Before...
In the mere hours before dawn, just days ago in Cahir's family home at the Nilfgaardian kingdom, Gretchen had found herself sitting up in her large four post bridal bed with her husband Cahir. Her legs were tightly around her husband's waist and around his ass, straddling his lap, as his own were wrapped around her body. Both clung onto each other. His penis buried deeply up inside of her as she clung onto him for dear life, her bare breasts pressed up against his flat chest.
Cahir continued thrusting his hips up, pumping up inside of her with frantic rhythm as Gretchen squeezed her thighs against his, tilting her head back as she began to cry out, trying her hardest not to be loud in fear that Cahir's family must have been kept up all night by Cahir's and her own activities. The very thought of this embarrassed her to no end, the very thought of facing any of them tomorrow at breakfast made her cheeks burn hard. Still, earlier when Cahir had actually done something that she had heard the whores back where she came from speak about. He had gently kissed her breasts, before traveling to her flat stomach where the burn scars were.
Here he was even more gentle than he had been before. Reaching between her legs, he nudged one of her legs to slide up and sit up strength, bent at the knee, before his kisses ventured all the way down between her legs. The second she felt him kiss her there, her eyes widened in complete surprise.
"Cahir..."
She went to move and sit up, but Cahir raised his head, the sheets pooled down around the bottom of the bed. Grinning, he stared up at her.
"Trust me my darling..."
He lowered his head, his hair sweeping down before suddenly she felt his tongue, slick and wet enter her opening and began to slurp and wiggle, causing everything inside of her to explode. She laid back, feeling as if the room was a million degrees. She squirmed, and gripped the sheets with her hands, before her mouth opened as Cahir's tongue continued tasting her, and making that same amazing exploding sensation to overtake her. She snapped her eyes shut, completely shaken to the core as she started to cry out loudly. She could feel herself slick with juices down below, when suddenly she realized how loud she was being and slapped her hand over her mouth to muffle the noise.
Instead, Cahir lifted his head, face flushed, hair hanging in his face before he smiled, and lightly chuckled.
"Don't my love, be as loud as you want. My family is on an entirely different wing of the house. Don't hold back from embarrassment. Lord knows when my brothers were married and brought their brides home they didn't care either..."
Gretchen lifted her head, her pinned up hair a complete mess as she panted and stared at him.
"They might kick down the door and think somebody is being murdered..."
Cahir grinned again, looking pleased.
"They very well might. So excuse me as I return to working on your execution..."
Gretchen laughed, staring down at him as if he was crazy as he grinned and lowered his head again. His tongue working up and own and inside of her, doing things to her she didn't think were possible, Arching her back, she gasped and continued clutching onto the sheets...
"Gretchen?"
Gretchen so desperately wanted to hold onto this happy memory she held. Instead the images that aroused her broke apart, as her eyelids fluttered open and she found herself laying still on her stomach in the sorcerer's workshop by the warmth of the fire. She had no idea when she had drifted off, but guessed whatever potion the sorcerer had poured on her back for her wounds along with finally crashing and hitting her breaking limit from shock and pure exhaustion she had simply drifted off. Now awake, she blinked, feeling much better. The pain was still there faintly between her shoulder blades, but it felt a million times better than it did earlier. Her chest hurt a little by laying on the hard wooden table, but besides that she felt okay. Waking from this pleasing dream of her husband who she missed terribly hit her in a way that everything the sorcerer had said earlier really seemed to finally register.
There would be no fixing this. The sad harsh reality of what she was had been laid out before her. She might not quite fully understand it, but nevertheless the sad tale of her life had been told, and she knew no matter how much she denied it, and tried to fight it...nothing would change. She would transform into this creature, this bird and it would be a painful miserable existence. She hated knowing this. Destiny couldn't be this cruel.
Yet, here she was. Of course the second a man, a real man came into her life and finally took her away from that terrible whore house. A man who treated her as a proper lady, yet knew she would have been bored to tears acting like his sisters and mother. A man who didn't treat her to feel ashamed of her body, and actually made her feel like a woman for the very first time. A man who promised her a happy future with children and adventures...all wasted the second he rode off, and this strange curious transformation began. She hated it so much she wanted to break down crying. Instead, she found Geralt sitting beside her on a stool. His gloved hand gently holding her hand. She had no idea how long she had been sleeping, or how long he had been sitting there, holding her hand, watching her sleep. Judging from the glowing embers in the fire, she guessed it must have been an hour or so. Sighing, she turned her head to fully face him.
"Are my eyes still...green?"
Geralt smirked and nodded.
"Humm."
"How long have I been asleep?"
"Just a few hours, you needed it. How do you feel?"
"A little stiff, but fine."
Geralt motioned to her back.
"The wounds look like they are healing up nicely. Alda said he'll give you more than enough for the pain, but you need to rest. You're body has been put through Hell."
"Those potions are just to slow the process, I'm going to change no matter what...a waste really."
Geralt shook his head, his massive gloved hand giving her a reassuring squeeze.
"Enough of that nonsense. You're stronger than you know. We'll be leaving soon."
Gretchen shook her head before slowly moving. Geralt sat back, letting go of her hand, ready to say something before Gretchen shook her head and waved him away before sitting up properly. Her back aching slightly, she sat up, before lifting Cahir's shirt slightly and looking back down over her shoulder. The marks were two large nasty purple risen scars, but nothing more. She couldn't quite reach them, but she knew for the time being she would be okay.
"No...I need to find my husband. He's looking for me, I'm sure of it."
Geralt shot her a look before shaking his head.
"You mean to tell me...you still believe he isn't with the very same men his own family led with torches, axes, and swords to hunt and kill you? Gretchen, you are very capable and intelligent. Please don't be foolish as well as blind."
Gretchen sat up, the loose bun barley held together, her hair a mess, and circles beneath her eyes from the heavy sleep she had just had. Sighing loudly, she stared at him.
"I'm a married woman Geralt. Cahir is different...I need to find him."
"And then what? Tell him what you are? Try to mask and hide it with those potions that won't even last? Even if you are right about your husband. That he might very well be different than his family and the people of Niffgaardian...if you care about him, honestly care...why would you return to him and put him through all of this?"
Gretchen blinked.
"What?"
"Making him watch you break down and eventually transform. Maybe just maybe he would accept you for what you are...but you heard the sorcerer. Skin walkers live short painful miserable lives. Especially half breeds. If you love your husband...even for the brief time you two were together and he took her out of that miserable life...why would you return to him and make him lose you again? Why break his heart either standing by your side watching you transform and change completely helpless?"
Gretchen glared and shook her head.
"I wouldn't do that...I'll kill myself before that happens."
"So...you wish to return to him and die...I'm sorry Gretchen but that sounds not just foolish, but selfish as well. If you ever cared about him...you'll forget about him for whatever time you have left. Let him mourn you, and eventually forget about you. He'll remarry, have a family...and even though I'm sure he'll always hold you in his heart, if he is the great man you claim he is...allow him to be free and move on without bringing him any further pain. That even is if he's going against his kingdom and town. What if you returned and he threw you to the ground like an animal cursing you out?"
"He wouldn't..."
"Maybe Gretchen, but you'll never know. Wouldn't you rather your last memory of him be a happy and pure one, and him the same? I can't tell you what to do, but the human side of yourself loved him. I can see that...why cause him and yourself any more pain?"
Gretchen sat in silence for a moment, her legs swung out from the table. Sitting up, she stared at Geralt before closing her eyes and shaking her head.
"Cahir...was the first person to ever treat me differently...now he has to live with the fact I was some sort of beast or demon? I hear your kind typical doesn't have a choice in what you became. Well Geralt of Rivia, neither did I. I heard you and the sorcerer...the only reason you're concerned is because of the night we first met with that stupid sorcerer and elf. I cut my hand on the bottle, and sort of love or binding spell happened, that's why you've been here by my side this entire time. Witches aren't supposed to feel emotion or love. You have been more than kind, but it's just a veil...magic. You're better off to either use that sword and end my miserable life right now to be free of it, or use whatever strength you have to leave me be so I can find my husband and see him one last time before I die."
Geralt glared at her.
"You know I can't do that..."
Gretchen nodded sadly.
"Exactly, because you're under a spell. Leave me here Geralt. You aren't abandoning me, you're just going on about your business. I've heard of your kind...and I'm certain that this wasn't all the binding spell. I know you're different, decent...kind. That's the human side of you. Don't ever forget that. You're kindness won't ever be forgotten...but I'm just extra weight Geralt. Weight that you don't need."
"Humm."
Gretchen saw his expression before reaching and taking his gloved hand. She held it, staring at how massive it was compared to hers. She gave an exhausted smile before sighing.
"I have to find my husband. Much like yourself he saved me. I need to see him, just once...just one last time..."
"And what? Explain yourself? Damnit Gretchen we've all ready been through this. I can tell you know thing. We..."
He squeezed her hand gently, his amber eyes locking with her healed green ones as he continued.
"We...didn't ask to be what we were. We may be half human, but we're not like them...we're on our own. Perhaps your husband did truly love you...but think. Is this how you want him to remember you if you are in fact dying? Please Gretchen. Don't be foolish..."
Gretchen stared at him, exhausted, but still holding back from breaking down anymore.
"You claim magic like this is nonsense and doesn't affect you? Prove it. Go on your way. I have nothing to replay you besides..."
She tugged on her finger and held her wedding ring out to Geralt.
"But this...please take it and accept my thanks."
Geralt grunted and shook his head handing her back her ring.
"No. There isn't any need to replay any debt. I believe we both think the same thing. That binding or love spells are complete horse shit. We're different than any creature or human, we were forced to be trapped between both worlds...you're a good woman Gretchen, but please don't do this."
"I'm sorry Geralt. I need to know for sure. I love my husband...if he turns me away, frightened or disgusted, or even tries to kill me by his sword, at least I'll know. He'll be putting me out of my misery since I do believe we both understand your friend. My life will be short, and very miserable. But at least it will be my choice. You...if there is such a spell, it will be broken. You can continue on with your life, hunting monsters, getting paid, and forgetting about this sad little creature otherwise known as Gretchen of Nilfgaardian."
Geralt sighed before shaking his head.
"You need your rest, you're still healing. We can talk in the morning."
Gretchen stared down at him and shook her head.
"I don't want to sleep or talk things over. I just want to try and see my husband one last time."
Geralt's amber eyes glowed with anger as he hissed out between two gritted teeth...
"To see his face, to look him in the eye as he calls you a monster and strikes you down with his sword. Is that what you really want Gretchen?!"
Gretchen sighed, despite her long rest, she had dark circles beneath her now healed eyes.
"I need to make sure. Cahir was different, nothing like his family. I need to see him one last time, and if he curses me out...or even kills me, so be it."
"So you have a death wish?"
"You and the sorcerer said it...I don't have long to live."
Geralt looked frustrated and clasped his hands together, staring at her before faintly she saw a glimmer flicker in those eyes of his. She saw the same sadness and compassion she never believed a Witcher could possess.
"Gretchen, wouldn't you...rather last remember your husband during that brief time you both shared? You said he save you from that wicked life you were living in, remember...wouldn't it just be best to have the two of you last remember each other before any of this took place? You say you love him? Why can't you just let him go...in time he'll move on, remarry, have a family, and if you ever did love him as you say you do...you won't haunt him with your memory."
Gretchen felt a single tear roll down his face as she stared at Geralt.
"I'm sorry Geralt. I need to at least try and see him. He's my husband...even if I am some half breed creature, whatever human part of him loves him. I need to be sure."
Reaching down she gently cupped the side of Geralt's chiseled strong pale face. Her palm felt smooth and warm against his skin. Lifting his eyes at her, he knew there would be no talking her out of it. He knew he could overpower her, throw her over his shoulder kicking and screaming and simply tell her she wasn't going to get herself killed. Instead, he saw that pain in her eyes, and knew if he could, he would do anything to take this away from her.
Instead, he knew she would just have to find out herself. One thing was certain, he wasn't allowing her to get killed. Both knew the tragic simple facts behind her future, even though both knew her time was short. He wasn't fully convinced about whatever spell that had been casted. He remembered her bleeding, and the sudden attraction he felt the second he laid eyes on her. He had watched from afar as the Nilfgaardian men arrived outside of the whore house, and saw this young girl get piled into the carriage next to the thin man he supposed as her husband. He had traveled a day or so behind, and kept Roach in one of the village stables, watching yet again from a distance, catching just tiny glimpses of her.
He remembered seeing her for just a brief second dressed in that gorgeous sparkling black wedding gown, and the strangest yearning overcame him. He remembered watching that night, gazing up at what he believed was her bedroom window at the faint light thrown from the lantern, and knowing the whole myth behind Witchers not having human emotion, let alone being unable to experience love was just another cruel lie. He still remembered his mother leaving him, he remembered the pain behind the trials, watching so many young boys like himself fall. He remembered the princess not that long ago dying in his arms.
"The young girl in the woods is your destiny..."
Renfri...
He would never say it aloud, but he did believe that perhaps the same magic that was at hand with Gretchen had been cast from the moment his lips touched Renfri's. It had been some time now since he was forced to take her down. All that remained were three simple things. Her crest that he held most precious, attaching it to his sword. The memories of that brief night they shared, and the scar he still had on his inner thigh. Renfri had died, yet he still thought of her nearly every day. He would let Gretchen go, but he would stay near. He knew how these sort of things ended. He would watch over her, and protect her, and when everything was said and done he would be the one waiting to help her, not her husband. It was a cruel lesson, but Gretchen had to learn.
Grunting, he stared at her.
"You won't wait until dawn?"
Gretchen shook her head.
"I can't. I need to find him..."
Geralt nodded.
"Alda has an old horse I'm sure he'll be willing to give up."
"I have nothing to pay for it..."
Geralt shook his head.
"It's the least I can do...if you are filly intent on going back."
Gretchen sadly smiled.
"You've done so much...how am I do ever replay you?"
Geralt paused for a moment before lifting his eyes and staring straight at her.
"Promise me something."
"What?"
"If things...don't go the way you're hoping they go. When you have no doubt beyond any reason that Cahir...doesn't accept you nor could love you...come back to me."
"What?!"
"I'm not trying to upset you or will you ill thoughts. I hope you do find your husband...and that he is in fact the man you claim he is. I hope he can protect you, and whatever time you do have left it's without any pain and by the side of someone who truly loves you. But, if there's...any chance...any whatsoever that you'll be in danger, to replay your debt...run. Run as fast as you can and I'll find you. Promise?"
Gretchen stared at him, tears glimmering in her eyes before she nodded.
"I will...but I know Cahir will understand, he'll see this wasn't my fault. If I am in fact dying...I would rather die in the arms of someone who loves me. If our paths happen to cross again by density or fate, I promise you shall be rewarded in greater matter..."
Leaning down, she gently kissed Geralt's forehead. Pulling back, she sadly smiled before Geralt nodded.
Later...
Gretchen wasn't entirely sure if she was riding the horse right, but Geralt had helped her climb and mount the horse that the sorcerer was willing to part with. Geralt had insisted she keep his cloak, and packed a saddle bag with some water, bread, and plenty of tiny glass bottles that the sorcerer had instructed on how to use them whenever the pain would become too great, and when she began to feel herself change. The sorcerer had been kind, squeezing her hand before looking her straight in the eye.
"You know eventually, the potions won't work. The pain will get worse, I could make something...for you to take before the transformation is complete. It will slow your heart down until it stops beating. It would be a peaceful way to go."
Gretchen glanced over at Geralt who stood by the window. She knew he was pretending to to be listening. Instead she simply sighed snd shook her head.
"Thank you..."
He nodded before leaving the room for a second. After a few minutes, he returned. This glass bottle was a dark blue, the liquid a dark black. Sighing, she nodded before sliding it into the bag with the other bottles. The sorcerer then slowly stared down at her, his eyes resting on her body. He raised an eyebrow before Gretchen cocked her head.
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing..."
He lifted his eyes before giving a sad smile and gently patted her shoulder.
"Take care of yourself Gretchen, and remember, just a few drops...and...you'll be in pain no more."
"Thank you..."
She leaned forward hugging the old man, before Geralt walked over, clearing his throat making her glance over. Geralt's brow was wrinkled as he stared forward at her, the extra cloak draped over his arms.
"Ready?"
Gretchen nodded before thanking him one last time, before going with Geralt. He helped her into the cloak, before they went to the stable, and found the horse. Geralt helped her climb on, and carefully instructed her on how to ride. Before she was ready to leave, she stared down at him. Thin snowflakes were starting to drift down from the sky.
"What?"
Geralt sighed, stroking the horse that Gretchen sat upon, before shaking his head.
"Take care of yourself..."
Gretchen knew he wanted to say more, but instead he simply stood back and shook his head.
"Take care of yourself Gretchen of Nilfhaardian."
Gretchen gave a sad smile, before clicking her tongue as Geralt taught her.
"Thank you Geralt of Rivia...you do the same."
With that, Geralt stood back watching Gretchen ride the horse down the road, hood up, hunched down. Staring, he swore under his breath knowing how incredibly foolish she was being. Still, he would follow without her catching on. He figured if the Nifgaardian men were in fact searching for her, he would have quite the fight ahead of him. These men were completely mad, and vicious warriors. Gretchen's husband, very well might be the leader of them all. He knew it would take her seeing this for her to finally accept that her darling husband who she had known for just a few days was just like all the others. Any threat of danger or the unknown caused the real monsters to come out. After that he would rescue her, even though he didn't think the Gretchen he had been traveling with was now completely helpless. No, she had proven herself to be fully capable. Still, he feared for her but knew once she knew her husband would cast her away like an animal. Just then the sorcerer, dressed in his own cloak came walking beside her, lighting his pipe.
"I take it you'll be joining her?"
"Humm."
"You sensed it didn't you?"
Geralt raised an eyebrow and glanced in the sorcerer's direction.
"Does she know?"
The sorcerer shook his head.
"How could she? Less than a week...but unfortunately, will be lost."
"How do you..."
The sorcerer simply shook his head.
"Her body is all ready too weak, and this will most likely serve as a reminder of what she really is, and how short of time she really does have."
"She's still half human, don't forget it."
Geralt said in a low annoyed voice, before turning towards his horse. Gently stroking his side, he dug into his pocket and tossed the sorcerer a small sac of coin. Catching it, the sorcerer looked surprised.
"What's this?"
"For your trouble, and the potions. Can you make double that?"
"Expecting her to return so soon? You know the potions will only slow.."
Before he could finish, Geralt shook his head and snapped...
"I know! Just double the potions and load them up for me. If...there's any way to ease the pain for her, I want to make sure there's plenty."
"You'll be following her I take it?"
Geralt didn't respond, instead he simply kept staring ahead. Sighing, the sorcerer shook his head.
"If you ever come across the sorcerer that mixed up that healing spell...I would give him quite the tongue lashing. Binding spells are worse enough, let alone with blood. My old heart breaks for you Geralt. The first time this of course happens to you...it happens to a poor half breed girl that will transform and die within a year. Just know once she dies you'll be released. If she's intent on finding her husband, she'll more than likely be killed. Then...you'll be free."
Geralt controlled his temper, as the sorcerer clapped him on the shoulder before muttering he would whip up the rest of the potions for him. Once he was left alone, Geralt's amber eyes glanced up at the moon shinning in the dark night sky.
Later...
Gretchen felt as if she had been riding for hours. The horse was old and slow, but was keeping up a steady pace. Wearing Geralt's cloak helped with the freezing cold wind as she kept her head down, tightening her hands on the reins. Her back no longer ached, but her stomach was twisted up in knots. She had a general idea of what direction she was headed in. She knew by sunrise she would be out of the forest, and after two more villages, she would be somewhat near Nilfgaardian. What she would do next? She wasn't quite sure. If Cahir's family, and the people of the kingdom were looking for her, she prayed that she wouldn't be killed instantly. Perhaps they would take her prisoner, and she could have enough time to maybe see Cahir. She was fully prepared for him to spit at her, be disgusted, cast her away like some sort of monster.
Still, all she wanted was just to see him...even if it was just for a few seconds. He might not want to even hear what she had to say. He might absolute hate her, and wish her dead. Still, at least even if she couldn't explain herself, at least she could look into those light blue eyes of his one last time and remember before all of this nightmare began, Cahir loved her. He had rescued her, and for just a mere week...made her feel like a future was possible.
Staring down at her wedding ring her heart ached. In this brief time, she had honestly believed she had found her soulmate. Still, she had learned the terrible truth of what she really was, and how she was like an hour glass, turned over, and slowly running out of time. Unable to think of any of this, her future just a darkness that laid ahead of her, all she wanted was to find Cahir and see him, even if this was for the last time, and she believed she would be greeted with his sword instead of open arms...
She rode as the snow continued to slowly fall and swirl around her when suddenly she saw a campfire in the distance. She continued onward when she saw the Nilfgaardian flag. Feeling her heart hammer in her chest, she knew there were most likely soldiers. Giving an exhausted smile, she gently kicked the sides of the horse to make him hurry up, when suddenly she approached the clearing to where the camp was. That's when something flew out of nowhere, something heavy and hard, hitting her in the side of the head. A white hot lighting pain came over her as she cried out snapping her eyes shut. The force of whatever had hit her, made her vision blur for just a second before she rocked to the side and fell over, Blinding horrible pain hit her, then warmth dribbling down. She tried to grab hold of the horse as it cried out.
She fell off, hitting her left shoulder hard into the powder like snow. Hitting the snow with a heavy thud, she landed there, as her horse cried and moved away quickly.
"Ugh!"
That's when out of nowhere, she felt her hair get yanked backward with enough force to rip from her scalp. She screamed, as her throat was stretched backwards. There, standing dressed in black was Cahir's father. He wore a dark cloak as well, and now held a knife at her throat. His light colored eyes looked crazed.
"Well, well well. What are the chances? I've had several of my men camped out and stationed throughout the forest. I knew a stupid bitch like yourself would end up stumbling upon me sooner or later..."
The blade pressed even tighter against her stretched out throat. Staring up with wide frightened eyes, she stared up at him.
"Seneschal...please...let me explain my..."
"Explain what?! That my son married a creature?! A beast?"
"Please...I love your..."
"He's out with the others hunting for you! He's disgusted by you!"
Gretchen stared up, eyes wide filling with tears.
"NO!" Cahir's father gave a frightening smile, pressing the blade even tighter against her throat.
"He offered a pretty handsome reward for whoever delivers your head on a fucking stick!"
"Please, let me explain to him...it's not my fault..."
Cahir's father's face crumpled, using the hand that was yanking back her hair. Letting go for a moment, he curled his hand into a tight fist before he wound it back, and punched her right in the face. Feeling her lip split, and tasting blood, Gretchen cried out as Cahir's father grabbed her hair again, knife still at her throat. "You sicken him! He wants you dead, and then marry a noble pure woman! No tainted creature blood!" Gretchen choked back a half sob, blood bubbling in her throat.
Cahir's father stared down disgusted, before he raised back the blade, ready to slit her throat.
"Damn your soul to Hell beast..."
Gretchen shut her eyes, ready to feel her throat slit, and finally an end to all of this. Instead she heard a quick loud whack, before snapping her eyes open and watching as Geralt, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. He grabbed the back of Cahir's neck, before lifting him off the ground as if he weighed nothing. In one quick motion, he slammed him down. Gretchen collapsed backwards into the snow, her throat aching as she stared at him, as Geralt punched Cahir's face again, and again, and...
"Geralt! No!"
Geralt stopped, fist freezing before he raised an eyebrow at her. Gretchen used her hand to hold her throat that ached where the blade had been pressing. Spitting out a mouth full of blood, splattering against the snow. Geralt stared at her as if she was insane. Instead, Gretchen shook her head, blood dribbling down her chin.
"Don't kill him."
Geralt's face crumpled.
"He was going to slit your throat!"
Gretchen shook her head, on her hands and knees.
"Please...don't."
Geralt grunted, before he saw that Cahir's father was knocked unconscious. He laid back like a limp rag doll, eyes rolled back in his head. Disgusted, he tossed him down into the snow, just a few feet away from the fire. Sighing, Geralt motioned around the camp.
"There are Nifgaardian men stationed all over. You heard him yourself...hired by your husband. Do you believe he still loves you now?!"
Gretchen remained on all fours, before her wide healed green eyes looked around the camp site. Heartbroken, she laid there for a moment before she slowly shook her head.
"He was lying...Cahir wouldn't..."
Geralt marched over, before offering his hand.
"You'll learn to accept that once people discover what you really are...they all end up being the same. I won't allow you to kill yourself, not like this."
Gretchen stared up at him, with exhausted eyes.
"He...was all I had."
"That's not true."
"You're only doing this because of that stupid fucking spell!"
Geralt shook his head.
"Bullshit. Now come with me...please."
He opened his hand as snow continued to fly down. Staring at it for a moment, Gretchen slowly got to her feet, swaying for a moment, before staring at him. Geralt reached forward, before gently wiping her lip with his gloved hand. Sniffling, Gretchen took his other hand, before she stared at him. Suddenly everything all over again seemed to hit and crash down on her at once. Closing her eyes, her shoulders hunched, before she broke down completely. Sobbing, her cries echoed for a moment before Geralt opened his arms, bringing her in close and holding her. After a few moment, she settled down, before turning and holding out her hand. Staring at her hand, she stared down at her wedding ring.
A silent tear rolling down her face, she looked heartbroken, before she reached down and yanked it off. Staring at her ring, she stared at the stone with empty hopeless eyes before she flung it down into the snow beside Cahir's father who remained knocked out by the fire. Turning towards him, she sniffled, using the back of her hand, she wiped her split and swelling lip before she stared at Geralt.
Later...
Geralt and Gretchen had been traveling for hours. They're horses side by side. Gretchen hadn't said much, and the snow continued to come down hard. Shortly before dawn, they had crossed several swamps despite the old wooden signs warning danger. Geralt remarked they had crossed enough kingdom lines that he felt they were a safe enough distance away from any searching men. Geralt had found another cave, much smaller than the last time they had camped out in, and tied up the horses before bringing the two of them in from the elements. He made a quick fire, and said they would rest until the storm passed before continuing on their way.
When Gretchen questioned if any Nilfgaardian men would be near, Geralt treasured her that the creatures living in the swamp would make it impossible for them to even think about venturing in and searching, they were miles upon miles away. Nervous, Gretchen rubbed her arms looking around.
"What about us?"
Geralt smirked shaking his head and motioned down to his sword.
"Don't worry, I always come prepared."
Gretchen couldn't find any humor or reassurance. Instead she stared at her raw empty hands. The very thought that Cahir was out there searching with his men and his father made her sick to her stomach. She was fully prepared to face him, have him cast her away, curse her out...but she hated to admit a small part of her had prayed he would accept her. Miss her, understand, and somehow stand by her side throughout this like she had wished he could. Still, the reality of her husband hating her, seeing her like this creature absolutely destroyed her.
That small glimmer of a life was now ripped away. Now here she was, standing in a freezing cold cave with this Witcher, who could only stand her because of some stupid mixed up spell. Everything else had been stripped and taken from her. Slowly, she laid out by the fire, before Geralt walked over and sighed.
"Are you...all right?"
Gretchen shook her head as she turned away from him, drawing up the hood of her cloak and closing it.
"No...I just want to close eye eyes and forget for a while..."
Geralt stared down, grunting, knowing better to push any further. Instead he nodded, and went about unpacking Roach. He would keep the fire going. He knew what heartbreak looked like, even though he was certain he truly hadn't experienced it yet. He had experienced loss, but never like this... Gretchen not only had lost her future, but her husband, and respect as well. He knew nothing he could say or do would make it any better. Instead, the best he could do was just leave her be, and let sleep be the only escape from this terrible pain she was experiencing. Sighing, he glanced down at her huddled from knowing the second she threw down her wedding ring, she was throwing away all hope as well...
Gretchen dreamed she was laying in her bridal bed. She was laying naked beneath Cahir, feeling him bounce up and down between her two spread legs that were slowly curling and wrapping around his bare ass. She could feel his pulsing manhood, buried deeply up inside of her. His bangs hanging down in his face. She felt herself coming close, that same wonderful feeling of pressure building as the tingling built up to a frenzy, causing her to squirm beneath him, tossing her head from side to side, her hair pooled around her on the pillow. Pressing his forehead against hers, his light blue eyes locked with hers. Plunging his mouth against hers, she felt his tongue dart and enter her mouth when suddenly his hand reached up from cupping her breast, and taking hold of her hand. Lacing his thin longer fingers against hers, tightly squeezing her hand.
Suddenly his ass tensed, as he pumped into her causing the headboard to loudly creak, when suddenly he snapped his eyes shut. He swore lightly under his breath, when he plunged deeply down inside of her, when his back arched as he emptied inside of her. She felt the warmth fill her deeply, as he collapsed against her. Breathless, his thin body laid against hers, on top, and still deeply inside of her. Lifting his head, his face flushed, he stared down at her.
"He still sleeps safely inside of your womb...you must protect him, he's ours..."
Gretchen stared up at her husband, confused.
"What?"
"Gretchen? Gretchen...
Gretchen!" Gretchen's eyes snapped open, hearing her name first be called faintly away, before she fully snapped awake. Looking around, she saw the fire had burnt out and a cold chill had settled within the damp dark cave. Blinking, she stared up at Geralt, confused.
"What is it?"
That's when she saw, her eyes adjusting to the thin light in the cave at what she was actually seeing. Her breath caught in her throat staring up. Geralt stood there, but his eyes were different. Instead they were jet black, with black pulsing veins pulsing around them from his pale skin. For a moment Gretchen wanted to scream. instead, she blinked and stared at him.
"What's the matter?"
Geralt shook his head.
"There's a creature outside, it's been trying to track us...I'll be right back. Don't leave no matter what you hear. Understood?"
"But..."
"Stay."
He snapped, lifting his sword before marching out towards the entrance of the cave. Waiting a second, Gretchen listened hearing the wind, before a blood curdling roar filled the air. Freezing, she laid there for a second, before another roar came. Clutching her cloak closed, her light green eyes scanned the cave, looking at the tied up horses, she listened again, and heard nothing. For a moment, she stared at her empty hands, remembering last night and Cahir's father attacking her. Was he telling the truth? Was Cahir really with the others trying to hunt and kill her? Feeling her throat, raw from the blade pressing against it, she listened again as another roar came, this time louder.
Springing into action, she stood as the roar came again, along with the faint sounds of Geralt fighting whatever this beast was. Feeling an ache in her hands, she stared down at them before swallowing. She so desperately wanted to hold onto the metal image of her husband, but forced these thoughts away. She planned on not standing back being the weak helpless little creature she suspected Geralt believed she was. If her time was short, she wouldn't die depending on others.
She refused it. The pain getting worse, she took a deep breath and started towards the opening of the cave...
Outside...
Geralt was slammed against a tree by the large beast. It was a Groorslang, a pretty big one, stinking of the swamp. It's large arms lashing out trying too grab onto Geralt as he struggled against it, trying to grab his sword that had fallen in the snow. Usually these things weren't a huge bother to kill. In the early dark hours of the morning though, Geralt found himself struggling, even after he took his potion. He suspected it was because his mind was elsewhere. He gritted his teeth, straining to grab his sword when suddenly his black eyes widened in surprise. Out of nowhere Gretchen appeared, still wearing her cloak. She stood behind the Groorslag, before roaring in complete fury.
She raised one hand, that instead of her thin hand, there was large sharp talons. Her pretty face crumpled in rage as she screamed, just as the Groodslag turned, ready to hiss when she brought up the talons, huge and sharp, the flesh of her hand split and in bloody ruins, flapping around her wrist. With one quick sweep, she slashed the creature's throat. It let out a choked out hiss, before gurgling and slumping over dead with a heavy thud. There was silence for a moment before Gretchen raised her eyes and stared at Geralt. The two stared at each other, his dark black eyes, slowly looking down at her transformed hand, or lack of. Seeing where he was looking, Gretchen quickly dropped her talon, hiding it with her other hand before quickly turning and hurrying back into the cave, Snow still coming down, his black eyes staring in disbelief.
"Fuck!"
He snapped at himself, before marching forward, stepping over the dead creature, and swiftly picking up his sword. Entering the cave, he saw that Gretchen had started another small fire, and was standing there. She gently cradled her ruined transformed hand, before she dumped a whole bottle of potion against the claws. The potion hissed as Gretchen snapped her eyes shut. Geralt watched as within seconds, the talons retracted, and slowly the flesh began to form and take shape into a normal looking hand. Finally it healed, and her hand was back to normal. Exhausted, Gretchen stared at her hand, before she slowly turned and faced him. Both looked at each other when Geralt, no longer caring about his eyes, glared at her. Gretchen held her newly transformed hand, and before she could speak, Geralt stepped forward.
Staring at her, he suddenly grabbed a handful of her shirt, yanking her close to him before his black eyes closely studied her face before he plunged his mouth right against hers. The fire continued to flicker and crackle. Here, Geralt picked her up off her feet as he began to franticly kiss her, unable to truly stop even if he wanted.
Elsewhere...
Cahir continued searching. He rode on his dark horse, traveling through the forest, holding a lantern, desperate to find any sign of his wife. He continued calling out her name over the cold howling wind.