Q: Подскажите, как вы полируете свой меч?

still rotating them in my mind

OMG, I LOVE THIS FIC! READ IT, IT'S WONDERFUL!

Summary: After a battle, Madeleine and Espresso take a moment to rest, and tend to each other's wounds.

A ficlet written in collaboration with @sheinri’s gorgeous art, for the @esmadzine. Check out Morning Brew for some amazing espresseleine art and fic! :DD

-

After the Cookie Alliance’s first victory, Madeleine had expected a hero’s feast. Instead, the mages of Parfaedia tasked him and Espresso with clearing the last of the monstrous horde on the city’s outskirts. A successful mission, but…

“Dislocated,” Espresso announced. He released Madeleine’s twinging arm. “I’ll have to make a splint. Don’t move.”

“Very – ah – very well!” With a wince, Madeleine eased himself onto the crumbling porch. “I must say, it is a shame we cannot return to the Parfaedian Institute right this minute. I am sure a glorious welcome awaits us!”

“The real shame is that your so-called Divines failed to bestow you with so basic a skill as healing,” Espresso retorted, a makeshift splint for the wounded knight halfway to completion. “Now, give me your arm.”

In contrast to his words, the hands that took Madeleine’s were gentle. A splint was placed against the break, and a length of gauze wound itself, carefully, around his arm.

Madeleine grinned shakily, more than a little lightheaded from the pain. In a moment of impulse, he brought his hand upward to cup Espresso’s face. “You’re much kinder than you let on, you know.”

The cheek under his palm heated. “You– Why– I am only doing this so your sword hand doesn’t fail if monsters ambush us, you insufferable–”

“You even admit that you need my protection!”

“You certainly have a tendency for selective hearing,” Espresso huffed. He tied the bandages in a decisive knot. “Done. Don’t expect a repeat of this performance, ever.”

Madeleine turned toward Espresso, took in his expression, stormy and exhausted. His rumpled robes, singed at the edges by dragonfire, lacerations across his cheeks and arms. “Oh, Espresso, your injuries,” he breathed. “Perhaps you doubt my ability to protect, but I do know a thing or two about dressing a wound. Let me see to yours?”

For a moment, Espresso hesitated, ire fighting fatigue. Then, he sighed, and placed his arms on Madeleine’s lap.

“… Fine.”

The time after passed quietly and – if Madeleine dared say it – peaceably.

Not exactly a hero’s welcome, but he could not have brought himself to complain.

~

Morning Brew Grand Re-Opening!

Thank you all so much for your patience! As the year is finally coming to an end, so is Morning Brew with its re-release. Though it is now a smaller affair, it is still very sweet and warm, and everyone is welcomed!

DOWNLOAD HERE!

Below is the final statement from the mod team. Thank you!

Dear Morning Brew readers and supporters, We would like to thank you all for your patience as we navigate these unforeseen circumstances regarding the reception of our zine. We have received your feedback and decided to release the zine again to include only the works of contributors who expressly agree to have their works published in our zine. All works that were requested by their creators for removal have been removed in the newest publication of this zine; in addition, we have also taken down their contributor spotlights and as much association with them in respect to their decision to leave the project. After this re-release, we do not intend on editing the zine again as this zine is finally complete.  To those who may still have a copy of the original zine, we ask that you do not share it in respect to our former contributors’ decision to leave and no longer associate with this project. Despite everything, we hope you continue to support our contributors, current and former, and celebrate their passion and skill. Thank you for coming to our grand re-opening! From the mod team of Morning Brew

Happy New Year!

Glory of the Cream Republic!

beginning / end

Первоответ в аск за Эспрессо <3

приветка в аск за горячего кофейного профессора