#eskel lives

A/N: A part two to the other Eskel fic was requested by @donttellmehowtowrite so here we are. I’m running on so little sleep and a craving for soup so don’t expect too much. I’m so tired, that’s why most of my fics feature a character sleeping. Self projection if you will.

Pairings: Reader x Eskel

Summary: Although you may not be able to properly stand up right, you can stabilize yourself to know one thing for certain. Eskel loves his brothers.

Word count: 1,095

Warnings: foul language,

Part 1

Part 3

A witcher at any given place was usual. For a town to hire a witcher to hunt down their monsters instead of pleading for a knight meant they were desperate. Having two witchers was just asking for trouble. It wasn’t a mere coincidence that two witchers would show up at the same place, at the same time. That sort of thing had to be planned.

But three? Three witchers in a stable? That sounded like the beginning of a very poor joke. That joke being your life was just your luck.

A familiar grimacing face entered the already crowded stable. Eskel and Geralt turned to face the new addition to your jubilant cast of characters. Their shoulders relaxed in ease, their furrowed brows evening in a soft expression for the youngest of their brothers. You had not known Lambert for long, but you had heard enough stories of the witcher to fill an Oxenfurtian library.

“Where the bleeding hell was my invitation to this fuck fest?” Lambert asked his brothers, seemingly in a foul mood. The gaping wound on his hip might have something to do with that but then again, Lambert was not known for his merriness.

“We miss you too, Lambert,” Geralt replied in such a caring tone it reshaped his very face. From amusement to perfect compassion, witchers were such emotive creatures. “If I had known Eskel would be here as well, I would have sent out an owl to retrieve you for the festivities.”

“What festivities may that be?” Lambert’s interest was piqued despite his injury. He stalked into the stables with an interested swagger, eyes quickly moving about the room. You watched as he inhaled and exhaled, cataloging the scents present and whatever they could entail. He seemed to come to the conclusion that he was safe here. You could visually see his stance relax at the scent of his brothers.

“Eskel’s crude medicine and Jaskier’s irresistible charm,” you answered, bundled up in Eskel’s lap. His arms wrapped you on top of the furs, his stomach pressed against your back until there was no part of you left untouched. “There's more in his satchel if you need it,” you indicated to your witcher’s bag thrown off to the side using your limited movement.

Lambert took a seat on the cot next to Jaskier’s, legs at an angle to face the four of you at once. “You couldn't pay me to drink that horse piss. I’d rather bleed out,” came Lambert’s ever pleasant voice. Jaskier huffed out a laugh, eyeing Lambert like an old friend. Lambert returned the gaze in the only way the witcher knew how, he snarled at the bard. But in a friendly way of course.

“What brings you here?” Eskel asked not impolitely, shifting in his seat so he leaned up against the wall.

“I could say the same for you,” Lambert looked at your merrily band. “There must have been half a dozen contracts here. This place is infested with beasts and monsters. They ran out of room for me in the proper infirmary.” Lambert paused, taking in the sight of the drunken woman on her own cot. “Or so they say.” He eyed her warily but otherwise paid her little mind.

“As the expert in human relations, I can say with certainty that it is not because of any prejudice against you lovely witchers. It really is because the town barely has room for their own people,” Jaskier explained, “The taverns were just filled with despair and sorrow, I just had to help them drown their worries with ale.”

“So that’s why you’re here,” you teased the bard. “I thought you got into Geralt’s elixirs or something insane.”

“No, my dear,” Eskel said softly, “The bard has a little more common sense than you, love.”

“You take that back!” At the same time Jaskier laughed, a scheming little smirk crossing his face.

Geralt looked at his lover with endearment, adoring his little antics. “Oh don’t give him that look, Geralt. Do not encourage this behavior.”

Lambert threw his hands of in the air, “For fuck’s sake, I swear I will gouge out my own lungs with my sword if you four don’t stop this sickening nonsense.” Lambert’s voice took on a mockingly high pitch. “Oh Geralt, I love your stupid hair, you pretty boy.” He threw back his head in a fake faint. “Oh Eskel, I’m just infatuated with the fact that you always smell like an old goat.”

For his antics, Geralt half heartedly knocked him over the head. Lambert slapped his hand from his face, just as brothers would. Jaskier laughed at his witcher. Eskel chuckled behind you, his breath moving against your back comfortingly. It warmed your heart. The comfort that these men brought you. Eskel embracing you, Jaskier keeping your company, and now Lambert’s appearance. You felt nothing but safe and loved.

“Jealous?” you said, drowsy with pain and medicine.

“Of you lot?” Lambert gave a small, genuine smile. “Never.”

“That’s because he loves us all just as much,” Jaskier turned to whisper shout at you. Noticing your suddenly heavy lids, he clapped his hands once to get everyone’s attention. “How about we leave these two love birds be. They need all the rest they can get. And while they do that, we can investigate why exactly there are so many monsters roaming about. How does that sound?” Jaskier grabbed his lute, rummaged through Eskel’s bag for elixirs, and all but dragged Lambert and Geralt out the stables.

“I never agreed to this!” Lambert yelled back, Geralt shoving him forward.

“Do you really want to stay and watch Eskel tenderly care for his lover?” Geralt waited a pause for Lambert to get his double meaning. “Then be my guest, Lambchop.” Geralt trailed behind Jaskier, the loyal wolf. “Don’t come crawling back to me because you forgot how possessive wolves are about their mates.”

You heard Lambert rush to leave, his footsteps pounding on the hay covered floor in his haste to escape. You laughed to yourself, shifting on Eskel’s lap to rest your head against his chest. “You want to know something I’ve noticed?”

Eskel pressed a lingering kiss to your temple, laying back on the cot with you atop him. He pulled his furs over your, piling them high. “Hmm?” he hummed, the sound vibrating against your body.

“You love your brothers with a fierceness like no other. There must not be a living man who loves his kin more than you.”

Disclaimer: I haven’t written a fanfiction (or anything at all) in about 10 years. And english is not my first language, so please be kind. But I had the desire to fix the Witcher season 2 episode 2 because I adore Eskel, even thought I haven’t read the books or played the game. So here you go. :)

Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Gn!reader x Netflix!Eskel (not established)

Warnings: Spoilers for the Witcher season 2 episode 2, fluff, mentions of a wound (not graphic)

Snow was already falling and you were waiting eagerly for what the snow will bring. Because when winter came, so did the witchers to Kaer Morhen.

The small cabin you lived in wasn’t that far away from their winter residence. It was hidden in the forest, beside a small but pretty lake. The air around you was filled with the smell of lavender, thyme and many more herbs. They were hanging from the ceiling to dry. All walls were hidden behind shelfs with books and different gemstones. But the one you liked the most was hanging around your neck, a rose quarz. It was nothing special in itself, but it was a gift from your dearest witcher. Eskel.

He wasn’t exactly your witcher, you just liked the way it sounded in your head. Eskel always visited you in your cabin when he passed on his way to Kaer Morhen and back and you always looked forward to it. During winter, when Eskel stayed in Kaer Morhen, he would come down to you every now and then and the two of you would sit on that one big stone and watch the sun go down behind the lake. You would talk about everything and sometimes about nothing at all. Sometimes he would have a cut or some bruises from training with the other witchers and you would heal him. You were no mage from Aretuza, but you had some kind of a gift for healing. You were able to enhance the natural healing powers of herbs and gemstones.

Your train of thought was interrupted when you heard a horse coming closer. Excited you rushed to the door, slipping into your boots and putting on your coat while already halfway out of the door. The horse was already closer than you thought and a wide smile spread across your face as you saw your dearest witcher Eskel ontop of it. Fast steps brought you quickly to his side and your smile got even wider when your eyes met and you saw how he smiled back at you.

Eskel got off his horse and before he could say a word you threw yourself around his neck in a tight hug. You could feel him laugh and hug you back as he greeted you: „Hello my dear herb witch. Please don’t crush me, you wouldn’t be the first one to try that today.“

That was when you noticed something wasn’t right. He felt too hot and you noticed the way he flinched a bit in pain when your arm left his shoulder. „Eskel. I’m so happy to see you in one piece. But let me see your shoulder first. We can catch up on everything when you’re properly patched up.“

Eskel sighted as your smile faded a bit. But he knew you better than to protest. You would worry the whole time if he wouldn’t let you help him. And he valued your time together too much to let you be worried. So he threw an arm around your shoulders, his other hand holding his horses reins, and guided the three of you to your cabin „I see you’re still the same. Always worried about my smallest cuts and bruises. But you should see the other one. I’ve got it’s arm with me!“. At that you laughed, he was also still the same, always pretending to be okay.

You both quickly got the horse in your small shed and put down Eskels luggage and the saddle. You already prepaired some hay for the horse beforehand.

Then you rushed the witcher into your warm cabin. „Undress, Eskel.“, you ordered him.

He laughed at the bluntness of your words but you were already too concentraited on getting the right herbs to notice your phrasing. But Eskel did as he was told without further complaints and got shirtless.

Holding a few herbs in your hand you moved around to him and your breath hitched at the sudden proximity. For a moment you just stared at the naked torso in front of you and found a few new scars on his skin. This wasn’t the first time he got shirtless for you to patch him up. But it was a long time since the last time. Your eyes wandered up, wanting to look in his face to make it less awkward. But your eyes got cought at his neck. Right above his medallion hung an amethyst on a leather necklace. A wispered „You kept it“, was all you could muster.

„Of course I did. How could I throw something away you gave to me?“

Now your eyes finally made it up to his face to see him smiling softly at you. His eyes held something deeper you couldn’t quiet figure out. But you also still had other worries. So you smiled softly back at him as an answer and asked him to turn around so that you could see his wound.

It was worse than you thought. Something unnatural was going on but you said nothing as to not worry Eskel. You took a rock crystal from the shelf beside you and put it on Eskels wound. He flinched slightly at the contact but remained silent. Using your gift you let the unnatural energy flow out of Eskels body and into the crystal. He grunted at the unfamiliar feeling and his muscles tensed. When you were sure there was nothing left, you put the right herbs on his wounds and enhanced their powers to make Eskels wound heal better and faster. Afterwards you bandaged the wound tenderly. „There, way better! Now I don’t have to worry about you dying anymore.“, you said while looking proudly at your work.

Eskel laughed and his muscles finally began to relax again as he turned around to look at you. „I surely wouldn’t have died from that cut. I’m a witcher after all, not that easy to kill. But still, thank you. I already feel way better thanks to you. Can we now go outside and watch the sunset over the lake?“

„Of course we can. As long as you tell me stories about the hunts you went on the past year.“

„Sure will. As long as you tell me stories about your past year.“, he winked at you and you laughed. As if your life would be as exciting as his. In the end you were always looking forward to his next visit as soon as he leaves.

me:

She looked out of the window, the morning mist started to part, and the streets slowly filled up with life, the merchants opened up their stands, and tried to sell their goods for the workers. She looked down, and she reminiscenced. Months ago, on that sleepy morning she stood at the window just like this… that day had so much potencial. She knew her father would punish her, if he would’ve figured out, that his youngest is out again, seeking pleasure in the arms of men and women… but he never saw his daugther again…

She heard the bed squeaking, she turned, but the man moved more quickly then she anticipated, and he was already beside her. „Out of the bed so soon?” he asked as the morning lights touched his face, lighting up his scars. „You said we should head out in the morning, so we could get to Kaer Morhen by nightfall.” she replied, as she reached out for him. „Your hands are so cold.” „I prefer warm weather. Why do you think I spent the last year in Zerrikania?” said the man as he embraced her. „Perhaps there are horned women, which you are so fond of.” said the woman with evil smile on her face. The man looked confused and utterly defeated. „You are talking in your sleep.” she laughed. „Well, you… you are really.. you are…” he stuttered, but after a few seconds he composed himself. „You are the devil, but without horns.” „Oh, it really hurt, my dear.” she laughed again as she wandered to the other side of the room, to get dressed. „Get ready, yesterday you were so anxious to see your brothers!” „I know, I just hope they won’t be mad, that I haven’t spent my last winter with them at Kaer Morhen” he said, while slowly touching his wounds. It went from his left side of his waist up to this right chest. The woman stitched her up, but she was no healer. He went in and out of concussion for weeks, when she was finally able to get his fewer down. The winter was almost over, when he was finally able to sit up. „I’m sorry that you got that, because of me.” she said as her face turned white, while watched the fresh scar. „You shouldn’t have played a knight.” He let out a laugh, which sounded more like a howl. „Ah, yes. Vesemir always told us that. But I couldn’t let the that fiery woman in that nilfgaardian camp.” „Fiery woman?” she recoiled. „I heard you screaming. I heard how you yelled at captain, mocking his small manhood.” he wanted to smile, but out of respect, he did not. She was kept, and she was used for pleasure by men in that nilfgaardian camp for many months. „Well, at that point, all I had left was my life, and my future life weren’t looking so bright.” she replied somewhat angry, as she attached her daggers to her belt. She was careless when Nilfgaard attacked, and she paid the price for it.

***

The man was right, by nightfall they reached Kaer Morhen. „You sure they won’t mind, that you brought me?” she asked as they entered the castle. „I trust you with my life, noone will question your loyalty.”

The man got more and more excited, as they were getting close to the halls. It warmed her heart, seeing him returning to home. They entered the hall side by side, but they did not get the warm welcome they expected. The witchers turned their heads in unity, and drew their sword more quickly, than a human mind can comprehend. „Eskel? Whats the meaning of this?” asked one of the witcher, with hatred in his voice. The woman drew her daggers, as the man was still not in shape to fight. The witchers closed in on them, now they stood in the circle of angry mutants. „Lambert? Brother, whats the matter with you?” asked the man as he tried to move in front of the woman, but she did not let him. „Whatever you are, creature, this arrogant move will be your downfall.” said the previous witcher, and he swung his sword at the woman. She parried, and pushed him back. The witcher got furious. „WHAT ARE YOU?” „Its me, Eskel, don’t you recognize me?” tried the man again, but the other one was consumed by fury. „We mourned Eskel last winter.” said an old-looking witcher. „We burned his body in front of the castle. And we got back his medallion. So forgive us, if we are not really happy to see you, whatever you are.” „I AM ESKEL, Vesemir!” he was tired, and wounds started to hurt again. „I lost that fucking medallion at the borders of Cintra.” „Nothing and noone could take his medallion from a living witcher.” said a white-haired witcher. A young girl was behind him, looking curious. „He was in no shape to search for the medallion that was possibly cut from his neck. He was fucking dying. He saved me.” said the woman with anger in her voice. Now all the eyes were on her, even the little girl’s. „And who the fuck are you?” asked the first witcher, who tried to cut her. She was not sure, that the truth was the good answer, so she hesitated. „I remember you!” said the young girl. „Ciri, no!” said the white haired one, but the girl was already beside the woman. „I know you!” she said again. „I meet you in your castle. You teached me how to hold a sword.” „Princess Cirilla. I remember you too.” she sighed. Cintra only brought her pain. Her family was at Cintra, when Nilfgaard came. The woman alone was unable to repell the nilfgaardians, because she was betrayed by the governor. Nilfgaard took their country within days. She had to flee, but the nilfgaardians found her. And because they had no idea who she was, they just used her as a tool for pleasure. „I’m so sorry. Your father… your father tried to find a way out of the capital, but there was none. My grandmother always spoke very fondly of your family. King Ale…” said the young girl, but a glance from the woman made her stop. „An another princess?” asked the elderly witcher with a sigh. He lowered his sword, but when he looked into the man’s face, he raised it higher. „It still doesn’t explain that creature behind you.” „ITS STILL ME, ESKEL. WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?” he yelled, then groaned. The woman dropped one of her blades, and grabbed him. „Tell me then, how did I die?” he groaned, as he tried to stand up. „You got bested by a leshy, it infected you, and then you get whores somewhere in the middle of the winter, and while fucking one, you turned into a leshy yourself.” said the white-haired one.

The man let out a loud laugh. „Bested by a leshy? And turned into one while fucking a whore? Thats just rich.” he cried out, then repeated in disbelief.  „A fucking tree killed me by turning me into one, while fucking a whore? Don’t you realize how fucking impossibbe is that?” he asked with tears in his eyes from the laugh. There were a quiet murmur running through the witchers. The older one lowered his sword once again, and reached out with it for the woman. „Touch it!” he ordered her. The woman hesitated once again, but the man nodded at her. She reached out, and touch the sword’s cold blade. Nothing happened. The woman looked at the man confused, as he also touched the blade. „What is going on, now?” she asked while raising one of her eyebrows. „Its silver. We couldn’t have touched it, if we were creatures.” the man explained.