18 Months Later

Eskel hefted the end of the beam over head as sweat poured down his face. Summer was not here in full bloom yet it was already uncommonly hot. He felt the thud of the L-shaped post as it slid into the freshly dug hole and the other men began backfilling to secure it in place. Overhead, he felt relief in his shoulders as two of the younger men lashed the new beam to the remaining part of the old. Eskel rolled his shoulders as he dropped his arms, thankful that part was over. The men in his employ could finish the rebuilding of the house that had been destroyed by a young shaelmaar that had escaped its captor.

Picking up his shirt, he walked to the fence near the gate and leaned against it. He looked out over the distance, the green fields and blue sky of Toussaint. He recalled the ride he had made over a year ago from Ard Carraigh after penning an apology to Triss. He had behaved abominably toward her no matter what had happened. She hadn't deserved what he had said to her. She had been grieving and he had been frustrated.

His last day in Pont Vanis, Eskel had picked up the last of Geralt's personal documents and noticed the quality of the parchment was far from ordinary. Reading the front told him it was a deed for property. Property in Toussaint, near Beauclair. Specifically, a vineyard called Corvo Bianco. The deed had been signed by the Duchess of Toussaint, Anna Henrietta. He had wondered then what feats Geralt had done to merit such a reward.

When he turned the parchment over, he found a less formal writing on the back:

I, Geralt of Rivia, leave my property listed opposite

to my friend and brother, Eskel, if he lives.

If he does not, then ownership passes to the witcher Lambert.

Thus, he loaded his horse and headed south to sunny Toussaint where he now owned property. It was a novel idea. A restful idea. He was tired. Tired of the sideways glances, curses, being spat at. The way women shepherded their children away when he appeared and men stood watch over their wives and daughters. So many fears brought to life in the minds of the people by a handful of spiteful words. He had read Monstrum when he was out on the Path only to return one day to a destroyed fortress and so many dead.

When he had arrived at Corvo Bianco after Wine Vat, the majordomo had known who he was and didn't seem surprised at his arrival. Barnabas-Basil Foulty had already known of Geralt's wishes, should he not return, and was given a complete description of the witcher that would take his place. Apparently, Geralt had been assured in the knowledge that it was a one-way trip. Barnabas eased Eskel into life at the vineyard, as he had been unable to do with Geralt before him. Eskel had stayed at the vineyard last summer instead of returning to The Path. Barnabas even married that fall, feeling confident that his Master could handle affairs without him for a short time.

Eskel pushed away from the fence and pulled his shirt on as he walked back up to the house. Barnabas was in his usual position on the patio in front of the house, looking down on the work below. No doubt he was also calculating income and expenditures in his head. Eskel came up beside him and sat back on the rail.

"Well?" the witcher asked his steward.

"Very good. Having you do the, ah, heavy lifting saved us from having to hire a crew to do it."

"I guess I can add work horse to my resume, now."

"We will have to be mindful of the grapes this season. It is already so hot…" Barnabas reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a square card. "This came for you earlier." He handed it over and Eskel read quickly over the beautifully penned script.

"No." He held it back to the steward. Barnabas turned to face Eskel.

"You must." He said as he placed a single finger against Eskel's hand and pushed it back toward him.

"No, I must not."

"This is a very important gala. This, a very coveted invitation…"

"And I'm not going." Barnabas sighed in outward exasperation as he again pushed the invitation back toward Eskel.

"The Duchess addressed this specifically to you. You cannot not go. Besides, you have been to one of her affairs before."

"Under duress and it was a disaster. If it hadn't been for your wife, I would have found myself in the dungeon." Once more, Eskel tried to hand back the sturdy card. Barnabas merely looked down at it.

"I will summon the tailor," he said with a bounce on his heels and walked away. Eskel sighed and shook his head. Eskel had tasted defeat more often at the hands of this solemn man than from any monster on the Path. He would apparently be going to some diplomat ball given by the Duchess. At least this time he would be going as a guest, which greatly reduced his chances of winding up in the dungeon.

The tailor arrived promptly the following morning with a measuring tape around his neck. His beleaguered assistant followed behind with an easel, a bag of fabrics, and another bag with sketching supplies. Beneath the portrait of a sulking Ciri, the tailor set up his equipment then requested that 'Sir' come stand for measurements. Eskel stood patiently as he was bid as the small man ran the tape around his chest, down his leg and arm, amongst various other uncomfortable places. When he straightened and indicated he was finished, Eskel shrugged into his jacket and strapped on his swords while the tailor began flipping through sketches of men's formal wear. Eskel was aghast. If this was what passed for men's fashion, he would rather arm wrestle an ogre. Barnabas cleared his throat discreetly from the opposite corner as he, seemingly, poured over a ledger. Fine. Eskel retrieved the Skellige tunic that he had worn to the disastrous ball the first winter he was in Toussaint. It was a fine garment but too tight in the shoulders and across his chest. Geralt was built a little leaner than he was.

"If I have to, I'd prefer something like this. In red." He handed the garment over for the professional's perusal. He looked from the garment to Eskel and back. A thoughtful expression came over him.

"Yes…" and he turned to his easel. Eskel looked over at Barnabas who motioned that he could go. That evening, when he returned to the estate, the tailor was long gone but his easel had been left behind. Eskel examined the drawing that rested there. It was a quick sketch of himself in a long red tunic. The collar was high, but not as high as his armored jacket. The tunic was trimmed in black, with black buttons running down the front and some light embroidery on the cuffs as well as the collar. It was simple and elegant. Well okay then, Eskel thought.

The night of the gala came and Eskel left Scorpion at the stables at the city's gate and followed the throngs moving toward the center of Beauclair to join the Duchess welcoming diplomats and other nobility. He had no idea why he was invited to this…this parade of pomposity. Was this her way of repaying him for finding that snotty noble bastard who had ruined her winter ball? He would have preferred more gold. He slowed his pace to lengthen the gap between himself and the group in front. Their raucous yet haughty laugher annoyed him and he shouldn't arrive on the Duchess' doorstep in bad humor.

Once he reached the sweeping stairs, he let the crowds pass by him as he watched them from the shadows before deciding it was time to stop delaying. He began his ascent and noticed a woman standing near the top as if she were waiting for someone. As he got closer, his breath caught and he stopped a dozen steps below her. The woman was Triss. Her red hair was swept up in an ornate knot and braids, her strapless dress faded from pristine white down to red, a slit to just passed her knee and around her neck was the flame jewel he had given her. His heart thumped hard in his chest. He had never seen anyone look as beautiful as she did.

Triss had seen the lone figure from a distance and watched him. She could tell it was a dark-haired man, but nothing more. When he hesitated to let the crowds pass, she was sure it was him. When he walked up the stairs, the moonlight shone across his face revealing the long scars she knew it was him. When he stopped just below her, she marveled at how well he looked. The Skellige tunic, the collar coming halfway up his neck then rounded down into the flat lapel. It was a simple yet elegant design, the blood red color suiting him perfectly. They stood staring at one another until Eskel spoke, his deep voice breaking the spell.

"Hi."

"Hello." Triss' reply was quiet but eager. They stood silent as a few others walked by looking curiously at them but Triss could no longer help herself. She gave Eskel her best and brightest smile and he relaxed. He smiled back then came up even with her and offered his arm.

"We shouldn't keep the Duchess waiting," Triss suppressed a nervous laugh as she slipped her hand through and held his arm. The palace was brightly lit and the buzz of conversation hug in the air. When they entered the ballroom, they could see the Duchess with her personal guard amid a flurry of elaborately dressed nobles at the other end. Triss gave his arm a gentle tug but stopped suddenly, placing her free hand on her stomach.

"Hungry?"

"You heard that?"

"Of course I did." Eskel led her to the long, lavishly laid table under heavy guard.

"Does the Duchess always guard her buffet this close?" Triss asked perplexed as she perused the fascinating morsels.

"She does now," Eskel replied handing her a glass of champagne.

"Now?" She slipped her hand back through his arm after eating several of the delicious treats.

"After someone turned her winter ball into a drugged orgy." Triss nearly choked on her champagne. Eskel stopped walking and watched her carefully until she ceased coughing.

"What happened?"

"Not long after I came here I received a letter, or rather Geralt received a letter. I took it to the palace and had the unfortunate task of telling Her Grace that Geralt was dead. Anyway, she was planning a winter ball in honor of her sister. There had been some vague threats. She wanted me to come and keep an eye on things.

So, I pulled on some dress clothes and showed up, waited and watched. There was nothing suspicious. I ate something off the table and it hit me about twenty minutes later. The last thing I remember was someone grabbing my arm and pulling me into dark room. When I came to, I…" Eskel stopped not sure of how to finish that. When he came out of the drugged stupor he was rutting on top of a dark-haired woman. A married woman. He never dallied with married women, no matter old how the husband.

"Are you blushing?" Triss asked with a smile. Eskel cleared his throat.

"I think you get the idea."

"Yes." She said with a twinkle in her eye.

"The entire place was like that. I started to sober up before anyone else, puked my guts up at the Duchess' feet and nearly got thrown into the dungeon. The guard at the gate took my pouch of potions so I wasn't able to take anything earlier. Fortunately, the maid who was being wooed by my steward slipped it into her pocket and brought it to me. Turned out some noble brat dusted the entire food table with some homemade drug before any of the guests arrived. My job then was to find who and drag his ass before her. Found him in some bandit cave by the lake. Trussed him up like a goose and dropped him on his ear at the guard house."

"So, all is well between you and the Duchess then?"

"I gue…"

"Yoo-hoo!" A voice carried over the crowd, interrupting him.

"Oh, no." Eskel visibly shrank beside her.

"Who is it?"

"When I blacked out…after I came to, it was with her. She has been hounding me ever since. Apparently, she was one of a few who did not eat anything that night."

"Fond memories then?" Triss asked, laughter shining in her eyes. Laughter and something he could not quite put his finger on. Eskel straightened as a beautiful woman with porcelain skin and dark brown hair and blue eyes approached them. She touched Eskel's shoulder in a very familiar way even as he took a step back to avoid the contact.

"Eskel, dear, I have been dying to get you all to myself again…" she paused and looked at Triss for the first time then her hand as it rested in the crook of Eskel's arm. Triss had the sudden urge to slap her.

"Margret." Eskel said not trying to disguise his impatience.

"You're not going to introduce us, darling?"

"Margret Lisle. Triss Merigold," Eskel looked down at his red-headed companion, "Sorceress extraordinaire."

"Sorceress? You have heard that…"

"Eskel!" The guests parted and dropped to bow or curtsy to the Duchess as she made her way over to him.

"Your Grace," He replied as he felt Triss dip appropriately.

"I'm glad that you came. I will get you into polite society yet, Witcher." Duchess Anna Henrietta said jovially before turning her ire on Margret. "Margret, where is your husband? Surely you are not still pestering the Witcher?" Margret stammered, unable to find words as the Duchess winked at Eskel before moving on. Eskel sighed. Now that he had been seen, he was ready to leave.

"Come on. Let's get out of here." Triss set her glass down and they made their way out the nearest set of doors. The garden was dark and full of people milling about, talking, drinking. Eskel led her down stairs and around the palace until he found the path he sought. It wound down and split in two: one path down into the city proper, the other toward the lake. They stepped off the wide cobbled path into the dark and into the ornate white gazebo that over looked the water. The path had been lit by lanterns making the way to the lake easy but they stood in darkness, save for the moonlight, the shrubbery designed to create privacy. Triss' hand slid from his arm as Eskel moved away from her to the railing. The moon was full and bright casting its glimmering reflection across the lake and the few boats rowing in the night time brilliance. Distant laugher wafted up to them from the gardens. It was a perfect night, warm with a light breeze, as spring began to fade into summer. Eskel's hands gripped the smooth wood as he gazed out into the night.

"I like it here," Eskel said softly. "It's beautiful, peaceful. I've learned to run a vineyard. Haven't been on The Path since I left Kovir."

"Why did you leave?" Triss wanted to know, but was terrified of the answer. Eskel shifted his weight on his feet but didn't leave the rail.

"You've always been someone we could count on. A good friend. All those nights I held you when you cried, all the time I spent with you in Kovir…I was afraid things might change."

"You were afraid to feel something for someone?" Triss watched him straighten up and look back at her.

"I'm afraid of feeling something for you." Something shifted in his face, and he gave her a cold, hard look that was suffused with pain beneath. "I am not Geralt." He sighed and hung his head, his voice softening as he returned to the rail. "I don't know why I'm telling you this but…Just over ten years ago, I went to this brothel in Novigrad. The madam gave me to the new girl. She was startled at my appearance at first. Terrified. The next time I went, she was surprised but seemed happy, like she had been waiting for me. I showed up again just after Sodden and she looked tired, gaunt and wouldn't undress but I managed to convince her. Someone had beaten her black and blue. She wouldn't tell me who it was, just that he was a regular. I found some oil and rubbed her back, brewed a potion to help ease the ache. I was prepared to pay my coin to give her a night's peace, but she insisted. Said I wasn't work.

I returned a few months later and the madam told me she was dead. Overdosed on fisstech. I knew she wouldn't do that on her own, she was driven to it. When I searched her room, I found a journal beneath a loose floorboard." Eskel was silent for a time as he watched the moon's reflection on the still face of the lake. When he spoke again, his tone was dark.

"I found him and I killed him. In cold blood. I drew it out even as he begged for his life and I never said a word. I've never done anything like that before or since. Then I went to the Friar and paid for a proper burial for her instead of the pauper's mass grave."

"Why?"

"Because she loved me." Eskel said quietly, staring off over the lake.

"Did you return her love?"

"No. It was nothing like that."

"Then, why do it?"

"Because she was a flower broken by a monster. I'm a witcher. I kill monsters. Also, because no one had ever loved me like that before. It was innocent, pure. She sought nothing in return. I thought her love deserved to be rewarded." He felt Triss' soft hand slide along his face coming to rest beneath his chin, turning him to her.

"Not the only one." Triss looked at him in the dark for a moment then removed her hand and sat back on the rail an arm's length away.

"I was angry at you when you left, but more at myself. I had to know…" her voice faltered and she clenched her teeth together to stop the sob that threatened to break free. She continued, "I had to know what happened that night. What drove you away. I went to the council and told them I needed them to perform a memory spell, one that would break through a drunken blackout."

"But you're…"

"Yes, I know. We took precautions but I was still sick for weeks afterward. I received your letter just before. You were so contrite that I knew I had to find out."

"And?" He asked softly. Triss looked directly at him.

"Nothing happened. We merely tripped drunkenly to bed. I don't think you even knew where you were going."

"Gods, Triss…I'm so sorry…" Eskel felt horrible knowing what he said and nothing had actually happened.

"You've already apologized," Triss said with a smile.

"It doesn't…It's not…" as he struggled to find words, he felt Triss touch his arm, her hand warm through his sleeve.

"Once I was back on my feet, I received another letter. I was…relieved that you were alright. Then I received another. It gave me hope that we could still be friends at least." Triss paused and watched him as he gently played with the tips of her fingers. She felt something well up inside her, something warm yet painful. "A few months after you left, I stopped dreaming of him." Eskel looked up at her, waiting. She pulled her hand back and he felt suddenly bereft.

"I got so used to having you around…The cottage became cold and lonely. I went through the motions but something was missing. And then I began to dream of you." When she looked up, Eskel was standing close to her gazing down at her, his face partially obscured in shadow, his golden eyes intent. The she felt it, the gentle hum as he took her hand in his. Then his lips touched hers softly and the hum intensified, shimmering over her. She had wondered if it had been a product of her grief at the time, but no, it was still there as she wrapped her arms around his neck, his hands at her waist, the gap closed between them. They kissed slowly, savoring one another as their relationship shifted from friends to lovers. Eskel suddenly broke away, his cheek resting at her temple as he looked over her shoulder.

"Someone is coming."

"Oh," Triss replied and tried to step away but his arm was firm, holding her pressed to him. She felt his chest heave in a deep breath.

"Come home with me," he whispered. His voice was husky and it sent shivers down her spine. She nodded. He took her hand and led her away from the palace garden to the gate where his horse was stabled. Hoisting her up, he nestled behind her and gave Scorpion a kick. Eskel breathed her in and placed kisses down her neck and shoulder as they rode. Triss held tight to the arm that held her close as the hum became louder but not unpleasant.

They dismounted by the door, leaving Scorpion to wander at his leisure. The main house was almost just as she remembered, but the bedroom looked very different. The desk was gone and the painting of Geralt was replaced by one of a great black dragon. On the bed was a rich red and gold blanket. The effect was a drastic change from when she last saw it. The bed she knew was comfortable, she had slept in it but they had never….

She turned to see Eskel had unbuttoned the fine red and black garment and was shrugging it off his shoulders before gently laying it over the chair in the corner. His chest was smooth, broad and lightly scarred. He had a heavier look than Geralt, his form built thicker, his muscle bulkier. Eskel saw her raise her hand and his medallion vibrated against his chest. He reached for her wrist and pulled her hand down.

"Allow me," he said and she turned her back to him. He ran his hand over her bare shoulders eliciting a shiver. Gently grasping the silky material, Eskel loosened it hook by hook until the dress slipped from her and pooled around her feet. She felt his fingers trace down her back to the waist of her lace panties and back up before leaving her skin. Next, she felt a tug at her hair as he pulled the pins that held the ornate design. Each tendril and braid fell one by one at his insistence. Once all her hair hung loose past her shoulders he gathered it up and brought it to his face, inhaling deeply before trailing his hands down to her hips hooking his thumbs in the lace that sat there. He knelt behind her as he pulled the tiny article down her legs then running his hands back up her legs and over her backside before stepping away completely.

"Stay," he told her and she could hear him pull off the remainder of his dress attire. She waited patiently until he touched her shoulder with a gentle pull. She turned and the desire in his face struck her with awe. His body was scarred and hard, everywhere. His eyes roamed over her body as he reached for her hand and placed it on his chest, over his heart. Triss could feel the heavy thud and his shallow breath along with the hum of magic that roiled inside him. Eskel repeated the ritual of touching her, running his hands down her sides, stomach, and cupping her breasts which drew sighs and whimpers from her. When he kissed her again it was still slow and teasing.

Eskel lowered her to the bed, determined to feel every inch of her. He covered her and gently sucked and kissed her throat.

"Oh, Eskel…" Triss moaned as the hum began to overwhelm her. It was the moment he had been waiting for. He parted her knees and settled himself then joined steadily with her. When he was firmly seated, Triss arched and moaned as spasms rocked her. The hum that slid beneath her skin at his touch now filled her completely at the intimate connection. It overrode all her senses. All she could feel and see and hear was him. Eskel was mystified by such an immediate response and held still, savoring her pleasure. His curiosity was forgotten, however, when Triss pulled him down and began to kiss him greedily.

All his here-to-fore restraint dissolved and he gave himself over to her. Each touch, each kiss, each thrust met with equal response. Never had he bed a woman that met him so completely in passion and desire. Triss was unabashed in her reaction to his touch. Where Geralt had been spontaneous and creative, Eskel was…thorough. There was not an inch he had not touched in some manner. Coupled with the vibration of his magical aura, it was the most satisfying and erotic experience of her life.

Triss arched beneath him again and Eskel released a soft groan as the exhilaration of completion swept over them and he slumped over her, burying his face in the dampness of her skin. When their bodies separated, he slipped an arm under her shoulders and rolled off her pulling her to his side. He lay staring up at the ceiling as his right hand rested on the pillow beside his head. He felt her slide her hand over his heart, feeling each beat slow to normal. Triss watched his profile as her hand moved with the rise and fall of his chest, his breath slowing.

"I fell in love with you that winter," Eskel said, his words a near whisper. "That's why I left. I wanted you to want me like you did him. I wanted it to be my name on your lips." Triss snuggled closer and Eskel turned over, wrapping his free arm around her. Together they fell into a deep sleep, their legs entwined, their hearts beating as one.

Triss returned to Kovir the following morning but not before saying a heartfelt and painful goodbye under the dawning sky. She stood in the circle of his arms as he gave her one last lingering kiss.

"Come with me," she said as their lips parted. She saw some trepidation in his face at this request. He had created a whole new life in Toussaint and here she was, asking him to leave it. "Don't answer just now…but…if you want to be together…you know where to find me." She raised up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss then turned and teleported away.