Chapter 11: A New Breath

It was late in the evening when Geralt and the others arrived back in Pont Vanis. The daylight had faded and the Witcher quickly dismounted his horse and placed Tamara on his shoulder, then entered his home. In the parlor Rita and Evelyne sat by the fire, Keira was notably absent because the sorceress was at Triss's side. Geralt took Tamara to Triss's lab and placed her on the large table. Tamara was alive, but she had fainted from the loss of blood and without treatment she would die before morning. Covered in blood, Ciri stood for a moment, then unfastened her swords, leaned them against the wall, and left to clean up. Geralt glared at Lambert as the Witcher voice his displeasure for Geralt refusal to kill the assassin. Concern as the Witcher argument became loud, Keira exited the bedroom and intervened.

"Can you two lower your voices, please. Whose blood is that on you Lambert?" Keira asked.

"Not mine, it's the Witch hunter who Geralt refused to kill and then decided to bring her here." Lambert replied.

"What? You'd bring a witch hunter here? Explain yourself Geralt, tell me what logic is there in sparing the people who tried to harm your woman?!" Keira shouted.

"I know the girl, she's misguided. I won't kill her. Her father cared for Ciri when she fled the hunt." Geralt answered.

Rita shifted in her seat uncomfortably, the words witch hunter made her very uncomfortable and angry, the sorceress always kept a cool demeanor, and she wrestled with her thoughts, "I can understand the debt Witcher, but why bring her here?"

"She needs to be treated or she will die. I need the information she has." Geralt replied.

"Bullshit, she already said the mage was some asshole called Sigo, so we know." Lambert snorted.

"What? No!" Evelyne raised her voice, "Sigo is my mentor and well respected, he is absolutely loyal to Kovir."

"I have my doubts, Sigo did notified me of the plot. He send the dispatch and warned me, but if it's trues I will kill him." Geralt said.

"I understand, and thank you Witcher." She replied as she took her seat.

"Nothing is certain, only Triss can tell us who the mage is, and right now she is in there fighting for her life. Until she wakes, we still have nothing." Rita responded.

"One thing is certain. I am not treating the witch hunter." Keira said.

Rita lowered her head slightly, she knew she owed the Witcher a debt, but the sorceress could not bring herself to aid a Witch hunter. She turned her eyes from Geralt and whispered, "Nor will I, the witch hunters are murderers Geralt. They burned my girls in Novigrad. I cannot and will not want to treat her Witcher, I am sorry."

"She believes sorceresses are evil, you prove her wrong if you save her life here." Geralt replied.

"I'll stabilize her witcher, but I'll do no more, if she does not heal on her own she'll die from infection in a few weeks." Evelyne said.

"Hmm, thanks."

"No witcher, forgive me, but I have lost many friends to the hunters, and I know what they've done. I'll not heal her injuries just stop the bleeding." She answered. "She should consider herself lucky if I don't decide to kill her myself."

"Great, just fucking great." Lambert said as he walked away, "Wolf! Maybe you'll give the fucking witch hunter your bed."

"I have my reasons. I own her father…" Geralt glared, his eyes glowed, "Enough Lambert, I'm not in the mood for your fucking sarcasm brother."

"Boys please! This not the place and time." Keira replied.

"No Keira! This is the place and time. Triss is in our bed dying, I need that hunter awake and she better try again. If she don't tell me what I need to know, you will see how cruel I can be. I will gut her like a drowner." He replied as the sorceresses watched, his tone was final and determined.

Keira knew the Witcher meant what he said and his words send chills down her spine, she nodded then left to her room to prepare a bath for Lambert as the Witcher and Eskel removed their swords and place them next to Ciri's. They undid their armors and hung them in Triss's lab. The room reeked of blood mixed with leather. Eskel retreated to the guest room to clean up as Evelyne and Rita walked into the lab. Ciri had already stripped Tamara's armor and Evelyne quickly stopped the bleeding. Ciri prepared a sleeping area for Tamara in the corner and Evelyne use her magic to lay the witch hunter on the pad. With a flick of her wrist Rita cast a spell on Tamara to prevent the hunter from waking up, then both sorceresses and Ciri left the lab and shut the door behind them.

Later that evening everyone gathered in the parlor. Keira remained at Triss's bedside and prepared for the treatment. Lambert sat with his back against the wall and as always Eskel sat in the opened window. The long silence was suddenly interrupted by a portal outside, the door burst open and Yennefer appeared. She removed her coat and hung in on the rack as Ciri approached and hugged her. She greeted everyone, but Lambert nodded without saying a word while Eskel the sorceress his usual one word greeting. Yennefer scanned the room and noticed Keira absence, then she turned her attention to Geralt who stood against the wall with his arms crossed. She paused for a moment beside the bookshelf, then fixed her eyes on the Witcher.

"Hello Geralt."

"Yen." He replied.

"It's good to see you again Witcher. I am sorry it's under such circumstances." She said.

"Thanks, for coming. Triss and I..."

"No need, Triss would've done the same." She replied.

"True, she would've without any fuss." Lambert muttered, Yennefer turned her eyes toward the Witcher. She glared at him from the corner of her eyes.

"Ahem. Can we begin discussing our plan? Our sister is in there and we have no time to get reacquainted with old flames." Rita interrupted.

"Agreed." Yennefer answered.

Confused, Evelyne stared at the interaction between both Witchers, Yennefer and Rita, then it suddenly dawn on the sorceress. Lady Merigold is the witcher's current lover now, but Yennefer was his lover in the past. What an awkward situation.

"Evelyne," Rita said, as the sorceress turned quickly. "It's your plan so I'll leave the details to you."

Evelyne nodded, then began to explain her plan. She would use her healing abilities to keep Triss's body stable while the most experience of the four sorceresses, Margarita, Keira and Yennefer would use their magic to lift the curse and seal it. Yennefer voiced her concerns immediately. She insisted they isolate the curse in Triss body, then removed and sealed it in a phylactery. The sorceresses discussed every intricate detail of their plan and each sorceress made their concerns known as Rita had suggested. It was important that each understood their roles before they began as there were no second chances, Triss would die if they failed. Each enchantress took a moment to prepared her mind, then Rita called them all together to began the labored task of lifting the curse from Triss's body.

"We are ready then?" Rita said, then took a deep breath. It's now or never.

"Everything is ready in the bedroom. Cirilla is with Triss now." Keira whispered, as she entered the parlor.

"Then let us begin sisters." Rita said.

"I will be with Triss. We should hurry, it's going to be a long night and the days ahead will be even longer." Yennefer said, then walked into Triss's bedroom.

"Good luck." Eskel said to Rita as the sorceress rose to her feet and patted the skirt of her dress.

She smiled confidently, as he nodded his head, her face flushed she replied, "Thank you, Eskel, but we must succeed, Triss will..."

"Will be fine." He replied, his eyes lacked emotion but confident.

"Geralt? It's good you're back. I know how you must feel, but Triss will need you at her side. When this is all over, she'll need your care, love and time to recover." Keira whispered, then patted his shoulders.

"Thanks Keira."

She smiled, "Anytime Witcher, Triss would have done the same for any of us without question."

As the sorceresses took their positions, Evelyne raised her hand over Triss and cast a diagnostic spell. She hovered her hands just above Triss's head, then slowly works down to her feet. After Evelyne determined it was alright to move forward, Rita, Keira and Yennefer raised their hand and uttered magical words. Like an enchanted melody, the sorceresses in perfect synchronization cast their spell, their hands glowed as Triss body is enveloped in a powerful magical field. Yennefer lost her concentration briefly, distracted as Geralt moved closer to Triss's side. The Witcher had his hand on her face, he would have kissed her lips had Evelyne not intervene, and order him back. His eyes were sad, he stared and listened intently as the sorceress lay in their bed motionless. Geralt struggled to stay calm and he wanted to be closer to her, he touched her face and tried to kiss her, but Evelyne protested sharply, raised her voice and told the Witcher he could hold her hands only while they worked.

Geralt frowned, he was anxious, his eyes were focused in the red haired sorceress before him. Ciri moved closer and wrapped her arms around him as Evelyne and the others worked. The air in the room grew still, and Ciri stared as moonlight peaked through the window. Slowly, they made progress, as Evelyne maintained a constant watch on Triss for any subtle changes, but the sorceress remained gripped by the curse. With each passing hour their magic grew weaker, each sorceress took breaks to recover as the others two maintained the spell.

Geralt rose from his seat and took Triss's hands, Evelyne tried to stop him, but Rita intervened, "It's alright, let him. If she is in there somewhere he could help us."

Geralt kissed her lips, then placed his hands on her cheeks, and whispered in her ears, "I'm not prepared to let you slip away, not this time. I found you again and I don't want this to end."

The night was long and rife with unexpected dangers, Just after midnight Triss's body began to shake violently. Geralt tried to climb into their bed, but Evelyne knocked the Witcher from the bed, then scrambled to stabilized the sorceress. Using her magic Evelyne was able to regain control, as the treatment continued, they applied more of their magic on Triss. Through yawns, falling eyelids and body aches each sorceress held their spell as they struggled to maintain alertness. Geralt remained by Triss's side and held her hand with Cirilla as Evelyne applied her abilities using all she had learned at Aretuza to keep the sorceress stable. The curse was complex and any mistakes meant Triss's life.

Keira eyelid closed briefly and she stumbled and called out to her Witcher, "Lambert dear, can you do what you can to keep me awake love?"

"Want me to tell you a stories?" He replied.

"No, just think of something else."

Lambert placed his hand on her shoulders and gently massage them as her hands moved slowly through the air in a magical trance. She felt the sting of his touch, but her thoughts and focus remained on her friend. Rita stood on the opposite side of the bed, weary eyed, her brow, chest and back soaked with sweat as she yawned. She raised her eyes to observed Keira's interaction with Lambert, then decided to use the opportunity and get closer to Eskel who sat nearby slowly nodding his head in his futile efforts to remain awake.

Rita whispered to him politely. Her voice soft as if hoping no one would hear her request, "If it's no trouble Eskel and you don't mind, could you help me?"

"It's alright, what do you need?"

"Could you please wipe sweat from my brow and neck?"

Eskel hesitated, he looked confused, he was aware of her reaction to his touch, "Are you sure about that? I don't want..."

"Come now Witcher, it's just sweat, I promise not to hex you. Not yet." Rita replied.

"I'm not worry about that sorceress, but…" Last time I touched her body, she pulled away, now it seems as if she interested in me...He thought.

"It's alright Eskel." Margarita whispered.

Eskel took a cool damp cloth from Cirilla, then moved to Rita's side. He slowly wiped the sweat from her face, then moved to her neck. The witcher was careful as he tried not to touch her bare skin, but her sudden movement caused him to grazed her neck with his fingers. Like a jolt of lightning through the sorceress body, his hand on her bare sweaty skin caused her to jerk her body slightly. Her reaction was abrupt and did not go unnoticed by the others. Rita was extremely sensitive to his touch, the feel of his Witcher hands across her neck was strong, almost unbearable. Keira smiled as she observed their delicate interaction.

"That's enough Witcher! Thank you." Rita said softly, her body grew warm as Eskel took his seat, then closed his eyes.

"Something wrong Rita." Keira asked.

"No!"

Rita raised her eyes and noticed Keira's taunting stare, yet kept her concentration on her spell. The sorceresses continued their magical work through the night and hours later, Yennefer who stood close to Ciri and Geralt and had not rested since they began, showed signs of weariness. She looked to Geralt holding Triss hands, then turned to Eskel with his eyes closed, then slowly rolled her shoulders to stretch them.

Yennefer twirled her body and arched her back in an effort to stretch once more, then spoke, "Geralt—Eskel could one of you help with my shoulders and back? They are terribly stiff."

Geralt failed to respond as his focus was on Triss who continued to lay motionless before him. He tried his hardest, and still could not hear her heartbeat, instead he focused on the slow rise and fall of her chest proof of life. Keira said, the lack of audible heartbeat is the result of the curse. Something protected Triss, but she had no idea what. He thought as Eskel woke from his sleep and stared at Yennefer curiously. He turned his gaze toward Rita as she returned a peculiar glare. He was certainly her eyes were that of a women who disagree with something. Although highly suspicious of sorceresses, Eskel had taken a liking to one particular sorceress. Unwilling to test the waters Eskel protested.

"I'm not the right one to do that Yen." He said.

"Come on Eskel you are not a child. I won't bite you. I didn't at Kaer Morhen so no reason to think I would now." Yennefer replied.

Ciri asleep nearby raised her head suspiciously, "I can do that, I need to stay awake too."

Yennefer smiled, then said, "I didn't want to bother you Ciri. You were sleeping so peacefully. Here, just my shoulders and lower back please."

"We are slipping sisters, I am aware that everyone is weary, but stop the talks and focus." Keira stated.

Their effort to heal Triss went well until the early morning hours. They had expended a lot of their energy throughout the night and Evelyne noticed the cursed spell weakening. Triss's body curled oddly as if in pain, the rapid contortion of his lover's body made Geralt dread the worse. Despite Evelyne's strong protest, he climbed into their bed and took Triss's body into his arms. She quickly moved to the right side of the bed and left the witcher to hold his sorceress.

"Don't do this to me, you have to come back." He ran his hand across her face and pleaded, "I need you...I need you back. I'm not prepared to let you go!"

"Keep talking to her Geralt. She's responding to your touch." Keira said, as she hurriedly apply her sorcery.

Evelyne raised her hand and cast another spell. Talented at healing, the sorceress applied her skills. With each sorceress now focused on Triss, Yennefer placed her hand directly on Triss's body as the others follow suit. She turned her eyes to Geralt and couldn't help, but share his anguish. Ciri stood frozen as she watched the sorceresses worked, and listened to Geralt's words. Soon everyone in the room was alert and awake. Eskel and Lambert stood nearby by watching, unable to aid in any way, both Witcher lacked the skill and knowledge to break the complex curse.

Her voice panic-stricken, Evelyne called out to Ciri, "Witcher girl! I need you to take my position quickly. Alert me if her body changes in any way, her breathing stops or became erratic."

"What's going on?" Ciri asked.

"I have no time to explain, but if I'm right this will work. Just do what I asked! The others are tired and their magic will drain if I don't lend my aid." Evelyne answered, then joined the others in their spell.

"We are almost there sisters just a little more. Well done Evelyne." Rita said. Beautiful, the only other sorceress I know with such raw potential is Triss.

***][***

A few hours later they had isolated the curse with their magic and now they had to lift and seal it. Keira told Geralt to prepare the phylactery, but the witcher had the enchantress in his arms. Lambert stepped forward, secured the magic box from the nightstand and opened it as the sorceresses lifted the hex on Triss. An eerie dark mist rose from Triss's body, as Lambert stepped forward with phylactery in hand. They bind the curse with their magic and placed it in the box. Yennefer, Keira and Rita immediate took their seats to rest. Exhausted and drained, Evelyne resumed her duties, she checked Triss's vitals, then focused her diagnostic spells on the sorceress chest and abdomen.

The curse was broken yet, nothing had changed. Concerned Evelyne, tried again frantically, then took a deep breath and said, "She is fine, her heart and breathing are fine, but I still cannot check her for internal injuries below her breasts."

"Just give it time, she should open her eyes soon and the barrier should fade then." Yennefer replied.

"Barrier? What are you talking about?" Keira asked.

"I detected it, yesterday. I know you did too Rita." Yennefer answered as the sorceress nodded.

Geralt tuned his senses to Triss's body and pressed her firmly against his chest, as Ciri eagerly move her face closer. Evelyne smiled at the Witcher's and Ciri's actions. She had seen Geralt and Triss together many times, but had never seen the Witcher show such concern and care for the sorceress so openly. Here in their bedroom, he wasn't afraid to show his fears and worries.

Amazing, such love and from a Witcher. She thought.

At that moment, Triss moved. The warmth of his body was comforting. Her hands reached out, and Geralt quickly took them and brought it closer to him. She opened her eyes and called out, "Geralt, Ciri help me."

Hearing her words Geralt eyes widened and he squeezed her hand, just as Ciri frantically call to her, "Triss? Triss? You are alright, I'm here and your Witcher is right here beside you."

Triss raised her hand and touched Ciri's face, then whispered, "You came."

"Always." Ciri replied, then forcefully hugged her, crying.

She wrapped her arm around Ciri and their hug lasted a while. Cirilla composed herself while Geralt shifted his body to the edge of the bed and watching intently. Her eyes remained focused on him as if they were the only two in the world. Without saying a word she extended both hands and Geralt moved his face closer to her. She rested her right hand on the side of his face, pulled him closer to her and placed his head against her breast.

"I've missed you." He murmured and closed his eyes.

"Geralt, the mage is Sigo. Don't trust him." Triss said. She placed her hand over her mouth and vomited through her fingers, then fainted.

"Triss? Triss!" Geralt called out.

"What's wrong with her?" Ciri asked.

Everyone moved closer except Lambert and Eskel who stood in the background to observed. Yennefer and the other sorceresses rushed to Triss's side, as Rita quickly pushed Geralt aside to checked her. Evelyne in shock covered her face in horror and fell to the floor distraught. She had heard Triss's warning about Sigo, the mage was her mentor and he was very well respected in Tancred's court. Keira quickly helped Evelyne up and took the sorceress out of the room and into the guest room, then the young girl open a portal and stepped through.

"How is she?" Yennefer asked, as Rita stepped away from Triss.

"She's is... She fainted from exhaustion. Her ordeal during the last two weeks was horrid. She needs rest." Rita answered as she retrieved a warm towel and clean Triss's face and body.

The sound of Evelyne's portal could be heard from the bedroom and Ciri said, "Someone should go and speak to the sorceress, she did not take the news well."

"She'll need some time Cirilla. Evelyne just learned her mentor is responsible for the attack on the person she admire so deeply. She needs to deal with that news." Rita said.

"That's gotta be rough." Eskel shrugged.

Rita finished her cloth bath of Triss, then checked the sorceress once more as Geralt focus his senses and suddenly heard another heartbeat. It was unusual, much faster than Triss's heart. His excitement grew and he checked again to be sure. Geralt could distinctly separate the two heartbeat. Eskel and Lambert standing nearby also heard it but both Witchers stared without saying a word. They knew from Geralt's reaction and movement he was listening to the sound. Geralt moved his head closer to Triss's body, then turned to face Margarita.

"Rita, something isn't right. Triss is not alone, there is something inside her, I can hear it."

"What? Impossible! The curse is lifted and sealed. What do you mean?" Rita asked, then moved closer to Triss and cast a quick diagnostic spell.

"You hear that right?" Lambert whispered to Eskel.

Surprised Eskel replied, "Yeah, a baby's heartbeat, I hear it."

As Rita continued with her checkup, Keira walked into the room and paused, everyone appeared stunned, as she quickly moved toward the bed to aid Rita. Keira could see nothing physically wrong with Triss, she scanned the room gazed at their reaction, then crossed her arms and waited. Nearby, Ciri and Yennefer looked on curious and Geralt stared intently waiting for the sorceress to speak. Rita stood, her face pale and her word were soft and calm.

"Oh my! Triss is...she has a…?" Rita stuttered, stunned by what she had learned.

Keira quickly stepped forward to checked Triss, then blurted the news, "Triss is with child."

"What did you say?" Yennefer asked.

"There is a baby growing inside her womb." Keira replied with a wild grin on her face.

Everyone stood stunned, including Geralt as Keira's words rang through his thoughts. Yennefer stepped closer and used her magic to confirmed it. Ciri did not speak, the news was no surprise to the young Witcheress, but no one else was aware of the child until now. Yennefer stood silent, the sorceress experienced every emotion possible, from hurt, joy and anger, then she stormed out of the room almost in a fit of rage as Ciri followed close behind. She called out and tried to stop Yen, but the sorceress entered the parlor, opened a portal inside the house, then quickly stepped through. Ciri rushed forward to follow, just as the portal closed before she could enter.

She walked back into the room and announced Yennefer departure. Keira who was celebrating nearby stopped. The sorceresses understood the significance of the child and Yennefer abrupt departure dampened the mood briefly. Although the news was good, everyone understood the significance of Yennefer's action. Triss was passionate about wanting to be the one to tell Yennefer of her decision to conceive a child with Geralt, but fate had foiled those plan. The child, everyone knew would complicate the already difficult relationship between the two sorceresses even further.

"This is unprecedented, it has never been done for a sorceress or Witcher." Rita said.

"Until now, and it's wonderful news." Keira cheered, "This is a revelation sisters, one that proved it's possible to reverse our sterility."

"Fucking hell. A baby inside Merigold? I didn't think it would work." Lambert said.

"Well it did. I can hear it as clear as day." Eskel replied.

"Shit, I know and the dark queen of sorceresses is furious, she stormed out."

"Now you and Keira will have your own too right? Look how excited she is." Eskel asked Lambert.

"Say fucking what? Me? Yeah, you must be playing." Lambert replied, as Eskel grin.

That evening everyone except Geralt and Ciri sat in the parlor contemplating what had happened the past few days. Evelyne unable to be alone with her thoughts returned and spend the night in Triss's guestroom. She refused to confront the day's events, yet the sorceress suspected Sigo was involved with the plot. His actions at the court and his proposal to hand Triss and the other mages to Radovid had alerted her that Sigo had become irrational. Geralt and the others had also captured an Eternal Fire assassin days earlier and Tamara had revealed the identity of the mask mage, and now Triss had confirmed it when she woke briefly. Geralt in disbelieve refused to accept Sigo as the mask mage, he wanted to confront the mage immediately, but the Rita advised against it.

Although they had all hoped that Triss would confirm Tamara's accusation, but the news that Sigo was in fact the mask mage shocked the group. With confirmation now made by Triss, they needed a plan to confront him. Without Triss presence if they presented their case in the royal courts it would've be seen as baseless accusations. Though Evelyne word held weight, the sorceresses felt their best approach was to make the mage confess. It was decided they'd wait until Triss is fully recovered before confronting Sigo.

The curse had been lifted by her sisters, but Triss was still in danger. She'd fainted shortly after she woke and Geralt in his panic discovered the sorceress was with child. After detecting his baby's heartbeat, the Witcher remained at her side as his fears and worries suddenly increased. Triss was unconscious and now he was worried for her and their child. Keira watched everyone's reaction noticed everyone but Ciri appeared surprised. Keira suspected the young Witcheress was always aware, but decided not the raise the question. Lambert and Eskel sat polishing their swords, as Rita and Keira sat silently nearby. The atmosphere was tense and none wanted to be the first to say what needed to be said.

Eskel falling on the sword spoke up, "The way I see it we have three problem. One—Triss has a child growing inside her, add to that, it's Wolf's child. There is no way she will fight the mage now."

"Shit, it's never been done before. Witchers are sterile. If the old man was here he have something to say about this." Lambert said.

Eskel stood, placed his sword in its sheathed then continued, "Yeah we are, Geralt isn't for now anyway. You know what this means right? We need to deal with the issue at hand, the assassin we capture already identified the mage and Triss confirmed it. I vote we kill him."

"I second the motion." Lambert answered.

"Don't be rash Lambert, Sigo is a respected mage in Kovir, the word of an assassin is enough to prove his involvement. Evelyne can bring the case, but it be cruel to ask her to do such a thing. He was her mentor. Triss has to be there." Keira said.

Rita shook her head in support, "Triss will wake, it may be today or weeks from now. The worst has passed, but the condition of her child remains uncertain."

"Triss is not going to give up her child." Keira answered.

"And I have no plans to ask her too, but we have not the inkling of how that level of magic affected the child growing inside her. If I am to make a guess, I say that child is the reason she is alive now." Rita replied.

"Are you suggesting the child is that powerful, to null a curse before it's even born?" Keira said.

"This child abilities may be on par with Cirilla's. I sense there is a deep connection between the four of them, but I cannot say for certain. As exciting as the news is I am still concern for Triss and her child." Rita said.

***][***

Two weeks later...November, 1275.

Late that night, Ciri asked Geralt's permission to spend the night with Triss and the Witcher agreed. Together, they spent the night as Ciri braided Triss's hair, then removed the braids and repeated it while Geralt watched and listened. Aware of the child long before Geralt and the others, Cirilla could no longer contain her excitement, she placed her head against Triss's stomach and listened, but still heard nothing. Geralt placed his hand on the sorceress' face and kissed her lips as Cirilla watched. He understood how close he'd come losing his sorceress and unborn child. Her lips were warm and soft, yet Triss did not wake to his touch. He climbed into bed and rest his body next to his sorceress, then gently raised her body into his arms and leaned her head against his chest. Geralt ran his fingers continuously through her tangled hair, Triss messy locks was Ciri's doing, yet she continued to play with Triss hair. Geralt tucked his hand below her blouse and rest his palm on her abdomen. He missed the feel of her warm skin against his, and her beautiful scent. Geralt slowly ran his hand against her stomach as he whispered into her ears.

"Hurry and come back to us. Ciri's been here at your side. She cared for you all day and I've missed you alot."

Ciri raised her head and smile at his interaction with Triss, "She'll wake soon, I hope I can't wait to speak to her."

Keira and Rita had assured them that Triss would wake on her own, however he longed to have her back. Geralt miss her voice, her touch and her smile. He noticed Ciri's piercing gaze and wild grin as she watched his eyes slowly opened and shut. Exhausted, he closed his eyes and listened to the constant rapid sound of his child and lover's heartbeats. He was mesmerized by the sound, his finger moved against her skin as he played the beat and Ciri noticed. She was curious, and called out to him, but Geralt serenaded by the sound did not respond. Ciri placed her hands next to his on Triss's belly as he opened his eyes.

"I can't hear it. What does it sound like?" Ciri asked with a smile.

"It's fast, very fast—close your eyes and rest your head on Triss's stomach." Geralt replied, as he tapped his finger and replicated the sound for Ciri's ears.

As he tapped his fingers across Triss's belly, Ciri eyes widened and her face lit up, she raised her head, "It's amazing—so beautiful. You don't need to worry father, Triss will come back to you, she's strong and her love for you kept her alive."

Triss fingers and body suddenly moved, her eyes remained shut in a deep trance as she called out, "Geralt...Ciri."

Ciri raised her body and gently pushed Triss's hair away from her face, then rest her hand on her cheeks, "Triss? Hey can you hear me? We're here, Geralt and I are right here next to you."

Geralt eyes widened as he stared at her, "Open your eyes Triss, I'm here, beside you."

"She's regaining consciousness Geralt, slowly." Ciri whispered, "You should rest."

"Ciri, without you I'd lost my mind. It was too much, I can't lose her." Geralt whispered, "You know how we feel about you right? Triss cares about you, she'd hoped your path would lead you here to her someday."

Ciri smiled, then answered, "I know Geralt, and I love you both so much...she knows how I feel."

They chatted for awhile, then Gerralt slowly drifted to sleep. He had shifted their bodies and rested his head on Triss's chest with his hand firmly resting against her belly. Ciri eyelids grew heavy and she gently rubbed her eyes, then tapped him on the shoulders. During the night, Triss occasionally twisted and turned violently and Ciri remained watch over her. With each movement of Triss's body Geralt woke, he was exhausted and Ciri needed him to be rested when Triss woke, so she decided to sleep with Triss in the bed and move Geralt to her chair nearby. He wished to be closer to Triss and his child, yet Ciri alarmed by his state of mind, asked him to move for the night.

"Geralt, do you hear me? You have to move to the chair, you need the rest so when Triss is awake you can be with her." Ciri said.

"No! I want to stay."

"Geralt look at me, do you even remember the last time you had a good night sleep? Don't be so spoiled, you will move and rest on the chair." Ciri scolded him quietly.

"Ciri I can sleep right here." He murmured as he kissed Triss's forehead.

"I know, but you can't rest if she move throughout the night. Do you want Triss to see how you've tormented yourself? Rita and Keira said the worst is over, don't worry I will care for her like we did before." Ciri said, "Do you remember that? You care for her so passionately, I think you loved her then."

"Mmhmm."

Geralt raised his body and held Triss in his arms, then stared at her until Ciri called to him. He gently rest her in the pillow as Ciri climbed into bed beside her, then leaned his head and kissed her belly. Ciri lay down next to Triss as Geralt moved the chair closer to the bed, then sat in it and rest his head against it. He watched Ciri rest her head in Triss's chest, then closed his eyes and drifted to sleep. I am going to be a big sister. Ciri thought. A short time later, she drifted to sleep with her hands on Triss's stomach. During the night with Ciri so close to her, they slept soundly. Ciri woke throughout the night to check on Triss, but she remained asleep and unresponsive. Early the next morning, everyone had left the house, except Keira and Lambert who remained locked in their bedroom. Ciri had forced Eskel to take Geralt along to meditate and clear his mind before Triss's woke up. Geralt resisted, but Ciri insistence forced him. While the Witcher's were away in the mountains, Ciri took the task of caring for of Triss. Slowly Triss opened her eyes. As she wiped the sorceress face with cools cloth, Triss opened her eyes.

"Ciri? I'm dreaming, I have to be." She whispered, as Ciri helped her up.

She sat on the bed next to Triss and scoot her body forward, "You are not dreaming, Triss. Did you sleep well?"

Triss raised her hands and touched Ciri's face, "Not really—thank you Ciri. I feel like I've been asleep for years. Did you spend all this time with me? Must've been hard, how did you sleep?

"I slept on your chest for a little while, then lay beside you during the night." Ciri said with a smile.

Triss held her head and leaned forward, "Where is Yennefer and the others? Where is..."

"Yennefer was here a few days ago. Keira and Lambert hasn't been seen outside their room since yesterday and Rita and the other sorceress are away."

"Not surprise, I must have been so much trouble for everyone. I hope my twisting and turning didn't keep you awake. You should've slept in the guest room Ciri."

Ciri laughed, "Don't be silly, I'll never leave you alone, someone needed to watch you. Geralt hadn't slept since—he was exhausted, so I forced him sleep on the chair. During the night, you called me by his name few times, then put your arms around me, like you use to when I was a child at Kaer Morhen. You slept like a baby."

"You made your father sleep on the chair? Why?" Triss asked, "Where is he now? I want to see him."

"Mmhmm, he would've have smothered you, besides I wanted to sleep at your side. He's somewhere in the mountains with Eskel meditating. They should be back soon, I think. Margarita's in the parlor with that young sorceress and Yennefer is—well she is nowhere to be found since she teleported away in anger after…" Ciri said, then wave her hand.

"After what? I feel sick, dizzy and I'm so tired." Triss said and leaned her body against the headboard.

Ciri pretended not to hear Triss's, "Margarita said this would happen, try to rest. After everyone gather there's something very important you must know."

"What happened? Is Geralt alright, did he do something crazy? Where is he Ciri? Where is he?" Triss raised her voice slightly.

"Be calm Triss, I'm sorry it wasn't my intent to scare you. Everything is fine and your Geralt is fine. Go back to resting please, I can't have you fainting again."

"I've rested enough Ciri, help me up please." Triss said, "I have to see him now. Something is wrong, I just know it."

"Hey, don't get up."

Triss slid her body to the edge of the bed, dropped her feet and tried to stand. She was weak and unbalanced, as she stood, Triss swayed. Ciri noticed and knocked over the chair as she rushed to Triss's side and prevented her from falling. Her breath was labored and exhaustive, her body warm to the touch and her demeanor as sharp as ever. Triss was determined to leave with or without help. I have to see him, I know Ciri wouldn't lie to me, but I can't help thinking she is hiding something from me. Triss thought. She gripped Ciri's clothes, then turned her gazed to the young woman beside her. You are stubborn and risk everything for Geralt and others, always placing yourself in harm's way. Why? What are you trying to make up for? Ciri thought to herself as she smiled helped Triss upright, as Triss gagged and placed her hand on her mouth.

"I'm not sure what's wrong with me Ciri, but I am going to vomit on you. My belly aches, and I feel so tired, are you certain Rita said this is normal?" Triss asked.

"Yes, it will calm and you will feel better soon. Grab hold of me and let me help you in bed." Ciri said as she held Triss's body tightly.

Triss frowned, and insisted, then pleaded, "No Ciri! Please, I don't want to be in that bed, I need to see Geralt. There is something you are not telling me."

"You are so damn stubborn! Alright I will take you outside for a little while. Geralt will be home soon and then you can stop this nonsense." Ciri smiled, as she helped Triss.

Triss brought her hand to her chest and whispered, "Oh I feel so terrible. Last I felt this way was when we departed Kaer Morhen. Do you even remember that?"

Ciri laughed briefly, "Of course. I held your head and played with your hair while you slept. You were in love with Geralt then as you are now. You make funny noises when you sleep, are you aware?"

"I've missed you so much Ciri. You haven't changed a bit, much taller now, but you are still that beautiful little girl." Triss said, as her eyes became glassy.

Ciri smiled and hugged her, "Same can be said about you. You are still the same beautiful Triss I first met. You are still in love with Geralt and he's finally admitted he's in love with you."

"He has and my heart's on fire with him Ciri. I am truly happy with every moment I've spend with Geralt." Triss whispered.

Ciri paused and kissed Triss's cheeks, "You're glowing, so beautiful and your hair is so much longer."

"And now I'm going to cry…don't lie, I know I look terrible at the moment, because I've been lying in bed for weeks."

"Please don't." Ciri whispered, then stared at the enchantress, "Your eyes lights up when you speak of him and whenever Geralt's beside you, you walk on air. I saw it at Kaer Morhen before our battle with the Wild Hunt and again just now when you spoke of him."

"You're embarrassing me Ciri."

"Mmhmm, your face has turned red again." Ciri said, then smiled, "I've missed you both."

"And we've missed you too."

Ciri opened the bedroom door, then used her feet to keep it open as they walked through. She helped Triss through the hall and into the parlor. As they slowly entered the parlor, everyone rose to their feet and rushed to her side. Rita had a concern looked on her face, she knew that Triss could be difficult and often refuse to heed advice, yet she was surprised to see Triss up and on her feet so early. Keira and Rita placed their arms around Triss and relieved Ciri, then sat the sorceress in the chair beside the fireplace as Rita cast a spell and prop a small stool under Triss's feet.

"There, you should be comfortable." Rita said softly.

"Why are you all treating me like a fragile egg?" Triss asked.

Keira smiled, then replied, "Whatever do you mean? We are simply concern my dear."

"You are all behaving strangely. Where is Geralt? I have to speak to him about the mage." Triss said as Geralt and Eskel entered.

He walked through that door, not expecting to see Triss on her feet. Her heart suddenly accelerated, when she heard his voice, she had seen him briefly after she woke from the curse, now all she wanted was to hold him in her arms. Triss pushed from her seat and tried to stand on her own only to fall back into the chair. She was tired from her ordeal and hadn't fully regained her strength and balance. She tried once more to stand, but Geralt quickly moved to her side closing the distance of ten feet so quickly, everyone stood surprised.

"Holy shit, did you just see how quick he got to Merigold?" Lambert asked.

"Yeah, that was fast." Eskel joked.

"If the Vesemir saw Wolf now, he get a heart attack." Lambert said.

Geralt wrapped his arms around her waist and help her to her feet, then squeezed her body against his as Triss coiled her arms around him as tight as she could and buried her face in his chest. Her heart raced and she showed no hesitation of shame as she hugged him and took a deep whiff of his body. She missed his smell, voice and his rough hands. Geralt rest his hand against her cheek and she closed her eyes.

"I've missed you." He murmured.

"I missed you too, Geralt." She answered in front of everyone.

"Wha Wha Wha, fuck! They're so fucking depressing with this 'missed you and love you' shit." Lambert mumbled to Keira.

"Maybe you can learn from him." Keira remarked.

They stood in each other embrace. Geralt tune out every other sound and focused his senses on Triss's voice and the sound of his child's heartbeat. He had never heard anything so mesmerizing, he closed his eyes and listened to the rhythm. Her voice echoed into his ears and he tighten his grip on body, then lifted her off her feet. Minutes went by as the others watched silently, the woman smiled uncontrollably, except the sorceress Margarita who simply displayed a brief smile, then took her seat.

Interrupting the moment Keira said, "Geralt, do you not have something to share with her?"

Ciri canted her head toward Keira and winked as the sorceress made a slight hand gesture. She nodded to confirm, then moved closer to Geralt and Triss and told them to take a private moment. Keira smacked her tongue and pointed her finger to the door, the cue for Lambert and the others to leave the house and give them privacy, but Lambert protested. He folded his arms across his chest, then leaned against wall. Eskel grinned, then look on waiting to see the outcome of their lover's quarrel as Keira frowned, then moved toward Lambert.

"It cold out there, I'm not going outside! I'd rather stay in here with the fireplace, do what you want, but I am not moving from this spot." Lambert said.

"Are you sure, my dear?" Keira glared at him, her eyes seductive, yet stern.

"No!" Lambert grumbled, as he pushed off the wall. "But it was worth it to hold my ground. You sorceresses are so damn bossy. Be careful Eskel you still have time to escape, they will always try to dominate us."

"Hold your ground? Is that what you call that. Pansy." Eskel calmly replied, then stood to his feet, "Don't worry about me, I've been observing Wolf carefully. I studied his notes like and know them as well as I studied Brother Adalbert's Bestiary…I'll manage."

"Fuck off! You can't fool me. Eskel, Eskel—you pick a bad example. Remember what the old man said?"

"Are you two finished? Great! Now boys outside quickly...then we both will be very pleased to revisit your complaints about sorceresses." Keira said, then left the house onto the porch, followed by Margarita.

Geralt was surprised that the others had agreed to leave. What are they up to? Triss thought to herself as she took her seat again, then looked at Ciri who returned a mysteriously grin. Geralt turned his attention to the sorceress resting in the chair. Resisting the urge to share the news Ciri stared at him as he fixed his gaze on her and nodded. Curious as to what had happened, Triss followed their head gestures and wondered why everyone suddenly behaved so strangely.

"I don't understand what's going on, can you tell me? Why is everyone acting this way?" She asked curious.

"I should take you back to our bed Triss, it's warmer." Geralt said, then calmly scooped her from the chair and held her in his arms.

"Geralt, we don't have time for that now, later yes, but not now. Something is going on and I intend to find out what. I'm not well and my belly aches, as much as I love to have you right now I can barely raised myself." Triss said, then resisted.

Ciri crossed her arms, she stared and rolled her eyes, "Oh my! She just awoken and the two of you are already thinking about sex?"

Triss frowned and pointed her fingers at the ground then said, "Geralt! Put me down, I can walk on my own."

The Witcher refused, as he walked toward their bedroom with Triss in his arms and Ciri followed closed behind. She sat in the chair near the bed as Geralt placed Triss on the bed, then knelt at her side. Irritated by the unusual treatment, she turned her head away from him to pout and said nothing. He sat for a while to collect his thoughts, then touched her hands and Triss quickly turned her eyes to meet him.

With a smile on her face Ciri asked. "I think now is a good time?"

"Yeah it's time." He said calmly.

"What are you both talking about? Time for what?" Triss asked.

Geralt took both of her hands and held them tightly, his eyes wandered a bit and he searched for the words to say. Impatiently, she tried to pry the answers out of him, but he fixed his gazed into her eyes and Triss suddenly stop to gaze back, his facial expressions had changed from playful to serious, yet she had never seen that stare.

"Triss, when I saw you lying there covered in blood, I couldn't hear your heartbeat and I thought you were dead. I'd lost you and I wanted you back. Again, I put you in danger because I failed to catch a simple trap. I was gone—far gone to that dark miserable place, but Ciri brought me back to you. After they healed, I heard it."

"Heard what, Geralt?" She whispered softly with her hands on the nape of his neck.

"Tell her!" Cirilla yelled.

"Growing in you is our future, my child, our child." He answered softly.

Her eyes widened and blurred, she gasped struggled to breath, then cover her mouth with both hands as Geralt wiped her eyes. Triss's breath became labored as she tried to speak, but couldn't. She turned gazed from Geralt toward Ciri, who now stood just on the edge of their bed.

"Come here." Triss said, as Ciri approached and hugged her, "You knew all along, didn't you? When you called out to me, you knew my child was in danger."

Excited and now teary eyed, Cirilla whispered into her ears, "I'm happy for you both. Now I get to have a little sister."

"Sister? How do you know it's a girl?" Triss asked.

"Because she looks just like you and Geralt." Cirilla replied, "Long chestnut hair, like yours with an odd surprise."

"You've seen her. Will she be alright?" Triss said as she held Ciri tightly.

"No more, just take it easy and relax."

As she heard those words Triss still couldn't believe what had happened. She pinched herself, then released their embrace. Geralt and Ciri would never play a cruel joke about this. She gazed at him anxiously as her thoughts raced, then he let out a brief smile and nodded. He held her hands and she could not contain herself. She quickly reached for Geralt, hugged him, then concealed her face against his shoulders as he wrapped his hands around her and pressed her body tightly against his. She squeezed him and pulled against his shirt, trembling as she held on, her breathing had slowed, and sobs wracked her body. Her cries were muffled against his chest and Geralt felt her tears soak his shirt. Ciri sat on the bed and leaned her head on the sorceress back. Geralt could do nothing but hold his sorceress in his arms. She was inconsolable, he tried to gaze at her, but Triss squeezed herself against him and shook her head.

Geralt gently peeled her face from his body, touched her cheeks, then whispered, "Why are you crying?"

"I'm so pathetic...our child Geralt, and I almost lost her." Triss whispered. "Beaten by that bastard, with his cheap incantations."

"Triss the baby is fine, Rita and Keira checked and then check again. You did well, you fought and now you're back."

"Why have you given me so much?" She murmured.

"Don't be silly, you know why." Ciri said as she smiled.

Firmly, he wrapped his arms around her body and embraced her. She was carrying their child, yet he knew no other way to show what he felt. In her witcher's arms Triss was able to forgot, her world at that moment was made just for the two of them. With her head firmly buried in Geralt's neck, Triss placed her hands on the back of his neck and gently massaged him. His hug was tight as she pulled his face against her neck. Geralt took a whiff of her hair, he missed that smell, the sweet scent of her hair and the feel of her body against his. He tightened his grip as she closed her arms around him. He inhaled once again and took another whiff of her familiar scent. Overwhelmed with emotion Triss removed her face from his neck, then slid her lips against his cheeks and searched for his lips.

The two held their kiss as Ciri turned her gaze toward the window embarrassed. It was odd, and mostly surprising to see them so passionate. So this is what he's like with her. Its different. Ciri thought to herself. Both continued, without regard for Cirilla, then there was a sudden loud thump on the door and they separated. Geralt, Triss and Ciri turned their eyes towards the door before staring at each other. He knew the others were eavesdropping, because he heard their breathing and footsteps as they approached the door.

"Alright that's enough, I can hear you breathing. All of you come in." Geralt called out.

As they entered the room Eskel immediately confessed and said, "It was Lambert's idea."

"Damn you are a rat. But shit Geralt did you have to create so much suspense. I almost fell asleep listening to you." Lambert grinned.

"You are a prick Lambert." Geralt replied.

"I call it like I heard it." He answered.

"Hmm yeah."

"Definitely not my ideas to listen to you? Keira and Rita forced me do it."

"I did not!" Rita said, "It was Keira's idea."

Rita had arrived sometime after the Witchers left to meditate, she wanted to remain in the parlor, but couldn't resist the urge to eavesdrop on the lover's conversation. While they talked amongst themselves, Triss placed her hand on her belly and gently rubbed it. Lambert noticed and took the opportunity to harassed the sorceress once more. He knew she hated being called Merigold, but the witcher never passed an opportunity to irritate her. Among all Geralt's women, his brothers had taken a liking to Triss, even Vesemir respected the enchantress and welcomed her presence at Kaer Morhen.

"What's wrong Merigold?" Lambert asked.

"Triss Lambert just call me Triss. Dammit! I'm sorry, nothing's wrong. I just feel a little large." She replied.

"Merigold sounds better." Lambert spoke. Demonstrating with his hands he continued, "Mmhmm, you are large...big actually, but don't worry Merigold, I've seen this before. Months from now you'll be huge, massive. Imagine a Troll after eating a dozen drowners, then..."

As the Witcher joked about her body Triss leaned over and heaved onto the bed. Geralt glared at Lambert, but his frown changed into a subtle grinned as the others stared. Triss turned her gazed toward Lambert as her eyes narrowed. She had a mysterious grin on her face and her hand suddenly sparked with fire. Keira smiled, then moved to the side playfully. Everyone, including Eskel stepped aside and Lambert was left along beside the door. The Witcher stepped back slowly as Triss waved her hand. He heard the audible sound as the door locked shut behind him.

"I didn't know she could use her magic yet." Lambert said, then stepped back, as flames on Triss hands grew larger and everyone around him moved away, "Uh...Meri..I mean Triss—Yes Triss. Let's talk about this, I actually like you. I do, so let's, not do anything hasty sorceress. Alright, alright I'm sorry. Keira...say something to her."

"Lambert! Shut up, you're being an idiot darling. You should know better than to say such things to a sorceress. Forgive my lover sister, despite his silliness I love him." Keira said, then point to the door. "Lambert dear, take your Witcher friends and get out, we have sorceress business to discussed."

Ciri grabbed a wet cloth, then went to Triss's bedside, "Let me clean this up."

"What were you thinking?" Keira stared at witcher, then moved closer to him. She kissed then admonished him with her eyes.

"What? I was joking, oh well I'm going to get drunk off my ass. Coming Eskel?" Lambert replied.

"Yeah, I'm coming. Another megascope nearby? Hey, remember that asshole? 'Help guards! The lodge has come to get me.' Ha ha, he thought we were sorceresses."

"Yeah I remember. By the way Eskel, you did look great in Yennefer's dress." Lambert replied as Rita looked on shocked.

"What are they blabbering about?" Keira asked.

"Long story." Geralt answered, then kissed Triss' forehead and walked out.

Ciri raised her eyebrows curious, "I love to hear it."

"Then come along little witcher. Maybe the sorceresses can put off work and join us?" Eskel replied as he stood by the doorway.

Geralt paused and turn his head, "No alcohol for you, Triss."

"Yes Geralt, I know." Triss said. "What make you even think I'd do something so foolish?"

"Want to join us, sorceress?"

"No thank you Eskel, we have business to discuss." Rita answered.

"Can I stay for this? I like to know what's going on." Ciri asked.

"Of course Ciri, come and sit beside me." Triss insisted.

She smiled, then sat, "Is this about the mage who attacked you?"

Suddenly, Triss body began to trembled, she remembered the horror of her guards being ripped apart by magic. Exhausted and alone with her magic weakened she'd faced Sigo. She quickly composed herself and now her thoughts drifted to her unborn child. She has survived the affliction, but she desperately needed to know with certainty if the curse affected her child in anyway.

***][***

In the parlor all three Witchers sat by the fireplace around a small table. They stared at each other silently, then suddenly they all broke out into a laugh. This was the first time the three were together for another drink since Kaer Morhen and their fight before the Wild Hunt. Now they faced another fight ahead. The mage had to be dealt with and were it up to Geralt, he preferred to kill the man. The witcher struggle with the news, but he knew his lover had told him the truth. His struggled stemmed from his defense of Sigo after Tamara first told them the mage was Sigo. Sigo was indebted to him and that made the Witcher even angrier at his betrayal. He planned to discuss the matter in detail with Triss and the others, but tonight, all three Witchers planned to get drunk and caused mischief.

"Who's going to fetch the drinks?' Eskel asked.

"Not me, I poured the last time were drank together."

"Let play for it."

"Gwent?" Geralt asked.

"No fuck face. Rock, Paper, Scissors."

"Shit! I suck at this game." Eskel complained, then raised his hands.

Rock, Paper, Scissors…

"You lose, fetch the drinks Margarita, I mean Eskel." Lambert said.

Eskel stood to get the drinks then turned to Lambert and said, "Shut your ploughing mouth."

The three Witcher laughed. Lambert had seen it all, sorceresses crying, Geralt and Triss ending up together in Kovir, and now they were having a child. He grinned, then shook his head violently as Geralt and Eskel watched. They removed their armors and swords then leaned, them against the wall, as Geralt watched. The night was young and they planned to drink until they passed out. Lambert moved around the room and raided the wine cabinet, he brought six bottles of wine and a small barrel of ale back to the table.

"Lambert those are Triss wines, the finest." Geralt said, "Special occasions."

"Shut up Geralt, today is a special occasion, we are getting drunk. Besides Merigold, Shit! I mean Triss is not drinking anytime soon." He replied.

Geralt raised his head and grabbed a drink, then asked, "What are you thinking now Lambert?"

"Why does everything have to be so fucking dramatic? All he had to say was, Triss we are going to have a baby, a little Witcher. There, see how easy that was? Fuck, Wolf let's get ploughing drunk." Lambert shouted.

"Brothers, I didn't know how to say it. My child is..." Geralt replied.

Lambert nodded, waved his hand, then said, "Yeah, yeah Wolf you are going to be a father, enough of that shit. I can understand why Merigold cries, but if you started crying brother I'll never let you forget it."

"You truly know how to ruin the moment, come on and pour. I need more drink." Eskel said, then turned his head toward Lambert.

"You can't say shit yourself. Eskel, Eskel…trying to get with the blond sorceress. What would papa Vesemir think?" Lambert joked, as he wobble and reached for another bottle of wine.

"Lambert, shut up and keep pouring."

"Eskel and Rita? I want to hear this. Odd match. Rita seem so—so calm." Geralt said, then finished his drink and slammed another mug against the table.

"Yeah, definitely not your type Geralt. You like sorceresses who try to kill you with nagging. When that fail, they do what I coined the 'Yennefer throw', Wolf got a one way portal into the lake at Kaer Morhen." Lambert said, as they laughed.

Geralt raised his head and sighed, "Hmm, says the guy who is wrapped around Keira's fingers? Yennefer threw me in that portal because of Triss remember?"

Lambert flipped his mug upside down, "Now—now—now I see why the dark queen was so sulky at Kaer Morhen, You and Triss were back together. Geralt you dog, you should've told us."

"I wanted to tell you during our drinking game. I was about to spill the beans, but after Eskel said he slept with a succubus I lost my train of thought. Beside after Triss and I spend the night in the lighthouse she had to leave for Kovir. I didn't want her to leave, but I knew she never leave Ciri to face the hunt alone so we planned to meet at Kaer Morhen to defend our girl and she arrived just in time, always there when I need her." Geralt said, then lowered his head, "Triss wasn't at my side and worse I had to deal with Yen's attitude."

"I remember when Triss arrived, after she and Yen talked, she can came around, hugged everyone, she was actually happy to be back to see us again." Eskel laughed, then finished his mug, "She was grinning ear to ear, I assumed you were back together when you said, 'are you alright' after we went to her aid with the hunt."

"Yeah,"

"Good thing Triss wasn't there, if she'd seen Yen throw you in a portal, it'd be war. Sorceress war." Eskel said.

"Remember the bed she threw out the window? I asked her why she came to Kaer Morhen instead of Merigold and later I saw the bed flying out the window." Lambert said, "Sorry."

"So Yennefer destroyed the bed because it was Triss's bed?" Eskel asked.

"Mmhmm. I should've asked Triss to come with me to Kaer Morhen." Geralt replied.

"Hey don't change the subject, this guy like to fuck with horned woman, you are pervert Eskel." Lambert said.

"Well Eskel, you surprised us."

"Hey assholes! About that in—incident you two have to keep your mouths shut, you hear me? No one, I mean no one can know, especially not Rita." Eskel whispered.

Geralt grabbed a second jug of and two bottles of wine then poured into each mug, he raised his glass to a toast as the other Witchers followed. Lambert toasted to fallen Witchers, Eskel toasted to future hunt and Geralt held his toast as Eskel and Lambert harassed him. Both Witcher's hassle him to toast to Triss, but he rose to his feet and walked toward the fireplace. He stared at a portrait on Triss and himself on the wall flanked by both of his swords. Triss had the portrait made shortly after they moved to Pont Vanis, yet Geralt never needed a portrait to see her beauty, she was always at his side. He took his seat and raised his glass, without speaking, as Eskel and Lambert drank directly from the wine bottles.

"I am going to grow gray waiting for your toast Wolf." Eskel said.

Geralt raised his glass again, "To those we've lost in battle, and those we've gained. To new breath and new life."

"New breath and new life." Eskel said.

Lambert raised his mug, "To new breath and new life brother."

There was a brief paused as they stared at each other, then emptied the mugs. All three Witcher's drank into the night, until it was no longer possible to stand up right. Geralt could hear Triss, and the others talked in their bedroom, she was awake and alright and now he could relax and unwind. Eskel and Lambert fiddled with Triss's arrangement in the parlor, then moved toward the doors and opened it. Just past midnight, they wandered outside onto the porch, then into the yard. The winter cold was blistering, and heavy snow blast across the Witchers faces as Eskel screamed for his pet goat. He slowly walked toward the large tree at the far edge of the yard, then threw rocks at the stables in the distance and startled the horses.

Eskel shouted from across the yard, as he spun and sent a large rock flying toward Lambert, "Hey! Why did you avoid it? Remember the last time we used Yen's Megascope to scare that asshole?"

"Hey I'm drunk, not stupid. Megascopes and Witchers, what do you have in mind?" Lambert replied."

Objecting Geralt answered, "Dammit Lambert, don't encourage him, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Sheesh, Geralt you are so drunk, you can't tell the difference between Lambert and," He turned to Eskel, "what's your name again?"

Eskel wobbled back and forth as he struggled to maintain his balance. The Witcher dropped his mug in the snow, then answered, "Fuck you Lambert, I'm Eskel a Witcher, school of the Wolf. Where is my pet goat?"

Lambert took another drink from his mug, then answered, "We can use Triss's Megascope to find your goat, if grandpa here don't interfere."

"Look here asshole, I'm not old, I'm drunk. Come on, we should hurry before Rita or Keira come out here." Geralt said, as they stumbled back into the house and toward Triss's lab.

"Come on, all this time living with Merigold you should be a master at using Megascope." Lambert joked.

"I know how to turn it on, but I don't know who will answer. I'm a Witcher not a sorceress."

Geralt and Eskel quietly crept toward Triss lab, as Lambert staggered behind making loud noises. Geralt shoved him into the lab as Eskel took his seat at the table crossed his legs and pretended to be Triss as he read a book. In the far corner of the lab resting on a small bed was the Witch hunter Tamara. She lay unconscious and her wound were ripened. Geralt and the other Witchers paid no attention to her and in their drunken state they ignore the smell of rotten flesh and blood. With a mug in his hand Geralt activated the Megascope, then attempted to contact someone at random. As the instrument flashed to life, Lambert turned and faced the Megascope as Eskel remove Triss's apron from the wall and wore it. He grabbed a few vials from the table and clank them together.

"Look at me, I'm Triss and I'm making potions for Geralt." Eskel said.

"Hey Wolf, you want your sorceress right? So get her, she's all yours." Lambert laughed, then pointed at Eskel.

"I'm going to hit you, brother." Geralt replied.

"Just look how that apron fits your body...damn, Eskel you have such nice curves, an hourglass figure, Merigold has nothing on that. She's going to bloat like a blowfish with Geralt's baby."

Geralt frowned and pound his fist in his palm, "Alright Lambert, you don't know when to shut up! I'm going to punch your lights out."

Lambert removed a dimeritium bomb from his pocket, he stumbled toward the Megascope, "Wait—wait—wait. I have a better idea so no punching, if someone answer, I will hand them this…"

Eskel laughed, shook his head and replied, "Your ideas always gets us in trouble with Vesemir. No thank you."

"I'm serious, nothing will happen. Watch this."

Lambert moved closer to the Megascope with the bomb in hand, as he did the Megascope's crystals exploded in a cloud of smoke. The Witchers staggered backward and crouched searching for the dimeritium bomb he had dropped. Eskel unable to maintain his balance, stumbled to the ground, then hooked a stack of books on the table on his way down. He tried to stand, but the books crashed onto his head one after the other as he cursed. Lambert laughed through the smoke as he continued to searched on his hands and knees for the bomb as Geralt cursed loudly, then waved his hand before his face to clear the smoke.

***][***

Meanwhile inside the bedroom, Ciri sat next to Triss, Rita and Keira sat nearby. Triss remained calm and collected despite her worries and fear for her baby. Triss had concerns, she shared her fear with the sorceresses and Cirilla seeking assurance from her child's safety. Rita knew all too well that Triss had more worries, but the sorceress did her best to assured the newly expecting mother that the unborn child was well and healthy. Triss remained concern, she could tell that the sorceress also held concerns. Ciri stayed close to her side and rested her hands on belly, Ciri's hands against her bare skin, kept her calm. The young Witcheress did not contain her excitement and clung to Triss throughout the conversation.

"Tell me truthfully sisters, how did my affliction affect my child?"

"We have concerns, but we can't be certain. Honestly, we don't know." Rita said.

"We don't know how you survived that spell. My guess is your child had something to do with it, but it's a guess." Keira replied.

"Is my child safe? Will be alright, Rita, Keira she is a part of Geralt and me. I can't lose at this even if I have to risk my life." Triss said.

"It shouldn't come to that Triss, your child is doing very well." Rita interrupted. "But we have to confirm another matter. Your attacker was a Koviri mage, he's serve under you in the court?"

"Yes, I work with him in the courts and I trusted him."

"Alright, we will revisit that matter with the others later. There is one more matter we must discuss." Rita said, then folded her arms.

"I'm sorry, but I need to hold on to you." Triss whispered, then wrapped her arms around Ciri's. She turned to Rita and continued, "Tell me everything, I've been out too long and I am worried as is so please don't keep me in suspense, I can't deal with the anxiety right now."

"In your lab there is a young witch hunter, Eternal Fire murderer from the Redania. She is unconscious and severely wounded, but she is alive still thanks to Evelyne. We refuse to treat her and your witcher refused to kill her." Rita answered.

"Who is she?"

"Tamara." Ciri raised her head from Triss's body and replied, "The baron's daughter. He helped me in Velen, cared for my wounds and fed me when I fled from the wild hunt."

"Geralt won't kill her and I won't let her die either. If her father helped Ciri we owe him a debt. Will she survive?" Triss asked.

"Yes, with treatment she will, but her wound are severe and she'll die from infection without magic. I'm sorry Triss, but you know where we stand. Keira and I will not help her." Rita said.

"I understand and I can't ask you to, for me it's simple. Her father helped Ciri and for that I have to help her." Triss said, she turned to Ciri, then back toward Rita, "Very well, I will heal the girl when I'm rested."

"And the mage? What about him?" Ciri asked.

"We will discussed the mage with everyone present tomorrow, including Evelyne. Now Triss needs to rest, before she collapse again. I am counting on you to make sure Geralt don't keep her awake." Keira said.

Suddenly there was a loud explosion from Triss's lab. Rita and Keira quickly leapt from their seats and ran out of the bedroom toward the lab to inspect. Smoke appeared from under the door as the sorceresses and Ciri approached the lab. Keira rushed to the door, she quickly opened it and a cloud of smoke bellowed out. Eskel stood with his back toward to the door dressed in Triss's apron. Lambert was on his hands and knees trying to escape the smoke and Geralt had his eyes closed and waved his hand before his face.

"Lambert, you fuck, Keira is going be in here and you know what that means right?" Geralt mumbled.

"Damn, I didn't expect the megascope to explode. We have to hurry." Lambert said through the smoke.

"Hey asshole, are you trying to kill me before I get the chance to make that Rita with her blond hair, small waist and tiny breast fall in love with me?" Eskel asked.

"Damn Eskel, when you get drunk you're bold brother." Geralt said as his eyes remained closed.

"She's beautiful. But I don't want a sorceress who's going to try and kill me like you know who, when she threw you in the lake."

Rita stared in shock, her face was red and her heart pound loudly, she leaned slightly and whispered, "Tiny breast, you say? I promise not to try and kill you Eskel."

"Hello, beautiful." He said, as he turned toward her voice.

"Oh my, you are bold witcher." Rita blushed.

"No, I think I'm drunk. Am I drunk?" Eskel asked.

"Yes you are very drunk." She replied.

Geralt searched through the smoke with his eyes closed, he bumped into Keira and patted his hands on her head. "Doesn't feel like Triss. Oh no, it's Keira, thanks Lambert."

"What does that mean? Oh no it's Keira?" She replied, "Why are you making mischief."

Keira cast a spell and the smoke cleared. Geralt opened his eyes and saw the sorceress standing before him, she was clearly upset and scolded them for the trouble they caused. Triss and Ciri walked in, and smiled as Geralt stood silent with a look of guilt in his eyes. She had seen the three Witchers drunk many times at Kaer Morhen and knew nothing good ever happened whenever they were together drunk. He was surprised that Triss didn't make a fuss about her Megascope, or frown at his excessive drinking. Instead she chuckled as Keira scolded Lambert. She was easy on him at times and challenged him at other time, but in this instant Triss realized he needed to unwind and spend time with his brothers after recent events. Keira pointed her finger to the door and instructed all three Witchers to exit the lab as Triss collected Geralt and took him to their bedroom.

"Why does Geralt gets away with everything, and we get scolded by Keira." Lambert whined.

"Because, Triss lets him." Keira replied. "I'm not Triss and you are not Geralt Lambert, are you trying to hurt yourself."

"No!"

"We are leaving for bed Lambert." Keira said, "You will take me to bed now."

"Yes Triss really does spoil him. I'm afraid I am not so gentle with my men Eskel. You've been warned." Rita joked.

Rita helped Eskel to his feet and escorted the Witcher into the parlor, then lay him on the bench as Cirilla watched in awe. Rita turned her back briefly and placed his mug on the table, but the Witcher had fallen asleep before she could speak to him. She rolled her eyes and excused herself, then opened a portal back to her room at the inn. Men. Rita thought to herself. As Rita portal closed, Ciri returned the checked on Tamara in the lab then, retired to sleep in guest room for the night.

That night, Geralt held his lover tightly in his arms while she slept. Her hair lay across the pillow as he took a whiff of her hair and body, then gently ran his fingers through while she slept. Triss was visibly exhausted after the day's events and desperately needed to rest. As he held the sorceress in his arms Geralt allowed his thoughts wander, he thought about their future together, in Kovir, his love for her and their child. Since separation, the void he felt in his heart was only filled when they reunited in Novigrad. The Witcher was sure more sure than he had ever been in the past, he wanted Triss at his side, he wanted a future with her.

He planted his lips against her ears, and whispered, unaware the sorceress had opened her eyes, "You endured something so horrible because I wasn't at your side where I should've been. You did everything I asked and more, treated me more than a lowly Witcher. Forgive me Triss for putting you through so much."

Although exhausted, Geralt could not sleep. His body quickly burned the alcohol he had consumed with the other Witchers and now he was wide awake. He removed his hand from Triss's hair and rested it against her belly as he listened to his child's racing heartbeat. His touch caused the sorceress to shift, and turn her body toward, then raised herself to gaze at him. Triss had tears in her eyes, yet her smile was beautiful and radiant. She kissed his lips then tucked her head against his neck.

"Did I wake you?" He asked.

"Your hands, and words woke me. Do you want to talk? I've missed your touch, and we have a long day tomorrow." She replied.

Geralt gently touched her cheeks, then whispered, "Go back to sleep, I'm just listening to…"

"I know you are listening to our child's heartbeat Geralt. Tell me please, what does she sound like." Triss whispered softly, "Can you whisper to me until I fall asleep?"

"It sounds like a very fast galloping horse." He replied, then kissed her neck, "You've done it Triss, we are having a little girl."

"Beautiful," Triss said as her eyes watered and she cried aloud, "We did it for us Geralt, she will be our future."

"Triss?"

"I don't know why I'm crying love, and you've done nothing that needs my forgiveness, I'll do anything for you, anything Geralt." She said, as he wiped her eyes, "To me you not just a Witcher, you are someone special, you are noble in so many ways and that what I love about you."

"You know what I love about you? You are not afraid to show your feelings and you don't care what others think. You always want to do what's best for the world. In Novigrad you risked your life to save your friends, then dropped everything to help me with Ciri. You placed yourself in harm's way the moment I told you Ciri was in danger." He said, Vesemir was right.

"Geralt, I had to and I do it again. There is nothing more important than helping to you care about and it's not often we get the chance to right our wrongs." She whispered.

"Wrongs?"

"Ignore that, your body is really warm you know."Triss said.

"Mmhmm, burning through the wine and alcohol—Triss, can you use your magic to listen to her heart?" He whispered.

She tucked her body tightly into his, then replied. "I can, but I don't know if I'm ready. I want you to tell me how it sound until I am ready."

"Ciri wants to hear it. You should do it for her and you need to hear it too. Maybe you can show her tomorrow, she love that." Geralt said, then placed his right hand behind his head on the pillow as he held her tight against his body with his left arm.

As Triss drifted back to sleep in his arms, she whispered, "It's really amazing, I would love to hear it to."

***][***

They spend the night and half the day locked in each other's arms. Triss had woken up early that morning as she did since their move to Pont Vanis, but Geralt refused to let her out of his grip. She understood what he had endured in the days and weeks after the attack, but most of all she missed the times they spend together, their morning walks and evening strolls under the stars. Afraid that the curse may have harmed the child growing inside her, Triss remained anxious even after Rita and Keira attempted to lay her fears to rest. It took Ciri's words to truly put the sorceress mind at ease and confirm her child's safety.

Both lovers exited their bedroom just before midday and Triss immediately glanced at Ciri sitting in a chair beside the bookshelf. The sorceress had planned to treat the young witch hunter that morning and needed assistance. She had not forgotten what the hunters did to her friends in Novigrad, and would've refused had she not learned about the aid provided by the young woman's father as Cirilla fled the wild hunt. Ciri smiled as Triss and Geralt emerge from their bedroom, then rushed over and hugged her almost knocking her to the ground, then she turn to Geralt and hugged him. Keira and Lambert sat at the table nearby, Lambert lad a cup of tea the sorceress had made him, while Eskel sat on the floor beside the window clutching his head.

Geralt took a seat as Ciri and Triss headed to her lab to tend to Tamara. As they entered the lab the smell was overwhelming and Triss resist the urge to vomit. The young woman's wounds had ripen as the flesh around the cut showed signs of infection. Ciri quickly opened the windows, then lit scented candles to masked the rotten smell. As if she had forgotten the young witch hunter's deeds, Triss immediately took to cleaning her wounds, she raised the woman to the table using magic, then gently removed her armor and blood soaked clothes. Triss folded a towel and placed it across the young woman's body as Ciri lit the fireplace. She prepared a tub of warm water, then quickly cleaned Tamara's wounds as Triss prepared a simple potion to reduce her pain and help the young woman recover more quickly. Triss applied her magic to healed the small wounds across the woman's body, stitched the large hole in her shoulder and back, and applied clean dressing to her wounds. With Cirilla's aid, she robe the woman in her lover's shirt, then cast a simple spell to wake her.

"Why did you give her Geralt's shirt?" Cirilla asked.

"None of yours or mine will fit the girl." Triss replied, as Tamara woke. "Her wound are severe, did you inflict these?"

"Had she faced me, she'd been dead and rotten already." Ciri replied, "She faced Geralt and his blade tore through her shoulders."

"Argh! I can't move my arm." Tamara complained.

"Calm down and shut up! You should be glad you were tended to instead of killed like you deserved." Ciri replied.

"Sorry, I can't remove your pain completely just yet. I need you aware." Triss said.

"Argh! My body is broken and hurt...just let me die." Tamara struggled as she tried to move.

Angered by Tamara's request, Ciri replied, "She doesn't need anything for the pain, but she needs to be quiet or I'll grant her wish."

"Stop it Ciri." Triss frowned, then placed her hand on Ciri's cheek, "You're better than that."

"They tried to kill you, they tried to take you away from us, from me!" Ciri replied.

Groggy and in pain, Tamara asked, "Why are you helping me?"

"That's a very good question. You should be dead hunter."

"Ciri! Her father helped you, so now we're helping her in return." Triss answered.

"She's an assassin and a witch hunter. An Eternal Fire filth who murdered innocent people. I saw the pyres of non humans in Novigrad. These bastards tried to kill you, and rob me of someone very important." Ciri replied.

"Yet you've care for her all these days." Triss whispered.

"It's easier to stomach her, when she was unconscious and smelled of rotten flesh."

"Ciri, we didn't raise you to be heartless. I know they tried to kill me, but they failed. I lost friends in Novigrad, too many good friends." Triss said as her expression changed, "This is my payment, because her father cared for someone I love dearly."

Her rage and anger slowly turned into a soft smile as Triss spoke. Ciri rolled her eyes, then replied, "Alright, but you should hurry with her, the others are waiting in the parlor."

Triss retrieved a small vial and administered a potion to the young woman. Tamara was groggy, but aware. She check the dressing once more, then placed her on the clean bed Ciri had prepared in the lab. Triss returned her surgery kit on the table, removed a spread and gently covered the young girl, then gave her some water.

"Thank you." Tamara said, as Triss turned to leave the lab.

"Thank your father, if not for the kindness he showed my little girl, you wouldn't be alive right now. I advise you not to try anything foolish. If you try to harm my family, you'll regret it. Now rest here and try to recover." Triss replied.

In the parlor everyone waited for Triss to finish tending to Tamara. Rita and Evelyne had arrived as Triss tended to the witch hunter in her lab. The young sorceress looked distressed as if she hadn't slept much. Rita learned that the sorceress refused to appear in the courts after learning her mentor Sigo was indeed the mage who had attacked Triss. She was unwilling to face her former mentor. Earlier that morning Rita took Evelyne away for a some mentoring and the sorceress reveal she had given Sigo the note dropped by the Redanian delegation. Rita decided the note was just a ploy to make the mage appear as an ally, yet Evelyne blame herself for not informing the royal guards sooner.

As she entered the parlor Triss took her seat beside Evelyne next to the fireplace to stay warm. She leaned her body against Evelyne and thanked her for her aid. Her voice calmed, but Evelyne remained conflicted. Eskel opened the windows directly behind him, then sat on the bench nearby, and despite the cold temperature outside, the Witcher enjoyed the cool air against his back. Keira sat in an adjacent chair with her legs crossed with Lambert ever close at her side as Cirilla and Geralt stood against the wall directly behind Triss, and Evelyne. Rita stood by the window, then turned and scanned the seating arrangements, she hung her coat on the wall, then occupied the seat next to Eskel.

The silence was interrupted as Ciri asked, "So what's the strategy to deal with the mage?"

"I say we kill him, but others may object." Keira answered.

"I am sorry Triss. I am so sorry for what was done to you. Sigo betrayed us all." Evelyne whispered.

"You have nothing to apologize for Eve. You did nothing wrong." Triss replied.

Evelyne lowered her shoulders, "Perhaps, but my mentor attacked and almost succeeded in killing you?"

"And you aided our sisters in saving my and the life of my child." Triss replied and placed her hand on Evelyne's back.

"Your child? Wait—what are you saying? But how?" Evelyne stuttered and quickly placed her hand on Triss's abdomen, "Sorry I should've asked your permission before checking."

"Forgive me, your were upset and I didn't want to disturb you." Keira said.

Eve smiled as her spell revealed the child in Triss's womb, she gazed at Keira and shook her head, "This is brilliant news! How did you achieve this? Your Witcher must be happy."

"I'll tell you all about it, sometime later Eve. Now we have to agree what to do about Sigo's betrayal." Triss replied.

Evelyne stare with a determined look in her eyes, then replied, "Confront him and expose his treachery and let the council decide his fate."

"That an option, what do we do if he resist and attack us?" Keira asked.

"If he does, his life is forfeit, and I will kill him myself." Evelyne replied.

"No! I can't ask you to do that. I don't want to kill him if we don't have to." Triss said.

There was a brief silence in the room and Triss noticed that none of the Witcher or Cirilla offered any suggestions. She turned toward Rita for input, but the sorceress remained silent deep in thought. Triss understood Sigo will not surrender and if confronted it could be dangerous so she devised a plan to force his confession. Geralt and the others would meet with Tancred privately to inform the King about Sigo's treachery and her plan.

They will confront Sigo during the council's meeting with King Tancred. If the mage confesses, the royal guards will arrest him. If he denies the allegations, Triss will make her entrance and confront him directly. Her presence will force him to panic and flee or attack. Keira, Rita and Evelyne will use their magic during the meeting to ensure Sigo does not flee the council chambers.

"Are you sure Wolf can keep his cool long enough for the mage to confess. After what I've seen, he will probably throttle the fucker on sight." Lambert remarked with a devious grin, "If he attack Merigold again we will kill him where he stand."

Triss giggled, "Careful Lambert, you are behaving like an older brother."

"I will present the allegations. There was another survival, a guard. He's not fully recovered, but perhaps he saw the mage's face as well." Evelyne said.

Anxious Triss replied, "Who survived—tell me please! I thought they were all dead Geralt. Those boys gave their lives to protect me."

"The one they call Einar, he was badly injured, his body was broken, he suffered massive internal bleeding, but he is alive. The mages manage to save him and he should make a full recovery." Evelyne answered.

"He saved my life. They all gave their lives for me. He killed them, butcher them like they were animals, because of me." Triss whispered, her eyes and head lowered.

Evelyne smiled, and raised her head proudly as she spoke, "They are Koviri Soldiers. Had they failed to protect you, their deaths would've been a welcome gift. Those boys are fanatical about honor and loyalty to Kovir and our King."

"So this is the plan? It's simple, the meeting confines the mage to a smaller space true, but one thing still bothers me and you know what I mean." Eskel said to Rita.

Rita nodded, then replied, "I share your concerns. What do we do if Sigo has accomplices? It could turn into a mess in there."

"If anyone else join the mage we can explode our dimeritium bombs to neutralize all the mages in there briefly and let the guards arrest them." Lambert replied.

"Let hope it doesn't come to that. It's risky and dimeritium bombs will put the other mages at risk, I have friends in there and I am certain Sigo worked alone." Triss answered.

"Are you two sure you are in this?" Geralt said as he faced Eskel and Lambert.

Eskel nodded, "Yeah, I will help with the Mage, but you know politics is not my area."

"Do you even need to ask a question like that? Of course I'm in." Lambert said.

It was later evening when their meeting adjourned and Evelyne departed. To everyone surprise Rita and the Witcher Eskel left together without saying a word to anyone. Keira and Lambert retired to their bedroom a short time later after the sorceress informed Triss that she plan to spend a few days away with Lambert. Rita and Keira left an amulet in her bedroom and the parlor for Triss. Should the need arise, Triss could break the amulet and the sorceresses would come to her aid immediately.

Triss, Geralt and Cirilla spend the evening in the parlor conversing. They told stories, laughed and smiled as they recalled their time together. The young Witcheress reminisced about their time at Kaer Morhen when she was much younger and her visit to Novigrad during her flight from the Wild Hunt. Later, Ciri explained the reasons she did not contact the sorceress Triss while she was in Novigrad was because she was unwilling to put Triss in danger. After her encountered with the Eternal Fire on Temple Aisle, Ciri decided it had become too dangerous to contact the sorceress.

Triss frowned, she wanted to scold Ciri for deciding something so silly, but the Sorceress was glad everything had worked out well. Cirilla was safe, the Wild Hunt defeated and she could live a peaceful life as she saw fit. Ciri rose from her seat and walked to the lab to check on Tamara then returned to the parlor to catch Geralt and Triss in a kiss. She smiled, then drew their attention, but the lover's lost in each other's warmth continued to kiss. Triss held onto his shirt and gripped him tightly and pulled his body against hers as his kiss became harsher and intense. Triss moaned quickly broke their kiss and wiped her lips as Ciri made another attempt.

"Ahem, excuse me! I'm off to bed, I'm very tired. I took a contract and I will have to attend to that before we deal with the mage." Ciri said, then turned to retire to her bedroom.

"Ciri wait!" Triss said as she rose to her feet, quickly made her way toward Ciri, "I'm glad you came."

"So am I." Ciri said, as she buried her face in Triss's neck, "You're safe and he needs you, we almost lost him...for a moment, we did."

"I know…" Triss answered as she listened to Ciri's comment. "Maybe Geralt can accompany you for your contract. I think it would be nice for the two of you to spend some time together."

"Yeah! Are you going to let him? I could use the company. Will he agree to leave your side for a day?" Ciri answered, as they separated from their embrace.

"Ciri! I don't I hold him against his will. I'll never do that, Geralt is free to do what he pleases."

Geralt stood and walked toward Triss. With a malicious grinned he joked, "I am captive to her charms Ciri, Triss capture my..."

She frowned, "Geralt stop that before she starts to believe I've hexed you."

"I'd never." Ciri rested her hands on her hips and laughed, "Don't mind him he's jesting. His heart is captive to your love."

"Mmhmm, I am." Geralt muttered as he put his arms around her to nestled in each other's warmth.

"I'm off to bed, I'll leave you alone to suck on each other faces." Ciri said, as she raised her fingers and waved.

Despite his jest and grin, Geralt was deeply troubled. Triss needed not asked or read his thoughts to know he was troubled by the fact her revelation that Sigo had attacked her. Geralt smiled, then grabbed and hugged tightly, his action surprised her but his eyes revealed a look she was unfamiliar with fear. She had never know the Witcher to show fear, yet the attack on the sorceress left him questioning his neutrality and his actions. Geralt considered the mage a friend, yet Sigo attempt to kill Triss angered him. He tried to put it out of his mind so as to not upset the mood and Triss, then kissed her neck, and caused her body to quiver. Triss took his hand and carried her lover to the bedroom, then paused beside her dresser. She changed into a beautiful gown, applied a sweet smelling perfume to herself, then called to him in a flirtatious voice, but Geralt failed to notice her playful gestures. The witcher sat on their bed deep in his thoughts, eyes fixed on the floor. Concerned, Triss walked to him and held his head against her abdomen.

"Growing inside me Geralt is your child. The little girl in our dreams."

"I know." He said, then wrapped his arms around her body and listened to the heartbeat, "Thank you."

"Geralt, why are you thanking me? I wanted this just as much as you." She replied.

"No, thank you for always being there when I needed you the most. After everything I've done, you stayed when I asked you to. You risk everything to gave me what I asked." He answered.

"Geralt please! You are going to make me cry." She said as she lowered her gaze.

Geralt kissed her stomach, then raised his eyes, "I never want to bring tears to those eyes."

"I'm sorry I made your endure that. I can't imagine what you felt." She replied, then lowered her body slightly and kissed his lips passionately.

He raised her up onto his knees as the sorceress wrapped her arms around him, then rested her head on his shoulders. Geralt called her name and as she raised her head to meet his gaze, he placed his hand on her cheeks and kissed her. His hand on her cheek was almost too much, she held their lips together and pulled his hair, then withdrew her mouth to caressed the scar on his face.

"Your skin is warm." Triss whispered softly, then touched her lover's. "Make love to me, Geralt."

"Triss, we can't. I don't want to hurt you or our baby." He answered holding her close to him.

"Shut up! Just shut up and do what I ask. Keira said it was safe as long as we're careful not to do anything extreme. Make love to me witcher, now!" She insisted, this time more forcefully.

"Triss…" You're..., I don't want to ever hurt you again."

"Geralt! Don't denied me this, and don't you ever make me beg." She whispered, then straddled him as he remained seated on the edge of the bed. "I miss your hands on my body."

"And I miss the warmth of yours against mine. I miss your voice, that smile and your scent."

"I know. I saw it in your eyes when I woke. Stop, don't be so gloomy."

"Fine...I'll lighten the mood."

"Oh no, not another of your jokes."

"Come to me, my succubus." Geralt replied, "Give me a succubus kiss."

"That's new, so now you want me to be your succubi?" Triss chuckled, then whispered, "You aren't sleeping."

"Don't need to be sleeping…"

"How would you know that, Geralt?"

"Uh.."

"I'm teasing...I'll be whatever you want me to be, but I'm not growing horns or legs like a goat." Triss smiled. "Did you hear what I said, witcher?"

"He did and I can also hear you both from in here! Truly? A Succubus? That is so disgusting. Just gave her what she wants Geralt." Ciri shouted from her room.

"Cover your ears and go to bed Cirilla!" Triss replied, then planted her lips on Geralt's and plunged her tongue into his mouth.

He gently rolled her over to her back and removed her gown. He kissed her body and gently circle his tongue on her belly and navel then moved down to explore every inch of her body with his lips. Geralt paused on her belly and drifted to the sweet sound of his child's heartbeat. She grabbed his hair and gently pull him upward, her moans grew loud as he lifted his mouth from her body and ran his hands along her sides.

"Geralt, I need your lips up here." She whispered.

He slowly raised his head and move closer to her face, then stared deeply into her eyes. He searched for signs of hesitation, but found a deep desire for his love and touch. Wantingly, the Witcher planted a hungry kiss on her willing lips and her body relaxed beneath his. He gently nudged her thighs apart and nestled himself between them as she cradled his body. Almost instinctively she wrapped her legs around him and roughly pulled his body closer to her.

Surprised, he whispered, "Triss… we have to be gentle."

"Geralt be quiet and move your body close. No! Much much closer Witcher." She replied.

As he made love to her, Triss's moans grew louder and she bit her lips and held back her screams. She dug her fingers into his back as her breathing became choppier and labored. Geralt watched and listened intently as her breast rose and fell with each pant. He recognized the submission in her eyes as her body folded beneath his. Effortlessly she molded herself to fit his hard muscled body and kissed him repeatedly.

Geralt paused briefly and she seized the moment to roll him onto his back. She swiftly straddle him before he could protest and dug her fingers into his chest as he grabbed onto her waist. He attempted to roll her onto her back, but her eyes protested and he retreated. Triss moved her hips skillfully and her action elicited a loud moan as he held onto her thighs. With her hands on his chest she pressed herself against him as her body spasmed and contracted with pleasure.

"Easy Triss." He mumbled.

"Don't speak." Triss whispered and gasped for breath.

She immediately reached out to his lips and tried to disguise her growing moans and muffled his protest while he locked his hands around her and continued to make love to her. Her pace increased and his body moved faster to match the movements of her hips. The temperature of their bodies quickly increased and she broke away from his lips, then firmly dug her nails into his chest. Gently, Geralt raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, then he kissed her lips as they rolled onto their side.

"You're so beautiful." He whispered, as he held her in his arms.

"You really think so? My body is changing Geralt." She said quietly.

"Your body change true, but you will remain very beautiful in my eyes Triss."

"Geralt?"

"Hmm."

"I've seen my body and its growing. I doubt my waist is twenty two inches right now love. Lambert was right I'm going to be huge." She replied.

"Lambert has a big mouth. Your body is amazing and beautiful."

"Are you going say that when I'm huge and you can no longer tell my waist from my hips?"

"Always." He answered, then wrapped his arms around her body, "You will always be beautiful Triss."


Thanks for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know what you think I am always looking forward to improving my writing and ideas.