For a moment nobody moved, Ciri's eyes were wide as they darted between where Yennefer stood and where Triss was seated. She couldn't be sure if Ciri had noticed her hand or not, as she was still wearing the gauntlet. It occurred to her that she would most likely be shocked by Triss' mere presence in her home, considering how they left things.

"What are you doing here?" Ciri exclaimed, her voice confused but full of excitement. Before Yennefer could stop her, she was already bounding through the doorway and across the room to wrap Triss in an embrace.

The red head hesitantly hugged her back, though over Ciri's shoulder she was shooting an alarmed look in Yennefer's direction. She could do nothing but throw her hands up in a loss, her mind racing as Ciri pulled back from Triss' arms.

"What's this?" she said immediately, gesturing to the glove on Triss' arm, and Yennefer cursed her curious witcher instincts. She shouldn't be surprised that nothing could get past her.

"Ciri," she started as she made her way to where the girls sat, "something has happened-"

"-it's alright," Triss' resolute voice cut through the air, "I can tell her."

Her face was one of resolve as she visibly steeled herself before Yennefer's eyes, though she looked more ready than she had seen her previously. She realized that this was the first time she would hear her side of the story spoken clearly, and she found herself wanting to listen as well.

"Tell me what?: Ciri demanded, ever impatient as she was. The concern on her face was growing, and her attention snapped to Triss. "I just walked through the door, I mean-" she gestured wildly between the two women, "-what the hell is going on?!"

Yennefer could feel the tension thickening the air, and opted to get something to relax the atmosphere slightly. She figured both women would appreciate it as she went to the kitchen and poured three rather large glasses of wine.

Ciri took the glass offered absentmindedly, while Triss murmured a thank you and drank appreciatively from the cup. She gave a final, apologetic look towards the both of them before she began.

"After Skellige," she started quietly, "I began my voyage back to Kovir, to take my position as the King's advisor…only…I never actually made it there."

She paused to take another generous gulp of wine, and Ciri looked on puzzled. "Witch hunters attacked the ship. I don't remember much other than them storming my room with dimeritium bombs. When I awoke, I was in a cell in Deireadh prison."

"Oh my Gods," Ciri whispered as a dangerous look came into her eyes, a hand coming to clasp her mouth. This was the part where the story got hard; Yennefer could see it in the way Triss' jaw flexed and her throat bobbed, as though nearly gagging on the words that came next. She wanted to place a comforting hand on her thigh, she almost did, before remembering Ciri's presence.

"I remember the guards saying that Radovid would come see me soon, though I'm not sure if he ever did. After a couple of weeks of being nearly starved, though relatively left alone, a group of them came to my cell. I just remember trying to cover my head as they began to kick me and hit me with their clubs, but it wasn't long before I was unconscious.."

Ciri's eyes were blazing now, and if Yennefer knew her daughter at all she was near ready to jump to her feet. The young girl was bursting at the seams with passion, but she was still lacking the control needed to express herself properly. She knew Ciri wasn't going to take this news well, but what surprised her was how her own anger began to boil in her tightened stomach while she listened to Triss' recount of her capture. She had spent so much time being worried for her health, tending to her injuries and ensuring she made it through each night, she hadn't had the time to properly address or process the vengeful rage that came with it.

"I remember the worst pain of my life," Triss said bluntly, "then, nothing at all."

Ciri looked to her then, and her heart seized at the fear evident in her daughters eyes. She moved to sit next to her on the couch, wrapping a comforting arm around the young woman's shoulders. Ciri did not tremble in her grip, though she was tensed and on edge.

Triss sighed, staring at her wine in feigned interest. "I suppose the next part might be better told from Yennefer's perspective." Her gaze went to Yennefer then, and she could see that this was the part where Triss did not wish to go further. That she tried, but considering she couldn't even remember the frightening event herself, Yennefer could see why she wouldn't want to speak on it. All she knew was what Yennefer had told her, and Yennefer only knew by piecing together what she had found that night.

Perhaps it was better that way.

The truth may be far uglier than either of them could imagine.

She was suddenly grateful for her own wine, and after draining nearly half of it she cleared her throat painfully, "I was closing my shop, when Philippa came to my door. I had figured she had come to try and make some kind of deal with me regarding the lodge, but instead she asked me to help her break Margarita and Sheala out of prison."

"Wait, Margarita and Sheala too?!"

"Unfortunately, yes. Though…Sheala didn't make it. Margarita went with Philippa." There was a moment of silence as her words sunk in. Triss' eyes were pained, as this was her first hearing of Sheala's passing, while Ciri just looked increasingly in disbelief.

"We didn't expect to find Triss there," Yennefer trudged on through the painful memory, "and when we did, she was near death by that point. We brought her here, and we couldn't be sure she would make it through the night." She braced herself for her daughter's inevitably harsh reaction, "they…she was wounded. Her hand…well…she no longer has one."

She wasn't sure if she could soften the blow any more if she tried. She purposely left out the sexual assault, even though Triss had probably expected her to say it. But Yennefer had done so for a couple of reasons; first being, something like this was extremely private and personal. While she could not hide the fact that she had no hand, she had the choice whether or not she wanted to speak on what happened to her. She wanted Triss to still have that choice, even Yennefer only found out because she went looking. The second reason was, well, Ciri.

She couldn't dwell on it, for Ciri was already springing from her arms.

"Fuck!" Ciri said as she ran a hand furiously through her hair, "FUCK!-Triss?" she turned to her then, her hands brought to her mouth in terror, her eyes tearful but full of murderous rage. "Gods, Triss, I-" she reached for her as her voice trembled, though her anger overpowered her urge to comfort and she whirled around to face Yennefer instead.

"Well?! What's the plan, we're going to kill the bastard, right?" Ciri said angrily, her fists balled at her sides.

"Of course we are," Yennefer snapped rather harshly without thinking. She truly hadn't thought about it much, being far too preoccupied with keeping Triss alive for it to cross her mind. But now that the worst of it was over, she now had no doubts in her mind about what she wanted to do. She didn't even need to consult Triss on the matter; Radovid was going to die, one way or another.

"We just need to focus on Triss' recovery for now," Yennefer said slowly, "besides, we're talking about regicide, we're going to need an airtight plan first."

CIri's face was almost petulant, but she didn't protest further. Instead she went to kneel in front of Triss, taking her good hand into her own, "I promise we'll make him suffer," she said tearfully, "along with anyone who tries to stop us. Does it hurt?"

Triss gave her a watery smile, admiring the exquisite armor she still wore, "not so much anymore, thanks to Yen. She's been so good to me, I…I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her."

Their eyes met for a brief moment when Triss had finished speaking, and the electricity was undeniable in the air. Heat bloomed in her chest at the compliments, and it was reassuring to know she had been doing something right.

Ciri turned in her squat, and cocked an eyebrow at Yennefer, "well it's good to see you two getting along, I gotta admit I wouldn't have expected it."

"Grievous injuries will do that to a person," Yennefer drawled, "there are far more important matters that require our attention."

Triss audibly sighed as she raised her now empty glass, giving a weak smirk to Yennefer as she filled it up for her, "I don't want to dwell too much on my current situation. Tell us what brings you here, Ciri?"

Ciri smiled as though she had forgotten the weight of the conversation. That was like her, to traverse from one topic to the next, letting any and all burdens roll off her shoulders. Perhaps it was her youth, and the undying hope that everything would be alright that came with it. Yennefer found herself envious of such feelings.

"I took a contract not far from here for a Leshen near the base of the mountain. Surprising, since the winter is so near, but this one was ancient. I missed you, dreadfully," she said honestly to Yennefer, who smiled warmly in turn, "there was no way I could come so close to Vengerberg and not see you. The storm slowed me down some, it's actually lucky I got here when I did."

"Well you know you're free to stay as long as you need," Yennefer said eagerly, enjoying the idea of having a third party present. Ciri would certainly do nothing if not lift Triss' spirits, and she would be the perfect wedge that they desperately needed between them. As long as Ciri was in the room, these "moments" of theirs would cease, and hopefully become habit in doing so.

There was nothing she could do about nightfall though, unless she told Triss she no longer wanted to share a bed with her. Perhaps the direct route would be the best route, but she didn't have the heart to do that to her.

To herself.

As though reading her mind, Triss stood before Ciri could respond and went to reach for her cane. Yennefer was already there, assisting her without thinking twice.

"It's been awhile since I've drank, I fear the wines gone to my head," she said sheepishly, "I hope you both don't mind if I go to bed?"

"Not at all," Yennefer said quietly, "Do you…?"

"Please," she said, turning her face away shyly.

"I'll be right back," she said over her shoulder to Ciri.

"Take your time," she replied, "goodnight, Triss, I'll see you in the morning."

She followed Triss slowly down the hall, her stomach in knots with a mixture of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of them being alone again, after the very near encounter in the living area. She told herself she was here to help Triss, but the thought of undressing her was beginning to take on a new meaning beyond simple assistance.

She wiped the thought clear from her mind as she shut the door behind them. She slid the gauntlet from her arm first, placing it gently on the dresser, before helping her out of her clothes. Each lace was tugged mechanically, as though she worried her movements might be misconstrued, but really, she no longer trusted her own hands around the woman.

She tried desperately to ignore the scent of her when she leaned in close to remove what was left of her top, revealing her chest to the air. How her skin felt when she grazed her rib cage when she pulled the shift over her head, her body reacting in subtle ways to her touch. Yennefer was a strong woman, stronger than most, in body, mind and soul. But whenever she looked at Triss it was as though all of her sense was loss, and she found herself throwing caution to the wind, with no care for any possible repercussions of her actions.

She still couldn't pinpoint when the dynamic between them shifted, but it had undoubtedly spiraled further from her control.

She guided Triss to the bed and laid her down, and sat herself on the edge.

"Thank you," Triss said softly, her eyes twinkling with affection, "you must be happy to see Ciri still in one piece."

"I am," she said truthfully, "I've missed her dearly."

"Go to her," Triss said with a smirk, nodding in the direction of the living room, "I'll be fine here."

"I'll do that," was what she said, but for some reason she remained seated, her mind lost in a scene of cornflower blue and familiar yet strange feelings. Selfishly she wanted a reason to stay just a moment longer. It wasn't that she didn't want to see her beloved daughter, but rather she didn't want to leave Triss' side, and before she couldn't fathom why, but oh she knew.

"I like having you here," she blurted out, the words surprising both her and Triss. She had this indescribable need to convey to her that she wasn't a burden. That mending their relationship meant something to her, that she meant something to her. "I'm relieved you and I are able to do this…I've…I've missed you, as well."

She heard Triss' breathe catch as she hung on every one of her words, the blush on her face evident, her eyes almost dreamy. Triss always had the most wonderful eyes, some may disagree and say none could rival the violet hue of her own, but she would beg to differ. Triss' eyes were the kind you got lost in for ages, until time was no longer relevant.

"Yenna…" she whispered, then chewed her lip. She looked very much like she had something to say, something important, and Yennefer could almost laugh at how just not long ago she was praying for a way out, for a buffer zone between them, for the intrusive feelings to vanish. But now, she found herself wishing for the very opposite. For Triss to say what she wanted to hear in this moment, to speak whatever truth was on her mind, to tell Yennefer what was just behind those lips begging to be released, her heart beginning to palpitate at the mere prospect of it.

"Yes?" she breathed, her voice strange and unlike her own, and she waited with a heartbeat in her ears.

Her lips parted, an intake of breath cutting through the air, the words about to fill her ears and she wasn't sure if she was more nervous or enthralled. She couldn't even be sure of what she was about to say, but somehow she just knew-

-before the wall between them was put back up, in the form of a shy smile and averted gaze, the words never coming at all.

"I've missed you too," she rushed out her meek save for what she really wanted to say. Yennefer knew it wasn't what she originally planned. That whatever she had on her mind just a few short seconds ago, was possibly the most important thing that could be said between them at this point. "thank you for letting me into your home and…back into your life, even if I've done nothing to earn it."

Yennefer smiled and tried to quell the strange mixture of relief and disappointment in her gut. "You don't have to earn it, I just want to move forward with you, and be honest this time. I don't want us to hurt each other anymore."

Her smile was sad, almost devastatingly so, before disappearing completely as she stared off into the light of the fire, as though lost in deep thought.

"Me either," was all she said, but Yennefer couldn't help but feel like she was referring to something else.

She tried to brush off the sudden feeling of unease as she pulled the blankets to her chin. "I'll join you soon, I'm rather tired myself."

Triss' face changed back into one of warmth. "Okay," she replied softly, watching as she reluctantly pulled away from the bed and out of the room. She wondered just how reluctant she actually looked.

The trip back down the hall was one accompanied by the emotional turmoil she carried. It must reflect on her face, for Ciri stood when she re-emerged into the living area, her bottom lip pulling into a pout as her brows furrowed in her direction.

She opened her arms.

And Yennefer gladly went to them, the embrace surprising her by how it effectively began to pull her emotions to the surface, and before she knew it her eyes were glazing over with tears tired of building up.

"Oh Yen," she soothed, her gloved hands coming to stroke her raven hair, "I can't believe this, it must be so hard on you."

Yennefer turned abruptly from the embrace now, unwilling to cry in front of her daughter, unwilling to cry at all. "It's fine-I'm fine," she rushed out as she turned her back to her, quickly wiping her unshed tears away, "I'm just tired, Ciri. It has been a long week of late nights spent healing her the best that I can, yet sometimes I feel like I'm not doing enough. I know how much pain she's in and I want to take it from her, but maybe that's beyond my ability. And dealing with our…past…" she stopped there for a moment, thinking of all the strange happenings between her and Triss as of late. She already knew there was no way she was going to tell Ciri about this, at least not right now. She and Triss hadn't even addressed it themselves, and Yennefer knew she was foolish to think they never would. No, she needed to work this out herself before she dragged her daughter into it too.

"Well, in any case, I guess I should thank you," Ciri said from behind her.

She turned, puzzled, "for what?"

Ciri shrugged, moving to sit back on the sofa, Yennefer joining her, "for taking her with you. She doesn't need Philippa sinking her claws into her right now…and Triss means a lot to me. I know it must've been difficult for you to make that decision."

"Actually, it wasn't," she said thoughtfully, "when I saw her lying there like that, I already knew what I had to do. She almost lost her life, and the life she does have now is one she doesn't want. The choice to save her is easy, she is far more important than our past."

Ciri smiled warmly before throwing her arms around her shoulders and giving her a tight squeeze, "I always knew you were sweeter than you looked," she joked.

Yennefer rolled her eyes, "don't tell anyone. Do you have any belongings with you? You can take them to the spare bedroom, you must be exhausted-"

"Spare bedroom?" she said curiously, and Yennefer realized with a start how the situation must look, "you gave Triss your bed? Wow Yen, I never knew you to be so…doting."

"I am not doting," she rebutted, though if she were being honest with herself she was definitely doting on Triss, "something…something happened, and I'm afraid to leave her by herself for now."

"By herself…" Ciri repeatedly slowly, before her eyes widened as a look of understanding dawned on her, "sh-she didn't?!"

"She did," Yennefer sighed, "she's not handling the reality of what happened to her very well at all, understandably of course. But…sometimes I am afraid that the Triss we know may never come back."

Ciri placed a comforting hand over her own, forcing her gaze to her, "she will come back to us," she said with determination, "I'm going to stay here, as long as you need me to, I can help the both of you with this."

As tempted as she was to take Ciri up on her offer, she knew there was other things she would need her to do. It had already crossed her mind when she first arrived, and while having Ciri here would make her life easier, it would be nowhere near as effective as the other task she had in mind.

"Thank you," she said softly, "but I cannot ask you to do that. There is something else I must ask of you instead."

Her hand tightened and she leaned closer, her green eyes wide, "anything, what do you need me to do?"

Her jaw flexed before she spoke, "we need to start thinking about what we're going to do about Radovid. Triss still needs time to recover, but in the meantime we need to start seeking assistance from those we can trust in order to formulate a plan. We can't do this alone."

Ciri nodded slowly as she mulled over her words, "I'll have to find Geralt."

Yennefer closed her eyes, the familiar pain beginning to pulse, but she knew this to be true. She had recovered from the knowledge that Geralt no longer loved her, but it didn't mean she was looking forward to the awkward encounter.

"Yes," she sighed, "and anyone else that can help us. Even Philippa, as much as I hate to say it, she has contacts within the city that could prove valuable. Not to mention she wants Radovid dead as much as we do."

"So Geralt, Philippa, maybe I can try and find Zoltan and Dandelion as well. It will take me some time to track them down, I have no idea where Philippa is, and Geralt is all the way in Toussaint."

"I wouldn't worry too much about Philippa," Yennefer drawled, "I'm sure she will be appearing back on my doorstep before long. Get word to Geralt first, he can assist you in finding the others. But, don't go rushing off now. Stay a few days, at least?"

Ciri beamed at her, before standing and finally shrugging off her heavy cloak, "of course I will, I didn't come all this way to not spend any time with you. And having Triss here is a bonus, maybe my presence will cheer her up some," she said confidently, raising her eyebrows.

Yennefer chuckled, "I'm sure it will. Actually, I was hoping to get Triss to start practicing with her magic again, if she's ready. Maybe that's something you can help with her as well?"

Her face was incredulous, "you mean…the limb is still able to channel magic?"

"Profoundly, yes," Yennefer said, unable to hide her delight, "and that was before she wore the gauntlet. She hasn't had a chance to try with that just yet, but it's enchanted, so it couldn't hurt."

"Was that your doing as well?"

Yennefer felt a blush rise and she turned and pretended to be interested in washing their three goblets. "She needed something, she was so upset with how she looked…I thought it would help her."

"No, that's really good of you to do," Ciri said quickly, "smart, too. It may amplify what she is already projecting without the aid of the glove. I'm curious to see what we can do," she remarked with enthusiasm, a lopsided grin plastered on her face.

"I am too," she admitted, optimistic for the coming days. It was wonderful to see Ciri again, and she felt more settled knowing they would soon have a plan in place for the future. Better still, Ciri's presence might coax Triss out of her shell a little further, and maybe Yennefer could even open her shop back, at least at reduced hours. It would probably be good for Triss to have someone to talk to other than Yennefer. She couldn't take it as a jab to herself, but there were things that Triss could not speak freely with Yennefer, not like she could Ciri, this all due to their awkward past. Maybe talking with her will aid her recovery as well, though she couldn't help but wonder what she might say.

"I'll make us all breakfast in the morning!" Ciri exclaimed in a bubbly manner; Yennefer knew there was no point in insisting that she was the guest and that cooking would not be necessary, the girl would do what she pleased anyway.

"That sounds nice," she responded instead, "maybe you and Triss can go out to the garden afterwards and I can see some of my clients. With some luck, we might just get her to venture out into town."

"I'm sure we will. I know it seems out of reach now, but we will get to her, she'll be okay." Ciri sounded so confident in her words, Yennefer wished she could share the same sentiment. But she had to try and remain positive when Triss couldn't, and for now she would allow herself to believe Ciri.

"I hope you're right," she replied softly as her daughter wrapped her in another embrace. She sagged into it, the weight of the world bearing down upon her, her exhaustion reaching new lengths. Looking after Triss didn't bother her in the least, but she was looking forward to having some time to herself.

"Get some sleep, Yen," she whispered soothingly, "tomorrow will be a good day. You'll see."

She smiled warmly as she stepped from her arms, "I think you're right. I'll see you in the morning Ciri, sleep well."

She parted ways in the hall with the ashen hair woman, eager to get into bed and get to sleep. The thought of Triss warm body was almost too inviting, for she climbed into bed rather enthusiastically, her arms automatically wrapping around the red head and pulling her flush against her eliciting a giggle from the woman.

"Hmm, did you miss me?" she chuckled groggily, and Yennefer felt her face heat up, further burying it into Triss' hair.

"Perhaps…" she said vaguely, though she could feel the corners of her lips tugging into a grin. Triss turned in her arms, boldly tucking her head under her chin, close enough for her lips to brush her collarbone, the feeling sending shivers down her spine.

"Any plans for tomorrow?" she breathed into her skin, and her arms tightened around her.

"Ciri's cooking us breakfast," she said sleepily, "and I may try to see some of my clients while you both catch up, I should probably open the shop before the people begin to riot," she jested.

"Mmm wouldn't want civil unrest in the city of Vengerberg," Triss joked back, and Yennefer felt her smile grow at the reciprocated banter.

But it was over as soon as it started, "I'm sorry I've kept you from your responsibilities," she said quietly into her chest.

"Don't apologize," Yennefer said as she stroked her soft red hair, "I like having you as a new responsibility."

She raked her nails down her back, enjoying how Triss arched into her as she did so, and she felt nails digging lightly into her own back.

"Mph, feels good," Triss groaned, and Yennefer was thankful for Ciri's presence across the hall. The way things were going between them lately, she wasn't sure how much control she could continue to poorly exercise around the woman. But it didn't mean she couldn't pull her impossibly closer, a small but loud part of her wishing those lips would press into her clavicle.

"Goodnight, Yenna," Triss murmured softly, and what happened next made her breath catch deep in her chest. Softly, but unmistakeably, those lips did press softly, into her chest. The lightest of touches, but enough to make her abdomen clench pleasantly nonetheless.

She released a breath she had been holding, hoping Triss couldn't hear her wild heart in such close proximity.

"Goodnight," she breathed, elated.