Witches: Little Red Hood
Disclaimer: I do not own either of these properties. All rights go to their respective owners.
Chapter 1: Lost Girl of White Orchard
Geralt stared at the fire, the flames eerily reflected in his amber eyes. His makeshift campsite was in a small forest clearing several miles out from White Orchard. Night had long since come and many creatures, or wolves, were most likely prowling about. He had left the herbalist's hut some time ago, traveling back to White Oak to meet with Vesemir at the inn, and kill the griffin in exchange for information on the whereabouts of Yennefer of Vengerberg. Roach was tied to a nearby tree barely making a move, nickering slightly. His mind wandered to the girl at the herbalist's. She had survived the griffin's attack, but it left her mortally injured. One of his witches potions, Swallow, could save her. However, it could also kill her or leave her in a state worse than death.
He didn't have time to wonder further. Roach started neighing and trying to get away from whatever startled her, pulling at her reigns. Geralt was by her side within seconds, putting his hand on her neck, which had some effect as Roach stopped her frantic movements. Turning his ears to the forest, Geralt sorted through the noise, the rustling leaves, and the wolves in the distance. Nearer to the camp, the crunch of footsteps on the forest bed was less than 5 yards from his position. Turning all his attention to this new sound, he processed all the information he could from it.
"Slightly heavy steps, still lighter than a man's. Flapping in the wind, must be wearing a cloak. (sniffs) Scent of roses, mixed with blood. Injured, but not too badly."
Geralt turned his head as the girl stumbled out into the clearing. She had black hair with red highlights, and silver eyes. She wore a black blouse and skirt with red trimmings, and a corset tied with red laces. Completing her outfit was a cloak and hood that was a vibrant shade of red. Her breathing was heavy and judging from the dazed look, she was about to pass out. Her last step faltered as she fell. Geralt caught her by the shoulder. Picking her up, he carried her to the campfire.
White Orchard Inn
Vesemir stood outside by the inn door watching the sky grow even grimmer by the second. The whinnying of a horse drew his attention as Geralt rode up, with a young girl in front of him. Dismounting and carefully sliding the girl down, Geralt immediately rushed to the inn. Vesemir held the door open as the other witcher blew past, a silent nod in appreciation his answer.
"Elsa, do you have a spare bed?" Geralt called to the innkeeper, still walking towards the back. Elsa looked at the witcher and the bundle in his arms before nodding and making for the back entrance.
Vesemir simply went back to the table they had taken up, drinking his rye, Geralt returned to the table minutes later.
"So then, care to explain why your carrying a young girl back to this village?" he said, his tone slightly joking, slightly accusing.
"Was camping near the village, waiting for dawn when she startled Roach. Girl stumbled into the clearing, and she was injured."
Vesemir nodded as he listened.
"I see, so to prevent creatures and beasts from attacking her in the wild, you brought her to relative safety," said the elder witcher."Alright then, what else did you find out there?"
"Griffin's abandoned it's lair, gonna have to lure it, set a trap. Know where to get some Buckthorn." Geralt replied.
"Oughta work like a charm. Powerful scent." Vesemir nodded as he poured himself another mug of rye.
"More like stench." Geralt added, wrinkling his nose and scrunching his face in disgust.
"City boy. Rotting meat, manure, piss, standard smells of the countryside. Remember Tretegor, hunting that zeugl in the trash heap? You spent half the next day bathing, scrubbing yourself," Vesemir said, his tone amused.
"How can I forget? You ever gonna stop bringing that up?" Geralt looked at the elder witcher indignantly. Chuckling to himself, Vesemir took a sip of his drink. "Anything else?" he inquired.
"It's a male, had it's nest in the Vulpine Woods. Nilfgaardians burned the woods, killed its mate, smashed their eggs... Thought they'd fixed things."
Vesemir shook his head in disappointment "Hm. It's always the same. Instead of sending for a professional, they try to do it themselves, only end up making matters worse. Hm-hm. Fine, if everything's ready, say the word and we'll get to work."
Geralt shook his head.
"I'm ready, but I'd rather someone were here watching over the girl."
Vesemir thought it over. Yes, the griffin was strong and against it, one witcher would struggle. But Geralt had proven himself capable of taking down larger beasts. The girl was still unconcious and her wounds would take time to heal.
"Alright, I'll stay and watch her." Vesemir nodded.
"So tell me... once we find Yennefer, what'll you do? Got your eyes on a contract?" Geralt asked the old master.
"No. I'll go to Kaer Morhen." Vesemir replied setting his mug down.
"Little early to settle in for the winter." Geralt replied in confusion.
"Snows are a ways off, yes... and that's what worries me." the old master replied looking sullenly at Geralt.
"Nilfgaard's crossed the Pontar in the east. That puts them maybe a weeks march from Kaer Morhen. If they reach the valley before the snows can cover the passes... well we need to cover our tracks, hide our paths," he said, his finger pointed at the table like it were a map.
"Speaking of winter, and wintering - think you'll come this year?" Vesemir inquired.
"Maybe." Geralt said "Might bring a guest." he added as he stood and moved away from the table.
"Before you leave, take this. Won it in a card game while you were running about. Might come in handy," Vesemir said as he handed Geralt a one-handed crossbow. The younger Witcher began to inspect the weapon.
"How about that. Always lectured us on the evils, but your a gambler yourself." Geralt quipped in amusement.
"Don't you have a griffin to kill?" was Vesemir's retort. Smirking, Geralt headed towards the door. Shaking his head the elder witcher returned to his drink.
(Several hours later)
Geralt blocked his opponent's blade, and then quickly brought his steel sword down the man's side. The bandit collapsed to his knees, groaning, before Geralt quickly beheaded him. The head flew over to the woman who had previously attacked the innkeeper over the shield. Geralt walked over to the woman and extended his hand.
"It's alright. It's over." he said, but the woman still crawled away.
"Leave me be! Get away!" she shouted as she quickly bolted.
Geralt turned to the innkeep who was cowering behind the counter. "Begone, and don't ever come back." she said.
Exiting the inn, Geralt and Vesemir came face-to-face with a squad of Nilfgaardian soldiers.
"That brawl? We didn't start it." Geralt said as the soldiers moved to the side. A familiar face then walked towards him. His eyes widened as she walked forward, same as the last time he saw her.
"Excuses, excuses...You've not changed a bit." the woman said. She had long, curly, raven black hair that contrasted with her pale skin, and violet eyes. She wore an outfit of black leather with a white undershirt, complete with black gloves and high heeled boots. Around her neck was a medallion featuring a pentagram. The woman was one Yennefer of Vengerberg.
"Ye-Yen? How?" Geralt stuttered in obvious confusion.
"I recieved a report about a witcher who'd appeared in White Orchard. I knew it was you. Looking for me." she replied as she walked forward her ebony hair swaying in the slight breeze. "I might've waited till you found me, but... you know me. Patience never has been my strong suit."
She hesitated somewhat unsure of what to say next.
"It's... good to see you Geralt. I-I'd even embrace you were you not covered in blood."
Geralt lowerd his head slightly.
"Sorry... Wasn't expecting to see you. To be honest, this isn't at all how I imagined we'd meet." Geralt said shaking his head.
"How did you imagine it?" Yennefer questioned.
"He didn't imagine you'd have a Nilfgaardian escort." Vesemir chimed in, walking closer to the two. "Don't get me wrong Yennefer. I'm glad to see you... but I do think you owe us an explanation." he finished as Jennifer nodded.
"And I shall provide it... in Vizima. Ready your horses."
"We can talk here. Some charming orchards nearby. In bloom, even, so you almost can't smell the corpses." Geralt replied voice dripping sarcasm.
"Tempting proposition." Yennefer said almost smiling at it, before her tone changed to one of authority.
"Sadly, I must say no. You see, someone awaits you in Vizima. Someone who doesn't like to be kept waiting." she said matter-of-factly.
"Emperor Emhyr van Emreis... or, to those on more intimate terms with him, the White Flame Dancing on the Graves of His Foes," she continued, as Geralt raised an eyebrow before he replied.
"Doubt I number among that group. Far as I remember, last time we saw each other, he wanted to kill me."
"Well, now he wants to make you an offer," Yennefer replied in kind.
"The kind one can't refuse?" the old witcher master said.
"I didn't. Though I could have," She said returning her hands to her hips.
"Fine. Guess I'm willing to hear him out," Geralt replied, but his underlying tone was that of dissatisfaction.
"The Emperor of Nilfgaard, Lord of Metina, Ebbing and Gemmera, Sovereign of Nazair and Vicovaro, will feel honored, I'm sure," Yennefer said drolly as she turned around and walked towards her horse.
"What about you?" Geralt asked his mentor.
"I'm going in the opposite direction. I somehow doubt the emperor's 'invitation' mentioned me. Besides, I've got things to do at Kaer Morhen remember?" Vesemir replied indignantly.
"Yeah, I remember. Thanks for your help, Vesemir. See you soon." Geralt said as he grasped Vesemir's outstretched hand.
"Don't worry, I still haven't forgotten the girl. I'll keep an eye on her while you're gone." He said as Geralt walked away.
Grabbing his horses reigns, Vesemir walked her to Elsa's house. He went inside, and followed the scent of roses that seemed to follow the girl earlier. Opening the bedrom door, Vesemir peeked in through the corner of the it. The girl was still unconcious, but her breathing was less shallow. Upon closer inspection of her bandages, they were dry. The blood had crusted the bandages and left a spot of rusty red-brown. Removing her bandages, Vesemir stared in astonishment. Beneath the bandages, and the gaping tear in her clothes, was ivory skin untouched by battle or by infection.
Vesemir's eyes narrowed. Now he was curious, and the only way he was going to get answers was from the girl. Picking her up and carrying her outside, the old witcher master carefully strapped her to his horse. He then got on himself. With a quick canter, they were off to Kaer Morhen, and whatever fate had in store for them.