherTits most excellent fic from last year (https://archiveofourown.org/works/38495494/chapters/96212518) I love this fic and this event sm thanks everyone who participated and enjoyed this years works! #stonerwitcher23

#my art #twn #the witcher #tw3 #stonerwitcher #stonerwitcher23 #coen #eskel #jaskier #lambert #witchertits #fic rec

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unbury-the-gays · 2 years

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Chapters: 5/7

Fandom: Wiedźmin | The Witcher (Video Game)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationships: Prince Adrien/Kiyan (The Witcher)

Characters: Kiyan (The Witcher), Prince Adrien (The Witcher), Original Male Character(s), Original Male Character(s) of Color, Original Female Character(s), Mention of various canonical characters

Additional Tags: Unbury The Gays, Rare Pairings, Post-Possession, Post-Quest: Cat School Gear Scavenger Hunt (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt), Witchers Have Feelings (The Witcher), I Shook A Witcher And Intergenerational Trauma Fell Out (The Witcher), Witchers Need Hugs (The Witcher), Emotionally Constipated Witchers (The Witcher), sort of established relationship, Birthday, Found Family, compromises, Main Character(s) of Color, Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Panic Attacks, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Gifts, Rituals, Other Additional Tags to Be Added

Series: Part 3 of Unbury The Gays

Chapter 5 summary: Sybilla had a great talent for pissing people off, even more than Adrien. The prince could be irritating, but Sybilla was on a completely different level. She always hit mercilessly where it hurt the most. And the worst part was that she was usually right.

Okay so it took a while. Unfortunately, nowadays things are so that we lack the time or spoons to write and unfortunately this results in longer breaks, which is all the more frustrating as we have a lot of ideas. We just quietly hope that the longer breaks won't make you forget about us and our two favorite bastards. We hope you enjoy this chapter, anyway.

We also have a new ask game on our tumblr. If you are curious about certain things, feel free to ask, although the answer takes us a while, but also stimulates us creatively. The last such ask resulted in a short fic "Still Here" and two of my silly illustrations.

If, on the other hand, waiting for the next chapters is long, we recommend checking out the fic of the wonderful KatWithTheGlasses. Old Sins Cast Long Shadows was inspired by our work and it's an absolutely wonderful fic about our two favorite idiots and I love the story with all my heart. As an added bonus, it's not a multichapter so you don't have to wait for the next chapters :D . Seriously, you guys go read and give Kat a lot of love.

Anyway, we hope you enjoyed this chapter and that you will stay with us despite the long breaks. We love you and thank you for every kind word, for every kudos or bookmark, for being there! You are the best!

______________________

''Klemens is extremely outraged by your behavior,'' Sybilla said, balancing in the air on an invisible rope as Kiyan picked his way along the narrow cornices of the castle toward the back of the building. ''I promised him I'd pass that on to you.''

Kiyan paused on one of the high bay windows and glared at her. She wasn’t impressed at all.

''We have to talk.'' She smiled, and Kiyan wondered what would happen if he tried to push her off her invisible rope.

'Yes we fucking do,'' he growled. ''Can you explain to me what the fuck you were trying to do? Why did you send Gisbert after me? The boy almost lost his life, and his horse was stolen.''

''Ugh, Adrien's damned horses.'' Sybilla waved her hand in frustration. "Okay, I admit, I fucked up a bit; I forgot about the horse. But! I gave Gisbert a protective talisman.''

''They stole that from him, too,'' Kiyan pointed out.

''But in the end, he got to you safe and sound.''

''He was beaten , Sybilla,'' Kiyan said emphatically.

''He is not a child anymore,'' she replied, equally emphatically. ''Let him finally breathe and make mistakes. You cannot save him from all the evil of this world, even if you keep him under your thumb day and night. Which, by the way, we know isn’t going to happen, because you're not here most of the year. Besides, it had to be Gisbert. No one else could have convinced you to come back.''

''Okay, what is it?'' he demanded. "Why did you want me to be here?"

Sybilla gave him a strange look, then sighed and climbed down from her invisible rope to the ledge next to him. With a spell, she unlocked a window that had been latched from the inside.

''Come on, I want to show you something,'' she said, ducking inside the window. By Kiyan's estimate, they were one floor above the ballroom.

''I'm not going to show up at the feast,'' he warned her, but Sybilla was already casting another spell.

''I know, I know,'' she said agreeably, finishing the gesture and making Kiyan’s medallion hum. ''That's why this spell will distract the guests from us. Come on and stop whining.''

But Kiyan didn't move. His jaw clenched and his breathing shot out of control as he fought a wave of terror. Sybilla turned back to him with a frown.

''Are you okay?'' She reached out to touch his arm, but Kiyan grabbed her wrist with one inhumanly quick move.

Sybilla flinched as he leaned over her and hissed right in her face. '' Don't cast fucking spells on me!''

Kiyan could see her expression transform, anxiety giving way to guilt and... pity .

''Oh, I'm so sorry ,'' she said, sincerely regretful, but Kiyan couldn't help his fury or his terror. He knew that Sybilla didn’t want to hurt him, but his emotions didn’t care. ''I wasn't thinking-- I can take it off, sorry.''

Kiyan hated that look, that pity as people looked at him as a victim.

Without a word, he released Sybilla's wrist and started toward the ballroom. The witch, still with that guilt on her face, followed him silently.

Read on AO3

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the-butch-of-blaviken · 1 year

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While he was alive, Vesemir was the only one truly validating Eskel's desperate belief that the witchers are more than a children-killing institution and that upholding traditions is more important than everything else, despite how anachronistic their way of life is starting to look. Lambert is very vocal about his contempt for the most unsavory aspects of their guild and Geralt is far from a conventional witcher – something for which Eskel almost reproaches him in TW3.

Now that Vesemir is dead, the status quo Eskel was clinging to is gone and he's faced with a choice: either he keeps his head firmly buried in the sand and decides to keep living a witcher's life until he dies, thus becoming a relic of the past and condemning himself to a life of (if not physical, at least psychological) solitude; or he finally accepts that it's time to move on and to discover what he wants to make of his life and, most importantly, what kind of person he is outside of a dutiful witcher.

#it's almost common knowledge at this point but tagging just to be sure #tw3 spoilers #the witcher 3 spoilers #just some background about eskel at the start of my fic #he doesn't know how to be anything else #he's terrified at the idea that there could be more to life than this #eskel #my post

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powdermelonkeg · 1 month

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Witcher medallions buzzing sound like nirnroot in my head

#was writing a tw3/bg3 fic and i'm like 'why am i thinking of nirnroot'#bee's rambles

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cosmos-coma · 1 year

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I always have Eskel requests! And I love your writing, so I saw your message at the perfect time 💖 What about Eskel falling in love with a townswoman. (Maybe near Corvo Bianco?) He keeps the relationship secret, but the other wolves find out and set off to meet her. Eskel is worried they’ll scare her away, but walks in to find them all having a grand old time (probably telling embarrassing stories about him).

A Love Any Less Secret Would Still Taste as Sweet

A/N: AHHHHH! I loved this so so so much!! I got excited about what i could do with this so it's a little longer than my usual requests, but I so hope you like it!!

Pairing: Eskel x Reader

Words: 2.7k

Warnings: Angst, Language? I think that's it. its almost all fluff

____________________

The sun swept through Corvo Bianco on pleasant wings, lighting and warming every grape leaf and hand in that vineyard, including the roughened hands of one mountainous, but kind-hearted Witcher.

Eskel had traveled down to Toussaint to see Geralt's new house and vineyard he got from the Duchess. Lambert was supposed to arrive in the next few hours so Geralt thought he’d pass the time by showing his brother the busy marketplace.

Geralt and Eskel moved through the bustling town’s streets, chatter filling their ears as sweet and savory aromas from the various street vendors mixed around them in an alluring cloud. Artists propped their easels up near walls and painted the people that passed by, couples danced and twirled to the music of a small group of bards, and people laughed happily from the balconies as they played Gwent with their friends. It was a rare day where no monsters had yet to be seen and though no one dared to look at his face- lest they stare- no one had heckled him for being a witcher either.

Geralt smiled, slightly smug, as he watched his brother take in some of the many wonders of the southern region. “Not bad, huh?” He asked, already knowing the answer.

Eskel snorted a bit and intentionally bumped into him, “Yeah, it’s pretty nice. I can see why you’d take a house here, It’s a lot going on sound wise though…” he commented, ducking past a small group of men all chatting to each other as they passed by.

Geralt shrugged, “You start to get a little more used to it, outside of the market stays pretty quiet though.” He led his brother around the vibrant city, showing him various places of interest he might find himself in during his stay.

“Ah, Lambert will probably be arriving soon and I do not want to leave him alone with the wine cellar.” Geralt eventually grumbled out, “ just come back whenever you’re set.” He clapped his brother on the shoulder quickly before making his way off to the vineyard once more.

A quiet humming caught Eskel’s attention and pulled it to a small balcony across the marketplace. And there you were, skin alit in the afternoon sun and watering your plants without a care in the world. Your smile was soft and subtle and your eyes held peaceful thoughts of somewhere distant. Fat bumblebees buzzed around you lazily from flower to flower, though you didn’t seem at all disturbed. Occasionally one flew a little close, but you just paused your watering while it caught its breath on your sleeve before it buzzed away once more.

Eskel hadn’t even realized he was staring as he stood still in the center of the market, people moving around him as they mumbled their grievances. That is until you turned and locked eyes with him, and his whole body instantly heated up as a faint blush spread across his features. His hand raised in an embarrassed wave and his lips pulled into an awkward smile, the scarred notch adding an odd bit of charm to him.

You glanced around quickly to make sure he wasn’t really waving at anyone else and let out a quiet laugh, waving back when you realized you were indeed the object of his attention. His eyes were honey-gold like the afternoon light and his smile was unpracticed, but handsome just the same.

You motioned for him to give you just a minute as you disappeared back into your home momentarily before reappearing outside your front door. An unusual wave of confidence carried your steps closer toward him, your small smile still gracing your lips. “I’ve never seen you around the market before… I’m sure I’d remember such a handsome face” you commented as you came just steps away.

“No, I’m just here visiting my brothers… It’s not often we all get to come together.” He nodded a bit, his own awkward smile taking up all of his features.

“Ah, well I was going to ask you if you wanted to spend some time walking around with me, but you must be busy…”

“No..!” He rushed out, quickly composing himself once again, “I mean- I don’t have to go so soon. I can walk…” He quietly assured, not wanting this opportunity to pass him by so quickly.

Your simple smile grew as you reached your hand out to take his arm, moving slowly so he doesn’t startle. “I’m glad… I’m Y/n. townswoman and baker in my spare time” you introduced yourself.

“Uh, Eskel. Witcher and… lover of goats..?” He replied in turn, unsure about his answer until you chuckled softly beside him, filling him with a small surge of confidence.

Eskel didn’t mind at all following you around the market, though he had been here just an hour or so before with his brother it all felt so different from your perspective. You had told him about yourself as you walked side by side through the town, around the fountains and the food stands you told him all about your loves and fears as if you had known him always.

He loved how comfortable you were around him, talking to him as if his eyes weren’t catlike and yellow, as if his entire body wasn’t scared, and as if his job didn’t leave his hands bloodier than most. It made it all feel easier as he finally let you in a bit on his life as a Witcher, but also just himself as a whole. He loved your smile as he talked about the lovable menace that was Lil Bleater, your laugh as he talked bout the shenanigans of his childhood, and his heart positively swooned as your head bobbed along happily as he crudely sang his mother's chicken song.

You had hardly realized what hour it was until you heard the bell towers chime, you had been walking with Eskel for almost four hours now. “Is that really the time? Your brothers must be wondering where you are. I should really let you go…”

Eskel sighed and nodded as he looked up at the sun’s position near the horizon, “Yeah… I don’t want them getting curious, But maybe-” He started, only to be interrupted by you expressing his same thoughts.

“Well, you know where to find me, right…? I don’t know how long you’re in town, but I’d be more than happy to see your face again…” you rocked on your heels as you put it out there, nervous about what he might say. “U-unless I read this wrong…?” you said as your nerves began creeping into your words.

His smile grew and was much easier now than it was before as he shook his head, “No. you… you read it right…I’ll visit the market and find you soon.” He promised as he pulled away from your touch, desperately wanting your fingers to linger as they slowly came away from him.

You nodded and watched him slip off into the evening crowd, his red and black tunic letting you pick him out for quite some distance until you finally lost him. You walked back to your home with a hop in your step that evening as images of those golden eyes and that awkward smile plagued your thoughts.

Your and Eskel’s relationship was easiest described as love at first sight, but you knew it was so much more than that. The attraction you felt for each other dwelled deep in your hearts at a level you hadn’t quite felt with anybody else, all of which only grew stronger the more time you spent together.

As promised Eskel came and found you the next day, his own thoughts filled with the restless want to be near you agian. The weather had left you with an on-and-off drizzly day so you settled for more domestic activities. He never complained as he carried your groceries, rushing behind you into the house as the rain picked up again.

You taught Eskel a few of your favorite recipes and got extremely messy in the process. Flour dusted his hair and smeared over his arms and you’re pretty sure that was berry juice staining his cheek. Living life these past two days beside your big-hearted witcher has never felt so delicate and romantic, even in the most mundane times.

“Eskel..” you said, getting his attention before pointing to your cheek.

“Hm?” he furrowed his brow as you tapped your cheek again, not immediately understanding. With only a half second of hesitation and doubt passing over his mind, he leaned into you and pressed a quick kiss to your cheek, right where you were pointing.

Your whole body burned with a bright pink blush as his notched lips pressed tenderly against you. “Oh, that’s not-” You laughed as his expression turned even more confused by your laughter. Did he do something wrong?

With gentle hands you grabbed his face and wiped the juice off with your finger, making sure to show him. Your chest bubbled with loving laughter again as a faint blush crossed his face and lit his ears, embarrassment now staining his face instead. You wiped the juice off on your apron and grinned as you leaned in to return his cheek kiss.

------------------------

Eskel had been sneaking around to see you for about a week now. It’s not that he was ashamed of the relationship he’s made with you- anything but. However, he was afraid of the impression his brothers might give off.

Geralt, while not nearly as chaotic as Lambert, had a resting scowl and a rather deadpan way about him (and his jokes) that usually made people uncomfortable. Lambert… well, Lambert was Lambert. Expressive, yes, but also extremely mischievous and the two of them put together would surely scare you off.

The last thing Eskel wanted to do was lose you so quickly, so far from the prying eyes in Corvo Bianco he tucked the small portrait of you deep into his bag. You two had spent most of your time that morning talking about what happens when he leaves and quickly coming to an agreement that you’d be happy waiting for your beloved witcher’s visits. You understood how hard it would be, but you already felt like this brief week together would surely be worth the wait for another.

Following your discussion, you immediately pulled him off to an artist that was set up on the edge of the market, selling paintings and doing portraits. You paid for the artist to do a portrait of each of you so you could always have a little photo of Eskel at home and he could still see your face while out on the path.

His quiet steps approached and barely made a sound as he entered through the front door, wondering if his brothers would be asleep already.

Not a chance.

“You’re finally back…” Geralt said, sitting at the table with a drink in hand.

“You’ve been gone quite a while. Whatcha been up to?” Lambert asked, sitting beside his brother with his own drink. The whole thing looked like a staged intervention, the serious looks, the gentle but firm tone.

“Uh… Yeah. I was out trying to get materials together for some new armor. Took up a lot more time than I expected it to. “ He lied, hoping his brothers wouldn’t see past it.

Geralt and Lambert looked at each other in a tense silence that seemed to last for minutes on end before they finally nodded to each other. “Alright then… come in and grab a glass. We’re playing never have I ever.”

Eskel was beyond relieved that they didn’t ask any more questions for the rest of the night, he really didn’t need to be awkwardly explaining how he found love on a chance trip to his brother's new estate and that he didn’t want them meeting you yet.

But they didn’t need to ask questions. They already knew.

“So that whole armor thing was bullshit,” Lambert said quietly the next morning. He and Geralt spoke quietly in the kitchen while Eskel slept on in the guest room above. “His armor now doesn’t even have holes in it and he always wears his stuff down until he can't anymore.”

“He was pretty protective of his bag last night… but he got too drunk to remember to bring it upstairs with him…” Geralt observed, giving Lambert a pointed look that said he already knew exactly what to do.

Silent feet padded their way into the living room, and over to Eskels seat from last night. Geralt quickly ruffled through his brother's pack while Lambert nearly broke his neck from trying to peer inside.

“Wait, what's this?’ Geralt commented as he pulled the little tan paper out of the bottom of his pack and unfolded it.

“An ink portrait of some woman..?” Lambert said flatly, he really thought it was going to be something a lot more exciting.

“Hmm, not just some woman…. I think I recognize her from town.”

Lamberts grin took on a new brand of mischief, “You think Eskel’s gone soft for someone in town?” Lambert gasps, “Do you think he’s fallen in LOVE?” he whispered a bit too loudly, causing Eskel to stir.

“Only one way to know for sure,” Geralt said with a grin, a rare sparkle in his eyes that reflected his younger brother's urge to stir up trouble. As quietly as they came they sprinted out the front door, leaving your portrait laying on the table on top of Eskel’s things. They think it was high time they met the object of Eskels affections.

Eskel half-heartedly stirred when he heard noises from downstairs, not waking up immediately. What did wake him up though was how quiet it was after that…

“Geralt? Lambert?” He called.

No response.

Caution began to creep in as he padded down the stairs toward the living room. There he saw his bag, emptied of most of its contents, and on top of it all? Your portrait lay unfolded and open for all the world to see.

“Oh, Fuck.” Eskel hissed as he immediately ran out the door. He was gonna kill his brothers If they scared you off, or at the very least he was gonna put rats in their bags and snakes in their beds all winter long.

He must’ve looked like a crazed man as he rode Scorpion through the outskirts of town and sprinted through the city streets, accidentally knocking into a handful of people on the way.

He was filled with a mix of dread and hope when he finally saw your door. Hope that maybe they hadn’t found you yet, and dread that maybe they had. His steps became more hesitant as he got closer and closer to your door. Would you close the door on him once you saw it was him? Would you even answer?

He knocked, heavy but tentative, and waited for your answer. “Come in..!” You still sounded happy, maybe they hadn’t gotten here yet?

He pushed the door open and peeked inside, face falling flat immediately at what he sees. “You’ve got to be kidding me…” was all he could say.

Geralt and Lambert grinned at him from your kitchen, dicing away at ingredients and stealing bites of your baked goods in between jobs. Their faces were smug and knowing and each of them absolutely held shit-eating grins.

“Eskel! Aren’t they so nice? Your brothers stopped by this morning and offered to help me out as I made breakfast. They were just telling me some stories about your childhood.” Your smile, unlike theirs, was warm, innocent, and unknowing.

“Yeah, aren’t we just so nice?” Lambert repeated back to Eskel with a laugh.

“We’re specifically telling her about how you used to steal food from the kitchen for the horses until Vesemir caught you red-handed.” Geralt specified. “Oh and the time you tried to prank Lambert, but he ended up getting you instead and you fell in the lake.”

“Oh that was a good one!” you laughed as the boys went on and on and turned to hold your hand out for beloved Witcher. Your whole home was filled with the laughter of those most special to Eskel and he had to admit it was pretty nice. He still might leave snakes in their bed though…

“Ah, Eskel,” you said as you kissed his cheek, “don’t worry. Not even your brothers will scare me away from you.”

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