The Witcher: My Heart Will Always Recognize You

by DaWitcher

Geralt of Rivia has started anew in Kovir with his lover, the sorceress Triss Merigold. Their lives full of love & new adventures, yet each must contend with the dangers of their past. They'll endure the tortures of longing when they're apart. He'd take contracts more from habit, returning to her embraced. Friends are reunited, new love bloom and scars thought healed are reopened..

34. Painful Reminders

Chapter 34: Painful Reminders

February 15, 1276. The Old City Market, Pont Vanis…

The roar of her portal startled the strays in the snowy fields as Triss and Cirilla emerge outside the city of Pont Vanis. They strolled along the small path towards the eastern gate that led the city's marketplace, then crossed the stone bridge. Colossal spiked gates of oak and iron hug suspended by chains below the outer and inner gatehouses. The guards and city watchmen bowed in reverence, another slumped against the wall, his breath billowing upward into the wintry air. They walked down the wide cobblestone streets thronged with people; the air was aroma with the faint scent of produce. Inside the city trade quarters, the marketplace was a scurry of life; shops cluttered together nestled beneath the stone and dark oak walls. Wealthy vendor traded their wares from shopfronts; others sat behind tables in the square peddling dried fruits, grains, and nuts.

"I'm going to visit the vintner." Cirilla said.

"Alright. When you're done come and find me at the jeweler. I'll be collecting the necklaces for the girls."

"You'll be at the jeweler shop?"

"Uh huh." Triss answered. "Ciri?"

"Yes."

"Be careful with your coin. Even in Pont Vanis, cutpurses are frequent." Triss warned, then they both went their separate ways weaving through the seas of market goers.

Cirilla returned and found the sorceress haggling with a jeweler in his shop. A flamboyant man, his skin was a bit darker than most Koviri, perhaps he was from Ofier or somewhere beyond, though he was also a shade lighter than most Ofieri and absent any lilt. Cirilla peered through the glass window, the opened the door and entered. A brazier heated the space to a pleasant warmth, then merchant wore fine brightly color garment flaunting his wealth, his boots had upturned toes. Triss had persuaded him to take half of the coin he'd asked for a pair of silver necklaces. She was bent at the waist with a keen interest in his wares; her hood rested on her shoulders and now a triplet of noblewomen had gathered in gossip.

"There you are." The enchantress stood when she felt Cirilla poke her side. She held up two pendants, paved ruby claws holding deep bluish turquoise gemstones cut like a cabochon. "Look at these."

"Why this one?" Cirilla asked.

"They're lovely. Beautiful gems like these has graced the necks of sorceresses since I was a little girl."

"Really? Must have been centuries ago, you're so old." Cirilla replied. Her eyes darted upward to conceal her grin.

"Old? Young lady, I believe you meant to say beautiful." Triss answered in her reply. "Besides, aging is like falling in love, it's impossible to hide and it's sweet."

"You certainly can't hide your love." Cirilla murmured with laughter and the sorceress's face grew flushed.

"Is that so? Is that's the reason why my feelings are used to lash me with cruel jest."

"Lash you? Cruel?! Oh no, they're only jest." Crilla said suddenly. She hugged the sorceress from behind and tucked her face in the small of her neck. "I'm only teasing, can't you see? What we have isn't so fragile. We cry, and we laugh, but we can never grow apart."

"No, we'll never. Even when distance separates us, my heart will always be tether to yours, Ciri."

"If ye're not going to buy naught else, be gone. You're blocking my business." The jeweler grumbled, flailing his hands. Triss heard the man but said nothing.

"If i've hurt you, won't you forgive me?" Cirilla said, tightening her hug. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. It wasn't hurtful, just reminding. Memories are the most painful." The sorceress quickly answered, then raise her hand high to her should so Cirilla could see the pendants. "Look at these, they're beautiful. The shape could represent anythings, but I like to think it symbolizes a love unending." She canted her head when she heard no reply.

"What?" Cirilla smiled.

"Nothing, you suddenly went quiet and..." Triss answered.

"I was thinking..."

"Well, stop thinking, Ciri and tell me if you like these."

"Where are the necklaces you wanted made for the girls?"

"I have them." Triss replied. She reached into her cloak and removed three necklaces.

Two elven oakleaf pendants with a large greenish-yellow cabochon heliodor gemstone. Cirilla eyes widened to Rosina's necklace. A braided leather cords adorned with sapphire beads and a wolf pendant carved from a single piece of sapphire crystal flanked by four woodland leafs.

"I love those girls, Ciri. I feel awful, it appears, as if I'm trying to purchase their affection, but it's far from the truth. I just want them to know they're loved."

"And they know it. The necklaces are truly beautiful. Honest." Cirilla whispered. She leaned her head over and inspected them, then continued. "Millie and Gretka will love them."

"I hope so." Triss hummed her reply. She held another strung over her fingers; a small silver chain with a heart-shaped diamond.

"Tis not for sale." The jeweler suddenly interrupted them once more, his eyes straying to the ground.

"Why not?" Triss replied calmly. "I implore you to reconsider, sir."

"Why do you want that one?" Cirilla asked.

"For Rosi, of course. It's beautiful, but the merchant's refusing to sell it." Triss spoke softly, sighing her disappointment.

"A thousand bezant!" The jeweler said eagerly. "No more haggling." He muttered, recoiling to the intensity of the enchantress's stare, as she placed the jewelry on the table, and walked away.

"If you're meaning to cheat us, it isn't going to work." Cirilla warned though she recognized the rareness of the trinket.

"I know the value of this trinket. It's lovely, but I assure you the sum you're asking is unreasonably high and I won't pay that?" Triss added. The quietness of the crowd suddenly drew her gaze and she paused. She lifted her hood over hear head and the market suddenly returned to its bustling.

"Ye're a mage and you've a fortune. A thousand bezant, m'lady." The jeweler grunted to dissuade her interest. He scowled expecting a haggle, but the sorceress merely lifted her gaze and smiled.

"Even with my fortunes, I haven't any plan to squander it or be cheated."

"Cheat, squander? Your lassie would fancy this trinket."

"She's just a baby and would fancy anything from me. Anyway, we have a problem, your price is too steep, even for such a rare necklace." Triss replied. She felt Cirilla arms leave her shoulder.

The witcher had pulled down her hood, flicked her cloaked over her shoulders to let her hair spilled over her ears, neck, and down her back. One more button on her blouse was unfastened, she bend forward provocatively revealing a fair amount of cleavage, but not too much.

"Ahem!" Triss cleared her throat in a nice way. 'Ciri, stop that."

"Aww. I thought we could get to know each other a bit more." Cirilla trifled with the jeweler. Her voice soft, a bit sultry, she jutted her hips feinting her lecherous stare of the man.

"You'll take four-hundred bezant, won't you, love?"

"No!" He muttered back, then fold his arms across his body.

Cirilla took the necklace and raised it to her chest, then stood up straight to emphasize her breast. The man's eyes followed eagerly, and she noticed. He raised his body and tiptoed drawing a frown across Triss's face. The sorceress was ready to jerk Cirilla away, when the jeweler lost his footing and stumble into his wares, spilling gems and coin on the ground.

"Three hundred bezant for it and not a coin more, you old perverse deviant..." Cirilla said, erupting the noblewomen in laughter. "...serves you right for gawking at my breast."

"Argh, three hundred." The jeweler mumbled, never lifting his head to look at them.

"Done." Cirilla said dropping the sum on the counter. She gave the necklace to Triss, then quickly lifted her cloaked over her head, pulling the string. The sorceress opened her pouch on her hip and placed them in it.

"What was that?" She asked, when they emerged from the shop.

"Haggling. Witcher style."

"I doubt it. I can't see Geralt unfastening his toggles to flirt."

"Fine then, witcheress style. Satisfied? So, what did you do to anger the merchant?" Cirilla asked, fixing her blouse and cloak, as they strolled through the narrow passageways between the buildings.

"I haggled him to take half the coin he wanted, then rebuffed his undesired gawking." Triss replied "You witcher, did something else."

"I haven't a clue what you're referring to, mother."

"Ciri, you were flirting with that man." Triss charged.

"Flirting? I'd call it honest bargaining." Cirilla declared.

"Ciri!"

"What? It solved your problem did it not?"

"Eh, I guess it did." Triss sighed, strolling ahead. "So, tell me, did you find what you were looking for at the vintner?"

"Nix." Cirilla muttered.

"I'm sorry. It'll be difficult to find Skellige mead here in Kovir." Triss said. "Why don't you just go to the Isles and get some?"

"She's not there."

"True Cerys isn't there, but it's familiar. I've always found the longing and loneliness more tolerable whenever I was in a familiar place doing familiar things."

"Is that why you hide away brewing potions and wearing Geralt's shirt when he's away?"

"I hardly say I was hiding away, Ciri. Just go to Skellige, spent some time at Kaer Trolde and you'll feel better."

"Eh, it'd be nice, but I'll get even more lonely after." Cirilla sighed.

"Alright. I won't pry in your affairs. I don't know what's going on between you and Cerys, but you know you can always come to me, right?"

"I know that."

"Good." Triss said. "Why don't you try another? You might even grow to like it."

"I don't want to."

"You'd never know until you try it. Sodden mead's good." The enchantress teased.

"Tsk! Tsk!" Cirilla replied, shaking her head. "It's doesn't have the same taste and I don't care much for it."

"Alright. Just trying to help." Triss said, as they reached the spice merchant.

Inside the shop an old man sat chewing on a cinnamon bark while his wife eagerly coaxed them to take interest in her wares. She pointed to the rare collection of spices on the shelves and table, then quickly wiped her hands on her apron. All the spices were neatly arranged in small sacks each finely ground into red, green, brown, and yellow piles.

"Don't mind that loafer, m'lady." The old woman said to Cirilla, who was gazing at the man awkwardly working the bark in his mouth. He'd said nothing save moving his hand to feed his mouth.

Triss dipped her finger into the small sack and took a whiff of the dried cardamom while the woman came to her side. She rubbed the enchantress back in a friendly way as if they knew each other. The aromas were familiar and unfamiliar, rare and common. The smells mingled, tingling the nose. Triss covered her nose with the back her hand, inhaling sharply, before sneezing from the rich scents.

"The Prophet Lebiodus bless you, m'lady." The woman said.

"Thank you." Triss replied. She took a few seeds of caraway on her fingertip and tasted them.

"How does it taste?" Cirilla asked, and the sorceress outstretched her hand.

The witcher took a whiff, then tasted the seeds. "It's good."

"Yes, m'lady spices from Ofir are exquisite." The woman replied.

"And expensive."

"They are, but I really enjoy these flavors." Triss whispered. She tucked her hair, and bend over to take another whiff of the spices. When she stood, her face was scrunched. She bit her lips discreetly kneading her breast to relieve the discomfort.

"Are you alright?" Cirilla queried.

"It's painful, but it'll pass."

"I can't imagine it." Cirilla replied. She rubbed some seeds in her palm and whiffed the scent. "What's this one?"

"It's anise, I think." The sorceress answered.

"It is. Tis a seed from a liquorice plant used in spicing the food." The woman said. "Which do you want, sorceress?"

"Hmm, let's see. We'll have some caraway, cumin, cinnamon, a bit of ginger, and some of coriander, there." Triss pointed and the woman quickly went to preparing their wares. "How much do I owe you?" She asked.

"Fifty bezants, but the lady need only pay twenty-five." The woman answered, giving them six small jars.

"Twenty-five? Are you certain?" Triss asked, but the old woman simply clasped his hands and smiled. Her husband took the coin offered, then returned to his lazy perch.

They departed the store and continued into the marketplace past the weathered walls of the bakery huddled between the bank and the artist's shop. The baker held fresh buns, her smile was as warm as her loaves and when she waved Cirilla bobbed a curtsy to her. The sweet smell of cinnamon quickly faded when they reached the herbalist. In the distance, hawkers and peddlers' touts more of their wares crying, 'Fish! Meat! and Hides!'

"Honeysuckle for white honey." Triss mumbled to herself inspecting the herbs used in remedies and potions. She pointed to the berbercane fruit, "Get some of that, Ciri."

"You're going to brew swallow?"

"Yes, and a few vials of Maribor forest while I'm at it. We need a bit of celandine too. Some white myrtle petals to get vitriol and wolfsbane to extract vermilion for making kiss potion. I used the last of my potions after Geralt got injured." Triss replied.

Together, they collected plants and herbs, then paid the merchant. The sorceress placed the bundle of dried herbage in a small casket and hung it on her hip as Cirilla led her by her arm deeper into the marketplace through the alley and onto the main street. A storekeeping exposed his goods of beautiful opaque pottery, mugs, and elegantly crafted wooden bowls. Cirilla squatted down gazing astonishing at the ornaments of stoneware. She picked up a pair of mugs, each carved from a single horn and turned them into the light to see the glint from their polished surfaces. Triss's eyes followed her expression with a quiet intrigue, the she smiled.

"It's beautiful." Cirilla said to her. Her eyes studied each chip, the faint cracks, and the hand engraved patterns that crept up to their rims.

"It is. The craftsmanship is superb, but..." Triss answered. "...what use do you have for them? What's gotten into you?"

"Nothing." Cirilla murmured. Her cheeks were febrile and flushed crimson.

'Oh, I see.' Triss teased and Cirilla made a playful gesture to throw the mug at her.

'Cerys would love these.' She paused, then ran her fingers along the rim, her face flooded with a smile. She'd become a child again if only for a moment.

Of course, Cerys' been on her mind all this time. The enchantress thought, then quickly tore her gaze toward the crashing sound of a agitated horse dragging a phaeton. "Behind you, Ciri!" She yelled and Cirilla leapt to her feet.

A barrel rolled from the back of the cart onto the cobblestone street sending throng of market goers scattering. Another chaise lost it wheel and spilled it produce. Cirilla stepped aside to avoid the veering wagon as it crashed into the pottery. A second barrel fell spilling wine on the cobblestone. Waifs and deviants appeared from their holes, grabbing the fallen bounty, as the phaeton crashed against the wall and overturn, breaking the horse's leg. Two merchants fussed about their damaged goods, others whispered quietly. Triss sat on a wooden crate and crossed her legs when Cirilla began to haggle with the merchant for the mugs. He asked for forty bezants, but she offered twenty. The man huffed, crossed his arms and refused. He tried to bargain for more coin, but she saw through his act and got her way. After the deal, Cirilla found the sorceress intently listening to the merchant's grievances. She offered sympathy for their plights, calming the squabble that had ensued, then they slipped away to make the long walk back to the manor.

"That mare." Cirilla whispered as they strolled past the wounded creature kicking its legs as it tried to stand. She walked to the horse, its eyes were panicked.

"What are you doing? Leave that alone. The owner will tend to it." Triss said.

"It's suffering." Cirilla replied. She'd taken a knee and began stroking the horse's mane.

"Its legs are broken. Old age. Look at the drooping fetlocks and eyes."

"Do something, please."

"What would you have me do?" Triss replied.

"Anything." Cirilla answered. Her eyes showed a gentle concern for the creature.

"I'd rather not see the beast suffer, but there's nothing I can do to heal it." Triss said. She gazed at the horse's master and the man nodded. "The best I could do is give this poor creature a quick end."

"That's better than seeing it suffer." Cirilla mumbled. She waited for a moment, then the sorceress blew onto her fingertips and placed the glowing ember that appear on the creature's head as it took its last breaths.

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright." Triss whispered. She stood and composed herself. "Let's go home. I need a bath."

They slipped through the city gates and traveled north. To the west, the sun had fallen just beyond the horizon, its warmth engulfed by the encroaching darkness. Triss's eye gazed across the valley and beyond to the mountains in the distance surrounding them like a fortress wall. Now far to the south behind them was Pont Vanis. The lamps of the city came alight haphazardly; the nearby hills were smooth knolls covered in a layer of white.

"Look over there." Cirilla finally spoke removing the awkward silence between them.

She stopped and pointed to the storm; a flash of lightning cut across the sky, then thunderclap in the distance cleaving apart the peaceful serenity at eventide. The smell in the air was familiar; then nightfall brought threats of a hailstorm.

"It's far over the ocean." Triss said quietly. "Still, we should make haste, I don't want us to be caught out here in freak blizzard. I predict we'll get another coat of snow in the coming days."

"Are you alright?"

"I fine, Ciri. I simply have a lot on my mind. Come on, let's get going."

"Alright then." Cirilla murmured.

They quickened the pace of their strides. Silence shrouded the land once more; the fields were absent every sound but the infrequent howling of the wind and the welcomed crunching of snow underfoot. Small slopes and winding paths blanketed by snow marked the trail toward the manor. The crumpled remnant of an ancient ruins buried half buried revealed the edge of their estate. From the porch Geralt could hear them coming far along the trail; the grey sky now darkened overhead. As they turned the bend, his witcher eyes could see more than the shadowy figures approaching. Just past the half stone wall, they heard the laughter of children playing.

"It's getting warmer." Cirilla turned and walked backward.

"A tad." Triss answered. She tucked her cloak and scarf muttering, as if to draw all its warmth into her body. "It's freezing out here, Ciri. Why would Geralt let the girls play in this awful cold?"

"Well, it's fun to be a child." Cirilla laughed. She hurried to joined Gretka and Millie amid a snowball fight.

Millie hid crouched down behind the old tree, as Gretka threw snow at her. When she peeked her head out, her face was smear with a grin as Cirilla dug her gloves into the snow, pressed it into a ball and sent it hurling towards them.

"Help me, Ciri." Millie shouted, ducking again when Gretka threw another snowball at her face. It hit the tree and she peeked her head out once more.

"Look out!" Cirilla shouted a warning, as it was only fair, then she threw the snowball she'd formed. It hit Gretka on the nape, then slid down her back.

Her eyes widened, she let out a startled gasp to the sudden shock of the cold, then arched her back to escape the melting stream creeping down her skin.

"Hey! Not fair! You're going to pay for that." Gretka shouted, she tugged on her tunic and coat, so the melted snow could fall through and down on the ground. She scooped a hand full of snow and hurled it at Cirilla's face.

"Your aim is awful… you missed me!" Cirilla teased, then their playful fight intensified with a volley of snowballs.

Millie came out of her hiding place, then took a handful of snow and packed it with her bare hands into a small ice orb. She threw it and missed her sisters. Cirilla took them both under her arms. She spun their bodies; the garden, the old tree, and manor rushed past in a blur until they fell to the ground in laughter. Triss turned her attention from them to the porch, as they knelt amid whispers hatching their plot. When she drew near, they pelted her with snow.

"We got you, mumpy!" Millie shouted, then she came to her.

"You did." Triss smiled at her, going to her knees. Snow clinging to her cloak melted from the warmth of her body. "Don't even think about it, you two." She warned Cirilla and Gretka who were sneaking up from behind.

Both dropped the snowballs they'd prepared, brushing their hands. Millie playfully stuck out her tongue to tease them, then ducked her head when Gretka faked a throw empty handed. She looked at Cirilla, then at the pair now huddle together.

"What are they talking about?"

"Go and see." Cirilla replied. She patted Gretka on her butt maneuvering her by the shoulders towards them. "Go on."

The girl steps were hesitant at first, then she hurried and squatted beside them arms resting on her knees. Triss pushed the child's hair over her shoulder and whispered something into her ear, then Gretka peeked up to search for Cirilla before nodding. The enchantress held her arms around them both, she tucked the strands of Millie's hair behind her ears, then brought her mouth close murmuring.

"Won't stand so close if I were you." Geralt voice echoed across
the yard from the porch.

Their mouths curved into smiles, Gretka and Millie were talking secretly with Triss when Cirilla peeked at them. The sorceress caressed their cold cheeks after warming their face, then she plunged her hands into the snow and grabbed a handful between her fingers. She molded it into a firm ball in her palm and handed the girls each one. She made a few more, placing it at their feet.

"Ready?" Triss whispered.

"Yes." They answered.

"Now!" The enchantress shouted. She spun around on her knees and the children leapt forward. They threw as hard as they could, pelting Cirilla with a flurry of snow after she'd let down her guard.

"I yield." She said raising her hands, then turning her back towards them. "I give up."

"We got her!" Millie laughed.

"Yes, we did" Triss replied. "Payback." She said, then flicked her hands knocking loose the snow from her glovette.

Cirilla came near, she brushed her hair as the sorceress reached into the pouch on her side and removed two elvish looking pendants. She placed the first around Gretka's neck, then kissed her cheeks. The girl ran off to show Cirilla the trinket. Triss slid her hand along both sides of Millie's neck, fastening the necklace chain. She let the leaf fall gently on the child's chest, and before the sorceress could stand, Millie's arms curled her neck in an affectionate hug.

"I've been meaning to get you girls these for a while."

"Thank you." Gretka said. "I love it. Millie?"

"Thank you, mother." Millie mumbled.

"No need." Triss said, then she stood.

The sorceress canted her head, then tossed her locks to shake out the snow, before strolling toward the veranda where Geralt sat. The witcher was resting on an old rocking chair, in his hand was an old worn leather satchel of tobacco. He clamped his teeth on the stem of his ash-wood pipe, then pinched a bit of tobacco and pressed it into the chamber.

"Haven't seen you doing this for a while." Triss said, as she climbed the small steps with a faint smile across her lips.

"The smoke is intoxicating." Geralt mumbled, then stretched his body. The aged wood creaked, as he rocked the chair back and forth.

He took the pipe from his mouth and leaned his head back looking upward at the sorceress. She'd noticed the stain and smelled the tobacco on his fingers when he grabbed onto the strings of her cloak fastened around her neck. Triss leaned over him from behind and Geralt pulled her arms over him; her hair slipped from her shoulder and fell onto him; small droplets of snow fell on his
face and drenched his brow.

"You smell nice." Geralt said.

"Thank you. Triss replied. Her wonted greeting of a kiss did not come.

Her eyes strayed up across the yard towards the children and Cirilla's enrapture laughter, as her fingers massaged his chin and his cheek. She slid her arms free and took a seat on a three-legged stool in front of him. The sorceress crossed her legs over her knee, right over left as she gazed at his face fully. Geralt brought his hand to his chin rubbing the stubbles, his beard made a scratchy sound, the corner of his mouth quirked up.

"You need a shave and a trim." Triss said quietly. He stopped, his hand fell from his chin. The witcher ogled her and she turned her gaze away. Even now he held the same sway over her, as she had over him.

Shave huh? Hmm. He thought. "Yeah—but my blade... you'll have to put up with my beard and hair for a while."

"I don't mind it really. I love that rugged look, but you're really
starting look like a cave dweller, Geralt."

"Can't be that bad." Geralt grumbled.

"Have you looked into a mirror lately?" Triss reached forward and cupped his face. She scratched his beard and Geralt grabbed onto her arms. "I had your razor sharpened by the barber. Although, you could've done it yourself."

"Fine, I'll clean up." He mumbled. "Want to do the honors? Your hands are bit steadier."

"You want me to shave your beard? My hands are steady? You could come up with something better than that." Triss mumbled to him. "What are you
up to, witcher?"

"Truthfully?"

"Yes, Geralt the truth."

"Thing is, your hands always feel good."

"I'm a sorceress, they're supposed to. I've got magical hands, you
know?" Triss said.

She fixed her eyes on him, as he pushed his ash-wood pipe in his mouth, lit it with Igni and pulled inward inhaling deeply. The bowl burned a bright red, the smoke mingled with the warm breath from his mouth and wafted above him. Triss leaned forward, resting an elbow on her knee and propping her head, cheek on the back of her hand. The sound of the children made them both look across the yard. Millie and Gretka chased Cirilla around the garden sculpture.

"I've missed you." Geralt murmured, but the sorceress did not turn.

"I was away for half a day, hardly enough time to miss me." She answered. A small smile kissed her face. "The girls couldn't have been that much trouble, could they?"

"Hmm. I'm still allowed to miss you, right?" Geralt answered.

Triss felt his hand squeeze her thigh, as she listened to his deep voice almost growling for her. He'd gone to his knees resting his forearms on her. She faced him and tried to speak, but his finger eagerly came to her lips. Though she hadn't any idea what he'd do, her eyes caressed him like his hands on her body in the oddest but pleasing manner. Geralt inched closer and her hands instinctively went for his face. The roughness of his fingers squeezing so passionately, quickened her pulse.

"No, Geralt. Not now." The enchantress whispered when he tried to kiss her, then she turned away and closed her eyes.

The witcher grabbed the arms of the chair and push off from his knees, his pipe tucked firmly between his finger. As he scooted back resting comfortably; Triss seemed so far from him. She smiled at him through it all, the scent of tobacco filled her nose, a puff of smoke billowed into the air, then he folded his arms cradling the pipe against his elbow. His eyes burned like yellow opals tucked in his weary gaze.

"Starting to smoke your pipe, again?"

"Relaxing… I get to watch Millie and Gretka play and..." Geralt mumbled, looking past her towards the children.

"Where's our daughter?" Triss asked.

"Asleep, on the floor in the parlor." He answered.

"On the floor?! We have beds, you know?" She chided him.

"Pyro's with her... didn't want to wake her." He mumbled in his defense, then removed the pipe from his mouth.

Triss rolled her eyes, then pushed his legs with hers. Just then, the door swung inward. Geralt had left it cracked opened and Rosina's pet wolf, Pyro walked out. He snuffed the cold air, his ears stood high, his body covered in a thick coat of fur; she felt the warmth of the creature's breath on her face. He rested his muzzle in her hands revealing his canines. Pyro knocked the sorceress against the wooden banister, nuzzling his head in her neck. Triss patted the wolf's side when he licked her face and hands before crashing his body to the floor beside her feet. The creature curled himself resting his muzzle on his forelegs.

"Come to say hello?" Geralt mumbled to the wolf, but the creature growled at him. "Hmm, still angry."

"You two are fighting again?" Triss asked. "Seriously?"

"Not fighting. He brought a rotten hare for Rosi… I threw it out." Geralt answered. The wolf growled, raising his head from his foreleg to dispute the witcher claim. "Fine, he brought his kill in inside, so I put him in the barn."

Triss smiled, as Pyro rested his head back on his forelegs. She reached down and patted the wolf's head. "Ciri's in trouble. Gretka and Millie's got her pinned down." She whispered.

Pyro lifted his body sitting on his haunches to look over across the yard. Cirilla was laying in the snow with both girls atop of her. He threw himself back to the floor, tucking his head once more on his forelegs. Moments later, the wolf quickly raised his head and glanced up, ears strained and pointed upward. He whined, rubbing his snout against the enchantress's thigh.

"I know, boy." Triss said. She was already aware before the wolf's warning that Rosina had woken up and needed food. She and Geralt both knew the child would search for them before she cried for help. "Well, witcher, our child is awake, and she needs to be fed. Don't stay out much longer, It's cold out here."

"Hmm." He mumbled.

"You want some tea?"

"Hmm." Geralt mumbled again.

Triss took a deep audible breath, uncrossed her legs, then she rose to her feet. "I'll take that as a yes. When I'm finished with Rosi, I'll brew something." She said. "So, did she cause any trouble?"

"She sat beside the door wailing after you and Ciri left. I held her until she stopped. Rosi wanted to play with Gretka and Millie. I found her sleeping on the floor, later. Gretka and Millie wanted to go outside, so here we are." Geralt answered. He took two long pulls from his pipe, the small flame flickered like a firefly, then he blew out. A grand puff of smoke curled around them and Triss waved her hand to disperse it.

"Stop that." She said, coughing. "I could think of other ways you and I could relax, you know? Besides, smoking that thing I mean. You need a bath."

Hmm, bath... with oils and balms. We'd spend more time together. Geralt grunted, lifting his head from the back of the chair to look at her. "More...bed, bath, and balms?"

"Mmhmm. Although, I wouldn't put it in that order. I had something more intimate in mind. We'd take a midnight stroll if the storm misses us, and talk. I think it'd be nice..." Triss replied. "...could spend the quiet together?"

"I'd like that." The witcher said. He leaned back in the chair, making it groan. His nape on the back of the chair, then he took another puff of his pipe. "Did you get what you needed from the marketplace?"

"I did. Ciri and I went to the jeweler to get the necklaces I had made for Rosi and the girls." Triss replied. She moved toward the witcher. "After that, we got a few ingredients to make more potions. I even managed to get my hands on a few exotic spices."

"Mmhmm."

"That's it?" Triss chuckled. She traced her finger down his face to his chin. "Don't you have anything to say? No quick-witted remarks or something to teased me with?"

"Stay, out here with me." Geralt said, holding her body. He took the sorceress' wrist and pulled her down to him.

"You know Rosi's up and when she's done scouring through the house for us, she'll start to bawl. I know how you get when your daughter cries." Triss said with a pleasant lilt in her voice.

"How's the Beledal girl's treatment?" He asked.

"Never known you to take such interest in these aspects of my work." The sorceress laughed, gently caressing his arms. "Well… what exactly do you want to know?"

"Ciri said she's in high spirits. You know, she's visited the Beledal's home twice since we returned from Talgar?"

"I had no idea she visits Clarissa…"

"Going to ask?"

"No. It's good for her, I guess even she has her secrets." Triss replied. She smiled looking at Cirilla and the girls playing far beyond the grounds. "I like to examine Clarissa myself, but I haven't the time. I instructed Elisa on her treatment and I've been monitoring her progress through our regular correspondence."

"Ciri said the girl is eager to see you. The family will be at the Thyssen's ball in Lan Exeter. Why don't you examine the girl there? We have to visit the druids."

"It would be convenient. But, I want her to be comfortable. Her home is best suited for the task. I'll fine time to visit the Beledal's manor and check on the girl."

Arms wrapped around him, Triss looked on quietly for a moment, until the silence became almost uncomfortable. Thick smoke from the witcher's pipe hung in the air. Warm memories came to her. She remembered the many balls they'd attended in Temeria and Kovir, then smiled, recalling the night of the Vegelbuds masquerade. When she peered down at Geralt; his eyes were content, gazing far at the children.

Balls. I'd almost forgotten. I wish I could say I'm looking forward to the festivities. She thought to herself. I have so much to do, it slipped my mind. I've been putting my plans into action, but I must deal with my affairs sooner rather than later.

"Did some digging..." He said suddenly.

"So did I, witcher." Triss replied. "But you get to tell me what you've been doing first."

"The merchant's guild is hanging Zadid out to dry, they'll claim no part in his affairs, hoping to curry your favor." Geralt continue, his eyes now rushing to her.

"Hmm, my favor?" Triss muttered. "Now I'm curious. How did you managed to get a member of the guild to divulge their inner workings and messages?"

"Witcher tricks."

"Geeeeralt."

"Simple, my winsome smile…"

"Geralt!"

"Do you remember the merchant Ciri and I interrogated on the waterway in Lan Exeter?"

"Yes, that was months ago. Why is that relevant now?"

"I took the ledger Ciri seized from the man and read it. Hidden inside was the name of the Madame at The Doves Palace."

"The Dove Palace? I needn't tell you that place is filled with trollops and harlots, Geralt—"

He shrugged. "I waited for the merc—"

"Did you hear what I said? As if the noblewomen fawning over you isn't enough. Should I be vexed if you're bedding all the whores of Pont Vanis?"

"Worry your reputation will suffer?" The witcher growled.

"Damn my reputation. Don't you see?" Her arms uncoiled from him. She sat opposite him, much closer than before. "I won't have your name be dragged with the foul gossip of this place!"

"Nothing happened, Triss..." Geralt replied. I'll never hurt you again. He thought. But the sorceress did not need such edict. "...business."

"I know. That look in your eyes tells me I'm losing my mind..." Triss let out a sigh. She frowned and scolded herself for interrogating him. "...well, what did you learn?"

"The merchant showed up. He gave the Madame coin to get him sloshed and talking. Two men followed him, they sat in the corner, never took their eyes off him… what? Geralt asked when she clenched her jaw.

"Nothing."

"Hmm..."

"Truly, it's nothing." Triss tried to assure him. She nibbled her bottom lips nothing. "I'll deal with merchant guild and Zadid." Well, it seems the intelligence service has the members of the guild still present in Kovir under their surveillance. I'm disobeying Tancred's orders. If my disobedience comes to light, I'm sure the price will be steep. If you knew witcher you'd try to dissuade me.

"They're running scare, but there's nowhere to run or hide. This will play out. The outcome will be the same. That man will pay for what he did to you. No doubt the guild will try to use flattery to plea for leniency for their syndicate."

"Well, they won't get any sympathy from me."

"We should try to learn what role they had in the plot to harm you. Nothing in the guilds happens unsanctioned." Geralt said.

"True, but that would implicate too many powerful people and the consequences could plunge Kovir into civil war if the nobles decide to side with one of their own. I have to tread carefully." Triss replied. She smiled more to reassure him than herself.

"Oh, before I forget. Letters arrived for you by a courier of the court." The witcher said.

"From who?"

"The scroll bore the seal of the court."

"What about the others?"

"From Rita and Lady Elisa." Geralt answered to her sudden enthrallment.

"Lady Elisa?" Triss asked, but the witcher simply shrugged. She was silent for a moment, then he spoke.

"What are you up to?" He asked.

"I'll let you in on my plans ones all the preparations are complete." Triss answered. "See you inside?"

"Stay." Geralt mumbled, coaxing her back to him. He clutched her side and the enchantress turned to face him. She rested her knees on the seat between his legs, then shoved his hair back away from his face, as she caressed his chin. Those eyes. Geralt slipped a small grin. I get lost in them each morning start my day.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"What?" Triss whispered again.

"Your eyes..."

"Geralt, stop that." She said, then squeezed his chin and kissed his forehead. "You make it so unbearably difficult to leave your side, witcher. Did you read the note I left you?"

"Mmhmm."

"Liar…" Triss answered playfully. "...tell me something from it then."

He gazed up into her eyes, speaking the words she'd written and left by their bedside. "...no matter the mood or plight, I can smile when I see you… you're what my heart has chosen, and I cannot betray my heart. I've tried and still tried so hard to prove my love for you, yet I fear a lifetime is insufficient. I've walked in sadness yearning for what we have now. You're unusual and still so normal, rousing like no other, I've known and you're mine. You've brought me more delight than I could ever hope to find in this life... even if you turn from me now, I could never do the same to you. I've had your warmth, and no one will stop me from loving you… one of my favorite moment is catching you looking at me..."

Triss placed her finger on his lips to silence him. "Keep the rest to yourself." She said.

"I've read and remember every letter you've written to me." Geralt mumbled.

"I have to go to our daughter now." Triss whispered, turning away before he could see her face. The witcher let her hand slip from his, then watched, as she pulled off her cloak and walked away.

She opened the door letting Pyro in, then entered behind him. Geralt face twisted unsatisfied and when he finally turned around, Cirilla stood there watching him. She chuckled and placed her hands on her hip watching the witcher's face and the affection he showed. She rolled her eyes when he frowned putting his pipe in his mouth, when he looked away.

"I need that." Cirilla said, snatching the pipe from him, then leaping backwards quickly before he could take it back.

"I'm not done with that, Ciri." Geralt growled. He leaned forward in the rocking chair hand outstretched.

"A shame then." Cirilla replied. "You're not getting it back." She said, knocking the pipe against the banister to remove the fire and tobacco.

"Why?"

"I need it for our snowman."

"Ciri…"

"Good bye!" Cirilla replied, waving her hand with the pipe in it as, she returned to the Millie and Gretka still playing by the old tree.

***][***

Geralt swung open the door, then walked into the parlor. The fireplace blazed wildly, it's light stretched across the room casting odd shadows over the rugs stitched from tanned hide. Curled flames swayed to the small breeze forcing its way in from behind him, the warmth of the air impersonating the hot northern summer heat. He could smell the faint smell of burning wood mingled with the aroma of herbs and spices emanating from the satchel she'd placed on the table.

Coriander and cumin. Triss's spices. The witcher thought to himself, then slipped a smile in reminisce recalling the sent from their home in Vizima.

He walked into the kitchen to prepare tea with honey. He held a cup in each hand, then propped opened the door to their bedroom with his foot. Triss was sitting on a cushioned chair beside the fireplace; the sight of her reassured him. In the hearth was a fresh stockpile of burning firewood, the flames crackled, as the pile shifted sending embers leaping into the air and fading like fireflies.

"Do you have to be so loud?" Triss spoke softly. Cradled in her arms was Rosina moaning noisily as she suckled. She shifted the child, so she could suckle the other breast, hoping the girl would fall asleep just as quickly, as she'd opened her eyes to her father's footsteps.

"Sleeping?" Geralt asked, softening his voice, Rosina had woken up.

"She was, until you came in making so much noise." Triss replied. "Guess it's for the best, I'd woken her eventually for a bath."

"I'll get her to bed then. I made you tea." Geralt said holding out his hand. "Drink it, or it'll get cold."

"Thank you— Ow! No, Rosi that hurt!"

She unlatched the child from her breast and placed her on her lap. Tempered, Rosina raised her head and screamed contorting her body with grunts.

"My! She's stubborn!" The sorceress mumbled.

"What happened?"

"She bit me. The little monster bit me! Now she's throwing a temper tantrum because I refuse to be bitten when I nurse her!" Triss answered, lifting the lace of her gown up her arm to cover her breast. She pulled a shawl to cover herself when Geralt came near, but Rosina angrily pulled it down.

Geralt stood over them. "She was only playing." He said.

"By biting me? Do you want me to bite you, Geralt? Perhaps show you how it feels?" Triss asked.

The witcher stayed silent for a moment, then answered. "I know how it feels."

She gazed at him. Geralt stood there, a small grin on his face. Suddenly he stepped forward spilling his tea. Triss flinched, she caught the child after she'd slipped writhing in her ill-tempered cries.

"That was close." She mumbled, feigning her clam, as she placed Rosina on the floor by her feet. Still startled, eyes frozen open, hands still trembling, the child began to cry, but the sorceress resisted the motherly urge to pick her up and soothed her.

"Rosi!" Geralt spoke in a deep voice and she stopped her bawling. Rosina held out her hands to him. The witcher looked for a place to put down his cup and free his hand, when Triss spoke.

"Don't you dare pick her up." She warned him.

"Not going to, just—" Geralt answered. His face twisted at the seriousness in her eyes. He glanced around the room still looking for a place to set the cups of tea. There was a chest nearby. "...seeing her like that is… I know you're not ok with her crying like that."

"No, of course not! It's agonizing, Geralt, but she needs to learn not to bite while I'm suckling her." Triss answered over the child's tantrum screams.

Rosina held onto her mother's leg and stood, she tugged on her clothes burying her face on her lap. Warm tears crawled down her cheeks wetting the sorceress's thigh. Triss furrowed her face, the child's cries were too painful to bear, like tiny shards tearing at her heart.

"You're alright." She said soothing her. She took the girl into her arms, then wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry, but you can't bite like that."

"I'm amazed."

"And why's that?"

"Saying you're not curious to know which of us she inherited the biting from?" The witcher answered straight-faced, glancing down at the mark left by her teeth on his chest.

"Charming. You made a joke. Don't just stand there, set your tea somewhere and take her!" Triss said, her face flushed. She covered Rosina's face with kisses and the child began to belly laugh. "Now I know why some animals eat their young."

"Meaning?" Geralt grumbled interrupting them. He moved her tea on a large oak chest at the foot of their bed and stood with his arms at his side.

"Well..." Triss teased. She got down on the floor to let their daughter roam the bedroom. "...their fathers aren't much help."

"Hmm." Geralt replied. His expression hardened and Triss chuckled.

"No, Rosi, don't go there!" She called, as the child drew nearer to the fireplace.

Rosina took notice of her mother's warning, she sat, then crawled to the bed. She grabbed the small wooden horse Cirilla had carved, but quickly lost interest. She wanted her father's sword tucked beside the bed-stand.

"Please don't touch that." Triss called to her once more. She went to her crib and gave the girl the small wooden sword. "Look, Geralt, our little witcher is already interested in swords."

"Wait… leave her be. Want to see what she does." Geralt said quietly. They waited, as Rosina stood up and walked toward the dresser. No bigger than her arm, she held the sword perfectly.

"Amazing. Now I have to contend with another witcher." Triss joked. Rosina sat back down and began crawling to them. Geralt gave a dismissive wave, but the sorceress snatched his arm tugging him towards her. "I'm only teasing, so stop scowling at me."

"Wouldn't say I'm scowling."

"You are." Triss said. She held his nape and kissed him.

"Ma-ma, ma-ma!" Rosina called to her. As Triss took the child into her arms, she grabbed a head of her hair and put it into her mouth.

"Please, don't tug my hair child." The sorceress whispered. She gently pulled her tresses free, then shifted the girl from her right to her left shoulder.

"Hmm, she grabs hair too when she's excited." Geralt mumbled. He was looking at them, then his gaze wandered to Triss's gown. "I wonder where she got that."

"I don't know if I should laugh or be vexed by your antics."

"Laugh." The witcher answered. Triss sighed. She took a seat in the rocking chair and settled her body back, readying to reply when Geralt spoke again. "Angry?"

"Maybe."

"Not convinced."

"Really?"

"Uh huh. You kissed me, maybe if you spoke in Nilfgaardian, I be more inclined." The witcher jested again, then finished his tea.

"Amusing. I'll whisper to you in elder speech while we're in bed, but don't expect our pillow-talks to be in Emhyr's tongue. Speaking of bed, I need to get Rosi down."

"Now?" Geralt grunted.

"Mmhmm. It's late, you know?" Triss answered. Her gaze was mischievous and relaxed, as he folded his arms staring. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

He shrugged. The warm candlelight cast his dark eyes a deeper shade of amber and set the room in a radiant glow. "Not staring?"

"Having a sudden craving for something Nilfgaardian, witcher? Sorry to disappoint..." Triss said, chuckling. She looked at the window, the moon had risen.

"What? No." He answered. "Prefer something more Temerian. Lovelier this time of the year."

Triss stood. When she turned, she bumped into him. The sorceress lifted her head and Geralt drew her and Rosina closer, squeezing the child between their bodies. He kissed Rosina's forehead, then lifted the sorceress chin and kissed her lips before she could deny him. When their mouths parted, he gazed into her eye. She would stare only for a moment, before taking her gaze back down to their daughter.

"Nemen aep luned." She whispered, speaking in a Nilfgaardian dialect.

"Hmm." Geralt mumbled.

"I said, 'Take your daughter.'" She answered. Smiling when he obeyed. He pressed his face on her belly, and the child burst into warm laughter. "I'll get her bath ready." Triss said, stepping away from them.

She halted for a moment to watch him play. Always affectionate, rocking her and humming tunes from far distant shores. Geralt sat on the floor, he placed Rosina beside the bed a few feet away, then coxed her to stand and walk to him. Her first eager steps were unsteady, but she smiled each time her father moved his hands reassuring her. When she reached him, the witcher picked her up to her cheerful shrieking laughter. The child's sudden silence drew his attention. When he looked over to where her eyes were fixed, Geralt noticed Triss gazing back at them.

"Something wrong?" He asked.

"No, it's nothing. I'm anxious and I haven't a reason to be." She answered.

The enchantress took a small tub from the corner of the bedroom, placed it on the floor, and poured water from a clay jug. She mixed and heated it with her hands until the temperature was pleasant, then called to him. A moment later, she came for the child, but Rosina fussed and clutched her father's neck. They laughed at her sudden refusal to bath. Geralt held her a bit longer, soothing until she was calm. He lay on the floor with his head resting between her feet and Rosina clutched his hair. As if to show her affection and love, the child hovered her face above his.

"Dada-dada!" She said, clearly. Her rambunctious calls were sweet, her sounds joyous and rhymed like the birds. She kissed his mouth, drenching the witcher's face and beard in her spit. Geralt tucked his face in her neck and the child dissolved once more into a hysterical laughter.

"Strip her clothes for me, so she can bath." Triss said. When the witcher looked up, he noticed she was looking at them.

"What?"

"Strip her clothes I said." Triss replied. She'd had committed the moment to memory. Rosina pulled on his hair and Geralt canted his head in the direction of her pull. "Just now, watching you play and act like that with her...you looked so natural… ordinary."

"Ordinary is good." Geralt replied. The child smiled when he tucked her hair and grazed her spittle covered cheek.

"I won't disagree." Triss answered. A tangled blend of auburn and milky white tresses fell onto Geralt's face when his hand fell from Rosina's cheeks. "Alright, that's enough playing you two. Get her ready for her bath."

The witcher took Rosina and lay her on the bed. He stripped her dress, then threw the clothes on the floor. Around her neck was a necklace of sapphire beads and a like stone wolf pendant, nestled between four small woodland leaves.

"Necklaces must have cost a small fortune." He said holding and running his thumb across it.

"True, but it was worth every bezant." Triss replied, hovering over them. Geralt took the child against his shoulders patting her back.

"She's ready."

"Give her to me." Triss said. She took the child and murmured quietly to Rosina who smiled back.

"Da-da!" The girl called out, looking over her mother's shoulders to Geralt wanting him.

"Yes, Rosi, he's your father. You can have him after you've bathed." Triss replied. She carefully lowered Rosina into the tub and she plunged her hands in splashing water on them both.

"Ma-ma, da-da!" Rosina screamed, calling for her father.

"Come here, Geralt." Triss commanded. He obeyed and came near them. "Your child wants you, you're her first love, her hero. Sit beside us."

She scooped the water with her and poured it onto the girl's hair, then lathered it twisting the strands into a single wet plait. The enchantress cupped her hand spilling water across Rosina's body, then continue with a wooden cup. She scooped up more water and washed the child's locks before letting her play.

"Let me take her." Geralt said. He had a soft woven cloth in his hand and swung it over his shoulder.

"You smell like your pipe, don't stink her up." Triss warned, running her hand through the water. She reached down, took the tea he'd made her and sip. It was tepid, but the feeling was good.

The witcher sat beside them and as the bath water grew cold he pointed, turning Triss's attention to Rosina as she tried to climb from her bathwater. The enchantress set her tea back on the chest and ran her hand through the water once more. It was cold now and she lifted the child from the basin. Triss put her in the warm cloth draped over Geralt's arms, then pointed to the bed. He dried the child's hair first, then her body, before slipping on her small gown.

"No... no... no." Rosina babbled, when Geralt kissed her forehead, then her neck.

"What did you do?" Triss asked.

"Kiss her on the neck." Geralt said. He cradled her body, taking a whiff of her hair.

Triss pursed her lips in a half-smile.

"Go to sleep, Rosi." She heard him plea, unable to tear her gaze from them.

The witcher was rocking his body in a steady rhythm, humming a melody in a deep voice. He remained that way until Rosina's eyes drooped. There was a mindful tenderness to him, as he cradled her little body in his arm until drifted to sleep.

"Lay her in our bed for now." Triss said quietly, pulling aside the duvet.

Geralt tuck Rosina in and pulled the duvet up to her waist, but when he tried to leave, she woke again with a fractious groan. He took the child back onto his chest, her soft breathes kissed his skin, her fingers clutched tightly crumpling his shirt. The witcher lulled her tracing his fingers along her back in small circles until he was sure she'd fallen into a deep sleep, then he carefully climbed from the bed.

"She loves you." Triss whispered, but his mind was elsewhere.

He took off his shirt and amble to the window, then leaned against the wall and crossed his arms gazing out into the garden of Roses of Remembrance. Triss found her seat again on the chest and crossed her legs. She fixed her eyes on him, then noticed his hand moving down to his side feel his scar.

"What are you thinking about?" She asked, but Geralt remained silent. She stood and went to him. With each quiet step, the shadows cast by the candlelight flickered across his skin crawling from scar to scar. He looked strong yet vulnerable.

"A bezant for your thoughts." Triss spoke again, lovingly wrapping her arms around him and pressing his side.

"One hundred." Geralt replied, taking her hands.

"A hundred it is." The enchantress answered. "Tell me what's on your mind… what's going on?"

"Things." Geralt answered. He drew a long breath and emitted a deep audible sigh of tiredness.

"Things huh? Hmm...listen… I know you didn't want to settle down, it couldn't have been easy for you to come to that decision. Worst of all, you're involved now in this mess… my mess. I don't want you to feel trapped in—"

"Stop, don't do that." The witcher growled.

"It's just that..." She murmured. "I'm sorry."

Rosina woke again with a loud shrilling cry. The sound of the wind rustling leafless flower bushes against the house had woken the child. Geralt tried to go her, but Triss held him back.

"I'll get her." She said, then padded to Rosina's crib, reaching her first.

The child had stopped crying, her eyes were opened and looking around. Geralt watched from his resting place by the window, as Triss took their daughter into her arms and fed her. A stillness settled over the room, then a lullaby came to her and the sorceress began to sing. Soft and calming, it was an old Temerian berceuse. Her voice was just above a soft whisper like the wind, as Rosina tugged at her body yawning.

"Go back to sleep, my love." Triss told the child and her eyelids dropped shut. That song...where did that come from? She smiled to herself. It's old. Something from my early years, maybe?

"You sang her a lullaby." Geralt said, when she stood from tucking Rosina in her crib. The sorceress felt his hands upon her waist.

"Don't pretend as though that was the first you've heard me sing to her, Geralt."

"I never heard that lullaby before." He replied.

"It's old… something about the way she needed me, and her scent made me I recalled it. She smells so good." Triss said, removing the witcher's hands from her side and moved away.

He looked across his shoulder at her, then over to Rosina. Geralt leaned over and kissed the child in the folds of her nape. She flinched, then curled her body tucking her shoulder to hide her neck. He ran his finger across her temple down to her cheek and Rosina opened her eyes affectionately looking upward at him. Her eyelids dropped closed once more, as she drifted back to sleep.

"Are you ok?" Triss asked.

"Yeah." He said as he covered their child's body with the blanket.

They stood staring for a moment, watching Rosina sleep. Geralt tried to pull the sorceress tow him; he took her hand and held her body close, but Triss pulled free from his embrace. She walked quietly to corner to fetch the first of four large jugs made of clay, then carefully placed the top on the floor, before carrying the jug to the tub just behind the wooden divider.

"How do you want your bath?" She asked returning the empty ewer.

Geralt walked to the corner where she stood with a second jug in hand. He tried to take it from her, but the sorceress refused.

"Let go. Sit down and relax. I'm more than capable of running a bath." She said, avoiding his gaze. The weariness in the witcher's eyes bothered her.

"Let me help. I want to help, that's all." He said, insisting in a faint undertone.

"Alright." Triss answered, finally giving in to his demands. She took another filled with water and followed him. As they emptied both, she began to speak.

"I know you're miserable…"

"I'm not." Geralt muttered.

"Don't be upset. And please don't lie to me. I can see it in your eye, Geralt. Just talk to me. It isn't going to hurt me if you admit it." Triss continued, standing straight to face him. "We've settled down and I'm afraid I've placed you in danger. I can't accept that. That spark in your eyes is beginning to fade…"

"Never, if I'm near you."

"Geralt…"

"Enough..."

"No, please let me finish. Your face a moment ago… it was so reminiscing of the way you were when I visited you so many years ago at Kaer Morhen. Weary, in pain. I know you'd rather be out there taking contracts and killing monsters. On the path, or so you witcher's always say. Bathing in cold streams, sleeping under the stars and I've confined you, here…"

"Haven't crossed my mind, not even for a moment." Geralt interrupted. He set the jug on the ground. His face was twisted in a scowl and he looked visibly upset. "I know I'm distrait of late, but you should know my reason. You were in danger, still are. You'll be in danger again when we leave Pont Vanis and return to Talgar. Still… I want to enjoy the quiet with you."

"I don't want you to get hurt...promise me you'll here in Pont Vanis. Those men were after me, not you."

"Not a chance…" He interrupted her. "...our life here is good, perfect even. Don't think for a moment I'd give it up. I want this and more if you'd gave me that much."

"Forgive me. I shouldn't have said those things." What am I doing. I'm torturing him. Triss drifted to her own thoughts. She took the last jug and carried it against her chest. "How do you want your bath?"

"Same as always." Geralt replied. He collected the empty clay jugs and set them in the corner.

"Really? Alright then, I must warn you, then. I haven't got any drowners to twin the witcher experience, so if you don't tell me what you want, I'll run you a cold bath, just like the ponds and streams you're familiar with." She smiled. Her voice was suddenly alive, soft, and sweet. "Cold or hot, Geralt? That's what I meant."

"Hot."

"That wasn't so difficult, was it?" Triss poured the last of the water into the tub, then returned the jug to the floor.

Geralt turned and paused suddenly, she was leaning over the tub, feet crossed at the ankles. The enchantress jutted her hips unaware of his ogling, as she stirred the water swishing with her hands. He was drawn to her feet, when her left foot moved upward. She scratched her calf with her toes, then slid her feet back down. She took a handful of water, then let it trickle through her fingers. It was seductive, yet he knew she was unaware she was doing it.

"Your bath is ready." The sorceress called.

"Thank you." The witcher murmured. He kept his eyes on her, when she carried the empty clay jug away. "Hmm… I feel fortunate…"

"It's just a bath, Geralt." She replied. Triss set one jug on the floor, then securely clutch the other with both hands.

Geralt made his way to her. He pulled aside the wisp of cloth from her body and kissed her nape intimately. Triss gasped. The jug slipped from her hands and shattered into pieces. She grabbed the witcher's hand tracing her belly; his fingers flirted with waist, as he murmured against her neck.

"I've missed your eyes, that fire when you kiss me..." Geralt said, forcing her to turn around. "...and this smile. Wherever you are, want to be by your side."

She squeezed his wrist, sinking her fingernails into his skin like claws. Geralt laughed quietly; his attractive half moans were enticing, then he kissed her lips without protest. The enchantress hadn't expected the passion of their sudden tryst, but his heavy-lidded eyes held her spellbound. She caressed his face clutching the witcher's lower lips with her teeth. His groan was gut deep.

"Are you alright? Let me see. I didn't mean to bite so hard..." Triss whispered, with a light laugh at his pretend frown. "...I'm so sorry, you took me by surprise and I."

"Didn't mean to, but you did." Geralt replied, his eyes were even more lovely to her now than the moments before. The witcher's hands laced through her hair gently tugging.

He kissed her again, looking into her deep blue eyes knowing she'd held something back, and yet he could not form the words to ask. His body relaxed against hers; he'd had sunk to the floor taking the sorceress along, had she not been resting against the wall. She held him against her chest and tightened her grip. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Yes. Give us a minute." Triss answered, trying to be quiet so not to wake their child.

"It's me." Cirilla voice came through the door. "Where do you want the herbs? I can put them in your lab and the others in the kitchen, or do you want to do it yourself?"

"Anywhere will do, Ciri. I just never got around to it." Triss replied tearing herself from Geralt and moving closer to the door. "Where are the girls?"

"Removing their wet clothes." Cirilla replied, before walking away. "I ran a bath for them."

"Alright, I'll be there when I'm finished here." Triss said. She turned her attention back to Geralt.

The witcher had removed his boots and trousers. He stood assured that his scars weren't unsightly in her eyes. She took her tea from the chest, where she'd left it and wrapped her fingers around the teacup, then sat down. Geralt held the rim of the tub, as he slipped into his bath water left foot first. He dipped his body in to his neck with a long sigh of relief.

"Yeah...this is nice." The witcher mumbled. His hands came up to splash water on his back, before playfully throwing water at her. He held the rim of the tub when the sorceress retreated from his reach. "I'm in your spell."

"It's just a bath, lover." She whispered. Geralt reached for his razor to trim his beard. "Let me get that." Triss offered, setting her teacup on the table beside the candle.

She dragged a stool closer and sat behind him spreading a towel across her lap, then she laced her fingers in his taking the sharpened blade from his hand. Geralt lifted his body and tried to be kissed, but the sorceress pulled away pushing him down into the water.

"Be still." She chastised.

"I'm not moving." He grunted. Geralt held onto her hand and leaned his head against the rim of the tub so the crown of his head rest against her body.

"Close your eye." Triss ordered and the witcher did as commanded.

He hung his feet over when she began to massage his face. Geralt opened his eyes to peek, when she reached down into the tub and touched his side. Each mark told a story of the witcher's life. A claw, a tooth; the sharp edges of a sword. Triss slipped a crooked smile; she knew them all through their adventures and pillow talks, where he told her tales of his hunts. She caressed the mark on his side and the ache beneath his skin vanished in an ocean of warmth felt through her hands.

"Is it still hurting."

"Uh-uh." Geralt answered.

The enchantress gently stroked the scruffy growth on his face and he closed his eyes once more. She lathered his throat lightly tracing her fingers along his jaw, then Geralt felt the blade move up his neck and beneath his jawline.

"Be still or I swear I'll give you a nasty cut." She whispered, then pinched his neck when he canted his head again to steal a gaze at her. Triss carefully ran the razor upward trimming the edges of his beard, small white stubbles crawled down her arm and dripped down onto his chest.

"Triss..." Geralt growled reaching his hand up to grab her nape.

"I'm going to nick you if you don't stop that."

"Damn." The witcher grumbled, holding still until she finished. She smiled.

"There." Triss said, rubbing her hands on his face.

"Don't want me clean shaven?" Geralt asked, touching his low trimmed beard.

"No. I like it this way. Neatly trimmed to make you look human again." She answered.

He grabbed her wrist shifting his body. When he kissed her hand, Triss dropped the razor in the water and pinched his neck. Geralt reached beneath the water, collected it and put the blade back in her hands.

"I'll always love you, you know?" She said, through the kiss she planted on his forehead.

"Like I know the sun will always rise on the morrow." Geralt murmured.

Triss pushed aside his long loose locks, securing a shock of hair between her fingers. Taking care, she began to cut. With each skillful hack, bits of the witcher's hair fell on the water surface and onto the floor. She chuckled. The sorceress looked pleased with the sculpted face that appeared after. She pulled his hair into a loosely gather pile and tied it behind, then trimmed his face before pushing the few remaining strands over his ear.

"Much better." Triss said. Geralt reached for a small mirror nearby, but she playfully took it from his hand. "Don't trust my work, Geralt?" She asked.

"Don't doubt the steadiness of your hands..." He answered.

"But?"

"But nothing."

"Flattery is going to get you nowhere, witcher. Dip your head so I can wash your hair." She took a cup by its long handle carved from a single piece of wood, then poured water on his head and face washing away the trimmings.

Geralt grabbed her body, he held her hand, captured it, holding on tight. His body still dripping with water, he forcefully pressed her lips to his. His smiled against her face made every tensed muscle relaxed. When he let her go, Triss hands found their way to his wet body. He stood there proudly naked; the water from his body had soaked her garment. She coiled her arms around him and he kissed her neck. The sorceress stayed the urge to moan when began to knead her skin with his mouth.

"Geralt… I…" She whispered, but his hand captured her chin and devour his lips to quieten her protest. A moment later they parted, his eyes were enthralling, as they gaze at her worship.

"We're good together." He said, leaning in to kissed her against exploring her lips. Triss stretched her hand and reached the towel draped on the divider, then she quietly pulled away from him and tossed it at his face.

"We are." She said, then kissed him again for good measure. "Hurry and finish your bath, I'll be right back. Try to be quiet, Rosi's asleep. She's fed and now she needs to rest."

"She'll wake soon."

"Geralt, I'm serious. Don't wake that child or you'll suffer through the night while I sleep soundly."

The sorceress slipped from her wet clothes into something more comfortable. A loose-fitting negligee laced trimmed and made of silk with a bralette. It stretched to her thighs. She fully covered herself with a robe, then opened the door and walked into the hallway to the children's bedroom. When Millie and Gretka heard the bedroom door shut, their laughter and mumbling ceased. Triss walked to their bedroom and knock softly. There was a moment paused before she opened the door. Beside the dresser, Millie stood quietly, as though she'd been caught amid mischief. She had her hands behind her back, her hair was a tangle mess cascading down her shoulder, her innocence eyes brought a smile to Triss's face, as she stood in the doorway watching them. Gretka was in bed, her body tucked beneath the eiderdown as she covered her face.

"Come to say goodnight?" A familiar voice called from behind her. Triss flinched to the hands on her back, then turned around. It was Cirilla wearing only a shirt that stretched just to her hips. "Everything alright?"

"Mmhmm. Just checking on them."

"They've already bathe." Cirilla said. "I ran the water for them, lit the fireplace, and pulled their curtains shut."

"Thank you."

"Why's Millie just standing there?"

"I haven't the slightest idea." The enchantress replied. She walked to the center of the bedroom, then went to her knees to take the children's coat and boots from the floor. "What is it child? What do you have behind your back?"

"She's the magic book." Gretka said, she climbed from the duvet and came to the enchantress. "I told her tis useless, but she said you'd make it work."

"Can I see it?" Triss asked, speaking softly. Millie showed her the book. The Land of Thousand Fables. She read the title inscribed on it. If only I had a way to repair the spells. The enchantress took the book and pressed her finger on its tattered edges.

"I'm sorry." Millie murmured, lowering her eyes.

"You don't need to be sorry. It's alright." Triss replied. She flicked the child's chin and made her smile.

"Fix it and let us keep it." Gretka said. Can't you fix it?"

"I'm sorry girls... I can't let you keep this. This book is useless as it is, maybe even a bit dangerous."

"Why?"

"The spells are corrupted. Only a master illusionist possesses the skills to stabilize the fairytale illusions in it. I'll find a way, I promise. Until then, just promise me you girls won't play with it."

"Alright." Both children spoke together.

"Come on, girls. Off to bed you go." Cirilla commanded, pulling aside the duvet and patting the sheet.

"Must we?" Millie asked.

"Yes, we must." Gretka answered.

"They've settled in nicely." Cirilla said.

"Seem so." Triss answered.

"Mother?"

"Yes, Gretka. What is it?"

"Stay with us."

"Alright, but only until you fall asleep." Triss replied giving in to the girl's request with no hesitation.

"Ciri, tell us a story. Something scary." The child commanded. "You promised."

"That I did. Alright then." Cirilla replied. She and Triss looked on, as Gretka sat up in bed and scooted over making room for the sorceress to lay beside them. Cirilla leapt into the bed and joined them. "Well come on." She called to Triss. The enchantress made her way around the bed and climbed in between the girls.

"You girls are part of my world, you know that?" She said suddenly.

"They know how to tug on your heartstrings." Cirilla whispered. She sat at the foot, splaying on her side and propping her head in her hands.

"They certainly do."

***][***

After Dark…

Triss returned to their bedroom, it was dimly lit. Burning in the hearth was piece wood that filled the air with the subtle hint of maple. Rosina had calmed, and the sorceress had no reason to cast a spell to learn the cause of the trace of magic left behind. She'd felt it, she knew it, as she knew her own enchantments. The child's magic was like a tempest, but as quickly as she evinced her talents, they faded into calmness. It was her father's doing this time, his presences calmed her. Triss gaze down. On the floor, just inside the door was a blossoming rose tealight made from glass and glimmering in the moonlight. The was a half-burned candlestick in it. She lit the rose tealight candle and pick it up. Hidden beneath was folded parchment inscribed with the letters 'T.M.' The sorceress had been met with the witcher's idea of a romantic treasure hunt, albeit an unskilled one.

Charming..., what is he up to? Triss thought to herself looking around the room, but the note tempted her to the message written on it. She was drawn to it with a stubborn curiosity. She set the tealight down on the floor, then unfolded the parchment and read it.

'I'm young in your study, hence I am tall, old on the mantelpiece and now I've grown short. My foe is the wind. I glow flicker when we battle, yet the one you seek awaits in the darkness.'

Something about candles, I'm certain of it. Let me see… the unlit candles in the study, the old candle on the fireplace mantel, the candlesticks on the table in the corner are in the dark. He's creative to say the least.

Triss collected the tealight and made her way towards the oak trestle table cluttered with books and undisturbed notes of acclaimed mages. She gazed at the inkwell on the table. It was uncapped. The chair was pulled back, as if inviting her to sit. The enchantress turned her stare towards the window; moonlight splashed through, seeping between every piece of furnishing casting long shadows about. Neatly arranged were the sorceresses Margarita's and Elisa's letters; beside them, was a fine scroll bearing the seal of the royal court and another of the merchant's guild. By her right side, the quill pen was awkwardly placed pointing to an unlit candlestick wrapped with a piece of parchment and tied with a string.

Hidden in plain sight. Another clue no doubt. The sorceress mused pulling on the yarn. She unrolled the message perusing its contents. 'I am a ravenous beast, the warmth that enfolds you in the winter's cold. Atop my burrow you'll find that what you seek. A stiff spine, pale body, and yet, I am the master of your favorite tales.' Hmm, a ravenous beast, the hearth is it's borrowed. Stiff spine, pale body and tells tales… a book. His riddles aren't very complex, but I'll play along. I am looking for an book on the mantelpiece. She gazed across the room to the mantelpiece, but glimpse nothing from where she stood. I'll have to deal with these letters later, right now I am more interested in whatever he's left me at the end of this quest.

The enchantress moseyed to the fireplace with a smile on her face. She took the heavy book from the mantel. Bound in leather that had dried and cracked with age, the stitching was pulling apart. It was warm and reeked of dust like the inside of an old garret. Triss opened it. The pages were stained, some torn and stiff. They rustled loudly, as she shuffled through them searching for the witcher's note.

Here it is. Poor thing, he went through all the trouble to set this little game in motion and crafting these silly riddles. She found the note, then let the book fall closed as she returned it to the mantelpiece. Amid her slow strides towards their bed she halted to read the clue in a soft murmur.

'I am in love with the way you walk, so don't be still or stop.' She chuckled. Is he watching me? Triss glanced over at the bed, where Geralt lay still. She could hear Rosina's beautiful snoring against her father's chest. No, they're asleep. She thought, then finished the scribbled note.

'You've reached the middle of this tale; now you must solve this riddle. To keep on guiding, another clue must be told. Go to the place where you see your reflection, a breath or a kiss will reveal your next clue.'

Triss strolled towards the dresser in the far corner of their bedchamber. Purposely strewn on the floor was the witcher's shirt. She clutched it against her body, then took a long puckish whiff, before throwing the garment over her shoulder. She pondered his cryptic message, between each deep breathes. The quiet sounds of the night crept away, as she took a seat on the bench and faced the mirror.

Ok, witcher, I'm staring at my own reflection. The enchantress closed her eyes and took another long deep breath. A kiss or a breath… do I have to kiss myself? She peeked over her shoulder looking at her child and Geralt suspecting the witcher could hear each edgy breath, as her chest rose and fell calming like a sweet cradle song. Triss leaned forward to kiss her own reflection in the mirror. Her eyes fell to a small folded parchment Geralt had slipped in the corner under the bench. She opened it and eagerly read the message. It was no clue, but a piece of a whole letter to her.

'Triss… where do I start? When words aren't enough, I yearn. When longing threatens to overwhelm, my thoughts are free to wander to you. Never thought it possible to love you this much, or think of you oft, but I do. No, these words are only half truth when written. I've ached for the way you've loved me. I am unable to find the right words for what you are to me, so let me capture a part of what we are together. Friends… lovers… I could hold you forever...' The note ended abruptly, as if ripped and stitched to her final clue. She slid her finger down the parchment to read the scrawl below. 'You're there and I'm here, to finish this quest all you need is to turn around.' Suddenly, Geralt used Igni on the candle beside their bed, sparking it to life and startling her.

"Bastard! Don't scare me like that." Triss muttered. She turned quickly as if caught in mischief. "I should've known you were awake." She simpered, clearly pleased with his effort. The sorceress stepped into the pale circle of light around him, then blew out the candle.

With magic she drew the curtains apart. Silvery moonlight spilled into their bedroom. She took the unread half of his letter, as Geralt took hold of her hips. Her eyes slipped downward to caress each line; her face melted with warmth and tenderness. She held the witcher's nape with one hand whilst the other clutch the note, as she read it.

'...these words should come easily, I should be able to say them, but I am unable to find a page to describe what how I feel. I'd speak them to make you feel cherished. The sights and sounds of war leave my thoughts muddled; my eyes, my lips, and my hands are suddenly void of feeling until they find you. I sit indulging in aimless thoughts, searching quietly for you while I ponder more words that only meagerly capture who we are to each other. What we are together is like roses with all the prickly thorns...'

"Triss…"

"Shut up, Geralt." She whispered, her cheeks flushed crimson, as she gently caressed his neck with her fingers.

'...the old witcher once told me not to squander my days searching far and miss what's near. He said if it's real, we'll know. You're more than just a dear friend… you're my companion… my mate. So much truth in my simple description, but what we are is more than that. So few moments when you're not the effort of my thoughts longing for your gentlest of touch, fortuitous or witting. I feel your hands on my face and suddenly my nightmares are cast far and distant, then I am left with eternity to reminisce of us. All of us. Yours, Geralt.

You're my heart, witcher. It sounds so deviant, like a pair of wolves. Triss lifted her eyes to him "I've neglected you, haven't I? I've been so occupied with everything happening and forgot about what's truly important." She whispered, then straddled his knee.

Geralt took the letter from her hands and laid it by the candle. He traced his fingers through her hair parting her locks and revealing the fullness of her face, then he clutched her waist to make the sorceress gaze down at him. Her fingers splayed on his face, she cradled his head in her arms pulling his hair. Their lips pressed together slowly, then she drew away, lingering close to him, so her breath still warmed the witcher's face.

"I love you, Triss." He moaned. His words broke the semblance of control she had erected, and tears rolled down her cheeks. He kissed her face wetting his lips, then smoothed away her tears up to her eyes with his thumb. Triss closed her eyes like the slow whisper of dying candle, when he kissed her so passionately. She curled her body, when the witcher kissed her eyes, cheeks, and then her neck.

"I love you too." She whispered back, then Geralt stopped to gaze into her eyes.

She hugged him, her elbows resting on his shoulders she could see the moon in his eyes, then she cast him in her shadow and kissed the scar on his face. The sorceress took his head into her nape, as moonlight washed over them like snow. She held him for a while, then tore herself from his arms and quietly walked to the window. The world outside was encased in white and ice, the air milky with an eerie fog. She drew the curtains together letting in only a trickle of light.

"It's late, come to bed." Geralt said to her, hoping to coax her to his arms. He took Rosina from their bed, laid her in her crib, then pulled the blanket over her. "Triss."

"Is she alright?"

"Huh?"

"Rosi, Geralt. How is she? You were holding her on your chest when first I came in. I felt...you woke her, didn't you?"

"She had a nightmare and…" He paused.

"Yes?"

"Nothing...I put her on my chest, so she'd calm down."

"I felt something else." Triss said. She walked to and stood at the table readying to delve into her work.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know, but the spells I placed on her charms is weakening. Your child's abilities are remarkable. You've seen the things she does. She toys with the mind, makes you see things, beautiful things…"

"What happens if she's suddenly frightened?"

"I can't be certain, but her projections could mimic her fears. I needn't tell you; if those fears are strong enough, the images she conjures could take on a life of their own and seriously harm someone. Even Gretka or Millie."

"Then end it. Control her magic. Block her ability until she's old enough to control them."

"I can't simply use magic to restrain her, I can't because it could harm her. Irreparably if something goes wrong. We have a little time, not much. I'll examine her again, but I' won't do a thing without getting more answers."

"Fine." Geralt grunted. He fixed his eye on his child in silence.

"Believe me, I want nothing more than to protect our child, but we need answers."

"When do we leave?" The witcher asked.

"A few days… a week. I have to make some preparations, then I can focus undisturbed. I shouldn't spare any more time, but first, I'll attend to Clarissa's treatment. When it's all done we have to show face. Attending the ball at palace in Lan Exeter should do. It's still a few weeks away, so..."

"Hmm, we'll have time for that." The witcher turned towards her, watching quietly. Triss stood silently tormenting herself in thought. He'd laid on the bed, watching as she broke the seal on the letter from the sorceress Margarita Laux-Antille, and began to read it.

Triss,

There are some matters that we must discuss in private, you know of the subject of which I am speaking, so do not play the fool. But first a dearer subject. How is the little darling? Give my affection and kiss her for me. I've retreated to Aretuza, now that Eskel's left my side again. Do bring the girl to when you visit next. Emily has begun her training here at Aretuza, the girl is strong, and she has a temper. Keira is researching treatments or perhaps a cure for her ailment. Now, where do I begin? Those witches from Redania are trying my patients, must I endure them further? You know the triplet I'm referring to. Can't say I haven't thought about throwing them out or perhaps putting them in the dungeons. Far be it from the dungeons of the Temple Iles. I jest, of course. Annise is well, her wounds have healed fully. Sadly, Teresa's recovery does not show great progress, and I fear the poor girl's mind is broken. It's with some regret I brooch the subject now, but you both share similar experiences. Sodden I mean. Forgive me, but she was badly maimed, and though she has no scars left, she is shattered. It saddens me to take your thoughts to such horrors, yet I believe it would do her some good if you visit Aretuza and speak to her. Well, enough said on the subject...

Triss felt a cold sweat run down her spine. Sodden, so few instances when I recall that place. Moments passed in silence. She recalled a time when she too lay wounded, scarred with wounds after battle, when no potion could ease her aches. It'd simply cause her more anguished. She covered her mouth with her hand. "Who'd want a woman so broken and disfigured?" The sorceress said aloud. Geralt stopped to listen but nothing came after.

'How many were maimed because of me? Talgar, so many dead. Talgar… Talgar… Talgar.' Triss ran her fingers through her hair, screaming inside when the witcher suddenly spoke.

"I like this one." He said, to take her mind from it. He was by the dresser holding the heart-shaped diamond stone with the chain dangling between his fingers. "This reminds me of yours."

Triss sighed, then slipped a smile. "It does?"

"Yeah." He answered.

The sorceress turned her attention back to the parchment before her.

...On to other matters that require your attention. I've done as you asked and uncovered evidence that the mage is not in fact a mage at all. The man is akin to a mad-doctor and as we suspected, I fear he's been doing experiments on humans. The rumors of the displaced fleeing the fighting in the north and vanishing in the night in the shadows of hills surrounding the manner were intriguing, so I probed further. Naturally, it would be within the power of the Conclave and Council to address such matters were the man to prove a mage. Yet, I needn't stress the consequences if we chose not to act in haste before such rumors take roots...

As she read on, the sorceress pushed her hair back from her face, then she sank slowly into the chair.

"Bad news?" Geralt's voice broke her concentration.

"Not really." She answered. Her voice cracked, and she swallowed. "Rita's letter. She sends her love to Rosi. She complains that her patience is wearing thin with the sorceresses Ciri rescued from Radovid's witch hunters... Teresa's wounds have healed too, but Rita fears the girl will be no use to us moving forward. I can't say I blame her, I know that feeling, being so close to death. I have some good news anyway. Emily's mother has agreed for the child to study at Aretuza. Keira is looking for a way to treat her ailment and things looking well."

"If anyone can find a cure, it's Keira."

"Yeah… she took it as a personal challenge and now she spends all her time studying old manuscripts. It was Keira who found a cure for the Catriona after all." Triss replied. She roused herself with a small sigh. "Before we left Talgar, I stumbled upon a disturbing rumor about a mage performing experiments on humans. I suspected it may not be the work of a mage or I'd learned about it sooner. Still…"

"Couldn't be certain?"

"No, I couldn't… not without more information… I couldn't go myself, not after everything that had happened, so I sent a message to Rita asking her to investigate."

"Rita learn anything?"

"A bit. My suspicions were right, Geralt. The mage was no mage at all."

"Hmm. A mage kidnapping humans and doing experiments on them… that sort of thing would surely anger the locals. Anger will boil over into witch hunts with some prodding from the priest of the Eternal Fire. You knew it'd take time for the new Conclave and Council's influence to bring solitary mages in line."

"I did. Still, I've been so focus on the politics of this war I neglected those responsibilities." Triss replied. She slid the letter a little closer, then leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table and continued to read.

...I paid a visit to the manner, found the lab and confiscated some notes. The local magistrate arrested the doctor. What his writings revealed is troubling. They intended to stir the masses by blaming the disappearance on the mages. The people are scared, and such accusations will in time, boil over an already tensed arrangement. The man was no mage, we've quelled this fire and averted a disaster for now, but the locals believe the man to be such. The magistrate has provided his assurance. The matter is resolved. I could be mistaken, sister, but there may be other forces at work we're not aware of. I fear the kindling have been gathered and a spark is all that's required. We must be vigilant, I fear what might become of us all and new Aretuza if Kovir descent into chaos.

Yours in Confidence,

Rita.

"Come to bed." Geralt said.

"Give me a moment, witcher I need to finish here. I have to catch up on my work, you know? Rest a bit, but don't you dare fall asleep. You promised we'd stroll to the cliffs."

"Did I?" The witcher teased.

Triss took her eyes from her work and glanced over at him. He had a small smirk on his face. "Are you jesting? You better be, Geralt or I'll drag you out of bed."

"Hmm, sounds romantic." Geralt replied.

The enchantress rolled her eyes. She opened the scroll from the court, read it, then pushed it aside.

"Not pleasant?"

"Hmm, no it's nothing like that." Triss mumbled. "Eve was to check on Natalia, I heard the news isn't good. I'd hope she was the author of this message on the scroll, but I'm afraid it just the usual boring report. List of requests, complaints, justifications for new tariff increases to fund the war. Politics, politics, always politics."

The witcher was up and standing with his back against the door. He took his cloak and slipped it over his body, then fasten the string, as if to hurry her away from her work. Triss took the last of the letters and broke the seal. She stood, and searched for her cloak, but Geralt held it in his hand. She walked towards the door reading the letter.

Sister,

I haven't much to say so I'll be brief in my report. I've done as you asked and tended to the girl. I must admit, her recovery is remarkable. I would like to study your notes and perhaps examine the potions used in more thoroughly if there are not objections of course. We sorceresses are protective of our work after all. The girl is learning to walk again; her mother and father ever at her side. The bones and muscles in her legs have shown remarkable regeneration.

Her treatment requires precise care and careful supervision, but the girl may on horseback within a month. The count and his wife extend their sincere gratitude and bid you pay them a visit when this matter in the eat is settle. The family have a deep fondness for you and your witcher. There're paintings of the fire of Kovir and her heroic exploits in battle of Talgar. The girl wishes to see your daughter Cirilla and the little one. I hope to see you soon at Aretuza and we can discuss the matter of Clarissa's treatment further.

Regard, Elisa

"Come on, Geralt."

A Midnight Saunter…

There was an ominous silence as they slipped out of their home. She barred the door with magic, then hurried to the witcher side. Arm in arm, they strolled into the darkness meandering along the road through the countryside. In the dead of night Triss looked up at the night sky now freckled by stars. The blackness had faded, the moon had risen; a sudden loud screech drew them together. It was a white snow owl perched on the leafless branches ruffling its feathers. A dull hoot and a second protesting screech took the creature's gaze away from them, but neither spoke. The moonlight diffused like a sea of silver across the snowy plains; small flakes of snow glowed around them. Triss wrapped her arm around the witcher's waist as he'd done to her. The cold numbed their faces pulling heat from his bones. She flicked her hand slowly and used sorcery to preserve their body warmth.

"I remember this place." She said strangely when they reached the cliffs.

"We come here to be alone." Geralt replied, as the sorceress walked to and stood near the cliff's edge. She gazed across the snowy steppes, as he perched himself on an icy boulder nearby.

A cool breeze blew through her hair, the dampness of snow in her boots faded to the warmth of her body. Geralt watched her silhouette against the night sky, as the enchantress, hugged herself, and took soft breaths.

Beautifully. He thought though the evening darkness had robbed him of her rosy cheek and cornflower blue eyes.

"I can't sleep without seeing their faces, Geralt." He heard her say, dragging him back from his sudden daydream. "The stench of charred flesh, their screams. The thought of going back to that place sickens me."

The witcher ponder for a moment, then spoke. "You did what you had to; that battle is over. What happened was unavoidable."

"Is it that simple?" She whispered. Geralt shifted his body against the rock. He'd crossed his feet and folded his arms.

"It's war."

"Don't rationalize what I did, witcher. I killed so many and I delighted in it." Triss answered.

"That's not true."

"It is, Geralt." She answered. "If you hadn't stopped me I'd had killed them all, so don't you dare minimize the horrors I inflicted that day."

"Don't turn my words on me." The witcher muttered. She felt his breath in her hair, then his arms around her pulling her back against his chest and away from the edge. "I know what you're feeling right now. It's hurting, because you care. Guilt is natural; it reminds us that we're not perfect. I'm not leaving, so don't push me away."

'Had I a bezant for every moment you've comforted me, I'd be richer than all of Kovir.'

'Everyone needs comforting sometimes, Triss. Besides, I should be comforting you. You did good… you were imposing during that battle.'

"You truly believe that, witcher? Even after what I've become?" Triss asked, twisted her body in his arms to look at him.

"I'd love you, no matter what you think you've become." Geralt replied. He let go and took a step back putting some space between them "I don't deserve it but let me fall in love with you some more."

"Don't be silly."

"Triss…"

"You're wrong, you know? You deserve much more than this pitiful woman you see here standing before you. I'm terrified."

"You're strong and unafraid to show your fear or feelings."

"I have none of those qualities."

"You do." Geralt grunted, grabbing her arms. "Just listen…do you remember these words? 'There are so many things I want to tell him, so my things I need to say. I know what we have together may not last, but for a little while he's mine. I can have that much, can't I? I don't want to change him into the Geralt I'd want, because the man I am in love with is this and who he was before. His touch is the same, his lips and eyes are the same, but he's getting to know me again. It's true what they say, when you find someone who makes you feel this way you should fight for them.'"

"You read my journal? How could you?" Triss whispered, pulling away from him but Geralt held her tight. He spun their bodies so his back face the cliffside, then he captured her lips with his. Her arms pressed against his chest, she kissed him back.

"I am losing you to grief and I am desperate to reach you, before you're gone." The witcher spoke quietly when their lips parted. "You said... 'I smile just when I see him, I've grown, just being around him, I lust, I want, I crave. His self-pity makes me so angry and still it's one of the many things that draws me to him. What do I have to offer this witcher, this man?' You wrote those words and asked yourself those question."

"Enough. You've stripped me bare." She whispered. Straightening her body, as she stood erect with confidence. "Those words were my innermost thoughts."

"Forgive me... words are never enough to carry our feelings. All we can do is try to show them. Somehow." He said. His eyes were filled with remorse. "I have so many regrets, but none throbs more inside me than knowing how many times I've wounded you so deeply. I can never heal you in full, all the things I didn't say and do when—."

'That's enough!' Triss barked in her thought and Geralt paused. She'd let herself be vulnerable for a moment. They were alone, and no one save the witcher alone could see the tears rolling down her face.

"It's aches to see you in tears." He confessed.

"It's humiliating to be brought to tears so easily." The enchantress replied. "You're the only person who sees this face."

"I am in love with you. More, every day. When I close my eyes, I see you... us. All of us."

"You've said enough, haven't you?" Triss asked, as he squeezed him to her.

The witcher's body tremble, as he clutched her gown. Their lips together, Geralt cupped her face. He kissed her with all the passion he'd held inside, then put his mouth on the salty stain on her cheek. When they finally parted, she left him with a pleasant sensation. Geralt brushed his finger pressing hard on her lips.

"I'd want you, you know... even scarred, broken and disfigured I'd still want you. I could spend this and another lifetime beside you. I won't let you go again. What I say will never be enough to ease your doubts, or show you what I feel right now, but—"

"Don't say anymore." She whispered "Please, just don't say anymore. Let's go home. It's started to rain, we should return to our bed and rest."

He'd clung to her arm, as they headed for their manor. The icy rains were sharp and prickly, and the night grew darker when the moon drifted behind the storm clouds. They took the shortest path and when they reached their manor, her eyes drifted to the abandoned figure beside the naked old tree. She'd watched as Cirilla roll balls of snow around the garden, stacking them atop one another to make a snowman. Millie and Gretka had made the arms from branchlets, eyebrows from small bits of twigs, the nose from the stopper of a vial. Its dark eyes were black olives taken from the spence. Three wooden toggles made the snowman's mouth and four were set for his jacket. Triss recalled watching them through the window proudly standing back to admire their creation. Cirilla's scarf was wrapped around his neck and in snowman's mouth was the witcher's pipe.

"I want to do something for Ciri."

"Meaning."

"I don't know. Something nice."

"Get her a new sword."

"Typical. A sword? Is that all you think a young woman needs?"

"She's a witcher."

"Yes, Geralt but… argh never mind."

"Ciri want's Cerys. If you can't make her appear here this moment, Ciri won't be satisfied. Not even with the finest crafted sword."

"The girl is off raiding every coast. How am I supposed to find her?"

"Hydromancy."

Triss stared at him as if to consider his request, then she tugged his arm. "Come on. We should go inside."

Geralt and the enchantress walked to and entered the manor. They threw their cloaks across the bench, then rested in the parlor by the fireplace. The witcher sat by the sorceress's side on the floor, then he leaned to propped himself. Her warmth wrapped him fully and planted him in reminisce, Triss took his head into her lap.

"You smell nice." Geralt mumbled and she laughed. "So nice."

"And you're sleepy."

***][***

Three Days Later…Midday...

Triss rolled over, murmuring in her sleep, the duvet was pulled far from her body, the hearth burned with a morning warmth blazing beneath the mantled fireplace freshly stocked with firewood. She pressed her face into its warmth of long pillow they share. Her wild rioting tresses spread across her cheek to feather her face. It was noon when she finally woke from her untroubled sleep. Everything was still a haze when the sorceress opened her eyes not recalling the moment she and Geralt had gone to bed. She took a long slow looked around the room. By her bedside were fresh roses laying together, almost as beautiful as her. Triss counted them; eleven in all, then she noticed the twelfth leaning against her pillow.

Roses? Where did he get these? She asked herself.

The enchantress held a rose to her nose and whiffed the petals. Smells nice. Tied to the stem was a note. Triss uncoiled and read the message. 'I know they are not Roses of Remembrance, but I thought you'd like them.' She chuckled inwardly, then pushed her hair over the crown of her head off to the left side of her face. Hmm, they aren't, but I still love them. Triss smiled nibbling on her bottom lip.

She climbed from bed, her eyes stung from the sunlight seeping in through the window as she quietly walked to Rosina's crib side. The sleeping face of her child held her spellbound. Beautiful, Rosina had one hand curled beside her cheek and the other twined between her long auburn hair tinges with milky-white tresses. Triss ran her finger along the child's brow and her rosebud lips puckered as if readied for a kiss. She hadn't noticed the change in the room until now; her rocking chair had moved from beside the crib and now sat near the fireplace.

It wasn't a dream. He was awake through the night caring for her so I could rest.

She heard the low humming of her megascope throughout the house. Only a few years ago the sorceresses of the Lodge would dare not answer, unaware of who might be listening. Now all the mages of Kovir were resolved to taking such extraordinary measure. There was a hesitance to answer the unexpected contact, but it was urgent! She tugged on the silk peignoir drape on the chair, then drew the gown over her body covering her chemise. The enchantress then strolled through the quiet house and up the steps to her lab. The crystals in her megascope resonated, but they were misaligned. She moved each slightly, then stepped back, as the image appear. It was the sorceress Evelyne.

"Hello, Triss. Do forgive me, but I had to." She greeted quickly, then spoke with a certain assurance. "I went to great length to ensure no one is listening."

"Greeting, Evelyne. You haven't got any reason to be on ceremony with me, sister." Triss replied. "What news? I know it must be urgent."

"I fear everything has moved faster than we've anticipated. I arrived in Cairngorm at noonday yesterday; preparations for the siege of Hengfors is nearly finish, yet Redania show no signs of surrendering the city. They've heavily reinforced it. I believe the Redanian king intends to hold the city at all cost.

"And our King is committed to taking it."

"Precisely."

"Well, that was always Tancred's plan." Triss said. "The fighting will be brutal. Street by street. A massacre."

"Agreed."

"Have the mages been called up?"

"Not yet, but..."

"Eve…" Triss's voice had an urgent tone in it. "Why did you really contact me? What's going on."

"You know Kovir now controls all of the Kaer Morhen valley. The army's made camp along the river Gwenllech."

"The River of White Stones. I'm familiar with it." Triss mumbled to herself. "It runs all the way to Kaer Morhen. Geralt and I have bath in it many times. Anything in the reports?"

"I'm afraid not. Would you like me to look into the matter?"

"No, it isn't necessary."

"Well, there's trouble brewing, the horde fleeing the villages across the valley has reached Velhad. The people are restless. Now this news. The army has halted its march south to Ard Carraigh."

"Have they realized our supplies are vulnerable and stretched too far?"

"Sadly no, but there are reports that Radovid has gathers a force at Talgar's borders on the Arc Coast across the river Braa."

"Confirmed?"

"No yet, but cautiously Tancred has ordered a small force to remain at the encampment in Talgar." Evelyne answered. She moved away from the megascope and shuffled through some parchments, then returned. "The news of such an army poise to strike the countryside is panicking the people."

"Well, there isn't much we can do. Monitor the reports coming in and keep me informed." Triss murmured. They sat quietly for a moment, then spoke. "Eve, I need a small favor."

"Speak it."

"Could you make arrangements for a wagon to take us from Pont Vanis to Narok?"

"I'll see that it's done."

"Thank you." Triss replied. She suddenly took a more relaxed posture.

"There's one other matter." Evelyne said. She was quiet for a moment.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Your daughter's lover…" The sorceress continued. "I've been monitoring reports."

"Yes, Evelyne tell me."

"I can't confirm it, but our intelligence says Skellige longships attacked a small Redanian armada abound for Hengsfor and disseminated it."

"How did we get this report?"

"Three of our ships, the Tynwald, Curieux, and Neza stumbled upon the wreckage and took prisoners clinging to the wreckage."

"Were they interrogated?"

"Of course! The Redanians were starved, they'd been adrift for days. The men were terrified, and they'd nearly gone mad. They spoke of a great longship bearing the markings of all the clans of isle. They said hundreds more longships smashed through their fleet just before a storm hit them and just like that they vanished in the storm. One vessel had two birds on her sail; a hawk and swallow. I don't know what meaning it holds."

"I do. Clan An Craite colors on the shields, a certain young Queen leading her warriors." Triss smiled. "The fangs of Skellige are sharpening."

"What?" Evelyne asked.

"The birds on the sails; the Sparrowhawk and Swallow limns Cerys and Ciri. Where did they find the wreckage?"

"At the mouth of the river Braa. It has drifted north with the currents."

"Thank you for this, Eve."

The sorceress nodded. "Farewell, sister. We'll finish our chat at the ball. Do bring the little darling, the princess wishes to see your daughters and so do I."

The megascope fell silent. Triss closed the door to her lab and walked down to the parlor. The sound of children's voices drew her towards the window. Outside, Geralt trained the girls as Cirilla twirled her sword spinning and twisting it in smooth fluid motions.

He's grown so tender with those girls. Triss thought, then cracked the drapery to watch them through the window.

Millie and Gretka each stood beside the training pells with wooden swords in hand. Millie gripped the hilt with both hands, then look to the witcher for a nod and he give her one. She leapt forward swiftly striking the wooden man with her blade. She stepped back, her sword still pointed toward her wooden enemy, then canted her head as Cirilla began to speak.

"Hold your sword firmly but try not to grip it so tightly." She coached the girl. "Make your steps deliberate and steady your feet."

Through the window, Triss's eyes were fixed on their garments. The children wore green wool tunic that clung to their bodies, with sweat. Laced at the front, leather plackets. The cuffs stretched to their wrist and the hems hung down the girl's hips. Brown fox fur shawls littered with frost scantily covered their shoulders. Twin buckles strapped small corset belts to their bodies. Gauntlets of animal pelts clad their forearms; leather straps with small metal buckles fastened each around their wrist and just below the elbow. Their tall village boots were fashioned for the harsh Koviri winter. Laces wrapped around their calves securing it snugly to their feet.

"Calm down, Millie. Keep your feet spread, take a breath and steady your sword."

"Yes, father."

"Gretka! Put both hands on your hilt."

"Mmhmm."

"Bend your elbows. When facing your opponent, put the sun on your back." Geralt instructed. "Now, strike."

Both girls struck the pell with a vicious swing from the right, then another across their bodies upward.

"Take deep breaths." Cirilla said. She came to the witcher side and crossed her arms. "Don't lower your bodies so much, you'll lose your footing."

"Feet... deflect." Geralt barked commands and they struck the pell together. Millie shifted her right foot forward, then back raising her swords to deflect. Sweat dripped down her brow into her eyes and she rubbed her forearm across her face. Gretka drew herself into her stance, she modified her position to the witcher's coaching, then lunge forwards.

"There…" She said proudly; her shoulders slumped with each heavy pant.

"Strike, high then low. Swiftly. Here, watch me." Geralt said. The witcher quickly unsheathing his sword and attacked the pell, the turned. Both girls watched and used the time to rest. The sound of his blade sheathing brought them back to the throbbing pain in their hands and feet. "Don't hesitate."

They nodded, gripping their wooden swords, before raising them high above their heads. Both took their stance, then crept forward menacingly to strike. A brutal swipe and another its twin at the wooden arms of the pell. Millie and Gretka stabbed their practice blades forward, then pulled away, before swiftly slashing two more times.

"Splendid!" Cirilla encourage them. She stood, then drew her sword stalking forward to take a stance. "Let your sword be a part of your arm."

She landed three quick strikes at the wood, then twirled her weapon switching her hands. The added motions were fluid, as her blade left deep gouge marks. Cirilla walked to the other side, then nodded to the girls. They both tried to repeat her moves but failed. Millie lost her sword and Geralt caught it in midair. Gretka slipped and fell in the snow, yet still, they'd each learned a bit from her footwork.

"That's enough." Geralt said. "Go inside and wash up."

Millie smiled, her eyes narrowed, as the witcher outstretched his hand to give her back her sword. She stepped forward and collected it. Gretka picked herself up with some relief that their training was finished for the day. Exhausted from their sparring, the girls trudge towards the porch. They had been training since morning; and Cirilla also took to teaching them to saddle their horses and mount them.

"They're are doing well." Cirilla said. She sheathed her sword on her back, then rested her hands on her hips.

"Yeah." Geralt replied.

"You're hard on them." She mumbled, then stood beside him watching them.

"Your training was harder." Geralt answered.

"What will you do when Rosi comes of age and take up the sword? She'll be stronger than me, than me you know?"

"Don't know about stronger, but stubborn? Yeah. Probably grumble about everything too."

"What? I hardly say I was grumbling. I merely disagree a bit." Cirilla argued. She sat on a piece of log, as Geralt stepped forward and turned his attention to the girls. "Go to them. You want to… don't be so tough. I know you have emotions, I see the way you look at them… at us."

Geralt said nothing. He followed them toward the porch. Gretka and Millie waited when Cirilla called to them, then the witcher walked to the barn to tend the horses. At the porch, Geralt mounted the steps with two long strides.

"Gretka, Millie you did good." Geralt said to them. Their fingers bruised, raw, and throbbing in pain, Millie and Gretka both took the witcher's hand.

He opened the door and they felt the warmth radiating from the burning hearth beneath the mantle place. Triss was standing by the window, she pulled the curtains shut. Gretka and Millie came to the enchantress' side hugging her tightly.

"Let me see your hands." Triss said. She removed their gloves and inspected their hands. When she looked at him, Geralt's eyes narrowed.

"They need the training." He said, but the sorceress said nothing. "They're old enough." He added, almost nervous about her silence, until her lips moved with a small smile.

"Are they?" Triss asked. She removed Gretka and Millie's hat, then tucked their hair behind their shoulders. "Go on, girls. Gretka, help Millie find something to wear."

The girl nodded, then took Millie's hands.

"You're hurting me, Gretka." Millie whispered. She turned, trying to pull her hands from Gretka's. "Mumpy, are we going somewhere?"

"Not today, my love."

"Shush, Millie… come on, leave them be. Can't you see mommy wants to be alone with Geralt?"

Triss chuckled inwardly. She leaned against the window sill, her body pulled the curtain taut. She took the rose from the table, held it to her nose, holding out her free hand. "Come here, witcher."

Geralt moved closer; he looked to Gretka and Millie until they turned the corner into the hall, then he came to the sorceress. The witcher removed his gloves and set them aside.

"Someone left me roses by my bedside. I wonder who."

"I…" Geralt said looking at her, his eyes were fixed.

"You didn't cut our Roses of Remembrances." Triss murmured. Her fingers found his chin. Geralt turned his lips to her hand and pressed it to her palm. "When did we make it to bed? I remember sitting there, then…"

"You fell asleep, then you started snoring like a hog." He laughed.

"Liar, I wasn't snoring." Triss said, she stroked his beard, then pushed his aside.

"You were sleeping so peacefully, I carried you to our bed." Geralt replied. He murmured into her ear and made her smile. "I was a complete gentleman."

Triss felt his hand running down her back, the other buried in her hair. Triss felt his breath on her face, then the witcher's lips grabbed hers. His was firm and warm; hers parted. She grabbed, his side, but her fingers went limp. His muscles pressed against her skin, she groaned, wanting more of his touch. Geralt was hesitant, afraid she'd pull away, but she held him. His tongue slipped inside her mouth, reconnoitering. The door opened, there were footsteps, but the sorceress and witcher drew closer to each other, his body calling her touch. He fell into her shoulder and Triss held him and massaged his nape. When Triss lifted her eyes, she met Cirilla's.

"An odd place for a tryst, even for you two." Cirilla laughed.

'Give us the room, Ciri. And…'

'Don't worry. I'll keep the girls busy, so you aren't interrupted.'

'Thank you.' Triss replied, as Cirilla walked away unfastening the buckle to her back slings. She pulled her sword from her back as she turned the corner.

"Triss?"

"Yes, Geralt."

"You're trembling…"

"Shut up." She murmured, then hopped on the window sill, pulling him closer. "Your hands are cold."

"Hmm."

"Make love to me. Right here." The sorceress whisper softly, she slipped her hand beneath his cloak, opened his jacket, then his shirt.

"We're not alone." Geralt mumbled. He kissed her neck pressing her back against the window. It was cold, so cold she inched forward, her legs wrapped around him. Her gown inched higher on her thighs. "You're sure?"

"We're alone..." Triss murmured. Her eyes found his. She pressed her face against him, removing the witcher's cloak and letting it fall to the floor. She removed his jacket and shirt as quickly as she could. "...and I am."

Her eyes squeezed shut, as he carried her to the floor beside the fireplace. They crept down slowly. Geralt peeled off her negligee, and her chemise. His hands were pleasurable, as hers was to him. She caught her lips between her teeth to stop herself from moaning. The witcher pressed his face into her body savoring her scent, feel, and warmth.

"Forgive me."

"What for?"

"I haven't been meaning to keep you at a distance...it's just..."

"Nothing to forgive." He mumbled. Like tonic, his words calmed her mind, as his hands traced up her leg. Small breaths escaped the enchantress's lips, when they made love.

Her hair spread across the floor like small river veins. Geralt lifted her thigh and held her nape; her breaths came in short gasps, until she felt a rapture. Triss forced the witcher to his back and climbed astride; his eyes were soft and glowing from pleasure. She smiled and tucked her head in his shoulders nipping on his neck. Geralt gather her hair into a wet pile and pushed it along her back to the other shoulder. She arched herself, kissing his hand and taking delight in his coarseness. He weaved his fingers through her hair searching for his lips; when he found them, he kissed her achingly.

"It's unfair." Geralt mumbled. He ran his hand along the softness of her skin; he felt her fingers lightly scraped his chest.

"What's unfair, Geralt?" She answered moving her body ever so slightly to his fingers.

"How beautiful you are… if only you knew how much I need you… how I am in love with you..."

"Stop, you trying to..." Triss stuttered, clutching tight when Geralt lifted his body from the floor to be close to her.

He sat with his back pressed against the chair. The enchantress closed her eyes and cupped his face; his sweaty brow moistened her hands. She slowed, unwilling to hastened what she felt. Her lips parted slightly, her small sighs and ragged breaths were all he needed.

"I want you too, Geralt, all of you as you'll have all of me." The words escaped her lips slowly.

His hands slipped to her waist, moving upward. She felt her ribs pressing against her own skin beneath his strong grip. Deep inside him a fire built, warming the witcher's body from within. His muscles harden beneath her fingers; he held her wanting to extend the moment, as the sorceress clawed at his neck. Geralt grinned and welcomed the pain; her tresses framed her beautiful face, when she opened her eyes.

"You alright?" He asked looking down at the bruise he'd left on her body.

"Why do you always ask me that after we've made love?" The sorceress replied. Her voice filled with contentment, she dragged her face on his and cupped his lips, before he could answer. "Let's go to our bedroom. Ciri can't keep the girls busy forever."

Geralt scooped her up. He used his elbow to prop himself, then went to his feet. Triss suited him in so many ways, but none more than the small smile she could bring to his face. She draped her arms around his neck as he carried her toward their bedroom.

We belong. He thought.

When she felt hurt, this witcher could ease her pain. Apart, their love only grew stronger, even as their hopes would teeter on a knife's edge. Together they were a mess of awkward longing and affection. When he called, even broken, she'd come to him and him to her. Inside their bedroom, her smell lingered the strongest. Geralt used his foot and pushed aside four small pillows. He laid her in bed; a wine-colored pillow cradled her head. The witcher climbed in behind her. He kissed her head; his fingers spun her locks like fine silk. Triss was positioned between his legs, resting against his chest. His calloused hands kneaded her skin; his finger trailed up her belly. The sorceress reached for the duvet with her feet; she pinched it between her toes and when it slipped, she sat up.

"Trying to get away from me?" Geralt snaked his arm around her, lazily pulling her back.

"What? No!" Triss answered in an excited startle. "I'd never. You were amazing."

She fell back among the sheets pulling the duvet to her waist. They laid there a while; Triss could smell the scent of old leather on his hands while he played with her hair. A rumbling build inside him; he planted small kisses to her shoulder. When she turned, he kissed her lips. It was small; she purred softly, her feet gently massaged his. Triss propped her head in her hand looking at him. When he gazed back, the sorceress closed her eyes and pretended to sleep. Geralt knocked her arm away and she fell onto the pillow. She leapt onto him like and angry feline, pinning his shoulders down.

"What now?" Geralt asked.

"Well..." Triss answered softly. "I've asked Evelyne to make arrangements. We'll visit the druids. The girls and I will travel by wagon. I intend to use the mountains passes heading north, then west until we reach the grove."

"The mountain roads are dangerous, especially at night."

"So are the other roads across the countryside, Geralt. The mountain passes are less conspicuous, in our case safer. The children and I will travel to the groove alone. You and Ciri need some time together. She's going through much and she could use her father. Go, deal with that contract you've been holding on to. When the two of you finish, you'll meet us."

"No!"

"Geralt…"

"We go together. When we reach the grove, Ciri and I will take the hunt. It'd be quick. Two days."

"I take it not even my insistence is going to persuade you?"

"No, it's not."

"What about my beauty and charm?"

"Hmm, tempting..." Geralt said looking up at her from his back. "...but no. Your safety and the safety of our children is more important than your pride."

"Pride, Geralt? No, it isn't pride that shackles me." Triss chuckled, when his witcher eyes bore into her. She pressed her lips in the small of his chest, his skins tasted salty. "It isn't pride at all."

The enchantress felt his hand across her back. Her breathing grew heavy, then sweet when Geralt rolled her onto her back and hover his face just over hers. He pressed his face into her nape, then spoke.

"When it's over…"

"I know, Geralt. I know. We go back to the front, away from Rosi and the children."

***][***

February 23, 1276… The Journey to the Druids…

Before the witching hour Geralt woke to the sound of a small child's laughter. His eyes strayed towards the trees, then upward, through the canopy casting a shadow across the forest floor.

A dream? No, it looks and feels real. He grumbled, rubbing his eyes, the witcher took another look.

The warmth of the sun was conjured in the most beautiful mosaic, shining through the leaves, then as suddenly as it changed, day became night again. The moon appeared in the night sky, not slow but swiftly, like a hastened dream. Soft silvery glow, it sprinkled its pearly hue onto the forest, then the trees turned to fall. There was an eerie silence in the night. Geralt found himself sitting at the edge of a large rock; he planted his feet and felt the coolness of ground beneath them.

"Triss..." The witcher growled, reaching back to wake her. "...wake up. Can you see this?"

"That's wonderful, Geralt... go back to sleep." She mumbled sliding her hand across the sheet to pull him back into bed. She was naked, the lower of her body covered in a duvet made of leaves. He rubbed his eyes again. The sorceress felt an invigorating breeze across her skin that jolted her. "Did you open the windows? The breeze feels so nice."

"No, we're in Flotsam…some kind of spell brought us here." He answered. "...illusion I think."

"Geralt please come back to sleep. I'm dreaming and you're ruining it. Flotsam is a long way off and I'm tired." Triss groaned.

The scent...the trees. "This is Flotsam. This is Rosi's magic, I can feel it, all around us. Wake up."

Suddenly a powerful and familiar magic engulfed her. Triss opened her eyes and looked around, her hair was a mess like a chestnut and honey cataract, when she pushed herself up. Waking was harsher than she'd expected. For a moment the enchantress wondered as she climbed from bed if this too was a dream. The ground beneath her feet felt soft and loose. Around them, Rosina had conjured illusions of a forest. The scent was evocative, and she fought against the feeling of panic building inside her. Triss dispelled the apparitions with her own magic, then hurried to the door, into the hall and dashed into Rosina's bedroom. The child was awake and sitting on her bed. She smiled reaching out to her mother. Triss took Rosina into her arms. Geralt entered, he draped her robe over her body, just as Cirilla entered the room behind them.

"What was that?" She asked, standing in her blouse and knickers. "Trees everywhere, forest...it felt real. Was it real? Is she alright?"

"She's alright, baby girl." Triss mumbled. "It was real. All of it."

"How can she do that?"

"A form of harmonizing or a projection, but more intense."

"Harmonizing and projections...that's not tyro magic." Geralt said.

"No, it's not." The enchantress replied.

"Projections...harmonizing...say something sensible!" Cirilla complained, frowning her face.

"To put it simply, the environment changed to suit the mood and feelings of the person using the spell. Projections are a bit more straightforward, they're simple transference of feelings and images to others." Triss answered calmly, her voice leaving no room for Cirilla's usual inquiry. "Geralt, could you get the horses ready? Change into something fit for traveling, Ciri, we're leaving to visit the druids."

Moments later, the witcher emerged from their bedroom clad in his armor. He could hear Triss speaking through her megascope as he walked through the parlor and out onto the veranda. He carried a small lantern; the night was cold and absent any hint of warmth just the harsh bite of the wind on his face. The cold chilled his bones, the lantern burned as if it could warm him, but the heat was whisked away by the cold. Geralt hung the lamp on a hook, then opened the large doors to the barn. Inside, he took a deep breath taking in the scent of hay and polished leather. The witcher saddled his mare, Roach, then Kelpie and Broggha. When he returned to the manor, Triss had finished with the children. She'd clothed them in fur capes knitted with small hoods, then helped Gretka and Millie with their boots A moment later Cirilla joined them in the parlor carrying Rosina across her shoulders and patting the child's back.

"Are you ready?" Triss asked quietly.

"She fell asleep." Cirilla said. The enchantress tucked the child's hair and kissed her lips. She looked to Geralt standing beneath the archway between the parlor and the hallway. His armor; it was snug and familiar; a heavy fur shawl wrapped around his shoulders and neck. The welcomed scent of old leather, oils, and potions lingered around them.

"I need to get my swords from my study." He said, then turn to look at Cirilla. She too wore her armor; her lock was tied in a loosely flowing ponytail.

"I contacted Evelyne again. We're to wait at the inn in Pont Vanis, the wagon will collect us there." Triss said following him.

On the wall in the study hung an array of silver and steel swords. Her gaze drifted to one; it was a fine weapon. Beside it were others crafted in pairs, silver and steel. The shelves held potions she'd brewed, a large chest filled with bombs that did not inhibit her megascope or magic. A collection of hooks lined the left wall, below them was a table with all manner of trinkets and magical items. Finishing the display were five sets of armor on their stands. The enchantress took the sword from the wall. It had a light coating of oil on it. She weighted it, shaking the blade lightly. For a moment she thought it was just a simple antique or a practice blade.

"That one." Geralt said when she tried to put it back. Slowly, Triss had turned the room into an armory for him.

He'd gotten behind her without making a sound, then he grabbed her hand, caressing her finger lightly. He took the weapon from her and sheathed it as she traced her hand along his face. Though she'd never admit it, she loved the feeling of his shortly trimmed beard.

"I love this scent. Old leather, potions, oils." She whispered nudging his face.

The sorceress knew he had given her a once over, as she hung the sword around his back and fastened the buckles against his chest. Geralt touched her hair, it was a mess; a voluminous curly mess she hastily pinned up when they woke. She felt his eyes upon her and straying down her blouse to her chest; her skin was a rosy hue.

"We should go." He said, then followed her into the parlor.

Cirilla stood ready. Millie and Gretka had fallen asleep again, this time on the floor in the warmth of the chimney corner. Triss remembered her cloak, she turned around and saw Geralt had it slung across his arm. When she tried to take it, he moved his arm out of her reach. She eyed him playfully and smiled, then waited a moment before snatching her cape when he'd let down his guard.

"Hmm, you were fast." Geralt mumbled.

The enchantress squinted, then rolled her eyes slipping a small tricksy smirk. "You let me take it."

Geralt looked on, he had charming grin; his was a lighthearted gesture but welcomed nonetheless and calming for her as her were for him only moments before. Triss knelt beside the girls and tried to wake them. She took Millie's hand and caressed her fingers, then she gently shook them again. When the children had woken fully, the sorceress stood and patted her side. She lifted her head Geralt kept his stare, he'd been watching her the entire time.

"You look lovely." He said. Triss was clad an olive colored blouse, her small waist made it so alluring. Two brown leather straps with small metal buckles held her sleeves just above her elbows. Her lower half was covered in a tight peat dyed pants for the journey ahead. She wore a chestnut stained leather boots buckled in three places below her knee.

"Here, drink this while you stare." She ordered him, catching his lingering gaze. Geralt hadn't taken his eyes off her since they entered the parlor.

Triss reached into a pouched on her side and give him a potion urging him to drink it, then she took the empty vial and placed it aside. The enchantress slipped her hand into a fingerless glove, then covered her body in an elegant high collar jacket that fitted her like a corset. She wrapped the children in their shawls, then put on their capes before donning hers. A dagger was affixed to her waist with vials of potions tucked snugly into small leather pouches on her right thigh. Her affectionate ritual with Millie and Gretka were almost too potent, as she kissed them on the cheeks then lightly ran the back of her finger along their faces to wipe the splotch left by her lips.

"Is father coming with us?" Millie asked, rubbing her eyes.

"No, kitten. He's going ahead. He'll join us later…"

"I'll meet you all along the way, Millie." Geralt said. He looked to Triss and she smiled. "You know the place, the old abandoned fortress. It's a day's ride… tell the wagoner to keep moving. Stick with the plan, I'll bring Kelpie and Broggha."

As they spoke, a cold breeze accompanied Pyro into the room. The wolf opened the door and walked into the parlor. It went to Triss's side and tenderly nuzzled his head against her.

'Guard our home, boy.' She told him, the held his muzzle. She listened to his protesting series of growls, grunts and whines. 'No, you can't follow.'

Pyro grunted again loudly.

'I know. She'd want you along, but your presence will only frighten everyone we cross paths with.' Triss replied. The wolf snarled menacingly, then pressed his head against her chest with a whining plea, as the enchantress combed through his fur with her hand. 'You heard me and Evelyne discussing my need for a wagon. I'm sorry boy, I know you want to be near Rosi, but I need you here.'

Pyro whined again, this time he circled her pressing his fur hard against her side. 'I'll tell you what… when we return, I'll take you to the lake and let you hunt hares until you eat your fill. How does that sound?'

Pyro licked her face, then lifted its head and looked to Geralt, before going to Cirilla and Rosina's side. He rubbed his head against Cirilla's body to greet her first, then circled around. The wolf brought his face to Rosi's looking deep into her eyes, he rubbed her face with his, then bumped her hand.

"We should go, Geralt." Cirilla heard the sorceress call. She went to him stopping before she'd reached him. The witcher lifted her chin.

"I know what you're thinking. You're blaming yourself for what's happening to Rosi."

"I am…" Triss choked. She swallowed. It took a moment, but she found her voice. "...it's my fault. What happen tonight was my fault."

"It's not." Cirilla said interrupting her.

"It is, Ciri. Ever since that incident on Skellige...I should've have been more careful that day at Freya's garden. On Hindarsfjall I should've worried about Rosi's safety instead of trying to fix that mess."

"Triss…"

"Geralt, I know what happened. She lifted whatever malediction befell that place… when Skjall's soul was forced back into his corpse to be tortured an awful curse gripped that place. Now these incidents are growing more intense and frightening."

"No way you could've known the trace of magic left behind would have that effect on her." Cirilla spoke. "Geralt, tell her."

"The garden died, I saw it myself." The witcher said.

"And our child restored it. I witnessed it with my own eyes. Such magic isn't without cost, you know? Such things are feats, even for the most learned sorceresses, but our child did it. I don't know..."

"She'll fine, you stopped her. You've been able to keep her abilities under control and nothing bad came of it. Rosi's fine."

"This time. Your little girl is safe, but who's to say what will happen next time when I'm not able to control her?"

The witcher's face grew grim. He took Triss into an embrace taking strength from the warmth her body offered. Her scent surrounded him like a shroud calming his unsettled thoughts. After a long moment, they parted. Even forced, her smile was warmer than before, and he yearned for it now more than ever.

"Be careful, witcher...drink these during your journey to stay warm." Triss whispered, putting four vials in the pouch on his chest. "The effect doesn't last forever so, make a fire if you have to stop and rest. It'll take us a while before we reach you and I needn't remind you what happened the last time you and I visited that place."

Cirilla's gaze moved between them, as she pondered what business they'd have had to visit an abandoned fortress.

Later, I'll ask her. She reminded herself walking towards the door.

"I'll see you soon." Geralt said.

"Farewell." Triss whispered.

Geralt opened the door. He walked down the porch steps, then trudged through the garden to the barn where Roach, Broggha and Kelpie waited. The witcher tightened the saddle straps once more; then give the buckles a final tug, before mounting his mare.

"Go, Roach." He barked tugging on the horse's reins, pulling Kelpie and Broggha along.

Geralt rode into the night taking the trail going north. Triss, Cirilla and the children emerged from their home. They passed through the garden by the training pells. At the center of the yard she opened a portal and step through, she and the children first, then Cirilla.

"The city is quiet." Cirilla said when they emerge from the portal outside city walls.

"It's early morning, Ciri. Everyone is asleep." Triss replied.

As they approached the city gate, the guards were gathered around a burning brazier. The watch captain recognized them and bowed.

"M'lady, tis a cold night to journey with the youngins. What brings ye to the city, sorceress?"

"My business is my own and you will never speak of this."

"Yes, sorceress." The man answered.

They entered the city and waited inside the inn as Triss and Evelyne had discussed. Cirilla stood watch, her shoulder pressed against the window as she peeked through the curtains calmly listening to the slowed distant clatter of horseshoes and wagon wheels on the cobblestone. The noise suddenly faded, and the wagon stopped below the window. He saw the innkeeper, and the wagoner.

"Our wagon is here." Cirilla spoke pushing herself off the wall. She let the curtain slipped from her hand.

Triss woke from her light sleep and lifted her head from the table. She collected herself, then took Rosina into her arms. They climbed down the steps and found their way through darkness of the inn. Cirilla opened the door and a man clad in a heavy wool cloak leapt from the wagon's seat. He removed a hanging lantern and waved them forward. Slumbersome and yawning, Gretka and Millie held her hand, as she led them out to the wagon. The large wooden wheels were covered with belts of iron that shown a dull gray beneath the moonlight. The curved wooden staves of the wagon's roof were bound together with eight strips of metal like the hoops on a barrel of wine and fastened to three wooden spines on the sides made of heavy planks.

"Why are we sneaking out of the city and why is Geralt not here? You're expecting something aren't you?" She said.

"No, Ciri, but we aren't throwing caution to the wind. Too much has happened." Triss replied. "Geralt will be able to see us coming. If anyone is following us we'd know. Climb in, get the girls settle."

Cirilla obeyed. She took the children to the rear of the wagon and placed them inside. With Rosina safely tucked beneath her cloak; the enchantress took Cirilla's arm after the witcher offered it to assist her. The inside of the wagon cart was covered with finely woven leather. It was warm, but she lit two wigged lanterns to give them more heat, then pulled the curtains and cracked open the tiny window so the air only faintly smelled of oil. They heard the slow groaning of the wood and then the creaking of the wagon wheels as they began to move. The planks beneath them jounced wildly, but the girls had fallen into a deep sleep on padded bedrolls. At the city walls the horses began to gallop faster, then the noise faded, when they reached the snow-covered road of the countryside.

"You should try to get some rest. We have a long journey ahead." Cirilla said. She leaned against the side drawing the curtain slightly.

"No. You rest, I'll stay awake for a little while." Triss replied. "We should reach Geralt and then I'll shut my eyes and sleep a bit."

"Wake me if you need me or if something happens." Cirilla replied. She leaned against the wooden side of the wagon and close her eye.

***][***

Sometime Later…

The witcher waited for them in the watchtower by the ruins of the old abandoned fortress. He'd ridden through the night, first west, then east. Geralt drinks the vials of Triss's brew to stave the biting cold chilling his face, finger and legs to numbness. He'd reached the fortress just after midnight. Geralt put horses inside the old stable, fed them hay and water, then lit the old brazier to keep the animals warm. He unfurled his bedroll and laid restless in the warmth of the fire. Geralt woke later to the winds, as the lanterns on the wagon came into view far in the distance. He readied the horses, then rode to the hill and waited. As the wagon drew nearer he saw the wagoner turn and rapped on the window.

Triss heard the rapping and opened the small window. "What is it?"

"M'lady, Merigold, tis a rider on the hillside." The man said.

"We're expecting another. He's no threat. Stop the wagon when you reach him."

"Yes, sorceress."

Moments later, the wagon came to a sudden stop; Cirilla shifted her body on the bench, but she did not wake. Triss opened the door and climbed out. She took the witcher in her embrace and held him. Their reunion was brief but crazed. Geralt placed his hands on the sorceress's cheeks; his eyes bore through her from deep behind the darkened space of his hood. Triss brushed it down to his shoulders, to see his face. His lips and faces appeared pale from the cold, so she made him drink another potion, then tucked the empty vial away.

"Didn't sleep well?"

"I couldn't."

"I know what you mean." She replied. The enchantress took Broggha's reins from his hand and rubbed the horse's crest.

"What are you planning?" Geralt grumbled, though he sounded a bit confused.

"I'm visiting the Beledal's girl. Her treatment can't wait any longer." Triss answered. She was tending to the horse and pulling taut the ropes latching a small bag to the saddle. "We still have two days travel ahead, so I'll tend to Clarissa, then make a small stop to deal with a matter of pressing concern."

"You're going alone? The road could be dangerous. If something happens, Rosi will need you… take Ciri..."

"No. And nothing's going to happen." She barked, then sighed. As quickly as she'd frowned she smiled. "I know you're concern, Geralt, but do you truly think I need a bodyguard?"

"Hmm...no. I know how powerful you are, but I also know how your conscience torture you."

"Meaning?" She asked but giving the witcher no time to speak Triss continued. "Is that what you think?"

"No that's not… I meant to say… you know, having a conscience is not a flaw. Unlike your friends, you care. Sometimes too much; it troubles you when you think you did a wrong." Geralt answered, he brushed his hand on Broggha's shoulder waiting for a scornful remark, but the sorceress said nothing.

She looked up, his eyes reflected the worry and deep care he felt for her. Triss walked to the front of the wagon and took a basket from the wagoner's hand when he finished tending his animals. She took three hands full of tiny apples from a sack in the wagon and threw them into the basket to feed their horses. Roach and Kelpie first, then she held out her palm and waited until Broggha had eaten all the apples from it. The enchantress flicked the small bits from her glovette, patted her hands on her cloak, then she commanded the wagoner to water all the horses.

"Listen, I'll be back before nightfall." Triss said. Her attention now back to Geralt as she spoke, she rubbed her hand along the horse's muzzle.

"Nightfall? The Beledal's manor is only a quarter days ride from here." The witcher answered eagerly. Triss away from him was the last thing he wanted.

"Yes, it is, Geralt, but I have things to tend to. I'm meeting a mutual acquaintance. What, you don't approve? I believe it was you who told me to find a certain queen from Skellige. Evelyne said Cerys and her warriors are somewhere along the Arc Coast. If I reach her before they break camp, I'll convince her to come to the ball. Now you see why I can't take Ciri along?"

"Ciri knows?"

"No, and you aren't going to tell her. I don't want her to be downhearted and I don't want to make her a promise I can't keep. Besides, I want it to be a surprise for her." Triss replied. "Go to Thylena find a respectable inn and rest there, then go to Rakverelin and wait for me."

"I always find the most upright places."

"If you're implying four walls and a roof, I'd agree." She answered. "Look for the Dragonfly Hollow in Rakverelin, I've made arrangement for a room. I'll meet you there. And Geralt, don't vex the locals. Try to rest the horse along the way before you reach the city, we need them for the final leg of our journey. Wake Ciri up to keep watch while you sleep. I mean it, witcher."

"Got it. Pretend to be a handsome prince and not a witcher so the townspeople won't fear and hate me. Who would've thunk. Anything else, m'lady?"

"Not saying you need to be anything but yourself, witcher. Just try not to draw unwanted attention and mind the children. Relationship between dwarfs, elves, and humans are strained right now and with the heavy influx of people fleeing the war, the townspeople are on edge. People can be cruel when scared." Triss eyed him and Geralt shrugged his shoulders. "As for being handsome, you needn't pretend. You are very handsome."

She gripped the saddle and put her leg in the stirrup when suddenly the witcher grabbed her waist and pulled her into him.

"Stop doing that."

"How will you find us?" He asked.

"Did you want to ask me that or did you just want to hold me some more?" Triss answered. She felt his face against her nape. She turned ever so slowly and saw the wagoner looked the other way. "Maybe I'll scour the city shouting, 'has anyone seen my witcher and children' it's not very discreet, but it's bound to draw attention don't you think?"

"Funny."

"Isn't it? Seriously lover, a pair of witchers, a baby and two small children can't be too hard to find."

Triss chuckled. She wriggled herself from his hold, then climbed atop the horse. The sorceress put up her hood. "Go Broggha, let's make haste."

Heeding her command, the creature reared, then leapt forward galloping through the snow away from them.

Geralt turned when the wagon door open. Cirilla peeked her head out yawning and rubbing her eyes. Behind her the children were all still asleep.

"Are we there?" She asked.

"No." Geralt said. He fastened the horses alongside the wagon, then climbed in.

"Where's Triss?"

"She left to deal with her affair."

"Which way did she go?"

"You can't follow."

Cirilla sat back on the bench. The cold air rushed in and woke Gretka.

"Are we there?" The girl asked.

"No, go back to sleep little one." She answered. The witcher turned to Geralt as he settled in the corner. "No more secrets. What's going on? You could've come with us to Pont Vanis, but you didn't. We took a wagon and yet you brought all the horses along. If someone's following you'd lead them away, then wait for us here. Now she's gone. Triss is in danger, isn't she?"

"No."

"The truth?"

"I'd never lie to you, Ciri."

"Alright then. I'll keep watch, you get some sleep. The children will wake soon, and they'll be hungry." Cirilla said. She climbed from the wagon and joined the wagoner on the seat. The witcher shifted her swords high on her back. As the wagon began to move.

"Want some company." She asked the man.

"Don't mind it, witcher. Not many folks to talk to." He replied, then lashed the horses with the whip.

They powered through the snow onto the trail, the wagon was moving again past the old fortress. Inside, Geralt closed his eyes. He listened to Cirilla conversing with the wagoner until sleep took him. Hours later, they reached the town of Thylena resting in view of the Blue Mountains. Built amidst the ruins of an old elven city, it prospered from mining and fine fur. Hours later, they traveled eastward to the Toina valley of Narok. The river Toina to their left, it was nearly nightfall when the burning lights of Rakverelin appeared. The witcher's rode their horses, they could hear the children playing inside the wagon. In the distance, the howling of wolves echoed across the land.

"How are you doing in there?" Cirilla asked, rapping on the wagon side.

Millie peeked through the window. "Rosi's eating pears and Gretka is holding her." She said. "Are we nearly there? I'm hungry. When is mother to return?"

"We've nearly reached the city. Triss meet us there. We'll have something delicious to eat. Stay quiet and close the window." Cirilla said. She and Geralt rode forward of the wagon, as they reached the city gate.

The witcher's climbed from their horses to speak to the captain of the guards. The man pointed them to the Dragonfly Hollow. Cirilla drew a sigh, she was apprehensive of the encroaching dark across the city. Beautiful landscape in the shadow of the mountains. Buildings made of dark gray stoned and wood with red clays roofs. The air smelled sweet of bread from the ovens of the bakery. The wagoner would go no further so Geralt carried Rosina beneath his cloak. Gretka and Millie followed closely clutching his cape, as Cirilla took the reins of the horses pulling them along. They bid the old man farewell, then walked through the city street towards the inn greeted along the way by cautious whispers. At the square the light of inn appeared.

"Look what we ave' here lads. A pair of witchers snatching the youngins." A voice bellowed from the darkened alley.

"He's our father and she's our sister." Gretka said.

"The freak's got them saying rubbish… es' got them under em spell or witchery."

"What do we do?" Cirilla whispered.

"Nothing. They stink of booze." Geralt answered. They took a few steps forward when another man walked into the light and blocked their way. He had a sword in hand.

"Run while you still can." Cirilla warned them.

"Let's kill em and take the youngins." The first man said, smacking a mace in his hand. "Look at em, must be noble's daughters. Fetch a handsome sum."

"Father, I'm scared." Millie whispered. There was panic in the girl's voice, but the witcher's was calm and focused. His right hand clutched the hilt of his sword partly unsheathing it.

"Take Rosi and the girls away from here, Geralt, I'll deal with the rats."

"Come on." He barked. Gretka took Millie's hand, but she snatched it away.

"Ciri…" She said, squeezing Geralt's hand with concern.

"She'll be fine." Geralt said looking down tightly holding her hand. "She'll make them go away. Be quick, Ciri."

"Rats?! Ye hear that lads, the witch fucker called us rats?!" One man bawled. He tried to grab Cirilla's shoulder but took just a handful of her hood pulling it down.

Her ashen hair flew wildly as she spun on her heel and landed a hard-right hand on his jaw. He fell without a sound. Another rushed towards her, but a solid hit to his stomach sent him to his knees squealing. She turned to follow Geralt leaving the man reeling, when the leader shouted.

"Get them!" The leader shrieked. One man climbed down from a pile of neatly stacked barrels prepared and eager for combat.

The thickest of them, he drew a small dagger from his belt. Cirilla halted. She drew her weapon with a stern swiftness and held it firmly. The witcher turned. Her slim face was a terrifying visage of beauty, yet she was ominous. The other men stood gripped with fear, then the leader waved his hand, so they'd scurry away. Cirilla sheathed her blade with a sigh. Together, they reached the safety of the inn; two lanterns hung beside the entrance to a small courtyard with an iron gate. The witcher knock, then waited. A woman opened the door carrying a lantern in hand.

"Welcome, witchers. I am Dienke." She said. "Do ye seek shelter for the night?"

"Indeed..." Cirilla replied. "First, we need food and hot water to bathe."

Dienke turned and called to another inside. A young boy appeared. "He'll tend to your horses." She said. "Be careful, child."

Cirilla moved aside allowing the boy to take the reins. He led the horses through the courtyard to the stable.

"I'll follow him and make sure he's safe." She offered.

"My thanks. A fine young woman." The innkeeper said. "Your daughter?"

"Hmm." Geralt grunted.

"Come inside, young one. Witcher, the Lady Merigold said ye be coming."

"Triss is here?"

"Yes." The woman answered. "The sorceress has gone to visit the magistrate. There's much unrest in the city. May I?" She outstretched her hand and Geralt hesitated for a moment but allowed her to take Rosina from his arm. "She's her mother's smile and your stare. Come children, there's water for a bath and food in the bedrooms."

She led them up the steps. Two large bedrooms shared a common space with a tables and food prepared for a small feast. Hard wooden planks and carved pillars marked inside of the walls. Candles on the table and wall lit the room, a small hearth heated the room to a pleasant feel. The lady place Rosina on the rug. The child stood and hurried to Geralt. The witcher took her into his arms, as the door opened. It was Triss.

"Hello, witcher." The sorceress said. She walked to him and took her child. She kissed Rosina, then Gretka and Millie's, before setting the child down to play. Triss coiled her arms around him.

"Everything with the Beledal's went well? What's happening out there?" Geralt asked. "Did you speak to the magistrate?"

"Yes, the girls' treatment is coming along well. She moves on her own. Can't walk very far, but she's improved a great deal. As for the troubles in this city, it's quiet down a bit. The magistrate is working quietly to arrest the leaders of this latest unrest. He's asked for soldiers from the nearby garrison and if everything goes according to plan, they should arrive before morning. This city is rife with anger stanched only by the presences of the city guards. The are mobs of humans gathering in the streets by the city gates, the elves and dwarfs are arming themselves. Right now, everyone is staying in their own district. Everything will unravel if one side kills someone from the other, I fear we'll witness a pogrom."

"Don't want to us to be caught in that; the last time I intervene in a mess like this I got a pitchfork to my gut for my troubles."

"Please don't jest about that, Geralt."

Help me! They heard shouting downstairs and Triss's blood ran cold. They hurried down the stairs. Geralt ordered the children to stay.

"Where's Ciri?" The sorceress asked, her brow snapped together.

"What has happened child?" The innkeeper said.

"They've taken the witcher. She saved the elf girl when the mobs tried to beat her. They turned on the witcher. She was struck from behind and fell."

"Where?!" Geralt growled.

"Where were you?" Triss asked, trembling as she spoke. She clasped her hand tightly, she'd already reached the door before the boy began to speak.

"In the alley, m'lady." He said. Geralt took two long strides and he too was at the door.

The enchantress stormed out of the inn commanding the witcher to remain. In the alley between the buildings she came upon the scene. Cirilla hands were bound, her swords removed from her. In the light of a burning torch the enchantress could see the splatter of blood on her face and two dead men on the ground. The witcher's face was twisted in pain; beside her was a young female elf so terrified she kept her eyes shut. A mob of elves and dwarfs had gathered held back by an even larger horde of humans. A burly man with large chin provoked the crowd. He held the witcher's sword to the elf girl's neck, then laughed when she fainted in terror.

"Leave her be." Cirilla muttered, just as Triss pushed aside the crowd.

The man frowned. He pinched her jaw in his large hand squeezing tightly. Cirilla checked him with her shoulder, then delivered a devastating head butt to his nose. A kick to the groan dropped the man to his knees, but the laughter of the crowd angered him further.

"Fucking wench." He groaned, then hit her with a low blow to the gut.

Her face twisted with agony. Her eyes teared and she screamed.

"How dare you put your filthy hands on her?!" Triss croaked. Her hands ignited with flames. The rabble gasped in unison, then scattered panicked stricken.

A thin man dropped the witchers blade; he tried to flee, then screamed when his flesh sizzled and burned. He rushed blindly into the wall, then crumbled leaving a bloody stain on the wall where he'd crushed his own skull. Triss held the leader in her grasped, ensnaring him with magic. He made choking, gagging, gurgling sound scratching and gasping for air. His eyes were ripe with fear recognizing death would not come swiftly. Cirilla took her sword from the ground, she wiped the blood from her lips, then plunged her blade in his back. The man grabbed the weapon as she pulled it free. He fell to the ground, twitching in his throes.

"Are you alright?" Triss asked.

"I'm sorry." Cirilla whispered, then suddenly her strength left her. When she woke again, they were in the inn, her armor removed to nurse her wounds. Triss sat beside the bed watching over her. "The elf?" Cirilla asked.

"She's safe. Her people took her. The guards came and dealt with the situation."

Cirilla took a sigh of relief. She felt the throbbing, stabbing pain in her gut. Hazy, the cold sweat on the pillows beneath her felt oddly better.

"I'm thirsty." She said. "Could you get me some water?"

Triss took a cup and made her drink. She caressed her forehead. "Egvane navr." She whispered, putting Cirilla to sleep.

It was morning when she began to doze to sleep. Geralt and the children lay on the floor; the fireplace had nearly burned itself to cinders when sleep finally took her.

---

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.