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Fisstech Fic Recs

So I finally got the chance to read the other fics in the fisstech_and_succubi https://tmblr.co/mIiMqU06FEmyvYJ_O4dyq2g Eskel celebration. Ahhh, new Eskel content! Reading these fics made my post-COVID vaccine recovery more tolerable (BTW, some advice that I received and pass on: the night of your second vaccination shot, keep a big bottle of water beside your bed; you may not have the energy to get up and fetch water the next morning). In gratitude / mild fever delirium, I want to shout out a few faves:

For superb married Geskel banter, folklore, witcher!Ciri as one of the pack, and uncommon narrative structure: Reynardine https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/30694097 by kinodream (Eskel/Geralt, ~4200 words). Love the tight writing spiked with humor and the lived-in relationships. The Wolves really are family.

For mage!Eskel, scintillating rapport, sexual tension with a gratifying resolution, and a crack-esque take on Lil’ Bleater that’s both disturbing and somehow adorable: Spidergoat, Spidergoat https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/30474399/chapters/75148809 by toffeecape https://tmblr.co/mf9YsElj8yr95n1BjUcdVsQ (Eskel/Geralt, ~19k words). Fascinating and lovely to see the warmth, charisma, and unabashed geekery of Ban Ard Eskel, who’s still recognizably our guy.

For a gritty plot, an ultra-realistic world full of convincing concrete detail and familiar human evil, and “monsters” finding community with each other: Decent Forage https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/30201588/chapters/74416260 by bomberqueen17 https://tmblr.co/mEi4sKUjTkzs4ila4vEdnuA (Eskel /& OC, ~17k words). The world of The Witcher is perfect for asking questions about who and what monsters are and who’s responsible when a monster’s on the loose. This fic’s unflinching and also deeply humane in plumbing those depths. Some heavy shit in here; mind the tags.

For fun heist shenanigans, Eskel reluctantly dressing up, and charming flirtation: Of Flesh and Flame https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/30697592 by crimsonherbarium https://tmblr.co/mfx7Ware7dyvSQUDByo1wkQ (Eskel/Succubus, ~4k words). I might be biased because crimson was my partner in the exchange :D But: I love heist fics! Sneaking around, pulling off a job, getting away without being caught! And some lovely flirtation along the way.

For blisteringly hot smut, peak Yennefer in utter command, and the electrifying thrill of breaking taboos: under the sky, chasing our fear https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/29982702 by limerental https://tmblr.co/ml4zDghnf1xyCj05YxT0SbA (Eskel/Geralt/Yennefer, ~12k words). Oh ho ho ho ho. Shiiiit, man, I dunno. Do you carry deeply ingrained inhibitions in your head? Do you also have powerful desires that run exactly counter to those inhibitions? Have you ever overridden those ingrained contraints and let desire win? This fic nails that moment in all its vertigo and terror and haaaaa yeah just go read it

For its aching tenderness and humanity and the dread and necessity of being seen: into the fire https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/30454233 by witchertrashbag https://tmblr.co/mY12NbqaBNgzVG6Dubd7bkw (Eskel/Geralt/Yennefer, ~9k words). These characters love each other, but a few types of fear stand in the way. Makes me teary-eyed to see them accept the need to be vulnerable, even when they don’t believe they’re worthy or can handle the nakedness it requires. They are, they can <3

And in the category of “Eskel learns that he deserves nice things” comfort reads: Eskel’s Spa Day https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/30704081 by maya_the_yellow_bee https://tmblr.co/m2xl-lyU0jWiw6BB3lhZJHg (Eskel/Jaskier, ~15k words) and Worthy Gifts https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/29874858 by hobbitdragon (Eskel/Yennefer, ~1400 words). These two fics approach the same situation from very different angles: our guy Eskel has trouble accepting that others cherish him and that he deserves to be cherished. Jaskier in the first fic and Yennefer in the second find ways to demonstrate his worth.

The whole collection’s a treasure hoard but these fics in particular worked their way into me. Thanks to all the creators for lighting up my weekend with your talents and Eskel-love!

Ah thank you for the rec! I have been working my way through the collection as well and it’s worth pointing out that OP’s own offering for the challenge, Love’s Offices https://archiveofourown.org/works/30759479, is an incredibly moving rumination on loss and grief and the processing of life’s meaning.

Also this is some timely vaccine advice, I will note it down. (Your picture was not posted)