A.N.- Thank you for all those who were kind enough to give me feedback, I really appreciate it all.

Side note, I do not have the luxury of time to be taking up challenges at the moment, so would the person or persons who has been filling up my review page with challenge scenarios please stop. You know who you are. Furthermore, the anonymous accounts do not do you any favors. You have a lot of passion so why not write it yourself.

I merely want to focus on The Viper's Awakening

Chapter 8: The Masquerade

Ciri strode past the stalls of the busy Novigradian market anxiously as she made sure that her face was tightly covered with the sun shining above her. Around her, the mouth-watering aromas of freshly baked pastries, roasted meats subsequently caused the young woman's stomach growled.

The ashen haired heiress of Cintra realized that it had been a while since she had last eaten, if you would call the last couple bites of bread to be a meal. She then reached for her belt pouch and grimaced as she felt the lightness of it. Her funds from her time at the Bloody Baron's was running low as she had spend most of it getting to Novigrad as well as securing access into the city.

Ciri sighed as she stood and watched a woman place the tray of freshly cooked buns on the display stand and glazed them in honey.

The ashen haired young woman stiffened as she saw the stall owner look up and caught her gaze but found herself surprised as she was beckoned over.

Ciri took a swift glance to both her right and left and slowly shuffled over to the stall, the smell of the pastries strengthening with each step she took forward.

"Hi…errr….were you waving me over?" Ciri said in a rather unsure tone.

The stall owner smiled and picked up two freshly baked buns that were in the display stand and handed them to the bewildered young woman. "You seem a bit peckish dearie, take them." The woman said, still smiling.

"Oh no, I can't do this." Ciri responded, her eyes darting between the proffered bread and the stall owner.

"Do take it dearie, you look famished...if you're quite finished with making a fuss, I've got other customers to attend to." The stall owner responded as she pointed with her index finger and Ciri turned around to see a queue had formed behind her. They were obviously less than please with regards to the hold up.

"Oh…um, right…" The exiled heiress of Cintra murmured sheepishly as she took the bread offered to her and mumbled her thanks to the stall owner who had only waved her off.

"Strange girl…that one." The stall owner murmured with a shake of her head.

As the last customer of the queue approached her, the stall owner smiled as she found herself staring at the neutral expression of a young dark haired man with the hood on his viridian cloak down.

"I trust everything went well?" The stall owner's smile widened.

"Indeed, Mister Peverall…however, do pardon my curiosity but you have a peculiar way of showing affection towards women…it would be easier to simply say hello to her would it not?"

Hadrian's eyes widened at the insinuations as he could feel heat rise up from his cheeks.

"To be fair…most people would arrive at such assumptions…you're not doing yourself any favors approaching it this way." Tom teased with a massive face splitting grin as Hadrian then turned to give his ghostly companion his best glare.

"I appreciate the advice…" Hadrian responded awkwardly as his order was handed to him. Freshly made sausage rolls.

Ciri found herself feeling perplexed as she walked across various food stalls who had all offered her food, nearly all of them utilizing the excuse of wanting to showcase their specialties or another excuse similar to it. However she wondered who would do such a thing, not the Wild Hunt for obvious reasons, though it was somehow hilarious imagining the Wraiths concocting such a plan.

Her ashen colored brows were furrowed as she took a bite from the skewer in her grasp and savored the flavor she tasted.

No matter, she had a job to do coming into Novigrad, she clenched the phylactery that was secured in her pocket. Ciri finished the last of the free food that was given to her with gusto as she walked down the bustling streets and arrived at Hierarch Square.

Immediately, she was struck by the stench of burnt flesh and fat and subsequently covered her mouth and nose with a hand. The square was crowded and it was nigh impossible for her to maneuver through to the other side. As she was pondering about the choices that were available to her, a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Thinking of crossing the square?" The soft and unassuming tone was definitely male, had to be early twenties if Ciri had to put money on it.

She turned to the voice's owner who was leaning against a stone pillar underneath a sign that read Vivaldi's Bank and found herself staring at a person garbed in a dark viridian hooded cloak, dark fitting pants and expensive looking knee length boots. There was also a curious silver cylindrical object attached to his belt.

"I am." Ciri responded.

The man smirked underneath his hood, his stance unchanged.

"Then I'm afraid you'll have to wait until the circus act has passed."

Ciri's eyes narrowed as she turned her attention towards the stage where three struggling individuals, two women, one man were being led by Witch Hunters to the stage. Ciri felt horror and anger fill her entire being at what was to come. Instinctively, she started to reach for her sword that was holstered on her back.

"Planning on playing the hero?...Are you ready to accept the consequences?" The mellow stranger said as Ciri stiffened.

Panic shot through her as she listened to the latter statement that was being made.

"You'll rush the stage, kill the Witch Hunters and Order of Flaming Rose priest, save the hostages…then what?...What will you do?"

His words, soft and politely uttered, hit her gut harder than any troll could have. Ciri felt her resolve crumble as she knew the consequences of using her power here, in the midst of so many people. Not to mention the Wild Hunt, they would immediately know her exact location and they would no doubt be willing to level the city in an attempt to find her. It was not a risk she could take, as she had no doubt a task that would take time to fulfill.

"You have really thought this through… haven't you." Ciri said bitterly.

"Perhaps…My wish is that people, no matter their origins or beliefs could coexist in harmony…however I have yet to find a solution for this far-fetched dream." The man spoke softly beneath his hood.

"It's not farfetched!" Ciri protested defiantly, eyes gleaming with determination. "I have travelled extensively throughout the continent and even though people can be selfish, fearful, hateful, that's only half of what I saw."

Turning to the person standing next to her, she face him, silently cursing the way his hood obscure his face.

"I have also met people who were kind, honorable, and selfless, so no, I don't believe your dream to be farfetched…in fact, I share it."

With a resigned expression on her face, Ciri felt her shoulders relaxed as she stood next to this very strange man who seemed to be unfazed to the situation.

"It would seem that my belief that this would be another trite day was proven to be erroneous…your conern, although unnecessary, is appreciated." The man spoke, chuckling softly.

Ciri felt her face flush as she pulled onto her hood and looked down. Was she so easy to read?

"The show's over." The man said as Ciri looked on and sighed.

The crowds were finally dispersing, murmuring and whispering amongst themselves relating to what they had just witnessed.

It was then Ciri realized one matter that she had only come to realize now. She had heard no screams of the dead that had passed on moments ago, as a matter of fact, she could recall no other sound apart from the voices of herself and the cloaked man leaning next to her.

She swiftly snapped her head to her left and as she had suspected, the man that she had been conversing with was gone.

The young ashen haired woman was momentarily stunned as she looked around her and could not locate the cloaked man anywhere. She stiffened as she felt drops of water tap against her hood, looking up, the ashen haired woman felt the sensation of rain tapping against her face.

Ciri closed her eyes briefly before opening them again, within laid a sense of renewed determination.

Slowly, she resumed walking as the thought of the man and the words that he had spoken lingered within her mind.

From the apex of the Cianfanelli Bank, a lone figure stood on a ledge perched on the roof. His viridian colored cloak flickered against the rising winds as the man watched silently. Hadrian looked down, a blank expression etched on his face, like that of a delicate porcelain mask.


In the depths of a simple yet elegant artisan workshop, a young man with tanned skin, dark hair and intensely focused brown eyes surveyed the mound of clay he was molding as he sat with a pottery wheel facing him.

He was clad in dark slacks, a dark blue shirt and a matching colored apron.

Behind the artisan laid his numerous, expertly crafted vases, jugs, pitchers, jars and bowls. Each piece was securely placed in its own display as the young man solely focused on the piece he was working on at the moment. His look of utmost focused turned into a smirk as he distinctively felt a shift in the atmosphere.

His hands paused as he looked up to see a pair of intrigued green eyes underneath a mop of damp, curly dark hair.

"Well, well, well, look what the snake dragged in…" Blaise Zabini commented as Hadrian ran a hand over his unruly hair as the young man returned the artisan's smirk with one of his own.

"Sooo, word of the town is that I hear you're making your moves on the bard…how very bold of you." The tanned artisan remarked as he brought an antique tray carrying an elegant yet simply designed tea pot with two corresponding cups and saucers to the sofas.

They were sitting a tad bit away from Blaise's workspace.

"It's nothing like that at all, Theo's been running his big fat mouth off again." Hadrian denied calmly.

Blaise had to chuckle at his friend's stubbornness.

"Hmmm…I recall our mutual friend Draco acting in that stubborn manner…look at him now. Soon to be hitched and hopeless…there might be hope for you after all!"

The Potter smiled as he sat a saucer and teacup in front of Hadrian and himself before moving to pour freshly made tea that seemed to flow fluidly into the containers.

"Well, to be fair, it was only a matter of time that the Dragon succumbed completely." Hadrian took a sip of tea and delightfully savored the flavor.

"…That Granger sure is something. The only woman to punch Drakie-Poo in the face and have him fall madly in love with her as a result." Blaise agreed as his eyes gleamed.

"Ah, I should have expected you to divert the conversation…but it shan't work against me." The artisan grinned as his friend shot him a look of annoyance.

"How do you do it?" Hadrian held his tea cup to his lips and sipped the aroma rich ambrosia.

"I don't know, perhaps it is because the tea was prepared in utensils which I have crafted myself" Blaise responded and refilled his friend's cup.

Looking up, the artisan gave the green eyed man a look of annoyance.

"I made you a set two years ago!"

"You did?" Hadrian feigned a look of innocence as master craftsman rolled his eyes.

"Fine…" Hadrian responded slowly, "I just couldn't recreate the taste…the blend just was not right…how the hell is this so bloody difficult, its tea."

It was Hadrian's turn to be annoyed as he could see Blaise attempting to contain his laughter but to no avail as the artisan burst into full blown bouts of laughter, clutching his stomach.

Hadrian simply shook his head as his friend had curled into a ball, clutching his sides while he laughed.

"Ah, I needed that…its been a while since I have been so amused." The artisan wiped the tears in his eyes.

"Glad I can be of service…" Hadrian smiled.

"Speaking of which, you received the invitation to the La Valette annual Masquerade?" Blaise asked as Hadrian shot him a frown.

It was well known to his three close friends that Hadrian hated festivities of all sorts and preferred the company of silence more than anything.

"Awwh, don't be putting that face up, you'll get wrinkles." Blaise exclaimed as Hadrian's frown advanced into a scowl.

"I have received the said invitation, I planned on ripping it however I have yet to have the time needed to do so." Hadrian replied, fishing out the invitation from a hidden pocket within his cloak.

"I'm actually surprised…you held off doing it immediately…perhaps all is not lost." Blaise sniffed melodramatically as he poured them another round of tea.

"Don't be so surprise…I am capable to expressing emotion. It is just not advised in my line of work." Hadrian said as he stood up.

"Ah and where might you be going?" Blaise asked, puzzled.

"Where's your wardrobe? I need a better change of clothes if I am to attend this jester sideshow." Hadrian smirked as Blaise eyes widened with surprise.


"Why can't you have went to Draco or Theo for this?" Blaise shook his head as he eyed his friend. T

he two were readily dressed and were standing in at the entrance of the Zabini Residence. The sun was on course to set and the skies were a magnificent orange and purple.

"You're the only person who matches my physical measurements unfortunately." Hadrian responded as he gave himself a final look over. He had only needed to borrow a silver grey jerkin to don over his white shirt.

"Whatever you do, return that jerkin in the same condition I leant you…that's all I'm saying." Blaise said as their carriage arrived.

"Oh and we'll need these. I brought an extra since someone has to prepare for the both of us." The young tanned skin man notified his companion as he brought up two masks.

The artisan had cleaned himself up and was sporting black slacks, dark brown dress shoes, a burgundy colored shirt and a black vest.

Hadrian simply smiled as he stared at the intimidating black serpent mask.

"How considerate of you."

Day had transitioned into night as Blaise and Hadrian arrived at the gates of the La Valette villa. The two were granted access as they revealed their invitations to the two guards who nodded and stepped aside.

"Ah, familiar faces already…shall we?" Blaise remarked as he marched up to two masked guests. Hadrian had to suppress a scoff as he spotted Theodore Bedlam and Draco Vegelbud, surrounded by a group of young attractive women. I

t was not difficult for Hadrian to figure out as Theo had opted to wearing only a sleeveless black cloak and had his tattoos on his arms for everyone to see. The leader of the Novigrad underworld syndicate grinned behind his red crow mask as he spotted the two newcomers.

"Ah I knew it! You did take our heart to heart seriously!" The young mafia cried with excitement as Hadrian slowly approached him.

"Mhmm…" Hadrian could already feel his head aching.

"That's quite enough. The party has barely started and here you are already trying to scare him off." Blaise intervened as he gently brushed off an elegantly dressed young woman that was leaning against him.

The artisan smiled kindly as the woman pouted.

Theodore sighed dramatically as he then promptly waved the group of women away much to their displeasure.

"Worry not…It won't be for long, the night is still young after all." The crow masked man said smoothly as he received unabashed giggling in response.

"I'd thought they would never leave." The blonde haired man remarked.

"Ah, is the great dragon afraid his soon-to-be missus might smell a mixture of varying perfumes on his shirt?" Blaise teased.

"No way! Hermione knows I'm serious about our relationship! I found those wenches annoying, that's all!" Draco protested as his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Both Theo and Blaise laughed while Hadrian smiled.

"Oi! You lot better stop this now!" Draco pointed dramatically at his friends.

"Or what?" Theodore responded through his chuckles,

"You'll sic Granger on us?"

"To be fair brother, she is quite scary when angered." Blaise added wisely, "Isn't that right?"

Hadrian then realized that he was being addressed as he nodded in agreement.

"Not one to be trifled with, for sure." He grinned as Draco fold his arms.

"Maybe I will." He said, eyes gleaming behind his gold colored Dragon Mask.

"Hmm…that might not be the best idea." Hadrian responded to his blonde haired friend. "Remember the time when we were involved in that brawl in the Golden Sturgeon."

"Ah, but to be fair, they started it." Draco responded with a nod, ending the discussion then and there surrounding the event.

"Right, but what happened when you discussed this event with the great Granger?"

Blaise caught onto Hadrian's ploy and sent his green-eyed brother in arms a knowing wink.

"She said something about using excessive force and acting childish and entitled. Gave me several bruises on my arm." Draco scowled.

"Hmm, indeed, you can be a terrible influence sometimes." Theodore nodded as Draco turned to the young mafia.

"What are you talking about? You're the one who brought your knives into the brawl."

"Hmm, perhaps we shall inform Granger that Draco has been putting in less than honest thoughts in our heads and that we, overridden by guilt, are compelled to confess in her presence. I wonder what she'll do…" Blaise finished eloquently.

Draco paled instantly, few could pull the crying act as well as Blaise did and there was no way he was going to risk a potential dress down from his fiancé for the sake of proving that he was correct.

"Fine, but if she asks, I expect you all to back me up as that nothing funny happened because she's my one and only." Draco conceded as Blaise nodded.

Hadrian shook his head at the whole childish nature of the exchange with a wry grin on his lips. This was the one aspect he definitely missed when he was alone on the road out of the city.

In life, there was not many people Hadrian could call acquaintances; it was less so when it came to friends. He was…glad that he had Theo, Blaise and Draco. They were an odd, dysfunctional group but it was exactly for that reason that kinship was able to develop. Hadrian was glad that he could escape from the demons that plagued his mind and memories, if only momentarily.

He would miss moments like this, definitely.

"Oi, you there?" Hadrian snapped into focus as he saw Draco looking at him with concern.

"What? Yeah…" Hadrian responded.

He noticed his three friends sharing worrying looks.

"I'm fine, really!" Hadrian attempted to smile, "C'mon, I'm famished…some service they have here." He then walked past the trio and towards the tables that were filled with plates of mouth-watering delicacies.

"Theo…" Blaise said quietly.

"After. We'll talk afterwards." Theodore responded in a low tone, uncharacteristically so.

"Right." Draco nodded in agreement as they joined their friend.

The atmosphere was more optimistic and uplifting as the four ate at their rather opulently furnished table. They had strategically chosen the table furthest away from the crowd for Hadrian's sake.

"So, what creature would you classify as being the toughest to fight?" Blaise asked with excitement as Hadrian smiled at his child like curiosity.

"To be honest…" Hadrian went deep into his memories, there was not much in the dark that he could not dispatch with ease with his abilities, when he was given a reason to fight to his fullest potential. His initial fight with Arianna would be the hallmark example of fighting to survive.

He remembered his calm and collective exterior but internally, he felt the excitement from facing an opponent that could potentially end him if he made the slightest mistake. When he felt the warmth of his own blood that had oozed from the cut he received on his left cheek, he felt joy and relief that at long last, an opponent had the capability to graze him, as miniscule as it was. Of course, he was well aware of the contradictions within himself.

"A Higher Vampire." Hadrian responded as Draco's forked dropped onto his plate with a clang.

"You…you're serious…" The blonde's eyes were wide as saucers while Hadrian sipped his wine.

"Right, the one that cut your left cheek." Theo snapped his finger.

"Wait, you were hit?" It was Blaise's turn to be stunned.

"A minor cut but still," Hadrian murmured, "The sensation of your own blood trickling down and being able to smell the scent of it was quite new."

"How did this even happen, why would you even seek out a Higher Vampire, even Witchers won't take such contracts." Draco hissed.

"It was a strange case, Cyrus and I happen to visit three separate villages that were suffering from a common theme…missing livestock and individuals who have left to seek answers but have seemingly disappeared afterwards. Same pattern as well." Hadrian replied as his threes listened intently.

"Cyrus reckoned that it was too much of a coincidence and the perpetrator was no average run of the mills creature." Hadrian continued, "He thought it would be an ideal opponent to test my skills on."

He finished with a shrug.

"Fucking hell. You have both lost it." Draco whistled.

"What was it like?" Theodore asked, playing with the silver ring on his finger.

"Surprisingly exciting." Hadrian smiled.

"Did you kill it?" Blaise asked, the artisan was a little shaken.

"The myth is that Higher Vampires can only be killed by other Higher Vampires so I unfortunately cannot give you an adequate answer…" Hadrian responded with a gleaming smile as Blaise shivered slightly from the cryptic response.

"Great, now you're going to give him nightmares and make him even more unbearable." Theodore shook his head.

It was at this moment that the echo of footsteps caused the four to freeze. "

Ah, if it isn't Blaise Zabini, Theodore Bedlam, Draco Vegelbud and my my, Hadrian Peverall." Maria Louisa La Valette spoke with calm grace and elegance. T

he Baroness was clad in a dashing red strapless dress that matched the red mask she was wearing. Her brown hair was styled in an eloquent coif.

"Impressive deduction" Hadrian responded in his neutral tone, "How did you figure?"

"Simple, apart from the obvious fact of noting Mr. Bedlam's distinguishable body art, your names were noted the moment you passed the gates and the matter is that I have greeted all the guests that were invited already." The woman responded simply as Theodore smirked.

"Thank you for your hospitality…it is a magnificent party." Draco responded in the aristocratic manner that was instilled onto him since birth.

Maria La Valette inclined her head towards the blonde.

"It was good to see you again, Master Vegelbud…I have heard of your plans for marriage from my associate" The Baroness gestured at her masked companion standing beside her who then performed an immaculate bow of greeting.

"…Congratulations."

"Thank you." Draco inclined his head.

"Shall we continue…" La Valette asked the well dressed noble next to her.

It was then Hadrian noticed the man beside La Valette had turned his attention towards him. When the man said nothing, Hadrian felt a hint of annoyance rise within him.

"If you have something to say, then by all means." Hadrian spoke up, starting to feel irritated.

"I shall re-join you in a moment Baroness." The man said as La Valette nodded and after curtseying, left the table.

"Mr. Peverall is it? A pleasure to finally meet you…your adept skill with a blade is well known back home." The man spoke in an audible Niflgaardian accent as he stuck out a hand.

"Movran Voorhis. Commander of the Alba Division. It's a pleasure."

Hadrian said nothing and stared at the proffered hand until Voorhis eventually withdrew it.

"Quite strange isn't it, the Temerian Army seems to have vanished without a trace after the Pontar Siege?" Voorhis remarked as Hadrian smiled.

"Was the immense casualty sustained worth it? I hear Velen is proving more troublesome than anticipated." The green eyed man asked as Voorhis frowned in response and said nothing.

"A piece of advice, Niflgaardian."

Hadrian stood up and faced the man.

"If one's desire is to rise to the top, then naturally being one step ahead of one's competitors is to be expected…But-"

Hadrian narrowed his eyes, as he recalled the last words that were bellowed to him from a mentor that held a torch to the barrels of explosives around him amidst the crumbling tower.

"-If one's desire is to look down from the apex…then it is the end play that matters."

"That's certainly an interesting philosophical approach, Mr. Peverall…it would seem that there is more to the individual behind the Duivel...I do look forward to our next meeting." Voorhis responded as he walked off, presumably to look for the Baroness.

"You know, you can be quite intimidating when you want to." Blaise said as Hadrian turned around.

"I'll catch up with you lot in a bit." The dark haired man announced.

"Where ya headed?" Theodore asked.

"Going to go for a walk."

"Right, we're gonna be checking out that dessert table." Blaise nodded as Hadrian walked off.

The young dark haired man wandered the La Valette grounds leisurely, taking in everything that the estate offered. He had observed and participated in a mini Gwent event but quickly left as he was gathering too much attention with each win. He had declined taking any money that he had won, citing that the sum be donated to charity instead. Making his way to the garden, Hadrian found it to be empty.

"At long last, some peace and quiet from those blabbering fools. I cannot understand for the love of Merlin of why you were so accepting of coming here." Tom spoke with annoyance, appearing next to him as Hadrian walked.

The young man wearing the black snake mask chuckled, he had long learned that Tom was not a sociable person as he believed only individuals that were equal in strength and intelligence to him were worthy of being in his presence. It definitely was an intriguing way of life.

"What did you think? Of the girl's power?" Hadrian asked, observing the night sky.

"From what I can sense, no less impressive than you…" Tom said bluntly, "However, I have yet to witness her ability to harness and control that power."

"Hmmph…I suppose we'll just have to wait a tad longer." Hadrian breathed out as he kept his pace.

He stopped in his tracks as he saw a lone figure sitting on a stone bench.

As he got closer, he smiled as he saw her coifed blonde hair. She looked absolutely dazzling in a strapless fitting simple yet graceful black dress with a matching black hawk mask.

With a sense of déjà vu, Hadrian took another step forward.

"Still brainstorming ideas for the new ballad I see…Ms. Callonetta"

Priscilla's head shot up as her brown eyes snaped towards the familiar voice.

She saw the immaculately polished black boots, dark slacks, fitting white shirt and a rather dashing silver grey jerkin. Looking further up, she saw the mope of curly dark hair and bright green eyes behind a black mask.

The trobairitz slowly smiled as he undid the clasp to his mask and fully revealed his face.

Hadrian raised his hand slowly in greeting.

"Hey." Priscilla greeted the young dark haired man.

"Is this seat taken?" Hadrian asked as the blonde haired bard shook her head. Slowly, he sat down next to her and made himself comfortable.

Hadrian found himself turning his head towards her as she suddenly let out a bout of laughter.

"Ah, my apologies, I was just wondering how is it that we keep meeting in seemingly unusual circumstances." Priscilla remarked with a fond grin.

"Who knows. Perhaps it was fated?" Hadrian smiled.

Priscilla surprised him as she shook her head again and turned to meet his gaze.

"Forgive me but I'm not one to believe in fate or destiny and I have a feeling that you are not one to believe in such concepts as well."

"Oh?" Hadrian responded. "How'd you know?"

"A woman's intuition." The bard grinned as she watch Hadrian stare blankly at her.

It was too much as she broke into laugher, and leaned into his left arm to muffle the noise she was making. Soon she stopped as she laid in her current position with content.

"What am I going to do with you'?" Hadrian thought to himself as he stared at the sea of blonde hair that was in his vision. He felt the urge to run his fingers through her golden locks.

He could feel Tom's disapproving glare from the corner of his eye and sighed.

"I'm sorry, that was inappropriate of me." Priscilla said softly, slowly pulling back.

"It's alright…I don't mind if it's you." Hadrian smiled as the blonde haired trobaritz blushed.

Slowly, she undid her mask and allowed herself to return the gesture.

"So you're here by yourself?" Hadrian asked.

"I came with a friend and his...associate but he's probably chatting and entertaining his fans." Priscilla responded, her tone was even.

"I see…so you have been sitting here alone for a while then?" Hadrian crossed his legs and leaned back, he was astounded.

"You can say that…I much prefer being a part of the performing crew than the audience. There's also…no one I'd like to dance with" Priscilla murmured softly.

"Ah...I see what you mean…To be perfectly honest, I'm not one to dance either."

"Aha..so he does have a weak point after all." Priscilla grinned as Hadrian chuckled, though her heart dropped at his response though she was not quite clear why she felt that way.

Clearing her thoughts, she managed a smile.

"My turn. Who is the lucky woman that you have chosen to accompany you this evening?" The bard asked with a look of curiosity on her face.

"I'm afraid that there is no date Ms. Callonetta…I did come in with three...friends, those clowns are probably devouring everything on the dessert table right now." Hadrian snickered as he imagined the scenario.

"You seem really seem to be fond of them." Priscilla giggled.

"What gave me away?" The green eyed man placed a hand on his cheek.

"Your tone changed and…you have this far away look in your eyes." The blonde responded earnestly.

"Why of all the people in the world…that it is you who can read me so effortlessly?" Hadrian wanted to iterate his thought into words but found himself lacking the power to do it. So he settled back to what he did best, deflecting.

"Are you quite content on being a trobairitz…you'd make a great spy." He smirked lazily.

"Who says that I cannot be both?" Priscilla laughed as her eyes were faraway.

"Ah, a dazzling tale between a traveling spy who assumes the role of an ordinary trobairitz and a wandering warrior with a past shrouded in mystery …you might just have given me an idea for my new ballad." The female bard said with excitement.

"Ah, so that's all I'm to you, a source for new material…I'm not sure how to take this." Hadrian shook his head sadly all the while hiding a mischievous smile.

Immediately, Priscilla paled as she realized what she had just said.

"W-What?! N-No, y-you…that's not all that you are to me!" Priscilla stuttered and her eyes widened as she realized what she had just uttered.

The bard had the sudden inkling to curl up and have the world engulf her and to never be seen again as her face reddened with embarrassment. She squeezed her eyes shut and was ready for the sound of his boots hitting the ground and potentially walking away when she suddenly heard soft laughter that she could only describe as playful.

Slowly she opened her eyes and gingerly turned to face the dark haired man who was chuckling to himself.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment however, Priscilla found herself enjoying the sound of his laughter. She soon found herself joining in as any feelings of embarrassment and anxiousness were lifted from her shoulders.

As their laughter subsided, the two merely basked in the presence of each other.

"I…I never want this…to end." Priscilla thought to herself as it has been quite some time that she laughed with such carefreeness.

They proceeded to simply sit on the bench in silence, side by side, basking in the presence of each other as they looked up to observe the twinkling stars that littered the night sky. Hadrian then heard footsteps that were quickly approaching their direction as he stood up.

"I…I have to leave." He said softly, not knowing exactly what to say in his current situation.

He had done enough to her already. Hadrian did not expect his attempt to say hello would draw out into a conversation that would bring his emotions in light. Priscilla definitely deserved better. He was not being fair to her. Yes, this will be perhaps for the best. Leave and end anything that could lead this to a place where it would only hurt her even more.

"Alright…" Priscilla whispered, her hand aching to reach out towards him, a gesture to let him know that she wanted him to stay.

Wordlessly, Hadrian turned to leave.

Priscilla then felt an uncomfortable sensation rise to her chest while she watched him walked away. It was identical to how their last farewell played out. For a moment, Priscilla felt anger as she stood up, she later attributed to what happened in the next moment to the alcohol she had consumed.

"Wait!" She shouted as Hadrian stopped in his tracks.

"Blasted heels." The bard grunted as she closed the distance between them.

"Is there anything else?" He asked neutrally.

"What is it exactly that you feel towards me?" Priscilla balled her fists as she stood straight.

She swore her heart skipped a beat as he whirled around and stared at her.

The blonde trobairitz had to inwardly smile at the coldness of his tone.

If she had never had a genuine interaction with him, she might be compelled to back away but she did have a genuine glimpse of who he was as a person, when he saved her life in that lake, offered her assistance to getting into Novigrad, watched over her thus far.

Yes, she was aware of the involvement of Hadrian's tattooed friend however from her few interactions with the young mafia, Hadrian had agreed to having someone look out for her. The young mafia did make off a casual remark that Hadrian was on some level interested in her. Although Priscilla doubted his sincerity, it nevertheless made her heart flutter all the same that he did think of her.

Then there was the recent memory of them talking outside the Golden Sturgeon where he had admit admiring her both as a trobairitz and individual.

It was too much for the young woman, she had to know where she stood. It obviously was not a game for him as she inadvertently overhearing the gossiping of a gang of young noblewomen that Master Peverall had never once been in a relationship compared to his friends.

It was precisely why Priscilla stood inches away from him presently, staring into his eyes.

His expression was unscrupulous as he stared back.

"There you are Priscilla…Dandelion and I were looking all over the place fo-"

For a moment, Priscilla caught the smallest flash of what she saw as anger in Hadrian's green eyes before they returned to their blank state.

Slowly Hadrian turned his head to the side and caught the sight of ashen grey hair and wide green eyes, the same pair that has haunted him all these years since that night, the catalyst for the destruction of everything and everyone he held dear.

All was silent as Hadrian Peverall stood inches away from Cirilla Fiona Elen Rhiannon.


A.N.- Please Read and Review, even if it is a sentence, please let me know about your thoughts on the chapter and story thus far! It would really help me