Disclaimer: The Witcher and every character aswell as location, that is not created by myself belongs to CD Projekt Red aswell as Andrzej Sapkowski, the original author of the books.
Reviews and ConCrits are always welcome!
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Chapter 10: The Free City
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"I can already see the red roofs of Novigrad!"
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Finally the two companions reached the free city of Novigrad on a warm and sunny day. It was about time. Their main goal, or at Kaleb's, was to find out something about those bandits. Who in hell would know something about a deadbeat bandit gang, you ask? Well, there's always a person with one or two ears in every place.
Their path took them through the houses in the outskirts of the free city, where the otherlings mostly lived. Everything seemed calm, people just went through their daily routines, not caring about the two strangers. Something relaxing for a change, certainly better than being ill-mindedly stared at.
"Finally within big walls.." Elron sighed relieved.
Kaleb laughed weakly about his companion, "Wuss."
Elron knew that this wasn't meant as an insult but rather light hearted teasing, something that had been occuring often on their travels.
"So tell me, what are we doing in Novigrad?" he asked, "You mentioned that you were looking for someone here."
"We're looking for someone who can help us find those bandits." the witcher replied.
"And who might that be?"
"Can't tell you right now."
"Alright then..." Elron mumbled, "You could at least tell me where we're headed."
Kaleb didn't even bother to respond this time. Elron already got used to the taciturnity of his companion, though it would really annoy him at times. It was the seriousness in the raven haired one's expression, that was somehow different than usual, it seemed more intimidating than usual and that couldn't mean a good thing.
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They eventually reached a rather hidden wooden gate. Kaleb and Elron got both off their horses and the witcher knocked at the door – three times.
"Who's there?" A small shutter in the door opened and the brown eyes of a man looked at the two, "A witcher?"
"Aye, name's Kaleb and this is Elron." the witcher replied, "We need to talk to Bedlam."
The shutter closed quickly, followed by the rattling noises and the door being unlocked. But before the two could enter, the bouncer stepped out, in front of them, "Before you enter you'll have to hand over your weapons. For safety reasons, obviously." he said, "Also you'll need to pay a small entrance fee, for first time members. Don't worry, you won't have to pay after that ever again."
Kaleb nodded and gave the bouncer his sword and knives, "I've already payed that fee a while back. You can ask Bedlam, he knows me."
"Aye, I know you've payed. I remember every face that enters this place. But I was talking about your companion here." the bouncer pointed at the witcher's younger companion, who gave off a rather perplexed look, "Why do I have to pay for entering a place like this?" he questioned, crossing his arms, "This is below my dignity!"
Both Kaleb and the bouncer rolled their eyes, "Listen, kid," the witcher said, "Two options, you pay or you wait here, I don't give a damn."
The door closed with a loud bang as the two entered, leaving Elron behind, "What a rude breed of people.." he grumbled before deciding to take a stroll around the area, which he's never visited before, as his tutors would always warn him of visiting this particular area of Novigrad, such as some other shady areas.
On his way he eventually got to the harbour, where his astonished gaze met beautifully built ships, a bustling market, playing children, beggars, nobles, prostitutes and commoners. Elron had always been fascinated by the simple, sonder things in life, such as a regular day at a harbour. In his youth he would rarely leave his family's estate in the north east of Oxenfurt, because of the paranoia of both his parents, constantly lecturing him about the dangers of the world out there. Amongst those were the witchers.
Needless to say their teaching didn't achieve the desired effect, but rather the exact opposite, as Elron was fascinated by all the monsters and myths, the tales about dragons and knights in shining armour, rescuing the damsel in distress and of course witchers. His fascination for the mutant monster slayers began when such a witcher with snow white hair came to visit them to ask questions about a monster, that was terrorising a local village.
Elron remembered an awful lot of things, as he strolled through the streets of Novigrad, he even recognised some of the areas, one stood out in particular...
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It must've been eight years ago...
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It was one of those hot summer nights, where the drinks were cold and the company warm. A young man, brown hair tied to a loose ponytail was getting himself in celebration of his friend's birthday.
"19! 19 god damn years! My friend, that's the age!" he cheered as the group of six men drank on, laughing.
Yes, indeed, it was a fabulous time to be alive, for one there were no worries in the world, no tutors or parents to tell them what to do and what to leave. This was freedom!
The hours passed and the tavern got emptier and soon only a handful of people are going to be here.
"Well are you going to talk to her or not?"
Elron's head shot up, "What are you talking about?" He gave his friend, he can't remember who it was, a perplexed look.
"Her." the friend said pointing at a beautiful, strawberry blonde girl, who sat alone at the bar. Had been sitting alone for the whole evening. She had a few freckles on her face, a small, thin nose, light blue eyes. Her hair was in a french knot and reached down to about the middle of her back.
"C'mon, Ellie, I've seen how you've been looking at her the entire time." the friend went on, "Go talk to her, man. Make this your chance!"
"I.. I can't just talk to her!" Elron protested, "Think of anything that could happen..."
"Exactly! What's the worst thing that could happen? She could turn you down, end of story. There's nothing more that could happen." the friend replied, "Listen, we're only young once in life, so we should seize every opportunity life throws at us and make the best of it as long as we can."
Elron took a moment to consider, before he finally stood up and walked towards the young woman, "Good evening." he said.
"Hello, can I help you?" she asked.
"Um, no, but I was wondering. You've been sitting here all the time by yourself. I just wanted to offer you company." Elron explained, swallowing his nervousity.
She looked away from him and on the counter. Elron noticed a faint smile on her face, "Sure, I guess it beats loneliness."
"Splendid! Um, may I know your name?"
"Only if you give me yours."
He smiled widely, "Elron, nice to meet you."
"Emma, nice to meet you too."
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After a short, lighthearted conversation the two decided to leave the tavern and stroll through the streets of the free city of Novigrad. It was a warm night and the few lights of the city glowed beautifully, emitting the empty streets with their light and warmth. Amidst this, two souls, chatting, laughing.
There was certain tension in the air, exactly what Elron was hoping for and he was happy that it had been working out as good as it has until now. It felt like he knew her for years, for eternities now, like they had met before, maybe in an earlier life.
They stopped underneath a lamppost, near the harbour. They heard the calming sound of the waves and nothing else, not a single voice, no steps, only the two of them.
"It's been a lovely evening." Emma said, holding both his hands.
"It has been indeed." Elron agreed, "Thank you for deciding to join me."
"Please, how could I ever turn down someone like you?" she replied flirty, "But there is something I haven't told you the whole time."
Elron had a bad feeling about this, though he was hoping for nothing too terrible. It was the way she said it that scared him..
"This is my last day here in Novigrad. Or the entirety of Velen itself." she began, "My father has got a new job as advisor in Nilfgaard, in Baccalà, which is why we have to move. We'll depart tomorrow."
"What?! But.. you can't! Not after tonight, not after we've just met!" Elron protested.
"I don't want this either, but I have no other choice.."
"Then I shall come with you! I shall never leave your side!"
Emma shook her head, "I fear this is not possible. See, you have a whole world ahead of you, free of responsibilities! Don't do this, but travel the world, make new acquaintances, venture through the lands, but don't settle for someone just yet.."
"But..." Elron understood that protesting any further would be of no use, "I knew this would end in regret.."
"Why is that?"
"Because I have fallen in love with you!" he exclaimed, louder than intended.
Emma remained silent for a moment, "I... don't think I don't feel the same, Elron.. I feel the same for you, but I can't do such, as my responsibilities require me to leave with my family."
"I see, I can't persuade you, Emma.." Elron lowered his head, "Then this is goodbye, I fear? It was nice, having met you and I hope that we can catch up to where we left off sometime."
"Me too, but until then... Let's give each other something to remind ourselves."
Emma pulled herself up, clinging to Elron's collar, who still had to realize what was happening. He decided to let it happen and closed his eyes, as she did, as their lips got closer to each other, before...
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