Alcohol.

She needed it. She needed it like it was the air she breathed, because the air around her was far too difficult to swallow. She needed something else, something stronger.

Wine was out. She reached to the back of the cabinet, the glasses sat around her wrist tinkling as she shoved them aside like a woman gone mad, reaching for the tall bottle of clear liquid resting at the back.

Vodka.

She pulled the cork out with a trembling hand, tossing it aside onto the counter where it rolled to the floor forgotten. Without hesitating she brought it to her lips, letting the burning liquid cascade past her lips and down her throat, leaving a satisfying heat trailing to her stomach.

It wasn't enough. She grimaced and gasped for air, her tears running as hot as the liquid itself, and she clumsily brought the bottle back to her mouth, tipping it's contents into her with a fierce generosity. She wanted it to burn her, she needed it to kill whatever it was inside her that made her act so irrationally.

She repeated the process, drinking the bottle in massive gulps that left her breathless and hunched over the countertop, before she could regulate her breathing and do it all over again. It wasn't until the once full bottle was nearly half gone, and the burn had spread to the tips of her toes and fingers, that she finally slammed it on the counter

She lurched, as the fiery contents threatened to come back up, but she swallowed the dizzying feeling. There was a shift as the alcohol began to take it's effect, the iron grip of panic loosening in her chest, her mind beginning to fog pleasantly.

She turned from the counter and strode carefully to the couch, placing a hand on the edge to assist her into a sitting. She groaned as she lowered herself, the alcohol doing nothing for the sadness that ached her heart. If she hadn't been inebriated, her mind would surely be racing with guilt of her embarrassing actions, and while she knew running to a bottle wouldn't solve anything, that her problems would still be there to face her come morning, at least temporarily she could pretend.

She ran her hands over her face, the feeling barely registering through her numbed skin. She couldn't help but wonder what was going through Triss' mind now, as she sat alone in that room Yennefer left her so cruelly in.

She had kissed her back with equal fervor.

What was this between them? It certainly wasn't nothing, Yennefer had seen to that. Considering it was something that she didn't want to address, she certainly never found a shortage of ways to bring it all up again. She shouldn't have done this; Triss didn't need the confusion, even more so than Yennefer, but she didn't see how they could come back from this now.

She hid out there in that living area, fading in and out of consciousness for what seemed like hours, her body unwilling to return to her chambers to face the mess she created for herself. Maybe it was because Triss was right about everything, and it was the shame that it brought her that prevented her armor from coming off, from admitting her faults and finding a solution.

She could still picture the way the other woman's face had flushed as they broke apart, the arousal in her features as apparent as it was between her own legs. She could feel the sting of her teeth on her lip, and much to her annoyance her abdomen pulsed again with the memory.

This couldn't happen again; Triss needed to focus on her recovery, the only reason the two of them are acting this way is the hero/victim complex that they both found themselves in, and in the end, Yennefer wasn't sure if she could ever trust Triss not to use this against her.

The thought of Philippa and her sneering face came to mind.

She felt terrible for their fight, too. She wasn't sure how it had gotten out of hand so quickly, but perhaps it had been a long time coming. Triss had been quiet for most of her recovery, but under the surface she was probably losing her sanity, coping with the loss of her limb, the confusion to waking up in Yennefer's house, of all people. Being confined to a bed, the knowledge of the defilement of her body, maybe it had all been coming to a head.

Instead of being understanding, she pushed her. Instead of being patient, she became short and unkind. And to add insult to injury, Yennefer took her like some horny man, pushing her against the wall to inflict more control over her.

She had to apologize.

As much as her pride screamed at her not to, she knew she was wrong. Triss hadn't exactly been right, either, saying the things she did. But Triss had an excuse to act irrationally, Yennefer did not. It was up to her to be the person Triss needed her to be.

She remained on the couch, until she was hopeful that Triss had at least fallen asleep. She figured an apology might be better on a new day, but she supposed she would have to take what she could get. She couldn't hide from her forever.

At least the effects of the alcohol had subsided some; she doubted she would get very far if she went in as inebriated as she did a couple of hours ago. She didn't want to imagine how she might have behaved then, if Triss turned to her and tried to capture her lips again-

No.

She shook her head as she rose from the couch. Swaying slightly, she made her way down the hall, each step spiking her once dormant anxiety. She creaked the door open, peering inside before she committed.

She was greeted by darkness; she could make out the shape of the woman under the blankets, and with a pang of guilt she realized she hadn't even assisted her back into the bed. At least she knew her knee must be somewhat working now.

She entered slowly, closing the door behind her as silently as possible. She made to unclasp her gambeson, removing her clothes with as much grace as she could muster in her current situation, though she stumbled when it came time to remove her boots.

The sound of her boot colliding with the floor was enough to make the form under the blankets begin to stir, and Yennefer cursed her lack of self control when it came to dealing with her problems in a healthy manner. Red hair emerged from the confines of the sheets, and then Triss was looking at her, her eyes full of questions she didn't ask. Though she did ask-

"Have you been drinking?"

Yennefer supposed the room must smell like vodka now that she was present, "yes," she said quietly.

She could feel her eyes on her as she finished shedding her clothes. She debated a moment if it was a good idea to even stay in here, if her willpower would allow it, but the way Triss was looking at her told her she needed her to stay with her. She caused this whole mess, the least she could do was pick up after herself.

She drew back the blankets and settled in next to her. Triss didn't move, as though she was unsure what to say to Yennefer at this time, afraid to be the first to address what transpired. Not until Yennefer made her own decision, to wrap her arms around the woman just as she did every night, pulling her to her chest. Heat spread through her heart at the familiar contact, and to her relief (or anxiety, she wasn't sure), Triss had embraced her back, wrapping both her limbs around her waist as she buried her head under her chin. She could feel a wetness there was Triss' tears ran fresh, and she braced herself for what was to come.

"I-I'm sorry, Yenna, I'm sorry I was so horrible to you," she whimpered, the broken way she said her nickname was enough to twist the knife in her chest, "I should have never said th-those things to you. I d-didn't mean it, any of it. It just hurts so bad…"

She wept and Yennefer pulled her closer, tracing lazy circles on her back in an effort to comfort her, "No, Triss, you have nothing to apologize for. You needed me to listen to you, and instead I…"

Kissed you.

"…I threw it back in your face. You were right, it was my insufferable need for control that turned me into a monster. I don't…I don't want you to resent me."

She hated how her own eyes grew misty at the end.

"I'm going to try, from now on," Triss whispered quietly, her lips grazing the skin of her chest.

"Triss-"

"No, Yenna, I want to. I need to, I just hope…you won't give up on me."

She pressed her lips to the crown of Triss head, patting her hair lovingly, "I would never give up on you. Tomorrow we can start fresh, clean slate."

"Deal," Triss muttered as she tightened her grip in an embrace, and Yennefer could hear the smile in her voice. It abated her worries some, knowing Triss felt as bad about their fight as she did, and the promise of a new tomorrow made her feel optimistic. What's more, Triss hadn't even brought up the fact that Yennefer kissed her out of nowhere. She must know Yennefer better than she thought, knowing very well that she wouldn't want to talk about it.

The thought was a little sad, with more guilt than she would have liked.

She tried to bury the feeling deep in the pit of her stomach, opting to enjoy the moment she was currently living in instead. She inhaled deep and with content, a jarring difference from how she felt just a short while ago. Her eyelids grew exponentially heavier, the alcohol weighing her down like lead. Her mind was a pleasant calm when sleep quickly took her.

She awoke late the next morning, far more so than usual thanks to her poor decisions the night before. Even when her mind was being pulling into consciousness, she didn't open her eyes right away, the throbbing in her temples warning enough. She groaned as she rolled over, her arms coming to stretch across the bed into the sheets.

The sheets.

Her brows furrowed as she cracked an eye open, her state of haze ramping up into full cognizance when she realized with a start that the bed was empty. Her stomach knotted into a state of unsettledness as she glanced around the room, her eyes going to the tub, but she found it empty.

Gods no.

She had really done it now; Triss, in her still weakened state, appeared to have fled from Yennefer's home. She decided to save her self loathing for later, perhaps if she left now she could still find her, it wasn't plausible that Triss would be strong enough to conjure a portal.

She raced down the hallway; she hadn't even bothered to change from her small clothes, opting to see if she could catch her in the stairwell or perhaps spot her out the window. Her steps padded furiously on the marble, her heart thudding maddeningly with worry in her chest.

Until something stopped her.

Her steps slowed as her nose piqued in the air; there was a pleasant aroma, the familiar scent of meat, ham to be specific, and a faint sizzling reached her ears. Confused, she rounded the corner of the hall to the living area, her hand trailing on the stone wall beside her, the sight before her causing her breath to catch in her throat.

Triss was standing in her kitchen, safe and still present in her home. She still wore her small clothes, the small shorts riding dangerously low, showing off a toned midriff as her shirt rode slightly higher. Her hair had been piled on her head in an adorably messy bun, the sunlight pouring through the window bathing her in a glowing golden light, like an otherworldly being brought to earth. Her back was to her, but she could see how she clutched her handless arm to her body, while the other worked a spatula over flame as she flipped some hen eggs over the pan.

"Triss?" she asked incredulously, ignoring the throb in her abdomen upon seeing the woman. She told herself it was just relief; very strong, very distracting relief.

Her shoulders flinched as her name rang through the air, startling her. But the smile she was rewarded with when she turned had been worth it. Triss was beaming, her eyes crinkling as she noticed Yennefer watching her, and she couldn't help the upturn of her own lips upon seeing it.

"Oh! Yenna, I'm sorry," she gasped breathlessly, her cornflower blue eyes shining in the natural light. She gestured to the pan and plates, "I…I was trying to make you breakfast, though I didn't anticipate it being so difficult with one arm."

It didn't escape her that the smile left Triss' eyes as she spoke, but she smiled back at her regardless, approaching her slowly as Triss chewed her lip. Her face reddened as Yennefer leaned over her, inspecting her work.

"You know," Yennefer said softly, "when you said you were going to try, I didn't expect all of this. Are you sure you're feeling well enough to be up and about?"

Yennefer couldn't help but feel that Triss was pushing herself for her sake. Guilt nagged at her gut, unwilling for her to think she needed to do these things just for her benefit.

Triss smiled shyly, averting her eyes and pretending to be busy with the eggs, "I think I've been ready for some time now, physically, the pain has lessened greatly thanks to you. I guess it's my own head holding me back from ever doing better…I'm just struggling to find the purpose in it all." She sighed as Yennefer held out a plate for her to place the eggs and the ham, "but I know that I'll never find that purpose if I don't take the first step to bettering myself."

"Thank you," Yennefer said with a small smile as Triss finished plating, "for this, and for taking that first step. I only want the best for you, you know that right?"

She was rewarded with another smile, "I know."

As they made their way to the dining table, Yennefer's smile faded as she noticed Triss' gait, the way she stepped gingerly on her bad knee.

"You're limping," she pointed out.

"There is minor pain, stiffness," Triss said, grimacing as she lowered herself in the chair, "believe me, it's far better than what it was."

Yennefer chewed thoughtfully, "I'll go to the market after I ready myself and get something to help you."

Triss waggled her eyebrows, her eyes twinkling with amusement, "like a cane?"

She was glad Triss was taking it with good humor, "I'll make sure it's elegant. I'll also require your measurements, while I'm at it. Winter is upon us, and it wouldn't do well for your health to have you walking around in small clothes."

Triss blushed and suddenly looked uncomfortable, it had Yennefer wracking her brain wondering what she could have possibly said to earn such a reaction.

"Yenna, I don't…I don't have any coin to pay you," she said sadly, looking very much ashamed with herself for her situation. But of course she hadn't any coin; all of her belongings were on her ship, but most likely pillaged by the witch hunters that boarded. Of course, Yennefer was happy to provide the woman with the things she needed, coin was of no issue, but she knew how Triss must have felt to have someone purchasing her belongings for her. As sorceresses, they were quite renown for being independent, so it must be uncomfortable to be on the other side of that.

"Triss," Yennefer said in a mock warning voice, "I want to do this for you. I won't hear anything more on the matter. If you feel such a need to repay me, we can figure it all out once you're better, but please know this is a gift that needs no reciprocation."

"I will think of something," Triss said knowingly, and Yennefer couldn't help but feel there was a double entendre to her statement. She felt her face heat up as she dabbed at her lips with her napkin.

"This was fantastic, it's been awhile since I've eaten a properly cooked meal. Thank you," she said genuinely, "I'm going to go get ready and I'll go to the market. While I'm gone feel free to use the tub, I'll fill it for you. Then perhaps we go outside, I can lend you some of my clothes."

Triss chewed her lip, "I'm not sure I'm ready to go out in public…"

"Not in public," Yennefer said quickly, "I have a garden on the roof, I can help you up there. It will do well to get some fresh air."

The warm smile was back on her lips, "I'd like that."

Yennefer did the dishes, since Triss was kind enough to cook for her. She couldn't remember if someone had ever done so for her before, Geralt certainly hadn't. It put a warm, fuzzy feeling in her chest. She directed the woman to her bookshelf, so she had something to occupy her until Yennefer was back.

She went down to the market once she was bathed, dressed, and her makeup done for the day. She found what she was looking for quickly, Ailbert's wife had a selection of walking canes to show her. She decided on an ebony one with silver markings. After that, she went to Chrysis, the tailor, giving her Triss' measurements to make her some clothes. She asked for the blues and greens she knew Triss loved, along with some warmer versions for the upcoming winter. Within a few days time, they should be ready.

When she returned she found Triss still in the tub, her face turning a beautiful shade of scarlet when she entered the room. She moved to cover herself but Yennefer was already behind her, pulling the stool up. It's not as though she hadn't seen Triss already, many times now, but perhaps the shift in the air between them made it take on a whole new meaning now.

Yennefer ignored that too.

"May I see you arm?" she asked gently, and without looking Triss held the stump up for her to see. She took it gingerly in her hands, running her fingers gently over the new skin, and Triss shivered under her touch. It was completely healed over, magnificently she may add if she was boasting, the new skin pink and shiny in the light. It was even, too, the extremity much smoother than most amputations she had seen in her lifetime. She squinted, noting the new skin was beginning to dry out. In order to keep it strong, she would have to apply some moisturizer.

"Keep it here," she said, as she rested her elbow on the edge of the tub. She moved to the chest where she had placed all of her glass vials and jars and began to rummage around. Finding the small jar she was looking for, filled with the white cream, she went back to her place at the stool.

She took a generous amount in her fingers and rubbed her hands together. Taking the limb, she placed her hands carefully at the end and began to rub it in.

Triss gasped at the cool contact, "wh-what are you doing?" she asked with a slight panic.

"Moisturizing you," Yennefer said flippantly, "to keep the skin strong."

She massaged the cream into the skin, rubbing her hands up the length of her arm and back again, focusing most of her attention on the end of the stump. Triss melted slightly, her breath coming out in a small gasp.

"That feels…good," she said breathlessly, "strange, but…it's nice…sensitive…"

Her voice came out more sensually than it should have, and Yennefer couldn't help but wonder just how good it actually felt. She had to admit, her curiousity was peaking, and she continued her ministrations to draw out every small sound of pleasure that came from the other woman. It was obvious between them, that Triss could easily be doing this herself, that it was completely unnecessary for Yennefer to do it for her, but neither said anything on the matter.

It was intimate, the way Yennefer caressed her injury with such devotion, as though worshipping her. Her face heated as a lump settled in her throat and she removed her hands, hastily putting the jar back on the lid.

"That…that should be good enough, for now," Yennefer said, her voice sounding strange to her.

"Thank you," Triss replied, her gaze not meeting her own.

She placed the jar back in the chest, and opted to give Triss some privacy. She searched her wardrobe for something warmer, and placed the clothes on the bed.

"Is it wrong for me to be looking forward to seeing you in black?" she said with amusement.

She heard the laughter in Triss' voice, "I doubt I can pull it off as well as you, but I'll try."

"If you need any, uhm, assistance, just give me a shout," Yennefer said as she left the room.

Triss had been in there awhile. Yennefer waited for her to call for her, but she figured Triss' pride was not allowing her to do so. She approached the door slowly, giving it a light knock.

"Triss? Do you need help?"

There was a muffler response on the other side, "uhhhmmm…."

Yennefer sighed, "Triss, it's alright. Let me help you."

"O-Okay…"

She entered and found Triss looking very much ashamed with herself, her face in a full blush as she sat on the stool. She had been trying to get the pants around her waist, but with only one hand to assist her it proved to be difficult. She hadn't even begun with the shirt, and Yennefer felt bad that she had left her to her own devices.

She didn't laugh, nor smile, as she went to help her. Triss refused to look, her face burning as Yennefer pulled on her elbows.

"Stand up," she said softly, and Triss complied, allowing Yennefer to crouch to grab the riding pants by the waist and pull them up over her hips. She stood close as she tied off the lace in the front, her hands dangerously close to Triss' nether regions, and she hoped the other woman didn't notice how they trembled.

Wordlessly, she pulled the shirt over her head, and deftly tied the black gambeson together. She couldn't resist putting her hands on Triss' shoulders when she was finished, admiring her work.

"You look beautiful," she said earnestly, surprising herself by the softness of her voice.

Triss' face turned impossibly redder, and she said nothing, but the upturn of her lips was all Yennefer needed to know to know her compliment had registered.

She even tied Triss hair up for her, in her signature twin buns she was accustomed to. It was amazing what a bath and proper clothes could fix, she looked more like herself than she had since her arrival.

Beautiful.

"Come," Yennefer said as she passed Triss her cane, which she took gratefully, "let us go to the garden before the snow starts."

She had a small staircase through a door in her kitchen which led to the roof. She allowed Triss to go first, so she could secure her hand on her waist as she gingerly helped her up the steps. The work was worth the reward, as Triss couldn't contain her gasp as they emerged on the roof.

A light dusting of snow had painted everything in a brilliant sheet of white; in the center, was her large stone fountain, though it was now off due to the winter. Most of her plants had retreated back to the earth, to emerge once again with the new spring. But it was beautiful, nonetheless, and she led them to a stone bench sat at the edge of the railing, overlooking the city of Vengerberg.

"Yenna, it's beautiful," she awed as she looked over the expanse of the city, marvelling in the bustling life that pulsed through the streets, "thank you for bringing me here. It's nice to be outside again."

Yennefer hummed in agreement as her eyes went to the sky; small flurries were drifting down, floating through the air gently. In the horizon the sky was dark, a looming storm threatening to come in.

"Are the winters bad in Vengerberg?"

Triss' voice shook her from her thoughts, "they can be. It might be best, if you stay here for the duration…"

Triss bumped her with her shoulder, "if you're asking me if I will stay with you, then yes, I will."

Yennefer smiled to herself, blushing as Triss read her so well. She wanted to broach another subject, though she knew she would have to tread lightly.

"We can…we can practice your magic up here as well, when you're ready."

The shift in the air was palpable, and she hated how Triss' shoulders slumped at her words, "that's the hardest part about all of this. That my magic will never be what it used to be, and I'll be rendered useless."

Yennefer turned to her, "you'll never be useless, Triss, you and I both know that more miraculous things have happened. It doesn't hurt to try," she tried, and her hands went to the clasp of her gambeson. She opened it enough to slide Triss' arm out of her sleeve, exposing it to the chilled air. She placed her hands at the end of the extremity.

"Try and channel your magic," she said as she gripped the stump of her arm.

"Yenna…"

"Just try to imagine it. Don't be disappointed if nothing happens, that's why we're trying. It won't be overnight."

Triss looked very unsure of herself, but complied to the request regardless, and she focused her eyes to the handless stump, her face twisted in determination.

For a moment, it was quiet, and nothing happened. Yennefer gripped her a little tighter, expressing that she did not want her to relent just yet.

And then, something happened. She could feel her hands begin to tingle, the unmistakable buzz of chaos was undoubtedly emulating from the extremity.

"Triss," she hushed, "there's something there. Your magic, I can…I can feel it!"

It was a warmth, and without warning flames crackled in her hands from the stump, causing her to jump away. It was just a small flame, gone in a second and only the size of a match, but it was there.

"Gods!" Triss delighted, beaming, "I can't believe it!"

Yennefer had an equally excitable grin on her face, "this is amazing! This is so much more than I had expected. It will need work…and I don't want to be too optimistic now, but it's more than a start. Triss, you clearly have some semblance of magical ability still able to direct itself through the limb. With practice, who knows?"

Triss placed a hand over her mouth, as if to hide her growing smile. But Yennefer didn't want her to hide it, and she was already thinking of ways to make that smile come back again and again, and her thoughts inevitably wandered to that black oak box she still had sitting on her shelf downstairs.

She had been waiting for a time to gift it to Triss, constantly worrying over what her reaction might be. But she quickly realized there may never be a "right" time, but with this newfound revelation that Triss' magic did in fact still exist in the injured arm, she was spurred on with new confidence that this might be just what the other woman needed.

"I have something for you," Yennefer said slowly, watching Triss' reaction as her brows furrowed in confusion, "let's go downstairs."

The chill in the air was worsening anyway, and the wind was beginning to pick up. She was certain a bad snow storm was coming, and it might be best to stay inside for the time being.

Triss said nothing as she followed, her face still twisted in thought as she helped her down the stairs. Leading them to the living area, she sat her down on the sofa and quickly got the fire going. With the room now cozy, and the sky darkening outside, she couldn't help but feel the romantic note in the atmosphere.

She went to the shelf, and with trembling hands she removed the oak box, cradling it gently in her arms as she made to sit next to Triss. Normally she might feel silly, but this time her nerves were justified in her mind. Either Triss would take great offense, perhaps without Yennefer even knowing, or it could be the best decision for her.

She would soon know.

Triss smiled warmly at her, gesturing to the box, "first clothes, now a gift? If I didn't know any better I'd say you're spoiling me."

Yennefer tried to force a smile, but the gravity of the situation weighed down on her like stone. Triss noticed this and her own grin faltered, instead her eyes filled with a quiet concern.

"I…I had something made for you," she said lamely, unsure of how to actually reveal the glove to her, "I understand that it could never replace what you've lost, but I thought maybe it could help, even just a bit. But I don't want you to take offense, I did it with your best interests at heart."

A warmth spread on her thigh and she glanced down to see Triss hand on her thigh. She forced her eyes to meet her gaze, and found only patience and understanding there.

"I know you did, it's alright," she whispered reassuringly, her thumb sweeping across the fabric of her pants, the motion distracting. She braced herself as she tipped the lid open in her lap, and it took all of her willpower to force her gaze to Triss', to wait for her reaction.

It was a slow process, the range of emotions that reflected on Triss face as she behold the item before her. At first her eyes widened slightly; her mouth hung open, though not a word was spoken through them, and Yennefer wondered if Triss could hear her heart thudding in her chest.

Then the shock melted away, and gave way to a mixed look of confusion and…well…overwhelmed. Her brows knitted together as the tears welled in her eyes, her good hand coming to clasp her mouth just as a sob threatened to escape. On instinct, she reached for the gauntlet with an arm that had no hand, before drawing back as though burned by the realization.

"Yenna…" she cried softly, her voice muffled through her hand.

Yennefer was still unsure of Triss' emotions, there was such an array of them, so she gingerly asked while she gestured to her arm, "may I?"

Triss nodded and squeezed her eyes shut, her breath coming out in shuddering gasp as she desperately tried to control her emotions but she couldn't bear the sight. Yennefer could only assume by her affirmation to put it on her that these could be tears of happiness, just overwhelmingly so.

She removed it carefully from the box, and stretching the links just like Ailbert had shown her, she slid it up the delicate skin of her arm, eliciting a choked gasp from the red head.

It was a sight to behold; from where she was sitting, it fit perfectly, the white steel glittering in the light of the fire, it looked fiercely beautiful as did its wearer. Triss had finally forced her eyes open, though with great difficulty, for when she laid eyes upon it, her soft cries took her body again. She clutched the hand to herself, as though cherishing as her finest possession. The act both warmed and saddened Yennefer.

"Y-Yen," she gasped out, "oh Yen, y-you did this for m-me?"

Yennefer's heart soared with the confirmation that Triss in fact adored her gesture, "I must credit Ailbert for the talent, but yes, I did this for you."

She sniffed, finally able to pull the trembling limb from her body to inspect it further. She ran her fingers over the delicate engravings, her tears now falling silently.

"It's almost like I have one," she muttered wistfully, "just to have s-something there again. Words can't even begin to describe it's beauty…"

She raised her hands tentatively to Yennefer's face, coming to cup her cheeks. The steel was cool, but not unwelcomingly so on her skin, and she locked eyes with the sorceress in front of her.

"Thank you, Yenna," she whispered tearfully, "you have no idea how much this means to me…but…-"

Her eyes dropped to her lips, and Yennefer's heart began to race wildly again from it's slumber. She was leaning closer to her, she could practically count the tear drops that flecked her lashes, the freckles that dotted her skin under a light blush. Then there was the breath, ghosting on her lips, familiar and oh so inviting, she found herself unable and unwilling to turn away.

"-…maybe I can show you…"

Her breath hitched, her hands already moving to meet Triss' waist, desire throttling her abdomen-

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Fuck!

The intruding sound caused them both to jump, the moment between them ruined. Yennefer found herself sour with disappointment, unable to deny she wanted it to happen again.

She stopped.

She wanted it to happen again.

No, this was good that someone came knocking. Even if it was Philippa, she didn't care. She couldn't allow these silly infatuations fester into anything more. Triss Merigold burned her once, there was nothing to say she wouldn't do it again. She couldn't take that risk in giving someone that much power over her, not a second time. It didn't help that Triss had initiated it this time, obviously due to the none too subtle hints Yennefer had been giving her. She only had herself to blame.

"S-sorry," she said lamely to Triss, whose face was scarlet with what must be embarrassment. Yennefer tried to let the image burn in her mind as she went to the door and wrenched it open.

Ashen hair.

Covered in a layer of snow.

But her green eyes were smiling.

She was engulfed in a tight embrace, and she nearly began to cry quite embarrassingly at the sight of her daughter at her threshold, but she managed to control herself.

"Ciri!" she gasped, "you-youre here! I can't believe you're here!"

"Yennefer," she said warmly, her voice filled with mirth. She loosened her embrace, holding Yennefer at shoulder length to look happily in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, when her gaze shot behind her, and Yennefer realized she had nearly forgotten Triss was in the room.

"Triss?!"