#Jaskier x Eskel

[simoondraws]

Hellooo🐺

[0dde11eth]

@endiness created this delightful photo set

It's the perfect embodiment of jaskier walking out of kaer morhens hot springs, he just had mind blowing sex with eskel and is CELEBRATING

[help-help-i-need-an-adult]

Eskel: YOU SAID YOU WERE A STARVING ARTIST!!!

Jaskier, sitting on the kitchen counter: yes! Starving for cock. Thank your brother for that.

Geralt: I told you I was a bottom before we started dating.

[shy-urban-hobbit]

People always assumed that Jaskier, with his constant performing and streaming would be the one with the slight caffeine problem. These people have never seen Eskel first thing in the morning.

Yes, Jaskier may be the one who has never stuck to a sleep schedule his entire life (it's true. Ask his mother) but his Witcher was the one who was basically a zombie even with a solid 8 hours rest.

Speaking of, the shuffling coming from the bedroom of their AirBnB apartment alerted him to the fact that said Witcher was now awake after a particularly problematic vampire contract where what should have taken no longer than 24 hours turned into 72 (Jaskier was still pissed the mayor had tried to use that as an excuse to cut Eskel's payment. Luckily, he had legit social media clout on his side so the asshole had decided to cough up the full amount pretty quickly once Jaskier threatened to make him go viral).

The larger man yawned as he entered the kitchen, hair still adorably messy. Jaskier wordlessly shoved a mug of Eskel's speciality blend, which was strong enough to wake the dead (Jaskier had tried it once and was adamant he could smell colours for about an hour afterwards), into his hand before leaning up for a kiss.

Eskel hummed in thanks as he sat at the table, pulling Jaskier into his lap. Jaskier gave a happy wiggle, basking in the combined, complimentary scents of Eskel and coffee beans.

[elythegardeningbard]

Caught in the wolves' den

[identity-404]

Love the Witcher Fandom. Just gotta make a post like:

Jaskier deserves love

And we lose our minds, reblogging that shit instantly 😅❤️

[tiredshifter]

the witcher doodles

[dapandapod]

Bring a friend home

Hello there! I honestly don't remember what the exact prompt was, but @firefly-party insisted on Jaskel something something Ikea, and thus, here we are! It was one of those eves I'm convinced I'm hilarious, lets see if you agree xD Please enjoy this silly madness!

On Ao3 here

See, there is thinking outside the box, and there is thinking outside the box. Then there is IKEA. Ikea is the kingdom of DIY and flat boxes. There is nothing you can’t do with a poor man’s budget and imagination, just ask youtube.

Which is why Jaskier finds himself getting lost by the couch section, and then again by the kitchen tables, and then there were the pretty lights and the cool shoe racks. HIs favorite was hot pink, in case anyone was wondering.

Oddly enough, Jaskier’s goal is the kid’s section.

He knows they are supposed to be at the end of the lap, and learned the hard way that short cuts really is just short for really-fucking-lost-where-was-that-blasted-map.

All he needs is the huge roll of drawing paper, and he means the HUGE one. It is heavy as shit, and well, maybe he should have brought something to carry it with, but that was future Jaskier’s problem, and now present Jaskier is cursing past Jaskier for getting distracted by the funky looking bed set.

It will be fine, probably, if he can make it to the downstairs area there should be those heavy duty baskets.

Jaskier is contemplating if he should buy the low budget pens as well, wondering if his niece and their Infinity Art Project will be worthy tools, when something catches his eye. There, by the exit, there are giant plushy baskets.

See, Jaskier is not a big fan of plushies, not really. They lack the warmth and the weight a person would have, but they are also much, much less dramatic than a person, probably.

And there, between the orangutan and the giant panda, there it is.

It is blue and white, and has just the one row of teeth, which his niece would have plenty of words about if she was with him.

It is soft and it’s silly and it’s silly and it's perfect, and Jaskier possibly said that out loud because there is one of those yellow striped shirts with the blue print turning around, and it takes him a moment to look up from that unfairly well shaped chest and into the face of a giant.

Which he also might have said out loud, if the twitch of the giant’s lips is anything to go by.

“Hej,” The man greets, of course he does, as if Jaskier speaks Ikea. “Anything I can do for you today?”

His name tag says Eskel, and it takes a WILD amount of willpower to not blurt out ‘How about me?’ and instead just stand there gaping for a moment, clutching his huge roll of paper.

“Your shark only has one set of teeth,” Jaskier says after one heartbeat too long, Eskel’s eyebrows lifting with the corner of his mouth.

“Well, I hear teeth make them harder to cuddle, and frankly, I myself find too many teeth a bit concerning. Tried to bring it up with the design team, but turns out I’m not very good at swedish,” the giant says, and Jaskier is feeling weak.

Actually yes, the paper roll is getting too heavy to hold the way he is, so he shifts, considering whether to either put it on the floor or between his knees, because that clearly is the right way to hold a giant huge fucking paper roll.

“Bitemarks are hot though,” Jaskier says before he can shove his entire fist in his mouth, which also would have been an unfortunate thing to do in front of this man. “I’ll just-” Jaskier says, turning on his heels to flee, only to walk almost straight into one of the display shelves.

He is saved by a big hand on his shoulder, and then not saved when Jaskier proceeds to drop the monster of a paper roll an inch from his toes.

The thud of the paper landing on the concrete floor makes Jaskier just close his eyes and accept his doom, because there is no way paper nor floor survived that.

“Ah, let me get that for you,” Eskel says, and when Jaskier opens his eyes again, the giant yellow striped man is kneeling in front of him, picking up the paper roll like it weighs nothing to him. It probably doesn’t.

Jaskier is wondering if Eskel would be able to pick him up as easily, and firmly shuts that down.

“Where to? Do you have a basket or a shopping cart?” he asks, and Jaskier is an embarrassed, shamed, blushing puddle on the floor.

“Ah, I was just… going to get that and get to the registers.”

Eskel nods sagely, and nods towards the shark plushies.

“Go give them a squeeze. You just might find a cuddly friend to bring home,” he says, and Jaskier…cannot.

Either this man is as dense as a brick and doesn’t realize what that sounds like, or he does.

Either way, Jaskier does walk over to the shark cage, the iron bars of the plushie basket holding an unholy amount of soft and silly and perfect bodies with staring eyes and too few teeth. BLÅHAJ, he reads, completely unable to pronounce it, but bewitched anyway.

He squeeze one, as instructed, and then the next. But the way the first one is looking at him, as if betrayed, Jaskier can’t help but to pick it up and hold it as he squeezes the others.

It is very nice to hold it actually, and Jaskier realizes he is indeed leaving here with a shark, and he is mentally preparing himself for the berating his niece will get him when they are introduced.

Finnigan. That is his name now. And he knows he will be berated even more when the niece finds the pun in there.

Turning around, Jaskier is surprised to see the employee is still watching him, and still holding that huge, now slightly dented paper roll for their Infinity Art Project.

“You are a good salesman, I’ll give you that,” Jaskier says, wagging his finger at Eskel.

“I’ll help you down the stairs with this, your hands look rather busy,” the giant says good naturedly. “If you don’t have more to pick up from here, that is,” He adds, stopping himself halfway to the stairs.

Lovely, simply lovely, and the way the scar stretches when he smiles, Jaskier squeezes poor Finnigan very hard to his chest. Good thing he isn’t a squeak toy, or this would have been very awkward.

“No, I’m done, thank you. But I can take it myself.”

“It’s alright,” Eskel waves him off with one hand, WITH ONE HAND, SIR!

It is simply unfair how some people just are like that, it is almost insulting how one person can be this kind and handsome and strong at the same time.

It is probably illegal somewhere, and Eskel will be put in handsome-jail if he ever goes there. Fuck, Jaskier needs a coffee and to shut his brain the fuck up.

They walk together down the stairs, but then Eskel just follows him and refuses to let the giant huge fucking paper roll down. Jaskier explains the Infinite Art Project and Eskel makes a contribution with a handful of those hand sized miniature pencils from one of the dispensers and winks as he tucks them into Jaskier’s bag. Well fuck.

Their time is up when Jaskier actually arrives by the registers and is forced to choose which line is the shortest and which one will offer him more time with this hunk of a human.

“When can we expect the art exhibition to begin? Any chance one can get an invite, considering how I am contributing?” Eskel asks, and oh boy, yeah, that man probably knows what he is doing.

Jaskier feels himself giving a crooked smile and pretends to consider it.

“For the meager price of One Cinnamon Bun, I might even let you in on the process itself,” Jaskier dares, heart racing and hands sweating. Poor Finnigan, they haven’t even left the store yet, and he is already on cuddle duty.

“A man should know his worth,” Eskel agrees with a nod. “You got yourself a bargain. Though I will add in a chosen beverage to go with it, in about fifteen minutes when my shift is over?”

Oh dear lord, Jaskier is going to combust on the spot.

They part ways, allowing Jaskier to dump his stuff in his shabby little car and to run into the bathrooms and check out his hair, only to meet up again by the Bistro outside the register area.

If Jaskier felt weak from seeing this man in yellow and blue stripes, it has nothing on him compared to Eskel in civilian clothes.

Eskel is enlightened about the arts of a 7 year old, and Jaskier brings home two cuddly friends from Ikea that day.

[fangirleaconmigo]

I'm losing my mind, folks. I went home early, and was just gonna have a boring night putting away laundry. But then I got a notification...

SOMEONE AMAZING PODFICCED ONE OF MY FICS.

No one has ever done that for me before! I'm beside myself!

It's for Try Me, my Jaskier x Eskel Christmas fic (Eskel nation rise) where Eskel is the owner of a children's bookshop and Jaskier is a musician who comes in and sings to the kids. Eskel is harboring a huge crush on Jaskier, but hasn't had the confidence to date anyone since his accident. But Jaskier is harboring a secret of his own, that might just surprise him.

Go listen to it! It sounds so frickin professional and beautiful and LOVELY. I just sat and listened with a smile on my face. It's like a warm bath.

It's the perfect length for a little bon bon of a story (just under 40 minutes). Listen to it while you're driving! Doing chores! Whatever! Then go give them kudos and a comment and a follow if you enjoyed it.

We fic writers know what it is to labor over something for love, and what an honor it is when someone does it for us!

I feel love in this Chilis tonight.

[dragonsandwolvesohmy]

Looking for a fic for someone else!

Jaskier meets one of the Witchers (likely either Lambert or Eskel) and ends up befriending them, he stays at their safe house cottage. There may have been chickens and maybe a goat? The cottage might get burned down by anti-Witcher people near the end.

Heard back from the searcher!!! The great @221birl1823 found it!! It's Too Much by Kalaratri!

[glwstic]

Rec List 4: The Witcher

-  Worth More Than Your Songs by Chaos_Breeds

“Jask, you’re bleeding,” Geralt growled, his free hand starting to pat for injuries, and-

Jaskier relaxed a bit, slumping in relief. “Good morning to you too,” he greeted brightly, ignoring how raspy his voice was. “Damn witchers and their sense of smell. I’m fine, don’t worry, just my hands.”

The room froze.

———

In which Jaskier runs himself ragged, convinced he must prove his value.

Geralt and Yennefer will not stand for it.

Oneshot,  1,676 words

-  Defying the Odds by Chaos_Breeds

Geralt didn’t care to eavesdrop, really, even less than he wanted to hear another bawdy ballad. It was better to keep his eyes on his ale, stay out of trouble, and wait for Jaskier to be finished. “So how much longer do you think he’ll live?” asked the baron, drumming his fingers on the table. “Such clever songs. I hope we’ll hear another few years’ worth before he goes.”

Geralt immediately stilled, the performance fading into the background.

———

In which Geralt learns that traveling bards are one of the most dangerous professions for very good reason. He overhears some nobles betting on how long his bard would survive on the path, and Jaskier’s odds apparently aren’t good.

Geralt will be damned before that happens.

Oneshot,  1,705 words

-  Bard Assassin by Hyrulehearts1123, sageclover61

Collection, 8 works, 88,968 words

>>>  Edge of Nowhere by sageclover61

Jaskier needed no introduction to Geralt of Rivia, not when he knows who this Witcher is on sight. On the other hand, this is his opportunity to make a new and different name for himself, a guise within a disguise, and perhaps fame that'll hide the secrets that he keeps.

Oneshot, 1,361 words

-  why were you digging, what did you bury by ruffboi

"You'll be coming with me," his father said, rather abruptly and with no room for argument.

"I thought no one but the elders and the witch could know where the clearing is," Julian said slowly.

"This is your duty as my son and heir," his father snapped.

"Of course, father," Julian replied. "I'll be ready after supper." He wondered, a chill running down his spine, what this duty actually was.

Oneshot,  1,776 words

-  I Have Heart-Fire and Singing to Give by inexplicifics

Jaskier is invited to come and sing at Oxenfurt - an honor he has never dreamed he would be granted so young. But leaving Kaer Morhen has its perils...and there are those who would very much like to get their hands on the Consort of the Warlord of the North.

5/5 Completed, 23,311 words

-  And I'll go up, up to find us by thequeenofsong

Geralt's thoughts when he goes up the mountain after finding out about the husband hunters coming to Kaer Morhen. Also includes a flashback to the night in Redania after Geralt finds out Jaskier was sent as a sacrifice and Jaskier's confession of love. Inspired by Inexplicfic's Accidental Warlord AU.

Oneshot,  2,909 words

-  No More Monsters by ruffboi

When Geralt leads his army into Tretogor, they expect most of what they find.

What they don't expect is the near-silent, trembling figure they find tucked against the wall in Radovid's rooms after Eskel runs a sword through the bastard's throat.

Oneshot,  1,219 words

-  Dandelion Wedding Crowns by sageclover61

Twenty years after conquering Kaedwen, Redania sought a treaty with the Warlord of the North, and offered with it an arranged marriage.

Geralt, the accidental warlord of the north, would very like human nobles to stop doing monstrous things, like marrying off their children. Needless to say, the marriage won’t last. Now if only he could figure out how to help Jaskier and his sisters, too.

Inspired by Inex's AW AU and Pallidus' As long as the sun and moon are above.

Oneshot, 16,303 words

-  dead man running by peaktotheocean

Jaskier handed her the spare dagger and breathed easy when she took it without question. "Ciri, darling. We're going to get out of this dungeon together. You know how sometimes, humans call things monsters that aren't monsters at all? Rather just, things they don't understand?"

She looked at him with fierce determination in her eyes. "Yes, I do."

Oneshot,  7,512 words

-  Little Lark in Our Hearts by Chaos_Breeds

Based on inexplicifics Warlord!Geralt AU. Jaskier thought he was over what his father had done, when he was sent away as tribute to the White Wolf. During a conversation about sending tribute to another king, Jaskier realizes he very, very much is not okay.

Good thing he’s got a whole pack to help him through it.

———

(In which they get a stark reminder of Jaskier’s circumstances before becoming part of the Witcher’s keep.)

Oneshot, 1,604 words

[toomanymuffins]

A little bit of Jaskel for my dear @firefly-party 🥰

A follow-up to the fic May I? Also on AO3.

——-

“Wait, stop,” Eskel whispered breathlessly.

Jaskier froze and scanned the woodline. “What is it, Eskel? Do you hear something?”

Eskel shook his head. “No. It’s not that. I feel…”

Eskel wasn’t sure what he felt. He closed his eyes, and turned his attention inward. I feel a strange sort of energy, he thought. Where is it coming from?

“I feel…” he tried again.

“Oh! Do you feel rushed, darling?” Jaskier asked, misinterpreting Eskel’s hesitation. “We can slow down,” he offered, and took a step backwards.

Eskel hastily pulled Jaskier against his chest. “No,” he said firmly. “Just… be still a moment, please.”

He closed his eyes again. It was still there, but fainter. A sort of buzzing at the periphery of his consciousness. “Do you feel that?”

“Feel what, my love?” asked Jaskier.

“Close your eyes,” Eskel directed. “What do you feel?” He needed to be sure Jaskier wasn’t afflicted by whatever strange energy he was sensing.

“Ok, well, I feel a lot of things,” began Jaskier. “I feel your body heat where we’re pressed together and where your arms are around my back. I feel the tickle of your chest hair against my skin. I feel a lovely round bum beneath my fingers that I’d like to get better acquainted with, and the beginnings of your excitement against my hip. I feel my heart beating quickly with anticipation, and my own excitement stirring low in my belly and filling my cock. I feel a cool breeze on my shoulders, and the heat from the fire against the back of my legs. But, I don’t feel the grass under my feet because a lovely person gave me some cozy socks.” Jaskier punctuated that last thought with a peck on Eskel’s cheek. “There. How’d I do?”

Eskel smiled warmly at Jaskier, feeling somewhat reassured. “Nothing… nothing out of the ordinary, then?”

He received an amused look in return. “Actually, I feel quite extraordinary,” said Jaskier, nuzzling Eskel’s jaw. “But, what are you feeling? Or is it gone now?”

“It’s mostly gone,” Eskel acknowledged. He leaned forward and whispered, “and my lovely round bum would be pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Cheeky!” laughed Jaskier.

Jaskier pulled him close, anchoring him in place with a hand on the small of his back. Then Eskel felt feather-light fingertips caressing his backside. He closed his eyes and didn’t breathe, transfixed by Jaskier’s touch.

Jaskier asked softly, “How does that feel?”

“Tickles,” Eskel managed to say.

“Is that pleasant for you?” asked Jaskier. “Or do you prefer a firmer touch?”

Eskel felt Jaskier slowly squeeze and release a handful, and then draw the flat of his hand up and down.

Eskel struggled to find his voice. “I, uh,” he swallowed, and cleared his throat. “It all feels good. I…” He became distracted as Jaskier’s second hand joined in. “I find it very pleasant that you’re touching me,” he finished.

Jaskier pulled away slightly to look into Eskel’s eyes. “You are very pleasant to touch,” he assured. He brushed a lock of hair away from Eskel’s eyes.

Eskel leaned into the touch, and marveled at the look of open affection on Jaskier’s face. It made him feel warm and almost like he was vibrating with joy. He leaned forward and kissed Jaskier sweetly.

And the vibrating grew stronger.

Eskel gripped Jaskier’s arms and pulled him away abruptly. “Stop,” he said.

He quickly glanced over Jaskier’s shoulder and his own for any signs of danger. He closed his eyes to pay better attention to the sounds of the forest around them. There was nothing.

He looked back at Jaskier. “You feel it again,” Jaskier said simply.

“Yes,” agreed Eskel.

“But you don’t sense anything dangerous nearby?” Jaskier asked.

“I don’t,” answered Eskel, gently releasing Jaskier’s arms.

“What is it like, this feeling that you’re having?” asked Jaskier, reaching out to take Eskel’s hand. Eskel kissed the offered hand and held it gladly.

“It’s like something is vibrating nearby,” he said. “I don’t feel it directly. It’s in the air around me, like if a bumblebee was buzzing near my skin.” Eskel wasn’t sure his explanation made sense, but Jaskier’s eyes lit up.

“Oh! Like when you pluck a lute string and can feel the air around it hum?” Jaskier offered.

“Maybe, Jaskier. I haven’t been that close to a lute before but your description sounds right,” confirmed Eskel.

“Could it be… arousal?” Jaskier asked.

Eskel watched intently as Jaskier held his gaze and kissed the tip of each finger from smallest to largest. Jaskier drew the last digit into his mouth and licked and flicked it with his tongue. Eskel’s cock jumped in reaction. He was amused to see a smug look on Jaskier’s face, and chuckled.

“I don’t think so, Jaskier. Arousal has never felt that way to me before,” Eskel replied. “But, I’m enjoying this little experiment if you wish to continue.”

“Hmm,” Jaskier said, considering. “If not arousal, perhaps... touch?” Jaskier placed Eskel’s hand on his chest and covered it with his own hands. “Anything?” he asked.

“No,” shrugged Eskel.

Jaskier reached out to brush his fingers against Eskel’s abdomen. “How about here?” asked Jaskier.

“I felt my skin flutter at your touch,” Eskel admitted shyly.

Jaskier smiled softly, and whispered, “You have the same effect on me, Eskel dear.”

Eskel raised his eyebrows. He drew his fingers down the trail of hair from Jaskier’s chest to his navel and, sure enough, he felt the skin twitch under his fingers. Eskel looked up at Jaskier, who winked at him.

“No vibrating?” asked Jaskier.

Eskel smiled and shook his head. He rested his wandering hand on Jaskier’s hip and thought for a moment.

“The first time I felt it was after you first pulled me close. When I felt your skin all along my own, I… well.” Eskel tried to find the right words. “Touch… that kind of touch… it’s something I long for, but seldom experience. It overwhelmed me. And you understood. And you held me close, and kissed me. And then the air was vibrating.”

“Eskel, love, I want to hold you again like that. Would that be okay?” asked Jaskier.

Instead of answering, Eskel closed the distance. He and Jaskier stood cheek to cheek with their arms wrapped around one another, and Jaskier adjusted his stance to slot their legs more closely together.

Eskel closed his eyes, savoring the closeness. The vibrating sensation returned, but this time he kept still and let himself experience it. It wasn’t unlike the feeling he got before casting a sign, like there was a little magic in the air. But, there was a tenderness about it, somehow. Like it was cradling him. He embraced Jaskier a little more snugly.

“It’s back,” Jaskier knew.

Eskel nodded.

“Can you tell me what else you’re feeling?” whispered Jaskier.

Eskel took a deep breath to center himself.

“I feel… held,” he began. “Not only because your arms around me feel sure, but because… I don’t feel alone, Jaskier.” He pulled away enough to look at Jaskier’s face. “You’re here. You’re choosing this moment, here with me. It makes my heart feel tight in my chest.” Eskel felt a tear run down his cheek. “I feel loved.”

Jaskier kissed Eskel’s cheek. “I think that’s it, dear heart.”

[0dde11eth]

After dinner and a movie:

Jaskier: It's still pretty early wanna come in for coffee handsome? 😉

Eskel: Isn't it a little late for coffee?

Jaskier: Oh you think coffee means coffee that's so adorable. Come on in, I'll see if I have decaf

[caedes12]

Next Story of Kingdom Come

I am writing the next story of Kingdom Come, and I am HOPING that it will be some sort of advent story that I can post in completion.

I am writing this here in case the interwebs sees it and want to hold me accountable.

The next story of Kingdom Come will be focused on Coen. Vesemir has asked him to do something unforgivable, but he has to do it to help the new witchers. Tel has been conscripted to join as well. I am LOVING writing so far and it delves a bit deeper into the culture of the northern fay.

To tempt you with a quote...

“Life is cruel. It is how I became what I am. I am just sorry that I have to keep learning the lesson.” Coen choked through his words, his throat like paste.

Tel hummed, “My father would say that there is the balance of frost. It is cruel and unforgiving. Those that wander into the glacier without being prepared will suffer." They took a breath, "But it can be fleeting—because it can melt. Giving way to life."

[shy-urban-hobbit]

Hello! Are you still doing the 24 touch prompts? If yes, can I request 15 with Eskel and Jaskier, please?

Sorry for the wait!!! ❤️

Jaskier and Eskel 15 - gently kissing the others knuckles 😊.

“Just so you know, it feels really bizarre being on the other side of this particular scenario.” Jaskier commented as he gently manipulated a hand much larger than his own to better assess the damage.

One of the inn patrons had recognised Jaskier even without his usual, grumpy travel companion present. Usually this would be something to make the bard preen like the bird Geralt often compared him to but unfortunately, this same prick chose to heckle him throughout his entire set and then decided to start with the “Witcher’s whore” comments when he’d finished, which had Jaskier ready to give this already rather unbecoming fellow a broken nose to go with his sallow complexion (it wasn’t the insult itself per se, but Jaskier was no Saint and a man could only turn the other cheek so many times in one night). Until a semi familiar blur of black and red beat him to it, and that was apparently how Eskel decided to let the bard know that he was in town.

Luckily for them, the innkeeper saw the sense in not even trying to throw Jaskier out now that one of his non-human companions had made an appearance and hastily agreed that the other had bought it on himself, making no move to try and aid the now unconscious and bleeding man as Jaskier pulled Eskel up the stairs behind him, the Witcher stammering out half an apology although who exactly it was directed to, Jaskier couldn’t say.

That’s how they ended up in their current position in Jaskier’s room, both of them perched on the edge of the bed with Jaskier still keeping hold of Eskel’s hand as he leaned over to grab the small bottle of spirit he used as a disinfectant after proclaiming the others knuckles to be just grazed from the force of his punch.

“I could have told you that about ten minutes ago, Jaskier. It’ll be healed in a couple of hours.” Eskel stated.

“Oh, hush you. What would Geralt say if he found out I left his brother all hurt and bloody? Especially when it happened because he was defending my honour.” Jaskier proceeded to gently dab at the split skin across Eskel’s knuckles, seemingly unaware of how much effort it was taking his patient to not give into temptation and wrap his fingers around the smaller, softer hand in response.

“Like he’s never punched anyone for you before.”

Jaskier gave a huff of a laugh, “He doesn’t have to fight all my battles for me, and neither do you.” He paused to boop the end of Eskel’s nose, “I’m a big boy. I can deal with a few town assholes throwing insults at me. You didn’t have to get involved.”

“Hello Pot, have you met Kettle?” Eskel asked dryly, causing Jaskier to bluster slightly at being called out, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you have to.”

“Oh, I see how it is. It’s fine when you lot say that.” Jaskier smirked, “Done! And...you didn’t have to, but it doesn’t mean I’m not grateful that you did. Thank you for being so gallant, dear Witcher.”

 Eskel felt his face heat up as Jaskier pressed a kiss to his now treated knuckles like he was the love interest in one of those romance stories and not some huge, scarred Witcher,  “Seriously though. Can we get back to the usual dynamic between myself and Witchers? I’m not sure I’m entirely liking this role reversal.”

 

Eskel knocked on the doorframe after purposely making his footsteps louder to give ample warning but even so, Jaskier still flinched where he was sat on the examination table. Curling his now bandaged hands against his chest as best as he could seemingly on reflex.

“Ah, Eskel! Everything alright?” He asked with forced brightness.

“Something we should have asked you much sooner.”  He said gently as he came further into the room, trying to make himself look as small as he could and keeping his movements slow and deliberate. Between the torture and the imprisonment, the last thing he wanted was to make the bard feel trapped again, “May I?” He held a hand out palm upwards between them, leaving Jaskier the choice of whether to close the distance or not.

Jaskier hesitated before reaching out and placing one hand into Eskel’s, the Witcher running the ends of his fingers over skin and linen as delicately as if he were stroking a birds wing. He didn’t know every single detail but he knew enough from the very loud, very animated ‘discussion’ that had occurred between wolf, witch and bard earlier that day and has ended in Jaskier being dragged by the elbow to the infirmary.

“You didn’t tell him anything.”

The wonder in Eskel’s voice must have sounded too much like disbelief, as Jaskier shook his head rapidly in response, “Nothing. I promise I didn’t tell him anything about here, or Geralt, or Ciri. I-”

Eskel gently shushed him, feeling Jaskier's pulse jumping rabbit quick in his wrist underneath his fingers. He was suddenly struck by the desire to press a kiss to the tips of those poor, talented fingers but considering they were currently hidden away under layers of salve and bandage....

He brushed his lips against Jaskier’s knuckles, holding the gaze of wide, blue eyes as he did so and wondering briefly if the hitch in Jaskier’s breathing was a product of his imagination.

“Thank you for being so brave, dear bard.”

[the-tooth-goblin]

Eskel deserves some attention.

Jaskier May have a bit of a crush, on everyone