THE WITCHER X READERS

[JASKIER DRABBLE]

Based on Make Your Own Kind of Music by Paloma Faith!

Word count: 541

Befriending Jaskier had led you to find out that you actually have a singing talent of your own. It was a surprise really when Jaskier pointed it out, you had never thought much of it. You liked to sing, sure, but you hadn't thought it's anything above average. Jaskier told you that your voice was soft and melodic, and would do well in duettos if you ever wanted to try singing with him.

You weren't very fond of the idea though, Jaskier's songs were loved where your songs got ignored. They always seemed so cheesy too in your ear, and sometimes you just wanted to smash the quill and the inkpot because your lyrics just didn't come together.

"You try too hard," he told you as he watched you being frustrated with your text. "You should write songs from your heart, don't try to mimic anyone else." He smiled at you then and patted your shoulder reassuringly. "Trust me."

You still felt like his words sounded hollow coming from him. Your songs could be crap even if you wrote stuff from your heart. It wasn't like you wanted to spill all your secrets to the world.

"It won't make any difference," you mumbled, taking in a deep sigh. "I can't write decent lyrics anyway."

Jaskier shook his head as he took a sip from his drink. "You just have to make your own kind of music. It's unique, and will get you fans. No one wants to listen to someone who copies someone else."

"I guess not," you groaned. "But it still sounds ridiculous. Why would people want to hear my stupid lyrics? I'm no good at writing them either. I mean, how does everyone think I sound? They will laugh at me if I go and sing to them." You gestured at the crowd outside at the market.

"No, they won't." he replied. "The only thing wrong in your songs is that you try to mimic other singers, and their style doesn't fit your voice. You need your own voice for your songs. You need to—"

"Make my own kind of music, yeah, you said it already." You muttered under your breath.

"That's what you've got," Jaskier agreed. "You're just too self-conscious of yourself. If you could just let go of those inhibitions, you'll find out just how amazing you are."

You felt your cheeks warm up a little when he said that. Jaskier praised you a lot, but you felt like you never would get used to it. But you had to admit, they gave you a tingle of confidence and inspiration to try and make your songs better - maybe one day, you could travel with Jaskier as a fellow bard, and you could sing duettos around the world?

"Okay, I'll try," you promised him after thinking over his advice. "But promise me you won't laugh if I mess up or anything?"

Jaskier smiled at you again, patting your shoulder. "I won't laugh."

He left you in peace to write, and you felt like your next song would be one you would be happy with for once. Born from a memory, turned into a string of beautifully crafted lyrics. Maybe you indeed would be a successful bard one day...