Archive of Our Own

“You want to do what with my son?”

Essek flinches at Veth’s sharp tone and feels the instant regret of his choice of words wash over him. Experiment was not entirely what he had meant in the normal sense of the word, though it was accurate for what he wanted to attempt. He looked to Caleb beside him, desperate, the words stuck somewhere between his lungs and his throat. Caleb let him flounder for a moment longer - he was enjoying this, the bastard - before he cut into the conversation smoothly.

“We know with the little one you and Yeza don’t get a lot of time to yourself. Essek was trying to offer his services to look after Luc for a few days so you can attend that alchemy convention you were telling me about.”

Silence falls over the table. Four cups of tea now lay forgotten on the table before them. The Brenatto kitchen hadn’t changed much since the last time he’d been here for Winter’s Crest the previous year. Currently, the window overlooking the square was thrown open and all the evening noise from the street below floated up and in. Veth was eyeing Essek suspiciously and Yeza was pointedly not looking at him and instead cleared his throat before addressing Caleb.

“Well, uh, it’s a lovely offer.” He looked to Veth who was still seething and glaring daggers at Essek. “But, uh, I don’t know how Luc would go with a stranger…”

“Essek is far from a stranger,” Caleb absently rested his arm along the back of Essek’s chair. “Luc has spent the weekend at my home before while Essek was around. He sees him every time the Nein are together. He knows who Essek is.”

“That's…that's different Caleb. Luc was spending the majority of his time with either you or the others. He’s never…never spent extended time with…” Yeza pauses and licks his lips absently. “I just know we would feel more comfortable if it were you he was staying with primarily.”

Caleb opened his mouth, but Essek knew a losing battle when he saw one. He raised his hand to Caleb’s chest.

“It’s alright Caleb, I understand their hesitance.” And he really did. After all the hurt and pain and anguish he had caused them, it was only understandable they wouldn’t trust him alone with their only child. “We said we would ask but not push.”

“ You said you would not push.” Caleb turned back to the table. “Veth, it’s two days and I will be there if he needs help.”

Veth finally turned her gaze off Essek to look at Caleb. Held his gaze for a moment. Then she simply pushed her chair out from the table and got up. Without a word, she stalked off out of the kitchen and further into the house out of sight. Caleb watched her go and Essek could see the way his expression cracked and fell. His head fell into his hand and Essek sighed.

“We’re sorry to disturb you, Yeza. We will leave.”

Essek didn’t wait for a response and simply stood, heading for the door of the kitchen. He was halfway across the living room when Veth emerged from the bedroom holding Luc on her hip. Without hesitance, she marched right up to him and waved for him to kneel. 

“Luc, you remember Essek?” She asks the tiny halfling on her hip, who looks up at him with shining, curious eyes.

“Yeah…Uncle Caleb’s friend.”

“That's right. Essek has offered to look after you for a few days while Dad and I are away.” She looked at Essek. “You would be staying with him and Uncle Caleb in Rexxentrum. How would you feel about that?”

Luc gives him a look that Essek can tell was inherited from his mother and takes in his kneeling form for a moment before he grins. 

“You have big ears, kinda like Uncle Cad!” He announces cheerfully before wiggling in his mother's arms so that she puts him down. He steps over to Essek and reaches up with tiny hands towards his face. Essek’s first instinct is to flinch away, he is still learning to accept touch, but he fights down his nerve and stays still as he can as the halfling child grips onto his dangling earrings. 

“Uncle Caleb gave you these?” He asks, rolling the amber piece over in his hand. The earring was nearly the size of his palm. 

“He did, last Winter’s Crest.” Essek keeps his breathing even as his pulse races and his hands shake minutely. How long had it been since he’d interacted with a child properly? How old was his brother again?

“They’re really cool.” Luc releases his earrings. “Do you know magic too? Uncle Caleb is gunna teach me someday!”

“Ah, yes, I do know a bit of magic.” Essek found himself smiling genuinely. “In fact, I taught Caleb a few tricks.”

Luc’s eyes widened in awe.

“That's so cool!” He turned to his mother. “Can he teach me too?”

Veth looked between Essek and Luc for a moment before she smiled and tousled his hair. 

“Maybe someday. For now, let's see about spending some time with him. What do you think?”

Luc blinked up at his mother, then at Essek. 

“We’ll be staying at Uncle Caleb’s?”

“Indeed.”

He seemed to consider something for a moment. Then reached his arms out to Essek with small grabby hands. Essek hesitated, looking to Veth.

“Just pick him up, hot boi.”

Carefully, as if he was made of glass, Essek took hold of Luc around the middle and hoisted him up as he stood. A halfling of barely five, he weighed next to nothing in Essek’s arms and it was easy enough to reorientate him onto his hip with his arm around him supporting him.

“Are you…comfortable?” 

Luc wiggled a little bit and kicked his legs before nodding the affirmative. 

“Uncle Caleb is taller than you.” 

Essek frowned. 

“Not for long.”

With a flick of his free hand, he cast his floating cantrip and rose from the floor to hover a few inches above the ground. Around the same height as Caleb. Luc laughed and clutched his shirt. 

“Ma! We’re flying!” He giggles and Essek can’t help the smile that worms its way onto his own face. Veth grins as well, hands on her hips as she watches them. 

“Luc!” Esseks head whips around to the kitchen door where Caleb and Yeza are currently standing. Caleb’s expression is extremely soft, fond and open. Yeza however, Yeza looks thunderous , his brow furrowed deeply. Instantly Essek drops the cantrip, landing back on his feet and even goes so far as to put Luc down and take a step back until he is pressed against the door.

“Yeza, it’s fine, Luc is comfortable with him.” Veth placates as Yeza storms over and sweeps Luc into his own arms.

“No, it’s not alright!” Yeza turns his back on Essek before he hisses. “Everything they did to me was on his order, Veth. I know he helped you save the world and all but I don’t trust him.”

“Yeza.” Veth reached out and placed her hands on his shoulders, rubbing circles with her thumbs until he relaxed them. “Yeza, honey, I know you have reservations about this, and I do too. But Caleb will be there. And anyway, what's he gunna do? He’s in hiding! He’s not going to whisk Luc away to Rosohna or anywhere dangerous! The worst that can happen is that Luc doesn’t like him and then he just comes home. It’s not even two days, just a sleepover really.”

Yeza sighs heavily, letting her hands work away all the tension in his shoulders before he looks at her, then at Essek, who Caleb has finally peeled off the door to stand up straight.

“You said you wanted to experiment with Luc, what the hell does that mean?”

Essek hesitated and glanced at Caleb.

“That was poor wording on my part. Common is difficult for me and it was the closest word-”

“Just tell me.”

Caleb’s hand is warm on his back, encouraging. 

“I am trying to make up for the things I have done, Yeza. I mean your son no harm. I just ask for the opportunity to get to know him.” Essek bit the inside of his cheek before continuing. “I have very little experience with children and Caleb suggested that we - that I - offer to look after Luc as a…trial run of sorts to see if I think I can handle it and get to know the boy. He is very important to Caleb and all of the Nein.”

Veth looks between them for a moment, her eyes narrowing before she lets out a sudden cry.

“Shit, you two have already had the kids talk?!”

“Veth!” Yeza berated with no real venom and attempted to cover Luc’s ears but it was far too late.

“He’s heard worse by now,” Veth waves off before turning back to them. “I’m more focused on the fact that you two are thinking about having kids?”

Essek looked to Caleb who grinned nervously and scratched his cheek for a moment. 

“We...have spoken about it, no plans have been laid. Just two people figuring out the…nitty gritty of a relationship,” Caleb said as he slid his arm around Essek’s waist. “It’s part of why we’re here today to ask after Luc. Essek worries he is not equipped to take care of a child on his own, and I suggested Luc is safe territory. He is familiar enough with Essek and if there are any issues, I will be on hand immediately.”

Essek lowered his gaze.

“I never meant to imply that your son is an experiment Veth, just that, it made sense in my head at the time. I do truly wish to get to know him and spend time with him, however, my goals are just twofold in this. To see how I cope interacting with a child on my own. The last time I did was well over a hundred years ago and that child was my brother and well...”

“Cat’s out of the bag now, so to speak.” Caleb joked half-heartedly. “We knew there was a chance you would say no, we understand.” 

Veth looked between them for a moment before she shrugged.

“Alright, he can stay with you.”

“ Veth !”

“I wanna be Auntie Veth, so sue me Yeza.” 

Yeza sighed heavily and turned to Luc in his arms.

“Is this alright with you Luc?” 

Luc looked from his father to his mother, then to Essek and Caleb. 

“Yeah, it’s okay. So long as he promises to show me that neat flying trick!”

If Caleb hadn’t been holding him, Essek might have collapsed. Instead, he just smiled meekly.

“Of course. Maybe when you're a bit older though.”

_

Caleb handled the rest of the planning, organising for Essek to pick up Luc the morning Veth and Yeza left for the convention. The two would spend some time in Nicodranas before returning to Rexxentrum for supper and the sleepover, and then Essek would return Luc the next day back to his parents. Yeza was still hesitant about the whole thing but between Veth’s soothing encouragement and Luc’s excitement, he agreed that it was only one night and Luc could always come home. With everything organised, Luc’s bag was packed and ready when Essek appeared on their doorstep just shy of sunrise, his parasol already raised. On the coast, he didn’t have to be so concerned about his identity, drow were unusual, but not unseen or unknown of. Veth answered the door with a grin before she invited him inside. Yeza was nowhere in sight as he stepped in. He ducked just in time as a crossbow bolt came soaring at him from across the room. Luc cackled as Veth gave him tips on how to aim better next time. 

Once Veth was certain that Luc had everything he needed, Essek took the offered bag over his shoulder.

“We’ll see you tomorrow, Luc,” Veth promised, smothering Luc in kisses. “Be good for Essek and Caleb alright?”

“Ma!” Luc laughed and tried to wave away her kisses. He wiggled free of her grip and ran to hide behind Essek’s leg.

“Alright you two, shoo!” Veth waved her arms and Luc giggled again. 

“We will see you tomorrow, Veth,” Essek promised as they stepped back outside. Veth waved one final time to them before she shut the door and Essek was left alone with Luc on their front stoop. Luc looked up at him expectantly, his free hand raised towards him. He hesitated for a moment, before taking the offered hand. Luc curled his whole fist around Essek’s ring finger and pinky as that was all he could manage. He was suddenly struck with the realisation of just how small Luc was compared to other children.

“So, what would you like to do first?” Essek asked as they made their way down the staircase to the lower floor. Luc hummed in thought, absently waving his crossbow around like he was shooting invisible targets.

“Can I show you my favourite place? You have to promise not to tell Ma though.”

Essek felt a smile curl onto his lips before he pressed a finger to them to indicate his silence. Luc grinned and started to drag him along excitedly. As it turned out, Luc’s favourite place was a nearby public garden. Already there were people milling about, walking the paths and enjoying the morning sun. He’d thought to bring the parasol Jester had gifted him long ago and used it now to keep himself covered from the worst of the light. Luc dragged him past all the other people in the park and towards the far corner where a cluster of low hanging trees grew in bunches. As they drew close, Luc released his hand suddenly and ran straight for the trees, vanishing into the branches.

“Luc!” Essek rushed over just as Luc poked his head back out to look at him.

“Here! Here!” He reached out a hand to Essek. He had enough sense to lower his parasol before taking the halfling's hand and allowing himself to be tugged through the branches. They bit and clutched at his skin and clothes for a brief moment before he was free once more, standing in the cleared interior of the brush. It reminded him of the dome only with the trunk of the tree in the middle growing up and then the branches growing down and around them. He couldn’t stand up but with a lean, he could fit fairly comfortably. Luc released him to sit down in the dirt and waved Essek over. Carefully he settled himself onto the ground beside the halfling child. 

“I come here with my friends sometimes, Ma doesn’t know though,” Luc says as he fiddles with the crossbow in his lap. “I think she would worry. She gets scared when I hide and she doesn't know where I am.”

Essek remains silent for a moment.

“She cares for you very much Luc.”

He nods in understanding and then settles his gaze on Essek.

“Are you gunna marry Uncle Caleb?” 

The question throws him off guard and he opens his mouth to respond, only to find he doesn't have an answer.

“We…we have talked about it.” They had in fact, talked about it as much as the idea of having children. Briefly and with no real concrete goal. Just an idea juggled around as they defined the developing relationship between them. What they wanted or what they might want. But that was hard to explain to a five-year-old who didn’t understand that Essek was a wanted criminal and Caleb was living under a fake identity and that nothing about their relationship was simple.

“Maybe someday.” He finally adds, knowing it was probably not what the child wanted to hear. Still, Luc nods.

“Uncle Caleb looks happy when you’re with him. Does he make you happy too?”

Essek smiled.

“He does, very much so.”

Luc scooted over closer so his knee was touching Essek’s leg and motioned him to lean in so he could whisper.

“Can I show you a cool trick?”

“Absolutely.”

And that was how he learned that Luc Brenatto had his mother's talent for disappearing into thin air. One second he was there, Essek blinked, and he was gone. With no sign of him in the bush, he forced his way out again to look around wildly. After a few panicked minutes of running around the low hanging brushes, calling out for him, he was suddenly struck between the eyes with a wooden crossbow bolt. He tumbled onto his backside, dropping Luc’s bag and his parasol in the process. As he rubbed at his forehead, Luc reappeared with a laugh and jumped straight onto his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Still, he forced himself up onto his elbows as Luc, sitting like a weight on his chest babbling on about defeating the mighty enemy crick and pointing his crossbow skyward. Essek felt his blood run cold and suddenly had hold of Luc by the shoulders, forcing him to face him.

“Where did you learn that?” Essek didn't mean for his tone to be so sharp.

Luc stilled instantly, eyes wide.

"W-What?"

"That word…" Essek flinched at the thought of it but forced himself to speak it in a whisper. " Crick. ”

Luc tensed under his hands, a look of fear washing over him. 

“My…my friend Valerie said that…” Tears welled up in his eyes and panic now settled over Essek. “She…she said that…”

“Luc,” Essek quickly loosened his grip on his shoulders and sat up, shifting Luc in his lap instead of on his chest. “ Luc , you’re not in trouble, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Still, the tears were spilling down the small child’s face and oh he was not equipped to handle this on his own but he had to. 

“Luc. Look at me,” He spoke as softly as he could, coaxing the boy to look up at him. “I promise you, you’re not in trouble. What did your friend tell you?”

“She…she said…” Luc hiccuped, rubbing at his eyes. “She said it’s…it’s what people like you are called. Her dad told her so.”

Essek sighed softly. 

“Well, your friend's father is very wrong, Luc.”

“Why? What does it mean ?”

He chewed his lip. What had Caleb said? If he asks something you cannot answer because he might not understand, break it down into what he will. Clearing his throat, he adjusted Luc in his lap and set on his best teacher’s voice.

“Do your friends ever call you names, things you don’t like?”

Luc thought for a moment, still brushing away his tears.

“Melody sometimes calls me a booger-head.”

“Well, how does it make you feel when Melody does that?”

“It makes me angry. Kinda sad.”

Essek nodded and drew out his handkerchief so that Luc could blow his nose.

“Well, when you say that word, that is very similar to how I feel.” Essek prestidigitates the handkerchief before vanishing it back into his wrist pocket. “It makes me upset that you used it. Because it is not a very nice word used to describe my people.”

“So…it’s a bad word? And I shouldn’t say it?”

Essek nodded his head.

“Yes, you shouldn’t say it. It is used by those who do not like people like me.”

“You mean elves? Cause Melody is a half-elves.”

“Elven. And I meant drow, specifically. Darker skinned, like me.” He tapped his face with his forefingers and Luc mimicked the motion. 

“I won’t say it anymore. Promise….uh…I forgot your name.” He grinned sheepishly. Essek chuckled and used his thumbs to wipe away the remaining tears off Luc’s cheeks.

“Essek. You can just call me Essek.” Hoisting up the small boy, Essek stood and placed him on his hip. “Shall we go visit the market now? You can help me pick out supper for this evening.”

“Can we have ice cream?”

“After supper.”

“I mean now.”

“Perhaps.”

Luc let out a frustrated sigh and dropped his head onto Essek’s shoulder.

“You’re as bad as Uncle Caleb!”

_ 

Once Essek had managed to wrangle Luc’s bag onto his shoulder, his parasol open and upwards and then Luc himself tucked up on his hip, they set off for the shopping strip along the pier. Essek had a few ideas about what he wanted to make for supper, but input from Luc was welcome as he had to eat it as well. Essek at least knew what Caleb liked so he could plan around that. Luc, however, he was unsure about and he’d read that children, especially around Luc’s age, could be extremely fussy eaters. The last thing he wanted was to make something he hated and refused to eat. Thankfully, he was a talkative lad and it was easy enough for Essek to pick up bits and pieces from their conversation as they walked along going from stall to stall. He quickly learned that Luc did not like tomatoes, pickles or anything with a generally wet texture inside. Essek was beginning to wonder if this was a sensory issue when Luc pointed out a fruit stall and he was distracted with purchasing a half dozen apples with the intent to make tarts, and a banana because Luc was hungry. Having thanked the lady behind the stall for the fruit, who had very pointedly looked between him and Luc in his arms, he turned and bumped into a solid form behind him.

“Oh, excuse me.” He apologised stepping around just as the figure, a human man around the same age as Caleb with brown hair and green eyes, sets his gaze on Luc.

“Luc?” Essek paused, Luc, looking up to the man for a moment before he grinned.

“Oh hi!” He turned to look at Essek, pointing at the man with his free hand, the other clutching his banana. “That’s Valerie’s dad. Mi…Micah.”

“That's right kiddo.”

“Ah. Hello then.”  Essek greets politely, giving his best courtly smile, thin-lipped and doesn't reach his eyes. Micah didn’t respond, sparing a glance at Essek before looking back to Luc.

“Luc, do you need me to go get your dad? Or your mum?”

Essek instantly squared his shoulders. He might be shorter than most humans but he knew how to draw himself up to appear bigger. Micah responded in kind, crossing his arms. Luc didn’t seem to notice the sudden standoff and replied cheerfully.

“Nope! Essek’s looking after me today. We’re going to Rexxentrum later to see Uncle Caleb and maybe Auntie Beau and Auntie Yasha. I hope they bring their dogs but I know they don’t get along with Uncle Caleb’s cats. But maybe we’ll have time to go see them later today before supper.” 

Essek tuned out of the conversation for a brief moment as Micah stared him down. He had his component pouch. He could cast if he needed to. If this man made one move to take Luc or hurt him, Essek wouldn’t hesitate.

“Essek?” He blinked, drawn back into the moment to look down at Luc who appeared to be waiting for an answer. He sighed dramatically when Essek looked at him blankly. 

“I said, do you think we’ll have time to visit Auntie Yasha’s dogs today?”

“Ah,” Essek shook off the dread that had settled over him. “We shall certainly try Luc. I’m sure Yasha and Beau would be delighted to see you.”

Luc nodded and turned to look at Micah again. 

“So that's what we’re doing today. Essek also bought a bunch of apples so we can make tarts for later, Uncle Caleb really likes them and he really likes Essek too-”

Essek barely covered his mouth in time before Luc said something even more damning. 

“I think we should continue on Luc, we still have to find something for supper.” Essek tries to fight down the note of panic in his voice but he knows it shows as he turns and makes a rushed exit into the crowd. Micah calls out after them, cursing him out - that fucking name - but whether he follows them or not, Essek doesn’t know as he slips into a crowd and vanishes from sight. Keeping Luc pressed to him, after a short amount of time, sufficient enough to have lost any tails, he finally steps from the bustling street to a side alley and takes a moment to lean back against the wall and breathe. That could have ended very poorly. 

“Are you alright Luc?” First and foremost he had a duty to protect Luc. Otherwise, Veth would kill him. And then she’d talk Caduceus into bringing him back only so she could do it again.

“Hm…yeah…” Luc was still clutching the remains of his banana peel, tucking his head into the nook of Essek’s neck and shoulder. 

“You can talk to me, you know?” Essek prompted gently, not wanting to pry too far but also needed to know the boy was actually okay with him.

“He…he called you that name. The one you said was mean.”

“He did.”

“Uncle Caleb likes you, Ma likes you. Why couldn’t he?”

Essek frowns and takes a moment to compose his thoughts.

“Caleb and your mother are…more open minded than other individuals.” He sighed heavily. “Some people are not willing to look past appearances.”

Luc pouted but said no more and simply curled in closer to him, wrapping his arms around Essek’s neck. For a moment he was taken back by the simple gesture, patting the boy’s back gently, unsure what the proper etiquette was when a small child you were semi acquainted with hugged you. He then readjusted the bags of fruits and vegetables on his arm. Perhaps it was time they moved on to Rexxentrum. The morning was gone now and the sun was cresting its peak and he was ready to be out of the heat of the coast. It would still be sunny in Rexxentrum, but at least it wouldn't be as hot.

“Luc, would you like to see some magic?”

Instantly, he perked up and leaned back to look Essek in the face. With a smile, Essek set about placing all the items he was carrying, including the child, onto the ground. The alleyway was just wide enough that he could pull it off, drawing out his chalk and beginning to mark out the space for the circle. Caleb had naturally inscribed a circle into the basement of his home and Essek had been rather pleased to be one of the few who had direct access to it any time of day he wanted. Luc watched him work with rapt attention, dragging the bags with him as he moved to watch as Essek inscribed the runes into the cobblestone beneath his knees. Before he placed the last rune, he stepped out next to Luc and crouched down next to him.

“Help me with this last bit?” He offered the chalk to him. Luc hesitated, as if unsure if this was a jest, then eagerly took it. Essek covered Luc’s hand with his own, warning him to be ready to run in once it is complete. Together they completed the last symbol and the circle flared to life, purple shimmering energy burning away at the chalk on the ground. Essek snatches the bags before together they step into the circle. There’s that familiar moment of the teleport, where his internal organs feel like they’ve been flipped, before everything rights itself again and they are standing in Caleb’s basement. He still hesitates in his own mind to call it theirs despite the fact he’d been living underfoot for almost six months now. He had a key to the front door and well over half the clothes in the wardrobe upstairs were his but, there was always that stubborn, rotting fear that he would have to run once more. That he didnt deserve this, deserve Calebs time and care. Luc released his hand the moment they landed and instantly ran for the stairs, bolting for the upper landing. Essek followed after with less enthusiasm. 

At the top of the stairs, they were greeted by Gretchen, a white and brown spotted cat who purred and rubbed herself against Essek’s legs the instant he was on solid ground. 

“ Xas, xas, ” He hummed in undercommon, reaching down to give her some scritches before heading for the kitchen. Luc had thrown himself bodily onto the couch and Essek could already hear the sound of his crossbow reloading.

“I do hope you are not going to shoot poor Gretchen,” Essek comments dryly, placing the bags onto the countertop and opening the cupboards to take a second look at the ingredients that had and what they would still need to get. He was only slightly concerned about the lack of response from the living room. After a moment longer of no response, he shut the cupboards and stepped over to the doorway. Very carefully, he teased a glance around the edge and just barely caught a glimpse of a figure darting around the armchair that Caleb fell into of an evening. There was a soft twang of string and he drew his head back in time before a bolt came soaring past, barely missing his nose and hitting the opposite wall with a thunk. He chuckled and was suddenly hit with a memory of playing hide and seek with Verin in his youth. The thought of his brother was both fond and upsetting so he shoved it down before the feeling could become any stronger or more painful. 

Quickly he peeked around the corner again and summoned his mage hand with a soft murmur, just beyond the couch, out of sight of the now giggling halfling behind the chair. Carefully he crept the hand closer to Luc’s hiding place, making sure to hide back out of sight every few seconds to keep him unaware of his plan. He peeks once more and then strikes- the mage hand mercilessly tickling the small halfling child. Luc shrieked his laughter, darting out from his hiding place to get away from the mage hand and unknowingly straight into Essek’s waiting grip to be tickled further. Only once Luc was a giggling mess on the ground, conceding to Essek’s victory, did he let up and allow the boy to right himself.

“Very well,” Essek stood back up and straightened himself out slightly, glancing at the clock. “If we leave soon we should be able to make good time. Luc, would you like to go watch Uncle Caleb teach magic?”

His eyes lit up and he grinned.

“Really? You think he’d let us?”

“Of course. We discussed it before you arrived. He is expecting us.”

Luc immediately latched onto Essek’s hands and started pulling him towards the door.

“Let's go, let’s go, let’s go!!” He cried eagerly and Essek laughed and pulled him up short.

“Before we go I have to prepare.” Quickly he weaves the illusion magic, transforming into his usual Rexxentrum persona, a freckled, tanned wood elf with sparkling green eyes and a mop of curly brown hair. Luc watched on with rapt attention as he cast, mouth hanging slightly open. With his disguise in place, he smiles at Luc and offers his hand out again for the boy to take. 

“You know how I told you some people are not willing to look past my appearance?” He says as they turn and lock the door behind them.

“Yeah.” The halfling bounces on the spot, like he suddenly has too much energy to burn.

“They really do not like drow here in the city.”

“Oh…” Luc paused with a frown and a crease between his brow. “Is it safe for us to go out?”

“No.” Essek curled his hand around Luc’s and smiled ruefully. “But I gave up the illusion of safety when I left my home to come here. To live with Caleb.”

He thinks for a moment.

“It is like exploring a new ruin. You take every precaution you can before you head out on the adventure and that is all you can do. And if things go sideways, then I am pretty good at running away.” He thumbs absently at the ring on his middle finger on the hand not holding Luc’s. “I always have a way to call Caleb for help if I am really deep in it.” 

The crease between Luc’s brow lessened, but not completely. He gripped Essek’s hand a bit tighter, the concern morphing to determination.

“I’ll protect you too.” He grinned and raised his crossbow. Essek’s eyebrows shot up.

“In the interest of the neighbourhood, perhaps I should hold onto your crossbow for now,” He held out his hand to Luc, who took a moment, looking between his crossbow and Essek’s hand.

“You promise to give it back?”

“Of course. When we come home for supper you shall have it back and…perhaps we shall plan an ambush for Uncle Caleb when he returns home.”

Luc grins excitedly and hands over the crossbow. Once it is safely deposited into his wrist pocket, which he then has to explain to Luc, they are off on their way across the streets of Rexxentrum. It’s not a long distance to the academy, but perhaps a bit too far for the young halfling, who stops them halfway to announce his feet hurt. Essek ends up carrying him the rest of the way until they are in sight of the Academy grounds. The first few times Caleb had brought him to the campus he’d been a mess of nerves and anxiety at being discovered. He still had those nerves now, but less so with each time, as he passed through the gates and into the grounds themselves unharmed. The guards of course observed Luc with a curious eye but when one was able to name drop both an established and extremely well-liked professor and the Archmage of Civil Influence in one go, they were waved along without issue. Of course, Essek had no idea if Caleb had even asked Astrid if it was alright for him to name drop her. He’d met her enough times to say he was acquainted with her, but he would hardly call her a friend.

Luc, who had started to doze towards the final leg of their journey, came alive once more, taking in everything around them with the awe only a five-year-old could manage. Essek answered his rapid fire questions as they crossed the campus to the lecture hall he knew Caleb would be in already. He was always fifteen minutes early to classes to set up the room how he liked it, and to prepare himself for the young minds he would be shaping that day. The door was open as they approached, but still, Essek politely knocked on the frame, calling out for Caleb within. 

“Ja! Ja! Willkommen!” 

They stepped in to find Caleb in the process of shoving the lectern aside in favour of having more space on the stage in the hall.

“Uncle Caleb!”

Essek released Luc, sending him bounding across the room towards Caleb, who grinned and knelt down to accept the halfling hug that was flung upon him.

“Oh! But I only saw you just the other day?” Caleb laughed and tousled his hair as Essek approached. “Have you been good for Essek?”

“Yeah! Uncle Essek is so cool!” Luc pulled back to start rattling off their morning adventure as Essek suddenly froze, his limbs locking into place. When in the hours they'd spent together this morning had he shifted from just Essek to Uncle Essek? Luc continued on with his tale, not knowing he had single handedly derailed Essek’s entire thought process for the moment, dropping down to a whisper when he got to the encounter with his friend's father. Caleb's expression shifted from polite interest to concern, then darkened into a silent fury.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, he yelled after us calling Uncle Essek a cri - I mean - a bad name. He was kinda mean about it and we left and came here instead.”

“Hm. Did Uncle Essek explain to you what that word means?”

“Yeah, we talked about it.” Luc fidgeted with his fingers, looking down at the ground. “He told me that people who don’t like elves like him use it as a mean name and that he doesn’t like it. That it makes him sad and angry.”

Caleb nodded and reached out to place his hand atop Luc’s head to mess up his hair again.

“Good.” He smiled. “And what will you say to your friends if they use that word again?”

“I’m gunna tell ‘em my uncle is a drow and he’s awesome!” Luc announced, punching the air with both hands. “And he’s gunna teach me magic someday!”

“Oh? And what of me?” Caleb teased.

“You can teach me too!” Luc assured with a grin, reaching out to pat Caleb on the face, very reminiscent of the way Veth often did. 

“Alright Luc,” Essek finally resolves his internal conflict and steps forwards. “Why don’t you find us a place to sit for the lecture. Preferably somewhere near the back so we are out of the way.”

“Right!” Luc saluted and charged up the nearest staircase, heading for the back row of the auditorium with giggling excitement. Essek watched him go before turning to Caleb as he stood. He cleared the space between them, but Essek held up his hands before Caleb could embrace him.

“Not now, too many eyes.” Essek glances towards the still open doorway where they were clearly visible. Caleb followed his gaze, frowned, and then waved his hand and the door closed and locked for the time being. Essek huffed and now allowed Caleb to draw him into his arms and press his lips to his brow.

“Are you alright Essek?” He asks softly into his hairline. Essek snorts.

“Luc is a handful but so far I have survived,” He joked, looking up to see Caleb’s stormy expression had returned. He sighed. “He didn’t mean to Caleb, he’s just a child repeating what others around him have said.”

“No, I know. I was talking about the man who accosted you, threw a slur at you and also inferred you were kidnapping Luc.”

Essek sighed again and took a step back until he could lean against the lectern.

“Just because the war is over doesn’t mean the people are over it. I was a drow with a halfling child that was clearly not mine Caleb. Especially seeing as Luc knew him and he knew who Luc belonged to.”

“Are you sure you are alright?”

“I have done much worse things than he was insinuating Caleb, I am not bothered by his words. My only concern is that Luc had to see it.” Essek frowned, glancing up to see Luc go from seat to seat along the back row, inspecting each one before sitting in it, taking in the view, and then moving on to the next one. “But he took it in stride, accepted my explanations of why it was not something nice to say and also appeared to understand what was going on with my disguise as well.”

“He is a smart boy. Soon enough we’ll be teaching him his first cantrip.”

“We?”

“Of course, you heard him. He wants you to teach him as well,” Caleb smiled fondly and bumped their shoulders. “We can make that boy a better wizard than either of us ever were.”

Essek thought for a moment.

“He would be, wouldn’t he? Though I worry with his mother's spirit we may cause more chaos than intended.” He lent back further against the lectern, looking about the room. “In another life, I might have enjoyed what you do…teaching children the basics of magic.”

Caleb chuckled, the sound rich, deep and extremely pleasant.

“Well, not all of them are as well behaved as Luc.”

“Yes, well, thank the luxon they will not all shoot tiny crossbow bolts at me from across the living room.” He laughed softly. Luc appeared to have finally found the space he wanted to sit and waved to Essek to let him know he was ready for him to join him. “I cannot tell what is more terrifying. The fact that I am now extremely endeared to this small child…or the fact that having one of our own might be nice.”

He goes to step away but Caleb catches him by the arm and he follows it back to Caleb’s surprised face.

“Essek? Do not tease me, Schatz. ”

“I could be convinced Caleb, is all that I am saying.” He shoots the man a wink before tugging his arm free and going to join Luc just as the bell rang. Caleb has enough time to school his expression into Professor Widowgast before the students begin to pour in. Luc has selected a seat in the very far back and out of the way. He has enough time to remind Luc that they have to stay very quiet throughout the lecture and not interrupt or distract Caleb until after. Almost none of the students piling in pay them any mind as they chatter and take up seats all over the place. Essek even spots a few Dynasty exchange students among the mix, sitting not as a group on their own but intermingling with Empire children. It was oddly endearing to know that at the same time there were a bunch of Empire wizards in training currently at the Marble Tomes, expanding their own horizons. It gave him a renewed hope for the future of the world. As everyone settled in, Caleb called for attention and the class began in earnest. Essek glanced at Luc, who had taken some of the paper from the end of the row and a piece of chalk and was currently mimicking the other students taking notes as Caleb outlines the lesson for the day. He always followed the same timeline in his lessons - an introduction, copying down from the board before a brief display of the spell from Caleb before he had them pairing up to practise together.

The lesson is nothing new for Essek, but Caleb has the students enraptured as he easily glides from pair to pair, correcting gestures, answering questions and encouraging the shyest of students. Essek of course finds himself watching the redhead darting about the room with a smile on his face. Caleb looked right in his element here, like he was always meant to end up here teaching the next generation. Eventually, he glances across to Luc who is watching Caleb and the students casting with rapt attention, mimicking the hand gestures for the spell. He looks down at his own hands, brow furrowed in concentration before he looks to Essek.

“Is this right?” He asks, showing Essek his hand gestures. 

“Close, more like this.” Essek shows him the gestures much more slowly, helping him morph them from one into the other. “Now speed it up.”

Luc did it again and Essek nodded approvingly. He grinned wildly and repeated the gesture a few more times before returning to watching the students down below. Essek took the time to recast his illusion before the class ended and Caleb waved out his students with reminders about their homework and to keep practising the somatic gestures until they were second nature. A few stayed behind with more questions and Caleb took his time to answer each and every one. Only once the last student has left the room did Essek and Luc descend and rejoin Caleb. 

“What did you think Luc?”

“That! Was! Awesome!” He declared loudly and Caleb laughed. 

“Well, my next class is across campus in an hour but I will see you tonight for supper.” He knelt down to Luc’s height. “What are we having Luc?”

“Uncle Essek bought a lot of vegetables so maybe one of Uncle Cad’s meals. I dunno.”

Essek smiled and leaned down to place a hand on Luc’s shoulder.

“It’ll just have to be a surprise for Uncle Caleb won’t it?” He winks at the boy conspiratorially and Luc grins and nods. “Say goodbye Luc and we’ll head off to the market for the rest of the ingredients alright?”

“Bye!” Luc throws his arms around Caleb, giving him another big hug before he steps back. Caleb rises to meet Essek’s gaze.

“We will talk later, Schatz .” It wasn’t a request and Essek had no doubts about what he wanted to discuss. Still, Essek smiled and lent across to drop a polite kiss on his cheek that Caleb returned. Between them, Luc let out a noise of disgust and starts for the door grumbling about grown-ups. Essek shook his head fondly and followed him out with a wave to Caleb over the shoulder. Once outside Essek scooped up Luc onto his hip and tickled him until he was smiling and laughing again. They then made their way out of the academy ground and into the Tangles. Essek had lived here long enough to know exactly where to go to get what he wanted. There was a butcher tucked away in a side street not far from the Court of Colours that always had the most tender cuts of meat. After that, it wasn’t far to the stall where the spices he wanted were sold. With those purchases done, they were free to simply roam the court and take in the sights and smells of the market. He still had a bit of time on this casting of disguise self and it would be a shame to waste it when they could wander. All the while Luc kept up a constant stream of whatever was on his mind, a mix of Caleb’s lesson still fresh in his memory, and of his friends back on the coast and their adventures. 

Essek was listening, occasionally chipping in when prompted, but for the most part, he was happy to let his mind wander to the comforting sound of Luc chattering. He paused by a stall selling handmade jewellery, spotting a piece that caught his interest. 

“Luc, look,” He pointed to the ring where a shimmering purple gemstone was encased by gold shaped to resemble a cat curling around it. 

“Oh wow!” Luc lent in to look closer as Essek caught the attention of the stallholder. 

“How much for the cat ring?” He asked as the greying older woman shuffled over and fixed her glasses.

“Oh, that one? Fifty gold pieces. It’s not enchanted but it’s a one-of-kind piece that my husband spent many hours on.”

Essek bit his lip. Fifty was a steep price for an unenchanted ring but it screamed Caleb. Sighing he fished out the coin and paid, waiting patiently while she found a box and wrapped it for him. With a word of thanks, Essek tucked the box away into his wrist pocket and they moved on to the next stall. Luc yawned and gently tucked his head in against Essek’s neck. Absently he ran a comforting hand across the boy's back. Perhaps it was time to start making their way back home so Luc could have a short rest before supper. He slips into the next alleyway, intending to use it as a shortcut to the next street over which would lead them straight back to Caleb’s. He’s barely halfway down it when his ears twitch at the sound of someone falling into step behind him. Essek doesn't glance back and keeps walking, only to have a second figure step out of the shadows and in front of him. He finally pauses and takes stock of the figure in front of him. Human male, bushy brown hair and dressed in travelling clothes, his sleeves rolled back to show off familiar geometric, maze-like patterns across his forearms. He casts a glance behind him to the figure, a human female, blonde and similarly dressed with her sleeves shoved back as well to show off the same tattoos. Rouge Scourgers . 

Swallowing down his panic, he addresses the man in front.

“Can I help you?” He feels Luc stir in his arms. “I am just trying to get home.”

The man regards him for a moment, taking stock of his posture and Essek instinctively pulls Luc closer to his chest.

“Your accent doesn’t suit your appearance friend,” He said calmly, opening his arms in a peaceful gesture that set Essek on guard. 

“We’re in the heart of the empire, in a city of trade and commerce. There are a lot of different accents everywhere, Freund .” 

If he is surprised by the use of Zemnian, he doesn’t show it. Just grins. Suddenly there is a familiar wash of energy over him as the woman behind him dispels his illusion before he has a chance to counter. He grits his teeth. This was very bad. Usually, he would just misty step away but he was stuck between two spellcasters and had Luc with him. He could use the ring, but right now with Caleb in the middle of a class it would cause more harm than good.   

“Ah, that looks better,” The Volstrucker continues with a smile. “Now we can have a proper conversation on even footing.”

“What do you want?” Essek snaps sharply, keenly away that Luc is now fully awake. 

“We simply ask after your intentions in the empire, surely you can understand the need to protect kin and country.” He glanced at Luc. “Or maybe you can’t.”

“The war is over. Trent is imprisoned and on trial for his crimes. You are a dying breed and do not stand for this country any longer.” He spits fiercely, touching his thumb to the ring on his finger, readying himself. “I am only trying to take my nephew home. Stand aside and let us pass peacefully.”

“Uncle Essek what’s happening?” Luc’s voice is so quiet that if he hadn’t had such excellent hearing, he might have missed it.

“It’s alright, Luc.” He murmurs, wrapping his arm tighter around Luc, not sure whether he was comforting himself or the child. “Stay close.” 

Luc nods against his shoulder and grabs fistfuls of his shirt. 

“Now, now, no need for that tone.” The man says, taking a step towards them. “We’ll let him run along home, while you come with us.”

Essek exhaled the breath he’d been holding as he thinks for a moment. They were only after him. He could get Luc to safety. Just had to convince him to leave him. Slowly, his eyes watching the male scourger intently, Essek kneels to place Luc down on his feet. His little hands grip tighter into Essek’s shirt.

“No!” He wails as Essek gently covers his hands with his own to pry them from his shirt and hold them tightly between his own. 

“Luc, lotha uss , please, listen to me,” He implores the now crying five-year-old, encouraging him to look straight at him. “I need you to be brave for me right now.”

“They’re gunna hurt you!” He cried, his voice pitching up an octave as tears rolled down his face. “I gotta protect you!”

“And you will, Luc, I need you to do something very important for me that will help me.” He slips off the ring from his middle finger and presses it into Luc’s hands. “I need you to run back to the Academy. You remember the way?”

Luc looks down at the ring in his hands. He nods and clutches it tightly.

“Good. I need you to find your uncle. Tell him what happened to me…tell him I’m sorry.” 

Luc nods again but Essek can feel him shaking under his hands.

“You’re a good boy Luc, I know I can trust you to do this for me.”

He sniffs and rubs a hand across his face.

“I need my crossbow…for protection.”

“Of course.”

Essek looks up at the male scourger for a moment.

“I’m going to reach into my wrist pocket and recover his toy. Is that acceptable?”

He considers for a moment, then nods. Essek waves a hand to open the pocket and reaches in to produce the miniature crossbow. He passes it carefully to Luc, who clutches it to his chest along with the ring.

“Run along Luc, find your uncle.” He thinks for a moment. “Or if you see either of your aunties, you can tell them as well. Show them the ring, they’ll understand.”

Luc nods one final time before standing up straight, determined, though his tear stained face betrayed his inner turmoil. He glances up at the man, then the woman, before back up at Essek, then, scampers past the womans feet and out into the street. Essek watches until he is out of sight before he calmly stands and turns to face the male scourger once more. Now with Luc out of the way he could focus more acutely on the issue of how he was going to get out of this, preferably alive. He taps his fingers against his thigh. Spellcasters were tricky when you were one yourself, however, he could always run. If he bolted for the street the sight of him would cause enough panic to send everything into disarray giving him the chance to sneak away. But he had to get past them onto the street first.

“So I take it this means you’re going to come quietly.” 

He could get past the woman he reasoned, she was about the same size as him. Essek narrowed his eyes and shook his head. 

“No. I’m not going with you.”

“Then you leave us no choice.” 

The first spell thrown at him by the man he counters with a clenched fist. Then a presence hits him from behind, invasive, threatening to take hold but he shakes it off, rounding on the woman scourger. He throws out his hand towards her, the spell fizzling on his fingertips as the man behind counters him. Still, he’d expected that. So instead he charges forwards, elbowing his way past the woman and stumbles full speed out onto the busy street. Get out of sight of them to cast! His mind hisses at him as he takes off running up the street as fast as his legs will carry him, in the opposite direction he’d sent Luc. Ignoring the gasps of shock and horror from the crowd around him as they realise what he is, he puts focus on thinking about the most direct route to a safe place to cast. Another alleyway was probably best and there were several coming up that were just there to act as shortcuts. One of those would work perfectly. He angles himself in that direction and spares a brief glance behind him but everything is a blur between the chaos in his wake and the thundering in his chest. He hopes he’s out of view of them by now. He quickly begins the process of casting greater invisibility , intending to slip into an alleyway and vanish when- 

The words die in his throat and the spell fizzles as a crossbow bolt suddenly hits him from behind, running right through him and protruding out from just below his collarbone. Crownsguard standard issue bolts. He hadn’t even seen any crownsguard in the street. The blow sends him off balance but he has enough sense to curl so that his shoulder hits the ground first and not his head as he goes tumbling across the cobblestones. He rolls a few feet before coming to a stop, heart pounding with adrenaline. It takes him a moment to come to his senses, blood dripping down the shaft of the bolt and onto the ground. He grits his teeth and forces himself up to his knees as the female scourger comes into view. She whips her hand towards him and he has just enough time to throw up his shield, the magic missiles bouncing off it harmlessly to hit the ground around him. Now he could see a third figure on the nearby rooftops clutching a crossbow. So the guards hadn’t been the ones to fire upon him. 

The crowd that had filled the street had now all but scattered into various alleyways or further up to get out of the way of the fight, leaving only Essek and the now three approaching Volstrucker. He grits his teeth, praying that hopefully by now Luc had made it to the academy and found Caleb. 

“Leave him alone!” Or not. 

To his horror, darting out from behind one of the nearby stalls comes Luc Brenatto, crossbow at the ready. He fires at the male scourger who has finally caught up to the others. The bolt goes wide but it doesn't stop Luc from diving in and firmly placing himself in the space between Essek and the scourgers, crossbow raised.

“Well, what do we have here?” The female scourger raises her hands and Essek can see the dark necromantic energy forming at her fingertips.

“No!” 

He darted forwards, hitting the ground on his knees and shoving Luc behind him just as the bolt of energy struck him square in the chest. He cried out as a wave of energy washed over him and then rushed downwards, seeping out of him and into the ground, like the very life force was being sucked out of him. His whole body shook from the overwhelming sensation of necromantic energy, but he forced himself to stay semi-upright as he faced the scourgers. He reached behind him with one hand to grab at Luc, pressing the boy into his back as the other dove into his components pouch. Another bolt comes firing at him but he ducks to avoid it before waving his piece of phosphorus in front of him, marking out the line between the two groups. Instantly a wall of fire burns across the street, cutting Essek and Luc off from all of them. There's a moment where he thinks it might be dispelled, but then another moment passes and he relaxes minutely. He has to get them out of here now . 

He takes a gasping breath and looks over his shoulder at Luc, who looks back at him before hiding his face into Essek’s back once more. He was okay. Luc was okay. He shifts, his whole body complaining from the blight that had afflicted him, and gathers up the shaking halfling into his arms. With a hiss of pain, he pushes to his feet and turns to run - only to collide with the third Volstucker, the one who had shot him. He feels the blade before he sees it; looking down to only the hilt remaining outside of his gut. Then the blade twists viciously and he screams in pain, the man laughing before Essek shoves back, ripping the blade out from within him, tearing open his side. But still, he keeps his arm around Luc, holding fast to him as he raises his free hand and casts his teleport, drawing images of the safest place he knows. He has an instant to see the man trying to counterspell, but by some whiff of luck the spell fails and he catches the sneer on his face before he and Luc vanish in a swirl of purple energy.

He hits the ground on his knees and is greeted by the familiar sight of a lush green garden among tombstones, a familiar, welcome scent on the breeze before his body gives out and he collapses, falling unconscious to the sounds of Luc screaming his name. 

_

Having finished out his last lesson of the day, Caleb makes his way home. The short walk back to his home was a welcome break from the day’s tasks. It was a nice time to catch some fresh air and work on his fitness. He wasn’t exactly getting any younger after all. Today he was perhaps in a bit more of a rush than normal, wanting to get home and see Essek and Luc. He had his suspicions the two were plotting to ambush him the second he walked in the door. Maybe he should teleport in, just to throw them off and catch them unawares and see if he can’t turn the tide in his favour. Then he decides against it. Essek would be prepared for that eventually as well no doubt. He grinned to himself, thinking about how Essek had been with Luc for the short time he’d seen them. He’d had every confidence in the man that he’d be able to handle Luc. The boy had a wild streak like his mother, but not yet was he the true trouble she was. And Luc liked him enough to call him Uncle . That had to mean something good. 

Still smiling to himself, he comes upon the house and is surprised to find two familiar figures lingering outside the door.

“Yasha? Beauregard?”

They turn to look at him.

“Hi, Caleb.” Yasha greets him at the same time Beau says “Yo.”

“Why are you waiting out here?” He asks, pausing at the edge of the garden.

“No one’s home,” Beau jerks her thumb at the house. “Yasha checked out back and everything. I thought you said the hot boy and the kid would be home by now.”

“They should have been.” That was…concerning. Caleb reached down into his pockets, digging around until he produced his copper wire. “ Schatz, We are waiting for you and Luc at the house, how much longer will you be?”

He waits. The spell fades out without a response. Caleb curses and tries again.

“Essek, I know you and Luc were planning something but I am concerned, please respond.”

Again the spell fades without a response. He shoves the wire away.

“Something is wrong. Essek always responds if he knows I am worried.”

Beau opens her mouth to speak, then gets a glazed look over her face, as if listening to something intently. A moment passes before she speaks.

“Shit. Yeah, alright. Thanks.” She blinks and shakes her head. Then looks at Caleb. “Suspected rogue scourger activity in the Court of Colours, there was some kind of a fight and a lot of magic thrown around but the suspects teleported away before the crowns guards could make any arrests. The soul is onto it now though.”

“ Scheiße . Essek and Luc were planning to go shopping there this afternoon.”

“Yeah, sounds like they might have been after him,” Beau grumbles, cracking her knuckles. “Witness reports say there were three humans and a drow. Essek must have been compromised and fled.”

“That doesn’t explain why he isn’t responding,” Caleb counters. “Unless he’s unconscious or on another plane.”

“They didn’t give me details of the fight, he might have been injured badly. Best check with our friends, see if they’ve had any unexpected visitors.”

Caleb nodded and dug out his wire again.

“And we better let Yeza and Veth know what's going on.”

“Save them for last,” Caleb agrees. “Locate their son first before we panic them.”

Caleb casts his spell, first reaching out to Jester, wherever she may be. Last he’d known she was somewhere out on the ocean and possibly not the best target for a hasty teleport but he had to try. Usually, he would try to be as brief as possible with his sendings to her, keeping them under the twenty-five-word limit just to annoy her. But right now he wasn’t thinking of that, his mind more worried about the thought that Essek might be bleeding out in a ditch somewhere with a terrified Luc. 

“Jester, it’s Caleb. Have you seen Essek recently? We believe he teleported out of Rexxentrum and are trying to locate where.”

The response is almost immediate.

“ Cay-leb! I haven’t seen Essek in weeks but he always replies to my sendings. Why, did something happen? OH NO did Essek get revealed or- ”

“Jester hasn’t seen him.” He reports before recasting, this time aiming the spell towards their firbolg friend. 

“Caduceus, it’s Caleb. Have you seen Essek recently? He may have gone to you to escape some trouble.” 

There's a small pause before Caduceus’s warm voice fills his head.

“ What? Oh, hi, Mister Caleb. Yeah, Essek is here along with Luc. ” Caleb feels his knees give and is thankful that Yasha is there to steady him. “ He’s out like a light though. Luc is asking who I’m talking to- ”

Caleb lets out a breath of relief.

“He went to the grove. Caduceus has them.” He finally says and Beau nods. 

“Let's go get our boys then.”

_

When Essek woke, the first thing he heard was soft voices. At first, he thought perhaps he was hearing things, his ears still ringing from the rush of battle and the sudden teleport he’d been forced into. But as he come more to consciousness, he realised that he recognised the voices talking. One of them was the soft warm baritone of Caduceus, the other a familiar tenor of Yasha. The fear that had gripped him upon waking suddenly released and he let himself relax. He remembered now, how in his moment of panic he’d thought of the safest place he knew. The Blooming Grove under the careful watch of the Clays. He listened for a moment longer, wondering if anyone else would speak up, but it seemed like just the two of them talking about gardening for the time being. He pushed himself to sit up, slowly, wary that Caduceus had healed him, but he had still been almost completely drained of his life force and then torn apart by a blade. So naturally, he was still rather stiff. His hand drifted up to his collarbone where he’d been struck by the bolt, but it had been removed and only bandages left in its place. He took a steadying breath. He was alive. Then. Where was Luc?

Essek stood up quicker than he’d anticipated and stumbled, grabbing hold of the dresser nearby to steady himself before he pushed off, heading towards the door in a rush. Caduceus wouldn’t have let anything happen to Luc in the time he was out. But panic still settled over him. What if he had been injured? Veth and Yeza would never forgive him if something had happened to Luc on his watch.

Essek stumbled into the kitchen doorway, gripping onto the sides to keep himself upright, and was met with several pairs of curious and concerned eyes.

“Essek!” Caleb said as Luc screeched “ Uncle Essek !”

Caleb shoved back his chair just as Luc skidded around the table. Essek hit the ground on his knees in time to catch Luc and crush him in against his chest. A second later Caleb engulfed them both in his arms, pressing his face into the side of Essek’s head. A broken sob broke out before Essek could stop it, burying his face into Luc’s hair. They were alive. They were safe. After a moment where he lets himself breathe through the shaking, he draws away, forcing Luc back far enough so he can look at him. Caleb takes the hint and releases them both, shifting to the side but remaining close, his hand a warm brand on Essek’s back.

“Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” Essek takes hold of Luc’s head, turning him this way and that looking for injuries. “I swear if they left a scratch on you-”

“I’m okay! I’m okay!” Luc tries to wave away Essek’s fussing hands as tears well up in his eyes. “I thought you were dead! He stabbed you!”

Essek snorted and took Luc’s face in his hands.

“It’ll take more than that to kill me, Luc, I promise you that.” He forced himself to relax again, letting out a sigh. “Thank the light you’re okay though.”

Veth cleared her throat and Essek finally looked up to realise all the figures sitting at the table had been watching the entire interaction. They had seen all of that. Instantly his hands are off Luc, drawing back into his chest. Veth is the first to move, slipping down off her chair and over to Luc. Gently she pulls him back a step away from Essek. His heart sinks, but he understands. This never would have happened if he hadn’t been with him. 

“Veth, I’m so sorry -” 

She cuts him off by hugging him tightly. He tenses up for a moment, but she doesn't let go, and he slowly sinks into the embrace, letting her hold him before he returns it, carefully placing his hands on her back. She lingers a moment longer, sniffles then lets him go. When he catches sight of her once more, tears are slipping down her face. 

"Luc told us what happened,” She starts, looking at her boy before back to Essek. “You told him to run. You did the right thing, Essek. It's not your fault that Luc didn't listen and in the end, you nearly got yourself killed to protect him."

"He wouldn't have been in danger in the first place if it wasn't for me-” Essek continued but Veth cut him off by grabbing his face tightly.

“Essek! Stop it ! We always knew there would be a risk of danger sending Luc with you.” Essek blinks at the intensity of her unwavering eye contact. “You’re a criminal with a past that no doubt is begging to catch up to you. But that's true of any of the Nein. Jester made a nemesis of a hag for my sake but I still happily let her look after Luc. Fjord has a goddamn sea monster biting at his heels. Yasha and Caleb have both hurt people that they loved but I still trust them as well. I was a goblin, for so long and did a lot of shit that could come back to haunt me eventually. The fact is that something bad like this could have happened to any one of us and I still wouldn’t blame them just like I’m not blaming you now.”

Essek took a moment to find his voice.

“I’m still-”

“Sorry. I know.” Veth smiled and patted his cheek before dropping her hands. “You bought him back in one piece, Essek. That’s all that matters.”

He nodded and closed his eyes as fatigue suddenly won over. Caleb’s hand on his back shifted up to cradle his head, before he was guided over to fall against him, resting his head on Caleb’s shoulder. 

“I’m so tired d'anthe .” He murmured and Caleb chuckled softly.

“Let’s get you back to bed then Schatz .”

Caleb slung Essek’s arm across his shoulders and stood, pulling him to his feet. Beau stood as well, slinging Essek’s other arm across her shoulders. Together the three of them maneuvered through the halls and back down to the room Essek had been occupying. Once Essek was safely sitting on the edge of the bed, Beau patted Caleb on the shoulder and left them alone, pulling the door closed behind her. Essek watched as Caleb slowly untensed and then moved to kneel on the floor before him, scooping both of Essek’s hands into his own to hold them tightly. Essek doesn’t resist, too tired to be flustered when Caleb brings them to his lips to dust kisses against his knuckles.

“I was worried for you.” Caleb finally whispers after a stretch of silence. “When you didn’t answer my sendings I thought that-”

He bites off his thoughts and shakes his head. Essek frees a hand in order to bury it into Caleb’s hair instead, running his fingers through the copper locks for a moment. Caleb hums contently.

“I tried to send Luc to you...I thought that…” Essek leaves the sentence hanging, unwilling to put much more thought into it. He was alive. He was safe and with Caleb. There was no use dwelling on what-if’s now. As if suddenly remembering something, Caleb shifted, his hand digging into his coat pocket. Essek watched curiously as he produced Essek’s ring, holding it aloft in his hand. Essek smiled. 

“Luc got it to you in the end.” He murmured as Caleb took his hand and slipped the ring back onto his middle finger for him. For a moment Caleb’s fingers linger on the surface of the silver polished ring, two facing moons forming an infinity like symbol.

“You could have used it you know?” Caleb says softly, grasping Essek’s hand firmly now. “That was the whole point of me giving it to you.”

Essek chuckles humourlessly. 

“I can’t imagine it would have ended up well. A drow and a halfling child appeared suddenly in the middle of Professor Widowgast’s afternoon lecture. It would have caused far more issues than battling scourgers on the streets.”

“Essek,” Caleb’s voice is soft but he can hear the chiding tone within. “That wouldn’t have mattered. You would have been safe .”

Essek sighed. They’d had this argument a thousand times.

“I don’t like putting you in danger Caleb.”

“And I don’t like knowing you sent your best means of escape away-”

A knock on the door startles them both. Essek looks to Caleb before back to the door.

“Come in?”

The door creaks open to reveal Yeza, backlit from the glow of the afternoon sun. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean…I can come back?”

“No, it’s fine.” Caleb stood and brushed himself off. “I need to take a walk anyway.”

He hurried out the door past Yeza without looking back. Essek watches Caleb go before sighing and dropping his head into his hands. Two steps forward one step back. They’d done this dance for years now; one of them hurtling forwards far too fast into the other and then ending up having to step back when it became too much. It was not too dissimilar to touching a hot plate despite the fact you knew it was hot. You still did it, in the end, to know if it was really hot or just your imagination. He feels the bed shift slightly and when he looks up, Yeza has settled on the edge towards the end. He didn’t say anything, appearing to be waiting for Essek to speak first.

“I suppose I owe you an apology,” Essek says when he works up the courage to speak. 

“You’ve already done that,” Yeza reminds him gently. “I agree with my wife. This wasn’t your fault and you brought Luc back to us alive despite everything.”

“You should be angry with me.” Essek spits but there is no venom behind it.

“I wanted to be. But Veth is right, this could have happened to any of our friends.” Yeza sighed and scratched his chin. “I only know bits of what she’s told me but by the sounds of it you all have your demons lurking in the shadows and at any moment they could come back to haunt you. But we still trust Luc with the Nein despite that because we know they would protect him. You protected him, you kept that promise.”

Essek could only nod. Yeza hesitated for a moment, then forged ahead.

“Caleb seemed upset with you, I didn’t hear anything in particular but you were having an argument weren’t you?”

Essek blinked, looking down at Yeza for a moment. He wrapped his arms around himself absently before he spoke.

“It’s hardly an argument…more a disagreement that we keep rehashing whenever something happens.” He shows Yeza the ring. “Caleb had this made for me in the event something like this happened. It works similarly to a teleport spell only it targets Caleb directly wherever he is. An extremely complicated and expensive piece of magic. I did not use it today and instead gave the ring to Luc to take. He was upset about it and didn’t like my reasoning.”

“And what reasoning was that?”

Essek hesitated, looking down at the ring on his hand.

“How much do you know of scourgers?”

“I know they use magic and are very dangerous.”

“Well say I was to attempt to use this ring, they counter me and I am still in danger. Or if it did work, I, a drow, would have appeared in the middle of an empire classroom full of children. How is Caleb supposed to explain that away? I know the academy grounds are slowly becoming more welcoming to my people but not enough that something like that would have been acceptable for them. Caleb would have a lot of explaining to do and I couldn’t make that choice knowing the harm it would bring him. The next option was that I give the ring to Luc and use it to teleport him to Caleb instantly. Of course, Caleb would then proceed to recklessly abandon everything to come after me knowing I was in immediate danger. So I choose the third option, give the ring to Luc to take to Caleb and give me enough time to sort out the situation myself.”

Through his explanation, Yeza sat quietly, processing and nodding along. Then when Essek was done he waited a moment longer before he spoke.

“You know Veth did that to me once,” Yeza’s voice was soft but it still hits Essek like a bucket of cold water. “She decided that her way was the only way and in the end it got her captured, killed and turned into a goblin. All to protect Luc and I.”

“I…recall that story.”

“If I were in Caleb’s shoes; I would rather have a diplomatic incident to deal with than the fear of not knowing if you were alive or not.” Yeza slid off the edge of the bed and stood. “I don’t mean to pry but, it sounds like you’re afraid of what it stands for. Caleb gave you the ring to use it, not to find a way around using it when you need to. He’s giving you his trust, physical proof that he wants you to know you can rely on him and my only suggestion would be to give him yours in return.”

Yeza says no more and pulls the door over on his way out, leaving Essek to stew on the offered words. He toys with the ring for a moment, turning over his thoughts. Then he stands and activates the ring. There's a moment where he feels like he’s being shunted forwards, his insides flipping and unflipping as he suddenly appears at the edge of one of the ponds among the trees and gravestones. Beside him is Caleb, who pauses mid throw to glance in his direction, then continues with his toss, the rock in his hand skipping out across the water.

“So now you decide to use the ring,” He says, a teasing note in his voice but it falls far too flat. Essek sighs and carefully lowers himself onto the nearest rock to sit as Caleb takes the next stone and sends it flying across the surface of the water. It’s peaceful, a soft breeze ruffling his hair as he stares out across the rippling water's surface for a moment. 

“I’m sorry Caleb. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Caleb pauses, but doesn’t look at him, then continues with his next throw, this time the rock hits the water just once before it sinks.

“I just don’t understand. I gave you the ring for a reason Essek. So things like this wouldn’t happen.”

“I know.” The words taste like ash in his mouth as Caleb finally turns to him, the anger and frustration written across his features.

“Then why!”

“I do not want to be the reason you lose everything Caleb!” He finally snaps, clenching his fists tightly so his nails dig into his palms. “What would have happened had a drow come crashing into your classroom this afternoon? You love teaching and if it came down to it I would rather you chose that over me!”

The silence was deafening. Essek sat quietly, simply watching Caleb’s expression as it flipped between anger and alarm before settling into disbelief. Then he stepped forwards, clearing the space between them to kneel in front of Essek once more, grabbing his shoulders roughly.

“You want to know what I would have done?” He says, his voice thick with thinly veiled anger. “I would have thrown up the dome to hide you from their sight. Then I would have made sure you were alright before asking if you had the ability to teleport home. I would have drawn the circle myself if you hadn’t been able to just to ensure you got there safely. And then, then I would have gone back to my class without a second thought.”

Essek shivered slightly, lowering his gaze but Caleb’s hand was on his jaw immediately, forcing his head back up.

“My students are used to interruptions Thelyss. Do you know how many times Astrid has had to come down to my classroom? Or Beaureguard? I’ve even had Jester burst in without any warning once or twice. You would have been less of an interruption than any of them. My students know I have ties in the Dynasty, know that I have been there and know people from there. You wouldn’t have been an issue and I…I would have known you were safe and not fighting Volstrucker openly in the streets.”

“I didn’t mean to fight them…I was running away when they shot me. Then Luc came out of nowhere and I…” Something in his chest suddenly broke and tears were streaming down his face. “The spell they hit me with…Caleb, it would have killed him. It nearly killed me .”

Caleb hushed him gently, his hands moving to cup his face instead, tilting forwards until their foreheads met. When he spoke his voice was softer, the anger slowly fading into memory.

“I know you carry a great burden that you feel you cannot share but I want to help you. I cannot do that if you don’t trust me.”

“I do trust you.” Essek started to protest but whatever else he wanted to say died on his lips and he thought back to his conversation with Yeza. 

“Then let me bear some of the load, Essek, let me help you. The next time something like this happens, use the ring and come to me. Please? We can figure it out together.”

Essek sniffed and brought a hand up to wipe at some of his tears.

“Alright…alright…I will come to you.” He finally agreed quietly. Caleb let out a soft sigh and shifted back to press a kiss to his forehead softly. 

“ Gut . I will hold you to that Thelyss.”

Essek laughed wetly. 

“Feelings are horrible, Caleb.”

Caleb grinned and chuckled, brushing his thumbs across his cheeks.

“They are, but this too we shall muddle through together.”

Caleb presses a kiss to the tip of his nose before going to stand. Suddenly remembering, Essek grabs his arms and tugs him back down. 

“I bought you something.” Caleb blinks, bemused, as Essek summons his wrist pocket. “I saw it while we were shopping today and it made me think of you.”

Essek brings out the small wrapped box, no bigger than his palm, and offers it to Caleb. He tilts his head curiously and takes it, pulling on the end of the ribbon until the bow undoes and falls away. He then opens the box and Essek has the delightful view of watching Caleb’s expression morph from mildly curious to surprised with a grin.

“I was thinking we could get it enchanted-” Essek is cut off as Caleb suddenly has hold of him and is crushing their lips together in a passionate kiss. After a moment he finally draws back.

“Yes.” He whispers huskily into the air between them. Essek blinks his confusion.

“Yes…what?” He asks, arching an eyebrow.

“Are you not…?” Now Caleb looks confused.

“Not what?” Essek blinked as something clicked into place. “Oh no…is this another one of your empire traditions I’ve misunderstood?”

Caleb’s confusion instantly clears and he rubs a hand down over his face as he turns beet red. 

“I fear…I misunderstood…” He mumbles between his fingers.

“Caleb?”

“I thought…you were asking…” Caleb paused, suddenly nervous. Essek blinked slowly, thinking over various cultural things he’d observed to do with rings in the time he’d lived in the empire. Then he recalled, Yasha knelt down on one knee offering up a ring box to Beau on the day that they-

“Oh!” Essek flushes indigo as he realises, suddenly covering his face with his hands. “Oh, that was not my intention! I just thought it was beautiful and it made me think of you and-!”

Caleb was laughing now and the sound was infectious. Even in his mingled horror and embarrassment, he found himself beginning to laugh as well until they were both in a state of giggles, foreheads pressed together once more. Eventually, Essek found his voice once more.

“You said yes ?” 

“Of course I did Schatz ,” Caleb grinned, stealing a kiss. “If you asked, I would say yes.” 

There's a familiar flutter in his chest and he closes his eyes against the onslaught of affection for this man.

“Maybe someday I will then.”

He doesn’t give Caleb a chance to respond, instead, crushing their lips together once more. As he wound his arms around Caleb's neck, he lost himself in the moment, simply basking in the warmth that was Caleb Widowgast. They still had a lot of things they needed to discuss, a series of moving parts that they had to figure out. But now, more than ever, he was ready to walk hand in hand into the light with Caleb at his side. They had all the time they needed to fit all their broken pieces together into the mosaic that would be their lives.

Then later when they finally recovered themselves, Veth and Yeza were waiting for them with Luc, who was practically vibrating with excitement once more.

“So what time are you free next week?”

And Essek realises at that moment exactly how much he likes being trusted.