kaeda
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Summary
If Essek were to kill Caleb, he would do it with a spell.
None of the intimate agony of feeling the last flutters of his heart with his own skin. He cannot even afford himself the painful honesty of knowing that if he were to do it, it would be impersonal and practiced, something Essek has done to many before and will do to many others. This knowledge is not enough to stop him imagining it.
In the months following the events of Cognouza and the Somnovem, Essek fails to come to terms with the fact that he is a dangerous man.
Bookmarked by kaeda
22 Jan 2026
Bookmarker's Notes
Premium-quality Essek angst. If you want to have a lot of feelings about Essek’s guilt and fear and self-loathing, this is the fic for you. If you’re like me and love fics that explore the dynamic of the friendship between Essek and Caduceus, this is DEFINITELY the fic for you! Truly excellent.
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He thinks maybe it should make him more frightened, that he should worry about the liabilities he has allowed these people to become. It does nothing to temper the joy of being trusted, of being someone worthy of friend. It does nothing to diminish the memory of Caleb’s spellbook in his lap this morning, its owner sound asleep before him; the sweet press of concern behind Jester’s words in his mind the night before as she reached out with sending.
A rabbit walks into a snare. The snare closes around its throat, killing it. What is responsible for its death, the stupidity of the rabbit or the viciousness of the snare’s purpose?
The Shadowhand of the Bright Queen walks into the T-Dock, he thinks, and feels sick.Two months after surviving the ruin of Aeor, Caleb and Essek return to tie up loose ends.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 282,898
- Chapters:
- 43/43
- Comments:
- 315
- Kudos:
- 447
- Bookmarks:
- 129
- Hits:
- 19,993
Bookmarked by kaeda
19 Jan 2026
Bookmarker's Notes
A long, heady shadowgast slow burn in the ruins of Aeor, getting to know each other while both striving to reach the T-dock for their own purposes. Gorgeous, crisp writing and imagery that will leave you feeling like you're in Aeor with Caleb and Essek, and so many imaginative ideas of what could be hidden there within the ruins! Come for the slow burn, stay for the adventure and the weird magic.
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Summary
His skin feels too tight over his body; like his heart is being pulled forward, like it could burst through his sternum.
“What are you doing?” he breathes, barely audible. The words feel like they’re coming from somewhere else.
“Being brave,” Caleb replies.
*
On the eve of Trent’s trial, Caleb calls Essek and asks for a distraction. He doesn’t specify what kind. Essek has always been good at seeing possibilities.
Bookmarked by kaeda
08 Jan 2026
Bookmarker's Notes
Sweet and soft and sexy, this fic starts at shadowgast on the cusp of determining what they are together and follows Essek through as both of their desires become manifest. Immersive writing that’s tenderly charming while also hot.
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Summary
Essek Thelyss comes to Soltryce to deliver guest lectures and, on the side, cultivate the brand new Archmage of Domestic Protections. He’s hoping that Caleb Widogast will oblige him by picking up his predecessor’s interest in conspiring to steal Luxon beacons, after so rudely murdering Da’leth mere weeks before the culmination of their schemes.
Essek is prepared for espionage. He is not prepared to find a love that will change the course of his life.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 226,958
- Chapters:
- 20/20
- Comments:
- 901
- Kudos:
- 662
- Bookmarks:
- 260
- Hits:
- 23,070
Bookmarked by kaeda
03 Jan 2026
Bookmarker's Notes
Do you want to read over 200,000 words of Essek learning to be a doper person while also falling head over heels and getting forcefully adopted by the Mighty Nein? This incredible AU is the story for you. Come for the gray morality and stay for the charming Verin, Eadwulf, and Astrid characterizations, the Mighty Nein hijinks, and even some good old fashioned adventuring. Truly a delight.
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Summary
Essek is invited to a multi-reality Essek convention. An Essek Thelyss Dies. An Essek Thelyss investigates.
On possibilities, and confronting what could have been.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 16,346
- Chapters:
- 7/7
- Collections:
- 1
- Comments:
- 93
- Kudos:
- 87
- Bookmarks:
- 13
- Hits:
- 893
Bookmarked by kaeda
27 Dec 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
This premise is so unique and imaginative, the variety of Esseks is so fun, and the various versions of Essek’s backstory and lore are remarkably creative. Such a fun read!