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Essek leaned down and place a gentle kiss on Caleb’s forehead.
His skin felt soft and thin, wrinkles showed on his face marking his age. Essek looked no different really. Maybe a few new smile lines but Caleb aged as humans did.
They knew this would happen and talked often about it. Talked of Caleb’s wishes after his passing (to be buried with his parents) and spoke of what would Essek do after.
Caleb of course wished for him to move on but Essek was not particularly interested in giving his heart again. Caleb was his wizard and he was Caleb’s.
Essek thought he was ready but seeing Caleb laying there in bed, peaceful, almost like he was asleep, was too much. The shock and sadness welled up and he had to swallow back tears. He had things to do, people to tell.
The Mighty Nein. Caleb’s best friends deserved to know.
He knew he should send a message but something like this should be told in person.
They had all known it was coming, Caleb’s health had been slowly deteriorating for many years and no magic could stop it.
Essek had tried of course. He wanted his love for as long as his life was, it was unfair. Humans, such fragile things.
He was glad though. Through all their struggles they finally got to settle down for many years in a cozy home together, loving each other and love by their many many cats.
Essek couldn’t stop staring at Caleb but he had things to do for his love. And so he did.
It took a while and some skillful juggling to accomplishing getting the many people who knew and loved Caleb Widogast.
His funeral was simple, tears where had but also laughs as people spoke of their memories of him.
And there he was laid beside his mother and father. A nine delicately carved into the top of his casket. Beautiful flowers thrown atop.
Simple and beautiful.
It took a very long time for Essek not to wake and reach for his love and even longer for him to even consider another.
But no one was Caleb.