Work Text:
Essek vanished from sight. Caleb’s eyes stayed locked on the Bright Queen. “At least we know the fugitive is in close circles,” she said, eyes meeting his briefly before turning her attention to Ashton.
Taking a breath, Caleb stepped back towards the Nein, Caduceus’s beetles still flitting through the air. “I am safe. Come find me in the Dragon’s Heart.” Essek’s voice flitted across Caleb’s mind.
“Ja,” muttered Caleb quietly, still watching the Kryn even as they gathered around their Queen and prepared to go.
They were summoned along with Vox Machina and Bells Hells to discuss the future and fate of the Ruidians. He could hear the fear and uncertainty and stepped forward to speak up and ask for a path forward, a chance for redemption and a new start. Perhaps they would hear the sincerity in his words.
He also felt pride as Imogen spoke. There had been so much on her young shoulders through all of this; he hoped she would have a chance to rest.
Finally they were free to leave. Caleb rubbed his forehead as he stepped outside. He needed to rest so he could regain his spells so he could get to Essek.
Allura came to his side. “I missed most of the excitement but Jester said you needed to teleport somewhere?”
Caleb gave her a tired smile. “Bitte. Please.” He looked around but didn’t see the Kryn. “There was some trouble with Essek,” he said softly.
She nodded in understanding. “Come with me,” she said, leading him down the stairs. Caleb knew the rest of the Nein would understand, though part of him still worried for them. But there were plenty here who could get them home.
Allura led him into a building and then a back room, locking the door and casting a quick spell to determine they were alone. Satisfied she looked back to Caleb. “Where do you need to go?”
“Emon.”
“Will my tower do?”
Caleb smiled at her. “Perfect.”
She nodded and began her spell. “Be safe,” she called, an instant before he vanished from sight.
**
There was comfort in landing in the familiar confines of Allura’s tower. He hurried down the stairs, casting a disguise spell before stepping into the street.
It was night here in Emon. Caleb took a breath and started down the street, alert for any danger or sign he was being followed. Exhaustion pulled at his limbs but he couldn’t stop until he knew beyond doubt that Essek was safe.
Finally he reached a house that looked like any other on this lonely street. He pulled out a wire. “It’s me. May I come in?”
Caleb heard the door unlock. He dropped his disguise as he crossed the threshold and kicked the door closed behind him, gathering Essek in his arms and kissing him soundly.
“I’m alright,” Essek assured him, brushing Caleb’s hair back. “We’re alright.”
“She knows, now,” said Caleb, studying his face.
“I’m sure she at least suspected,” sighed Essek.
“Still, I’ll make preparations when I get home.”
Essek caught his hand. “You look exhausted, Caleb Widogast. Come lay with me and we can make plans in the morning.”
Caleb let his shoulders slump. “It wasn’t an easy battle.”
“But you all made it through.” Essek led him up the stairs and down the hall.
“We did. And the Ruidians will have a chance to start anew.”
“As will the Gods, apparently,” said Essek, pushing open the bedroom door. He turned and kissed Caleb again.
Caleb sighed and held him close. “You’re right, I’m very tired. And I’m still worried for you.” He cupped Essek’s cheek. “That was very brave of you.”
“Someone told me long ago that I had a chance to become something better than I was. I could hardly let the young man perish. Or, at least, stay deceased.”
Essek helped Caleb get out of his boots. There was comfort in the familiarity of getting ready for bed, even with the red sand of Ruidus still clinging to Caleb’s clothes.
Caleb settled into bed, arms wrapped around Essek as he held him against his chest and breathed in the familiar scent of him.
**
When Caleb woke again it was still dark and he was alone in bed. Frowning, Caleb conjured his lights and rolled out of bed. He quietly moved from the bedroom and headed downstairs.
Essek was sitting by the low-banked fire, clearly lost in thought. He stirred as Caleb’s lights drifted through the doorway. He sat up and quickly wiped his face.
Heart aching, Caleb doused his lights and came into the room. He carefully made his way over in the dim light and sat on the arm of the chair, kissing Essek’s forehead and wiping his damp cheek with his thumb.
“I certainly can never return to Rosohna,” said Essek quietly. “I mean, I knew that before, but now…”
“Now it’s certain,” said Caleb quietly. “I go where you go. You’re not alone in this.”
Essek leaned against him. “I have you. I have the Nein. I have Verin. There are other friends and allies.”
“Verin will let us know if there’s any action against you,” said Caleb.
“If he knows,” answered Essek, squeezing Caleb’s hand.
Caleb tugged him to his feet and led him to the sofa, sitting and tucking Essek against his chest again. Essek sighed and let Caleb hold him. “I could not do this without you,” he said softly.
“Yes you could,” said Caleb, running fingers through his hair.
“Perhaps,” Essek acknowledged. “But I’m glad you’re here.”
“As long as I have breath,” promised Caleb.
In the morning he’d return to Rexxentrum, prepare in case they needed to leave their cozy cottage. Maybe they’d be left alone as they had been; that was his most fervent hope.
Caleb felt Essek fall asleep and hugged him a little tighter. He would do whatever it took to keep Essek safe, and, preferably, by his side. He thought back to when he left the asylum, running scared, consumed by guilt. Meeting Veth, then the Nein had changed him. And together they’d changed Essek. And because of that the world itself had changed. Ripples on ripples.
Closing his eyes, Caleb let himself drift back to sleep. His back would no doubt protest in the morning, but for now he would not be moved.