Crevan sat in the dim light of the library as Regis moved about blowing out the lamps. The solar lights from the path outside providing enough light to watch the vampire carry out his nightly tasks. He had spent a good portion of the day fielding questions, the young Aen Elle had a bright mind. The old temptation to manipulate and mold the young monarch burned through him. Power was as much an addiction as Fistec, and it had taken him a long time to overcome both.
"...I will see you in the morning..." Crevan said softly as he moved to his quarters.
Regis acknowledged him before continuing his task.
He was surprised to see Ge'els there, he'd not expected his one-time friend and rival wanting anything to do with him after the last little encounter. The other Aen Elle looked as if he had been washed with white paint. After seeing the healing rooms, he'd asked for a shot of the strongest drink they had.
"...Human weapons did...that..."
He steered the other elf into his quarters, he had some dragon's kiss somewhere in the cupboard. They would trade shots until Ge'els looked better. It took four shots before Ge'els found enough color to look like a living elf again.
The sound of small feet outside the door stopped the conversation they were having. The knock was rapid and impatient. Crevan answered to see the two small children. Deir and Nod. He smiled at them.
"What brings you here?"
"Regis said you had the book..."
It took him a few moments to register what book they were talking of. He had been translating the Fairy tales into elder speech and had forgotten to return it. Leave it to Regis to send the children to retrieve their favorite book.
"Indeed I do...wait here..." He said and went into the room, returning with the tome.
The boy grabbed it and bounded off with it with the girl following. He didn't scold them, it was late and no doubt one of their parents had promised a story.
"Who were those urchins..."
"Lady Thorn's children..." He said. "They are usually kept out-of-the-way, or are at the High Court with tutors."
"There are children here?"
"Several, mostly born after the court was formed..."
Ge'els frowned. "...They are allowed to roam?"
"No, our resident librarian send them directly to me. If it was anywhere else in the manse they would have an escort, and I believe they did. Lady thorn does not take chances with her children..."
He glared at Ge'els, daring him to make the comparison, he would not have it. not when it came to those children.
Pen stood near the window, something wasn't right. A shawl dropped over her shoulders, hands as warm as summer. She turned, Aethen stood there.
"You got a sense of it too..." He said.
"Yes, but I cannot pinpoint it." She said. "I do not like the Viceroy..."
"I don't think half the court likes the Viceroy..." He said. "Himself is here tonight, said he'd read the story."
She smiled, "He managed to get away..."
"Yes, and said he wanted to spend some time with you and the children"
She moved to wrap the shawl about her.
"I'll escort you..."
She smiled and took his arm.
Avallac'h trooped through the gardens, another nightmare woke him. He had assured Ciri he just needed air and would not go far. He was heading back, head a bit clearer. He could not wait to see Geralt's face, the old Witcher confused when Ciri placed the child in his arms. Yennifer threatening him with the moat again. He'd thought that an idle threat until he'd splashed down into one in high summer. He'd walked back through the estate covered in muck. It had taken him a week to get the smell out.
He paused outside the door, Ciri was awake waiting for him. He entered and accepted her embrace. He wanted this peace, the warmth he'd waited near a thousand years for. He would speak to lady Thorn in the morning, they would be handfasted by sunset. And when they returned to Toussaint, he would ask for her hand from the Witcher and Sorceress.